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Alexander Book Company
50 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
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Alexander Book Company
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Su
Review №1

A bright, light, well curated and friendly indie bookstore. Can’t wait to go back!

Em
Review №2

They always have the books I’m seeking! I love the cozy atmosphere too.

Review №3

Great independent bookstore in the financial district. Not a megastore but quite a lot of sections and books in its three floors. Lots of on sale books as well which are my favorite, I cant resist the urge to buy a couple.Service was pretty helpful and it feels personal, something you dont get very often these days in retail in SF.

Ir
Review №4

Absolutely love this place + now my fav bookstore in SF! Really great selections and value books, amazing and kind staff :)

To
Review №5

A wonderful little bookstore, crammed top to bottom with works on almost every subject.In addition, like every good bookshop, the staff were able to help me find exactly the right book in only a few moments with only the vaguest of descriptions that I could remember. If Im ever back in San Francisco Ill be sure to stop in and buy a few more books.

Al
Review №6

Staff was very Helpful in finding the books I wanted. Three store levels of well organized bookshelves. I recommend it.

An
Review №7

3 storey quiet and spacious bookstore with helpful employees ready to help you search up a title you’re looking for. I didn’t manage to get an Ample Hills Creamery 2014 I was there for, however , I did enjoyed a 30mins browsing.You will also find some postcards and greeting cards along the way!

An
Review №8

The store has three floors containing a wide selection of books, newspapers and children’s reading materials. The staff are courteous, knowledgeable and efficient. Inside the store, the shelves are well organized and labeled so that the books are easy to find. Outside the store are books which have been reduced.

An
Review №9

I dont even live in the state and cant believe how friendly and helpful they were with helping me get what I wanted. Bonnie really went above and beyond to dig into the history of a Harry Potter edition that I have been on the hunt for. When it was confirmed that the whole set was never created, she was able to offer a viable alternative.10/10 would shop here again.20/20 would move to CA just to be able to visit this bookstore every weekend.Thank yall so much!

An
Review №10

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. They helped me find a book I was looking for. Lots of little goodies that would make great gifts. And of course a fantastic book selection!

St
Review №11

With the loss of so many bookstores it is a joy to have Alexander Book Company still in business. Wide selection. There are chairs throughout the store to sit down and see if a book you are interested in is one you wish to buy. The store is a short walk from the BART station.

Me
Review №12

Nice book store open inside the city, you cant find all the book here but a lot of interesting book for children and novel. And you can find the sale for old book, quite cheap!

Za
Review №13

Great book store with awesome new reads! Check out the young adult book Harvest Moon. It is an amazing book that you can only get in book stores like this!

Br
Review №14

Alexander has a wide selection of books. The place is great to chill out and browse through the selections. Go bargain hunting on discounted items.

Ti
Review №15

That rarest of things, a bookshop in San Francisco. Theres a good selection of books, including contemporary fiction as shown in the pic. Feels a bit rundown, but perhaps it just needs more people to buy books....

Ch
Review №16

Great selection of books with an incredible and helpful staff

Mo
Review №17

Loved it! The staff was attentive and super nice, helped me when I needed something but didnt press when I just wanted to browse. The selection they have is crazy, and the prices are all fair. Would recommend!

Al
Review №18

Love this book shop so very much, a silent paradise getting away noisy downtown SF, with sofas and countless books 📚 ❤️👍

Lo
Review №19

People are very nice i like goning there

ur
Review №20

Staff was very friendly, and they have a wonderful selection of books, magazines, and assorted stickers/pins/postcards/etc.

Da
Review №21

An extremely warm, knowledgeable staff and a great selection of books make this my go-to bookstore. Its the type of place you just feel welcome in.Their responsiveness and quick shipping during CoVID has been vital in keeping me supplied with the books.

Vo
Review №22

Wide Variety Of Books..Awesome Customer Service!! Elevator Available!!

ri
Review №23

I liked this bookstore. Good customer care.

Sh
Review №24

Good prices for new books, friendly staff, large selection.

T
Review №25

This is one of the few independent book stores left pretty much anywhere and I highly recommend supporting these bookstores. It is always nostalgic and enjoyable to browse through the 3 levels of this book store and discover topics and titles in a way that is not possible online. They can special order books of all types, and Ive picked up books for my kids from the sale rack at great prices. Take your time and enjoy

Pa
Review №26

Wide range of genres, a lot of business books, great selection of historical books.

Ka
Review №27

Havent met a bookstore that we could pass by & this marvelous place didnt disappoint us.....3 stories of bliss!

ch
Review №28

Friendly Helpful person met me at door. Check stock for me and recommend similar new release on sale.

Je
Review №29

Most helpful and friendly bookstore in SF. No pretension, perfect for any book lover. Worth the trek even if you’re not in the neighborhood.

De
Review №30

JUST WENT AND GOT MY BOOK THURSDAY 11/12/20 THEY TREATED ME GOOD

J.
Review №31

Best bookstore in SF downtown and SOMA - 3 floors of books definitely something here for everyone. Great customer service & knowledgeable staff on many subjects/authors. Online inventory is perfect for searching book titles and specific authors or subjects.

gr
Review №32

Sweetest large bookstore with amazing kids section too

As
Review №33

Cute bookstore with 3 floors and a decent selection, particularly for recently released books. There were also several shelves with discounted books, which I appreciated. The employees were very friendly to me but didnt breathe over my neck while I browsed, which is the type of service I appreciate.

Tr
Review №34

Really great customer service, which is rare to see nowadays! 5 stars for that!

St
Review №35

This is my favorite bookstore in the city. Not because its one of the only ones in the city! But because it has three floors plenty of books in all price ranges and nice, helpful staff. Just an excellent local bookstore.

Na
Review №36

My neighborhood local bookstore. I went into the store yesterday and had carried in my own library book which I’m sure was evident, and when I exited the store the Black guy who is the owner or something told his employee to chase me out on the street accusing me of Shop-lifting! They know me there as I’ve bought a lot of books over the years at this place and there’s not any excuse for this character defamation. They’ve lost a good Customer! I very much prefer Green Apple anyhow..

Sp
Review №37

Great bookstore! 3 floors of books!! Central location in downtown SF so great for browsing if youve got a little time before that lunch date or appointment in downtown SF. Good selection magazine racks too!!!

Da
Review №38

3 stories of books!! Great little spot in heart of downtown to relax in a way that does not get enough love!! Friendly and knowledgable staff is always great and makes each visit positive. You should do yourself a favor and check them out

Je
Review №39

A book store right on my way to work that almost always has what Im looking for and is happy to order it for me if they dont - what more could I ask for. The also run a frequent buyer program that gets you a free book after you buy 10. Oh and I have come up with a couple of really enjoyable books from the bargain bin out front; its definitely worth going through.

Ha
Review №40

Alexander Book Company staff has superb customer service. They even have the time to wish you a happy holiday! I messaged the staff through the google Application with books for sale-a wonderful staff-member, responded with polite words and advice. I now am looking forward to selling my books-for-sale, at a book-sale or donating them to a local-library or charity. #

Se
Review №41

Great bookstore in downtown with a huge selections on 3 levels. People working there have great recommendations and very nice. Frequent buyers awards too ;)

He
Review №42

Super cute bookshop. I stumbled upon it while wandering the mission. I thought they had really good coverage of book genres, non-fiction categories, and authors in general. The prices were a tad too high for me so I didnt purchase anything. But I spent a while looking around and was impressed by the collection of books available for purchase.

Is
Review №43

Great place!

Ro
Review №44

A very cozy three-tiered bookstore with a nice (if somewhat limited) selection. Less popular authors wont have much shelf space which means the odds youll find your book are lower than, say, Barnes & Noble, but the trade-off is youre supporting a small business and literature in general. Thoughtful staff selections are featured on index cards throughout, and it feels like an additional effort has been made to represent LQBT as well as feminism and social issues.Staff will leave you be unless you need assistance, and theres a bathroom in the basement in case you stay awhile (like I do) perusing and relaxing in a chair to read the first few pages of your next book.

Er
Review №45

Great place to buy books, I visited it 2 times in the last week and they have an amazing variety of books. It is no problem to take your time and read the first pages of a book to decide if you like it, in addition to that the staff is very friendly. I can totally recommend this place to buy your books.

Ka
Review №46

I love the selection available and the staff is uniformly so friendly and very helpful. Best bookstore around. I come in to the city from Oakland just to go to this bookstore. Its everything a bookstore should be, and more!

Je
Review №47

Nice to find a bookstore in the downtown SF area. Clean, well organized and the staff was attentive and helpful. Tons of books, many, many categories. Shelf space is a little limited. I was looking for some older books from a couple of authors, only had the newer books.

jo
Review №48

Didn’t know there was still a bookstore in San Francisco besides of course City Lights...! Please support this shop it’s awesome!! I was looking for a gem book ,they had many , the crew was very friendly and helpful..shop local ,, delete your amazon bookmark on your phone...! Books are the best way to really travel and expand your mind without really traveling too far from your comfort zone...!! 👍👍🤙

So
Review №49

I got 2 books, and the store was absolutely huge! The section (YA) that I wanted to look for had hundreds of them and the selection was amazing. The staff was so nice and the environment was so quit and congenial. Also, the tote bags they had were so cute! 5 STARS!!!

su
Review №50

They have such a large selection on a variety of topics and the staff is super friendly and engaging. Alexander Book Company is a must for anyone visiting.adult book Harvest Moon It is an amazing book that you can only get in book stores like this!

Pe
Review №51

Indie book store, community vibe, huge selection. If you like book stores that get you exploring, go!

Mi
Review №52

One of the last true bookstores in the city! Clean attractive and well appointed. The staff actually reads and knows the book business. Not the same selection as Amazon, but all I saw on display were quality selections.

Ho
Review №53

Awesome customer service and varied selection. Delightful atmosphere for browsing or reading. Thanks!

Ma
Review №54

Cool three-storey bookstore. Has a great set of recommended reads that are curated by the employees. These arent just books by big-name authors, unlike at the big bookstores. Also seemed to have an academic section in the basement.

Si
Review №55

What an amazing place to find books for young people. The lady in the shop is a phenomenal search engine and so very enthusiastic! Love the free gift wrapping.

Ch
Review №56

Well stocked, independent bookstore. Carries bestsellers, school texts and will special order hard to find books. Knowledgeable, helpful staff. Carries childrens and young adult books. Great location in financial district for lunchtime browsing.

Je
Review №57

Its an institution and I love coming here to browse! I have to limit myself to just one book or Ill go a little crazy. Staff are knowledgeable and give great recs. Their staff picks are always on point as well.

Ji
Review №58

Wonderful bookstore with extensive selection, complete with “Alexander Store Picks” - always a nice touch and reminder of the beauty of a small bookstore where the workers truly love books. Definitely recommend!

Ol
Review №59

The calmest place in San Francisco. Nice people and a lot of books to choose from! Highly recommend to stop by :)

Em
Review №60

Every time I go to SF, which is a lot, I come here and I never leave without a new book. They have such a large selection on a variety of topics and the staff is super friendly and engaging. Alexander Book Company is a must for anyone visiting San Francisco!

Ru
Review №61

Pleasant bookstore and helpful staff. Friendly service and assisted me in finding the right book as a gift for family. Also did an awesome job of gift wrapping it for me, highly recommend!

Fe
Review №62

They have a small but really really well curated science fiction/fantasy section, taking care to have a good mix of both well known popular classics and smaller imprints/publishers. Ive had a lot of luck finding books from independent publishers her.Plus, theyll order any book they dont have for you, and it comes whip fast.The people who work there are awesome and super chill. Not the best at gift wrapping, but I aint even mad on account of their good attitudes and awesome selection

Do
Review №63

Lovely bookstore... lots of choices for a wide range of interests and helpful, charming staff.

Va
Review №64

Awesome selection of magazines and books galore! They know me by name and great customer service. If your book isnt in store they can order one right away for pick up. Its truly an independent store and support local bay area writers. Love them for that!

Ic
Review №65

I like this book store! A lot of economy/business books, etc.

j
Review №66

This 3 story bookshop has a lot of remainders and seconds, in addition to a selection of general releases. The basement has some interesting art books and textbooks. It is definitely the type of place that would reward checking back as you never know what they might get.They have a nice selection of greeting cards, postcards and wrapping on the main floor as well.

Fe
Review №67

They were so helpful and so kind, and had the book Id been looking for!

Be
Review №68

The lady in the basement shoving books was absolutely friendly. Give her a raise, offer to sell her the place, give her your first born child, make her Queen of San Francisco and pledge fealty forever.

So
Review №69

Very helpful, thank you!

Al
Review №70

Great bookstore with a wide selection! The staff are very nice and helpful. They even gift wrap for free!

ow
Review №71

I needed a good copy of The Night Before Christmas, and I needed it today and they had it. Thank you Alexander!

Al
Review №72

Got great recommendations for appropriate aged kids books for my nieces.

De
Review №73

Book store heaven!!!!! New books upstairs. Used books downstairs. Also has a variety of original gifts (fun socks, pottery, pins, cards, gag gifts, original tea flavors, stationary, jewelry, coloring books, journals, etc.) Could easily spend (and, I have) hours there.

Ad
Review №74

Theres seating upstairs so you can sit and read, and they always have a great selection.

Ji
Review №75

Yeah, what can I say, this is a great small business bookstore. Needless to say, its actually nice to be able to walk into an actual bookstore that is not some big box chain. We need more shops like this throughout the country and we need to patronize and support these small businesses.

Do
Review №76

Im pretty sure this is one of the last remaining bookstores in downtown San Francisco, if not the only one. For an independent book seller, they have a great selection of magazines and books. I often find myself browsing the aisles when I have a little extra time to kill at lunch.

Ca
Review №77

Love this book store. A community based book store, large selection of books on three floors, friendly staff, great prices, love it here!If you sign up for their book membership, after you buy a certain amount of books, they mail you a friendly certificate, saving you money off your next purchase.

Vi
Review №78

Awesome multi-floor bookstore in the heart of FiDi. Carries a wide range of recent fiction & non-fiction. Always has an interesting selection of bargain prices books at equal to or better than Amazons prices (though bargain selection seems to only update perhaps quarterly).

Da
Review №79

Neat selection, and when I tried to buy a book for $20, the person to ringing me up said wait a minute, I think we have a copy of this for somewhere, let me go find it. After a few minutes of searching they came back with the same book for $6. Really appreciate the time taken to help me out.

Em
Review №80

Fabulous bookstore with multiple floors- has a couple chairs scattered throughout.

An
Review №81

Supporting local book stores is very important these days. This is one of my favorites in San Francisco. I respect the employees. I witnessed a customer being horrific and the employee stood up for himself and just met the mans crazy anger with logic. They have a great selection and fun novelties.

Os
Review №82

Cute little bookshop very quiet and a good supply of books, and a very nice guy working there aswell. Would definently recommend

Ka
Review №83

Helpful and nice staff. Theres a great range of books and merchandise.

Ed
Review №84

Any time Im in the Los Angeles area, I set aside at least half a day to explore the architecture and interior design books.You will not find a more accessible and comprehensive selection of books pertaining to art, design, critique, and instruction anywhere.They also carry a selection of art and design-related periodicals that may be difficult to locate in other book stores.You also find unique post cards and stationary. The few times I needed assistance, the staff was very helpful and informed.

Ma
Review №85

Received great help from the staff. Free gift wrapping included, and very beautifully done.

Ja
Review №86

Excellent selection of books and they even gift wrap them for you if you ask. The team knows books well too.Update post covid times:The bookstore is still amazing and the same wonderful people make it a joy to visit. Book selection is fantastic and they do tend to have most new books available. I was pleasently surprised when I found out that they had a record of my previous book purchases and suggested some new ones based on what I liked from my previous purchases!

Jo
Review №87

So dog friendly! And human friendly to boot.

Da
Review №88

My favorite bookstore in SF, peaceful, independent, I love a bookstore with books that might surprise you and the selection is great. I got there 4times a month and enjoy going there after work to select a new book. I love that there are still independent bookstores for shop.

Pa
Review №89

Among the best bookstores in SF. Three floors of books. Easy to order books if they dont have them on hand. Looks small from the outside. Convenient location downtown at 2nd and Market. Wide variety of books.

St
Review №90

Really great bookstore. Staff, selection, premises all topste.

Na
Review №91

Nice bookshop in San Francisco, great variety and a great place to sit down and read for a while. Prices are not over the top.Staff is knoledgeable and polite, very good store.

Xi
Review №92

Great local bookstore. Often has books on sale. Solid selection of magazines, too. Helpful staff

Al
Review №93

Excellent independent bookstore! Three floors of Books. I could spend all day here! Three comfy leather sofa chairs upstairs for tired legs.

Je
Review №94

I love this place, all the staff are so nice and always willing to help you :)I am so happy with my purchases

Ro
Review №95

Multiple levels of books and stationary.. Great place to grab a book from.

Ev
Review №96

Good selection of books. They had a section devoted to my favorite author, Cormac McCarthy, which is great. My only gripe is it can be a little hard to navigate as soon as you enter and is a little overwhelming.

An
Review №97

I love this place because it is quiete and you can find easily a chair to seat a moment with your book!

Mi
Review №98

Sooooooo many books. Youd better have time to look around in here.

St
Review №99

Great to have a well-stocked local bookstore! Ill be back.

mi
Review №100

Great selection, good prices. Especially enjoyed the large non-fiction section.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:50 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States
  • Site:https://www.alexanderbook.com/
  • Phone:+1 415-495-2992
Categories
  • Book store
  • Greeting card shop
Working hours
  • Monday:11AM–3PM
  • Tuesday:11AM–3PM
  • Wednesday:11AM–3PM
  • Thursday:11AM–3PM
  • Friday:11AM–3PM
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:Closed
Service options
  • In-store pickup:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible elevator:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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