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The Love Potion Library

4.8 (22 reviews)
Open • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago
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Recommended Reviews - The Love Potion Library

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Priscilla L.

I just happened to stopped by this new place that opened up on quiet Noe and Market street corner by the residential side. It's a unique set up of cute books I think romantic books with pretty colorful covers on all the displayed books which draws the customer in. I saw people already have their snacks and just talking to each other quietly. Treat it like a library quiet and you can have some peace of mind. No loud cofee shops here, like who wants that in a busy city where people on their electronics, rushing and shoving and talking loudly. You don't see much places like this so if you want an extension from your little apartment to have a larger living room format, this is for you. I was curious about their pastries and decided to try some. I just happened to pick up two Elaichi buns which is made of cardamom, brioche with added glaze butter and cardamom dotted inside bun to give it some texture. It was light and not oily which was good. I feel healthy alreadyl! lol I tried the Achar Focaccia which it is fusion bread that combines traditional Italian focaccia with Indian mango pickle (achar), offering a tangy, savory, and spicy twist. This is an interesting unique place that makes you want to look it up online which I did. Their website has many social media links to buy books, alums events like book clubs, game night and trivia. This sounds fun and interactive with other people. This world doesn't have to be lonely as long we share it with people with same interests and be respectful

Tropes section
Lizzie S.

Beautiful space! A friend @taylesofthecity posted about SF's first and only romance bookstore that just opened this past Saturday in late April 2026. I had to go! I biked there. It's very conveniently-located at Market and Noe near quite a few transit lines and bike lanes. Service is friendly. I enjoyed my sparkling tea. I camped out in the plush love seat after purchasing a book (modern romance taking place in SF!) for 2 hours! Great place to kill time. Lots of people came in to peruse books, some came in just for a drink or pastry, and some had meetings here. The book sections are categorized by tropes. They have cute bookmarks, tees, hats, and totes. I'm excited to come back for Heated Rivalry trivia and more events are coming! Follow them on Instagram and sign up for their newsletter to learn more and see dates. Wonderful addition to the neighborhood and city.

Zoe G.

Saw this spot on Tik Tok and decided to swing by on a chilly day. We grabbed a pot of tea and the same book. We read and drank tea on one of the couches, it was very peaceful. The owner is super nice and has great recommendations. Love that they host community events, we ended up buying the book to finish. We're almost done, so we'll have to come back for another book and cup of tea.

Chandni D.

Love love love this place! It's so cute and quaint. We had our book club meeting here and it was perfect! We got some tea and snack and just yapped for hours. It's perfect for a solo date or even with a small group! 10/10 recommend :)

Sparkling tea with water glasses
Clarissa C.

Very excited to have something like this in SF! The space is light and breezy, with plenty of seats to have tea with friends or read a romance novel quietly. The selection of books was lovely with all of the big name romance books currently on the market, with an emphasis on books set in San Francisco. The porcelain tea set was so pretty and really elevated the experience, and the pastries (especially the pistachio loaf) were delicious. A great spot to spend an afternoon!

White wine in beautiful glasses

We loved the atmosphere and wine list at this beautiful bookshop. They have a number of delicious teas and wines and a rotating assortment of pastries that all pair well with their thoughtfully curated book selection. Especially love the chocolate chip cookie and the sparkling wine!

Such a cute shop with a great tea and treats menu! Also love the addition of locally made goods in addition to books.

Kendra B.

ADORABLE book store. I will be back. You can get tea to sit and read, or just browse the books. They have a ton of events available too!

Sparkling teas, very tasty, and the cookie from the gods

Really lovely atmosphere, good selection of books, great tea. Hot and sparkling teas for all weather types, and no joke, the chocolate chip cookie was one of the best I've had in the bay. You could taste the browned butter inside and it was topped with some sea salt Employee(s) were super friendly as well!

Joanna W.

such a cute cafe and bookstore hidden in castro! a very calming environment and offers delicious pastries and drinks. plenty of seating for you to relax and enjoy. very sweet people and got a few of their pastries which was delicious.

Earl grey tea and pistachio loaf

Delicious tea and pastries with a wide variety of books! The owner does a great job of recommendations based on past reads.

Love this new romance bookstore! Excellent book selection, yummy teas, and beautiful space. Can't wait to come back with my book club!

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2 months ago

Gorgeous place with fun events, great service, and so many beautiful books. Lovely place to go to events or cat h up with friends

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21 days ago

the place felt unwelcoming, and the customer service was rude. unfortunately, i wouldn't recommend this place based on my experience.

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Veena P.

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Ask the Community - The Love Potion Library

What are the business hours?

11am to 8pm everyday!

Do you allow dogs?

Hi! No, unfortunately our health permit doesn’t allow for pets inside our store, just service animals.

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Review Highlights - The Love Potion Library

“You will see the different themes and different love and Romance languages in a curated book collection.”

Mentioned in 4 reviews

Read more highlights

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Zazie - French Toast Tahiti

Zazie

4.2(5.6k reviews)
0.9 mi•Cole Valley
•$$$

Zazie is a local, beloved institution. I grew up around the corner on Ashbury. I've been a…read morecustomer here since they opened, in the late 80's? or early 90's? The food is excellent, the "Un, Deux, Trois" (egg, pancake/French toast and bacon or sausage) is my go-to breakfast, along with a big bowl with a latte or "un chocolat". Lunch and dinner menus change seasonally, but the salads/ veggies are always super fresh, and along with pastas, they always have tempting meat, poultry and fish dishes. Their desserts are consistently fantastic. I lived in Paris after college, and Zazie (based on the film, Zazie Dans Le Metro) is absolutely, authentically French. The French mom I worked for is the only person I know who did this dish better. So, whenever I find it on the menu, I order their Rabbit Stew. It's simply divine. I keep returning for the food, but honestly, the service and atmosphere are equally top-notch. The best kept "secret" is they have Monday evenings reserved for dogs on the back patio. There's usually a special on wine, and they have doggie treats! You have to experience it to believe it. Honestly, you could easily be in a quaint French village bistro, surrounded by all the townspeople, and their canine companions, big and small. It's the best. Zazie is literally one of my all-time favorite places in the world for breakfast/brunch, equally fabulous for a French date night, or special place to treat "out of towners". But my all-time favorite is the Monday Dog Nights!! My husband and I took my Italian Greyhound here many, many times. Jack McCoy gives it "2 Dew Claws Up". A classic.

Out for a long awaited dinner w spouse on FRODAY. The main…read morething that deserves the one STAR is the FOOD. I'm not even considering the 1 hr 45 min wait for the food as ALMOST THE ENTIRE patio of guests were in the same situation. 1. Pate Maison - a THICK, almost frozen, slab of tasteless pate came out on a cold, previously grilled, thin cut of what may have once been good bread. Pate was UNspreadable and fell off the bread in crumbles and chucks, revealing overly buttery cold and smushed bread structure underneath. It was AWEFUL such that I spit out my bite into a napkin. I declined a replacement with anything off the menu after the server inquired about me not eating it. 2. Dinner roll w a round of butter. It was a plain, white roll that is likely $1 at a local Safeway. And it was cold. I did not eat it. 3. Mushroom Ravioli - came about an hour after the pate. Ravioli were ok but only AFTER one scrapes the mud-colored EXTREMELY salty sauce they came buried in. There were literally 6 arugula on top that could not kill the salt in my mouth after one bite. AWFUL! 4. Pork chop - huge with 2 bones in. Looked ok but cause of the thickness, the more outer layers were OVERcooked and only the inner was ok. Plus, there was a mildl flavor of previously used fat/oil for the searing process. UNAPPETIZING! The gratin potatoes were ok but one does not pay almost $50 for a square of potatoes. We took the above home without complaints mainly bc we felt bad for the waitress, who already had patron next to us tell her they were starving and wanted to leave. I ate a $2 yogurt at home after putting the left overs in compost - and bemoaning a waste of $130 hard earned dollars. I give Food - a FAIL. SERVICE - our waitress was an attractive tall gal, put together and nice enough. However, she was minimally attentive, perhaps because the restaurant was way overbooked for what they could reasonably handle. So I would give service a C grade. AMBIANCE - warm lit and bustling, crowded, mostly clean. Wall posters (French) looked bleached by the sun and age. Floor to the patio was slick w grease and water, so a fall risk for some. I give ambiance a B grade. Sadly, my conclusion is AVOID unless they improve. We will NOT be returning to find out if they do.

Photos
Zazie - Outdoor at night

Outdoor at night

Zazie - "Miracle pancake" special for mothers day was cinnamon bun. Love that you can order just one

"Miracle pancake" special for mothers day was cinnamon bun. Love that you can order just one

Zazie - French Toast with fresh fruit

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French Toast with fresh fruit

The Ice Cream Bar

The Ice Cream Bar

4.2(1.5k reviews)
0.9 mi•Cole Valley
•$

On a recent family trip, our first order of business for a birthday was to get great ice cream…read more Well we certainly found it here thanks to the recommendation of a friend. The Ice Cream Bar is popular, so prepare for a wait since they take the time and care to make your order. It's located on a nice block with street parking, but it's also a busy area in general and probably easier to walk to. They have menus and a small seating area outside. Inside is a great throwback to 30s/40s art decor style, with the main ice cream counter to the right and the actual bar at the back. They have different ice creams available by the scoop in a cold dish, or opt for a made-daily waffle cone. They have classic toppings as well. Once you order, you pay towards the back. The bar area itself offers alcohol, perfect for a Guinness float or to add a little something extra to a milkshake or sundae. Prices are reasonable for the quality. The servers were so welcoming and eager to please with special requests as well. If you're an ice cream fan, this one is worth coming to enjoy.

Best ice cream store in the city. I time warp back to the 50s/60s. Everyone working here is so nice…read moreand they let you try all the flavors and will give recommendations. Open late and perfect for a final stop on a nice walk. Bar seating available if you prefer that vibe. The banana pudding and morello cherry ice cream are amazing. The mint chip is also super good. Home made waffle cones are my personal favorite. Also love a chocolate banana milkshake. Go!

Photos
The Ice Cream Bar - Brownie sundae

Brownie sundae

The Ice Cream Bar - Torched marshmallow fluff - this is the way to go!!!

Torched marshmallow fluff - this is the way to go!!!

The Ice Cream Bar - Love it or hate it: Anise soda with creme fraiche ice cream

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Love it or hate it: Anise soda with creme fraiche ice cream

Brioche Bakery & Cafe - The breakfast plate

Brioche Bakery & Cafe

3.9(236 reviews)
0.9 mi•The Haight
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We awoke to an unseasonably warm morning in San Francisco, and made our way from our hotel to…read moreHaight St. and my daughter pointed out this venue saying that it looks "cute." Upon looking at the menu I was "in" for the SF vibe of the food offerings. Below is what we ate and our rating of the food: Me - smoked salmon on toast w/ baby pickles, capers, and spread. Oh-em-gee-times-ten....I was either REALLY hungry or the dish was THAT good! (it was that good!). The serving was generous and satisfying and was accompanied with salad greens tossed in a vinaigrette dressing. I am salivating as I write this. Son - breakfast burrito. He liked it. It was simple: scrambled eggs, bacon in a spinach tortilla. His young age did not help his appreciation of a green tortilla, so.....he only ate half Daughter - granola, fruit, yogurt parfait. She demolished it and enjoyed every bite. And, even carried her leftovers with her (all day, might I add) and ate them for breakfast in the hotel the next morning. To supplement their meals I ordered a side of toast and roasted potatoes. We ate with gusto! My cappuccino (which I only seem to order when I'm in San Francisco) was delicious and gave me enough energy to walk those hills with ease. This place is a hidden gem with a very sweet staff that took good care of us. More pictures to come.

I was excited to try the French onion soup, but it was a disappointment. The onions weren't…read moreproperly caramelized. they were pale and translucent rather than deeply browned and sweet, which is what gives French onion soup its signature rich flavor. As a result, the broth tasted flavorless and lacked the depth I was expecting. Every bite, I took a pile of carmelized onions.

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Brioche Bakery & Cafe - Inside

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Brioche Bakery & Cafe - Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict

Brioche Bakery & Cafe - Upstairs dining

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GiGi's - Mapo Tofu Noodles - shiitake, eggplant, fermented fava, bean sprout, chill pepper

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4.1(70 reviews)
0.6 mi•Lower Haight

Ambiance was moody and a vibe inside. I love how intimate it is - perfect for a girls night! Just…read moretwo girls on a Saturday evening and scored a table in the back. Our server was super friendly, helpful, and provided great service to make us feel welcomed and he seemed very excited about the menu. Food was absolutely incredible. I was blown away by the peanut salad and how creamy and fresh it was. Perfect started. The shrimp baos were unique but super juicy, not too flavorful. Pork floss shumai was flavorful, juicy, and delicious. Garlic noodles were buttery, creamy, and had such a unique flavor I was really surprised and loved it. Absolutely amazing dinner and will be coming back!

Came with my friend to try out this wine bar! I hadn't been before, but it was my friend's second…read moretime. We both got a glass of white wine, and it was quite delicious! They have a decently sized selection to pick from. We also ordered some food: shumai, scallop ceviche, and bread and butter. The standouts for me were definitely the ceviche and the bread and butter. The bread was perfectly fluffy yet crisp, and I really enjoyed the butter that it came with! The ceviche was also very fresh - I like the hints of fruit and the edible flowers! The service was great as the servers checked up on us periodically, and I also enjoyed the ambiance in the way the restaurant's interior was designed/decorated. Definitely a great spot for a girls' night out or a date!

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The Love Potion Library - bookstores - Updated October 2026

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