Booksmith is a beautiful and well-curated bookstore on Haight Street, and one I would recommend visiting if you’re in San Francisco. There are so many good reads here - the only thing preventing me from buying all of them was I didn’t have enough room in my suitcase… :) Each book genre is not extensive, as it’s a indie bookshop, but it’s thoughtfully intentional and there’s something for everyone. I thought their recommended books were also well chosen! If you are shopping for kids… The children’s section has beautiful picture books, graphic novels and books from early readers through YA. There’s also an assortment of wrapping paper and cards, if you need to gift your purchase.

As far as stores specializing in new books go, this is the best. Awhile ago I went in needing books for my new two younger cousins (one 7, one 4). A staff member took me through the kids section picking out books that my cousins and their parents ended up loving. I've enjoyed the handful of events I've been to in the evenings as well, especially when Mary Roach did her Packing for Mars reading and Q&A! Their queer and sexuality sections are great. The general layout of the store, the chalkboard art all around the walls, and the awesome staff make this place a pretty awesome place to shop or just spend an hour in. Also great for cards and gifts!

Really nice bookstore, but they have bad radio rock/pop music playing here so insanely loud all the time that it’s almost impossible to browse. I’ve never written a critical review about a place like this before but it’s so egregious every single time it makes me thinks they don’t actually want people looking at and reading books. I’ve left without buying a book multiple times because the music ensured I couldn’t focus on reading what was on the page. I like music! But in a bookstore it’s sooo obnoxious. Just a completely mystifying choice all around for such a lovely local spot. I hope they change it!

This is an absolutely wonderful independent book store in San Francisco! There is a great selection of mystery books that I love. I also love the staff reviews and often look at them when I am selecting books. I do rely on goodreads to see the ratings (usually high 3's to 4's) before purchasing a book. Sometimes the staff review and goodreads don't correlate well, so I tend to go with goodreads. Several times, I had the staff order books for me. I know, I can buy them on line, but I like to support independent bookstores :)

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!

The hidden gem of an independent specialty book store. The Booksmith caters to neighborhood residents as well as tourists seeking the counter-cultural ambiance of Haight St. The Booksmith is general interest shop, and is a member of both the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association (NCIBA) and the  American Booksellers Association (ABA).[says Wiki] I've always loved the Haight Ashbury neighborhood. Progressively changing over many decades. Any hard to find books or niche subgenres can be found here.

The store and staff is wonderful. But there is one employee who needs to be trained in how to speak to others. I've been there plenty of times with my bag. Some say it's ok others say mau I have your bag. But this 1 Asian lady in a tan shirt today 4/13/19 spoke to me in a way where I felt judged and embarrassed me in public. Instead of just politely asking for my bag. I was so annoyed I couldn't get myself to stay for 5 minutes. Besides her the establishment is wonderful.

Booksmith has a great collection including a large number of books on various subjects as well as postcards games and art supplies. But the heart of the store is its reading material. Booksmith has a wonderful Ambience and is kid friendly dog friendly and adult-friendly. I have visited many bookstores in San Francisco and this is my favorite so far.During my visit to San Francisco, I have visited Books moth almost daily. It is a great independent bookstore.

Very interesting catalog of books for artist and just about anyone who is looking for a great book. The black guy was very helpful and friendly but the white girl who is behind the cash register is very unfriendly and for the most part self-centered addition to if you're talking to her she's not paying attention to anything you're saying. I believe if we knew the real person we probably would say that her attitude stinks like a dead person.

Such a great spot for christmas shopping!! I needed to get something for my friends kids, and the children’s section at Booksmith is really amazing. Even so, I was stumped about what to get them (something they would really like). Thankfully, I was assisted by Seth, a super nice and helpful employee who had literally the perfect recommendations. Will definitely be coming back for any more gift shopping I need.

Cute, independent bookshop on the famous Haight Ashbury main strip. Staff are always friendly and very hipster-looking and their Staff Recommended index cards of book reviews cover the shelves. Solid selection of classics to best sellers for the condensed space. My ideal weekend day is stopping here to pick out a book, grabbing coffee at Flywheel, then crossing the street to Golden Gate Park and reading. :)

They are really knowledgeable and invested in helping customers find the perfect book. We were looking for a book to spark conversation between family members with different political views. The person helping us came up with three different title possibilities, and even retrieved their own copy of one of the books to show us, because there wasn't one available in the store.

Excellent staff and a marvelous selection of books from children's to adult fiction to non-fiction; arts and music to politics. I purchase books there each time I visit San Francisco. Also check out their sister bookstore ( The Bindery) a few blocks along Haight towards Golden Gate Park on other side of the street. A very uniquely curated selection of books.

There are a vast variety of pastries, breads and coffees for you to choose from. Everything is pretty good looking and tasty. The staff is fast, friendly and helpful with questions and suggestions. If you are in Yountville and nearby areas, this place is worth the visit to treat yourself, fa.ily and friends. Have fun and enjoy exploring Napa Valley.

Great selection of new and old. We in particular love the new school classics that they have with the brightly colored binding covers, bringing classics into this century for a new generation of readers and collectors. Awesome finds also include the DIY dust jacket paper, literary onesies, notebooks and journals, and calendars.

An outstanding locally owned & managed independent bookstore. The shelves are stocked with current publications, best sellers, classics & special interests. Check out the Children Literature section. The Booksmith's monthly lecture series is a great opportunity for the community to meet authors & discuss their creations.

Relatively compact and easy to understand layout. I love the staff's handwritten insights and recommendations attached to the bookshelf, inviting you to hold a copy in your hands to explore. I thought I could spend hours on end here had I had the time... Thank goodness for the existence of high quality bookstores!

They always seem to have what I’m looking for. Even the more obscure books on different artists. And that bookstore holds a little bit more to my heart. Because on March 18, 2006 I met a life changer there. Someone who changed my life for the better! I meet my beautiful gorgeous wife there.

Great local bookstore. Lots of books on local history, music and art. Good graphic novel section and comics as well. Highly recommend it to literally anyone. There's something for every taste. Oh yeah, and for parents, almost half of the store is a very cool kids section. Check it out.

Great store for off beat reads and magazines with a mix of some popular titles. A sincere bonus is that the quality and uncommoness makes The books great gifts. Definitely an enjoyable, well maintained bookstore that will make you want to leave with plenty of reading material.

Awesome book store! Not too small, not too big, has the bestsellers, has the 'usual books', but also has tons of unusual books. Large science section, too! Wonderful place to hang out. It even has hand-written notes for many of the books which is a nice touch!

My favorite bookstore for years. Perfectly tailored to the residents of the Haight and always extra friendly to locals. I love that the employees write little reviews for the books they've read and have found many great books by following their suggestions!

I want to give them 5 stars because I love little bookshops and they have some really great reads here. But there prices are just super high, like cover-up MSRP and put a different price high even on current bestsellers. Still a fun place to stop off into.

I love this store. In our time in SF we visited them three times. We bought a present, a biographie and a „suprise“. There is a corner with books which a packed and I did not know what is. Next time if I visit SF, I will visit this store again.

San Francisco is not great for new bookstores—that is, bookstores focusing on non-used books. The Booksmith is a great one, with tons of staff picks, fairly frequent author events, and a loyalty program. Very glad to live a short walk away!

Love this bookshop - cozy, special, friendly, well-stacked. They hand-write these beautiful department-signs and the staff sticks notes with book-reviews next to the books. Awesome. Drop in when you are near. Absolutely worth it!

Laid back environment and great selection of books. Tons of journals, molskines, and more to satisfy your cravings to read and write. An excellent rainy day hideaway. Be sure to check out the sweet murals above the bookshelves.

Fantastic bookstore on Haight. The staff write detailed handwritten recommendations and make discovering new reads a breeze. The place is well designed and perfectly organized. Awesome selection. Support your local bookstore!

Awesome independently-owned bookstore in the Haight. The workers add their own reviews to some of the books, which is a nice personal touch. There is also frequent events where authors will come in to speak - love it!

This local business offers all the latest reads with delightfully charming handwritten placards for standout novels. In addition to books, The Booksmith offers a small collection of toys, games, and unique apparel.

Great little bookstore with an excellent selection of books, along with thoughtful staff recommendations. Clean, inviting atmosphere, with no shortage of events on their calendar. Support your local bookstore!

Easily one of the best book store in San Francisco - the staff reviews and recommendations are always great, and haven't been disappointed yet. Nice mix of fiction and a small, but solid art & design section.

This book store has a diverse selection. I really like their display section in the front. It has a great selection that calls out books you might otherwise overlook during your search through another store.

Booksmith is one of San Francisco's coolest bookstores. The employees read much of their stock and write their own reviews for their favorites. Each review is affixed to the shelf where its book sits.

I MAILED THE $15.00 DOLLAR MONEY ORDER OFF TO THE STORE ON 4/8/20 SO YOU SHOULD RECEIVE MY PAYMENT SOMETIME NEXT WEEK THANKS FOR DELIVERING THE NOVEL TO THIS BUILDING WHERE I LIVE AT THAT WAS GREAT .

The guy with fish guy glasses is the worst in customer service.bhe many seem friendly but his attitude is that of a lazy cow. DO NIT RECOMMEND THIS STORE TO ANYONE IF FISH EYE GLASSES IS WORKING

Love this place, I come here once a month to see what's new! They regularly update their recommendations and new nonfiction and fiction sections, moreso than other bookstores I've gone to.

Great little book store! Has a little bit of everything, easy to navigate. They had everything I was looking for, and some. Love the ample select for horror, but it's not just horror.

I love Booksmith. Because of Covid they are sensibly limiting the numbers in their store for browsing - plan ahead, or order online and they will have it ready for you to pick up.

Selection is quite large and varied with handwritten insights into a lot of the titles. Stationary, cards and clothing. Helpful staff with spot on recommendations. No Used books.

Great independent bookstore, on Haight St. Inviting layout, wonderfully helpful staff, reasonably priced, good selection. Fun non-book shopping too. Loved the card selection.

A fantastic find! Great book selections, exceptionally well curated, especially good selection of books on art ( drool worthy) plus good graphic novels & great kids books.

Great selection. Written notes under many of the books help you find new treasures. Browse and buy! Attend a reading or book signing. This bookstore is the real thing.

I just sort of wandered into this place while walking down the Haight, and I loved their book selection. Really charming bookstore that I will visit again for sure.

Love this place. The owner searched Facebook fans to see who liked Irvine Welsh, and as a result I got an invite to see him read. One of the best experiences ever!

Great selection of books and they even have a whole deck full of Moleskine notepads if you're into that. Just be aware that you may end up buying a lot of books.

wonderful wonderful local bookstore. staffs are so friendly. they have events all the time. You will feel like being a part of the family if you go there often.

Cute bookstore with a lot of staff reviews everywhere in little note cards. Many of the books I was looking for were priced better than Amazon which is amazing.

Great for stopping in and finding that one book from back in the day that you were hoping was still in in print! Pins and stickers, too! And Moleskin Note pads.

Love the selection of books - did a good piece of holiday shopping at Booksmith today. The wide selection of quirky greeting card is especially appreciated!

Good selection for my tastes. Not an all-you-could-ever-want type of place though as they likely won't have any old book you're looking for so call ahead.

Love visiting The Booksmith on the perfectly San Francisco Haight St. They do fun author events like the one I attended tonight featuring Amanda Lovelace.

Great place for book lovers. Cool window displays and book displays. Fun events, including the delightfully debaucherous Shipwreck. Helpful employees.

My favorite bookstore of all time. Go in and read some of the hand-written notes. You will certainly leave with a new unexpected, delightful book!

Fantastic bookstore with a great young adult section. I can always find the books I'm looking for here, and they have a fun gift section as well.

Came here for a book signing. Super cute little shop with good taste in books and fun displays. If you're in the area, definitely check it out!

Cute bookstore. Came here for a book reading and signing and the staff made sure everything was flowing perfectly. Great selection of books.

A reminder that the once fresh and counterculture Haight Street is being replaced by expensive, corporate, soulless wastes of real estate.

Amazing book store (with the cutest pride display did children's books!) The stat is friendly and the selection of books is so fun, 10/10.

Great space with a wide selection of books. Lots of smaller areas which make it feel cozy even though the store is actually pretty large.

Wonderful bookstore on Haight St. with helpful staff, variety of diverse reads including magazines and graphic novels. Highly recommend.

This is where to get your books in the area and is great for just walking around and enjoying the variety they have on their shelves.

We need more places like this in the city. Great store with helpful staff. Would also highly recommend their events like Shipwreck.

Lovely independent bookshop in SF, with a great selection of books. Loved the staff notes on the top pick books, such a nice touch.

Love coming to Booksmith with my kiddo. It has a great selection of books, and we always want to leave with an armful of new reads!

Another awesome independent bookstore. Great selection with lots of written recommendations from staff. Staff were very helpful.

My favorite bookshop in SF, hosts many fun events. If you’re local don’t forget to ask about the frequent book-buyers discount.

Great selection of books ranging in all possible genres. It's hard to stop digging through all the treasures you'll find here.

The store has a real bright breezy selection... it's easy to come across some neat gem of a book. Great graphic novel section.

Great selection of books and other miscellaneous items like notebooks and cards as well. Super friendly and great service.

Loved their book collections and recommendations!! You can definitely not leave this store without finding some new reads

Fantastic. Brought out my inner child and young adult. Check out the first editions and rare books behind the counter.

Interesting selection of books that are not the mainstream collection. Pity we were short on time to fully explore it.

Great bookstore. Easy to get lost in excellently curated sections of books. Staff picks are always worth checking out!

This store is adorable and the recommendations are great. I think this is a perfect place to find a Christmas gift.

One of the best bookstores in the Bay Area. Plus they own the bar next door so you can sip and dine while you read!

Such a lovely bookstore!! And great selection. Great staff. Great ambiance. Definitely coming back …

Lots of great new and old books! The atmosphere is very liberal and sophisticated! Cool photography books as well!

Great independent book store. Awesome range of non-fiction books and the staff reviews of books are really useful.

Great Bookstore, nice and attractive personnel who are also knowledgeable, fun events and a good place to browse

Super cute book store. I was surprised at how many good books they had. I'm definitely going to come back soon

Cool store. Good selection. I really like that the staff writes out little notes of recommendations and stuff.

Awesome bookstore with a great selection. Very well-organized. I love the section of employees favorites!

love the selection and atmosphere of this bookstore! very easy to navigate and have an enjoyable time.

Our friendly neighborhood bookstore. We always stop by to get birthday gifts for my son's classmates.

What a wonderful little store. ❤️ bought a book and some other cool things for the new granddaughter

Nice bookstore, has well labelled sections. Upstairs has fabrics in bulk with lots of cool designs.

Really nice bookstore. Interesting book selections and gifts. Support your local bookseller.

Been buying books here my entire life and I won't stop. Neighborhood gem, SF gem. Etc etc.

Yes, I still love books. I go here to get issues of Aperture magazine or McSweeney's.

Would give it zero stars if I could. Rudest staff and owner I have ever come across.

Really cosy bookstore with an interesting sortiment as well as custom recommends!

Great book nook with surprising finds. Helps if you know what you're looking for

What can I say? I love books. This place is cute, quaint and has friendly staff

Really cool bookstore with an eclectic selection of books and a fun atmosphere.

Such a great neighborhood bookstore. They have the best cards in the city too!

Love this bookstore! They have a great selection and some excellent events!

This is a fantastic book store. Great selection on some very obscure Topix.

Cute bookstore with handwritten descriptive notes detailing each novel.

Super friendly staff and easy to order online to pick up in the shop.