Stacey's

Unfortunately, I have to start off with two bookstores that have been left behind.

Stacey’s is the quintessential bookstore for professionals, and located in the heart of financial district. Originally specializing in tech books more than 75 years ago, now they have every new book you could imagine. It’s the place you went when you wanted to learn, if you want to pick up the book you heard about on npr, or if you just want to play hooky for a while. They usually have several author readings every week over the lunchtime hour, and also co-sponsor notable speakers with the Commonwealth club. With three floors of books, I absolutely had trouble not finding something to buy. Visiting lately, however, is rather depressing. Rows of empty bookshelves line the bottom of most of the bookcases. Two more months to visit this San Francisco landmark.