A rare find today is finding a bookstore around San Francisco. It is good to see some cafes and restaurants having a few books available to browse. San Francisco definitely doesn't have a big bookstore like Barnes and Nobles ( RIP this May 2 in San Bruno ). The bookstores you will find around San Francisco are usually independent and also small business owned. There is a bookstore which has a diverse amount of books and magazines available to buy and browse. It's located on Fillmore street in Lower Pacific Heights and it's called Browser Books. Inside you see and it has that fresh book smell which aromatic.There are all types of books with hella different subject matters . It's a treat to pick up a book learn something new and some that will tickle the mind. You can pick up a book also to learn about the past, present, and possible future. Bookstores still exist in SF and are not a relic but a place to refresh the mind. Read about the Romans in the Colosseum in the city of "Rome "or the building of the "Pantheon's dome "you can learn some improvement tips for your "home"or just browse the magazines and books at Browser and I ain't talking about web browsers of Safari or "Google Chrome" Come inside Brower Books and learn some "insights" as the "mind ignites" and the books content "spotlights" different POV's around the world in the past, present, and future and Brower Books is located in San Francisco in "Pacific Heights " read more

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Owned by Green Apple Books! Took a respite from the jazz fest to enjoy peace and quiet and peruse books. Enjoyed the book smell and neighborhood vibes. read more

What a wonderful bookstore! It looks smallish from the outside but they've got a whole lot of books in there - and great displays of new books, recommended by staff, local history etc There is a really nice section for kids in the back. They have a nice selection magazines you. Friendly staff. Some nice gift items too like totes and bookplates. If you're a book lover you'll like it. read more

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Nicely curated section of various coffee table books on various subjects (art, photography, fashion, etc) in the front section of the store. Especially displayed in front window and behind counter. Only quibble is that they don't allow opening of the book from its shrink wrap. How is it then expected that someone will spend over $90 on a single oversized book without being able to view its contents? Otherwise a very cozy bookstore. A happy place indeed. read more

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Browser Books is a charming and well-kept bookstore with a thoughtfully curated selection that makes great use of its small space. I really appreciated the staff recommendations and how genuinely friendly everyone inside was. The store is well lit, aesthetically pleasing, and has a welcoming vibe that makes browsing a pleasure. They carry a little bit of everything across different categories, with a selection that leans more toward modern titles and contemporary voices. I also liked that they sell stationery and small gifts that cater to fellow book lovers. Having a Peet's Coffee right next door is a nice bonus. Great spot to stop by if you're in the area and looking for a cozy, quality bookstore. read more

I said what I said ..they close at 9pm everyday ...u could everyday ...but they didn't ask...don't stop ..where's Waldo that's a good joke nice read more

I walked in here on a whim looking for Dan Wang's new book, but they had sold out that day. That said, they had a solid collection of recently published and popular books, so I walked out with a different book. I ended up spending much longer than I anticipated perusing the titles under different titles sections, ranging from poetry to nonfiction and world literature, because they seemed to have a book that covered every popular title, but just enough that it still fit in the small bookstore. Their sales books on the table outside was very limited and a bad collection, which is why I only gave 4 stars. Store helper was really kind and helpful and it's definitely a great place if you want good recommendations without being confused by the Internet. Just come here and see the books for yourself! Prices are whatever the new book prices are, so don't plan for major discounts. read more

Browser Books - Health section of the bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I think the pete's coffee next door to browser books is an epic combo. Grab a book from the book store and then grab a seat at the coffee shop and dive in! I've come by browser books several times, yes often times just to browse because I didn't find anything or they were out of what I was looking for. They have discounted books out in the front that I'll peruse when I'm on a walk. I work nearby so it happens frequently. I would say that they often tun out of what I am looking for so don't come here for the new popular stuff come for some hidden gems. They also have a great yoga selection that I like to browse as well as travel. Sometimes I browse for an hour and sometimes I'm in and out. It's nicer when there are fewer people in there. There also isn't anywhere cozy to read a few pages before purchasing. I think they are working with the space they have. I love a bookstore and this one is worthwhile stopping in. It has the typical green apples index card notes from the staff describing various books. read more

Apparently I'm not the first to notice the rude, arrogant staff at Browser Books. Nor am I the first to be snubbed by the arbitrary return policy. For a primitive book store lacking any substantive literature, these folks take themselves way too seriously. I support local businesses but please find a different book store so this one may fail, allowing a respectable book store to flourish in this privileged location. read more

I brought a book from their staff recommended wall recently. I haven't read fiction in a while. The staff at the front counter was very nice and we had a short conversation on the author. My pup also had a great time sniffing around and baffled that I didn't buy one of his excellent selections. He happily forgave me when I got him a puppuccino afterwards at a nearby Starbucks. Great indie bookstore, helpful staff, and good variety of books. read more

Browser Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I love this bookstore! This is one of my favorite destinations on Fillmore, especially when it's raining. This bookstore was taken over by Green Apple, other than that I should only add- books, books and more books. I also like the journal, canvas tote, pen selection for gifts. One small critique: - the store bag's handles, when carried for extended period time, hurt hands - I carried Green Apple bag all over San Francisco this evening hoping to advertise this local business to everyone who looked at my bag. I realized that the logo was so well hidden that anyone who had seen the bag was probably not even able to read it. Please help me support and advertise local bookstores by updating the design. read more

Browser Books - Yes, please - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cute and cozy bookstore in the city! Not surprised they're owned by Green Apple. Although small, their selection is pretty up to date and I love spending time in there. I've found and bought some great cookbooks and a few poetry books - then went in next door to read them Peet's. The staff are kind and knowledgable. Oh and their store tote bag is one of the best I've ever owned! read more

I always feel lucky when I live close to a bookstore, and especially one as cozy as this one. Whenever I'm walking by, I can't help but stop in. They have a varied selection of books, staff recommendations, and are well stocked. Plus, they'll order you a book if they don't have it in stock and get it to you within 2 days. Just another reason to patronize your local bookstores instead of Amazon. The staff there has always been helpful when I've asked questions, but like another reviewer said, they're not the most outgoing or friendly. It makes them feel pretentious instead of adding to the warmth of the bookstore. read more

Beautiful bookstore with knowledgeable staff on a gorgeous street in SF. I am in town on vacation and wanted a book on the unknown history of the city. The gentleman behind the counter walked me to a shelf and handed me my next read, "Spirits of San Francisco" by Gary Kamiya and Paul Madonna. The store is well organized and offers a great variety of books and gifts. Do not miss this place! read more

The has got to be the best independent bookstore in SF. It's tiny but, don't let their size fool you! I have eclectic tastes and I am able to 99.9 % of the books I need in the shop. On the rae occasion they don't have it they get it for me. Their staff is so knowledgeable, I have been able to describe a book and they figure out the puzzle. When I plan to travel, I like to read fiction that takes place in that country or town. They always provide me a selection of brilliant tomes. Whether your visiting, a tourist or, lifelong San Franciscan, you owe yourself a visit! read more

Bookstores are magnets to my soul. I love a good bookstore and I want to encourage their stewardship. With my baby granddaughter in a stroller, we walked back to the children's book area and found "Larry Loves San Francisco". She loves it and I love reading it to her. Could I have bought this book online for maybe less? Who cares? I'm glad the small independent booksellers are still around! read more

Browser Books - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

The book that I needed was out of stock. The person that helped me today was very helpful and sweet . Thank you for your service. read more

I was doing a datathon in Noe Valley. Then decided to check out the Fillmore Jazz Festival. And I ended up in this little beauty. - There's a nice large selection. And some interesting finds will be under the register counter. Also there are random chairs around the shop at your disposal to sit down and pop open a book. read more

Can we please all skip Amazon and buy our books at a local bookstore like this one? It's so much more fun! I think I come in here every other week or so to browse around and see what I want to read next. Browser Books is my go-to for books that I actually want to own to get closer to my life goal of having a house by the beach with a room full of books. I usually buy non-fiction, and there's always something to find here. And so much more, I haven't even come close to explore the whole place. Prices are adequate, I don't want to imagine what they pay in rent here. I'm super happy to support them and don't ever want to see them go. Especially with the holiday season coming up, I'll be sure to do some of my gift shopping here. read more

I live nearby and love patronizing local bookstores so I always make it a point to stop in and see what's new every few weeks. They have a great selection, and it is very well curated with staff picks and interesting finds. Maybe it's just me, but every time I'm here I find the service to be so unfriendly. Compared to Green Apple Books in Inner Richmond or Dog Eared Books in the Castro where the employees will chat with you about their favorite books or go out of their way to help you find what you're looking for, Browser Books just doesn't go there. I have found them to be gruff, service with no smile, and very impersonal. Not even a "Have a nice day" or like I said today as I was checking out "happy holidays" is met with a straight face and no response from the staff. It's obviously way cheaper to find books online or on Amazon but I try to support local businesses. If you're competing with online marketplaces, I think customer service should be part of the selling point. If you're just looking for a place to buy a full price book, get in and get out, with little customer service or friendliness, then this is the place for you. read more

This is the type of book store that makes you WANT to buy books. Not only because they have an incredible selection that's well displayed, but also because you really want to support their efforts! Nice, helpful staff, including an adorable gentleman who offers cooking demonstrations on Sundays with recipes from cookbooks that are available there. In the past I had a bad habit of browsing in book stores, finding titles that look good, then ordering them from Amazon. I now see the error of my ways, as many of the independent book stores have gone under. The sliver of savings isn't worth it (and also isn't fair, given the fact that local book stores like Browser Books are paying rent and stimulating our local economy). I'll try to make up for my past by buying more books and gifts in the future. Hope they're here for me to patronize for a long time! read more

Cozy little space with lots of new and old books for sale. Very warm decor but no space to sit inside and read. However, there's a coffee shop next door so you can pick up a book and go there. Highly recommend coming by if you're looking to find s read in this neighborhood. Plus, the greeting cards they have are very unique. read more

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Ladies. If you've wondered whether the saying is really true, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach", just go visit Browser Books. The staff has "coincidentally" placed Alice Water's cookbook on the shelf right beside the Art of Sexual Fantasy book. It's a freaking conspiracy! :p I personally would've just put PDT's cocktail book next to the "health" books just because we all know, alcohol is a great (social?) lubricant and mixing cocktails is much like cooking, except you only spend 5 mins preparing a drink and the calories are much less ... than that 32 oz medium rare ribeye and truffled mash potato with HELLA buttered string beans you ordered at the steakhouse last night. Anyhoo, for those NOT looking for romance or just plain PMSing, there are Philosophical books, History books, a children's section and a great row of shelves on non-fiction with notes from the staff and their recommendations. You can usually find me in the travel section or classics. (I love Jane Austen!) Bookstores are a dying breed nowadays, much like quality men. Especially in this great city by the bay, where most of the population is gay/taken/mentally unstable/losers [insert another description here], I would need all the help I can get whether through self-help books or what not. And that's not gonna happen staring into my iphone screen ... "tinder-ing". read more

"To My Secret Admirer...I placed a single red rose between the pages of Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and put the book back on the shelf. When you find it, meet me at the cafe on the corner with the rose in your lapel. I will find you." This is just the unassuming, independent bookstore where I could see such trysts happening. Were it not for the bargain books placed on a table out front, you could easily blink and miss the place running late to a showing at the Clay Theater with the hot sauce still dribbling from your mouth after wolfing down the burrito at La Salsa. It's a small place crowded with books, but it's amazingly organized and manages to avoid the foreboding, musty clutter of a used bookstore. In fact, there doesn't seem to be any secondhand books here at all. Just lots of tall bookcases buttressed together with books shelved and sometimes piled on top of one another to make everything fit just so. The travel narrative and self-help sections are surprisingly robust, as is their long wall of fiction. Sci-fi paperbacks are stacked neatly way in the back so your inner geek can be exposed with abandon. The quiet clerk in front is helpful when asked. I don't think I've ever seen more than four people in the store at a time. I assume there isn't a literacy problem in the Fillmore but rather that the store prefers the quietude...surprising that they can achieve that nirvana state given the noisy, family-friendly Peet's right next door. By the way, I did buy a copy of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"...but alas I went home to read it alone. read more

A good bookstore is an experience. Walking down the aisles. Brushing your fingers across rugged rows of book spines. The smell of books. Stumbling across new titles that often lead to impulse buys. Immersing yourself in a never ending field of discoveries-- new people, new places, new ideas, and new voices. Browser Books gives you that serendipitous experience that Amazon and e-books don't give you. It's a quiet, homey little book store that has a surprisingly wide selection of new and older titles. Pleasant staff :). I love how they welcome my dogs in there! read more

(See pics) I love bookshops. I love the zig zag style that's sectioned almost like a little maze. It gives a mysterious way to browse around. It's cute and almost gives a historical moment when you walk in an older structure but renovated bookstore. They have books on sale in carts outside as you browse on a warm sunny day, or you can simply cozy up inside, getting lost with the variety of choices. The creative layout draws my attention to books that did not always in my logical thinking order, but to provide a new dimension of a section that I would buy books that I otherwise would have missed. Service was fast but not intruding as they know you are just browsing and usually are not particularly looking for a specific title. read more

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I went to several bookstores downtown and this was by far my favorite. It has one of the best selections and the best, coziest atmosphere of the stores i went to. I didn't give 5 stars only because there weren't any sitting areas or a cat, and every good bookstore needs at least one cat. read more

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I think I've visited almost every bookstore in San Francisco and I have to say this might be my favorite one! One of my old college friends and I are huge bookworms and whenever she's in town we always manage to find ourselves a bookstore to loiter in like a bunch of teens who don't want to go home on a Friday night. n_- Although it's a bit smaller as compared to City Lights on Columbus ave I felt like it had a more eclectic collection. I mean come on a place that puts Mindy Kaling on their popular non-fiction table? Yeah that's a pretty bomb ass set up. And they have SO many travel books! I've been meaning to pick up a few books for my trip to China in the summer and OMG they had so many to choose from! Then the culinary section beckoned and I normally resist the temptation to buy yet another cook book which ends up living a lonely existence on my bookcase as dust mites proceed to build a colony on it, however they had this really awesome book on Burmese cuisine and culture! It had great anecdotes on the country's history and how it's unique style of culture and food came about. I just had to get it! I love how the store uses all its nooks and crannies to its optimum capacity. The wooden interior also makes me feel at home and comfortable enough to just pick up a book and peruse it for an hour or two. Definitely a place to check out if you're shopping on Filmore street or looking for a private bookstore to support! =D read more

Browser Books - Picked up this sweet lady! n_- - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

A real live bookstore where you can go in and browse and actually touch books! They pack a lot of books in the store. They aren't as sleek as Borders but the inventory is well organized. This is a great place to visit before you drop by your dr's appt! read more

What an amazing bookstore! In a time when mass production and large chain places are coming up everywhere, I find this cozy, and filled to the rafters shop perfect. I went in last week during my lunch hour to snoop about looking for something to liven up my evenings, and was at a lost with all of the choices laid out on the table. The front desk clerk was SO friendly and she and I chatted about my literary tastes (mostly fiction, with some good biographies and travel stories thrown in for good measure). Not only was she sweet, she gave me a recommendation that was SPOT ON! The "Shadow of the Wind" (cheesy title I know I know) was one of those novels I started off at lunch, reluctantly put down during work, all the while eyeing it with desire the rest of the afternoon, and when I went home, could not put it down all night. I finished it in 2 days, stripping my poor body of sleep. *FANTASTIC* So, I highly recommend for you literary bugs out there. The only star missing is the late nights, for this insomniac when she is on the prowl to be swept away by words on those pages. read more

Greatest bookstore!! Fillmore's full of lavish boutiques, salons, ways to be $pendy, but this one place offers much stimulation and is a PERFECT getaway from computers, life, and just the hustle and bustle of Fillmore shopping. If you haven't been, take a look n see! I love the cozy set up; every inch of this petite store is packed with readables. There are nooks towards the back where a few can plop down and enjoy their finds. I never walk in with a list in hand, but always walk out with more than plenty. I'm captivated by so much so fast that I can never glance every shelf (which are neatly organized and well labeled btw). There are plenty of coffee shops at this corner of Fillmo/Sacramento, and BB is a great stop if I'm waiting for a friend or ride. It just has such a great vibe...it's my shrine. read more

Neighborhood store. It is always nice to support local businesses. I checked out from the library Our Town, The Best of the New Fillmore. It is a marvelous book, well worth the list price of $60. I am fascinated with how things used to be and how they became what they are now. This book has marvelous pictures and stories about all the wonderful things that make Fillmore special. The usual sources did not carry this book and I thought I was doomed not to have my own copy. But I stopped into Browser Books where I was given swift service. And the employee was kind enough to get me a "fresh" copy. A pleasant surprise was the charge was $10 less than list. So I shopped local AND I got a deal. All in all it has been a good day. I LOVE MY NEW BOOK! In these days of ereaders, there is still nothing better than the smell of a book store and the feel of opening a brand new book for the first time. read more

Few book stores of this kind still exist. Bookshelves too high to manage, friendly staff that greet you and your dog when you enter, a tight disorganized tangle of aisles, a certain dash of disorganization, and plenty of treasures to be found. I always leave here with something- a new vegan cookbook that's convinced me I should be vegan, a book of short stories by an author I've never heard of, or a book that's convinced me that I should freshen up on my German, even though I don't speak German. Upon checking out, the cashier always has something to say about my purchases as if he's read them all- "Oh, I think you'll find Hewitt to be a very clever character" with a knowing smirk. And let it be known, it seems like the place that would never have what you're specifically looking for, but everytime, it never fails to reach into its mess and pull out the exact book I'm looking for. read more

I had a negative experience where they wouldn't take an exchange that was, yes, past the return date, but in absolutely unused new condition, even wrapped in plastic. It was a birthday gift to son and wasn't age appropriate. They made no exception. It's hard to write this review, but I do value local businesses and want to support them. read more

Yes kids bookstores still do exist. You really can't beat the convenience of this location and instant gratification definitely has it's advantages. I needed some new cookbooks and who the hell wants a cookbook on their iPad or Kindle anyways? I walked out with a couple good finds and I'm super happy they're firmly entrenched on Fillmore St. We want you on that wall, we need on you on that wall! read more

I absolutely love this bookstore. It isn't huge. In fact, I doubt it has the best selection in the city. But every nook and cranny is stuff, overstuffed even, with stories. They are well organized by topics. The people here are so friendly. And best of all I can walk here in just a short amount of time. They carry plenty of new releases in both hardback and paperback styles. They also have lots of old favorites. And books in every category are to be had in Browser Books from fiction to leadership to history. Plus they have such an awesome name - it practically encourages you to stay just a little longer, dig a little deeper into that pile of books and see if you can't find something interesting you've never heard of before that is certain to be one entertaining read. read more

When I move to a new place, I always have a few key requirements: 1) Must have a good Chinese food delivery option (yes: Wok Shop Cafe) 2) Must be short walking distance to excellent coffee house (yes: Peet's is close enough, and if I'm desperate, Martha's will fix me up.) 3) Must be within walking distance of a great bookstore (yes: in fact my flat is equidistant from both Browser Books and Books Inc. in Laurel Village). The last criteria is the most important -- I can always hop a cab from a bar or club, but there is nothing finer in life than strolling to my own bookstore for one more book to crowd my already overloaded bookcase. Even though each of my perimeter bookstores are within spitting distance of a Peet's coffee, I find that I tend to head toward Browser Books more often, simply because I enjoy the discussion with the staff, who seem extremely literate and willing to share their opinions. I strongly support independent bookstores and even though I know Amazon would often be more convenient, I'd rather steer my business to an excellent, locally owned enterprise like Browser Books. read more

This place didn't get much of a fighting chance from me, since I can smell "hipster intellectual snob" from three miles away. Wandered into Browsers for a browse before dinner at Vivande, and was greeted by a smug-looking cashier but shelves upon shelves of books. Word. They got their table of chick reads and best-selling summer paperbacks, but probably wouldn't have them unless they sold like wildfire. Obvious should be my middle name. I started wandering through the stacks to discover their method to the madness, and began the cruise the literary fiction. Hmmm...I reach the "B" shelf and I see, "For Bukowski Ask Us." "For W.S. Burroughs, See Us" :::::keep cruisin':::::::: "For Kerouac Ask Us" I mean....is this REALLY necessary? The literature I choose to purchase is for ME, not so that I can save face around people who *think* they love it more. Is this store's collection SO EXCEPTIONAL that they need to have a conversation with you before hand to decide if you're worthy of it? I should also mention that my other middle name should be Skeptic. Cool little store and with some impresssive selection, but the air about it is not very welcoming. read more

I am so old and boring now. And happy. An exciting night out is yoga at International Orange and a trip to Browser's books followed by chocolate and tea at Bittersweet. God, I sound like my grandmother. Browser reminds me of the old rickety library in The Neverending Story and holds just as many treasures for young and old (including hot pac heights guys- mine included- meandering through the long, narrow aisles. There's a magical little children's area in the back with something for every little one on your gift list. They have a pretty expansive health and fitness section as well as cooking and home design (told you...boring). There are books on cake decorating, taxidermy, Judaica, antiques, pirates, polar bears, and everything in between. The staff here are excellent, the atmosphere is new-agey and quiet (good post-yoga), and I always leave with something. They also have a frequent buyer card, which a cheap jew like me finds really attractive after paying too much for a yoga class and before paying too much for tea and chocolate. Go, spend lots of time poring over their surprisingly vast collection, buy, eat chocolate, read, and enjoy. And don't forget to get that card stamped! read more

A gem of a bookstore in Fillmore/Pacific Heights. It's the only bookstore on the neighborhood. A small niche of a place stocked with lots of fiction titles. Don't let the size of the bookstore deceive you, you might find some rare, out-of-print of nearly out-of-print books. Other than the newly released hardbacks and paperbacks, they have very good selections of used books. Whether you look for fiction, chick lit (suits the neighborhood), history or cookbooks, you'll find something. This place is a quiet oasis at a busy intersection. Grab a book and have coffee next door! The clerk (the owner?) often offers little comment on my purchases. This is the charm of local indie bookstore. read more