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

I went to bird & Beckett for a Sunday afternoon jazz session. I heard that they offer young musicians the opportunity to play, so that they can get experience & learn from older musicians. Small spot, its a book store. You will enjoy this!

Se
Review №2

Awesome homey bookstore! I stumbled on this place when I attended their Saturday jazz nights and it’s definitely worth showing up for. Just bring $20 cash for the door. They promote local artists and it really brings a different atmosphere when the jazz is surrounded by bookshelves. :) The owner is super personable and helped me purchase a book I flipped through during intermission. Come and support your local bookstore!

Yu
Review №3

Bird & Beckett is a hidden and rare gem. When I moved to San Francisco many years ago there were a few used book stores within a mile from me and now B&B is the last to still stand. It is an amazing place with an impressive selection and I always find a book to take home with me. Not to the soothing jazz music that plays from vinyl records that often accompanies me as I browse.

Ch
Review №4

My favorite little bookstore in SF....we must keep these dinosaurs alive!!!

피읖
Review №5

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.

Ja
Review №6

I mostly go to hear top notch jazz music.

Ho
Review №7

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.

Ma
Review №8

Bird & Beckett has been around since I was in middle school. Before COVID, Eric used to have live music on certain days. Now, you can stream the live performances.Eric offers an array of books. If he doesnt have the book youre looking for, Eric will offer to order or check to see if he can. I highly recommend supporting this local bookstore if youre still a book nerd like me!

Ec
Review №9

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

Br
Review №10

Absolutely gracious and respectful management.This place not only supports local musicians and appreciates them, but gives them the respect they deserve. A plus, plus venue. But small.

Sp
Review №11

Good morning everyone, SpenDoe here! I hope you enjoy this small mom & pop style bookstore tucked away in San Francisco, CA. I love books, and have a nice collection boxed up in storage. One day, I hope to have a library of my own. While on my morning walk, I decided to stop into this wonderful little shop that has a wide array of titles. A person can get lost in this place for hours!! If you are an avid reader, like myself then get down there.. I found their non-fiction title selection to be amazing, as they have many books that are hard to find in todays world. This is another hidden gem in the city, and I encourage all to check it out sometime. Support your local businesses!

Ma
Review №12

Amazing book store and jazz music place. Eric and his team are very knowledgeable and friendly.

Em
Review №13

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

Bo
Review №14

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

Ma
Review №15

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 №16

My favorite bookstore. If they dont have what you want, Eric will order it. Great local jazz played there several nights/wk (now on line).

Ho
Review №17

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

Re
Review №18

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.

Co
Review №19

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.

Ho
Review №20

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!!!

Ri
Review №21

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.

Ni
Review №22

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

An
Review №23

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

El
Review №24

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.

Se
Review №25

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

st
Review №26

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.

Cr
Review №27

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!

An
Review №28

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.

An
Review №29

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.

Se
Review №30

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.

Sh
Review №31

Truly enjoyed the selection of books. Great atmosphere..

Ma
Review №32

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

Ka
Review №33

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

Pe
Review №34

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!

So
Review №35

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.💕

Kr
Review №36

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

G
Review №37

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!

Sa
Review №38

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.

He
Review №39

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.

Gr
Review №40

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.

Yw
Review №41

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.

da
Review №42

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 !

Tr
Review №43

BYOB and enjoy the music! A must see/experience

Ab
Review №44

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.

Da
Review №45

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

Ve
Review №46

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.

do
Review №47

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!

An
Review №48

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)

Ch
Review №49

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.

Ma
Review №50

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

Ro
Review №51

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

Jo
Review №52

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.

Pa
Review №53

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

J.
Review №54

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.

Ni
Review №55

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.

De
Review №56

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

Sh
Review №57

Live Jazz - Gail Dobson and her band

Wy
Review №58

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

Da
Review №59

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

Ge
Review №60

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!

Sa
Review №61

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

Le
Review №62

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

Al
Review №63

Great books, great owner, great performing arts programs!

ge
Review №64

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

Vi
Review №65

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

Mi
Review №66

Very helpful.

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.

Fr
Review №69

Awesome place books music people.

Do
Review №70

Quintessential intimate small bookstore. Very welcoming.

Sh
Review №71

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

Pe
Review №72

Great neighborhood bookstore.

Li
Review №73

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

Ja
Review №74

Love this bookstore. One of my favorites.

Kf
Review №75

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

Pe
Review №76

A local gem for great local jazz and books.

Ev
Review №77

Great little store with millions of books.

Bo
Review №78

The Friday jazz show was awesome.

Th
Review №79

Great Jazz, wonderful old time book store.

Jo
Review №80

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

Aa
Review №81

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 №82

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 :)

An
Review №83

Great neighborhood bookstore with live jazz on weekends!

An
Review №84

Great hidden treasure for live music!

Ho
Review №85

Great bookstore with live music programs.

Ky
Review №86

This place has jazz all the time!

Mi
Review №87

Only great times here, stellar jazz!

Si
Review №88

A classic. Always check the schedule for concerts.

Br
Review №89

My favorite independent bookstore in SF.

Pa
Review №90

Friendly staff, and live music when we visited!

Ma
Review №91

A great local bookstore.

Jo
Review №92

Cool book store

Wo
Review №93

Great atmosphere, owner is awesome

Be
Review №94

You can get lost in this bookstore all day long!

Ni
Review №95

An absolute gem.

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