Stopped by after having followed this shop on Instagram for a long time and was so excited. So much history in such a tiny little shop, and a plethora of magazines spanning different decades and price points. I ended up visiting upon arriving and before leaving SF. The owner was very knowledgable and shared some stories with me about the magazines I was buying and the store itself. Definitely a must visit for those interested in print media and LGBTQ history! read more

Auto Erotica - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I'll start by saying: this space is a fantastic archive of gay/queer adult/non-adult films and literature over decades. This is an essential part of (gay) history, and it's impressive to see such a far reaching collection of magazines, manga, and more (including international entries). There are pins, posters, and more. The reason I'm rating it so low, though, is due to the owner's RUDE attitude. I entered Saturday afternoon with three friends. We browsed the store quietly. I saw a very cute lapel pin with a clown on it. Seeing signs that said "No photos without permission," I asked if I could take a photo. He said no, and I said OK. He then turned away and said "You and your friends are wasting my time dicking around." I was shocked and confused. I responded that we were just shopping and I didn't know what he meant. He said we "cost him two customers who couldn't reach the magazines" (which is odd since nobody asked us to move and we were certainly not taking up too much space). I was stunned and immediately left since my business wasn't wanted. My friend ended up buying some DVDs - we really weren't "dicking around" like the owner insisted - and was confused to hear me describe the guy's nasty attitude. Would NOT come back given the experience. read more

I give this place at least 2 stars because it's such a wonderful treasure trove of gay art and history. It's a really great collection. I have art from this place hanging on my walls at home. I can't rate it higher than 2 stars because of the incredibly rude owner. I, a repeat customer, came in today to look for something to hang on a blank spot on my wall and also to see what else caught my eye. I had to check a bag for the first time and the owner was passive aggressive to me about not knowing where to put it. He was outright rude to the next guest who came in and didn't immediately check his bag, saying "excuse me you need to check your bag. I saw you look at the sign twice, I'm sure you can read." I was surprised the customer didn't just walk out! I took my time looking through the store and eventually the owner tells me "okay, you have 15 more minutes to browse" and I say OK. Checking my watch I see it's 4:50, noting that it's really just 10 minutes before he closes. I leave before 5:00 and I smile and thank him as I grab my bag. Without even looking at me he explains that he's a store, not a library, and he has to pay rent and can't operate as a store without people buying things. I politely explained I understood that very well and that I have purchased from him in the past, to which he simply said, "Well, I don't remember that." Not even slightly apologetic. I just turn and leave with no intention of ever bothering that man ever again. To top it all off, I realized another guest came in right before I left and the owner didn't say anything to him about closing soon so I look up the store hours online and it says open until 6! I call and sure enough the owner answers. I ask him what time he closes. "5:45 tonight" he says, meaning he hadn't closed, but kicked me out. Ironically I was close to buying a $60 magazine but had to leave it because I thought I didn't have enough time to decide before he closed. What a shame that he is driving away business in the name of "protecting" it. The next time I need any sort of queer erotica I will simply look elsewhere instead of coming here and displeasing this jaded owner. What a shame this wonderful collection of art and history doesn't have a more responsible owner. read more

Their staff at the time i went was exceptional. The selection is pretty good. My only complaint is the pricing, can easily find cheaper elsewhere. read more

I had quite a few DVD's which I thought the shop would be interested in. I couldn't use them anyway as I had several duplicates. There was 0 parking outside on 18th so I just double parked & left them on the last step of the stairs going up. Just glad that they found another place for gay customers who would accept them. read more

Auto Erotica - My old DVD's - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - San Francisco, California

On Saturday I went in there to look for male anatomy magazines to do my art. Maybe 5-7 min went by as I was just about to buy a magazine and then I heard--THIS ISN'T A LIBARY!!! I dropped the magazine to tell the owner I'll never be back again! The rudest person--old and bitter! Unfortunately gay erotic magazines is in the past. Kinda sad to see gay history going by, no more places to find vintage magazines except eBay. read more

We stopped by to get some older magazines while we were visiting SF and got not only magazines but this big(!) book! The owner (I should have asked his name, and it's my bad that I didn't) is very kind and informative. The store has lots of arts, magazines, and discs/DVDs. As a younger generation LGBTQ+ human being, reading magazines published before I was born inspires me in many ways. Allows to reflect, contrast, and appreciate. I am very grateful this store exists, and I hope it lasts through all generations. Thank you! read more

Auto Erotica - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fascinating to get a sense of history in here. Don't be stuffy, you look at porn too, and most of the products sold here give a sense of what consuming porn and connecting with other men was like before the mercifully cheap and abundant internet. The 15-minute silent 8mm films that retailed at $50 new, about $200 today after 50+ years of inflation (currently selling for $3 in-shop today, but old retail price still shown), the personal ads at the backs of magazines, the pornographic fliers, ads, and catalogues that were kept in such pristine condition for obvious reasons, it's all such a fascinating and immersive glimpse into a totally different world, like an interactive museum with items you can hold, try not to drool over, and take home with you if you fancy them enough. They even sell current work from local artists. I picked up this tiny masterpiece and two other works from the same artist today. I'm sorry I took the best one but his other work is still really good. The owner is friendly and happy to answer any questions. The shop is a little hard to find even if you've been there before. I'm speaking from experience. I'd only been once, before the pandemic, so I vaguely knew where it was but still passed right by it as I was looking for it. I didn't realize I passed it until my phone told me to turn around. read more

Auto Erotica - A little masterpiece by a local artist, Jonathan Bracker. - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - San Francisco, California

Today I brought in a collection of Handjob Magazine books that I knew were something I thought the owner would be interested in. Handjob Magazine books have been out of print for many years and the books are illustrated and in great condition I had at least 12 different books and he insulted me by offering $15 for all of them. I said Absolutely Not. As I was leaving he offered me $75 because he had not made a sale this day. The books retail on Amazon for $70 - $85 each. Again, these are out of print books that are collectors items. The owner advertises he buys lots of Gay porn materials, but he lowballs everything and wants it for nothing so he can turn around and sell it for a whole lot more. My advice is sell it on Facebook Marketplace. I just sold the books on Facebook Market for $800 to someone local here in San Francisco. I cannot recommend anyone trade with this business. read more

This place slays every time! The guy at the counter is very nice, the selection of vintage stuff is fantastic. No gay store had ever slayed this much before; I'm literally moving to the Castro cause I wanna be closer to this shop!!! read more

So here is the deal. This is one of those places that you almost hate to review for selfish reasons because it has amazing pieces of historical gay importance in addition to the porn. You want a Harvey Milk T-Shirt from the Castro street fair of 1976 ya they have one for sale, the famous poster for the "Gay Olympics" that is rare because the homophobic Olympic Committee sued, ya they have one, the iconic poster for Blow Buddies the scene of your misspent youth ya got that too, even the Leather David in bronze from Febe's ya they have one but better get there fast as it's likely to be sold soon like the poster for Sister Boom Boom's famous campaign for city supervisor where she is on a broom followed by purple smoke spelling "Surrender Diane" instead of "Surrender Dorothy" that they just sold. Yes the owner can be standoffish until he knows you but hey this is SF and it's tough to run a small business in this town so you kind of have to be a bit tough. But his shop has soul! Try and get that at Target. read more

There are few places like this around anymore. If you're a gay dude who likes vintage erotica, you'll probably enjoy this shop.

What a fun, educational experience! This store surprised me in the best ways and we had so much fun exploring. It almost feels like a museum of gay history, in a way. Plus, there's fun vintage SF stuff, too! read more

This place is a Castro treasure. I went searching for print magazines, hoping I could find them somewhere in the ever-evolving Castro. Could I find a remnant of its storied past? Lo and behold, I found this gem of a place. I walked up the stairs and found a plethora of magazines, DVDs, posters, and other candy for the eye. It was everything I was searching for and more. The owner is very friendly and happy to chat. Every gay man who visits the Castro should stop here and browse the collection. Trust me, you'll be happy you did. I sure was! read more

Even if it isn't erotica you seek, Patrick has a huge collection of just great vintage San Francisco stuff -- us natives love it, and it brings us back, so come take a look. He is super friendly, engaged and communicative, and you can tell he loves what he does. A true asset to the community and the neighborhood. Steadfast, too. read more

This little hidden treasure holds the key and history to so many of San Francisco's authentic vintage erotic collectibles. It's probably the last if not the only store with such values that belong in a lgbt museum. My husband and I take adventurous walks down the Castro to sorta re-live this whole 70's sexual revolution that no longer exists but the vibes of the men that once walked, marched and pranced still lingers. It's located in between all this other shit that you'd miss it if you blinked for too long, you walk some sketchy stairs that gives the place just the right vibes. The place has flyers , buttons , posters , books, magazines, toys and so many other erotic homosexual raunchy goodness that every time I come out here it's like taking a souvenirs home.. it's crazy you guys have to check it out I recommend it. (Questions on BathHouses & SexClubs Msg Me) read more

Super cool, expansive collection of vintage magazines, films, and art. Sadly one of the only places left of its kind. I happened to stumble upon it as I was walking to Mission Delores Park, only a few blocks away. The shopkeeper was very kind and helpful. read more

Really? Used porn? awesome. I mean that. There's quite a variety of magazines & videos here, organized fairly well. Lots of dildos, lube and giant red penis-pops for sale too, (unused I'm assuming). Oh and an intriguing shower toy that I'll have to come back and check out. The sales guy (same guy all 3 times I've been in here) is very smiley and pleasant. And why not? He's enshrined in a tower of naked men and sex accoutrements. I wonder what he dreams of at night. This is all gay man porn, just so ya know. read more

I recently sold my old photos and DVDs here and got a rather good deal for unloading my unwanted things. :) After selling things, I wandered around the store and saw so many cool gay historical things! Way to go - i love that the owner has preserved so much gay history for everyone. (LOVE the hot Levi's ad) Before leaving, the owner gave me a great deal on lube! I highly recommend this Castro Gem! read more

For sale: 18 in. dildo/vibrator Bought it for $8.99, used couple of times Moving out of the country and must sell :-) read more

I buy my anal relaxer here. You know because my ass muscles are often tense during intercourse. Is that TMI? Sorry. I am reviewing a gay porn store. But the guy who works there is totally nice and helpful. This is definitely a part of the "gotta see" in the Castro and the boy magazines aren't either. I need my muscle boy fill. read more

Auto Erotic is a rare treasure of Gay ephemera- magazines, VHS, DVDs, collectables, posters, even some film! It's all priced very fair. The owner, Patrick, is a breathing historical archive, full of knowledge and laughs... Treat him with respect and he always responds in kind. read more

Great collection of vintage magazines and more! Patrick is very helpful and informative. Located in the Castro area. I definitely recommend stopping by here and supporting this local business! Auto Erotica is the place to go!!! read more

While visiting San Francisco a friend recommended this place to me knowing I have a big appreciation for vintage gay erotica and publications. I had no idea it would become the highlight of my trip. I spent a couple of hours looking through hundreds of copies of magazines I have never seen anywhere else. Prices are affordable and the store is organized and tidy. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable both times I visited and it was obvious he had a passion for the business. I can't recommend enough. This is a piece of gay history. read more

I went into auto erotica not knowing what to expect. What I left with was a breath of fresh air on my views on art. They have everything from play guy magazines to pieces of art on the walls. Being a cis straight woman I feel unwelcome at some places, but here I was instantly welcomed with open arms. I ended up buying my newest and favorite pin for my jacket. I would highly recommend auto Erotica to anyone in the castro! read more

Can't find that treasured issue of Freshmen from 1998? You might find a "well-thumbed" copy of it here. And if you're not buying, but you need to unload your porn collection for some cash, this is not a bad place to stop. read more

Not a sexy Saab in sight. Nor, for that matter, will you find much that would offend the sensibilities of Middle America. Their stock includes mostly soft-core porn periodicals, a variety of toys, and used videos. read more

I have personal pictures of john holmes, his phallus is exposed on two of the pictures, and there are also numerous pictures of what apoears to be family, friends and girlfriends. Was attempting to ascertain the value of said pictures. read more

Auto Erotica is pretty cool. It's a great place to find that "hard to find" magazine...if you're willing to browse. If you call Patrick he might hook you up if he knows it's in stock. Other wise he will hook you up with your favorite lube. As Kevin S. says...they're willing to buy porn collections, too. When you're in the Castro check it out....worth the stairs. read more

This store has a great selection of vintage magazines. If you're looking for old hard to find issues, this is the place to come. But I only give 2 stars because the service here is awful. The people who work here, both the guy in his 40s and the older guy are both unfriendly, disinterested and sometimes down right rude. When you go into the store you feel like you're bothering their coffee break or the tv show they're watching. Even when you check out all they say to you ia asking if you want a bag.They really could learn to treat people with a hello and a smile. Kinda sad. I'd hate to see them go under because they're such lousy businessesmen. read more

Long time Bay Area Castro resident, never popped in, had a moment to kill, so I took a chance to check out what could be a neat place of gay history. Great collection of vintage posters for old leather bars and a fantastic peek into the gay community from the 1960s through early 2000s. Porn too, but meh. I was here for the history. But avoid the place. Why? Owner is fantastically rude, ignored me throughout my wander through the store (as I considered $125 for a vintage print), only to act like it was a huge inconvenience if you ask a question. Lots of stuff is piled or stacked, and if you so as THINK to look through it he'll ride your ass. Guess I won't be buying that vintage Eagle print. Like others who reviewed, the owner is hostile and pissy. Funny considering a glowing Hoodline interview where he paints himself like some hidden gem of the Castro. Hidden for good reason. read more

If you are looking to complete a collection of porn then this treasure trove of a store is for you. They have hard to find gay porn - vintage, softcore and hardcore always in stock - magazines, videos, dvds & photos. OH, don't forget their toys!!! The staff is friendly and helpful. I give this Porno Heaven top scores. read more

What a bitter queen! My partner and I decided to stop by and check it out because we had never been there. Great selection of vintage porn magazines- literally hundreds. We were browsing through them for no more than 10 minutes when he decided to speak. But instead of trying to sell us something he was rude and said "This is a store, not a library..." He basically asked us to leave because we didn't pick up a magazine and buy it immediately. We were being respectful, quiet and keeping the magazines in order. I was flabbergasted! He seemed to think we had been there multiple times but we have never stepped foot in that place. How does he expect a customer to walk in and wrap their head around literally hundreds of choices and choose one in under 10 minutes? Hundreds of choices of porn we had never even seen (we are in our 30's). We had an idea of having a small stack of our favorites on the coffee table. Well, after literally being asked to leave from that store for doing nothing wrong we aren't spending a dime there. In addition, we will spread to everyone we know what an awful experience that was (and we know a lot of people in the neighborhood). read more