We visited for the first time and we loved it. Great book store. It's clean and well organized and has a great selection.

One of the best book stores in SF! If you're looking for anything fantasy/sci fi/ horror related, this is the place to go. Amazing selection and even better recommendations (I can't remember the number of times my finance and I have stopped in and chatted with the staff about new releases and recommendations). They also occasionally have events (like the Onyx Storm release party this week)! read more

Borderlands Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing. Just amazing. This is their new location, relocated (a few years ago?) from their old spot on Valencia. It's immaculately neat, well-lit, super well-organized, and their selection cannot be beat. I don't consider myself a fantasy/sci-fi/mystery/horror buff, but even I found things I knew I'd love to read here. There truly is something for everyone! I found a Georgette Heyer paperback here; she's famously difficult to find in used and new bookstores. The owners and employees are so friendly, and they emphasized that they will order books for you if you can't find it on their shelves. Just ask! I'll be back for all of my mystery needs :) read more

I had a great experience with Borderlands and their team! I actually have yet to go in physically to the store, but they have a great online service through Biblio. I was able to find a very tough to track down Asimov book with them and it shipped quickly and efficiently. (Great price, too!) I also messed up my order slip and called the store to correct it. They were courteous and so helpful! I can't wait to visit in-person next time I'm in SF. Thank you Borderlands Books! read more

Great selection of horror books and staff have a great knowledge on books and they are so friendly Check out their used books section its so good with vintage book covers and alot of stephen king read more

Borderlands Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

What an amazing find! This bookstore has a specific niche in horror, fantasy, mystery, and sci-fi (in my opinion, these are the best genres). I love a book store where you can wander and see what calls out as well as one where you can ask for recommendations, and this has both! I put a novel on hold for my upcoming book club and also took a book home that day that I've been tearing through. This is definitely going to become a favorite stop for books both new and used. I can't wait to go back soon. read more

~SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP THIS COVID SEASON ~ If you love fantasy, sci-fi and horror books this is your bookstore! They have a wide variety of organized books. They also have a ton of new releases for people to pick up right when you walk through the door. I was looking for suggestions for fantasy and the bookstore worker was so so helpful. He gave me a ton of titles that they thought would be right up my alley. If you're nearby, definitely check it out!!! read more

Borderlands Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had a seriously great experience, the booksellers here are really fantastic. They've got a great collection. Highly recommend!

Nice bookstore, never been there before. Hubby enjoyed browsing. Worth checking it out. Great area too!

This is the best bookstore in the entire city of SF. If you love Fantasy this is the place to go. Whenever I'm in a reading rut I go here and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable about the collection they have. The last two series that I've bought have been from them. And if they don't have what you are looking for they order it and save it for you for up to 2 weeks. Amazing find, and I encourage anyone who's looking for a new book store to take a visit here. I've had nothing but positive experiences here! read more

this place is beyond cool. if you get sad every time you go into a bookstore and the sci-fi/fant sections are sad and small, this place is the exact opposite. even if you don't typically read sci-fi/fant/horror/mystery, you could probably find something in here to change your mind. they've got all the usual suspects: dune, the expanse series, children of time, stephen king, agatha christie, etc. and then also tonnsss of other titles to discover! ps. eleanor has great taste read more

As a SciFi/Fantasy geek, as a book store stan, I love this place. Most of my bookshelf is science fiction or fantasy books, 5 of the 7 shelves. A mix of paper backs, hardcovers, and art books. And whenever I go into a bookstore I always beeline straight to this section. With Borderlands, it is all this section. A long standing science fiction bookstore located in the Mission on Valencia, a block from Dog Eared, providing a lot of literary power to the neighborhood. Now back in the day, Borderlands also had a cafe, but given the growing rents and overabundance of coffee shops in the area, it made sense to trim down to just the bookstore. Things that make this book store great: the selection! At least one wall and then some is just new books. And not just new new books, I mean new classics as well. Nabbed a copy of God-Emperor of Dune for a friend of mine who hasn't been able to find it at a lot of the local Oakland bookstores. Then there is the used books, a treasure trove of randomness from classics to new finds on the cheap. The staff is also incredibly helpful and fun to chat with. From recommendations, to comparing thoughts on classics. Given we're all starting to make our way back into the world - this was my first time in the mission since 2019, and this was my second stop on my reunion walk - give your eyes a break from digital formats and pick up a nice, fun read! read more

Borderlands Books in San Francisco offers a specialized selection of science fiction, fantasy, and horror titles. The knowledgeable staff and inviting atmosphere make it a go-to destination for genre enthusiasts and collectors. read more

I visited on a weekend with my boyfriend who was looking for sci-fi books. They seemed to specialize particularly in sci-fi and fantasy, and had an impressive selection. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly and could talk at great length about any genre, and was super familiar and helpful. Great bookstore, lots to choose from (though especially fantasy), and value seemed fairly priced. read more

As far as service, Borderlands is the BEST bookstore I've ever been to. They're fantasy/Sf/horror focused and in those genres they really shine, having the best selection I've ever seen. And each staff member will help you out and give their own unique recommendations; if they aren't sure they will refer you to someone who has more familiarity. I've never been to a bookstore where every single employee was so friendly and helpful - often you'll get the opposite , unfortunately, like at a certain fruit-themed used bookstore in the city. I supported Borderlands on indie bookstore day by buying a horror rec and bringing some friends, who Jeremy helped out with typical enthusiasm. If you're in the Haight and like good genre fiction, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. read more

Outstanding selection of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy. Friendly and kind staff. I was able to purchase the entire Murderbot series and put the new one on hold. They have a good selection of postcards, greeting cards, stickers, and keychains too! read more

Independent bookstore for the win. Quiet and well stocked. Borderlands is the place you dream of when you think bookstore. It's not a hurried place, but one that speaks of leisurely reads and great books. Horror, mystery, sci/fi and fantasy seem to be their big genres, and the scent of coffee that wafts over from the cafe only complete the experience. If I was a city dweller, I'd be there all the time! read more

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So cool! Great selection of sci-fi and fantasy- used and new! I've never been to a shop that specializes only in those genres! We were looking for an out of print novel in a series by Jane Yolen and happened to locate it online here. So they kindly held it for us for a few days until we arrived on our vacay! Lots of interesting shops and dessert/drink shops to visit along the street as well as a more broad selection book store practically next door. Great staff and lovely interior space filled to the ceiling with amazing books! read more

love browsing through books at Borderlands Books. They have a decent collection, but I wish they had more seating areas for readers.

I wandered in looking for a few hard to find sci-fi books by women and people of color and was shocked to find my entire "obscure" reading list on their shelves! I'd also been perusing Discworld but didn't know where to start. I said "I have a question" and immediately three heads swiveled toward me to listen intently while I talked about my favorite books and authors and then they reached a consensus recommendation for a first Pratchett novel. Everyone in the shop was incredibly nice, and I think they may have read every book in there a few times over because every book I mentioned they were able to talk about. It was wonderful to be able to just talk nerd and social issues and not feel like a weirdo. The space is very clean and organized and the selection is to die for. Support this shop if you love sci-fi, fantasy, and horror! read more

Excellent bookstore with focus on horror, mystery, and fantasy. The employee was knowledgeable and offered great suggestions for future reads. read more

Grab a book and settle in to a comfy chair. The stock here is divine, though very specific. People who walk in looking for general fiction will have a sight shock, because this store focuses on Sci-fi, fantasy, horror and mystery. The staff recommendations are always a great place to start. Store also has cards, notebooks, steampunk bits and bobs and collectible editions. read more

Borderlands Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I seriously have nerd wood for this bookstore. I'm not even a huge science fiction and horror fan and I still have nerd wood for this place. I love how helpful their employees are in finding the right book for you. Plus the fact that they specialize in only a couple of genre's just pleases me to no end. I mean Borderlands Books is giving globalization and diversity the middle finger. I like your moxie, Borderlands and I'll be back soon. read more

Borderlands Books specialty is horror, scifi, and mystery novels. in my youth, i would have loved this place. can forseee visiting this place again in my twilight years. highlights: used books, 25cents clearance shelf, 75% off section. notes: -mostly new books sold here. -very clean, nealty shelved books here -cafe next door. read more

This has been my go-to sci-fi/fantasy bookstore for years. It's a San Francisco gem. Highly recommend!

Everything a bookstore should be. Been going to Borderlands since the old location 15 years ago (just got back from the 15th anniversary party). Since everyone has already told you how cool Borderlands is, lemme just give you some tips instead: 1. the owners are Alan (tall skinny guy) and Jude (woman with headscarf). 2. Ripley passed away. He's been replaced by two younger hairless cats. The cats are actually very friendly, but don't tend to stay still very long. Try petting one, it's iike a warm leather couch. 3. Don't see it? They'll order. 4. All of the local SF authors hang out at Borderlands. You wanna meet Stephen Boyett, Lisa Goldstein, Pat Murphy, John Shirley, or others? Just keep coming back to the store. 5. This means don't criticize an author too loudly while you're there. They may be in the store. Oh, and local publishers are there too. 6. Borderlands buys used paperbacks. Due to limited shelf space, they're picky. However, your credit is good for used or new books. 7. No-laptop cafe. read more

The last time I was here they made me buy the Call of Cthulhu (2005) DVD. Seriously, there is always something interesting when I peruse this store. It is a fantastic "genre-fiction" book store. New, used, DVDs as mentioned above, it's all here. They even have a friendly hairless cat to help you browse their stock. read more

Borderlands Books - Ripley and another hairless cat - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Like other used book stores in various parts of the city, we make a point of stopping by here when we're in the area, since we're both sci-fi/fantasy fans. It's packed in here, with a decent selection, plus a cafe and hairless cat! If you have a jonesing for hard-to-find sci fi or fantasy, you can't go wrong with checking this place out. If you can't find something, ask the employees and they'll be happy to see what they can do! read more

My husband, daughter and I visited this book store on Sunday. Hand sanitizer was provided at the door. The (masked) gentleman there was super friendly and informative. We purchased an Edward Gorey puzzle and a deck of art nouveau tarot cards, and are very happy with our purchases. Grateful that they were open and operating safely! read more

Borderlands specializes in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror books. I don't normally follow these genres, but I couldn't help but go inside the store for a quick peek. The store has a reputation for selling a carefully chosen selection and its customers seem to appreciate it. I was only in the store for a few minutes, but I stayed long enough to overhear a conversation between two employees and a customer about a new book that came out. The conversation was passionate and well-informed. Bravo! I love it when bookstore employees actually know and care about what they're selling. These casual discussions between employees and customers show a dedication to customer service that bigger book retailers can't give. The mission statement on their website begins: "We love books. They're our friends. Good books and bad books, 1st editions and beat up paperbacks. We love how they smell, how they feel, and the way they sound when you open them (A customer once said that he liked how they tasted. . . we watch him very carefully when he's in the store)." Right on. Price: New books are retail price. Selection: Specializes in fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. Service: Employees are friendly and love to talk with customers. Atmosphere: Warm, welcoming, and rather magical. read more

Amazing people here, had a fun conversation with Scott and he helped me choose a new book to check out! Felt like the best experience in a bookstore. This is the treasure island of books, there's a book for every reader of fiction and it makes you realize how much it means to have bookstores in the neighborhood! This will be one of my favorite go-to spots for books now! read more

I read a book 5 years ago that i took out from the library and it haunted me. I thought about it all the time in the following years but couldn't remember the title or author. I had given up when in a shot in the dark i asked the woman working at borderlands book if she could help me try and figure out what book it was. I described it to her and she found it! I was so happy. And she was so helpful and friendly. This bookstore is amazing. read more

Unquestionably, this is my favorite store in the world. They're a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror specialty bookstore, so know what you're getting into. That said... * Incredible selection of books...I can wander around here for hours * Cozy wood-and-rug decor, complete with creaky wood floors * Knowledgeable, passionate staff * Hand-picked recommendations posted on the shelves * Awesome events * Engaged community and owner (they write my favorite newsletter) ...and so forth. Whether you're just peeking into genre fiction or are plumbing its depths, I would put this at the top of your list. read more

The best coffee shop in town. The staff go out of their way to make one feel comfortable. The coffee and the food are excellent. The place is also extremely clean and well kept. I recommend it highly. read more

I bought a "toothy" the squirrel happy tree friends button here for a dollar. sweet. Shorty prior to that attended the sci-fi section of Litcrawl, which was even sweeter. This...is a happy place. I can tell. I like happy places. They make me...happy. read more

An eclectic and personalized book store experience. I could come here planning to buy one specific book and leave with five completely different ones. The staff adds great notes to help your choice, and somehow the organization of the store makes completely new titles stand out and look amazing. I personally love their wine book selection - many classics. Also, most if not all of the books are second hand, so they are quite affordable while still being in good shape. A must visit for anyone exploring the mission! read more

Solid selection and recommendations. I've never been to a hyper-focused bookstore like this before, so I was in Sci-Fi heaven. Saw all of my favorites and met some new ones. No children's books and not for everyone. read more

So, I've been passing by Borderlands Books every weekend for over a year now without once stopping in. You would think that would be impossible, given the book fanatic that I am...but this is an amazing strip of bookstores with Borderlands, Modern Times, and Dog-Eared. I generally head straight for Dog-Eared... and I am only a very occasional sci-fi and fantasy reader. However, since the book club is doing Philip Dick (whom I've been thinking about reading for awhile), I decided to check out Borderlands. And I was pleasantly surprised...once through the door, I was in one of the most beautiful and coziest bookstores I've seen since moving to San Francisco. Often, the word cozy would connotate small. But Borderlands is not a small space by any means. However, it has traditional small lamp lighting fixtures (flourescent just does not do it for me in bookstores) spotlighting very well organized bookshelves. It's easy to find what you want...as long as you are not distracted by the many many sci-fi and fantasy books here. I think I saw some comfortable seating near the back. I will have to check it out again when I have more time. One of the topics that had come up during the book club oligarchs' meal at Fresca was Hans Christian Anderson fairy tales and their gruesome nature. I have never read the real Anderson fairy tales, only the sanitized kiddie versions. But a couple of people promised gore just as good as the Brothers Grimm. How can a gal pass that up? So I picked up a complete tales of Anderson in hardcover for only $14 dollars. I didn't see the Philip Dick we had chosen on the shelves. I asked the guy at the cash register. He looked it up, realized that new copies were in the boxes that he had been in the midst of unpacking and promptly went through the boxes to find the book I was looking for. Beautiful space, great friendly people. And isn't it nice to think that the sci fi and fantasy people have it so good? I think it might convert me over to that category of geekiness. A good bookstore does weird things to me. read more

A great quiet place to read, study or have a quiet conversation... The staff is super nice and helpful, and they really care. read more

In Plato's allegory of the cave, this is the sci-fi / fantasy bookstore that casts the shadows for every other bookstore. That is to say, it is seriously the best sci-fi / fantasy book store that I have ever been to. My first visit, I was feeling somewhat at odds and ends, because I had read pretty much everything by every author that I liked. Amazon's suggestions just weren't cutting it. So, I end up in a conversation with the owner of the store, in which we walked through the shop and talked about what authors I've read, and liked or not liked. I ended up with 4 or 5 books. One of them was the first book in Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series. I've since read all of the published books in that series, and absolutely loved them. The author readings are another great thing about this shop. I've attended three so far, and have enjoyed all of them. The authors talks I attended were by Guy Gavriel Kay, Kim Harrison, and Tad Williams. At each of these three, they let attendees get as many books signed as they want, although if you have a huge quantity you may have to go through the line multiple times to be fair to everyone else. The newsletters (archived on their website) have hilarious tales of "The History of the Bookstore" because their 10 year anniversary is coming up. Think loosing a cat in the basement, the trials of ancient plumbing, and fun with building bookshelves. Just go read them because clearly I'm not that funny. They also satisfy my new addiction: first edition hard-cover books :). And they almost always protect the dust jackets with BroadArt book covers. The only exceptions that I've noticed are when they have a huge influx of books for book signings. And then, there's Ripley. She's the perfect bookstore cat. And currently her cousin Sly is staying with them too. read more