Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [158]
Meyerovich Gallery Paintings, sculptures, and works on paper here are by modern and contemporary masters, including Chagall, Matisse, Miró, and Picasso. Meyerovich’s new Contemporary Gallery, across the hall, features works by Lichtenstein, Stella, Motherwell, Dine, and Hockney. Open Monday through Friday 10:30am to 6:30pm and Saturday 10:30am to 5pm. Closed Sunday. 251 Post St. (at Stockton St.), 4th floor. 415/421-7171.www.meyerovich.com.
Body Products
Showroom by In Fiore I’m totally addicted to In Fiore—a high-end line of body balms, oils, perfumes, and facial serums—so I was especially thrilled when San Francisco–based founder Julie Elliott opened her by-appointment-only shop in what she calls the “Tender-Nob” (on the border of Nob Hill and the Tenderloin near Union Square). Come here to check out her whole line, as well as limited-edition balms, and see why celebrities like Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan are fans. Open Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment only. 868 Post St. (btw. Leavenworth and Hyde sts.). 415/928-5661.www.infiore.net.
Books
Book Passage If you’re moseying through the Ferry Building Marketplace, drop into this cozy independent that emphasizes (for tourists and locals alike) local travel, boating on the bay, food, cooking, sustainable agriculture and ecology, fiction, culinary and regional history and literature, and photo and gift books about the Bay Area. The store also hosts lots of author events: Check their website for details. Ferry Building Marketplace (at the Embarcadero and Market St.). 415/835-1020.www.bookpassage.com.
The Booksmith Haight Street’s best selection of new books is in this large, well-maintained shop. It carries all the top titles, along with works from smaller presses, and more than 1,000 different magazines. 1644 Haight St. (btw. Clayton and Cole sts.). 800/493-7323 or 415/863-8688. www.booksmith.com.
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers Brooding literary types browse this famous bookstore owned by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the renowned Beat Generation poet. The three-level bookshop prides itself on a comprehensive collection of art, poetry, and political paperbacks, as well as more mainstream books. Open daily until midnight. 261 Columbus Ave. (at Broadway). 415/362-8193.www.citylights.com.
City Lights Booksellers in 1956, left to right: Bob Donlin, Neal Cassady, Allen Ginsberg, Robert LaVinge, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Green Apple Books The local favorite for used books, Green Apple is crammed with titles—more than 60,000 new and 100,000 used books and DVDs. Its extended sections in psychology, cooking, art, and history; collection of modern first editions; and rare graphic comics are superseded only by the staff’s superlative service. Note: There’s a separate music, fiction, and DVD annex next door. 506 Clement St. (at Sixth Ave.). 415/387-2272.www.greenapplebooks.com.
Phoenix Books One of the city’s most beloved independent bookstores, Phoenix recently moved to a bigger space in Noe Valley, giving loyal customers, many of whom are toddlers, a little more breathing room. New and used books share equal billing on the well-stocked shelves, so check the inside covers for discounted price before you pay full retail. The large sales tables offer real bargains—even on bestsellers, and if you’re not sure what you want, the fabulously well-informed staff will guide you to their current favorites. 3957 24th St. (btw. Church and Sanchez sts.) 415/821-3477.www.dogearedbooks.com.
William Stout Architectural Books Step inside this shrine to all things architectural, and even if you think you’re not interested in exquisite bathrooms, Southern California’s modern homes, or great gardens, you can’t help but bury yourself in the thousands of design books. An expansion to a second level means that if they don’t have what you’re looking for, it probably doesn’t exist. Tip: There’s also a new, small outpost inside the California Historical Society, located at Mission and Third streets. 804 Montgomery St. (at Jackson St.). 415/391-6757.www.stoutbooks.com.