This is an excellent bookstore specializing in Science Fiction and Fantasy, with some shelves also devoted to Mystery. A very strong collection of used paperbacks - I found an elusive copy of de Camp’s masterpiece, The Dragon of the Ishtar Gate. It was from Lancer Books, perhaps fifty years ago, the too-thick paperback with the Roy Krenkel cover painting. The store features rare collectible editions behind the counter, some very expensive (the autographed first hardcover edition of Beagle’s The Last Unicorn) and other treasures more affordable if still a bit pricey. All worth it, if you ask me! The new books, paperbound and hardcover, are great in number and variety. I found all my favorite titles and all my favorite authors, and more besides. The young man behind the counter was both knowledgeable and friendly. This is a store of wonders, worthy of attention and support.

Best. Bookstore. EVER. My husband and I stopped in here while we were on our honeymoon, and we had no idea what to expect when we walked through the door. We were delighted to find, dear reader, that this particular bookstore stocks nothing but science-fiction, fantasy, horror, and suspense literature. Whereas other bookstores relegate these genres to a few meagre bookcases, Borderlands Books is an entire STORE of shelf after shelf of wonderful fantastic and speculative fiction. The clerk tending the counter on the day we stopped in was also knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic about the authors and titles carried in the store. My husband and I are thrilled just knowing this place exists; we've been raving about it to people since we got home. We will definitely stop back in the next time that we're in San Francisco!

It's hard to review Borderlands Books without reviewing Borderlands Cafe. Luckily, they are both solid so this should be easy. It's wonderful to have a specialty bookstore on hand for all the science fiction/fantasy/and horror aficionados out there. I'm not too much of a die hard but even I still recognize the usefulness of a specialty bookstore that has the obscure titles you'll never find in a Books, Inc. Plus, there's also the cafe... One of the best mochas in SF, I kid you not. The staff is so friendly, nearly to a fault. Basically, don't go in unless you are in a chatty mood. Also, check out the meat and cheese platters if you're looking for a nice afternoon snack while reading your favorite Asimov or Philip K. Dick.

Big store with a great selection. They have used books, too and not just fantasy and sci-fi but mystery as well. I couldn't find many of the books in my wish list, especially older prints, but no brick and mortar store could have them all anyway. Very friendly staff that goes out of their way to help you or recommend fresh reads. They have book signings and events, if you're into that sort of thing, too. I believe the store exists in a temporal black hole because you enter it in the morning and then minutes later, after you've picked a couple of (dozens of) books, you exit and it's evening! I honestly think I could live there. Just get me some tea and biscuits and I'm happy.

Borderlands Books is a must-go for people who love reading sci-if, fantasy, mystery and horror genres… This indie bookshop on Haight Street specializes in those kinds of books and has titles for a wide range of readers, from middle schoolers through adults. The new arrivals, best sellers, and staff picks are near the front door. (They also have a small case of rare books in the center of the store, if you’re a collector.) Older paperbacks are in the back section of the store. I enjoyed browsing around and found several new books I want to read, including the book I was on the hunt for… The people that work here are really friendly and helpful, too!

Imagine that you stumbled into the book collection of someone who's tastes run from mystery to science fiction to adventures of self discovery in alternative realities... then go there! A short block from the #14 or a pretty walk from Delores park and the street car. Marvel at the mural on the women's building. Many Indian/Pakistani restaurants nearby as well. Prices for new books are competitive with the internet, so you won't regret impulse purchases. Browsing is rewarding given the excellent selection. Valencia Ave is often stuffed with people but the store has always been calm and welcoming!

This is a small bookstore and it doesn't take long to browse the shelves. However, it is a potent space. It's exactly what an indie bookstore should be: filled with a mix of new and older titles as well as new and used books, staffed by people who care about SF/F books and reading, full of hand-picked suggestions, just big enough that you can wander around and get sucked into reading a book without feeling like someone is always looking at you. I'm so glad this store didn't go away. It's amazing how the community pulled together to save it. It's worth saving and keeping.

I ordered a signed edition of an obscure horror book from the shop. I was absolutely delighted to find a copy, and it is actually in even better condition than stated. It looks almost new. It arrived four days after I ordered it- yes, I paid priority shipping, but we all know that's no guarantee right now- carefully wrapped and safely delivered to my doorstep. Borderlands, I just want you to know that you have made my husband's birthday wonderful. He was so happy with the book he was speechless. I can't recommend this store enough.

This place is a San Francisco fixture. They have such a local fan base that folks got together to help them find, afford, and move into the current location. The are focused on schedule for fantasy and horror, and have a great selection. Parking can be tight and more than a little pricy, which can make it a bit problematic if you're coming in from outside the city. For locals though, public transportation is easy. The attached coffee shop is a nice place to relax with your new books and enjoy a fresh cup.

Christmas Miracle - thank you Borderlands Books For 20+ years I’ve been hoping against hope (and slowly losing hope) that one of my favorite series would be reprinted. (The Saga of the Pliocene Exile.) Meanwhile my ancient copies were literally losing pages like a tree in Autumn. What did I find today? My Christmas Miracle! Four beautiful robust volumes, just sitting there, apparently waiting for me. Now they have a new home and pride of place. Thanks Borderlands! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

god this is a fantasy lover's actual dream come true! friends and i stopped by this place a couple times and it's got an absolute s tier selection. i found all the books i wanted in the used section and spend last than $30 for 4 books. got recommended a lot of poc authors as well and they were all in stock!! also spoke to the cashier for a bit and she was so nice!! got to hear a little about the store's history and the interaction was very genuine. can't wait to come back when i visit sf again.

If you are looking for something to on a Sunday afternoon, come to this neighborhood and visit Borderlands. Especially if your live outside of San Francisco. The selection of books are neatly displayed. The staff is super knowledgable and well versed in the ways of dystopian futures, adventure Sci fi, new trends, and classic Sci fi. Weather it be Mary Shelly, PKD, Wilson Tucker, Larry Nivan, your wishes and dreams are always full filled here!!

We went for a Sanderson signing tonight and they were overflowing and sold out. Why, you might ask, the 5* review for a place that’s overfilled and sold out? The owner came out to greet us and talk over what that meant. He gave multiple options for how we could still get our signed books, as well as alternatives for purchasing since their stock was exhausted. In general, the staff was awesome, and that’s what makes any business a good one.

I've lived in many many cities. This is bar none the best specialty book store I have ever encountered. The staff are all sci-fi aficionados. if they don't have it, they can get it. Rare, out of print, nobody but you has ever heard of it? No problem. They probably know the author personally. If you love sci-fi and live in SF you NEED to know this place. If you love sci-fi and are just visiting SF, you NEED to visit this place.

One of the best specialty bookstores in the country! Caters exclusively to fans of sci-fi/fantasy, horror, and mystery. I stop by every time I visit San Francisco and I never walk away without an armload of books and some incredibly thoughtful recommendations from the knowledgeable and friendly book wizards. Be sure to check the staff recommendations and grab a coffee next door at their sister coffee and pastry shop.

Borderlands is one of my favorite bookstores in this city. I’m a huge fantasy/sci-fi nerd and anytime I have the chance to come into this store, I take it. The people working here are so friendly and excited to help you discover new books. Over the years they’ve recommended some of my absolute favorites and I couldn’t be more grateful. This is a place to go if you’re looking for a new world to escape into.

Borderlands is an amazing fantasy and science fiction bookstore (that also carries mysteries). They have a great assortment of new and used books and are always willing to help with suggestions if you are looking for something new. Alan, Jude, Scott, and Jeremy are all very knowledgeable and personable and every visit is like returning home. Rush right out now and visit and find something to read!

Not enough people know that this gem of a bookstore and community is, unfortunately, owned by an abuser who also exploits his staff. Google "mission local borderlands" for more info, and please consider shopping at a different independent bookstore. Sincerely, a former staff member who was wrongfully terminated and threatened with retaliation after asking for workplace safety measures.

this place doesn't have a huge selection of books and comicbooks but they seem to pick their entire selection with care. There seem to be a lot of collectables and a lot of valuable issues in this store. They also hold events for readings. Every time I've gone into the store I've felt a little overwhelmed, but the people working there are friendly and nice to chat with.

What an incredible place! We stumbled upon this after buying some sock next door! The collection is beautiful and upon seeing a signed first edition of my favourite book… I didn’t even hesitate to spend $200 and leave a very happy man… if you’re a fantasy or sci-fi fan you will be in heaven here! Some truly amazing books! Thank you so much!

Astounding and amazing in size and scope, but sometimes frustratingly uneven, this is where I come when I want to browse for a book or wander across something unexpected. If I want to FIND a book, like a specific book, I'll go to B&N first and Borderlands Books second. A must visit for book nerds. A minor madhouse during Christmastime.

Favorite bookstore on the planet, easily. Fantastic selection of genre fiction, knowledgeable and super friendly staff that like the same books as you do— it's everything one could ask for. Sad they're moving out of their longtime location in the vaguely near future, but the new loc is closer to where I live, which is a definite plus

Went here to get recommendations for xenoarchaeology themed titles. The staff were very helpful and the woman who helped even gave me another way of thinking about my interest (i.e. mystery/discovery and scientists doing research and fieldwork). They have many author events though I haven't been able to attend any yet.

A light and airy interior. Wonderful selection of Science Fiction and Fantasy books, old and new. Current authors and old favorites. Used books (all bindings); limited editions behind the counter. I've seen chapbooks there. Expected magazines. For me, a ride on the 33 and a 5-10 minute stroll, and I am there.

Borderlands was the dark secluded alchemy lair in the most crowded part of the city. With an adjacent cafe, it was the perfect place to lose yourself in new favorite drink, while reading an old favorite story. About a year ago the cafe closed, and the book store is soon to follow. It will be greatly missed.

Excellent independent bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy, with some mystery as well. Large section of sci-fi, much larger than typical bookstore sci-fi sections, and with a wider variety of authors and publishers. If you're into sci-fi, this is not to be missed. Has an attached coffee shop.

This is a cool bookshop with a big emphasis on science fiction. There is deepness in the stacks with many obscure and hard to find titles. The proprietor has a great familiarity with the titles and was happy to share her knowledge. I just don't think you can ask for more than this!

Right in the heart of the Mission District, this great book store exists! A wonderful place to get lost in books. Rare, new and used books. I love the lighting, decor and staff! Recently went to support a local bay area mystery author, R. Franklin James for a book signing.

This is an awesome book store! I was in a hurry so I could only spend five minutes here, but I loved the selection of science fiction books! I saw at least five books I wanted , but settled on one. I've never seen such a complete collection of Neal Asher in a book store!

Absolutely love this bookstore and the team who run it! Lovely people. They provide one of the most (if not the most) expansive range of sci-fi and fantasy books. You can find pretty much any title in those genre realms. Take your time here too if it’s your first time.

If you love sci-fi, fantasy, horror, or mystery literature, this is the place. This place can't be absorbed in an hour. Be prepared to be inundated with choices; there's even a limited selection of used books. After your purchase, cross over to the adjacent cafe.

This is a lovely shop filled with used and new SF, fantasy, horror AND literary criticism of all these. I had a helpful chat with the person who rang me up about a small press I was curious about. I left with that particular buzz of a good bookstore haul.

Have you ever asked wished there was a geeky bookstore dedicated entirely to science fiction and fantasy? Because they did! Staff reviews and recommendations can be found strewn about the shelves. Now I just need to find my soul mate while browsing here.

The place use to be in the mission but recently closed. For fantasy novels they have everything! The person at the counter was super helpful and very informative about the book I was buying. Can’t wait to finish this one so I can get another from them.

They know everything about their stock, and if they don't have something, they'll give you titles to look up online. They all know their stuff, and they have a wonderful variety of speculative fiction. One of the few good standalone bookstores left!

Cool old school bookstore that’s managed to stick around. Good selection, not the best prices, and a pretty laid back atmosphere. Probably not my first thought if I actually need a book, but it’s a nice way to kill some time if you’re down this way.

Great bookstore with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Specializes in speculative fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, horror) with a large stock, including some used books for sale. Often have author readings/signings from a range of sci-fi and fantasy authors.

The staff here was super helpful, friendly, and even recommended books for me to read if I enjoyed the book I was purchasing there. It's clear by their attitude that the employees really care about the books they sell here. Highly recommend

Wonderful staff, always friendly and knowledgeable. It has a great selection of genre works (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and mystery), with good staff recommendations and section of used and rare books. The joined cafe next door is also great

Amazing service. I called to have copies of a magazine sent to me here in Arkansas. They went out of their way to make this happen although their profit will be very small. They could not have been nicer. Terrific customer service!

Loved this bookstore! They had a good balance of popular books in addition to their own distinct selections. The staff recs spotlit books I hadn’t heard of before, which I was happy to see. They also had cute stickers and pins.

Vacationing in SF, and couldnt have come across a more knowledgable and friendly little book store. My bags will be heavier on the flight home, but I will be entertained with the books tailored to my precise literary needs.

Great book selection with knowledgeable staff. If you are looking for a gift and only know the genre, the staff can help you find something exciting for you to give. The attached cafe makes a great Mexican mocha too.

Im a HUGE urban fantasy reader and this is the only book store that has ALL the series! Even the old ones! Gasped when I saw Morganville vampire series I read that like ten years ago and totally forgot about it.

A treasure trove of science fiction and fantasy books, both new and used, with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Also a sweet little coffee shop that hosts wonderful readings by today's most exciting authors.

One of my favorite bookstores in San Francisco. If you’re a science fiction, fantasy, or horror lover, this is a must. I’ve gotten several collectibles here as well as reading books. Staff is always friendly

Lovely indie bookstore with good covid practices. Excellent science fiction and fantasy selection. Definitely a focused offering. Miss the coffee shop right next door (with limited wifi hours).

Long standing science fiction and fantasy bookstore loved by local community. The graphic novel selection is not bad. Events and readings make this place a fun writer hangout and resource.

An excellent bookstore specialising in sci fi, fantasy, and horror. Knowledgeable staff and great "staff picks." They have built a community of readers and writers. A wonderful bookstore.

Borderlands is the best fantasy/sci-fi bookshop ever. Their staff is beyond fabulous and they make the best recommendations. I also love that they have a lot of books available used.

This is a fantastic bookstore focused primarily on Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. They also have Horror and Mystery books. This is the best place to buy books in the Bay Area!

Truly the best bookstore for sci fi and fantasy! The staff are welcoming and will happily help you choose a new book just based off your past reads and desired vibe. ✨ …

They have the best staff and give the best reccomendations! Scott is a delight! Plus they have a buy back program. I received a free book with the store credit I earned. …

God I loved this bookstore. If you're a SF / Fantasy buff at all you can easily sink hours browsing and talking to the employees about books. A must-visit for me from now on.

Huge science fiction selection. Too many good books. A sizable collection of horror, and plenty of anthologies for both. I had a hard time walking out with only one book.

The owner suggested a series after I'd finished the Dark Tower and now I'm hooked. Tell him your faves and maybe he'll do the same for you. Awesome for horror & sci-fi.

My favorite bookstore in San Francisco! Awesome selection of Sci-fi and fantasy and lots in between. The cafe side is cash only, but otherwise the place is wonderful.

Beautiful book store with a fine selection, mostly science fiction and fantasy. Some great Edward Gorey puzzles and books too. The adjoining cafe is quite nice too.

Great selection of sci-fi, mystery, horror and other genres of fiction books. They also have a cafe right next to the store. Overall, my experience here was great

One of the best selections of science fiction and fantasy books I have ever seen! They've got some great vintage ones too, and the staff is very nice and helpful

Very large bookstore. Good selection of Sci-fi, Mystery, and Fantasy. Check out the bookstore's used section in the back. Also, a nice café a joins the store.

Great spot…love those Tartarus Press imprints! Sneaky good horror selection. Owner/clerk obviously takes pride in store - very knowledgeable and helpful.

Great place. It has a large selection of books with quite the variety. Plus they have some really cool eclectic items. It is definitely worth a visit.

Helpful and friendly staff, not above recommending Dog Earred Books for books they don't carry. I love having a genre specific bookstore to go to. :)

Amazing book store. Wonderful selection of books by an amazingly diverse range of authors and friendly, knowledge staff. You can't ask for better.

One of my happy places. The staff is incredibly friendly and I'm always able to find numerous books that are on my list and some that weren't.

Specialist sci-fi and fantasy bookshop. Really helpful staff and huge selection. If this is your genre get along there. Impressive.

Friendly, knowledgeable staff who are passionate about sci-fi and fantasy. Great selection. Good ventilation for COVID safety.

I love that this is a sci-fi and fantasy specialty bookstore. They had so many great books and friendly staff.

Had a good wonderful chat with the staff needing out about fantasy books 10/10 will come again

The best bookstore. Owner and workers were so kind. It’s worth it just for the atmosphere.

Really cool book shop that has a good collection of science fiction/fantasy/mystery books!

Huge sci-fi/fantasy nerd so this was super cool to stumble upon in the city!!

Completely awesome. You WILL lose time there, significant time. Great staff.

A great selection of Fantasy and Sci-Fi, including some quality used items.

This was a fantastic little sci-fi and horror specialty bookstore!

Best Sci fi fantasy mystery bookstore in the world. No lie.

Awesome bookstore friendly staff well organized and clean

Great books, great staff recommendations

Coziest F&SF bookstore ever.