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Bird & Beckett Books & Records
653 Chenery St, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States
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Bo
Review №1

Great neighborhood bookstore. Both new and used books. Other cool things, especially musical.. Highly recommend a visit.

Ho
Review №2

Wonderful independent book store, great selection, and friendly service. They do lots of live music on the wkd. Check their website or their email newsletter for the line-up.

Ni
Review №3

This place has a great selection. Its well organized and the pricing is very fair. Hands-down my favorite place to buy vinyl.

Ni
Review №4

Absolutely great birthday ok store. Perfect place to visit during covid to get a book to read.

Ho
Review №5

Great local spot with books from wall to wall and corner to corner! Love the atmosphere and the smell of paper (old and new).

Ho
Review №6

Fantastic local bookstore with a wide selection. Also great live jazz music on the weekend. Check out their website for the current line-up. Support your local bookstore!!!

Em
Review №7

A magical place to browse for books, or enjoy San Franciscos art scene (from jazz nights to poetry readings). The atmosphere is welcoming.

Co
Review №8

This place is jumping with creativity, inspiring poetry, delightful live music, laughter, comedy, tragedy and we can not but laugh at #45, so we do, big time. Get on board The Love Train. You will end up at Bird and Beckett.

py
Review №9

I am Korean. I was really impressed with this place that I happened to find. A small neighborhood bookstore serves as a hub for many people. I was only Asian and young and traveler. So it was unfamiliar, but there is warmth, the smell of books and music are in harmony. I plan to stay for about two more months, and it will become the standard of this place.

Yi
Review №10

Dream bookstore!Nice staff not sure if she is the owner.Love the quite environment that can read a book thoroughly and alone:)

Re
Review №11

This wonderful book store is everything that bibliophiles love about old book stores. The first thing I noticed was the amazing smell of books, the place smelled like old clean book. The person behind the counter was kind friendly and helpful. They apparently also do book orders so possibly a good place for rare or hard to find titles. Also, they give out free copies of the Constitution when they have them available, which is limited by the fact everybody seems to want one. All in all I think that this lovely little bookshop is one of the secret jewels of San Francisco.

An
Review №12

I love love this historic book store. Nice selection and amazing music program! I know! I was also surprised. This place is just amazing

Cr
Review №13

Bird & Beckett should be a registered SF literary/cultural landmark. Hosting jazz and poetry readings most every night of the week, in addition to having a stellar array of books, this is that rare neighborhood find well worth seeking out!

Sh
Review №14

Truly enjoyed the selection of books. Great atmosphere..

Mi
Review №15

Very helpful.

Se
Review №16

An independently-owned, neighborhood bookstore. Sunday afternoons, live jazz combos entertain.

Ka
Review №17

Its a very comforting environment filled with a huge variety of books. An oasis in the deluge of technology.

An
Review №18

Absolutely one of the finest book stores in San Francisco or anywhere. Excellent curation, with diverse new titles in both fiction and non-fiction.I find that B&B is particularly strong in History and Philosophy, with an exceptional used History inventory for great prices. It is one of the vanishingly few bookstores where you can find a comprehensive selection of Greek/Roman Classics.The layout and vibe of the store are perfect. It reminds me strongly of Feldmans Books in Menlo Park, or San Gregorio General Store.The booksellers are extremely friendly and helpful. Very much a community cultural meeting place and a local institution. Places like Bird & Beckett should be cherished and supported.

Se
Review №19

I came her for jazz, I wasnt too enthused throughout the performance. I was, and I was not, its hard to explain. As for the books, I didnt see the shop was so organized to give me access to its library in the short time I had to peruse the shelves.

Ri
Review №20

One of the must go places for bibliophiles in San Francisco. Small and cozy bookshop with rich collections of books and records. I am particularly fascinated by the collection of non fiction books spanning across several genres such as native american history, San Francisco, modern economy and politics, travel, photography, painting, music and many more.They also organize live jazz music. listening to jazz music in this shop filled with nice smell of books has definitely made my day. The person behind the counter (Eric) is also a nice and friendly guy. Loved the place.

Tr
Review №21

BYOB and enjoy the music! A must see/experience

Ma
Review №22

Come for the music and other special events. Stay for the books! Its also a great date night to come for some music and then go to one of the nice restaurants around the corner. Even use Bart so no need to drive.Best part is you can bring your own drinks if you want. We saw people with beer and wine. We snuck a cocktail in a thermos. Its all good.

Ma
Review №23

A quaint and cosy local bookstore with a fantastic selection of new and used books.

Pe
Review №24

Great neighborhood bookstore.

Gr
Review №25

Classic neighborhood bookstore that plays jazz on Friday nights. The owner, the patrons, and all that work with the owner have an excellent bibliophile mindset.

Al
Review №26

Great books, great owner, great performing arts programs!

Ma
Review №27

Excellent venue for music and book buying. SO glad we discovered it.

Sh
Review №28

Live Jazz - Gail Dobson and her band

So
Review №29

Used to be the public library, now a quaint neighborhood bookstore that has fun events going on. Sometimes live music sometimes poetry. A glen park fixture for sure. Love.

st
Review №30

The best bookstore around. It isn’t Green Apple but a wonderful selection of new and used books. The owner, Eric is a great guy and very helpful. He is usually there and arranges for poetry readings and Jazz nearly every weekend. This is a neighborhood gem.

An
Review №31

My definition of a good bookstore is that it has to have an eclectic collection of used books, somewhere to sit down, and a restroom. Bird and Becket meets these criteria. The free live jazz on Friday nights is an added bonus. Its housed in the old Glen Park Library building. The library is now in a new building over Canyon Market, but the bookishness remains.

Pe
Review №32

Besides being a treasure of a local independent bookstore, they host superlative local jazz musicians several nights a week, in a small, intimate setting, some of the best jazz in SF! It is my favorite local and affordable music venue!

Le
Review №33

Friendly staff, good selection of used books on sale on the rack outside.

Pa
Review №34

Fantastic bookstore. Weve gone in twice at random times and both times there was entertainment happening

Ro
Review №35

A gem in the neighborhood. Buy their books and LPs. Go to their music events. You will not be disappointed

El
Review №36

Great mix of new and used books in a cozy space. There are several pay-what-you-wish jazz shows a week. Its not a massive bookstore so if youre looking for something unusual and specific they might not have it - but you will find something good! Good sections on jazz and San Francisco books.

Wy
Review №37

The manager was rude, and used books with bent covers and colored pages are priced at new value. However there was a surprisingly wide collection

Kr
Review №38

Theres a great selection of books in this quaint store. That also have a lineup of jazz shows. Im definitely coming back!

C
Review №39

Extra special local bookstore.They have those books you would never find at a shopping mall and all the historic patina you literati crave.Plus live music on the weekends!

Da
Review №40

Saw a fine musical/ poetry presentation. They have live music on a regular basis.

Sa
Review №41

Ive heard a lot of jazz at this place and as a tiny music joint its great. Ive never used it as a bookstore. I think its great for a casual and fun evening of music, which happens Fri and Sat nights and Sunday afternoons.

Fr
Review №42

Awesome place books music people.

do
Review №43

Not the best place to see music. Dirty, smelly, and surrounded by books of no real interest. Like a second hand junk store. Music was GREAT tonight though....Elena Welch was the Main Event! Love Elena!

Ni
Review №44

Great bookstore with a great selection. If they dont have what youre looking for they are happy to order it. Also, they have live music.

Ch
Review №45

Unique. Non-digital oasis in a digital world. Regular, groovy concerts in a down home, cozy outpost of culture and ideas in one of San Franciscos village-like neighborhoods.

De
Review №46

Great music, and I never leave without books. They have so many new and used.

He
Review №47

One of the few neighborhood gems in San Francisco. More than a bookstore, Bird and Beckett is the cultural soul of Glen Park. Poetry readings, live music, it is a unique and beloved place. Buy a couple of books and stick around for the evening music after you get dinner around the corner.

Es
Review №48

A true gem! Books, jazz vinyl and live music. Youll get that Ive stumbled upon a very special secret feeling when the store darkens and the you hear the first chords on the house piano. I have so much love for this place.

ge
Review №49

Great book selection at great prices. Live jazz performances make this place unique, if not too crowded and confused by larger performing groups.

Ab
Review №50

This is a cute bookshop in San Francisco. The people working there are very knowledgeable. They have a great selection of new and used books.

An
Review №51

The number and type of live jazz performances here are great. Keep checking the schedule for all the shows. The selection of used and new books are also very strong - their quality of used books are very high, with some rare finds here (e.g. I found poetry books that I havent not seen anywhere else)

Vi
Review №52

Eric Whittington has something very special in Glen Park. Impressive book inventory, excellent regularly scheduled readings and an amazing music program

Ve
Review №53

Guy is just a shrew, straight from the work of Shakespeare , only smiles or speaks kindly to females , he fits right in with mechanics, used car salesmen & the other majority of used book store proprietors , low class and simply an unhappy fellow , mad at life , mad at business, mad at past decisions , no love of brotherhood, no love of self , just an all around unhappy fellow storing up treasures in this life. And the guy likes to repeat himself , insulting your intelligence, making it clear of his closed , one track mind . Cool part of town , Glen Park , just a shame a character like this taints it.

Bo
Review №54

The Friday jazz show was awesome.

Si
Review №55

A classic. Always check the schedule for concerts.

Da
Review №56

Cool neighborhood hangout. They are happy to order any books for you too. Has a monthly book club and frequent jazz performances.

Sh
Review №57

Love this bookstore. Live music on the weekends a plus.

da
Review №58

This is my favorite bookstore in the City. They have a nice selection of books, many of which are hard to find elsewhere. Its obvious that the people who run this place really care about books. A San Francisco gem. The neighborhood is nice too !

Ev
Review №59

Great little store with millions of books.

Pa
Review №60

Friendly staff, and live music when we visited!

Sa
Review №61

Love this place! They have jazz every Saturday as well as other performances throughout each month.

Ge
Review №62

They have a great selection of interesting books, including a selection of fun, sweet, and other sorts of kids books. When I swung by there was a live jazz evening playing in the back!

J.
Review №63

One of my favorite Bay area book stores. Nestled in quiet clean park with wonderful places to eat within walking distance and live music most if not every weekend.

Jo
Review №64

One of the things every neighborhood in every city should have, an independent bookstore. knowledgeable staff and large collection of new/used books. fine selection of books about San Francisco and the bay area. jazz on weekends.

Kf
Review №65

A real hidden treasure in frisco. The bands are fanominal.

Ja
Review №66

Love this bookstore. One of my favorites.

Jo
Review №67

This is a super charming neighborhood bookstore that also hosts a lot of quality live music performances. Bookshelves are rolled to the side and chairs are set up for the audience. Tickets are bought at the door, and refreshments are served. Warmly recommended.

St
Review №68

The music is great and if there is a book you want they usually have it or will order it.

Do
Review №69

Quintessential intimate small bookstore. Very welcoming.

Li
Review №70

Great used bookstore, lots of jazz and poetry readings. A real neighborhood gem.

Pe
Review №71

A local gem for great local jazz and books.

Br
Review №72

My favorite independent bookstore in SF.

Th
Review №73

Great Jazz, wonderful old time book store.

Jo
Review №74

Great place for intimate jazz and an excellent bookstore, too!

An
Review №75

Great hidden treasure for live music!

Jo
Review №76

Cool book store

Aa
Review №77

This place is fantastic! Locally owned, live music surrounded by books I cant get enough of Bird & Beckett. Subscribe to their email list.

An
Review №78

Having a family of readers, a bookstore is the perfect spot to get most of my holiday gift shopping done. I stumbled into Bird & Beckett Books & Records while on a spontaneous walk and boy, what a gem! They have a great used book selection at very reasonable prices and knowledgeable staff. Walked out with a smile :)

Ho
Review №79

Great bookstore with live music programs.

Mi
Review №80

Only great times here, stellar jazz!

An
Review №81

Great neighborhood bookstore with live jazz on weekends!

Ky
Review №82

This place has jazz all the time!

Wo
Review №83

Great atmosphere, owner is awesome

Ni
Review №84

An absolute gem.

Be
Review №85

You can get lost in this bookstore all day long!

Ma
Review №86

A great local bookstore.

Information
93 Photos
86 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:653 Chenery St, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States
  • Site:http://www.birdbeckett.com/
  • Phone:+1 415-586-3733
Categories
  • Jazz club
  • Book store
  • Live music venue
  • Record store
  • Used book store
Working hours
  • Monday:11am–7pm
  • Tuesday:11am–7pm
  • Wednesday:11am–7pm
  • Thursday:11am–7pm
  • Friday:11am–9pm
  • Saturday:11am–10pm
  • Sunday:11am–7pm
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:No
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
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