Great selection for home hardware, craft projects, and kids toys. Staff were friendly and helpful. Definitely going back.

I never felt so uncomfortable in my life until I walked into this so called friendly store . I was watched and treated like I was going to rob the place. I think after six times of asking me if I need help I don't need help. All I wanted to do was get shoe glue for my football cleats and I like browsing because i can afford it. I don't have to work for a living like you people so when you treat people like me with disrespect you lose money. That's why you're store is going to end up closing. read more

Yikes! How did I spend $34 on a single bar of soap and a suction shampoo jockey for my shower?! Oh, I remember... It's because I dipped into Cliff's. Still the best option for household goodies in the city as far as I'm concerned... But if I owned my own whip and had access to a Target, I might be singing a different tune... read more

Yesterday we brought the grieving family of a friend who has just recently passed to get some supplies while in town. I broke off from the group to look around when I saw an employee watching every move they made. I waited for him to ask if they needed assistance, instead he just stared at them disapprovingly as they innocently browsed the shower curtains. A few moments later another employee joined him. Again I waited for them to see if we needed help, instead they stood watching us, arms crossed, giving us dirty looks until we left (buying one shower curtain, God forbid we had stayed in the store any longer to see if there is anything else we needed). Did you think we were going to steal something? Is it because we had young children with us ( who had just lost their Uncle mind you)? Were we not dressed well enough to be shopping in such an upscale place. Did the fact that one of the children was mixed and I myself am a person of color factor in when you decided we weren't good enough to be in your store? I have been to Cliff's many many times since living in San Francisco and never treated this way. Your staff really needs some help, I am embarrassed for you. Seriously. read more

This reminds me of the Mom-and-Pop-owned 5&10 in the neighborhood where I grew up, except with better merchandise and a far more eclectic clientele. Year-round, the window displays are better than Macy's at Christmas. I dare you to walk in looking for a lightbulb and leave with only that. Don't pass those baskets at the front door, you're going to need one whether you think so or not. Possibly the funnest place in the city to browse, and the staff is helpful if questions arise. read more

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1. Great stock and great arrangement 2. Wonderful, helpful staff 3. Reasonable hours and prices Long may it thrive! read more

I can't believe I'm first! I may hang-up my yelp spurs! Cliffs, if you know it, needs no praise from me. If you don't know it, you are not a San Francisco resident until you go. Maybe the only place to buy a ballpeen hammer. some custom cut glass, 100 yards of organza and a feather boa at the same time. read more

This place is a neighborhood treasure. And it is the best place to find the right treasure for a gift or a needed supply for almost any craft project. The staff are super helpful. Even going out of the way to lay something aside for me when I called looking for something ridiculous for a costume that was impossible to find anywhere else. From household needs to gifts, Cliff's Variety really usually has whatever I need and are kind enough to point me in the right direction in the unlikelihood that they don't. Great customer service. read more

I just made my last trip to Cliff's ever, after living upstairs for the past 2 years and buying every possible thing they have for my sewing projects for the sake of the gay community and local businesses. There is currently intense construction occurring on Castro the same side as Cliff's, and as I was leaving a car started backing up into my car. Obviously, I honked. I look over and a man, wearing a Cliff's uniform and a name tag name Mike was cussing at me and asked "where do you want him to go dumbass??" and persisted to exclaim and imitate derogatory terms at me... I cannot support a business that hires people that talk to others in the community like this. read more

I love Cliff's. I've shopped here for years. It's one of the few useful stores in what's becoming a declining neighborhood lined at night with beggars and pit bulls and an increasing number of empty storefronts. Cliff's has just about everything I need and they give great advice. I'm so grateful to have a neighborhood hardware store -- most people aren't so lucky anymore and they have to shop at a chain. I see some of the recent comments, posted by a small group of protestors. What's disconcerting is that this group -- with a cause unrelated to Cliff's -- have taken it upon themselves to single out Cliff's in a protest against a bubble machine that's sold everywhere. Why did they choose Cliff's in particular? Who knows. But apparently they got kicked out of the store by the employees (I would have asked them to leave if it was my store, too). Please take your bubble-machine protest elsewhere -- this product is also sold at big chains in San Francisco like Best Buy and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Why are you picking on a small, family-run business? It's too bad -- I agree with your concerns about Palestine but you're harassing the wrong people and now it looks like you're trying to put them out of business, which is downright evil. This makes me want to support Cliff's more than ever. read more

Stopped in here the other day to buy a nutcracker. Friendly service and stuff galore. I'm happy with my $3 nutcracker. Tis the season...to crack a few nuts. read more

cliff's has everything you need and so much more. that must be where the variety part comes from because they have a huge variety of stuff. but the best thing about cliff's is customer service. they have a knowledgeable staff that won't steer you wrong. when i go in, there is a good amount of employees roaming around and helping answer questions. not like those super stores where the employees seem to put their heads down when a customer walks by. it's like you can almost read their minds. please don't ask me a question oh please oh please. or the i'm too busy and i'll get back to you after i deal with 4 others that found me first. cliff's comes first for my hardware and household needs. read more

Stuff I bought at Cliff's today: an oil lamp, a deadbolt lock, several plastic cockroaches, Mad Libs, and a 8 qt. mixing bowl. Are they awesome? Oh, yes. And the original owner of Cliff's was personally responsible for starting the Castro Halloween madness 60 years ago. . .well, he was the one to insist that they close the street so kids could have a parade, and then in the 70's. . . since the streets were closed anyway. . .and Polk was getting so scary. . .Voila! read more

Me and some friends got keys made here today and the guy who helped us was so sweet! Our old keys were dull and instead of just copying those, he measured them and made new ones that were the real shape instead of worn down, my new keys work way better than my previous set! read more

San Francisco is world renowned as a great food and wild sex mecca, but what about having the best hardware stores? Between Cole and Cliffs and Fredricksen's and Brownie's, SF is hardware heaven. And anyone who doesn't give Cliff's 5 stars has a screw loose. Luckily, Cliffs has that screw you need and the wrenches to tighten it. You get the idea? No? Light bulbs of all sizes and shapes, LED, CFL, flashlights to spotlights, and the wires and sockets they love are all at Cliff's. What's cooking? If Cliff's doesn't have the appliance, gadget, knife, pot, pan, mug, plate, spork, coffee filter, cheeZe plate, french press glass, wine glass, etc. you need, it doesn't exist. The best of taste. No need to sift thru ugly shit. Lost? The staff at Cliff's will give you no-nonsense advice on how to find and do what you need, whether it's a good screw or 2, a hand tool, a welcoming socket, linen and lace, trusses and towel bars, feathers and fabric, games and grinders, keys and knives, paint and plaster. All in the very best of taste. It's Cliff's. If you don't love Cliff's, you need to get medicated. Home Despot? Lowe's? Crap! Barf! Garbage! Bleck! Back to Suburbia with you! read more

I am in here at least a few times a week and I just love this place. I even pop in when I don't need anything. the staff is so helpful they seriously always have what i need or some ideas on alternate options. They are friendly and treat u like a neighbor! read more

I go to Cliff's for those hard to find objects people tell you to drive outside the city for. Are you kidding? This is San Francisco. Ride Muni & get off at the Castro station and walk a couple blocks and you have whatever it was you couldn't find elsewhere generally. The prices make sense. They're not high. read more

I love cliffs. They have almost anything you could possibly need and many of the sales people are very friendly. It's a fun store to shop as is there a variety store next-door read more

Generally a great store, but not when it comes to honoring their Ace Hardware Warranty. My story goes like this: 1. On the advice of one of their sales clerks, I bought the 8" cable cutter pliers to cut some 3/8 inch galvanized clothesline wire (which I also bought a Cliffs). 2. The pliers did not work, so I returned them. 3. Cliff's refused to take them back because they had been used, and in spite of the following text written on the packaging for the pliers: Lifetime Warranty If this Ace product when used for its intended purpose, fails to give you complete satisfaction, return the item to the Ace Hardware store where purchased for free replacement of the same or similar item. read more

If you're ever feeling down and need something to buy but have no place to go, go to Cliff's! They have anything and everything you could want or think of. They even have those random things you never would have thought of (but someone else apparently had the time to think of) but love to buy anyway cause they're soo cute! read more

I would have bought a lot of stuff but there is a cranky older lady with short hair that works there that was so rude. Mutters stuff under her breath and snips at customers. read more

A little bit of everything from iPhone accessories for pre-teens to gardening supplies and light bulbs and cookware to everything you need to get dolled up for a pride parade. read more

I'm no hardware store expert, but thanks to Yelper reviews, I found a really helpful hardware store right down the street from my new condo - Cliff's Variety - they are available to answer questions, friendly, knowledgable, and will even walk you over to the aisle you need, and review options for you. taking things out of the boxes, making sure they're the right parts, and everything. they are also good about taking things back. like this lock i bought - since it was only $4 and i thought it was the right type, i just tossed the receipt. but they took it back a few days later without receipt, no questions asked, and did NOT roll their eyes. now THAT is a great neighborhood hardware store! read more

Cliffs have anything & everything one would want or need for your home or office & this has been the case for @ least 50yrs. It's one of the few Mom -Pop convenience store that still exists in S.F. read more

Love it. Cliff's has everything you need and half the things you didn't even know you wanted. From hand tools to Gorilla tape to Le Creuset, Cliff's has it all - right down to the friendly staff and a location close to a bakery that sells chocolate-chip cookies in x-rated shapes. So good! read more

I consider this store an icon of the Castro neighborhood. A friendly staff has seemed to figure out how to stock just about everything one might need in a hardware/variety store that's much smaller than many such stores. They know their neighborhood clientele extremely well, yet much of what they sell is of interest to anyone who might just want a fun, casual retail experience browsing around. I bet you'll buy something. A truly great store. read more

Excellent selection of just enough random items - both crafty and pre-fab. At the recent Castro street fair I scored a hip-length blue wig for $18. Any store that economically adds to my costume box gets stars from me. read more

One of the most eclectic stores around. It's a hardware store, no wait it's a toy store, no it's .... whatever you want to call it, it's very cool. They also have kitchenware items and tourist stuff as well, so bring your visiting friend. They also have reasonable prices, so check it out. read more

My boyfriend's family came all the way from Colombia to visit San Francisco today. As a long-time fan and customer I suggested we browse in Cliff's, but we were all disappointed in a less-than-mediocre experience. After shopping in the hardware section of the store we moved on to the novelty shop next door. Our 15-year-old cousin doesn't speak much English. He tried on some silly hats placed temptingly in the window and begged his father for a picture. Immediately the large, bearded, bespectacled man behind the counter strode over and grunted, "no photos" and when Joaquin looked confused he pointed at the hat rack and said, "There's a sign RIGHT THERE!". He was absolutely hostile. There was indeed a 3x5 index card hidden beneath a hat that the boy couldn't read regardless. We left hurt, without ever really walking in. After a day of meeting wonderful people all the way up Market, I am disappointed that our family will always remember the Castro as the only place in San Francisco that didn't welcome them. A no-photo policy is understandable, and as a fellow retail-worker I understand that tourists can be frustrating, but also as a fellow retail-worker I can say that it doesn't kill to be a little patient. read more

Quintessentially San Franciscan eclectic hardware store smack in the middle of the Castro. No doubt a great resource to locals. Since I am a local of West Portal, I go to Papenhausen, but I swung by here while in the Castro and I can see why all the reviewers love it. read more

I've been shopping at Cliff's regularly for years and years. One would expect since this hardware shop is in the Castro, that it would be more expensive, but it's not! You can get children's toys, key's made (though check them, the machine can be off because it's very old), dinnerware, cookware, bathroom accessories, many odds and ends you wouldn't expect at a hardware store, and many things you'de expect to find. The staff is very friendly, and they don't act condescendingly like some employees do in hardware stores. read more

Cliff? Will you marry me? Why? Because you're the very best ever! Because there is very little I need in my life that you can't provide. Kitchen goodies, toys, fabric and trims for costumes and the occasional home-made fashion, my miniature water color set... I love the potholders, screwdrivers, and angel's wings I've purchased over the years and the special pens, half-price photo frames, and adorable stationary. Candles, masks, Posterboard, drawer-liners and toilet flush-handles...you truly rock my world. I can peruse your aisles for hours at a time and I always leave with a new treasure or needed household repair item. You're once, twice, three times a gentleman...and even though something about your location tells me I'm just not your type, I'll be true to you. read more

Every time I'm in Cliff's, I find something I love so much I wanna lick it. Mostly because I can't really afford it and that way no one else will want to buy it. I always know that when I need something for the house that can only be described as Faaaaabulous, I can find it at Cliff's. read more

They have a lot of cute, fun, unique tchotchkes. Unfortunately, one of the employees followed me around like I was going to steal something any minute. It was weird! I debated whether I should spend $100 worth of crap just to give him a "so there!" or leave empty handed. Decided not to waste my money. #byehaters read more

I don't think I've ever been to a place that had sandpaper and feather boas at the same time. awesome.

Cool concept they have unique fabrics, art supplies, and random items like Oriental Trading things, to 99 Ranch looking Asian Bowls. I was going to purchase something until this old hag worker made a rude comment to us, and told my friend to retain herself eating her cookies (from Hot Cookies, and were Yummy BTW) because they have fabric, which she was already done so there was no cookies in site when she made that comment, and just tucking the bag away...C'mon now...we're not 5, we have common sense! If you don't want no food, or drinks then post it on the door. read more

I have been shopping at Cliff's for over 20 years. Sure their prices are a little on the high side, but they have always had knowledgeable and courteous staff. I am totally willing to pay a bit more for great service. I live just a few blocks away, so it pains me to say that I won't be going back. I needed to get a key made today, and I knew it was getting close to closing time, so I dashed down. One of their employees was blocking the front door saying "I'm sorry sir, we're closed." I looked at my cell phone. It was 5 minutes to 6. So I told the guy "Look, I just need one key made and you don't close for 5 minutes." He refused to budge saying they were already prepping the floors for cleaning. I peered around him and saw a store full of customers. I was PISSED! If I arrive 5 minutes after closing, that's on me. But when I arrive 5 minutes before closing and you've already got the store closed then it's on Cliff's. They've just lost a long an loyal customer. read more

A great hardware store, with knowledgeable staff + other stuff like high end woodworking tools, fun toys, cookware, etc.

I have been coming here for over 40 years. It reminds my of the big Woolworths of my youth. The staff is warm, professional, and always know what I want, even if I can't think of the name. I have recently taken up baking, and the gentlemen who runs that department is GREAT! He is excellent for any cooking issues your having and has everything you need ( always GOOD quality). I have never been in store ( since my youth) that I didn't know I needed or wanted it,till I saw it in this store. I promise you if you just go in and walk up and down the aisles you will find things you want or need, and if your,lucky both!!! read more

Cliff's Variety is a wonderful neighborhood hardware store. The staff is always super helpful and knowledgeable. On a recent visit, the person assisting me was very friendly and helped me get everything I needed to complete my project. The only reason I am giving them 4 rather than 5 stars is that some items in their store seem a bit overpriced. I actually expect this since they are a small locally owned store. It is usually worth the extra price. read more