Phoenix Books & Records
San Francisco, CA 94114-3839
Phone: (415) 821-3477
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9am-9pm , Sun 9am-8pm
Editorial Review for Phoenix Books & Records – by Amanda Scotese
The Scene
Shoppers are lured in by the cheapo bins outside, plus a "free" box. Go to the back to view some surprisingly good poetry posted by customers across from the employee-only door. If you need direction, the wise and friendly staff can instantly show you your options.
The Goods
New and used books share the shelves without Noe Valley-inflated prices. Fiction and non-fiction get their substantial sections with plenty of old printings of Beat writings or paperback mysteries. Sections on Alternative Spirituality, Eastern Religion and Gender Studies express the shop's Mission-style bent. Beautiful used, but barely worn, art books fill an entire wall and CDs by current punk, alternative, country, jazz and international artists.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyA decent books-on-tape selection offers the option to rent. For the quick listener, 50 cents a day may do it, or go for the $2.50 weekly rate.
Save TimeTo trade or sell your own used books, come in any time. Don't bother with textbooks, hardcover science fiction, mysteries or romance books, though.
The ExtrasIf you're giving a gift, they'll be sure to wrap it in some sort of unique paper.
