Books Inc

    Claimed
    $$ Bookstores
    Closed11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Review Highlights

    Location & Hours

    Map

    2251 Chestnut St

    San Francisco, CA 94123

    Scott St & Avila St

    Marina/Cow Hollow

    Mon

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Tue

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Wed

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Thu

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Fri

    • 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Closed now

    Sat

    • 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    Sun

    • 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

    You Might Also Consider

    Sponsored
    Derco Fine jewelers
    5.0 (1.1k reviews)

    2.7 miles away from Books Inc

    Kathy F. said"I'm a bit confused by some of the negative reviews. These negative reviews seem to be based upon some unusual 'standards'. Consider this: Did any negative reviewer get the jewelry appraised before writing a bad review? I can tell…"read more

    in Jewelry

    Jewelry Art Center
    5.0 (54 reviews)

    2.7 miles away from Books Inc

    Chris K. said"This review is LONG overdue...I'm going to be quick about this, but I had heard about this place from a friend as I was looking for an engagement ring...Emily was the probably one of the nicest people I've ever come across. She was…"read more

    in Jewelry, Watches

    Amoeba Music
    4.5 (1.2k reviews)

    2.2 miles away from Books Inc

    Nicole I. said"I can't believe I hadn't wrote a review already. LOVE THIS PLACE! Its huge! hands down the best place to look for new and used cds, dvds, vinyl, vintage posters, etc. And if you don't want to buy you can sell your old stuff or trade…"read more

    in Videos & Video Game Rental, Music & Dvds

    Amenities and More

    Ask the Community

    Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Books Inc.

    Recommended Reviews

    Photo of Username
    Username
    Location
    0
    0
    Choose a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5
    • 1 star rating
      Not good
    • 2 star rating
      Could’ve been better
    • 3 star rating
      OK
    • 4 star rating
      Good
    • 5 star rating
      Great
    Start your review of Books Inc

    Overall rating

    128 reviews

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    • Photo of Ada L.
      Ada L.
      Lake Forest, CA
      1
      8
      7
      Apr 24, 2024

      Came in on a Friday afternoon for a quick browse. Very friendly staff that had treats behind the counter for our dog!

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Liz R.
      Liz R.
      San Francisco, CA
      1
      7
      Mar 28, 2024

      I really like this Books Inc. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. I also appreciate that they are open somewhat early. I can buy a magazine or a book before my work day starts and still have time to grab coffee. Thank you Books Inc, glad you're still around!

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Cris L.
      Cris L.
      Duboce Triangle, San Francisco, CA
      17
      136
      184
      Jul 14, 2023

      Cozy book store on Chesnut. They have a really nice selection of all ranges of books. I especially appreciated the review cards they put out written by the staff to point out their recommended books. Great store to come into to browse without having a particular book in mind! I'm glad that physical book stores still exist and will continue supporting this one

      Helpful 2
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Vinson H.
      Vinson H.
      San Francisco, CA
      236
      183
      216
      Dec 6, 2023

      Books Inc. is a literary haven that truly captivates readers with its diverse selection and welcoming ambiance. The carefully curated shelves are a testament to the passion for literature that the bookstore exudes. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or a casual reader, Books Inc. offers an enchanting escape into the world of words. The knowledgeable and friendly staff add a personal touch, guiding you through the literary landscape with insightful recommendations. It's not just a bookstore; it's a community of book lovers, fostering a love for reading that transcends the pages. Books Inc. is a haven for the mind and soul, where every visit promises a delightful literary adventure.

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 1
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Jiamei L.
      Jiamei L.
      San Francisco, CA
      115
      103
      378
      Feb 13, 2023

      My favorite book store in SF. They are up to date and have lots of great books and other neat trinkets like toys and puzzles. Staff does an excellent job at keeping the books organized. The area it is in is also nice and convenient. I wish you could somehow see book availability on their site somewhere for their different stores-- that would be very convenient for me as a shopper.

      Helpful 5
      Thanks 0
      Love this 3
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Fancypants X.
      Fancypants X.
      San Francisco, CA
      236
      2644
      6355
      Mar 17, 2022

      As much as I love all things Literature related, I rarely purchase books, & instead prefer to borrow them from the library. I know I'm not winning any points with that admission, but I contribute to the bookstores I frequent by spending a fair amount on notebooks, stationary, pens (specifically Le Pens here), & gifts.

      During the past two years, I've purchased more books than I have in a decade due to the unsatisfactory nature of swiping "pages" on an e-book. My library has been closed since the pandemic started & I wanted to feel my fingers turning actual pages. My most recent purchase at this Books Inc location -- a handful of greeting cards & a Salinger novella.

      Helpful, unpretentious staff who lean towards stern, serious dispositions. Impressive inventory of both old & new titles including many at discounted prices. Books Inc reside in many Bay Area neighborhoods, but this Chestnut Street one is my fave.

      Helpful 10
      Thanks 0
      Love this 9
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Kevin W.
      Kevin W.
      San Francisco, CA
      22
      139
      34
      May 17, 2021

      Remarkable customer service!
      I needed a special children's book as a gift for a family friend who recently gave birth; I was searching for a book we read to our children when they were young.
      I called and asked if they had this book in stock; the clerk checked inventory and said they didn't carry it, but would be happy to order one for me. I asked how soon I could have it and he responded, within 2-days max, then added if I gave my cell # he would text when it arrived. Just as promised, and sooner than expected, I received a text the next day, alerting me that the book had arrived.
      I went to pick-up my book later that day and was surprised that they actually ordered 3-different sizes of the book so that I could select the best one to suit this special occasion.
      I was stunned and delighted!

      Goodnight MOON, a family favorite!
      Helpful 2
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of James L.
      James L.
      San Francisco, CA
      0
      3
      Jul 28, 2023

      My family absolutely loves this bookstore, especially this location. The recommended lists by the employees are always varied and interesting and definitely worth checking out. The employees are warm and friendly and very helpful. We love their suggestions, especially their recommendations for kids. Favorite bookstore in SF!

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Denise C.
      Denise C.
      San Francisco, CA
      1526
      2918
      7662
      Feb 6, 2019
      4 check-ins

      My fourth stop in the Marina today was this Books Inc on Chestnut. I have been to the Books Inc on Van Ness before several times. This is a more classic bookstore, but they have a good selection of books that cater to classy adults. It's not a hipster bookstore, but it has enough credibility and selection.

      Today, I decided to ask someone about getting published and the guy gave me some advice. He said people who get published have an agent. The agent is free and takes a percentage. Or you can self-publish using tools like Amazon. It was a helpful conversation.

      I browsed Books Inc and here's a sample of books in the pics I attached. Books Inc is an SF bookstore. It also feels like an airport bookstore.

      Helpful 6
      Thanks 0
      Love this 6
      Oh no 0
    • Photo of Angela G.
      72
      165
      72
      Mar 11, 2022

      Cozy bookstore with an awesome selection of books. I found some great picks in their sale section and the staff are very helpful and nice.

      Helpful 0
      Thanks 0
      Love this 0
      Oh no 0

    13 other reviews that are not currently recommended

    You Might Also Consider

    Sponsored
    D Sense Shop

    1.5 miles away from Books Inc

    Grand opening Discountread more

    in Gift Shops

    Marin Color Service
    4.0 (62 reviews)

    12.7 miles away from Books Inc

    Brendan M. said"Super helpful. These guys know what they are talking about and have walked me through several home improvement projects. Most recently I had a tough project that went south based on a recommendation they made. Although it was really…"read more

    in Paint Stores, Home Decor

    Collections Including Books Inc

    People Also Viewed