In-store pick-up
Yes
Reinforced security
We got you covered
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Enhanced cleaning
Daily cleaning
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Conciergerie
We take care of you
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Comments (74)
Stacked from floor to ceiling with books of all kinds. Owner knows everything there, and will buy select books. Easy to find parking on University, right outside the store.
Great little bookstore- one of the only spots in San Diego that had any Sylvia Plath books!
Quirky little store. Good selection. Unique man who runs the place. Good prices on books. Wished the owner would have had a few other recommendations but he reads an obscure genre that I couldn’t relate to (ancient egyptian history). Though he did help me get a more relevant book on the subject I had of interest than the book I had in hand. Go and see for yourself.
I’ve been searching for awhile for someone to take a look at a signed Dr. Seuuse book that I have as well a a box full of a dozen or so various novels and such. I wasn’t sure where or even how to market these things properly. I called one book shop after the next, the call always ending with me feeling frustrated and no closer to getting an offer that I felt was worth considering. I finally came across this shop. The owner took the time to look through all of my books and even offered me a little something for a handful of them. He also was very helpful and informative about my signed Dr. sues book, telling me what I might be offered depending upon where I took it. He definitely pointed me in the right direction to get the most fair price for the book. Definitely will be back if I want to sell books in the future.As for the shop itself; it’s small but perfect for those of us that enjoy the coziness of a small book store overflowing with unique, antique, beautiful books; many of which aren’t seen very often. He knows his shop well, it’s a bit of an organized mess.He also has boxes of “$1” books outside which no doubt will draw any book lover inside. He even gave my girlfriend one of the $1 books for free that she really liked which was just a nice touch that spoke to his kindness. I wish I’d known about this shop sooner and I will be back soon.
Footnote Books is jammed full, stacked to the roof with books. Ill tell you about this place shortly.
A wonderful little bookshop. It is wall-to-wall and floor to ceiling with everything from comic books to classics, with a number of foreign language texts sprinkled in.The owner knows his business quite well and is fair and reasonable with pricing.I havent sold to him, so I can not speak on that experience.I recommend this place to my friends, co-workers and classmates all the time.
This shop just opened its doors back up and I’m so grateful especially with the libraries being closed. The owner is kind and helpful And was able to quickly find a book That I was looking for. The owner has a thoughtful routine down, offering sanitizer at the door, limiting the number of customers, cleaning all commonly touched items between customers. I highly encourage you support this small local business!
Pricey for a used book store. Books everywhere but hard to move around
Ah the beauty of independent bookstores! I love that I can always count on tons of good recommendations here. There are little cards all over the store with them. Ive found some good gifts that way too. Love this place! I always want to wander around in here after Ive gone to Joys.
This shop is a gem. I managed to find a few rare items here that I hadnt seen available elsewhere on the West Coast, among the very extensive stock of history books. I could have spent hours perusing titles, and the owner was most helpful and friendly. Far and away the best used bookshop Ive visited in San Diego.
A little pricey for a used bookstore IMO but Im happy to pay more to support a local business, theres a vast selection of all genres, and the owner is very friendly and knowledgeable. Its a little difficult to navigate the store, there are so many books crammed into such a tiny space that it can be hard to find what youre looking for without help. The whole place has such a cool and eclectic collection of various antiquities, ranging from books, ornaments, toys, packaging, globes, and more. A cool place worth a visit!
My friend and i saw this place on google and we were so excited to go see it for the first time however as soon as we walked in the owner of the place started arguing with us about how we’ve came in multiple times when it was our FIRST time walking in there and you could tell he wasn’t even sure if it was us or not. he took our bags n let us look around but the entire time we felt really uncomfortable and felt as if we were being constantly watched. this place is just full of negative energy all around. i absolutely don’t recommend going to this book store unless you want to walk around as if it were more of a museum instead of a bookstore and not touch anything because according to other people’s reviews they also felt as if they couldn’t really do anything like look at the books. you might as well just buy it online if you can’t look around. the owner was incredibly rude and we expected better from this place.
I liked the large selection of books, but was a bit worried I would topple one of the many precarious stacks of books inside. Loved the variety of sci-fi and fantasy books. The stacks of books also made it somewhat challenging to find what youre looking for, or move around safely/freely. I would recommend this place to others, but keep in mind to move slowly and dont bump a tall stack when you do!
Terrible selection for the number of books that are in here. I think this place has been pretty picked over -- there are lots of books 2 and 3 of whatever series youre interested in, but there arent many book 1s.I went in here looking to start two different fantasy series. I was able to find later books in both series but this place didnt have book 1 in either series.Also, the guy at the front is very rude.
By far one of my favorite bookstores to date. Well priced books, and the owner is doing amazing making sure everything is sanitized. I want to come back again and I just left after buying some books!
Quirky little used bookstore,but with a remarkably excellent selection for varied interests despite it size. Knowledgeable bookman 📖 in the true sense.
Theres always something good at Battle-- much of what I love about this store is the amazing fiction section, though other highlights include poetry and literary journals (if youre into GRANTS, Battle is a great place to score reasonably priced older issues).NOTE: The store is definitely a bit weaker on scholarly texts--Oh, and the upstairs antiquarian stuff is mind-blowingly cool.
This a small, dingy bookstore crammed with books from floor to ceiling. There is no room to move and the space could use a good cleaning. Worse yet, the owner has a real attitude problem. He doesnt want people actually looking at the books before they purchase them. He also lectures people about how they should hold the books and talks down to his customers.
Its stacked and packed close but this is by far my favorite used books store in the area. I come here as often as I can and I usually drop like 180 dollars on two fat bags of political, philosophical, gender studies, psychology, etc, lots of resources for multiple sides of any debate, and I have come upon some really great finds. The owner gets a bad rep but I can understand when his shop is really packed close hed want to be precautious. Hes still very helpful and nice, sometimes hes even a treat to talk to if hes not too busy! (were all human ffs)
Great little bookstore crammed full of books, with a nice selection
The owner of Footnotes should remove the Welcome sign from the front door as he makes his potential customers feel anything but welcome. In my 30+ years of shopping in used bookstores I have never been asked to leave a book list at the front desk. Apparently the composition notebook that I bring to all shops with my buying list can be used to steal from him.Despite my better judgement I entered his store anyway. I found several books that I needed but decided not to give him my business. He doesnt need it if this is how he treats potential buyers. I should have listened to the many negative reviews on Yelp.
Literally get lost in this beautiful maze of books! Has amazing selection! Can spend hours here and loose a sense of time.
This is the spot if you love getting lost searching through a bookstore. The books are stacked nearly to the ceiling and you really dont know what youre going to find contained within. Its a book nerds dream in there.... A sweaty one though as I dont think its ever been less than 10 billion degrees inside of there.Be sure to talk to the dude who runs it as well, super cool guy.
My nieces are in town for a spring break and we stopped in at Footnotes after dinner. Had an amazing conversation with the owner, Troy, who is kind, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable.It was such a good reminder of the importance of small, independent bookstores. This the sort of place that feeds the soul!
Floor to ceiling books! This place is a real treasure. Its so overwhelming when you first walk in, you dont know where to begin! This is a book lovers heaven. I have found some really special books here. This is an absolute must go!
Cramped and dingy. Owner doesnt want you browsing through the store or touching the books. He is incredibly rude. I believe in buying local. This man makes me question that belief. Save yourself the horror movie creepiness and just use amazon.
Who I am assuming is the owner of the store wouldnt let us come in because we were wearing masks with valves. Understandable to a degree, but he was incredibly rude and condescending about it for someone who was wearing a very thin cloth gaiter over his face and not a mask.
Although the store has a wide selection of books from many different genres, its almost impossible to find anything in particular you may be looking for. At least a fourth of the product is either obscured by other books or theyre in piles stacked so high you cant actually access what youd like without either moving several pounds of books or risk toppling them all. The space is much too small for the number of books available.
I LOVE brousing thru the books in the boxes outside in the boxes set on the ground. And guy working there is SUPER NICE + HELPFUL!PROBLEM IS....+ often keeps me from shopping there a lot! is that I use a rollator/walker to get there andSADLY, books are set on sidewalk, not table. So, people w disabilitiesCAN end up in moreEART pain from stooping over.IS IT SO HARD TO PUT OLD TABLE OUT???? HAVE A H
This is a cute shop with a large selection of books however the owner is very unfriendly and unwelcoming. I felt as if I was being watched constantly and that my business was not needed or wanted.
They don’t make ‘em like this anymore! A wonderful winding world of floor to ceiling words! A kind, human owner—not many of those left either! A true sanctuary for the passionate, thinking person. Very grateful!
I love the sense of community. Its such a lovely place to explore.
The cashier was lovely. If you dont mind spending the time to really look around theres def some gems, bought 3 books
I love the smell of old books and they had a used book i needed for a present. Great prices and a unique store for sure.
Extensive selection of sifi novels. Reasonable prices and wonderful service with friendly conversation and good suggestions. I look forward to visiting again to see what else I can find.
Dont be intimidated by the amount of books. Its well organized, has some great finds and the guy is knowledgeable. Very helpful.
Not only is there a fine selection, the owner is also knowledgable and friendly. Its nice to see an independant book store.
Amazing book store! Can find nearly everything ! Very crowded, but I highly Recommend this thrift book store.
By far my favorite bookstore in San Diego. So many books and new discoveries every time I go there.
Good genre of books and the place are well organized and it is so peaceful and quite
Awesome little bookstore with so many titles stacked up all over. Support local book shops and like this one.
What a shop! Reminds me of used bookstores in Canada. Fantastic selection of vintage science fiction magazines.
Some really cool books here, and the owner is very knowledgable. Cozy place for a booklover.
Cute little bookshop in the heart if Hillcrest. It’s a take your time and peruse the offerings. Help is readily available.
Pretty good selection and every book its half whatever price is on the cover!!
Friendly staff, a nice inviting atmosphere, well arranged, and with a comfortable childrens section. I enjoyed it very much.
Very rude and abusive owner. I will never return to this store.
The guy is such a joke.Crazy rude.I will never step in that book store.
Gem of a bookstore! We chanced upon this place while strolling along this quaint neighbourhood.
A very cool and low key book shop with a lot to offer is you spend the time to look
I found exactly what I was looking for. The prices were good. I look forward to my next trip.
Closed with door locked, despite purported open hours
Excellent place to buy used book with reasonable price.
Lots of stuff packed in. They will find it , if they dont have.
I can always find what i am looking for. Its also fun to browse.
Found an obscure book on meditation that otherwise I wouldnt have found. Thanks guys!
Fantastic, huge used book store.
Lots and lots of books. Could spend the whole day here.
Owner has integrity!
Great old fashioned book shop
The last of the great little bookstores.
Great little bookstore
Unfriendly and rude worker.
Slow service
4.2 (74 comments)
Review №1
2022-05-13This place is fantastic. Wall to wall with awesome curiosities of all kinds, all in great condition. The owner is really knowledgeable and friendly. I came in with a couple boxes of books and he took the time to look through each one carefully, selected a small stack and gave me a fair amount for them. Other places *cough Verbatim Books cough cough* will just sort of quickly sift through all of your books without picking up one and within 3 seconds say theyre not interested.I will continue to give this place my business over any other local book store in San Diego solely because the owner was so kind
Review №2
2022-07-18I rarely ever post reviews, but this place should not have such a high rating. I have been there twice. The first time, I was looking for some ghost story books. I was greeted by a man who seemed like he already hated me for walking into his store. The store was a mess and awkward to navigate, and not in the quaint eclectic ways that many used book stores are.The most frustrating thing for me was how rude the man working there was. He acted like I was a nuisance the whole time I was there. That first visit was during the tail end of pandemic restrictions, so I figured maybe he had been hit hard by the pandemic and was willing to give the store a pass.Today, I went there looking for a specific book on my list. Google Maps says they close at 6:30. I planned my afternoon around getting there at 6pm. I only needed a few minutes to check for the books and scan some other titles on my way out. I didn’t realize Pride weekend started on Thursday, so I had to drive around for ten minutes to find a parking spot. I walked up to the door at 6:07 to see that same man locking up. When I asked him if they had changed their closing time to 6pm, he looked at me like he wanted to attack me. He then told me that they lock up at 6pm and that he stays open until 6:30 if you get there by 6pm. First off, what a ridiculous closing policy. Either you close at 6 or you close at 6:30. How would Infrequent customers ever know your weird stipulations if they are not posted anywhere. Secondly, there is something seriously wrong with that man’s tone. He’s not just unfriendly. He makes you feel uncomfortable, as though he might start screaming at you at any moment. I am surprised that anyone ever goes there and has a good experience unless they are just ignorant to the behavior of other people.I will never go back there. I highly recommend Verbatim Books instead.
Review №3
2022-08-14Great book store but the man working there is extremely rude. The store isn’t exactly easy to navigate so I asked a simple question on where to find mystery books. The man rolled his eyes at me and huffed. Needless to say, I didn’t buy anything and I won’t be returning.
Review №4
2022-04-01The selection was nice, but the atmosphere was very negative. Did not feel welcome in the store at all and felt like I was spoken down to when I inquired about certain books. There are better spots that make you feel more welcome :/
Review №5
2022-08-10This place is the real deal. Love searching through the Art section and always have interesting convo with the owner. He’s a wealth of knowledge. Will be back again to accidentally knock over some precarious book piles without a doubt…
Review №6
2020-03-11Love this bookstore. Located in the heart of hillcrest by the flag. Small space but cramped with books in a good way. Lots of different tittles, new and old, rare and collectible. Owner is veru friendly has been on the owner since the 90s. Come by ans take a look.
Review №7
2022-05-20This is for those who really dig books. Especially ones old and not as common. The stacks and rows are so deep, you cant possibly see all. Definitely a place for bibliophiliacs.
Review №8
2022-06-06Footnote Books has the greatest selection of unusual one of a kind books in perfect condition at a reasonable price.
Review №9
2022-01-09Great little stash of used treasures. Go in looking for specific titles or authors, come out with an armful of other authors and titles. Yes, its crammed full. To me, thats heaven. Like a hug of books. Ask the proprietor. Hell gladly help move stacks. I almost precipitated a stack collapse, but he ran to my aid and saved the day. Bibliophiles, rejoice.
Review №10
2017-12-22Used bookstores are a little slice of heaven, and Footnote Books is no exception. There are haphazard piles of books leaning against floor to ceiling shelves containing every genre and title imaginable. This is a place I could get lost in for hours. The prices seemed fair and the owner is friendly and personable.