Auto Erotica

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. There is no way to fully express how grateful I am and lucky we are in San Francisco to have this store here. This is the only store like it in country, maybe the world - not an exaggeration. I’m originally from FL, lived in NYC, ATL, and now SF. I’ve always loved vintage gay and queer history, but never had a place to step into a time capsule and spend hours reading and appreciating the art and lives of those models and photographers - until I found Auto Erotica. I’ve been here before with my ex-partner and friend(s) but I didn’t purchase anything. Yesterday, I treated myself to many original finds, some being one of a kind and very special. The owner of this independent small business is a wonderful man who is a true guardian of this local treasure, and expressed how much of what is on the walls, when not for sale, is his museum of gay and queer history for us all to appreciate and learn from. This is real history in this establishment and so much of our LGBTQ+ history gets lost and much of the artists and models are gone from HIV/AIDS. Now more than ever I feel it’s important the LGBTQ+ community prioritizes preserving our history and sharing it amongst the community to ensure continuity of our lived experiences. The owner even was advising a fellow art appreciator about best practices for preserving the work he brought in and where it could be received etc (not even about him taking it himself). He truly cares about the mission. I’m so glad I have this store/museum in my neighborhood to walk through and see myself and so many that I love in the work. There’s even hetero-erotica and asexual erotica. There is something for just about everyone, depending on what you’re looking for. The owner and I had great conversation and it’s amazing that at 30 years old, I still have gay elders to look up to and learn from and ask questions to. Whether you’re looking for an original print, classic magazines, or nonfiction/fiction erotica and stories of love and lived experience, Auto Erotica will absolutely deliver and leave a lasting impression. I look forward to my next visit!

My partner and I went in to look for some vintage gay dvds and magazines and the whole time the old man working there (maybe the owner?) was deathglaring us. We went to pay and my card declined so we used his (my partner's) card and he rudely asked if the second card was going to work because apperently he gets "dinged" for declined cards, I dont understand why he doesnt just use a system that wont do that. When we went in yesterday we were there (unknowingly) about 10 minutes to closing and he immediately snapped at us that he was about to close. The whole experience caused a conversation about why we dont feel safe in gay male spaces as trans mascs Its unfortunate that he had a fantastic collection of magazines and posters, but we did notice a severe lack of lesbian porn while having straight porn?? Its unfortunate that this time capsule of gay history just doesnt feel like a safe space for everyone to be in, older cis white gays might be safe in there, maybe just cis white gays, but probably not anyone else Will NOT be going back, which SUCKS because we LOVE queer history

The owner of this store is protective of his collection but loves to sell to those who appreciate it. He has a watchful eye on all of his customers that can come off as rude but after talking with him about it I understood. He is used to people treating these (sometimes very old) items without the care they deserve. I come here every time I’m in town.

Checking out AutoErotica was the number one thing on my to-do list when I was in San Francisco for just two days. I had such an incredible experience visiting the store and that was all thanks to Patrick (the owner). Speaking with him for hours about queer art and history as well as personal stories was the highlight of my trip. The store itself and the content within was well curated; There is something for everyone at AutoErotica, whether you have an interest in queer history, art, or just beautiful bodies. I look forward to coming back to visit the store and Patrick on my next trip to the city!

I visited the store today, with every intention of purchasing things, I was there with a friend and we were discussing the graphic design of magazines and what we were considering to use as inspiration for a creative project. There are signs all over the store telling people not to take photos, which we didn’t. As we moved away from the magazine section the store owner hatefully said “this is a store, not a reference library”. I told him I had every intention on purchasing something to which he laughed. I asked him questions about a vintage poster on the wall, and about another poster that was in a folder. He was incredibly rude, and I said ok I’ll just get out of your hair then. He responded that would be great and never come back. I went off on him. He is incredibly rude, and clearly does this to people often. What a hateful man - I will never support this business again, no matter how unique of a business it is. Which is a shame, because it truly is a cool place filled with vintage SF queer history.

An amazing selection of queer history. It’s part shop, part museum. Worth a visit just for the history, and maybe to start a collection of your own. Don’t go in awkward/shy; the owner has stories to tell if you actually have a conversation with him.

Like this place a lot. Prices are very reasonable and there is a fascinating collection of gay memorabilia to browse and buy, some of it stretching back decades. Quite different from the other stores in the Castro and definitely worth a visit.

The shop is a lovely piece of queer history, the magazines are also just a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the member of staff (unsure if it was the owner) was not the friendliest. Assumed we were going to cut up the magazines as we purchased them and seemed distrusting. Being LBGT+ and feeling unwelcome in a space that is meant to be for my community is just not ok.

Stopped by after having followed this shop on Instagram for a long time and was so excited. So much history in such a tiny little shop, and a plethora of magazines spanning different decades and price points. I ended up visiting upon arriving and before leaving SF. The owner was very knowledgable and shared some stories with me about the magazines I was buying and the store itself. Definitely a must visit for those interested in print media and LGBTQ history!

I had quite a few DVD's which I thought the shop would be interested in. I couldn't use them anyway as I had several duplicates. There was 0 parking outside on 18th so I just double parked & left them on the last step of the stairs going up. Just glad that they found another place for gay customers who would accept them.

On Saturday I went in there to look for male anatomy magazines to do my art. Maybe 5-7 min went by as I was just about to buy a magazine and then I heard--THIS ISN'T A LIBARY!!! I dropped the magazine to tell the owner I'll never be back again! The rudest person--old and bitter! Unfortunately gay erotic magazines is in the past. Kinda sad to see gay history going by, no more places to find vintage magazines except eBay.

Today I brought in a collection of Handjob Magazine books that I knew were something I thought the owner would be interested in. Handjob Magazine books have been out of print for many years and the books are illustrated and in great condition I had at least 12 different books and he insulted me by offering $15 for all of them. I said Absolutely Not. As I was leaving he offered me $75 because he had not made a sale this day. The books retail on Amazon for $70 - $85 each. Again, these are out of print books that are collectors items. The owner advertises he buys lots of Gay porn materials, but he lowballs everything and wants it for nothing so he can turn around and sell it for a whole lot more. My advice is sell it on Facebook Marketplace. I just sold the books on Facebook Market for $800 to someone local here in San Francisco. I cannot recommend anyone trade with this business.

So here is the deal. This is one of those places that you almost hate to review for selfish reasons because it has amazing pieces of historical gay importance in addition to the porn. You want a Harvey Milk T-Shirt from the Castro street fair of 1976 ya they have one for sale, the famous poster for the "Gay Olympics" that is rare because the homophobic Olympic Committee sued, ya they have one, the iconic poster for Blow Buddies the scene of your misspent youth ya got that too, even the Leather David in bronze from Febe's ya they have one but better get there fast as it's likely to be sold soon like the poster for Sister Boom Boom's famous campaign for city supervisor where she is on a broom followed by purple smoke spelling "Surrender Diane" instead of "Surrender Dorothy" that they just sold. Yes the owner can be standoffish until he knows you but hey this is SF and it's tough to run a small business in this town so you kind of have to be a bit tough. But his shop has soul! Try and get that at Target.

We stopped by to get some older magazines while we were visiting SF and got not only magazines but this big(!) book! The owner (I should have asked his name, and it's my bad that I didn't) is very kind and informative. The store has lots of arts, magazines, and discs/DVDs. As a younger generation LGBTQ+ human being, reading magazines published before I was born inspires me in many ways. Allows to reflect, contrast, and appreciate. I am very grateful this store exists, and I hope it lasts through all generations. Thank you!

There are few places like this around anymore. If you're a gay dude who likes vintage erotica, you'll probably enjoy this shop.

Fascinating to get a sense of history in here. Don't be stuffy, you look at porn too, and most of the products sold here give a sense of what consuming porn and connecting with other men was like before the mercifully cheap and abundant internet. The 15-minute silent 8mm films that retailed at $50 new, about $200 today after 50+ years of inflation (currently selling for $3 in-shop today, but old retail price still shown), the personal ads at the backs of magazines, the pornographic fliers, ads, and catalogues that were kept in such pristine condition for obvious reasons, it's all such a fascinating and immersive glimpse into a totally different world, like an interactive museum with items you can hold, try not to drool over, and take home with you if you fancy them enough. They even sell current work from local artists. I picked up this tiny masterpiece and two other works from the same artist today. I'm sorry I took the best one but his other work is still really good. The owner is friendly and happy to answer any questions. The shop is a little hard to find even if you've been there before. I'm speaking from experience. I'd only been once, before the pandemic, so I vaguely knew where it was but still passed right by it as I was looking for it. I didn't realize I passed it until my phone told me to turn around.

This place slays every time! The guy at the counter is very nice, the selection of vintage stuff is fantastic. No gay store had ever slayed this much before; I'm literally moving to the Castro cause I wanna be closer to this shop!!!

What a fun, educational experience! This store surprised me in the best ways and we had so much fun exploring. It almost feels like a museum of gay history, in a way. Plus, there's fun vintage SF stuff, too!

This place is a Castro treasure. I went searching for print magazines, hoping I could find them somewhere in the ever-evolving Castro. Could I find a remnant of its storied past? Lo and behold, I found this gem of a place. I walked up the stairs and found a plethora of magazines, DVDs, posters, and other candy for the eye. It was everything I was searching for and more. The owner is very friendly and happy to chat. Every gay man who visits the Castro should stop here and browse the collection. Trust me, you'll be happy you did. I sure was!

Even if it isn't erotica you seek, Patrick has a huge collection of just great vintage San Francisco stuff -- us natives love it, and it brings us back, so come take a look. He is super friendly, engaged and communicative, and you can tell he loves what he does. A true asset to the community and the neighborhood. Steadfast, too.

This little hidden treasure holds the key and history to so many of San Francisco's authentic vintage erotic collectibles. It's probably the last if not the only store with such values that belong in a lgbt museum. My husband and I take adventurous walks down the Castro to sorta re-live this whole 70's sexual revolution that no longer exists but the vibes of the men that once walked, marched and pranced still lingers. It's located in between all this other shit that you'd miss it if you blinked for too long, you walk some sketchy stairs that gives the place just the right vibes. The place has flyers , buttons , posters , books, magazines, toys and so many other erotic homosexual raunchy goodness that every time I come out here it's like taking a souvenirs home.. it's crazy you guys have to check it out I recommend it. (Questions on BathHouses & SexClubs Msg Me)

For sale: 18 in. dildo/vibrator Bought it for $8.99, used couple of times Moving out of the country and must sell :-)

Super cool, expansive collection of vintage magazines, films, and art. Sadly one of the only places left of its kind. I happened to stumble upon it as I was walking to Mission Delores Park, only a few blocks away. The shopkeeper was very kind and helpful.

Auto Erotic is a rare treasure of Gay ephemera- magazines, VHS, DVDs, collectables, posters, even some film! It's all priced very fair. The owner, Patrick, is a breathing historical archive, full of knowledge and laughs... Treat him with respect and he always responds in kind.

Really? Used porn? awesome. I mean that. There's quite a variety of magazines & videos here, organized fairly well. Lots of dildos, lube and giant red penis-pops for sale too, (unused I'm assuming). Oh and an intriguing shower toy that I'll have to come back and check out. The sales guy (same guy all 3 times I've been in here) is very smiley and pleasant. And why not? He's enshrined in a tower of naked men and sex accoutrements. I wonder what he dreams of at night. This is all gay man porn, just so ya know.

I recently sold my old photos and DVDs here and got a rather good deal for unloading my unwanted things. :) After selling things, I wandered around the store and saw so many cool gay historical things! Way to go - i love that the owner has preserved so much gay history for everyone. (LOVE the hot Levi's ad) Before leaving, the owner gave me a great deal on lube! I highly recommend this Castro Gem!

I buy my anal relaxer here. You know because my ass muscles are often tense during intercourse. Is that TMI? Sorry. I am reviewing a gay porn store. But the guy who works there is totally nice and helpful. This is definitely a part of the "gotta see" in the Castro and the boy magazines aren't either. I need my muscle boy fill.

While visiting San Francisco a friend recommended this place to me knowing I have a big appreciation for vintage gay erotica and publications. I had no idea it would become the highlight of my trip. I spent a couple of hours looking through hundreds of copies of magazines I have never seen anywhere else. Prices are affordable and the store is organized and tidy. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable both times I visited and it was obvious he had a passion for the business. I can't recommend enough. This is a piece of gay history.

I went into auto erotica not knowing what to expect. What I left with was a breath of fresh air on my views on art. They have everything from play guy magazines to pieces of art on the walls. Being a cis straight woman I feel unwelcome at some places, but here I was instantly welcomed with open arms. I ended up buying my newest and favorite pin for my jacket. I would highly recommend auto Erotica to anyone in the castro!

I have personal pictures of john holmes, his phallus is exposed on two of the pictures, and there are also numerous pictures of what apoears to be family, friends and girlfriends. Was attempting to ascertain the value of said pictures.

This store has a great selection of vintage magazines. If you're looking for old hard to find issues, this is the place to come. But I only give 2 stars because the service here is awful. The people who work here, both the guy in his 40s and the older guy are both unfriendly, disinterested and sometimes down right rude. When you go into the store you feel like you're bothering their coffee break or the tv show they're watching. Even when you check out all they say to you ia asking if you want a bag.They really could learn to treat people with a hello and a smile. Kinda sad. I'd hate to see them go under because they're such lousy businessesmen.

Long time Bay Area Castro resident, never popped in, had a moment to kill, so I took a chance to check out what could be a neat place of gay history. Great collection of vintage posters for old leather bars and a fantastic peek into the gay community from the 1960s through early 2000s. Porn too, but meh. I was here for the history. But avoid the place. Why? Owner is fantastically rude, ignored me throughout my wander through the store (as I considered $125 for a vintage print), only to act like it was a huge inconvenience if you ask a question. Lots of stuff is piled or stacked, and if you so as THINK to look through it he'll ride your ass. Guess I won't be buying that vintage Eagle print. Like others who reviewed, the owner is hostile and pissy. Funny considering a glowing Hoodline interview where he paints himself like some hidden gem of the Castro. Hidden for good reason.

Can't find that treasured issue of Freshmen from 1998? You might find a "well-thumbed" copy of it here. And if you're not buying, but you need to unload your porn collection for some cash, this is not a bad place to stop.

Not a sexy Saab in sight. Nor, for that matter, will you find much that would offend the sensibilities of Middle America. Their stock includes mostly soft-core porn periodicals, a variety of toys, and used videos.

Auto Erotica is pretty cool. It's a great place to find that "hard to find" magazine...if you're willing to browse. If you call Patrick he might hook you up if he knows it's in stock. Other wise he will hook you up with your favorite lube. As Kevin S. says...they're willing to buy porn collections, too. When you're in the Castro check it out....worth the stairs.