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! read more

This bookstore is way what's up. I love how they have a wealth of food books - from Paleo, to vegan, to Gluten Free, to Sugar Free, Dairy Free etc - oh so appropriate for the Ferry Building. My mom and I stopped in here when she was in town and Book Passage's staff were exceptionally kind and patient with my mom - as she asked them questions in regards to her recently launched book. While my mom conversed with their staff - I found a comfortable corner in the store and lost myself in all of their vegan cooking books - ahhhhhh bliss. The Ferry Building is such a truly invigorating break from the day - and Book Passage helps further accommodate that break from reality with their superb literary collection of gems. With large glass windows that look out onto the water - prepare to be transported. Trust. read more

I went to Book Passage for the first time this weekend, and initially thought it was a great book store. However, once I got in line to check out, my opinion quickly changed. When I got in line no one else was in line, there were two cashiers who were each waiting on a customer, and two people shortly got in line behind me. Once one of the customers left, I waited for the cashier to complete her transaction, as she was holding a handful of cash and I did not want to walk up before she called me or at least acknowledged me with eye contact. Instead, she finished her transaction and then took out a book and proceeded to start reading. I was in shock and it took me a few moments to realize that she was disregarding me and everyone else in line. Finally I said to her, "Can I check out?" She looked up from her book and said, "Yes." I love book stores, which are so hard to find these days. However, due to my experience with this cashier, I will never return to this bookstore. read more

Book Passage is a wonderful little bookstore at the back end of the Ferry Building, right by the doors to Hog Island Oyster Co. It's the second location of the Book Passage in Corte Madera, which has been serving the Bay for over thirty years. The store is small but vibrant, packed full of a great selection of books. The fiction section is robust, and there are a lot of signed books because of the many author events. I came as an author to read from my second book back in August, and the event set-up was cozy and pleasant. I had a great time, and picked up a signed copy of Celeste Ng's "Everything I Never Told You" on my way out. The bookstore also presented me with personalized stationery as a gift--pretty classy, Book Passage. I was really excited to read at this store because I love the Ferry Building, and I imagine if I lived in San Francisco this would be a regular stop for me. The staff is lovely, the store charming and well stocked, and there are tons of events. Book Passage has all the fixings of a top notch community bookstore. read more

What is not to love? Free events with authors? Love it! We just saw Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg the founders of indivisible guide being interviewed by Dan Pfeiffer. The staff moved all the bookcases back and they make space for all the chairs. We love going to the events! We also brought our children and everybody was very kind excepting and supportive. Our youngest is 9. Leah and Ezra and and the Staff at Book Passage we're all great! They have great events. SF Gem! read more

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Stumbled upon this cute little bookstore when my friends and I were exploring the Ferry Building. I had never been in or around this area in all the time that I've visited SF. We were sitting on a bench near the ferry docking station just watching birds migrating...when we decided to leave. Once we turned around, we saw this lovely little bookstore beckoning to us. Since books are normally a type of weakness for us all, we found ourselves gravitating towards the store without a second guess. This book store carries some of the most unique selections of books that I have never before come across. From urban self-help books to witty new-fiction, you might find your next favorite pastime. Most of the books are local SF bay area finds, I believe. Of course, they have some of your favorite classics. What's a bookstore without those? I wish I had budgeted for this little detour of our trip, because I would surely purchase some of the books I found! Next time, book passage. I hope you'll still be there. read more

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Such a sweet and welcoming bookstore as soon as you pop off the ferry. This being the first place I ever walked into in San Francisco just made my trip even sweeter. I was in such a horrible mood because I forgot to charge my cellphone the night before and it died on the way over. I knew I was going to be eating a lot of food and seeing a lot of sights, and the thought of not having a camera really put a damper on my day. That, and my coworker got pooped on by some seagulls and I didn't get a chance to capture that moment in time. Shucks. But the people working there were nice enough to let me charge my cellphone. It barely got any juice, but it allowed me to look around the store. So cozy and cute with a easy-on-the-eye layout. Plus, it's attached to a whole bunch of other stores. What's not to like? The displays were nice (didn't see a bit of dust!) and inviting and the lighting wasn't disgustingly bright like it is in some bookstores. I'm a fan! I hope that I get a chance to visit San Fran again because Book Passage will definitely be my first and last stop! read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

I haven't been here since Covid, but I did find a lot of children's books that my son loves here pre-Covid. It was also great listening to authors speak. In the food court area, they have used books for cheap. I bought the Bell Jar that looked new from the used book stand. Can't wait to take my son here! Hopefully, life will be normal soon. read more

I always pass by whenever I'm at the Ferry Building. Wonderful selection of books with a great kids section. I've received great staff recommendations on new reads. read more

An independent bookstore, in the heart of a very big city. Don't you love it. A very good selection of books for those coming and going here at the Ferry Building. Get a newspaper, buy a cup of coffee at Peets, sit and watch the ferries come in and go out. Such a delightful spot. read more

Years ago, when the Ferry Building first opened, I remembered there was a cute little bookstore. I went to the Ferry Building today and the little bookstore is still there! I made a beeline to the cookbook area and found a signed copy of The Secret Lives of Baked Goods. Yes, it's full price but sometimes you just want to have that book NOW rather than build your wish list at Amazon to qualify for free shipping. Staff was really friendly (but they left me alone while I browsed - that's a plus in my book. I come to a bookstore for quiet time. I don't need my ear talked off). They even threw in a bookmark and pin illustrated by the author of the cookbook! Book Passage, I'll be back! read more

I love this bookstore! Each time we're in SF and visit the Ferry Building we stop by this place. It's cute, small, with a great selection of books. Very nice place to discover new titles, browse its shelves, get a new book. It has great views of the ocean. You can grab a book and go on the terrace and enjoy it. Nice service, too. Stop by if you're in the Ferry Buildings and love books. read more

I felt in love with this bookstore. Have the best and newest books. The reviews of the staff are invaluable. Have all kinds of books, you'll love it. read more

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I absolutely love coming here! If I lived nearby I'd definitely visit this book store more often. When I was in search for a book store whilst being in the city, Book Passage had popped up. It took me quite a while to find it because it was located at the back of the entire building, but when I finally found it I was filled with glee. The location of it is actually pretty nifty and right by the sea, thus there is an amazing view out the window! Plus, there are a trillion food places to stop nearby. The interior is tidy and organized, they have shelves that went up to the ceiling and some smaller ones at the middle. They're organized nicely by genre, of course, and it was more than simple to find what I was searching for. I grabbed my Murakami books and started to roam the store. There is a kids section in the back, a table full of new arrivals, and a nice stationery part! Amidst roaming the stationery objects I found an interesting part of the store: the book date. The book date is a novel wrapped in newspaper with a paper over it that provides you with the genre, and three major factors of the tome. It is also a donation, so you pay however much you want for the books! I absolutely loved the organization and neatness--there was nothing out of place from what I saw. Moving on to paying, the workers were kind and easy to make converse with! I had a small talk with the cashier about the book dates and Murakami, which was enjoyable. This place is definitely a handy book store, and they have many options! read more

This is the ferry building location of a small (three stores) San Francisco bay area book chain. The parking situation is .......well, no parking. There's the usual impossible SF street parking, and the embarcadero center parking garage is fairly close by, but really you are best served by any method of transportation that does not involve you driving a car. You'll be helped in this by the fact that the ferry building is a public transportation hub. This a small to medium size store and while it's not exactly hidden it's not on the main drag of the ferry building either. Sort of tucked away on a side corridor exit to the ferries. Look for the sale rack that's pushed into the passageway in order to draw attention to the store. They do have a decent local section-not just of authors but also for bay area topics. It's no city lights or booksmith but it is a decent enough place to browse for something unexpected. While they do have sale items and used pricing nothing in the ferry building is exactly cheap and this is no exception. Totally worth a browse if you are in and about the building for both the advanced and casual reader. read more

I'm so happy this bookstore is still here! I have not been to the Ferry Building in several years so it was nice to swing by and take a look at the store. Overall I'm not sure it has really changed: it's a bookstore, duh. It's small and cozy and there's really no place to sit unless you're a small child or are willing to sit on the tiny chairs for small people. But there's a nice view and it's well-lit. They have many books, although due to the size it's understandable that they won't have that hard-to-find book you're looking for. They also had California-related books on display near the cash register. I like the store but I'm a little disappointed they didn't have periodicals that I was looking for. Not a make or break deal but it would have been nice. If you've got time to kill this is a great place to go. OR, it's also a great place to buy books for yourself to read while you eat, wait for the ferry, wait for someone else to finish shopping, wait for BART, MUNI, etc. read more

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. ( | ) read more

Getting lost.. ... in a bookstore is so much fun. When I was in college, I would purposely not buy books because 1) I would be too distracted reading a good read than studying, 2) I loved getting curled up in a bookstore with a good read, and 3) it's free! I actually can think of some guy stories regarding bookstores right now from college, but let's get back to Book Passage. Book Passage is a small bookstore in the Ferry building, right next to the bay. You can literally walk out of the store and be steps away from the ocean. So peaceful. I came into this small store, which has a new feel to it, and got stuck with a book that quickly caught my attention: Eat & Run. Two things I love to do. It was love at first sight. There aren't many places to curl up into at this store, but I loved hanging by the front window, overlooking the ocean while perusing through the book. As far as selection, there is quite a range. There are several tables and chairs outside in the courtyard area for you to sit down and sip a cup of joe with a nice book. I didn't end up buying the book, but since I have a lot of free time this summer, you can find me with the book in bookstore getting lost. read more

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! read more

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. read more

A totally un-touristy bookstore in a very touristy place. I love coming here and checking out their staff picks. They also invite many awesome guests over to give talks on a regular basis. Definitely recommended for book lovers. read more

I am one of those people who can go into a brick and mortar bookstore and walk out with something every time. Did I need that thing? No. Do I have room for that thing on the bookshelf? Probably not. Did I want that thing? You're darn right. Thankfully, a little bit of self control was exercised at Book Passage this past weekend, though it was tough. They really seem to have made the most of their space merchandising-wise and they certainly have a great view of the bay through their back wall made entirely of windows and a glass door through which you can enter from the outside. I collect vintage-looking postcards from places my husband and I visit, and though we live just down the way in San Jose, I don't seem to get out much so I wanted a card from our San Francisco "trip". I realize this is such a specific and petty thing to point out, but it was just a little bit off-putting when the gal ringing me up scoffed in a disgusted way and then laughed because I wanted to use my debit card to pay. I also realize my total was really low and Book Passage probably gets charged a transaction fee for debit and credit purchases, but I thought it was my prerogative to pay how I liked. Oh well. Trying not to let the service experience sour me much, I can look at the bigger picture to give Book Passage not only another chance the next time I'm in the area, but a 4-star rating for this visit. read more

Legit bookstore in the ferry building! I stopped by to check out the books here and became totally engrossed with one that I picked up that I had to take a seat and read for half an hour. Thank goodness there were a couple of chairs near the door! Book passage has a great selection and variety of books, but it can be kind of pricey so if you aren't looking to spend your money just take a seat and read a bit in the store =) read more

Love all the writer-related talks and support they provide. I saw a great event with Ann Patchett for Litquake. I hope they keep having writers like Ann; if so I will keep coming back! read more

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/biz/F8P5QXp2Vnvb-As35dw4Xw -- 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/biz/lwJvRx7emOndlvW9GLboTg -- which I would perhaps liken to Coliseum Books -- http://www.yelp.com/biz/mrZ0rViPUAWZtapuVJrJmA -- 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. read more

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. read more

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/biz/miette-patisserie-san-francisco#hrid:uxosLdbHvBc2RgRcgIpgFg 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. read more

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. read more

Book Passage is not a terrible book store. Let's get that out of the way first. The problem is that there are so many bookstores in San Francisco that are better. That's not really Book Passage's fault, though, so I'm a little torn in posting this review. Book Passage stocks all of the latest big literary novels. I could have easily dropped $50 in there after browsing around for five minutes. They had Marlon James, Yoss, Haruki Murakami, Miranda July, Daniel Handler - everything that's "in" right now with the literary crowd. What's the problem, then? That's all they've got. Don't get me wrong, they do have the obligatory children's section, business section, philosophy section, etc. But their selection of fiction titles that weren't published within the last six months was relatively low. If you were to go on BART stop further into the city and check out Alexander Book Company on 2nd St (it's literally right around the corner from the Montgomery Street BART station) you'll find all the same selection you get at Book Passage plus older titles and a plethora of international books in translation, many of which were published by small presses. If you're only looking for what's big in the literary world right now and you want the convenience of a book store that's right inside the Ferry Building (home of the biggest farmer's market I've ever been to) than Book Passage is a great destination. If you're looking for a space that hosts really awesome readings on a regular basis, Book Passage is a great destination. If you're looking for a Book Store you can really get lost in and find some rare treasures, shop elsewhere. read more

Went to a reading here, really enjoyed it! Took forever for me to find it - it's behind the Peet's at the Ferry Bldg , tucked away in a corner. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! :) read more

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 ;) read more

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! read more

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! read more

This is the kind of bookstore where you can find a book you've never heard of but fits your interests perfectly. It was tough to narrow down my choices, but they have a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, and everything in between. Perfect independent bookstore vibe. read more

LOVE Book Passage. All their locations. This one is especially rad due to the easy walking distance from my place, and the convenience of being in the ferry building when I pick up other goodies. Keep that in mind, Book Passage staff. It isn't just tourists that you will never see again in your store. Locals come in too. So your attitude just made me drop a star. My cousin walked out of there after buying a book, talking about the unfriendly person working the counter. read more

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. read more