Adobe Books
Duck in from the bustle of 24th Street and browse this multi-used space. Although you can find some of the coolest vintage paperbacks at this spot, it is so much more than just a bookstore! Adobe Books and Artists Cooperative is a living breathing space of creative activity, with a gallery in the rear of the building to showcase local artists of all mediums. After a fierce lease battle in 2013, the co-up lost their space of 25 years on 16th Street, but the new store feels just as cozy and welcoming than ever. // 3130 24th Street, Mission
Owl & Company Bookshop
Established in 2012, this gem nestled on Piedmont Avenue is a book lovers dream come true. You will not leave empty handed from this cavernous shop, the dark wood bookshelves are filled to the brim with excellent used titles. Check out their online database of over 12,000 used and rare books, which is meticulously organized by owner Michael Calvello. // 3941 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland
Black Bird Bookstore
The Outer Sunset welcomes the newest kid to the chillest block in SF! This highly curated selection of titles displayed at the front of the shop is sure to draw you in, not just glance while you wait for a coffee and toast at Trouble next door. This space is all about community, a place for all voices and all ages. There is an adorable reading nook and climbing tree for kiddos! The small number of titles from both local authors and those from around the world grace the beautiful ledge shelves created by Luke Bartels from the neighborhood Woodshop. Owner Kathryn Grantham previously founded Bluestockings, the famed Manhattan feminist bookstore collective. // 4033 Judah Street, Outer Sunset
William Stout Architectural Books
You don’t need to be an architect to appreciate the wonders this outstanding store has to offer. Titles relating to art, interiors, fashion, urban planning, and nearly every type of design can be found here, so designate some time and wander these pristine stacks. The origins of the bookstore date back to when Bill Stout was a practicing architect and would go to Europe and bring back hard to find European architectural books. His colleagues and friends would ask him to bring them back additional copies and thus the shop was born. A second location in Berkeley houses their rare and out-of-print titles. // 804 Montgomery Street, Jackson Square
Omnivore Books on Food
Calling all foodies! This is the store for you! This store not only features titles about growing, raising and cooking food, but celebrates how artful the culinary world is. Features vintage, signed and new books. And check out their event page – Omnivore regularly hosts events with authors and chefs. Prepare to leave with an appetite to cook! // 3885 Cesar Chavez Street, Noe Valley
Russian Hill Bookstore
With a recent move one block down Polk Street, Russian Hill Bookstore has made a major upgrade with their new light filled location. But the cozy vibes and friendly faces behind the counter still remain, which keeps us coming back every time. Check out the rare tomes and excellent selection of art and photography monographs. They also sell an amazing assortment of greeting cards, gifts, and board games! // 2162 Polk Street, Russian Hill
Issues
Located just off Piedmont Avenue, this charming little shop features periodicals from all around the world and supports local print. Having just celebrated their 10th anniversary this year, Issues continues to provide the East Bay with an bounty of titles. Prepare to spend some time leafing through this very wide assortment. Also features a choice selection of vinyl, books, gifts and more. Make space for your coffee table, because you’ll definitely be coming home with a new quarterly. // 20 Glen Avenue, North Oakland
