B Street Books

Independent bookstore with a large selection of collectible books and other books in every subject. Small and simple bookshop with some great deals on used books.

Bookstores are rare nowadays. Even more, to find one open most days of the week with such a large collection. They have books ranging from the popular to the unique and the rare.

I adore this location to just browse around until I find something unique or to reminisce.

My brother did find an audio book as well while browsing around. I believe this location also accepts trade-in for credit (if I remember correctly).

Support local bookstores!

This is a PSA to support local bookstores! I don't normally review bookstores, but B Street Books is hands down my favorite. They've been in business for over 10 years now, and I am relieved that they stayed afloat despite the huge hit COVID had on small businesses.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the rare books I stumble upon here. I first picked up a book here by the American poet Ogden Nash back in 2018, and have spent the last few years scouring countless used bookstores in hopes of finding another anthology. Whaddaya know, I recently found another Nash anthology at B Street Books... talk about coming full circle :')

Staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. All collections are well curated, neatly organized, and easy to navigate. Book prices are incredibly fair, considering how much some rare books are worth nowadays. B Street is a must-visit the next time you're strolling around downtown!

The service was nice, but the resell value is garbage! They chose a few books, all were brand new and 1 I think I opened once. They offered me $7 cash or $11 store credit. It's not even worth the effort of parking, paying for parking if you get it, and hauling your box of books into the store and waiting. It was the biggest waste of my time. I declined and am now going to either donate them to the library or leave them on the curb for people who will actually appreciate them.

Classic old school style bookstore in downtown San Mateo!!

Very small, books everywhere, and comfortable chairs to sit and read.

Went here when Covid was still going on, they have you sanitize your hands when you enter. And for a place that sells mainly used books, it's very clean and organized.

Glad bookstores like this are still around!!!

I love this store. Lots of ever-changing inventory of used books all the time. If you are looking for beautiful books by Easton press, the folio society or franklin library they have them.

Great local bookstore and we always come here first before going to a bigger chain bookstore or ordering online.

I'm really happy this book store is here and able to stay open. The owner and staff are great and super helpful. They have a great selection of books and in a perfect location.

I love bookstores, and I've been sad to see fewer of them over the past few years. This is a wonderful used bookstore in downtown San Mateo, with shelves full of interesting books on all topics, including "INTERESTING MISCELLANY" - how can anyone resist? We've picked up a lot of good books for the kids here, including the exact same amazing optical illusion book that I had as a kid. There's a comfy reading chair near the kids section if you want to curl up with your kid for a quick story session.

The shelves go on for quite a while, so you can spend a lot of time here. Unfortunately it closes at 7pm most weeknights so we're not able to make it on date nights, but it opens later on Friday and Saturday evening. They buy books only at certain hours, so if you're trying to unload some of your books, make sure to check that you're coming at the right time. Unsurprisingly, the (purchase) prices are really good, and it feels good to support a local bookstore.

Super awesome bookstore!

I was walking around downtown San Mateo and saw B Street Books, and I'm so glad that I stopped by. I feel like you don't really see bookstores like this anymore nowadays, so it was super cool to see all the shelves filled up with tons of books. There are signs up to let you know the genre of books, but otherwise it's just awesome walking around and getting lost in the books. The books are all reasonably priced as well. They have so many collector's editions of books, and it was truly awesome to see them up for display. There's also a really good variety of books, from old classics to contemporary novels to cookbooks and more. I would absolutely come back here to peruse some more.

I parked in one of the downtown garages and walked to here!