This bookstore has been open since 1976 for a reason! The selection of books it's modern and also, curated. The store ambience and decoration invites you to take your time and enjoy your visit. The staff is friendly and happy to make suggestions. It's priced fairly. There is something special about the place. The selection, the decoration, the layout you name it. I always spend a bit more than I expected, with no regrets, as I always come back. read more

See all

Located right on Haight Street, The Booksmith is a great bookstore. When you walk into the space, you're overwhelmed by all the great titls that they have and are offering. This space is broken up into two main rooms. There's the room you enter when you come in off the street, and then there's the secondary room over to the left. Both are filled with a great collection of literature and/or nonfiction. The focus of this bookstore is really on literature. Though they, of course, have other subjects, as well. This being said, they have a great collection of fiction and poetry. It's really very-very vast. So, if you're in The Haight, and you want to grab a great piece of reading material, this may be your place to go. read more

The Booksmith was such a charming bookstore. I visited during my SF day trip and wished I lived closer. There was a good selection of books of various genres, and I left happy with the book I purchased. read more

The Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

During the Summer of Love I do enjoy doing some Summer reading and no better place to find books in San Francisco than on Haight street the birthplace of the Summer of Love. Booksmith on Haight street offers a diverse range of publications. They have an interesting food book selection. You will almost find any subject from nonfiction and some popular titles. You will also find different types of magazines inside. I recommend to recharge the mind and recharge your battery without using a phone and find a spot in the shade at Golden Gate Park and enjoy a paperback book for the Summer of Love. Enjoy nature and witnessing the seagulls at Golden Gate Park having a food fight over bread with the Canadian geese as the ducks are watching. I also recommend the Flower Child's to visit the Conservatory of Flowers. Visit the Booksmith on Haight street during the Summer of Love and give a book as a gift and read about a journey in a Greek myth with other books with stories about life that inspire and uplift Some books help you examine some questions like " What if ?" and other books of escapism and fantasy to make your mind drift along with different books of wisdom to make your mindset shift read more

See all

They had what I wanted a new copy of East of Eden. Of course I could order from Amazon but I love the bookstores.. and I want to support them when I can. Priced well. There is a leather seating area on the left side of the store where my dog Mia rested as we walked all up and down Haight St and Cole Valley. The checkout girl was nice. The store was cozy and warm. Vibe is right. I shall return. read more

The Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This is a cute and trendy bookstore with a great variety of books being offered. The curly haired guy who helped me was nice and efficient. The prices are reasonable. The lady at the checkout could've been more friendly or warm, but it is what it is. read more

The Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Super cute book store. I came here for a Liz Climo event and I loved the set up. The space was cute and intimate, and it really does bring that old school feeling of being able to peruse at a bookstore and just read and indulge. The staff was super friendly and helpful with attendees buying other books including the Liz Climo series, and overall one of the last remaining actual book stores in SF that I can recall. read more

Great space for a variety of books. There are also open mic events featuring MFA students and other emerging writers. As well as author book signing events. Fun! read more

The Booksmith - Open mic event - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been to many local bookstores before, and consider this one of the better ones I've been to. It's a super cute bookstore with a lot of great designs that play out the different genres of books. They have cute and nifty greeting cards as well as gift wrapping paper and a pretty wide selection of books ranging from fiction and nonfiction. I think they do recommendations really well that are tailored and written by people with handwritten notes stuck to the edges of the bookshelves, and I also think that I came here for inspiration on what to read next. The value of the books was similar to the monetary value that you'd pay for a standard new book. The prices varied book to book, and I definitely didn't think they were cheaper than others. I didn't see a lot of sales, but I also thought that the selection was really updated, and there were about as many books as you wanted in terms of the genre. You should be able to walk away with at least one new read if that's your goal. The inside of the bookstore is definitely bigger than it looks from the outside because the space is really compact, and you might end up spending double the amount of time that you expect to spend in the first place. It's also in a really nice location with other thrift stores as well as a pop-in shopping area. I was surprised by the number of other bookstores nearby, across the street and next door. So you could go on a little bookstore search. read more

See all

I purchased books online/by email and the staff member who helped me with my order went above and beyond with their customer service. I am very grateful for their attentiveness to my order. Thank you, Booksmith! read more

I've come here a couple of times and love the selection. Just off the busy road, it's a great place to escape to and find an interesting read. Customer service is interesting... I can't say I've had an outwardly bad experience ever but the vibes they give certainly aren't very friendly. read more

Cool bookshop on the Haight that hosts events. I checked out a silent reading party and got there early to check out the books. They have a nice cocktail selection as well. They're next to a bar so it's a nice combination if you want to check out books and hang out. read more

Went here to look for a book I've been meaning to read, one by Mitch Albom. I was accompanied by a friend, and we loved the ambience in here! It was a cute little bookstore, the selection was nice since we saw a good majority of genres. Service went in smoothly, not much of a line to buy the books. Overall, we loved it here! read more

I think more bookstores should participate in abstaining from selling certain authors if those profits are going towards something harmful. There is a VAST difference between simply not wanting to sell certain books vs banning them... if a vegan place doesn't want to sell meat dishes, are they banning meat? Yeah, I don't think so.... Shout out to the people at Booksmith, I will definitely be supporting this business long term!! read more

This was on my list of places to visit when visiting SF. It was a cool bookstore, however, I cannot support the bad business practice of being charged a 2% Optional Wage Support tax for my purchase. I only bought a sticker and didn't see this tax until I arrived home. There's no screen for you to look at when they are scanning your product so you go by what they say when they tell you the total. At no point did the cashier mention this "optional" tax. Had they mentioned it, I would have opted out. Staff should mention this when you check out! I am not responsible for your staffs living wage. read more

My rating is solely for the magazine section - it stinks. Saw only a handful of esoteric zines. Much better choice at Walgreens.

Came in to find a children's book in Spanish. They have a smaller shelf with a variety of books in other languages. Happy I stopped by. They still require a mask to enter store. Gladly they provided me a free reusable one. read more

A cozy bookstore with a wide and nice organized range of books. From biographies, sociology, sustainability, design, cooking and many more subjects, The Booksmith is a great place to find something new to dive into read more

The Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This was a great little bookstore, my husband enjoyed browsing around it, and he particularly loved the neighborhood. Lots of fun to go check out what they have. read more

Books, glorious books. As with all beloved indie bookstores that manage to sustain themselves in the age of Bezos, this quality literary spot genuinely reflects its unique Haight-Ashbury neighborhood vibe with frequent author readings and other non-profit events that showcase the local counter-cultural community. That's because owner Christin Evans knows that forging a distinct identity for a bookstore is the key for economic survival. Otherwise, on a quiet weekday afternoon, it struck me as a well-stocked store with plenty of thoughtful staff recommendations scattered about. Travel tomes and international magazines are particularly well represented here, and let's face it, e-Readers are greatly overrated. RELATED - Looking for a good book? Here's a collection of places I've visited, patronized, and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2Hteupo read more

See all

We've been going to the Booksmith for awhile now. It's a decent sized bookshop with books and random swag like art supplies, gifts, cards, notebooks, etc. While most of what's available for books are the best sellers and newest releases, I found there was a pretty good range of more obscure topics and books. There was a lot that grabbed my attention! I love that there's still a handful of book stores in the city where you can go in and browse and touch actual books. Here's to hoping it stays around. read more

I've never been to the Booksmith. However, there was a coffee table book that I wanted. Of course, I could have gotten it at Amazon for a discount. However, I wanted an author signed copy and this was the only place that had it. The author is related to the owner so I wouldn't have been able to find a signed copy anywhere else. I sent an email asking about the availability of a signed copy. Someone responded right away and confirmed they had one. I placed an order last week. It came today. That's pretty good for media mail. Book came in excellent condition. For the extra service, it pays to pay a little bit more. Support your local bookstore! read more

Booksmith is a gem to have in the Haight Ashbury area. We all need stuff to do during these lockdown times, so having a good bookstore nearby is vital. My partner and I have stopped by Booksmith several times over the past few months and have been well served. First, you can check and purchase from their inventory on their website, meaning your transaction is nice and simple when you get to their door. This also saves you (and them) time trying to search for something on the spot. Note that there in-store shopping hours are fairly short (only until 2pm) with the rest of their hours being pick-up only. Second, and perhaps more importantly, they always seem to have everything we are looking for. Even when it wasn't available in the store they were able to order it and have it arrive very quickly. So glad they in the neighborhood and I highly encourage everyone to keep them in mind for gifts (both for yourself and others.) read more

The Booksmith is a great bookstore in the Haight. An eclectic array of titles are on the shelves here yet by far the highlight of the bookstore is the staff recommendations where selected titles have a 3 by 5 card underneath them w/ hand written personal recommendations from staff who work here who are obviously bibliophiles. I love the personal touch. There is also an active reading series by various authors who read & sign their books. Smart selection of titles & nicely curated. Worth a stop if you are in the Haight & a bibliophile or are a lover of books like me. read more

See all

We love The Booksmith. Great place to grab a book for ourselves or our kids. A nice place for our daughter to tuck in and read a bit before deciding which book she'd like to take home. I do not understand why people feel the need to leave negative reviews unless the service/experience is atrocious. Keep it moving, people. Would you like no stores like this to exist because poor reviews will get us there quickly. If you're unhappy, don't return. Let others decide on their own vs your miserable review. read more

I happened upon The Booksmith when I first heard they would be hosting Catana of Catana Comics! I've always been a fan of her so I knew I had to jump at the opportunity to meet her! But enough of the backstory. This is a beautiful independent bookstore. The staff is extremely friendly and they offer a huge collection of books. I can already see myself finding my next page-turner among these shelves. If you love books, I'd highly recommend checking out this place, I'm sure you'll fall in love with the atmosphere alone! read more

I had a negative customer experience here at The Booksmith and when I went to write about it on Yelp--the owner reported my comments to have them removed. Not only is this in violation of Yelp's standards--that reviews are supposed to not be doctored or filtered or removed if they are honest--but this is a store in San Francisco, a city that prides itself on free speech and expression. I made a point of visiting this store because I'm a book nerd and love book stores and love supporting them. But the whole experience here at this establishment--and the way they kept maneuvering to have my reviews removed--has left a really bad impression on me. If this establishment is so wonderful then why are they manipulating reviews? This undermines the whole point of coming to Yelp to get input about whether or not to patronize a business. read more

I could spend my entire day here.. One of my favorite bookstores like ever. Although City Lights is bigger. I feel like each place isn't comparable to one another. It's definitely got its own charm. It's more intimate. I love the little post-its (recommendations) next to the books. If you're not into books, but knows someone else who is.. you could bring them here while you look at the other cool stuff they have. [: The also have all sorts of magazines, some of which are harder to come across if you're into that sort of thing. read more

The Booksmith - Want.. - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

It was my first time here. I Loved it. I can't recommend it enough. Even if you don't need anything, please go and have a visit. Especially for those who are new in the city read more

The Booksmith - Book shelves - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Hot off of visiting Powell's in Portland the day before, I thought I would continue my dreamy I-want-to-live-in-a-bookstore adventure and go to The Booksmith. So, maybe my expectations were a little high, but The Booksmith only partially delivered. I can spend hours in bookstores and really did not feel that kind of nestling-in feeling I usually get surrounded by that many books, however their selection was very good. One of my favorite games to play in any bookstore is "how many books on this table/shelf/credenza have I read" and I had a very high percentage here. However, the staff was not warm and the store itself is small (however clean). Although having no nooks or tables to sit at, I was trying to momentarily use the internet (because of the neighborhood's terrible cell reception) to check into yelp (obviously) and when I asked for the password while checking out they didn't give it to me even with my total purchase being $150 and with me giving them obvious clues that I was walking out the door immediately after my check out. I found it a distasteful ending to what could have been a very nice few minutes selecting great books. Too bad they can't do better with their service. It could be a magical place. read more

The Booksmith - Inside the store - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Well organized local shop. I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. There was plenty of people, but not too crowded. With book isles full of excellent reviews from the staff. Honestly, those reviews were very helpful in choosing a few books. There is a surprise section near the check out. It's books that are covered with only a brief line describing the book. The book cost about $7. I purchased one on a lark and it was a perfect selection. I thought it was a fun idea. They have a Bay Area section near the check out too. It's nice to buy from local authors. I saw comments on "rude" staff. The cashier was very helpful when I approached for specific books. I didn't realize that there was other staff until I saw the sorting cart. I don't think the staff it rude, just busy. They are keeping the place clean and very well organized. If you ask for help, they provide good service. Prices are standard. To the best of my knowledge all the books are new, and no sale section is there. I would go again because It's so well maintained and organized. I'd love to spend more time checking out the reviews. read more

Booksmith is a long-established bookstore in the Haight. When I attend the Word Tasting Tour event yesterday evening the store was packed. Mostly young people who were literary inclined, the crowd was strewn on the worn tile floor cheek to cheek. The event had a touring group including the Minimalists from the Midwest, a musician and a handful of authors. Standing there listening to the entertainers, I thought this must be like how Berkeley in its heyday must have been. Community gatherings to enjoy the spoken & written word. Fabulous! read more

The Booksmith - #wordtasting event Tues night w/music,author reading & talks...all 2 crowds seated to mid-store! Amused & entertained 4 sure! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is old fashioned REAL bookstore, they are very knowledgeable also. So many books of highest quality. Ask them about anything. Just don't ask anyone here to help you change a car tire though! Ha! Just kidding. I am a "nerd" too, as they say, for other things. Like food and the cinema. One time my cousin was doing what is call a "reading" here. She is famous writer. I am sitting there in the back of store, and nice nerd girl ask me how I am. I smile and tell her that I have a girlfriend. She start to laugh. Every now and then, I have a good line to the ladies. read more

This bookstore is super super cool! The book selection was well curated, with a wide range of genres with enticing plots and covers. They sold unique sticker, patch, and tote bag designs. My only complaint was that everything was on the pricey side, with most books priced around $18. It's a good place to browse and skim books, but more of an experience than a place to splurge on books. Overall worth the visit, but didn't end up buying anything! read more

The Booksmith - Checking out the books! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went to this bookstore on a Thursday at 6:30 pm, walking a long ways from my apartment just to end my day on a lovely note by buying Shadow and Bone. The place closed at 7:00, but at 6:30, they were all set up for an event, with bookshelves pushed to the sides. I wanted my book from those shelves so I asked for it, and was told they could not give it to me or let me back there. If you're open until 7 pm customers should be able to access all books until 7. read more

Haight St. is lucky to have such an exemplary new bookstore. I kind of fulfills my ideal of what an excellent neighborhood bookstore should be. I work at Bound Together Books sometimes (the anarcho/lefty store at the other end of the Haight Ashbury) and I recommend this place to people all day long. read more

I like to browse this bookstore. I very rarely decide to spend money at this bookstore. Maybe they could have a bigger sale selection. I like buying discounted books. The space is medium. They have a substantial children's selection. But I really like going to their author events. Tonight I saw Daniel Handler(Lemony Snicket) with his wife Lisa Brown. They just published Goldfish Ghost. And now I am reminded that I want to write children's books myself...I just haven't gotten around to it. read more

The Booksmith - Lemony snicket and Lisa brown - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

San Francisco. Every time I go I promise myself that I won't load up on books, I'll only buy 1 or 2, but the bookstores are too damn good to pass up. With a few free hours to spend my wife and I stopped by here to just to "check it out." 40 minutes later we told ourselves we had to leave because we'd already chosen 11 AWESOME books to purchase, and knew if we'd stayed longer, we'd buy even more. Their fiction section is great. Books by everyone from Agatha Christie to Margret Atwood to the Welcome to Nigh Vele podcast. Nonfiction is excellent! I love philosophy. Many bookstores I've visited fill their philosophy section with pseudo science and self-help books. This philosophy section was real philosophy from Plato to Marcus Aurelius to Kant to Hegel. And in contemporary they had a whole section on current events and modern cultural movements such as #blacklivesmatter. Long story short this is a bookstore for people who want to read entertaining books with engaging themes. read more

The Booksmith - Walked in thinking I would only take a look around. Walked out with all this awesome reading material! - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Customer service is seriously on point at The Booksmith. I am always impressed with how personable and genuinely helpful the staff are here. Though there are a plethora of bookstores in the city - if I'm looking for a particular book - I usually always try Booksmith first. They have a formidable selection of books and they actually get excited about helping you find what you're looking for. And once they do find said book (which is pretty much always) they then make sure to put it aside for you. I love the hours here, I love the set-up, I love the relaxed vibe, I love the guest-speakers and events they host here. I love the Booksmith. The Haight couldn't have asked for a nicer bookstore. Trust. read more

For the most part, this is your run-of-the-mill independent bookstore. However, they do staff recommendations better than anywhere else I've ever seen. Not only are the recommendation cards numerous and ubiquitous, they are passionate and well written. You know, sometimes you see ones that say "You MUST read this book--it kept me up all night finishing it!" Well, that's not terribly descriptive or erudite. At Booksmith, all the recommendations have enough information or at least some kind of an emotional hook to catch your interest and plant a little seed in your mind. They also do aisle-end displays based on a theme; for example yesterday I saw "Ode to Melancholy" and "Vice." Cool idea, and excellently curated. So even though I only bought one book, I went home with plenty of ideas for a trip to the library. One other note: I saw two SFPD officers in here buying books. I realized that in all my travels (and especially not in my home city of Chicago) I have NEVER seen a police officer in a bookstore. I like the idea of book-reading cops. read more