City Lights Bookstore
San Francisco, CA 94133-4586
Phone: (415) 362-8193
- Cross Street:
- Broadway Street
- Directions:
- Muni bus: 12 Folsom, 15 Third Street, 30 Stockton, 41 Union. Cable cars: Powell & Mason line.
- Best of Citysearch:
- Bookstore 2007
- Hours:
- Daily 10am-12am
Editorial Review for City Lights Bookstore – by Marke Bieschke
In Short
This little piece of history was founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti as an outgrowth of his small-press imprint, which introduced us to Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac and most gloriously, Frank O'Hara. Now a North Beach tradition, this well-worn haunt blends right in with the neighboring trattorias and strip clubs. You'll find a vast assortment of poetry and fiction here.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
ParkingFinding a spot in the neighborhood can be tough, so leave room for exploring.
The ExtrasCity Lights offers free readings by authors monthly, check their website for more information.
User Reviews for City Lights Bookstore
03/13/2008 Posted by jennymeggon
This was at the top of our places to visit while we were in town. It wasn't the best experience. After the way the staff treated us, I'd never give them my money. It's a neat store, so it's unforunate that they have zero customer service. I took down the ISBNs of the books we planned to buy and ordered them from halfdotcom from the hotel. Olivia had to go to the bathroom and there was no "public" restroom, meaning I had to bolt out the door with Olivia trying to find a restaurant employee with a kind heart. It was surrounded by strip clubs, construction, hole-in-the wall places with signs that read "restrooms are for customers only." Obviously this place had a restroom (for employees). They were completely unapologetic even going so far as to argue with us later, "When you asked, did you say, 'My kid needs to [obscenity deleted]?'" Dude, I don't talk like that. The one guy asked, "Do YOU have a business?" Um, yeah, and I treat my customers with respect, like they are exceptional people and I feel privileged to have their patronage. He wanted to make the point that I didn't realize how complicated running a business could be. He actually doesn't have a business. He works at one.
Pros: neat books
Cons: no bathroom, staff has no respect for customers, the area is a little sketchy, not set up for people with disabilities (it's an old store)
04/24/2006 Posted by netter1
This is one of those places where I could go in and browse for hours...days, if they didn't ever close. If you're interested in poetry or just love to try some new piece of fiction, this is the Mecca. Come and visit the "home" of the Beat Generation. Don't expect this to be a new and trendy bookstore with lots of "elbow room" to sit and chat. Here, you'll find every nook and cranny stuffed with books and more books. If you're a lover of the written word...make a pilgrimage to City Lights and just take it all in.
Pros: choices, and more choices
Cons: no parking
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