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The Booksmith

Bookstore

Haight Ashbury, San Francisco

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The Booksmith

9.2^/10

330

ratings

Ranked #2 for bookstores in San Francisco
Has a stamp of approval from SF Weekly and SFist
"Lots of great author talks and book signings here."(3 Tips)
"A really fun book selection, for adults & kids!"(3 Tips)
"We got the latest Catana Comics book signed!"(2 Tips)
"Also offers a cute selection of cards and gifts."(2 Tips)

45 Tips and reviews

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JorgeJune 28, 2017
Amazin selection and organizing. There is a lot of stuff for kids, gifts, and bookish parafernalia. We spent so much more time than we thought 'cause it's all so interesting
RachelFebruary 2, 2016
Been here 10+ times
Possibly the best bookstore in San Francisco. Clear layout, peaceful atmosphere and useful recommendations from a friendly and knowledgeable team. Also offers a cute selection of cards and gifts.
SFistJuly 22, 2016
A helpful, friendly staff will help you find the latest twee periodical or the hottest beach read, and don't miss bizarre literary happenings like Shipwreck, a fan-fiction take down. Read more
Dee SepulvedaMay 13, 2016
This place is amazing! Huge collection for sarcastics, rock and punk fans, illustration and design lovers.
cami j.December 7, 2015
this is my favorite bookstore in the city. the staff members make fabulous recommendations and are super helpful!
L WilsonFebruary 20, 2020
Cute bookstore that hosts lots of events. We got the latest Catana Comics book signed!
Mansi ShahMarch 3, 2016
The recommendations attached to the books really help make this place amazing
squeaselOctober 8, 2014
Lots of readings, good book selection and recommendations, and also nice fiddly non-book stuff like cards and wrapping paper.
Arjun SundararajanJanuary 13, 2016
The middle section of games is gold. Great place to go pick your next White Elephant gift.
SF WeeklyMay 24, 2011
SF Weekly’s Best Of 2011 Winner – Editorial Pick – BEST REIMAGINED BOOK STOREHandwritten recommendations next to books staffers love, & more than 200 in-store author readings per year... Read more
Chris TJuly 29, 2015
Great selections + look for the Employees book recommandations! Many different kids gifts too.
AycanDecember 3, 2017
Amazing bookstore!
AkiraPRO MelanieNovember 14, 2022
A really great book store, just how it should be! Love The Booksmith. Melanie @ AkiraPRO.
Raghav SethiDecember 2, 2017
Handwritten notes describe books and why you should read them. Makes me want to read everything!
Cagla IcacanFebruary 22, 2015
There you'll definitely find what you're looking for, they have huge shelves full of many sorts of book.
Jordan FrancisSeptember 18, 2014
Great collection of books on music, and spot-on staff picks.
Kian LaviApril 1, 2016
Been here 5+ times
This is probably my favorite book store in SF, alongside City Lights
AvaMarch 10, 2017
Such a nice layout and a great selection of books
Chris JonesMarch 26, 2011
Been here 10+ times
One of the best bookstores in SF - great events, super staff, a regular stop on my weekly rounds.
The BooksmithFebruary 26, 2010
Future of magazines this Saturday @ The Booksmith. Derek Powazek, Jen Angel, Andrew Leland, Jeremy Smith, Kevin Smokler. Philz coffee, yummy snacks, five bucks. Bring fave mags to share! Read more
beNOWtvSeptember 30, 2010
If you're not in the neighborhood & but want to see and participate in some of booksmith's sensational author events check out http://www.livestream.com/booksmith for LIVE video & social interaction. Read more
Jess LMarch 15, 2016
Love the kids section. Great curated selection.
Jussi HäyhäNovember 16, 2019
Good bookstore and helpful staff.
JonesJuly 3, 2016
Well organized and lots of staff recommendations
Krystha DartJanuary 18, 2012
The employee recommendations are always really interesting. They write little blurbs underneath too that make it personal.
Lesley KAugust 6, 2013
A really fun book selection, for adults & kids!
Patrick HPMarch 6, 2016
Been here 5+ times
interesting eventsthe place to be for book lovers
Chris TJuly 29, 2015
Get a book and then a taco across the street @Street Taco
Pete MarcusJune 22, 2022
Fantastic bookshop.
Crystal KinneyJuly 3, 2015
Amazing book selection!
June KimAugust 20, 2014
Awesome magazine/quarterly section.
Stephanie EscobarNovember 14, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Staff is VERY helpful!
Amanda AizussJuly 3, 2015
Impressive selection
Lisa GedertDecember 31, 2018
Nice selection!
Sally WuOctober 28, 2012
So many great postcards, books and collectibles!
E MixonNovember 30, 2011
Been here 5+ times
better card selection than most stationary & gift stores
Aaron DraczynskiOctober 9, 2012
Lots of great author talks and book signings here.
Thaisa FernandesFebruary 14, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Cute bookstore <3
Dominic T.January 3, 2012
Probably the most frequently asked question here is if there is a restroom. The answer is NO!
Narguess M.July 21, 2010
also loved the selection of cool books like american photobooth and what your pee says about u.
Gina LeungOctober 29, 2011
Theyve got a great selection of cards.
Narguess M.July 21, 2010
love the gift wrap selection- map styles
jon accarrinoApril 8, 2011
Surprising lack of Lloyd Kaufman books.
Max BJanuary 17, 2010
Been here 10+ times
Look for author-signed copies
Max BNovember 13, 2009
Been here 10+ times
book order

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