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Russian Hill Bookstore
Categories: Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Shopping Toy Stores Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Cards & Stationery, Toy Stores, Bookstores [Edit]
2234 Polk St(between Bonita St & Green St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhoods: Nob Hill, Russian Hill
(415) 929-0997
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Lauren T. said: "Tucked away in Ghiradelli Square, you'll find Lola of North Beach. I've relied on Lola's for last minute gift shopping and always walked out the door pleased with my latest find. From high-quality kid's toys, to hilarious gifts for…" read more »
71 reviews for Russian Hill Bookstore
Review Highlights
"...of cards, books, journals and knick knacks are great."
(in 6 reviews)
"It's a fun shop to just pop in and browse."
(in 11 reviews)
"It's has a great selection of new and used books."
(in 5 reviews)
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Bob S.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011
This review is just for the stationery selection, which I love. There are always new, interesting, and fun cards to choose from, definitely several steps up from the selection at,say, a Walgreens.
I hate it, however, when I see a card marked down from, say, $12.95 (a rather steep price for a single card) to $6.50...does that mean the cards I've bought at regular price have that huge a margin?
I'm not sure what to say about customer service.With men like me, they're in a damned-if-they-do ("Why can't they leave me alone and let me browse?"), damned-if-they-don't ("They see me looking around for 10 minutes -- you'd think they'd come over and ask if they can help.") position to which I don't have a solution. But a little attention is always appreciated.
Definitely worth a trip when you're looking for that perfect card. -
Review from Sarah L.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
I was exploring my neighborhood and much to my delight, I found this bookstore! I picked up a copy of The Hunger Games (don't judge me) and while I was being rung up, the clerk was very friendly and we talked about the books and the movie coming out. He also recommended other titles for me to read.
Be still my bookworm heart! -
Review from Erika C.
11/22/2011
Somehow tracked down through a search engine that a specific edition of a book we needed was for sale here. Their records showed the same. When we showed up, they couldn't find it. Ah well.
I can't imagine how bookstores stay in business these days (not because of their service or anything... just bookstores in general) so more power to 'em. -
Review from H. G.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2011
It's got an excellent collection of used books and a wonderful selection of cards, with some interesting stationery, appointment calendars and other miscellaneous toys thrown in.
Unlike many other used bookstores (think Green Apple), the customer services is excellent: the people who work there are pleasant and do their best to be helpful. -
Review from Ali W.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2011
Oh how I love this store!
Want a first edition signed by Rudyard Kipling? Of course they have it!
Want an eraser shaped like ebi or unagi or a monkey? In stock!
Want a birthday/anniversary/snarky/congratulations/blank card? Absolutely!
Want gold monkey bookends? YUP! (okay, well actually no because I bought them, but they have all sorts of other ones: dragons, mice and lounging cats Oh My!)
Want helpful staff, a huge selection of fiction, non-fiction, art books and antique printings? Russian Hill Bookstore is the place to go!
Whether you're looking for something in particular or just wanting to browse for a new book or tchotske, start here! I suppose that I'm particularly enamored since I live in the neighborhood, but I'd like to think that I'd stay a devotee if I were to move away.
I guarantee that you can't walk in here and not feel a sense of childlike awe at whatever adorable knick-knack or long forgotten book of your formative years that you'll find. -
Review from Hwa P.
Washington, DC
9/20/2011
They've got it all: books, stationary, books, games, books, bunny bookends and books!
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Review from nancy f.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2012
This store has the best selection of greeting cards in the known universe, but the staff is so indifferent, except when they are rude, that I get angry every time I go. I used to shop there regularly, and spent literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars on cards, but neither the owners nor the staff were warm, friendly, or helpful, and no one ever recognized that I was such a good customer. So, I stopped going. Last week, I was in the neighborhood and dropped in. Same thing - great selection - unacceptable service. I bought $150 of expensive cards and the clerk rang my sale with one hand plunged into a Frito's bag, and did not even have the courtesy to clean his other hand before touching my $15.00/each cards with his greasy fingers. Nor did he thank me for my purchase. Fabulous selection notwithstanding, I am done. I prefer to shop where I am treated with friendliness, courtesy, and where my business is appreciated.
-
Review from Mel G.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2011
What a neighborhood gem. Lots of new/used books to browse through for hours, and I LOVE the paper/journal section. Love that stuff, and Russian Hill Bookstore has a fantastic selection. You won't be disappointed!
-
Review from Keilin H.
12/1/2010
Russian Hill Bookstore is a cute little used book shop and I absolutely love going in to browse! They have some really great cards (but EXPENSIVE) and kitschy San Francisco stuff! It can be overwhelming to walk in because there are sooo many books and categories (children, cooking, history, etc); however, I found that the staff wasn't that friendly. Other used bookstores like Green Apple and City Lights are way more helpful...I don't know. Maybe it's just me and I need more guidance when it comes to navigating rows and rows of literature.
I've never actually brought any books here, but the guy at the front did say a buyer is always available, so maybe I'll bring some stuff in! -
Review from David D.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Great used bookstore for those old school like myself, who like their books, well, actual books. My iPad and iPhone gather dust when it's time for me to read.
Russian Hill Bookstore has a huge cooking section, with a great selection, and hard to find cookbooks. I've spent hours here, and always walk out with at least one or two books.
Half of the store is actually a card and stationary store, with very cute cards. Need a card? Skip Hallmark and come here.
The only reason not 5 stars for me - a small sports selection, and prices are higher than other used bookstores, however lots of hard to find books here. -
Review from Michael B.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2010
I needed to sell some books so I called ahead to see if they were buying that day. They were nice on the phone and told me that they were indeed buying and I could come in anytime before 6pm. I took a break from work and headed over to the store.
I was quite excited when I got there as this shop is about 5 blocks from my new apartment. I waited for the Carol, owner to look through a few boxes of books belonging to the person in front of me. I told her briefly how excited I was to be living close and that I'm sure I'd be in here quite often.
After about 10 minutes, Carol took a look at the 3-4 boxes I had. She took out a total of 33 books and proceeded to offer me $47 total. I was a bit surprised and asked her if she really was only offering me $1.43 per book. I wasn't expecting a fortune, but these were decent books (Vonnegut, Garcia-Marquez, Steinbeck, Coupland, etc) and were in great shape.
I explained that I had just sold 3 boxes of books a few hours before for $120. Carol told me that they were probably better books and that I should have come to her before going somewhere else. When I told her I was going to pass for the time being and try another shop and that I may come back, she told me that she might not be willing to pay $47 if I went somewhere else. I said that was fine and I understood. When I was packing up my boxes, Carol turned to me and told me that she didn't want the books after all and that she was only taking the books I had because she wanted a few duplicates.
The reason I'm giving this store 2 stars is because of the attitude; a combination of swindling, sour grapes and holier-than-thou sentiment. Don't low-ball me on a price and then get mad when I don't jump at the offer. It left a bad taste in my mouth, which is unfortunate as the shop is really quite nice.
The two other book stores I sold books at (Green Apple Books and Dog Eared Books) were extremely nice and friendly. And the lot that I didn't sell to Carol ended up netting me $36 cash and $57 credit at Dog Ear. -
Review from Jimmy G.
7/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I rate bookstores primarily with a view to philosophy and classics. Here is fairly large shelf of philosophy for SF. Seems like they must get people dropping stuff off regularly, because there seems to be new books in the philosophy section every time I'm in, which is also rare in this city. I've got my eye on a few gems, from my perspective, but right now they're asking a bit more than I'm willing to pay. I might be more willing later. For some reason they have a lot of Wittgenstein here, and even more strangely, Eric Voegelin, some of which I snapped up. Seems like a lot of modern and late modern stuff, but not so much for Plato and Aristotle.
Many of the reviews have mentioned the excellent card shop, so check that out too. It's definitely my go-to for unique cards. -
Review from nicole c.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2011
Feeling lucky that this is a neighborhood shop. My go-to place for gifts (especially for kids) and cards. Still haven't purchased a board game or puzzle from here, but can't wait to!
Staff is very friendly and knowledgable. -
Review from Tammy C.
(See pics)
Wonder what great popular books to read and even amazon has too many to browse. You know you can count on used bookstores.
Instead of having 15 copies you have 1 of everything. This bookshop has a pretty great selection from classics to music sheets to children books, mythical, philosophy, religion and a whole corner of cooking.
They also constantly have "new" arrivals. I love the oxymoron.
Classics for literature and biographies of those great artists and composers are right next to the children literature. How cute!!
Books that will take you more than a month to finish or you simply don't want to rush finishing and returning them to the library, or you are like me, possessive of owning the books that you will only have to pay a fraction of the retailed price, books that are classic and don't need to be newest in the last 1 month.
Books that are of first editions, yes you will find them here too if you are lucky. The scent of history excites me.
As I turned to page 27 an old bookmark of a long gone bookshop appeared. How appropriate I thought, an old book with a memory bookmark, is what it should be.
And they have a quarter of the bookshop that carries notebooks, cards, and some really neat bookmarks like murder mystery ones.
Happily consuming some beautiful literature on a rainy day snuggling up by a fireplace with a cup of Joe / apple cider, on a sunny day by the outdoor coffee shop, or on a chilly day at the park.
Have I now convinced you to read a book in paper format rather than a Kindle/iPad and to spend more time in the library/bookshop? -
Review from wendella a.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2009
Eh...no. I've lived in Russian Hill for years and I've shopped at Russian Hill Bookstore for years, mainly for their greeting cards (a truly outstanding selection). They are the two star earners.
I recently decided to thin out my book collection. I have a lot of books. A lot. Too many books. A-ha - that's right - Russian Hill Bookstore buys books - yes. It is a used bookstore. Note: used.
Thinking ahead I called and asked to speak to the owner/book buyer. I thought it would be helpful to get an idea of what genres they might be looking for, what they didn't need, blah blah. I thought I would make good use of our time and give myself an idea about what to select.
Sigh. The phone call should have tipped me off. I did feel a twinge of wtf when I inquired about the above and the detached, somewhat monotone voice on the phone simply asked "Well what do you have?".
Mmm. Books. Lots of them. What are you buying? Classic literature? Cookbooks? Pulp fiction? History? and on and on...
She eeked out a few words and I selected accordingly. I think I brought in 60 books on this outing. She handled them, wiped her fingers across checking for any dust or signs of, I don't know USE - and proceeded to select maybe six books. A couple of cookbooks, a well worn Japanese paperback called Monkey Brain Sushi and a few other things. She then proceeded to point out a slight crease on one corner edge on the back cover of a Thai cookbook (paperback) and say "Well, I would have bought this, but you know, it looks...used."
Hmm. My books are in very good condition. And isn't this a used bookstore? That aside she left behind three Pulitzer Prize winning novels, two current best sellers and a vintage hardcover copy of Dante's Inferno. Lots of other nice titles as well.
The two stiff employees at the counter watched the event barely concealing their expressions of fear and learned resignation. I left with fifteen dollars, fifty four of my books and some good material for a comedy sketch.
Keep on stocking those greeting cards madame. You may want to consider upping the inventory on your moleskines and refrigerator magnets as well. -
Review from Dave C.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2010
I can't understand why this store doesn't have a higher rating, and makes me ask my fellow reviewers "are you talking about the same store I am??!!"
The only negative I can come up with is that this place is like a black hole for your spare time and money. I've never made it out of here in less than an hour, and rarely spend less than $50. Which is saying something, since most every visit is an impulse. And though my storage space for greeting cards is beyond capacity, I always find more that I have to have.
And the used book selection offers very competitive prices on a wide range of interesting topics, with a particular specialty in coffee table books guaranteed to be more interesting than your old stack of Maxims. I've stocked much of my personal wine library with used books from this store, many of which are out of print.
Do yourself, and the neighborhood, a favor and support this great independent bookstore! -
Review from naomi p.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2010
I stumbled in here one rainy night because the wind was making my umbrella go crazy and I needed to hide out somewhere! What a great find! Tucked away on Polk street, is the Russian Hill Bookstore - 1/2 of the store is a used bookstore and the other 1/2 is a card shop. I haven't really gone through the book section enough to write a satisfactory review. However, I have become a fan of the card section! It puts Hallmark/Safeway/Walgreens to shame. I have never seen so many creative, personal, unique cards in one place! My friends love the cards that I send to them, and it has sparked my snail mail side again. I am constantly in here looking for new cards to send people for birthdays, weddings, new baby, thank you, or just to say hi. I guarantee you'll find cards that you have never seen before, or with designs/messages that just make your day.
Thanks Russian Hill Bookstore for making snail mail cool again! :DListed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jessica L.
San Mateo, CA
6/4/2009
I LOVE this place and for 2 reasons...
ONE and most important - this store sells something I can find NO WHERE ELSE in SF.... it is $3.95, the size of a credit card but thinner. It is the Pocket Guide bus map! It is the BEST little bus map of SF - I bought 5 so I can give them as gifts and scatter them in my purses.
TWO: Their prices on little journals and notebooks are MUCH better than other places - and those items are very unique and pretty - with interesting patterns or embellishments on them. Great for gifts!Listed in: Cool Crapola!
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Review from Jen L.
2/19/2010
So it's mid-February and I'm finally checking off long over due things like cleaning and finding that 1/2 off calendar. It's been a busy winter around here.
This establishment is one of those places I could spend a good solid hour-reading used copies of books, perusing their eye candy stationery (a wide and varied assortment of letter pressed, boxed, and unusual cards), small gifts, and a cool tiny kids section. And so I was able to find the right size calendar for the right price (half off). I like my $ to go where it's really needed.
A short & sweet review for a small but sweet place. -
Review from amanda b.
3/23/2011
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this place. I've got a serious book addiction. Last time I moved half of my boxes were books. In an effort to prevent my apartment from looking like something out of hoarders though I'm really trying to refrain from holding on to every book I read. For example when I buy books at airports I leave them in the seat pockets. I figure either future passengers or flight attendants may appreciate the gesture. I'm also trying to sell the books I haven't re-read in the last two years. Except classics. And those that are part of a series. And the ones by my favorite writers. Russian Hill Bookstore offers fair prices for my books. The only trick is not leaving with new ones.
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Review from neil c.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2007
I think it should be "Russian HIll Gifts and Bookstore".
The middle front of this store is pretty cool - that's the gift and card section. There are a number of interesting gift books, and doodads. And a fun selection of cards. The actual book collection is pretty mediocre. Lots of genre fiction stacked sideways - not something I really like to see.
The staff said hello to me when I came in, which is a point in their favor. But they spent the rest of the time gossiping with each other. I can give them nothing else but a decent rating.
From an older review, I will now deduce the rating:
*: No, that would be a store with one book, that you either take or leave
**: No, this is a store with some selection but useless staff, or useful staff and a very bad selection.
***: This would fit a bookstore with decent selection and decent staff - huzzah.
This is not a destination bookstore, but if you are in the neighborhood and need to kill some time, or get a gift or card, it's not bad.Listed in: Reading is good!
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Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2007
If you are looking for a card or a blank notebook as a gift, they have a big selection. There is a really nice guy that works there who says hi but that is it. The woman that works there is somewhat surly. I assume she is the boss since I walked in one day as she was chewing someone out in front of customers! They have lots of cook books but not a good selection on much else. I have never been able to find a book here that I was looking for. The prices are too high for used books.
I hate to give them a bad review since I really like having a bookstore so close to my work, but I just wish the selection and service would improve. I would be in here every day if it was more like Browser on Fillmore. -
Review from cheapepicurean m.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2009
The people watching is a plus. It's always fun to watch an employee humiliated by their boss in a crowded store.
oh wait.
The lady who owns the shop was berating one of her employees for buying some books that were "not literature" while the poor guy sank into himself. he's helped me before and was totally decent, which made me feel even worse.
I still go there because it's the closest used bookstore, and since Acorn closed, I'm under the impression that this store absorbed a lot of their merchandise... but it's crazy expensive for used books, practically as expensive as getting them new, which kinda defeats the purpose. -
Review from Ess H.
Oakland, CA
9/18/2007
The moment I walked in, the guy behind the counter smiled and said hello, and I asked him for help finding something for my 3-year-old nephew. He brought me back to the children's section, and I was happy to find a huge array of books in addition to lots of toys, puzzles, and stuffed animals for the kidlings. The books were used but in good condition, and all of the toys were new. This is the only place I know of on Polk Street to buy fun stuff for kids.
As the clerk was wrapping up the present I had bought for my nephew, I had a chance to peruse the rest of the store. There are all kinds of treasures in there, so I will definitely be back!
P.S. This store is not for you if you need to find something very specific. It's a place for browsing and finding the unexpected. -
Review from darla s.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2006
I agree, it's rather hit-or-miss. But I find that a plus in this establishment. If I have a particular book in mind, then I go to Books Inc. or Barnes & Noble (yes, it's a chain, but it's "blue.") This shop has a similar premise as Dog Eared in the Mission - used books, but also new-ish remainders. I go here when I have a jones for some new reading material. I can easily walk out the door with 5 new tomes for less than $40.
** Just went here a few days ago after many months. It's not nearly as good as I remember it, back in the days when $40 was a HUGE splurge. Sniff.** -
Review from Shay F.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2008
There is a certain allure to me about a small used bookstore. Maybe it's the appeal that all the pages of any book that you pick up has once been leafed through by someone else. Maybe it's because it's a thoughtful atmosphere, where people go in search of brain food.
My friends know how much I adore bookstores and used books, so they took me to the Russian Hill Bookstore to look around to my heart's content.
I really wish, (really, I do) that I could justify giving the place a full rating or a spectacular review. It is a cute place, don't get me wrong.
But, in truth, the store has good cards (as other members have attested), small knick-knacks, but not so reliable for a good selection of books. Oh, and the journals/notebooks section is a little overpriced for my taste.
Granted, I had a few particular books in mind and the store can't really be responsible for who sells what, but it was still disappointing when (after three separate visits) I still couldn't find any of the authors I was searching for, and the young adult section is sparse. Very, very sparse.
If the store were to be called say, "Russian Hill Knick Knacks and other random assortment of goodies and...oh yea, some used books as well" then I might have kicked up the rating one more. -
Review from Allison B.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2009
I'm a huge fan of used bookstores...and I've been to plenty of them across the country. They are usually hit or miss, and this bookstore is somewhere in the middle.
One thing good about this bookstore is they have great categories to choose from--california history, fiction, film, and they do have a large selection of journals and cards. I was excited to find a book that I had heard of because of the film (Parrots of Telegraph Hill). But for a used paperback book, it was little more than I wanted to pay for it. I had to leave with it though.
As far as the staff goes, it was a little bizarre. The person at the cash register did not say hello, but he did help me out later. Someone else came in and was awkwardly being chided from the boss about helping people when it gets busy. The boss/owner didn't say hello to anyone either...
Good place to check out...even though they didn't have the book I wanted, I did stumble upon the other good find. -
Review from Art S.
San Mateo, CA
2/5/2010
Good place to buy boutique cards! On the pricey side but the selection is wide and unique.
They have a large variety of random knick knacks, from flavored Japanese lip balms to Frank Lloyd Wright inspired photo frames, and a collection of books on Freemasonry. -
Review from Matthew B.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2008
RHBS is awesome. Their book selection, especially if you've got specific interests, is great. Want to read a ton of books on Masonic History? Cause they've got a whole section. Interested in a specific time-period and want to seek out some primary sources? Cause they've got that too.
I don't send cards because they're trite and sycophantic, but if I did send cards I'd buy them here.
Sure they probably won't have your popular read Oprah-endorsed novel, but how about ya brach out and read something interesting/progressive/revolutionary?
Bottom-line....RHBS is bad-assed. -
Review from Olivia C.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2011
Love, love, love the Russian Hill Bookstore! It is my go-to place for unique gifts (toddlers and adults alike), thoughtful cards, and creative knick-knacks.
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Review from adrienne l.
Seattle, WA
2/23/2010
I love that this bookstore conveniently located on Polk St., and I really love the stationarygifts section. I know, it's a bookstore, but consider the amazing cards and gifts as an added bonus. My friends and family absolutely rave about the gorgeous cards I send them from this store.
The bookstore part is chock-full of all categories (almost) of books, and it's easy to spend a looooooong time perusing the shelves. Also, when I purchased my stack of books last time, on of the clerks let me know that they do trades for books, which is useful info I thought. :) It's also cool to check out all of the "antique" books they stock (I love old books!).
Great place to go and discover you're next great book! -
Review from Ash A.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2011
It's April and I need a calendar. Russian Hill Bookstore to the rescue for having calendars and having them at half price! The store looks like a place I can spend hours in - one day when I have hours!
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Review from Wyeth W.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2011
I enjoy going into bookstores because it is assumed that the people who work there enjoy books and their personality will (hopefully) reflect that. I find this to be especially true for used bookstores.
However, the atmosphere in this bookstore is extremely pretentious. I can honestly say that this is the only bookstore I have been into and experienced such unfriendly staff. No smiles when I walked in, surly attitudes when paying at the register, and just an overall uncomfortable vibe.
Having lived on Polk St for 3 years now, I've been to this bookstore twice and I've had the same experience both times. The first time I chalked it up to a fluke...the second time was just as bad.
There are many other used bookstores in San Francisco with a much more pleasant atmosphere. I recommend going anywhere but here. -
Review from Jes V.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2010
What really brought my roommate and I into the Russian Hill bookstore were the boys behind the counter. Once we had them escort us around the store pointing out where everything was we realized that this may be where all of our families' gifts would come from and all of our paychecks would be spent. They are one of the many great locally owned small bookstores in the city.
My roommates and I will bring all of our books here to trade them out for new ones or for posters , journals or random knick knacks.
Staff is always very helpful in helping you locate something specific or making recommendations. -
Review from Monika M.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2006
Don't shop here for books.
Don't count on the service.
But you will always. ALWAYS. find the best cards here.
Always. -
Review from Alice A.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2008
*siiiiigh* I indulge..........
It's nearly impossible for me to walk by this store without going in for at least - echem* 30 minutes.
I spend all my time in the 2nd room in the far right corner where the cards/stationary is. They've got beautiful hand crafted cards, stationary, picture frames, stickers, journals, and essential knick knacks. I'm always so excited to give someone a card that I've gotten at RH books. They are unique and special in every way. They've got really fun do-dads too - napkins, "52 ways" decks, coffee mugs, calendars, etc....
It's because of this store that I have a surplus (maybe 30+) cards in my desk drawer at home, waiting to be used. -
Review from Yuchi C.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2009
Places like this remind me of how much I hate Borders and other big chained bookstores. Places like this have personality, life, and warmth.
Love coming here, sit on the floor and read the recipe books.
People that work here are super nice and knowledgeable. They go all out to help you get what you want. -
Review from Aaron A.
Chicago, IL
8/3/2009
Here is the deal.
It is refreshing finding an original, homegrown bookstore over in these neck of the woods.
The workers are knowledgeable and seem to be able to any book you are looking for.
It's a small quiet place- with late hours.
They have an adjacent room with all things cards and knickknacks with great gift ideas and the best Moleskines around. -
Review from Dan B.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2011
I typically buy things that are 'new' but there's something special about finding a little gem of a book that belonged to someone else that I am now the custodian of. You are sure to find some amazing books that are no longer in print and you can only find in a store like this. So have a browse, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised...!
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Review from Whitney F.
Washington, DC
1/17/2008
Must be honest, I go in more for the gift section than the actual books...
They carry great stuff! In the past month I bought an awesome calendar, a huge book on Florence art and architecture I saw sitting int he window (only $45 books for a huge book that now stands proudly on my bookshelf, I miss my other home), cards, a pack on walking tours of SF, and coasters!
There are a lot of beautiful big books I wish I could own about various foreign cities, and if I'm in need of a quick gift I can usually find something. But as far as buying a novel, or a simple book to read its too much effort for me to look. But the staff is nice and never bothers me when I'm just in for a browse. They usually are talking with each other, but the second I wanted the Florence book out of the front window..hard to reach display they were there to help! I must say I quite enjoy this place.
