Bibliophiles, take note. There is a great selection of independent bookstores for you to choose from in San Francisco. The next time you are in the mood to tuck into a great book, check out one of my top five picks.
William Stout Architectural Books
804 Montgomery Street
Architecture buffs and design aficionados will be able to spend hours in William Stout. Located just a few blocks from the Transamerica Pyramid, this gem of a bookseller is a great place to pick up stunning coffee table tomes or sleek design booklets. So many visual temptations await!
Omnivore Books on Food
3885 Cesar Chavez Street
A bookstore dedicated to culinary culture, Omnivore books is every foodie’s dream. Featuring a delicious array of publications on cooking, farming (urban and traditional), gastronomy, food history (the list goes on), Omnivore’s well-curated selection is a feast for the senses. Check their website to find out the latest information on live demos and lectures from sommeliers, food critics and historians, and chefs-authors.
The Green Arcade
1680 Market Street
Intellectual artists and activists, this is the store for you. Enjoy a well-edited selection of titles on public art, social justice, urban planning, community organizing, the environment, gardening, architecture, and sustainability. After you’ve selected your books, then stock up on gifts made from local artisans and crafters.
Booksmith
1664 Haight Street
Booksmith is a multi-genre bookstore that specializes in bringing some of the hottest writing and media talents to the SF area. Check the online calendar to find out which literary or pop culture star will be at Booksmith for an author talk and book signing when you’re in town.
City Lights
261 Columbus Avenue
A San Francisco institution, City Lights was founded in 1953 by poets Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, and has since been a bastion for members of the counterculture – literary and political. The founders’ commitment to poetry is reflected by the fact that there is an entire floor dedicated to the genre. You can find plenty of other textual gems there as well, including past and current fiction, reference books, and manifestos.
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