Circus of Books

I went to the store at Santa Monica and San Vicente and the person working there is disgustingly rude

Beautiful boutique with large selection of adult toys, books, lubes, intimate apparel and bondage. Also has an art gallery with plenty of seating.

Great staff and very helpful. Store looks amazing and there are novelties for all. Prices are not out of line and a huge selection.

Great place to shop. Customer service is awesome very friendly, helpful and attentive. They have nice stuff to purchase

Has everything you’re looking for and more! Love it here and Avery is adorable !

Fun assortment of adult merchandise.plus great gifts are available as well! Check out the new arrivals of Golden Girls mugs and coasters, Downton Abby assortment too! Great collection of face covers. Check out my Cher mask. Might as well make the pandemic as fun as possible!

I just read the bio of the owners. What an uplifting story. I live in Vegas and seeing other communities and businesses that give people a place to go to feel a sense of self and belonging is admirable and refreshing. I'm sorry to see them close. I know they will be missed by a lot of great people. God bless their retirement!

Beautiful store! Tons of dope stuff you wouldn't expect in an adult store.. clothing etc.. Definitely a must-see if you're in the area and want the full Weho experience.

Have you seen Rachel Mason's fascinating 2019 Netflix documentary about this store? Her parents Karen and Barry Mason were straight and politically conservative and ironically ran a gay porn empire. They actually closed the store early in 2019, and it was taken over by porn director and drag queen Chi Chi LaRue in 2020. Jamie W. and I dropped by since we were having a vegan Italian dinner at Pura Vita nearby. We had seen the film, so we were curious about it. We were initially wondering where all the books were, but then realized the concept of porn books and magazines has been rendered irrelevant by online access. Instead, there were a lot of strap-ons, dildos, and related accessories. There was also some amusing clothing and niche items like "The Facts of Life" tote bag (photo: https://yelp.to/9SWksWm47n). It turned out there were a few books like Britney's bio and pictorial coffee table books. Trust me, they weren't the kind you'd see at your parents' house. RELATED - Exploring WeHo? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3TBgdOP

I had a nice gentleman helping me names Charles. He was very comfortable and knowledgeable.. I'll be back soon .

whats the best time during the day to cruise there? In LA for a few hours next week for a business meeting and have heard some stories.

I didn't buy anything but it's like... what do you expect out of a sex shop. I didn't need anything. My friend bought a bottle of lube that she needed and I was poking around and something I might want to take home as a souvenir but I left empty handed feeling like I didn't need anything. They had some shirts but they were not calling to me. They had a cool art gallery section I thought so worth going in for stroll. Three employee was a nice queer person who said something in Gen Z that I didn't understand. They were very sweet.

Used to be so cool and felt sexy. Now, the staff literally avoided noticing us, more on his phone or looking the other way, the art exhibition felt awkward, and the few toys that they had were nothing special and seriously priced like they didn't really want to sell them. That said, while the old magic of Circus of Books is gone, this is an interesting take on the post modern minimalist style and sex shop.

Wanted to come on here and just shout out how incredibly friendly and helpful Maxwell was! They were so funny and knowledgeable. They totally upgraded my shopping experience!! Honestly, will be returning just to hang with them some more!

I came in Saturday for lube and was confused on all the different options but Charles was super informative (and hot) and helped me with all my questions and concerns since Ive had allergic reactions to many other lubes. He recommended the Snake Oil brand to me which is very affordable and its been amazing so far! Thanks

I am now a Christian believer! The Glen Hanson mugs in the window caught my eye, but it was the associate Christian whose warm greeting and friendly smile prompted me to stay. Christian invited me to look around, and answered my questions about the Gallery now ( whomever is curating the gallery and selecting the books is doing a fantastic job ). I bought the paperback "Circus of Books" because of its retro feel, plus it had some essays about the glory days of Circus of Books. Browsed around and picked up a few more items that Christian offered feedback on. There were a few people milling about the store, and I noticed they all also received the warm welcome. Kudos Circus of Books Gallery for restoring an iconic piece of West Hollywood history, and stocking it with fabulous merch and even more fabulous associates.

Excellent selection and customer service. If you need anything from lube, toys, books, etc. it's the place to go.

It's exactly what you think it would be. Sex toys, a little classic porn, kitschy gifts, some books and t-shirts. The clerk was lovely the day I was here, big smiles and friendly, made me feel welcome. All good stuff.

I usually have a pleasant experience at this store, however after sitting on writing a review for about a week, I've decided to post this. However, I hope that I am wrong in my interpretation of this particular experience. I made a purchase of a coffee table book which is still in the shrink wrap. I discovered that the friend I had purchased it for already owned it. So, I decided to return the book back. However, I was informed when I walked in that they do not accept book returns. That is all fine. It's how I was looked at and spoken too that really hurt my feelings and made me uncomfortable as a long time patron of this store. Before I even was able to address my issue, I felt immediately judged and looked down upon. The employee just looked at me with the most condescending look and replied with just: "yeah, we don't do that. Good luck." I know it's West Hollywood and the gentrification and judgement the gay men have here is rampant, but you'd think there would be some human decency and kindness out of the employees there. Being kind is quite literally the easiest thing you can do in the world. Guess it's harder for some people who can't see past their own egos. I'll be staying away from the store and shopping elsewhere from now on. Good luck, to you too, sir.

Lovely staff, they have a variety of fun and exciting adult toys and items and are always helpful and sweet when you visit. No judgement and full comprehnsion of the human need for pleasure.

One my favorite stores in Weho. The place is always neat and tidy the store is very very clean spotless. They have verity of intimacy toys and toys for for-play they have masks and T-shirts and tanks. The staff is wonderful, specially ...:MO, ALWAYS have went above and Beyond with his Customer service, always welcoming polite smiling, as he always look Edgy-and fashion forward . He is informative and have great suggest. The store Follows the protocol for covid_19 Thank you book store for providing great tools and toys for intimacy. And providing great costumer service Like Mo . My five stars go to the collection in the store and cleanliness and for the customer service Mo provide me with. I Definitely recommend this business and if you have any other further question Moe would be your helper

Very clean place neat shop, always updated with their fashion and e accessories for everyone ( Mohammed ) he works there he was wearing face mask , he's amazing and super friendly person he will not leave you without recognizing you with warm welcoming and greeting you. and give us honest opinion about the fashion and accessories and helped me by order thing and find me alternative products I was looking for and it was better than what I was expecting , Go check the place you will be happy , all genders are welcome and you will find what you want Face mask required and social distance too

This review is for the location forMerly known as ChiChi La Rue. Went there last night Aug 7 with a couple of friends. The shop attendant last night had a very bad attitude, Bitchy, condescending and overall unfriendly. I'm a big supporter of LGBT owned and operated businesses but I cannot support a store where the staff is plain rude and unfriendly. Lost a big sale last night

Its a really nice clean store. Avery helped me. He helped so much. Very friendly. Thankyou for all the love will recomment to my friends for sure

Went in..not knowing much. Needed help with lots of different things and I was so lost and confused. Avery was a doll and helped me out! Thanks!

This is a super cool store. If you want fun toys and other things for you, your friends or your other half, you can get them here. I enjoyed walking around looking at all the stuff on the shelves. If you aren't a prude, then this place will get you in the mood.

Wonderful selection. Helpful kind staff. Avery was super great and helpful. Cute atheistic. Absolutely would recommend.

Avery was super helpful, I love their selection of "tape cleaner ". Really clean and organized

Thank you for saving from regentrification. Space looks great and the window displays look fun. Kenny KG leather accessories are hot and the most fashion forward. Wide selection of books and apparel and bedroom play supplies. New gallery is a great addition.

This old school book store has so much history. *Best Homo Erotic: Books / Accessories / Supply's *Inexpensive compared to other sex stores Gave Birth to Vaseline Alley in its golden Years.

A+++. Fun store to look around. Left with way more than I expected. Thanks Fabian for helping me make the tough decision.

My great grandson recommended this book store. They didn't have the Tom Clancey novel I was looking for, but I had a great experience.

Awesome store! However, the cashier followed me, my husband and friend around the store and paid zero attention to white couple. Not surprised, just disappointed.

Christian is very Knowledgeable on products and has excellent recommendations. It's so great to feel wonderfully received when a fish out of water. Los Angeles leather scene is a bit of a drive as opposed to Dallas. WeHo can be unfriendly to the Larger community but When in Chi Chi LaRue's I've always felt welcomed. Excellent customer service. Thanks I look forward to spending more money here. Every time I'm home something has changed or shut down these guys will definitely be around. Don't forget to ask for Christian and no need to feel bashful about what you need. Closed mouths don't get fed.

(Shopped 02/06/16 SA @ 8:30pm): There were certainly more than books inside this three-ring circus! Circus Of Books was my first real introduction to adult magazines, drug paraphernalia, and the gay community back in the early 1980's when I walked here with cousins and friends of mine who lived in the area to buy snacks, checked out the random stuff they carried, and got adolescent sneak peeks at the numerous mature items that were sold. With the recent notice that they were finally closing-up shop after 35+ years https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=apG8ONBztatCNfiPz5SH2Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, I had to poke my head in, bought any tidbits I needed, and paid my respects. How was possibly my last visit to this salacious sex snack shop!?: The Purchase https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=SS6XfNwXY7gN6OO5U8xkCw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw: ~Marley's Mellow Mood Green Tea ($2.00) - Hey man...pass the dutchie from the left hand side as you swigged on this refreshingly chill beverage! ~Incense Holder ($1.95) - Could always use in another room! ~Incense ($2.25 x 3) - Wonderful soothing scents to air out my pad for a harmonious feel. Service - Unless you wanted to enter the "adults only" area at a back corner of the shop or needed help with anything in their display glass cases, there really wasn't any other service to speak of. It was all self-serve (so to speak!) until you had your items rung-up at the register. Easy-peasy! Parking (Varied; FREE in this case) - I lived close by, so I simply walked from my pad. Otherwise, there were timed meters all along the main drag of Sunset Blvd. and a few recently-converted paid parking lots. If you chose to park on any of the side streets, please read all posted signs thoroughly or you may have an unpleasant present in the way of a ticket tucked underneath a windshield wiper blade. Atmosphere, décor, ambience - I always remembered this corner business as a clusterfuck of "this-and-that"...and that still held true https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=qXWhlgk1ULxVhnjXZ5DjUg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. The main focus was its appeal to the gay - soon enough lesbian, bisexual, and transgender - communities with its rows of magazines https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=b_VAsrESS2xpEdWZszqYxQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, clothes https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Rq9t-6kN-QuFbeJftlbNJQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, toys, and videos. But, it was also a head shop that carried all your needs behind the counter and glass cases https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pG8vfRYGMcYOR0E0bRczQA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Alas, I was in it for the lovely incense https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=iQJheDoCJeyB45d2hRdz4Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, various snacks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=6Qm8pjT73iB5jfXH46ggeA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, and the random boxes of comic books, CDs, and DVDs. The walls were usually covered with various advertisements and posters. Mostly electric fluorescent ceiling lighting filled the place while some natural lighting made its way through the front glass windows. There were no TVs, but indie music played in the background. Attire - Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. Overall, my only real tie to the Circus Of Books location in Silver Lake was nostalgia as a kid and now a random curiosity stop just to see what they had as a local adult resident. Sure, I've impulsively bought CDs, incense, and snacks since I moved into the area, but I had no interest in its main moneymaker(s). It had become an important business in the community, but as I've witnessed all longstanding stores were sadly and unwilling departing for economic reasons. I found fairly good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $11.00; NO tip required). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 3.5 STARS

I really do enjoy this adult themed store. Unlike other adult stores this one allows you a more interactive experience if your kinky enough to give it a try. I went with a couple friends...mind you we had a couple adult beverages before coming in so that made our time here more fun then most would probably have. Having said that if your looking for lubes whips chains dildos vibrators leather fetish gear adult erotica books and videos then this is the place. The staff was laughing and having a great time assisting us in our erotic yet silly adventures. Definitely a must for erotic enthusiasts.

Like no other adult store that I've visited. It's always clean, merchandise is nicely displayed, and most importantly the "popper bar" is exquisitely done! The store allows you to have an experience which is magnificent. Some dildos are nicely displayed for the costumer to touch and feel. The store offer a variety of items.

Great store for everyone! The have a little bit of everything at great prices. Sign up for emails when you are there and they will give you a discount! Staff is really helpful.

LOL - I mean I seriously laughed out loud when I walked in. I should have read the reviews before coming to this store - um can you say men galore? Bookstores are known to sell maps at least every bookstore I've gone to, so I searched on Yelp to find one in my area & Circus of Books popped up 5 minutes away to where I'm staying, I told my hubs Perfect! We'll be in and out, and back home to map out our trip! We walk in & to our left gay porn to our right pipes, and in front a bunch of dirty magazines. Let me say all I could think of is how much my 3 friends Tony, Tony & Danee would love this store! We asked the front desk if they sold any maps which we figured they didn't - yup they didn't... I have to say though if I were a gay man, this store would be ideal! 4 stars because the store is organized, clean, and a variety of things to pick and choose from...

I bought something here @CircusOfBooks Was it paraphernalia? No. Was it a weekly news magazine? No. Was it porn? No. Was it a used book or vintage vinyl recordings? No. It was a T-shirt. But they do have all that other stuff in this random little corner store in the Silver Lake neighborhood...

This place has been here for YEARS! I will say this though, it's a cluster-f..k of nothing. I have no idea what's going on here. If you want a magazine from 1999 or an old Wesley Snipes movie, this is your place. I even found panty hoes for sale. Stop the Madness.

Adult book stores are dinosaurs, about to become extinct. You really are better off buying via the Internet. Especially since Circus of Books original location at Sunset Junction closed, its now a Marijuana shop. Circus of Books does have some good bargains, apparently they buy out entire lots of adult male physique photo books from bankrupt publishers and distributors and sell them at deeply discounted prices. I saw several boxes of such books. Hundreds of copies, dozens of titles. The biggest gay male book publisher in the world, Bruno Gmunder, went bankrupt in 2017. Much of their inventory found its way to a German landfill. Print media in general is a thing of the past.

Is that a shop!? My best friend will turn 30 soon and I expected to offer him a special gift with a magazine from his birth year. Found easily a few 1988, only one 86, was still searching but was stoped by "we have a browsing limit, I have to ask you to leave" I let the 2 magazines I found and left without buying anything! I was alone inside, but don't worry, will not come again

amazing Fabian, the salesperson, was so helpful and kind and sweet.

Crowded, creepy feeling, strange smell. This is "two stores in one" - the front is a combination small bodega/used book store/magazine stand. Get your chips and soda, a lighter and crack pipe, a soiled copy of a Japanese "manga" comic, and the latest issue of "Guns and Weapons" - in the front. Then in the back there's sex toys and gay porn on DVD. There are better places locally for sex toys and porn, and better places for used books, and better places for snacks. Maybe it's the combination that's appealing. The only thing appealing to me was the mural on the east wall, which was kind of cool.

Chi Chi is a legend in the gay porn community. Her films have always been top of the line so why would you expect anything less from her store. I love coming in here whenever I'm in Weho and just browse around and it's always a treat when Chi Chi is in there so I can say hi to her and catch up. If you are a fan of her movies, a fan of sex shops or just curious about what this place is all about do yourself a favor and stop in the next time you're bar hopping in Boy's Town.

I went in to check out what had been done to Circus of Books. I am glad the building has been saved. The store was rather inane. There seems to be some sort of Lets make Sex toys art concept going on here now. The Gallery areas were not really interesting and the shop part comes off sort of pretentious. I'm sure they will do well with tourists. The guy behind the counter gave the most lackluster "Hello" when I walked in. There also didn't seem to be any prices and I guess you have to ask the catatonic sales person. To much bother.

As an avid reader, I enjoy going to the local independent book stores in my community. I've been able to consistently find plenty of alluring and tantalizing content at Circus of Books. There's nothing like being at home alone on a Friday night curled up in front of the fireplace with some fresh material from this fine establishment. Also, if you notice, it's open a whole hour later AND half an hour earlier than Stories Books and Cafe, which never and I repeat, never, has even a single item I find at Circus. I've asked the employees of Stories plenty of times to satisfy even one item on my Circus list and they became so jealous that another establishment had what I was seeking (and at an affordable price) that they asked me to leave! The nerve! Anyway, as you know, as one who frequently delights in the treasures found throughout the store, it can be difficult to share what you love with friends and family who have such busy lives and can't really get into the time or commitment that diving into this material requires. Luckily I've been able to befriend other avid fans in the aisles of the well lit store. We can converse for hours on our favorite prolific creators and what we're looking forward to. Why, being a bunch of single men, we've even had stag parties, like book clubs, where we'd get together and sit around to enjoy the fine content well into the evening! I always look forward to fresh content from the young faces in the industry and Circus of Books is equally dedicated in providing a rewarding experience for me that keeps me coming back for more. Thanks!

Absolutely horrible experience and truly atrocious customer service. I had purchased a product that was recommended by a salesperson and when I tried to return the product and buy a new one the awe full little man said they do not sell this product never have never will. I then showed him HIS WEBSITE with the product and a picture and a price - and he continued to say they do not sell the product never have never will. Completely insane experience. BTW the store was completely empty of patrons but the WeHo area was pumping!! Just saying!!! I went to 665 up the street- they were very nice and helpful. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING HERE!! Truly disgusting treatment by the creepy little man with the accent.

This store takes my breathe away! I'm completely speechless. Amazing products great collection of lube , poppers and toys! Prices are very reasonable. Every time I come here, the employees are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Coming back here again and recommending it to friends and family.

Great place for something spicy for your eyes! ;)) you might find something really worthy! Nice old magazine or an old postcard or an old book:)

Horrible customer service by two men at midnight. Spent my money next door on the other side of Mickey's.

I went to visit the store for first time. So, I was wearing my casual/comfy clothes one of the guys greet me with a smile B U T the guy that is in the main island was giving me the look. I walk around to check products and he (still) was looking at me. He called the security and then he asked me -Are you gonna buy something ? I told him -I'm waiting for him (the guy who nicely greet me) because he is attending a couple to select some products. Hope they or this guy don't judge the potencial costumers for how they look/wear it was ridiculous !

Hands down the only shop that knows how to fulfill ALL of my needs! Seriously though- a wide selection of products and a friendly (informed) staff to assist with any questions you may have. I enjoyed that they left me to browse at my leisure, but were quick to assist when I comfortable enough to start asking. For a silicone lubricant, I would personally recommend 9X6...amazing. Thanks for introducing me!

My girlfriend and I were in the neighborhood and decided to check out Chi Chi LaRue's on a whim. We wanted to add a couple of accessories to our repertoire and went in hoping to get some advice/guidance. The staff here was so open and made the whole experience comfortable and playful. We left with a few goodies and couldn't have been happier with our selections. Overall, the selection and service was amazing. I can't recommend Chi Chi LaRue's enough for anybody that's looking to spice things up. I'll definitely be back!

Horrible service! I never got a chance to go to this store thanks to the guy answering the phone. I called to ask what kind of DVD selection they have and what time their closing. On the first call the guy answered by saying please hold. No hello just please hold. So I said ok and stayed on hold for 5-6 minutes. I then decided to hang up and call back. This time the guy answered circus of books. I said hi yea I was just on hold and no one picked up. The guy said hey what's going on buddy in a real sarcastic manor. I said first what time do you close tonight. Instead of giving me the closing time he said how's your girl. I said I'm confused what do you mean. He then asked me two more times how's your girl. By this time I was so confused I didn't know how to respond. He then hung up on me! It was the weirdest phone call ever. I really don't know what to think about this store and why this guy was asking me about my girl. So needless to say I never went in to check it out.

Well, that was... unexpected. It's one of those places I'd always meant to visit, and thanks to an overfed parking meter, I finally got my chance. What I was semi-expecting: a secondhand book store a la Iliad or Acres of Books. The reality: There were a couple discount book bins in front of the shop, but when I walked in I thought I'd entered a liquor store with all the candy and food lining the walls. Then we noticed the display case of "water pipes" and other glass paraphernalia. Ah, so it's one of THOSE bookstores. To each his own. Kept walking and browsed through the few racks of books in the front of the store. Nothing looked at all interesting or of any real literary value. Then my eyes fell on a plastic door warning against minors. I go through, and there it is.. WALL OF DILDOS. Uh.. hey, look at that. Heh heh... It sort of catches you off guard. It's not like my Victorian sensibilities - Haha! - were offended or anything. The adjoining room was loaded to capacity with gay porn DVDs. Baskets on the end of aisles were filled with $5 cast-offs. "I Dream of Weenie" for $3.99 was resting on the top of a pile. Amusingly the used books storefront with its no name novels was completely deserted, but there were several guys in the back all averting their gaze from one another. As we were leaving a group of flamboyant, young bucks came into the shop and headed straight for the back, and I couldn't help but smile. It's so wonderful to see people that comfortable with who they are. As for Circus of Books, if you're into the gay sex shop scene, that's great! This is the place for you. However, for the conservative book enthusiast that might wander in thinking to treasure hunt for some first editions or obscure lit, this is not the shop you're looking for. Move along.