Fun, hip, happy vibes all around and excellent well-curated assortment of everything you need and don't need.

Very disappointed with their customer service. I tried to return a pot that I had purchased, which was not on sale, but when it was rung up on the register, it was on sale. The woman who helped me did not tell me that all sale items were final. When I went to return the pot a few days later, Louis, who was very rude to me told me no. I saw the woman who had rung me up originally and asked to speak with her. He said "NO!" The receipt does say in fine print on the bottom that all sale items are non returnable, but you don't get the receipt until after the purchase. Also, they use dashes instead of commas, so it can be confusing. It says all sale items - seasonal - etc. That implies that, for example, only seasonal sale items are not returnable. It's sad that they have lost a very loyal customer in all of this. I guess they can afford to lose good customers over poor customer service. read more

Was trying to find some fabric that would match a dress I was having altered & Cliffs Variety Store was the closest to the tailor's location By mistake, I walked into the hardware / home furnishings side of the place but a helpful redirection led me to the correct location - it was the door, next door! All kinds of fabrics & sewing essentials for all kinds of fun creations Alas, they did not have the "boring" regular old fabric I needed but if I ever find myself looking for muppet-fur or sparklie disco attire, this will most definitely be the place I'll come to get stocked up! read more

This year no fooling around. I knew I should get some new file folders- indigo and black to welcome the dark forces. A teeny tiny screwdriver to open up the portal. Last year I used a magic wand and a Certified Pubic A'Mounting. That worked pretty well. But this time I would need An Enchanted Sword that speaks. I have alot more deductions. All the stuff in my reviews. deee duck ted. NEED IT ALL. fo my bid'niss. Get the sword. No really. GO GET THIS SWORD! AT CLIFF'S! oh and yar, bitch, ask for the Enchanted PIRATE'S sword that goes *scheeeeeng clang* when you squeeze it. I'm squeezing it right now. mmmm asset. Don't do your taxes without the right tools again. read more

I went in for an egg-shaped timer, a frog-shaped waste basket, some chopstick holders in the shape of little shar pei's, and a leatherman tool kit...in pink. I'm going back to find a George Bush toilet scrubber and an official Bill O'Reilly falafel-shaped loofah sponge...and I think my odds are really, really good! read more

Horrible store. Rude staff. Very cheap quality merchandise. An all around junk store!

There is no reason for the door man to disrespect and be rude to customers who don't want to break the six foot rule so he can squirt cleanser in my hands. BTW, alcohol in that cleanser exacerbates certain skin conditions, alters hormones, and creates super bugs. All that aside, this employee p.o.'d two of my friends plus lost me as a customer (and with Covid, I've been spending lots of money on home improvement.). This guy is the wrong guy for the job. read more

I wanted to like this store... alot. As a native San Franciscan, as a supporter of local businesses, as a guy who needs a lot of weird shit but hates the requisite trekking from place to place to find the breadth of selection that such such eclectic shopping benders necessarily entail; I've given this place more than one chance. But alas, the cashiers here have always been the rudest retailers who I've ever had this misfortune to be "served" by. I don't know if it's some hidden vibe I give out that crawls up these people's asses to die, but they (actually, mainly just the grey haired old dude with the ponytail) are always summarily curt, dismissive and just act generally annoyed at my presence. The last time I was there, Mr. Ponytail overcharged me by ten dollars for a towel rack, insisting that the marked price wasn't right because the machine stated something different upon mark up. Now either someone fucked up labeling the price of the towel rack to begin with, or snide cashier decided I wasn't worthy of the beautiful towel rack I was so intent on purchasing. Either way, it really ruined my day and I doubt I'll ever be back. read more

Next time you're closing, instead of, "We're closed. You have to leave," why don't you try, "We're closed. Can I help you finish up?" And when a customer says, "I would have appreciated a little help instead of being kicked out," it really means, "Hey, you sounded like a total asshole. Want to try again?" (This review is based solely on one employee and the metric wing nut selection. Take it with a grain of salt.) read more

Came in with a group of friends and the obnoxious clerk clucked her tongue and went, "Ugh, tourists..." under her breath. A.) I'm local and B.) fuck that. Never shopping here again and recommending you don't either -- there are far better and friendlier shops just a few doors down. read more

Cliff's Variety has so many wonderfully distracting, kitchy big-kid toys that I could wander around forever perusing the aisles.. *sigh*...I think I am imagining the Cliff's Variety of my dreams. Don't get me wrong, everything is kitchy and definitely distracting, but it is a tad small. I also feel like their inventory doesn't rotate much, either. But I still love it, and slip in basically every time I walk by. *This review is for the smaller, "fancier" cliff's variety next door to the actual hardware store.* read more

Okay I declare Cliff's one of the BEST stores n the Universe. This is really my kind of store---so much stuff under one roof! Greeting Cards and stationery! Flags! Masks! Shower curtains! Toys! Craft materials! Fabric! Every kitchen knick knack you'll ever need! Sewing, knitting and crocheting tools! Key making! Wigs, feathers, boas. Hardware--nails, screws, hammers, etc Pans, bakeware, It'll boggle your mind. If you were to up and down each aisle and look carefully at everything you might have to spend the night. The staff is friendly and helpful. The ambiance is so clean, well-organized and well lit. Plus I love the hardwood flooring---especially the creaks, makes me feel like I've gone back in time to the Woolworth stores of yesteryear. Cliff's is where Retro and Modern live blissfully together! read more

Cliff's Variety Here at Cliff's Variety is like a one stop shop Hardware Store and more. Inside this store things are very organized and very well maintained. The people here are very nice and helpful. They allow you to look around and will come by and ask if you need any help. The store is structured such that you have your toy's and party items in one section, you have your hardware, electrical, plumbing, and general households items in another area. In addition to that there is also a arts and craft and fabric section. The store is very inspirational. If you have something specific that you are looking for....great! If your just looking around ....great!! This store give me lots of ideas. By not being to cluttered and easy to find things as you let your mind flow....this gives me lots of ideas and very inspirational when in deep thought about a project that I have in mind. I need to give credit to Cliff's Variety for helping me with my costume and many other ideas. 5 Stars - Organization 5 Stars - Large supplies of different products 5 Stars - Ambiance 5 Stars - Helpfulness I'd come back in a heartbeat and / or highly recommended to others. read more

Yes. Mine. Husband says I need to write more...ok. I go here when I miss my dad and need advice. I bring my broken whatever and ask them how to fix it. They tell me. I really think they're a bunch of retired engineers - they come up with creative fixes with minimal cost. College Girl who grew up shopping at Cliff's needed advice about how to build something which involved springs/loads, etc. She called. My physics is uhm.... kind of rusty. She asked me to run down to Cliff's so they could FaceTime with her using my phone and get it figured out. I did, and they all helped her with the design, and even suggested where she could get the materials needed near her. They rock. Several of the hardware guys are on my Christmas cookie list. And I buy out the toy section for my grown-up-child friends ( yes, they have the best toy selection here) for every gift giving occasion. Yes. Mine. read more

OMG they are the best!!! And thanks to Kevin he was able to open a lock box I had lost the key to!! I love this place and their amazing customer service!!! read more

My friend took me here one day because he told me that they had some really cool stuff in here. I feel like he's easily amused so I just shrugged it off and thought it would be average. Finally came here with him and oh my gosh they have some really cool stuff. It reminds me of a general store in downtown China because they have everything here! I'd love to come back and highly suggest checking this place out! read more

They have everything!!! Staff is always very friendly and eager to help. It is so nice to have a place like this within walking distance where you know you are supporting a local business and not a big chain store. Customer for life! read more

Great local hardware store, got all the basic necessities and more in both top of the line brands and mid tier brands. For example, I was casually browsing and found milk frothers for sale, which I've been dying to make my own cappuccinos and lattes at home!). They had the more expensive and fancy options ($50+) as well as the cheaper plastic brand for $9 (only $2 more than Amazon price). Staff were incredibly nice and helpful, will definitely return! read more

Cliff's continues to wean me from having to drive to Home Depot in the hinterlands to get that one thing I need to fix something or finish a project. When I think they may not have the doo-hickey I need, I stop by and am plesantly surprised to find they have it. This place reminds me of the ACE Hardware in Hayward; a menagerie of all things hardware in an old building with helpful customer service people. read more

Cliff's Variety - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Always loved this shop. Today there were at least ten items I wanted to buy. The SF map shower curtain looked amazing. Made me mad that I own a sliding glass door. The day I move back and need a shower curtain is the day I'm shopping here. SO much cool stuff! read more

Did not appreciate the attitude when trying to return an electric drill. OK, I'm sure that some people buy a power tool for one project and then return it, but that was certainly not the case with me, and I didn't like being accused of that. I simply plugged it in once and immediately realized that it was much too powerful for my needs and wanted to return it completely unused. If it is "store policy" that you don't give refunds on power tools, why didn't anyone mention that when I bought it, and why doesn't my receipt indicate that? After some wrangling, I ended up with store credit, which I'm sure I'll use since this place does fulfill many needs in my life. read more

I was in need of all sorts of things. The second I walked in, I received astonishing customer service. They really take care of you! This store is blessed with workers that show genuine caring qualities. My first shopping experience here will definitely not be my last. read more

I am obsessed with hardware stores. Love love love them. So of course I love Cliff's as much as the next Yelper...maybe even more. I walk past it every day (I live on Castro st.) and have this magnetic pull to go inside and buy a dowel, some caulk, or something else I don't need for my apartment. Why the 2 stars you ask? To get your attention and direct it to the Walgreens across the way if you're new to the area and short on cash. Believe me, I'll get my pride flags and Japanese tea kettles from Cliff's any day...but I couldn't help but feel a little sore when I saw my 409 at Walgreen's for half the price. Don't even ask me how much I paid for a squeegee at Cliffs. So, Cliff's is fun and you should get your feather boas there, but if you're broke or just need some cleaning supplies, head over to the best Walgreen's in the city. read more

The name says it all. The variety of items for sale defies description and Cliffs seems to have a little of everything - crafts, lumber, greeting cards, school supplies, pots and pans, bolts of fabric, appliances, paint. I managed to find a gift for a gay wedding I'm attending this summer. If it's not at Cliff's you probably don't need it. I was fascinated by this unique store and you should stop in and be fascinated, too. read more

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OMG. Why haven't I reviewed this place yet?!?!! Okay, if you want to fix your...toilet, kitchen, etc....you can get it here. If you need a cake saver/carrier (like I did) you can find it here. If you need some stationery, it'll be here too. If you need an eye mask (for a masquerade) you can find it here. If you need to kill some time and play with some toys or sift through other knickknacks, you can definitely come here for it. Service = super friendly and helpful. Trust me, on the phone and in person, they are totally cool! Prices = moderate to high, depending on what you are looking for.* Variety is definitely here! *Trust me, if you're stuck in a pinch, and need something but don't have time to go to say Target (in Daly City) or what have you, this is the place, what a lifesaver!! read more

While walking around the neighborhood Saturday night, we decided to stop in here. Really, how many variety stores do you see anymore? I don't even know if I've ever been in one. I loved the assortment of items they carry: toys, housewares, cleaning supplies, a vast array of kitchen gadgets,hardware goods....I could go on and on, and would still probably miss half of what they sell. The staff is incredibly personable and nice, and the overall "mom & pop" vibe of the store is fantastic. We were able to pick up a few things we needed, as well as get another house key made. This store is very unique, and neighborhood gem. I would definitely stop in next time I'm in the neighborhood. read more

This is the most nonsensical hardware store I've ever seen. And I love it. Where else can you get a cordless drill driver, pantyhose and rubber chickens all in one place? This is home improvement with a little glam and a whole lot of ridiculousness. Because hey, if you're going to have to attach a PVC discharge hose, let it be done in a nice pair of contour-fit leggings. And have a rubber chicken to play with to boot. Okay, so you won't find everything you need for a major overhaul of your digs, but you'll find the essentials and a huge selection of completely useless colorful things. Leave it to Da Gay to make the boring job of regrouting your bathroom tile a fun activity. I only chaulk wearing a rainbow-colored feather boa now. read more

When I first moved here, I visited Cliff's Variety and thought it was cool. I'm not much of a hardware person, but I do like independent places, so I thought, "Wow, a relatively large independent hardware store in the middle of San Francisco's gay mecca." Well, that's not actually what I thought, but I thought something very similar, probably over a few minutes of actually browsing through the place. A few years later, I have an even higher appreciation for Cliff's Variety. It actually has stuff you can use, and despite its touristy reputation, it actually functions as a good old-fashioned hardware store where you can ask questions. read more

From making keys to selling you pickle jars and monopoly, you ask for it and they have it! The staff is friendly and willing to help, and they're easy to find in the store. read more

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Cliff's is one of those "Hard-To-Find" good ole' fashioned hardware store. Martha and Ernie (owners) are awesome, as well as the staff. They have high standards in traditional "Mom & Pop" business traits. HARD TO FIND ANYWHERE these days! I have been going into this store since I was 16 yrs old... Well over a couple decades ago by now :-) Also, this place is awesome for ANY kind of Brass, Stainless Steel type of screws/fasteners. If you have to match something up in an older building, this is the FIRST place I think of since I live/work in the area. Give em' a shot! read more

A variety of little things you didn't think you wanted. They have quart-sized mason jars sold in singles. At least walk in and marvel at how tiny the original Castro Theater was. read more

Ever wondered where you can pick up a shower curtain, some feathers, those pegs that hold up the shelves on your bookcase, a bottle of liquid latex, a teapot, fake flowers, a mood ring, sea monkeys and some house paint all in one store? Well, now you know. Their prices can be a bit on the high side in comparison to Walgreen's, but then again, Walgreen's can't cut keys while you're shopping for a new wig, now can they? read more

"OMG IS THAT A MERKIN?!?" Yes, my sister screamed that within seconds of us stepping foot inside the store. Then she whispers: "uhhh do you think anyone heard that?" The guy at the register responded to our giggles: "Actually, it's for a beard" To her credit, it really did look like a merkin. read more

Yes They Have Everything You''ll Need But They Also Have COW And SHEEP IN A CAN You Know The Tins That Make BAAAAAAAAAAAA And MOOOOOOOOO Sound When You Turn Them Over Nostalgic and Hard To Find Why Won't Yelp Let People Write Reviews in ALL CAPS If They So Desire? CAPS There I Did It Again No burritos - there might be some decent ones in the neighborhood but I'm not sure. read more

LOVE CLIFF'S!! It has all the things I like, in one happy, consolidated spot. And that is awesome. If you want wood glue, hardware bits, cactus soil, a fancy garlic chopper, a laundry rack, sketchpads, bouncy balls, and Candy Land... Boom, Cliff's. If you like crafting, funky home decor, paints, sparkly gifts, or rickrack... Boom, Cliff's. The hardware dpt is also great, as I come in there all the time and pester them with home improvement and DIY questions, and they're super helpful. Last time, Drew went above and beyond to help me fix a kitchen drawer and get me set to finish the rest myself. (Thanks, Drew!) Wish I remembered the names of other helpful employees who've assisted me in the past, but perhaps I'll add names as I continue to visit. :) In short, While all my other favorite places in the city are getting razed for luxury condos and schmancy cocktail spots (ugh), Cliff's is an unwavering pillar of SF. Stay maker-friendly, stay colorful, stay independent, and stay rad, Cliff's. Later edit: I am adding Tamden's name to the list of helpful people there! read more

There I was, buying what I thought were the correct replacement lightbulbs. A guy behind the counter asks me if I'm buying replacement bulbs, and then nicely points out I have the wrong ones. Thank you, Douglas, for saving me money and time, not to mention the schmertz. What a great place to shop! Enjoy! read more

This store has everything I could possibly need and way too many things I just want. My purchases here include: a Vornado space heater, lamps, sketchbooks, clay pots for plants, potting soil, art supplies, and too many Barbies to count (they have a lovely selection of toys and games)! I also get keys cut here. The staff is super helpful, efficient and friendly. Cliff's is a sparkling gem, retaining brilliance in the Castro even while so many other aspects of the neighborhood lose their luster. read more

I love this store! It's the orignal site of the fabulous Castro Theatre. Initially it became a hardware store with a few extras, "sundries" I believe they were called. Today it's a thriving hardware/housewares store that offers glass-cutting, pipe-threading, lamp-rewiring, key copying services and excellent customer service. Next to Cliff's is Cliff's Annex which is chuck-full of swank furniture, sleek modern lamps, groovy shower curtains, fancy window treatments and very tasteful bed and bath accoutrements. It's very Metropolitan Home...but cheaper! For the do-it-yourself-ers there's an excellent assortment of fabric and an incredible array of sewing notions; ribbons, pom-poms, sequins, boas, crazy-colored wigs, glittery eyelashes, you name it, they probably have it. Afterall, it's in the heart of the Castro and a Queen is not a Queen unless she's in costume, right? I highly recommend this shopping excursion if you're in the 'hood and maybe, yes, maybe, if you're really lucky like I was, you may just meet the love of your life here, while waiting in line. read more

You need a tongue in cheek greeting card? You need a shower curtain? You need tons of glitter? You need fabric for sewing and decorating? You need a funny wig? You need Christmas decoration? You need some geeky stuff? You need board games? You need a new hammer? You need ... Whatever it is, you will find it here! :D The more art/ cafty stuff you will find in the left store, the more hands-on stuff is located in the right one. Took me some time to realize that these two shops belong together ^^ read more

Without this store, sf would literally not have a single place to get angled wood cuts done. I called every hardware store in town over the course of months before I found cliffs. Ernie, the owner (his name tag says "boss") spent an hour and a half with me cutting lumber to precise angles and measurements for my project. He figured out my chicken scratch designs in about two seconds and worked with unbelievable professionalism and pride. Did I mention he is about 80 years old? I was in awe from start to finish. Due to the deliberate pace and a few minutes he spent looking around for the ideal saw (of the 12 table saws he had down there) for each cut, it took a bit longer than I would have expected. Without even having to ask, he said at the end, "it would only have taken 1 hour without all the head scratching, so I'll just charge you for that." I will be back for all future projects and to browse the rad hardware selection. read more