My Favorite Bookstore

Just beneath the shadow the the TransAmerica Pyramid, on Montgomery Street, lies one of San Francisco's hidden gems: William Stout Architectural Books. Just yesterday, I spent my lunch hour poring through the thousands of volumes, new and rare, and picked up a couple of gems, including this gorgeous 1967 El Lissitzky biography:

The store is stacked to the rafters with every kind of book a visually inclined professional could hope for, from photography, to art, to industrial design. It's a must-see the next time you're in North Beach. And when your arms are full of books your belly will need a little love too, and there are some great cafés and bars right in the 'hood. It's the perfect afternoon.