City Lights Bookstore
(415) 362-8193
261 Columbus Ave
(at Broadway)
San Francisco,
CA
94133
37.7976
-122.4064
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Northeast
What People Are Saying About City Lights Bookstore
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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.
User Reviews
ldhinch
March 12, 2009
My friends and I bought several books and some small chotchkie items from City Lights and had the best time hunting for obscure titles. I think the guy behind the desk got a kick out of us having so much fun! Highly recommend as this shop is for great times, soul searching and pleasant atmosphere!
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jennymeggon
March 13, 2008
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.
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Anonymous
February 18, 2008
This place is a legend unto itself. Known best for its days as The Beats hangout -- writers like Jack Kerouac held court here. City Lights is located in North Beach. And although most tourists just take a picture of the front, those who care about history should take a look inside. The store is filled with books you can't find anywhere else. Can you dig?
read full reviewThe Details on City Lights Bookstore
Parking:
Finding a spot in the neighborhood can be tough, so leave room for exploring.
The Extras:
City Lights offers free readings by authors monthly, check their website for more information.
