If your idea of a good time is an afternoon spent rambling around in a 5000-plus foot maze among the books, then Green Apple Books is for you. What I love here are the carefully curated staff selections that are found everywhere. There are always unexpected finds and books you'd never unearth online all housed in this labyrinth of a store. The tables of discounted and used books upstairs are worth a browse. The atmosphere is welcoming, dusty, and this old Victorian house is perfect for wandering. One of my favorite Sunday rituals: browsing until I find something unexpected, and then heading down Clement for dim sum, some thrifting, maybe a Kamei treasure, a strawberry crepe, and some Asian groceries. A Green Apple visit makes the outing complete. San Francisco still has a few good remaining bookstores, and the selection hidden in the winding nooks and crannies at Green Apple, keep it near the top of my list. read more

See all

I was walking by when I saw the bookstore. First time here. They had several carts with books on sale. It was hard to go over the books as they were not organized. Once you go inside it is a tight place but cute. They have new and used books , two floors. What I liked were the flashcards in front of books giving a little description and thoughts on books. I felt some new books were overpriced. However their clearance and sale books were a great deal. I got an art book for $6. Service was not personable. I was not greeted even at register when I was ready to pay. The lady just charged me. She didn't offer any bag either. It was a little awkward. I love visiting bookstores. However, this one might be the one least friendly I encountered. Overall they have a good selection of books. read more

See all

This bookstore is a part of San Francisco's cultural backbone. As a local, I visit whenever I am in the neighborhood. I love: * The maze like layout where people get lost (in a good way). Note: sections are still clearly labeled because - duh, it's a bookstore. * "Staff picks" culture - handwritten notes with brief book highlights that help select the right fiction or non-fiction book * Used books are upstairs and for those interested in them - be prepared to spend at least an hour here. * Notebooks, cards, pens, miscellaneous items? Also available! read more

See all

I'm a big reader so this place was top on my list to visit! I wanted to support a local independent bookstore, and this did not disappoint! There were so many books that were signed by authors (yay!) and also had a very large curation of books by the staff. The service was so great - they were all friendly and talkative with the customers like me! They also had a used book selection upstairs at discounted prices of books -- including a section upstairs to "Bob for apples"! I highly recommend that because I basically got a brand new book (that has been on my TBR!) for $5!!! read more

See all

This place is bigger than I expected. Turn the corner, more books, up the steps, then up a stair case, second floor more books! They have a big selection of new and used books. They have a big selection of kids books too. They also sell unique board games and greeting cards. I enjoyed browsing this store, what a great find! read more

Green Apple Books - Greeting Cards - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This place was pretty amazing. It has a relatively narrow storefront that belies how much space is inside, on two floors. It's mostly used books, but not entirely. There are rooms off of rooms, and two different staircases (which could use some new anti-slip protection), so you have to look around thoroughly. I found an upstairs room with history books just as I thought I had seen all of it. It's like a smaller version of Powell's. They even have store merch. The place is incredibly dense with shelves, kind ndof the opposite of bookstores that I've reviewed recently, where the books face out. That means it can be overwhelming. Some additional labelling or a map would be useful, but there were plenty of employees to ask where certain sections are. The front left side as you enter is a huge art section, films and travel upstairs front, fiction and sci fi upstairs back, and so on. If you're in a hurry, then you better ask. They have a monthly book club too, and you can order stuff online easily. read more

See all

Great place for books and novelty items. It is a maze in here but time well spent. This location does not sell any records - we asked an employee after browsing around in the store for a bit. The employee was straight with his answer so not personable but told us what we needed to know. They do have a store at SFO that has records but more modern vs. a treasure find. read more

This is the biggest used and new bookstore I've ever been in! I spent two hours in there so if you are visiting from out of town like me then give yourself time. They have every genre of books, I loved all their used selection and it's very well organized. Has an upstairs and a pretty extensive children's section as well. Merchandise for purchase as well and overall just a fantastic experience and I LOVED this bookstore! Overall GREAT selection and GREAT prices! Check it out read more

See all

Green Apple Books is one of my favorite bookstores! Every time we come to SF, a visit to Green Apple is a must! I enjoy perusing their selection of books, and especially like that they include book recommendations from customers. They also sell used books. Please support this gem of an independent bookstore! read more

Went to sell my used books there and one of the staff was rude AF, she didn't even look at my books then she's going tell me "we don't buy business books" when half of the books I brought weren't even in business category. She did not even look at them read more

Green Apple is our favorite local bookstore and one of our favorite bookstores in the world! They have a fantastic selection of new and used books, and a knowledgeable staff. We love Green Apple so much! read more

Always love this place. Favorite bookstore. On a beautiful Sunday, discounted books outside called our names. Walked in, greeted kindly. The kid wanted to see the children's books- great! Straight to the back we went... Love this area. It was a little messier than usual with some toys on the floor, but it's to be expected for a Sunday afternoon. The kid could peruse at her leisurely and asked for help when needed something higher. I grabbed a few books for her that I knew I'd purchase for her home library. We sat together to look over them briefly. As she looked at books on her own she said, "this is fun!" My thoughts, exactly. We purchased a calendar, two children's activity books, and 4 children's books including a Greek mythology book all for less than $50. Mind you, 2-3 books were on sale, as was the 2025 calendar. The employee apologized that there was no cardboard at the bottom of the store bag to hold it open but that's okay! I told them it's fine and that I like that it's orange for Giants! To which the worker exclaimed "I'm sure that's no coincidence!" :) great, friendly service. I don't think I've ever experienced poor quality service or any bad attitudes here. Already said it but green apple books is a favorite. read more

Green Apple Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

This Green Apple Books location is easily my favorite out of the three in the city. I absolutely love bookstores that carry used books, and this one blew me away with how massive it is inside. From the outside, it looks pretty modest, but once you walk in, you're greeted with endless nooks, corners, and rooms filled with books all the way up to the ceiling. Everything is super organized and easy to browse. They have just about every category you can think of and even carry some cute stationery and gift items. One of my favorite parts is the clearance bins right outside the entrance, where I've found some real treasures from my visits. Prices are fair, and most of the used books have the price written in pencil on the first page. Don't miss the sale tables in the center of the first floor either because there's always something fun to discover there. The staff are always kind and welcoming, and even though parking is street-only, it's totally worth the visit. This place is a dream for any book lover and always feels like a little adventure every time I stop by. read more

A ton of variety of different books, some of which get discounted. Giving out free "special" whistles and pamphlets is a nice touch. I would come back. read more

Green Apple Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

This bookstore is something else. The woman working the front recommended me three books based on a vague description I gave her and all three were perfect. She clearly reads everything in the store. I spent way too long in there and left with a full bag. read more

Was recommend Green Apple Books after someone saw me carrying around a bag from another amazing bookstore in SF. I'm glad I listened to their recommendation. Green Apple is huge and offers a wide and varied selection of new and used books. Maybe even more fun than browsing their books is getting lost in the maze-like store. You'll stumble across aisles upon aisles of every genre you could imagine. A fantastic bookstore that everyone should check out. read more

Green Apple Books - Inside - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Green Apple is not worth it if you are trying to sell used books. I sadly admit I wasted my time going there for years. When you consider the time you spend looking for a parking spot, the meter fee for parking and then trudging a few blocks with your box of books only to be told " we don't need any of your books" by the scowling book buyer it is a frustrating, soul sucking experience. I love used book stores but if I am buying I will now buy from Allibris or Thriftbooks. If you are trying to sell books in SF, Bird and Beckett in Glen Park or Books and Bookshelves near Duboce Park are a lot friendlier than GA and will usually buy some books. Moe's in Berkeley is also good and has a fantastic selection. Good riddance Green Apple! read more

This is an amazing bookstore. They have lots to choose from and if you don't find what you want, they can order it for you! Lots of friendly and helpful workers. Been going here for decades lots of books, toys and plenty of children's books and nit-knacks to browse for all ages! read more

Great, venerable bookstore! However, I am not a fan of the staff here. Several of them are patronizing and condescending...even a little smug and rude. A nice store needs nice employees! read more

A great selection of used and new books! I especially loved the various displays, including one called "50 years of Green Apple" which had one book from each year they were open. I highly recommend! read more

This is the browsing kind of bookstore where you can completely lose track of time. They have so many books organized in sections throughout the store. They have great sale books in the front if you are ready for a treasure hunt with lots of bargains. Employees here are always nice and helpful. Take the creaky stairs up and they have games and other little gifts. Such a cute place to wander around and find a few books you never knew you needed. read more

Green Apple Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fantastic place to look at books. Wide selection of different books, games, and little trinkets throughout the store made it so nice to travel and browse through. They really have a book for anyone and their selection is super organized. I'd come back here anytime to support the friendly staff. read more

See all

For booklovers and families who need a place for the kids to explore, this is a great spot to spend the day. It's like a multi-floor haven, full of extensive collection of used and new books. I love that I can find books that I always wanted to read in the used section. In good condition too! What sets this place apart is the sprawling space above with sections caterring to all literary tastes. A large section for used but interesting tabletop books as well. It's such a homey treasure trove for book enthusiasts! My favorite part is the sale sectio in the back. From fiction to non-fiction, classics to contemporary, I love finding new books to read there. The big kids book section in the area seal the deal for us! And of course, the staff are passionate and ready to assist you finding your next literary adventure! read more

Green Apple Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

The last of the great bookstores in San Francisco. This is my go to place to discover books of all kinds. Green Apple has vinyl records and magazines. A good place to get inspiration. read more

See all

One of the last great book stores. Definitely worth a visit and the selection is massive. Felt like a mom and pop shop with big bookstore selection. Great prices and everyone was so welcoming here. Hoping that it stays here for decades to come. Survived covid, so that speaks mountains of it's quality! read more

Snippy, obnoxious and unhelpful staff, buyers who don't know the value of anything and offer you a pittance for items with very high resale value, merchandise vastly over-priced, store dangerously non-ADA compliant. read more

They carry and promote books about blood libel in their book of the month section up front, but did not have any of the books I asked for by Sartre, Herzle, or Arendt. I was already feeling like their book selection was actually somewhat racist, and what do you know, they followed me out of the store when I didn't buy any of their propaganda for pseudo-intellectuals. read more

Green Apple Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wonderful bookstore in every way. You could get lost in there for hours and never get bored. Staff have remarkable facility in giving great directions. A San Francisco favorite for good reason. read more

To all readers and lovers of literature, brace yourself. This place is a bookworm's wildest dream! Green Apple Books is by far my most favorite bookstore in all of San Francisco. Every time I have the opportunity to come here, I feel like a little kid in a candy shop. Whenever I travel, I always make the effort to see if the city or town I'm visiting has a local independent bookstore. That being said, one thing I can appreciate about SF is how many bookstores are still alive and thriving, scattered throughout the city. (My other favorites include Dog Eared Books on Valencia, Fabulosa Books in the Castro, and of course, the famous City Lights Bookstore.) Every time I've come here, I get overwhelmed--in all the best ways possible--because of how massive this place is and the vast amount of titles/genres that they have. Green Apple feels like you're taking a walk with the past, which is the beauty of bookstore brick-and-mortars that I love; each have endured a life of their own and have a unique history/story to tell. I'm more of a used-book person, so I appreciate how they sell both new and used copies. Every time I've come the staff has always greeted me and helped me whenever I needed help, they've even let me bring my dog! I will say they're located in a busy area of the city, so it can get kind of crowded at times inside depending on the time of day you go. read more

See all

beautiful selection, good prices kinda awkward employees but they're cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Green Apple Books - outside - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is MY FAVORITE bookstore in the Bay. All their locations are clutch buuuut this one makes my heart sing the loudest. Their Sci-Fi section always has something new. Ive never yet bought an unknown book that's been anything less than awesome. And their kids book section is so fun and expansive! I brought a mom friend with me once and she left with an armload of wonderful books for her kid. I make a point to visit every time I drive through or stay any length of time. It's my comfort palace read more

Great selection and knowledgeable staff. A must visit for any book lover when in San Francisco!

I'm only reviewing their used book buying, nothing else about the store. A few weeks ago, I bought a new hardcover bestseller for $29. I read it, and then brought it back to sell to them a week later. It was in perfect condition, same as new. They gave me $5 for it, and, when I asked, they said they would sell it for $20 (the young woman with pink hair and many facial piercing was openly hostile to me when I asked her this question). I don't know is this is standard in the used book world, but the economics are all in favor of the store and not the customer. It throws into question how "community" oriented Green Apple Books is, when it comes to dollars and cents. read more

I've been coming here for more than 45 years. Crazy how many years have gone by. Loved coming as a young person, then as a couple, then as a family with kids. It's my favorite SF bookstore and now that I'm retired, I'm so happy to see it's still going strong. Haven't been here in a while. Hubby remembered they used to sell comics, but just graphic novels now. But I still love the feeling the store has as an independent book store. New books and used too. And now that the kids are grown ups, our pup tags along with us. Great knowing well behaved pups are welcome here. Think our buddy Babo had a nice time perusing the aisles as much as I did. read more

Green Apple Books - Music & DVDs Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This place is packed with character--new books, used books, random little trinkets you didn't know you needed. Staff was chill and pointed me in the right direction without being pushy. I did end up finding something (well... a few somethings). Only thing is, the layout is kind of all over the place--cool, but easy to get lost if you're not paying attention. Definitely a spot I'd come back to, even just to browse. read more

So many levels!!! You're bound to find something for you here. They carry such an array of things that I was able to pick up a cat philosophy book. I also loved that they feature a "used" book section as some people love the concept of pre-owned books, me included. read more

I brought in a box of mostly new beautiful art books in perfect condition- exactly what I'd been told they were looking for - and the buyer was extremely rude and dismissive. He said he's been the buyer for 30 years and "take them away nothing here we'd ever want." Very poor customer service - I'll never shop there . read more

Had a bad experience last night at the 9th Ave. location. I walked in, looking for a magazine. Two young men were at the checkout counter talking and not paying any attention to customers. I tried to get their attention regarding the magazine, and they ignored me. When I tried again they started talking to a colleague who was leaving for the day and one of them held up their hand to "shush" me. read more

This is the best combo used & new book store I've been to. They have a great book selection, pricing is fair, the store layout is fun, and the staff is kind. I highly recommend this place to all book lovers! read more

We're a literate, bookish city and fortunate we have this gem of a bookstore with its satellite sister location across Golden Gate Park, as if in stereo. This is Green Apple Books' original location comprised of two storefronts separated by 100 feet. New and used books co-exist peacefully with pockets of interesting staff picks given as much of a showcase as the sizzling new releases and best sellers. They nicely separated the early reader and young adult section to the mezzanine level to give kids a quiet place to explore and unwind. I can just see littles splayed out on the cozy rag rug, book in hand, with the whimsical cutout of Dr. Seuss standing guard. A lot of thought went into this store with its charming yet unfussy displays and immense inventory. It's inviting and casual with warm wood (and well-worn steps on its staircase) and hand-written notes with staff picks. Service was kind and unpretentious. I felt welcome- and happy to support this legacy store and keep my money in our community. read more

See all