Want to support a best part of local government (a library) AND a local business based in…read morecommunity? Stop in this awesome bookstore! Inventory built by donations, there are so many rare, good literary finds in this bookstore. I stopped in after a meeting downtown one day and was overjoyed by their book selection and kind spirited staff! From independent fiction to cool graphic novels to locally inspired cookbooks, there is truly something to be found by any reader. And with most books priced under $10, it's an affordable experience. The Bookmark is a definite downtown Oakland stop.

A very good bookstore on Broadway in Oakland!!…read more As I was walking back from Chinatown, all the books outside caught my eye, and they were very inexpensive. Outside offered 1 dollar, 2 dollar, and 3 dollar books!! Inside, the books were also marked down significantly, although not as much as outside. You just have to be ready to browse a little. Technically, this Bookstore is in Old Oakland, just a block away, walking distance, from Swans Market. I've been here a few times since!!

I've been here a couple times, once for a community event and once to have drinks with a new friend…read more- both times did not disappoint! The vibe here is old skool intellectual lounge meets chic cocktail connoisseur. (Although I enjoyed a crisp glass of white wine during my second visit.) The literary selection in each room is vast and interesting. The seating is comfy. The staff are welcoming and fun. Moderately priced, Clio's is a must each month if you can swing it.

I have waited to write this review, but I'm seeing that other bipoc customers have had similar…read moreexperiences. I went to Clio's in the first 6 months of them opening and my partner and I have not been back. When I entered the space, I was excited to try something new- but it started when I went to order tea- I know now that the guy at the bar was the owner- I asked what kind of teas they had and he seemed annoyed at my question- like I was wasting his time. I had to ask again but then asked my partner who is white to deal with the rest of the ordering. We are a queer couple and both felt the vibes were hella off. Lots of white men in the space at that time. I also remember they didn't used to have any books by people of color. They had a "world" section of books though (lol) and throughout the rest of the place, a bunch of stuff written by white men. I feel like the stuff they have up now is a performative attempt to not appear what they actually are. I have not gone back since and don't recommend it

Adore this bookstore that makes its beliefs known real loudly. Great selection of books to choose…read morefrom for adults and kids. Decent prices on all the books. Always quick to assist you and very friendly.

Excellent curation of books, records, card games…read more Pop in to discover a new find- I enjoyed reading the write ups for new books and recommendations. We walked away this time with a few records!

I often went to the Fox Theatre but somehow always missed the bookstore across the street! So often…read moreolder books (those published 20+ years ago) are often super pricey. But many of these books are very reasonably priced, like $7.50-$25! Almost all of the stock is older, even obscure books. But it's a book lover's treasure hunt. I picked up a really interesting book about San Francisco's history from 1948 for only $10! Definitely recommend this place and it's a very quick walk from the Broadway BART station. The only thing I'd "change" is recommending that the owner put more of their stock on ThriftBooks.com to enhance their profits. But that would be at the peril of Bay Area bookworms! :)

I ordered a book from them in Aug 2024. It never arrived, and after multiple attempts at contacting…read morethem, they finally said they had moved and couldn't find the book at the moment. (Luckily they hadn't run the charge through on my credit card yet). Every couple of months or so I'd follow-up--sometimes they'd respond, sometimes they wouldn't. Still couldn't find the book, and kept asking me to be patient. I was patient for a long time. Now it's July 2025, about 3 weeks shy of ONE YEAR since I ordered the book. Wrote to them again, no response. But they still have it listed for sale on their website, so I took a shot and ordered it again. Then they wrote me a snotty note and told me to quit ordering it, they haven't found it yet. I wrote back and asked how they can possibly still be looking for a book after one year? Then they wrote back and said they were canceling my order! Very crappy customer service. Zero stars.

I've been following Jessica Hische's work and career for a while now, and I was super excited to…read moresee that she opened up a shop. At the time, I was pretty sad, because I lived on the east coast. Little did I know, I'd find myself in the area after all. This shop is a nice little oasis for designers who just love nicely designed little every day objects. Hische stocks this place with all kinds of delightful things. I think the best part is that there are things at all price points. It's not just some snobby place, where nothing costs less than $100. There are solid quality and affordable pens, as well as some specialty items that are on the more expensive side. There is even original designs/works of art from Hische herself. Definitely a fun spot to check out if you're in the area. Highly recommend!

Do people give any less than 5 stars to local arts and crafts, woman owned businesses? Anywho, any…read moredesigner knows who Jessica Hische is but her store is for anyone. There's actual art supplies, pins, art books and kids books, some branded items like shirts, totes, onesies, and cool stuff like gorgeous desk clocks or hourglass timers that I can't afford lol. Anyways, worth a visit if you're in the area. I ended up getting a bunch of my holiday shopping done for my creative friends.

Date: 10/14/2023. Time:3:30 PM. 68°. Sunny…read more My sister and I were searching for Chinese wedding envelopes. This book store had plenty of red envelopes. We decided to go with the gold instead of the red envelopes. For six envelopes, the price was $3.50. We were in and out of there in less than five minutes. The only item we could not find was a Chinese wedding card. We figured the gold envelope (money enclosed) was good enough to give my nephew and his bride-to-be their wedding gift. I'm just glad that we did not spend a lot of time shopping for those envelopes in Oakland Chinatown.

Lisa and I LOVE bookstores! You never know what kind of treasures you'll find. Today we were lucky…read morewith quite a few treasures! Treasure #1, this owner sure is the sweetest. He's kind, helpful, and extremely polite. It was very easy communicating with him. He's not a pushy salesman either. We enjoyed taking our time to browse. Treasure #2, the variety of items will cater to all ages and interests. They even sell music here. Believe it or not, Obama's book was available! Until we purchased it and brought it home :) Treasure #3, if you're into traditional calligraphy, they have all kinds of brushes and paper. He can explain which brush suites your comfort or preference. Lots of fun! So glad we came across this treasure in Chinatown!

I fell in love with Spectator Books as soon as I walked in!…read more I love that there's a station to leave your water bottles and drinks. I also appreciate that they have masks available if needed and offer them proactively. On top of that, they provide free drug testing kits, like fentanyl test strips -- which is so vital, especially with the spike in fentanyl overdoses and contaminations in recreational substances. It's just really nice to see that kind of care in the community. The range of books is massive -- both new and used. The selection of new books is decent, but the used book selection (and price) is phenomenal. They also have a whimsical collection of bookmarks, stickers, and random stationery, which is super charming. Honestly, it's just a really solid bookstore. The first time I visited, I'm pretty sure I spent like two and a half hours just browsing all the sections I was interested in -- and there were so many. Lots on religion and spirituality, metaphysics, physics, psychology, cookbooks, music, art, fashion -- so many topics that caught my eye. I took my time and walked out with maybe $125 worth of books and oracle cards, which was such a joy. They also have a book exchange policy where you can trade in books for store credit, but you need to make an appointment to do so. The last time I visited was maybe a month ago, but I'm thinking about going again... tomorrow! XD

I was hoping this was going to be like, a half price books situation, but it's more of a local book…read morestore. Huge selection, I am sure it's well organized. A lot of local authors. A nice selection of books in other languages as well. I did hear the employees kind of talking about some of the patrons, but I mean, I work in service, it happens. But maybe talk a little quieter, or wait until there aren't other patrons in the store.

PROS: Clean, working escalators, friendly staff. Well stocked. HUGE! Great selection of games and…read morepuzzles!!! They validate your parking in the front during check out! CONS: No seating on the 1st floor. After a day of shopping I wanted to relax with a magazine while my sons checked out the books and other items and there was absolutely nowhere to sit downstairs. I don't know if that is purposeful but it didn't seem to make sense. We did find some cool items to purchase and a card game so that was a plus.

The service was wonderful and the books are great. But, I wish book series were together in the…read moresections of the store to be a little easier for me. However, it is still a nice place.

Didn't get to look at the books as much on this past visit, but this time of year, they have a…read moregreat selection of holiday cards on hand. Some come as singles and some come in packs of eight or ten. It's just nice if you're trying to send something handwritten out to a friend or family to have some cute options to pick from. Side note, I find that other businesses on this street can be a little exclusive at times, not in a way that's really direct or anything but still noticeable. Pegasus is kind of a contrast to that, I've always felt very welcome and comfortable shopping here.

I've been to the Shattuck Ave Pegasus a few times, but there was something about this location that…read moreI loved. I walked out with only one book, but it could have been a dozen. Maybe they get a better selection of used books from the neighborhood? Or perhaps I prefer density in my bookstores. Whatever the reason, I left there without having looked at half the store, because that would have been another half hour at least. In summary, great selections, a layout ideal for bookworms, and a friendly neighborhood vibe.

Local store with great options, laid-back and friendly owners…read more Good selection of chocolate in there as well Definitely coming back!

This Newsstand is Iconic !!!!!…read more It's been in this location for over 60 or more years !!!! It is the Mecca for Anything in News Media and Print!!! In this Digital Age Of The Internet this is a Rarity!! I remember as a Teenager stopping in and Picking Up a Copy of The Wall Street Journal in my old E Trade and Charles Schwab Days!!! Now I stop by late at night when I am Bored and See what kind of Periodicals they have to read!!! I also stop by when I'm in the Neighborhood and Feeling Sentimental !!!! Lots of Good Memories there of Old Oakland When it was safe to Wander around Downtown Oakland late at night without a Strap ! Service is Friendly but Situational Awareness Oriented!!! For all these reasons!!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!!! I definitely Keep My Pimp Hand Strong !!!