Dog Eared Books and its two sister-shops, Phoenix and Red Hill Books, offer an eclectic selection of new and lightly used books to browse through for hours or days, with the added bonus of an extremely knowledgeable staff to help find specifics. A vast array of books organized in categories from cooking to "aaarg, pirate", zines, CDs, and audio books for rent are all available. Literary events such as readings and open mics often include free wine and snacks, as if patrons needed another reason to dive in to Dog Eared.
The East Bay Vivarium is the number one destination for anyone interested in buying a reptile, or for the supplies you need for the pet you have already. Snakes, lizards, iguanas and other cold blooded creatures are waiting for you to take them home. You can also buy the small, live critters your scaly friend eats.
Arts & Crafts Cooperative Inc. resides in a former French laundry and is the oldest arts and crafts cooperative west of the Mississippi River. ACCI Gallery displays and sells many beautiful and unique items ranging from metal outdoor art to lovingly handcrafted quilts and jewelry. Hunting down a special gift for your loved one is a pleasure in this handsome, well-lit gallery, especially with the knowledge that your purchase directly supports local artists. Visit during the holiday season for one-of-a-kind ornaments and home decor.
In an area known for wineries and wine bars, Solano Cellars is a mecca for Bay Area oenophiles who sit at the imposing wood bar and sample a dazzling array of wines from around the world. A staff of refreshingly unpretentious wine experts can guide you through the selection and help you find just the vintage you were looking for. The shop attached is tiny, but what they do not have on display can be fetched from the seemingly bottomless wine cellar. To enhance the wine, an ever-changing appetizer and dessert menu, designed with wine in mind, is offered. There is a strict prohibition on cell phones.
“The Pirate Store,” as it is known to neighborhood folk, is actually the official store of the Mission District writing workshop known as (and located at) 826 Valencia. Here, you'll find all manner of pirate-related items, from designer glass eyes and eye patches to a variety of pirate flags. Also for sale are a series of books and periodicals associated with the 826 Valencia writing program and the related McSweeney's publishing imprint, as well as a bevy of pirate-themed souvenir t-shirts. In-store entertainment includes a small fish tank-viewing theater and a giant vat of lard. (Note that lard can be bartered for, but not purchased.) See website for online shopping, event calendar, F.A.Q., store log and a multi-part video portrait of Karl the Fish.
The Perish Trust bills itself as a modern day general store, and is full of unique curios, home goods, handicrafts, and “original heirlooms.” It’s an impressive storehouse of Americana, or, repurposed Americana. Founded by a team of photographers and designers, the store is guided by a mission of collecting well-worn home goods and unique handmade items. Some items are new, while some are old. However, each is tinged with nostalgia for an “authentic California heritage,” and the store exudes the same effect.