Circus of Books
Porn-and-gift store resurrecting L.A.'s adult bookstore legacy
About
Crowd here skews nostalgic and queer, drawn to a legendary space that fought for gay visibility. This isn't just a shop—it's a resurrection of L.A.'s premier adult gay bookstore, now managed by porn director Chi Chi LaRue. The original owners, a straight Jewish couple, famously defended the right to sell gay pornography all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The alley out back earned the nickname "Vaseline Alley" during the 80s heyday. Today you'll find a mix of adult toys, fetish apparel, gifts, and clothing that nods to the store's X-rated past.
Weekend evenings get busy, with later hours on Thu-Sun until 11pm. The Netflix documentary "Circus of Books" tells the full story of the original store's 40-year run and its emotional closure. Locals like to browse slowly, soaking in the photos and murals that line the walls. You might overhear someone pointing out where the glory holes used to be. It's a place that feels more like a living archive than a typical gay shop.
Features
- ✓Shop adult toys, fetish gear, and gifts
- ✓Browse clothing and gay paraphernalia
- ✓Explore the historic space from the Netflix documentary
Good for
Practical
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Circus of Books sell? +
They sell clothing accessories, gifts, gay paraphernalia, adult toys, and fetish apparel.
What are the store hours? +
Mon-Wed 11am-8pm, Thu-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-11pm (confirmed via Yelp).
More Shops in West Hollywood
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles Thrift Store
3.2
Shops · $ · 8.5 mi
Candle Delirium
4.7
Shops · $$ · 0.2 mi
Jet Rag
3.3
Shops · $$ · 1.4 mi
Gucci
Shops · $$$$ · 2.5 mi