Get lost in a maze of literary treasures in the heart of Hillcrest.
Browse a vast collection of affordable used books across genres, from classics to modern titles.
Discover unique, hard-to-find books and collectible editions for enthusiasts and collectors.
Explore a carefully curated assortment of books stacked in a cozy, maze-like setting.
Enjoy an authentic, no-frills bookstore atmosphere in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego.
This is exactly what I imagine a “used book store” should feel like. There are books stacked from floor to ceiling, and at first, it can be quite difficult to grasp the layout and find what you are looking for. There was a great selection, however I believe this store has been extensively picked through, and (in my opinion) more and more undesirable books seem to accumulate. Nevertheless, I found several books here that piqued my interest. Unfortunately, I will say the man running this store is not very warm or welcoming and is not shy about his opinions. There is an air of arrogance and “the customer is always wrong” about him. Additionally, he prices his books firmly on vibes as he rings them up. I do however understand why he has rules against beverages and carrying excess belongings. Expect to feel lost in a maze of interesting books, but don’t expect much in terms of customer service.
I was excited to check out this book store with my family today while being at the farmers market. We had coffee and did not hesitate to place the drinks in the designated area. I jokingly stated, “please watch my drink so no one messes with it”. He instantly told me that I should exit the store because there has been too many instances of people accusing him of such a thing. I could understand if I was argumentative about leaving my drink and or said it in a disgruntled tone, but I did not. I did not argue and my family and I left. He lost the sale of three willing patrons. I certainly will not tell any one to check out this book store simply because the gentleman behind the counter did not seem pleasant and he had a negative aura. Go support small business’s where they still treat you kindly and desire you business.
I took some book samples there and asked if I could leave them there outside amongst the other free books he offered. The shopkeeper was so rude and as though publishing a new book was a crime. He was angry and combative! I left feeling really deminished and sad! Be careful of his Darkness!
Drinks aren’t allowed in the store, and large bags are to be left at the front. I thought it was obvious as to why those rules are set. This bookstore is jam-packed (in a good way!). Some of these books are worth a lot, and the owner wants to keep them, and all the other books, safe. As for the large bags, again, the store is jam-packed; some areas are hard to see from the front. It’s just for security. If you can’t respect these rules, just move on. The owner is great, and I commend him for running his business for this long. It’s affordable, and I rarely leave the store without buying anything. I will always try to visit when I’m in the area 😊
Love 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.
Footnote Books is a beloved used bookstore in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, offering a cozy, jam-packed space filled with books from floor to ceiling. Since the 1990s, we've curated a diverse collection of new, old, rare, and collectible titles at affordable prices. While we have rules like no drinks and bag storage to protect our valuable inventory, we invite book lovers to explore our maze of interesting finds. Our focus is on preserving literary gems in a no-frills, authentic bookstore environment.
Claim Footnote Books to update business info, respond to reviews, and access analytics.