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City Lights Bookstore

261 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133-4586
Phone: (415) 362-8193

Ratings & Reviews Summary for City Lights Bookstore

5 Star Rating
 
(13 reviews)
4 Star Rating
 
(6 reviews)
3 Star Rating
 
(3 reviews)
2 Star Rating
 
(0 reviews)
1 Star Rating
 
(1 reviews)

User Reviews for City Lights Bookstore

Citysearch (3), InsiderPages (10), Judy's Book (10), All (23)

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

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)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

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

4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/21/2002 Posted by SRosenbaum

Want a bookstore that's not all about Danielle Steel, Stephen King and Dean Ornish? This is the bookstore for people who really read, write, and care about books. Don't miss the fab poetry room upstairs.

Editor's Review

If you've ever clutched a dog-eared book by one of the Beat writers, you probably know this place well.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Parking

Finding a spot in the neighborhood can be tough, so leave room for exploring.

More Insider Tips

Directory & Services Information

Parking

  • Metered
  • Street

Hours

  • Daily 10am-12am

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Check
  • Visa
  • Discover

Recognition for City Lights Bookstore

2007 Audience Winner - Bookstore

Near This Location

261 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133-4586

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