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Book Passage
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1 Ferry BldgSan Francisco, CA 94111
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
(415) 835-1020
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 8 am - 7 pm
Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Book Passage
Review Highlights
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"They seem to have a lot of meet the Author events here." In 4 reviews -
"Good selection of books, especially in current events and..." In 5 reviews -
"And for such a small store, there's a good selection of new..." In 3 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Angela C.
New York, NY
6/5/2011
Should I not be an tourist, I'd like to spend at least a whole afternoon there. This tiny place somehow has more interesting books than stores in NYC.
And of course in NYC you can't enjoy reading in a bookstore while seeing the sea at the same time! -
Review from Marjie T.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
i love all things in the ferry building, but i especially still enjoy non-mainstream book stores. i came by to listen to my friend, yasmine surovec, talk about her comic book, cat versus human. it was a great environment and even more so to see the people who truly admire her work.
what's really great about this place is the view of the water from the pier. some day it will be worth it for me to battle and find parking to just sit with a cup of tea and find my next adventure in a book. -
Review from Jenni S.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great little bookstore for browsing while waiting for the ferry; their aisles are small but easy to navigate and they have a pretty good selection!
What they don't have on-hand they are happy to order, and they have a pretty diverse selection of cards!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/12/2009
Great little, independent bookstore in the Ferry Plaza Building. Everything is neatly arranged,… Read more »
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Review from Jim W.
1/8/2011
The managers here do a great job stocking an interesting, eclectic and fresh stock of new books in such a tiny place. Yet I have never felt compressed, or rushed. Lots of original autographed copies, and author events add to the charm.
I know that many bookstores are being forced out of business, but I hope this one carries on through the shake out. -
Review from Eric B.
12/15/2009
This Book Passage is a smaller daughter to the Mother Ship in Corte Madera. And for your convenience, there's a Peets right next door and plenty of places within a short walk to sit down, relax, and read. I also belong to their Membership Program as fine independent book stores deserve a little extra help.
I stopped here last night after my quick bite at Majita and arrived just in time for an interesting author's reading. And whether you're waiting for the Ferry or like me, or want to linger before heading back to BART, this is a nice place to browse and buy something interesting to read. And for such a small store, there's a good selection of new and old books and at decent prices.
p.s. - I'll be in Iowa next week and with any luck, I'll be snowed in with Gayle and a good book to keep me company!Listed in: Independent Book Stores
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Review from Ed U.
4/24/2008 2 photos
Those of you familiar with the Book Passage in Corte Madera know this to be the Lilliputian outpost, the Mini-Me version of the vast selection to be found up in Marin. And still, there is a certain claustrophobic charm to this iddy-biddy Ferry Building book shop, and the dearth of bookstores in this part of the FiDi makes it all the more attractive. Just recognize that it won't - and can't - have everything your bookwormish soul desires.
I'm truly amazed they are able to fit in all the books they do in this one-room space, especially their fairly extensive travel and food sections. It really doesn't accommodate the heavy-duty browser since there is no room to sit inside the store. I imagine the appeal is primarily directed to the shoulder-blocking commuters running late to the ferry and the white-collar drones waiting for their orders at Lulu Petite. Me? I'm just a book whore...and a cheap one at that.
Every time I come in here inevitably to buy something, I keep thinking if "Being John Malkovich" featured a bookstore, this would be it. The shop would fit perfectly into the 7 1/2 floor with all of us hunched over as we read for fifteen minutes. But instead of traveling through a portal and landing next to the New Jersey Turnpike, we would all be chased on the Embarcadero by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Just don't wear spike heels.Listed in: Books Without Borders
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Review from Christine C.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2010 3 photos
Book Passage has become one of my frequent stops on my Ferry Building route.
I love their little "Book Passage recommends" throughout the shelves, introducing me the new must reads with detailed information on the author as well as awards the books have received or lists they have been on.
You will find ones that have been autographed by the authors with its special "Autographed" sleeve. Such a treat if you were gifting the book to someone who happens to love the author.
They also have personal appearances and the store make special notes next to the books by the visiting authors and in the front windows.
Supporting the small businesses not only boosts local economy, it also reduces the carbon footprints that ordering from a large online retailer leaves (the additional materials used to ship and the shipping itself).Listed in: One Ferry Buildling
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Review from Javier J.
3/29/2010
I feel that even with my ability to piss off massive amounts of third-wave feminist with what they consider my misogynistic view points, that I'm actually what you should picture a feminist to be.
You see, I have no problem with equality. I'm all for it. You wont see me calling for a woman to get into the kitchen. Nope. If there's a grill or any sort of device that you'll be cooking food over fire, I'm more than happy to be in front of it. Even if it doesn't have a bowl of water with Epsom salt in front of it for my feet to soak in.
What does all this have to do with Book Passage? Well, they help with this equalizer. Their vast selection of cook books makes me feel completely at ease in the kitchen!
No longer would I have to shackle a womyn down in the kitchen to make me a meal! No sir, not I! I'll make it my own damn self... .and with pleasure. In fact, browsing their selection just makes me hungry to try out new recipes. I do fancy myself a mighty good chef, after all.
You know that combination that you stumble upon by mistake like putting peanut butter with chocolate? Having Book Passage in the Ferry building is just like that. This small book store just acts as a muse for your hunger on those days you're walking through the farmer's market. Oh how the ideas of what to make with the fresh and local ingredients just come to you a mile a minute.
The fact that it is a small independent book store also gives you that smug sense of happiness that you're better than everyone. Fits perfect in San Francisco. Don't take that as an insult. It's the charm. That smug charm. Ah, yes.
I do have to wonder if the owner should stop bringing their children into the place though as a lot of books have scribbles on the front of them.... oh, what's that? They're signatures from the Author? My word! That's another thing I should touch on... Their events. They seem to have a lot of meet the Author events here. Which is great if you don't mind some vandal who wrote your book scribbling all over the front pages.
Thanks, Book Passage, with your help I'm balancing the scales of gender equality and getting back into the kitchen! -
Review from graceypoo m.
Boston, MA
6/3/2008
A cute bookshop at the Ferry Building. I purchased 2 books here to give as a gift for my brother, who was enjoying his time at the Saturday Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building. They offer free gift wrapping for any purchase there.... I was given 2 gift wrapper options: balloons or ancient world maps. My brother is an avid adventurer so I chose the maps wrapper. Dude who helped me got too gung ho with giftwrapping that he was about to put a teal and purple ribbon to finish off the gift. It took me several times, and with the help of his 2 coworkers, to get his attention that I do not want any ribbons on the gift.
Something about bookstores and personable sales people careen me into a state of comforting nostalgia.
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Review from Joc V.
2/20/2007
Romy Dorotan and wife Amy Besa, renowned chef and owners of Cendrillon, a Filipino restaurant in New York were at the Book Passage tonight for a brief talk and book signing event. I initially had no intention of buying a book, but humbled by their eloquence, pride and unabashed love for Filipino food, I reconsidered. The setting was intimate, the event well-organized. After a brief introduction by the staff, the event started promptly at 6PM (no Filipino time here thank God!).
This husband and wife team recently penned Memories of Philippine Kitchens, a collection of recipes and stories of the inextricable ties between culture and cuisine. As I listened, I watched the scene outside: ferry boats, the bay set against the backdrop of a moonlit sky and thought about my own memories of Philippine kitchens: lumpia wrapping with friends, watching my Dad make adobo and savoring my Mom's sinigang.
Thank you Book Passage for making all that possible. -
Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2006
After a meeting at 1 Market Street this afternoon, some coworkers and I stopped by the Ferry Building to look for a salad bowl, of all things. While I waited for Matt to check out the bowl, I went to the Ferry Building satellite of Corte Madera's Book Passage.
Not only does the Ferry Building remind me of Grand Central Terminal in New York City -- as far as historic, recently renovated, beautifully designed commuter way stations are concerned -- I was thrilled silly to find Book Passage, which reminds me of Posman Books -- http://www.yelp.com/bi... -- in GCT. Every large commuter node needs a bookstore, and Book Passage is the Ferry Building's.
This Book Passage is small -- and surprisingly spacious given its limited selection. I didn't browse too far beyond the new title tables and the business section (where I picked up three books), but I was impressed enough by the shop to consider it worth recommending to people.
If you travel through the Ferry Building, by all means, make Book Passage a regular stop on your daily commute. If you work in the neighborhood, chances are you'll be more likely to go to Stacey's Booksellers -- http://www.yelp.com/bi... -- which I would perhaps liken to Coliseum Books -- http://www.yelp.com/bi... -- in Manhattan -- but if Stacey's doesn't have what you need, venture down the way to the Ferry Building.
It's a beautiful view, whatever you do.Listed in: Caen Sugar in San Francisco
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Review from Nora S.
8/10/2011
Book Passage is a very cute bookstore in the Ferry Building. Aside from being cute, they also have an EXCELLENT calendar of events. I have gone to a Clinton Kelly ("What Not To Wear") Q&A/book signing and a Kathy Griffin book signing. So fun!
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Review from Ann L.
4/29/2009
We went to Book Passage at the Ferry Building just to kill some time. It's a small bookstore (next to Peet's), but there's so many good books that look interesting to me.
Some I'm going to have to read:
Bonk by Mary Roach - Book on sex, she wrote that book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" I still have to finish reading.
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
The How of Happiness - by Sonja Lyubomirsky
Service Included by Phoebe Damrosch
Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me - by Ben Karlin
The Definite Guide To Stuff White People Like - by Christian Lander
Not Becoming My Mother: And Other Things She Taught Me Along The Way - by Ruth Reichl
Watchmen - by Alan Moore
I like their News & Reviews guide that's FREE & lists author events in SF. I just need more time to read!! -
Review from Holly F.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2008
The customer service here is incredible.
I was perusing the bargain books in front of the store, then went inside & asked the bookseller if they had 'And the Band Played On' ....published 20 yrs ago---but kind of an SF staple.
He almost went out of his mind. Said they had one copy sitting in the bargain section for a long time, & finally someone was asking for it! And...it was sold. But he looked all over for it, for about 20 min.
I appreciated his empathy.Listed in: I Heart the Ferry Bldg
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Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
I applied for a job here, and the manager never got back to me. That sucks.
It seems like a cool bookstore, but it's really small. And I get the distinct impression that it's trying to capitalize on something without putting its heart into it. I don't know exactly what that means. I'm still mad about the job thing. -
Review from Chris S.
New York, NY
10/2/2011
Very sweet and helpful employees. Excellent store.
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Review from Stephanie W.
Arlington, VA
8/8/2008
Book Passage chronicles Part 4 in the saga "Stephanie Takes Over the Ferry Building, One Bourgeois Boutique at a Time." In Part 3 we had Miette Patisserie http://www.yelp.com/bi... but now what do we say about Book Passage?
I was thooroughly amazed by the amount of stuff inside the one room store that is book passage. The sales table is tucked away in the corner, and amazingly enough there are so many things of interest in such a small space. Their fiction section is lacking, and if you're looking for a specific novel you might be out of luck. Again, it's a very small store.
But my god! Their biographies, travel and food sections are enormous. I knew Alice Waters had many cookbooks but I never knew about the Michael Mina cookbook (like I'd ever pay $50 for the book) nor the TARTIN COOKBOOK! Holy shit that might just be worth the $35 it costs.
I didn't have time to buy anything today and wasn't about to lug back a heavy book to my office a Pacific, but the selection is great if you're into food and specialized subjects (and if you're a good yelper, you are a total foodie like me). However, I like to be able to browse comfortably when in a bookstore, and a lack of chairs for lack of space is a preventative measure against that.
3 stars for effort and the fact that now i know exactly where to go when I need the Hog Island Oyster Company book or when I have money for the Tartin book so I can make my own bread pudding.Listed in: Bibliophiles Unite!
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Review from Brian B.
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool bookstore. I didn't get anything, but it seemed to have a good selection as I was browsing. Nice location right next to the water too. All in all, good stuff.
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Review from Tim R.
6/7/2009
A great bookstore in the Ferry Building. Some incredible bargains (new and second-hand), with many signed copies available. There were shelves filled with new books at around 1/3 of the suggested retail price -- not forcing you to buy more books than you want to take advantage of the deals, as most chain stores do.
Get a book here, stroll up the Embarcadero, and find a bench to sit and read.Listed in: San Francisco
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Review from Nicolas H.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2007
How I love this quaint little place, with it's bookiness, and it's quaintness.
I love going in here during my lunch to just browse around and see what's new. It's got a very funky and local feel to it, even if it's sometimes overwhelmed with tourists and muckymucks.
I went in there today (Oct. 17) to get my last book for the Tales of the City series, and also picked up the newest in the series, and the girl at the desk chatted with me about she's just starting the fourth book, and loves the series, and how the author came in to read and it was so much fun.
We chatted about the book, and she actually listened and we learned a few things from one another. It was great.
I wish I knew her name, but she's a shorter kinda spunky/individual look to her. Very sweet girl. Stop by and have a chat with her! And check out their eclectic selection of awesome finds. :)
UPDATE - I found out that the sweet girl who helped me is named Virginia. ROCK ON VIRGINIA! :) -
Review from Jen X.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2008
I'm one of the many people who reads about five books at a time.
However... If I commuted through the Ferry Building, I'd be reading eleven books at a time because of Book Passage.
The books on the shelves that they turn to face the store-browsers are often the kind you pick up innocently and then find yourself reading through to the 2nd chapter. I mean, other stores do this too, of course, but somehow the (very friendly) employees of Book Passage just know which ones will totally hook you.
I just went this morning, and now I am reading eight books. Not only that, but I just realized that I'm reading both The Black Swan and Microtrends at the same time. Hm. I might have a problem. -
Review from Christy L.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2009
In a world of giant book store chains, and online book behemoths, the opportunity to stroll into an independent store is rare.
They have a wonderful collection of books for the locals, and a great selection of San Francisco tour books and maps for the visitor.
Grab a Peet's coffee next door, buy a book, and take a seat at one of the tables outside the store, or on the promenade outside. You won't be disappointed ;)Listed in: Ferry Building Food & Fun
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Review from double m.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2010
Great store with a great selection.
I went to one of the live events yesterday (Matt Taibbi speaking) and it was well-organized, well-attended, and very worthwhile. -
Review from Sophie D.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2007
I'm a big support of the Book Passage, and I love this location. What better way to pass the time waiting for your ferry in this water-side book store? A coffee shop is conveniently located next door. Latte and a new paperback? Sit at one of the large tables between and enjoy.
Very helpful and friendly staff! -
Review from Ashley E.
Bainbridge Island, WA
12/20/2007
It's fun to wander around this little bookstore while window shopping at the Ferry Bldg. I'll be honest, it took me about 2 or 3 visits to figure out the set up of this place. The categories are not very well marked. But once you figure it out it's a piece of cake.
The employees are helpful and nice. This place is not pretentious and the books are priced as listed. Check out the bargain books on a cart in front of Peet's before you walk in. -
Review from P S.
Sacramento, CA
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
We always seem to drop into this bookstore when we are in the Ferry Building. It is nice it is located next to Peet's Coffee and tables are available in front. You can buy a book or magazine, get a cup of good coffee and enjoy them at a nice table with a great view. Interesting selection of books, some of which were autographed.
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Review from Liz K.
6/24/2009
This was a perfect place to wait out a cold and blustery 20min before my ferry left. The gentleman running the shop was closing up, but said we were welcome to hang out with him until our boat.
It seems that everyone comments on their selection, and indeed, it's great! Had I had more time (and dough), I would have bought an arm-full. My friends and I had funny commentary running while browsing, and the shopguy joined in with us, even suggesting some hilarious books to check out (one of which I just couldn't pass up).
It was refreshing to have a bookstore staff member actually suggest something intelligent and intriguing to me as opposed to a big box store where you get blank stares even when you ask where the restroom is. -
Review from Kelly D.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2011
The selection is great and the staff is wonderful at making suggestions. I love to come in here and buy. I was concerned about supporting this awesome store now that I have an e-reader. Lucky me! You can browse all the merchandise and talk to the staff and then go home and purchase from their website via Google books! Now I get all the great service from my local book store and purchase my digital copy to support them!
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Review from Danielle R.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2009
I completely agree with other reviewers in that the selection is vast, prices are great. I try to support small book sellers whenever possible and love that this is such a popular spot in the Ferry Building. They also have great author events and much more than one might expect from an independent book seller.
If I were to base this review solely on my last experience, this review would be one star. The service was HORRIBLE. I found what I was looking for fairly easily and proceeded to the cash register where two sales clerks were chatting. And proceeded to continue chatting without acknowledging me (despite the fact I said hello). Was finally wrung up, still without acknowledgement, and was told how much my purchase was. Only other interaction was to be asked if I wanted a bag. (I did not, btw.). No thank you, no please come again. NOTHING. I KNOW this is abnormal for this great spot as they do have some fantastic representatives that have provided great assistance in the past, but holy lack of customer service bat man. What the heck happened? (Oh - one of the clerks in question has been around for a while.).
I hope this does not happen to too many others. Independent book sellers need to set themselves apart and create value and a more personal shopping experience to thrive in the world of chain store competition. If the experience I had is a sign of things to come, it does not look good. -
Review from Henry F.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2010 12 Check-ins Here
With the demise of Stacey's, this is the independent bookseller I now frequent for all my mid-day browsing needs. I love that local authors' works are highlighted, and the fiction and cookbook sections are fairly extensive. Of course, the place is small: Retail space is insanely expensive in the Ferry Building, and it's impossible to cram a Barnes & Noble-sized inventory into a tiny shop wedged behind Peet's. Still, Book Passage does a nice job of curating its offerings and maximizing the limited footprint of the store. I don't always leave with a book, but each time I visit, I discover something new.
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Review from mnypny b.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2007
The first time I stopped in at Book Passage, I'll have to admit I found it a little short on selection. But in retrospect, I think I was probably looking for something I would only find on-line at Amazon. Not a particularly fair yardstick by which to measure a local book shop. Months later, I had the opportunity to meet Armistead Maupin there at the launch of his 'Michael Tolliver Lives' book tour. It was a packed house, good time, and a great memory. I have since stopped in a few times while waiting for the ferry, and I am always impressed by the staff. They obviously focus on delivering stellar customer service.
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Review from Nish N.
3/23/2005
A smallish bookstore right in the Ferry Building. They have done a good job with selecting some great titles to carry, plus they have a nice local interest section. Very easy to browse around.
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Review from Judy L.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2006
In a moment of major procrastionation, I called up multiple bookstores in SF for a few travel guides the day before my trip. The only bookstore that had the titles I needed was the Book Passage. They were so kind to place the books on hold and 20 minutes before they closed I ran in and got them. So if you are looking for travel guides, go to the Book Passage is where its at!
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Review from Noelle Q.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2006
Small bookstore, but a nice selection of books- the staff is really nice and chooses well-thought out books for the display tables.
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Review from Andrea U.
Los Angeles, CA
2/21/2009
Very few things can beat an impulse book-buy at Book Passage. Add a cup of coffee from nearby Peet's and a seat outside along the waterfront, and I consider that a perfect day. They have a fantastic collection of works from local writers as well as books on the history and culture of San Francisco, perfect for tourists and locals alike.
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Review from Mr. and Mrs. L.
San Mateo, CA
11/17/2007
A Collab Review:
Wifey and I went to the Book Passage for a Cooks with Books event with Mr. Anthony Bourdain!! We were on Cloud 9 for the entire day. This was truly the meeting of an idol for us wannabe badass foodie types! We had a prepared lunch at Boulevard with Tony and 100 of his closest friends. The menu featured dishes from his Les Halles cookbook. The meal was really tasty. Props to Nancy and the crew at Boulevard for the great lunch. When lunch was finished, Tony being the gracious host, introduced the audience to the four chefs who helped prepare the meal. Anyway, the dish on Tony is that he really seemed like a nice guy and very accommodating. He let us take another picture with him when our first picture didn't turn out well. In addition, he made a point of asking me what my question was when he couldn't get to me the first time. There was little difference between his T.V. persona and the way he is in person. He was his usual sarcastic self with a good amount of Emeril and Rachel bashing. He was also kind, respectful, and down to earth. As the crowd dispersed, we went up to him to say good-bye. He initiated and shook our hands! That was so cool. Yes, we are the star stuck foodies. We had a wonderful time. The people at Book Passage were very helpful and friendly. No snarky comments from these Yelpers. Love it, love it, love it. -
Review from Brittany B.
Lafayette, CA
9/11/2010
We always stop in on our way in or out when we are tired from walking (or sitting on the ferry from larkspur...) in the city. Its quaint, and captures the lovely local flavor of the city.
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Review from Sean M.
12/28/2007
I think this is a chain, but it has the feel of an independent. Good selection of books, especially in current events and history. Have also picked up books on cycling and running that weren't available in the chains. Also, it's right next to a Peets, so combining reading and drinking coffee in addition to being a 5 minute walk from the office equals 5 stars.
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Review from Mark A.
3/25/2009
This place is completely out of place...you're not supposed to find small awesome independent bookstores in a big touristy area like the Embarcadero. Amazing selection despite seeming so small; extremely friendly employees, great view, and they're always having authors come and talk.
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Review from Monica M.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2008
seriously, this place has more than you would expect. you can find gems in their used section for cheap and they have an interesting array of choices and different magazines. definitely a must for reading material on the ferry or a last minute gift for someone you're meeting. and the woman that was behind the counter was super nice.
surprisingly, they also have authors from all over to come in and do readings as well as signings. you have to love sf bookstores.
