Buying a toilet seat is never a glamorous errand. It's not the kind of purchase that stirs the soul…read moreor inspires dinner party conversation. But if you must embark on this deeply humbling retail journey, Upper West Side Hardware is the place to do it. Tucked into the charming chaos of the neighborhood, this hardware store offers more than just screws, paint, and oddly specific plumbing bits--it offers genuinely great service, and a surprising amount of grace for those of us who clearly didn't measure the toilet properly. We bought the wrong seat. Classic mistake. The kind that whispers, "You really should've Googled that." To their credit, the staff gently reminded us the item was non-returnable. But then, in an act of rare retail compassion, they let us exchange it anyway. No eye rolls, no sighs of hardware judgment--just a kind, quiet swap and the unspoken understanding that sometimes, life is just... complicated. The store itself is well-stocked and surprisingly organized, considering the usual "organized chaos" aesthetic of local hardware shops. It's not cavernous, but it has everything you need--and probably something you didn't realize you needed until you saw it hanging on a peg. In short: Upper West Side Hardware is a neighborhood gem. Whether you're a DIY savant or someone just trying to make your bathroom slightly more functional, the staff will treat you with patience and a touch of mercy. And in New York, that's worth its weight in toilet seats.

These guys are great. Incredibly helpful. I had to cut a padlock off of our storage locker bc we…read morelost the key. So I went to this place to buy heavy duty bolt cutters which were pretty expensive- almost $100. When I told the guy why I needed them, he agreed (without me asking) to loan me the store's bolt cutters. Didn't ask for ID or collateral- just said bring them back when you're done. They knew me as a regular customer but still- this was above and beyond. Most stores would have taken the money. These guys instead saw an opportunity to do something helpful for a regular customer. Now, I'm a customer for life.

I visited twice to have copies of my keys made, and both times, they were done right away. It's not…read morethe cheapest, but it's Manhattan! The staff is friendly, and the service is quick. They offer everything you need for home repairs or even some decor. =)

I frequent this place more than any other store. The guys are sweet and helpful. It's well laid out…read morewith a large selection. Also the only place in Manhattan I've found that will copy my key (for half the price management charges at that at).

Brought 12 by 36 stained plywood planks to have cut down to 9 3/4" by 36. Talked with the guy at…read morelength and he said they could do it, but the guy who was skilled with the saw wasn't in, and he really wanted to make sure they were done well. I arranged to leave the shelves and pick them up on Sunday evening. Come Sunday, I call and ask if they are ready, and say I'll be in about 5:30. When I get there, the guy who I dealt with (who usually works the counter) isn't in, but another employee brings me the shelves. They're a complete hack job - fully crooked, wood splintered off in pieces, and not to specifications - off by 1/4", some places too much and some too little. It looked like it was done with a poor handsaw - I mean it would have been laughable if I hadn't paid $180 for them. I measured them in store and showed the guy and voiced my concerns. Since the guy I made arrangements with was gone, I left my phone number and asked them to call me. He calls the next day, and when I explain him the condition of the shelves, he instantly turns belligerent and accusatory, saying I was trying to get out of paying for the shelves because I knew he hadn't gotten money for the job beforehand. I've been to this hardware store 5+ times over the last 8 months to have keys made and for various supplies. The guys who work there were always gracious and helpful. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Don't advertise services you CANT fulfill and then accuse your customer of being cheap when you just ruined $180 worth of shelving.

Thank goodness there is a hardware store in my new hood - and not just an all-purpose store. I…read moreneeded a level to put together a closet set. I walked over after not finding one at the Paragon (shocking - I know!), told the super friendly owner I needed a level, he showed me the two sizes, I picked the smaller, he rang me up, smiled and told me to enjoy the lovely day, and that's it. Easy, friendly, and reasonably priced. The place is small, but fear not, it has the necessaries!

Stopped by Mushtari because I saw they had a plant selection. I'm in search of a rectangular…read moreplanter for my window sill to consolidate into one pot all my succulents... the only variety I have that have survived over the years. Was impressed with their selection, although comparing their price for this to other shops for this same succulent, they're a little high. I didn't compare their prices for other things. While they had a few almost the right size rectangular planters, they weren't exactly what I've been looking for. Would definitely recommend checking it out for options for plant needs. That being said I like local shops, and I'd go back to Mushtari for hardware needs or to have a coffee - if you walk in, the middle of the store has a nice cafe! Check it all out!

I love coming here to buy plant foods. There's also a small coffee shop in the back with limited…read moreseating. The ambiance is chill! The staff can be a little rude so I usually look for my own items.

The selection is very good, prices comparable to other places. The service is outstanding. They…read morehave helped when I had questions about what products to use and how to solve various problems.

Jordan answered all of my questions by phone and was even kind enough to set aside what I needed…read morefor my girlfriend to pick up! They're always nice here and prices are fair.

The big guy at counter who I'm guessing is the owner..very rude and annoying..when you ask him for…read morea specific item he always has to correct the way you pronounce it which is unnecessary..if you know the item i'm looking for just say yes I have that item.. improve on your customer service big guy

Outstanding!! The owner is loyal and professional. I've always been able to find what I've needed…read morewhen I visit.

Went to google and found this place because I needed a door lock ASAP. They were conveniently open…read moreuntil 8pm! I called to ask if they had what I needed the cashier told me they did. When I arrived I asked for the item he showed me the product asked me questions to assure I was buying the correct item. He even told me how to go about the installation. Couldn't ask for better customer service and help!

Had to get copies of my apt keys made, which are hard to copy (could never get it done at Home…read moreDepot with their automated machine). They were able to make the copy right away for $10 per key. Little pricey, but cheaper than a locksmith if I got locked out. Guy was pretty nice as well.

Went to get duplicate keys made for my apartment. Was in and out in 20 mins. Everything I could ask…read morefor from a hardware store.