I love Cliff's. It's such a fun store. I go here for almost all of my hardware needs. And sometimes just to browse (Warning: You'll be hard pressed not to purchase anything if you're just browsing. So much cool stuff here.) The very best thing about Cliff's, though, hands down are its knowledgeable and friendly staff. Case in point: Last year, while cleaning our bathroom, I accidentally broke our porcelain toilet bowl (yikes!). I'm not handy and Googled info on how to fix it. I then went to Cliff's to purchase what I needed to patch it up until the toilet bowl could be replaced. When I got to Cliff's, there were a lot of different glue and tape options available and I wasn't quite sure what to buy. Should be simple, right? But would they all work on porcelain? Did I need something waterproof? Of all these options, what was best for my situation? One of the staff and he was happy to give me some guidance. He helped me choose the right products and then gave me advice on how to use them. His advice was spot on. While you may save a couple of bucks by ordering stuff online, the invaluable advice that you get from places like Cliff's isn't something you're going to get from Amazon. Grateful that gems like these still exist. read more

What's not to like about Cliff's? A true variety store offering an array of both much-needed and entertaining items. This place has history and a must-see in the Castro. There's no place quite like it! read more

I went to cliff's because it was convenient. I will never patronize them again after my last experience. I have never liked their snooty attitude and arrogance. But, this time they took it too far. I went to get some small hardware. I purchased 4 packages of what I needed. I got home and I realized they overcharged me on three of the packages. The price tag was on all four packages. The amount of overcharge was substantial. So, the next day I went to get the proper adjustment. I went up to a man behind to counter when it was my turn. I told him how I was overcharged. He was unresponsive to me and acted like I was bothering him instead of being helpful. For some reason he told me to go to another male down the way instead of helping me himself. To me the situation was a slam dunk. I had my receipt and all four packages. The second guy started in how Cliffs "usually "do only ONE price adjustment on a sale? WHAT? In all of my life I have never heard of such a ridiculous explanation. I told him I clearly was overcharged on three of the four of the packages and the price sticker showed that. I tried to rationalize with him and he got defensive and responded in this nasty tone and told me that he was not going to give me a price adjustment on two of the three packages. I was with someone and we just could not believe how arrogant and beyond unprofessional he was, and not to mention WRONG at denying me an adjustment for two of the three overcharged items. SO, I told him that I would just return ALL THREE OF THE ITEMS. IDIOT. I have since posted this on social media, Facebook, etc. I mean, what can I say? If that is how Cliff's treats their customers with arrogance and a ridiculous explanations of how they would not to give me a price adjustment left me no other alternative than to do what I should of done in the first place. GO DOWN THE STREET TO ACE HARDWARE STORE ON MARKET STREET. I found better quality hardware there for at a way better price point than of Cliff's. AND, they were professional and respectful to me as a customer. There were no customers in the store at the time and I told them of my tale of Cliff's. The guy told me that, "they get a lot of people telling them the same story," and head to them for better service and lower prices. INTERESTING! I guess I am not the only victim? Hence, my story was not the first time I have had issues with Cliff's. There continued poor attitude turned me off many times and I have avoided shopping there. But, my last experience really has forever soured me from EVER going there again. I do not know how these people are permitted to do as they do and give poor customer service. Apparently, they have been enabled by management. There Anex store has the same attitude. So, If you are in need of a local hardware store with a professional staff, I would go to ACE HARDWARE, OR COLE HARDWARE. They both treat their customers with respect and do not try to rip you off when there is a clear mistake on their part. With competition stiff in the retail world, I think Cliff's should finally pack it in and go away. I hope CLIFF'S IS HAPPY NOW! read more

If you need another 101 reasons on why San Francisco rocks, take a peek at Cliff's variety! From interesting kitchen finds, garden hoses, feather boas, craft supplies, paint stuff, stuff you need to paint the town red (or rainbow, coz we are in the Castro!) Cliff's variety has got it all. I get sucked in by their greeting cards with attitude and other Knick knacks. I can spend a solid 2 hours here and not be bored! Cliff's is a SF institution since 1937 and I wish them another 80 years! read more

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The locksmith at Cliff's went above and beyond in terms of service. Helped me retap/chase a bad set of threads on my bike crank arm. Thank you! read more

Pure magic is what I'd like to refer my experience to while shopping with this business. Everyone who works here is highly skilled in each department. From essentials, to crafts, indoor/outdoor improvement, to construction tips and impressively any shortcut you can imagine to help you get that project done; folks who work here know how to help. I'd like to give a shoutout to all of them, and to Bill for helping me get my vintage clock and lamp restoration completed. :) Thanks again read more

Kitschy store along with fun board games and practical stuff for ur house. Bought a bunch of fun items for a bachelorette party so you can imagine. :) Staff here all friendly, helpful and welcoming except for 1 young divo' (hardware side) who thought he was something....okay he WAS (dark hair, eyes, beard) but that's not the point! Haha he was talking to his older coworker and saw me (oh we made eye contact!) walking down the aisle...did he scooch over? Not one bit! Eh I know it's trivial but come on! I had to squeeze past him so I'll assume he thought I was tiny to maneuver around him! ;) sheesh. And only later he acknowledged when I met up with my male friend did a 'did u need help anything' came out...hmmm! Oh well, still this a fun place to stop and get that home repair item or something that makes you laugh out loud! read more

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

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Cliff's Variety is my most favorite place to shop for anything from home improvement tools, to school supplies, and to kitchenware. They have kids' toys and even other exclusive items depending on the season. I been so crazy to shop there but, boy! I feel like I wanted to make a list in case I was so eager to buy something. Therefore I posted photos of what I like to buy to make my life easier. Say if I need to buy a wrench to unscrew, where would I go? Instead of heading further to Home Depot in Westlake Daly City, Cliff's Variety is the best spot. Cliff's has almost all the items every buyers dream of having. Thus Cliff's in Castro community will always be in my list of visits. Customer service is as good as expected. I highly recommend shopping at Cliff's Variety. :-) read more

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Cliff's is awesome! It's easy to understand why they have been in business so long with great reviews. The selection of items is incredible. The staff is lively, super knowledgeable/top notch. Special shout out to Richard and Chuck- you guys are amazing! Love this store. read more

I came in to just look around and ended up finding a shower curtain and really nice clock that cost nearly $150.00 that I wanted for my new apartment. However, for some reason, as I continue to look around, I noticed the people who worked here had been following me around. I brushed it off thinking "maybe I'm just thinking too much about it", but the person who I was also with also noticed this! Despite the fact that there were pleof other shoppers in the store they somehow found it necessary to follow the shoppers around who just so happened to be darker! I don't need to steal anything!! I am on a full ride scholarship at UC Davis studying physics and chemistry!!! I'd never risk that over some shower curtain! I'll never be back to store! Update: I went and spent the extra 15 dollars rather than deal with racist white people. 2nd update: Reading back on this, I also wanted to note that the clock was with them at the counter, not in my possession. The only thing I had was the shower curtain. read more

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

Love this store so much! They have a great selection of housewares and kitchen stuff, including some high end brands. It's fun to browse the aisles and find interesting things. read more

Cliff's Variety - Lots of fun floatie options - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Folks at Cliff's aren't just a bunch of pretty faces. They are sweet, kind and helpful people. AND Knowledgeable for Sure! I had the most wonderful and supported exchange with CHUCK. He helped me with a dimmer for the new LED bulbs. He didn't give up. It turns out there's a small switch somewhere on the dimmer to accommodate and Completely dim these new LED bulbs. Very tedious.......but Chuck was there all through it! He sent me at least 3 "how to" vids in text messages. The position of this secret switch depends of the brand of dimmer. He wouldn't give up! I am very happy now and I have Chuck's tenacity and kindness to thank for it. Thank you again, CHUCK... YOU are the BEST! read more

I honestly have no clue who Cliff is and I've been coming here for years, or even centuries *cough cough*, but no matter who Cliff is or isn't all that matters is this "hardware" store turned "curio" store is pretty rad! I wouldn't exactly call myself a regular here, but I make at least several visits a year. Especially around Halloween or if looking for that unusual or naughty birthday gift. I mean where else can you find two dozen faux beards or four shades of rubber nipples? Well besides every other gift store on the Castro:P But really Cliff's Variety has some pretty cool toys, games, keychains, greeting cards, and I didn't even get to their actual hardware section yet... Yes! Cliff's Variety started off as a legitimate hardware store back in the 1930's, and over the decades morphed into the current variety story. Yet, the backbone is still the hammers, nails, screws, bulbs, garden hoe, et al. So if in the Castro District and feeling a tad gay c'mon on down to Cliff's Variety and by golly who knows what you may find... the skies the limit here, well unless you already have a ladder & a feather duster in your pocket... read more

Cliff's Variety - Styling my Frankenstein or Zombie or Ted Danson finger puppet! Got it at Cliff's, of course! - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

TLDR POC AVOID THIS STORE I always feel racially profiled when I walk in so much so I've decided not to support this business. I've tried multiple times and have wondered if it was just me feeling this way but after speaking with my other queer friends of color and sharing that they experience the same thing/ have similar stories it's rather disappointing. Feel free to look at the other reviews on here that also speak about racist incidents that happened here. read more

I went in to buy some holiday stuff, prepared to spend at least $100 as i really liked this store and wanted to support small businesses. I didnt see any shopping baskets at the front so when i started shopping i VERY OBVIOUSLY put stuffy in my reusable bag in front of store employees while asking them where things are so that they wouldnt worry about me trying to steal. I held the bag wide open the entire time and smiled at all the employees. Then an employee can put to me and said "uh, no, lets not do that before someone starts making assumptions about you." And then handed me a basket. I completely understand that with all the stealing going on in the city, workers need to be on high alert, but that kind of tone is so unprofessional and honestly completely rasict. As a person of color, hearing that from another person of color was extremely distressing especially after getting stared down by all the white workers. With all the other comments about their outright racist behavior I bet they sent in the POC so that they couldnt be called out; however, the racial profiling could not be missed with the way he looked at me and talked to me. I meant that this man looked at me like he was disgusted with my presence. Now if he had said something along the lines of "Hey would you mind using a basket instead of a bag, we have a policy about this due to theft issues" I would have gladly taken the basket and apologized for my mistake. But i have NEVER been talked to so rudely in my life by an employee. Also as someone who works retail i wouldnt dare say that to a customer even if i suspected them of stealing. Its really such a shame that they are okay with this behavior. read more

Horrible service. Racist bougie workers! They treat homeless and black people terribly. Just watch if a homeless person comes in. They swear like your money is fake. And the products aren't good. I've bought 5 pairs of heels. Only for them all to break, then they want to say I'm not allowed in the store because they think I stole some eyelashes when I would spend $100+ on heels. Just overall horrible service. And I'm not the only person who thinks so. Don't shop here! read more

Let me start by saying I am NOT a DIYer. I had a keyboard tray that was acting up and had read how replacing some tiny screws (and adding glue to the screws) would fix the problem. Before I spent $75 on a new tray, I thought I'd try it out. Into Cliff's I went, looking forward to telling the salesperson "Hello - I'm looking for a little screw". Sadly, I didn't get my chance. I did, however, get the brilliant assistance of "J.J", and I hope I got that right from the receipt. J. J. was the essence of patience, directed me to the correct screw drawer and helped me (while also educating me) to "find the right screw". The total sale was under $12 and what could have been a very stressful shopping exhibition turned into a delightful customer service moment. Thank you J.J and thank you Cliff's, for being in the hood and being there for me! read more

I have been a Cliff's customer for more than 23 years, getting all my hardware and houseware needs fulfilled there, except once they didn't carry some plumbing oddment I was looking for. It turned out none of the plumbing supply places in San Francisco had it either. The staff are professional and exceptional. There's a reason they have flourished for more than 80 years read more

These small service hardware stores for the neighborhood are disappearing in numbers. Megastores and internet shopping kinda are to blame. So I'm SO happy Cliff's is here. You can go in, and ask someone "will this wrench fit that sink?" or "do you have silpads for half sheets?" They are always friendly. They are always helpful. And I am so happy they are there. Keep it real Cliff's. read more

Variety is the operative word at Cliff's in the Castro. While you pay a nominal markup for convenience & well curated selections, I always leave my shopping hauls feeling good I supported a small community staple. Whenever I need quick gift ideas or cute finds, I wander on over to Cliff's Variety! read more

I went in on a rainy day to buy some gifts and take advantage of their after Christmas sale. They have a guy at the door, but my umbrella got stolen as I was shopping. The front door guy said he was sorry but unfortunately that apology isn't keeping me dry. read more

I usually walk into Cliff's with a problem: a mouse in the heater or a project I'm working on. I'll wander around the aisles looking for inspiration. When I get stuck, a very helpful staff member appears and asks me questions and points me in the right direction. It truly is a magical store. An actual pillar of the community. I've used it mostly as a hardware store, but they also have homegoods and toys and anything else you might need. Highly recommended read more

The staff is always friendly and helps me find what I need. Getting keys copied is always fast.

I love this store so. much. It has truly everything. Flags, puzzles, seasonal decorations, gardening supplies, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies....I could go on. Plus the prices are so reasonable. Of the 4 times I'be been here, I've purchased: * pie pan * black rocks * windex * draino * outdoor string lights Such an eclectic amount of stuff. AND it's so so important to ship local these days (coming to you live from the middle of the COVID pandemic). I'm happy to support a staple of the Castro neighborhood! Ditch Amazon and shop Cliff's! read more

Simply put, Cliff's is the best there is when it comes to hardware stores. It's so much more than just hardware, though. In fact, it's hard to think of the place as a hardware store at all. You'll find gifts, decorations, and novelties here that you won't find at any other hardware store in the world. Back when I lived in the Castro, I used to make up excuses to go to Cliff's and I wound up going nearly every day of the week. The sales staff got sick of seeing me. Since moving away from the neighborhood, it's one of the things I miss most. I LOVE THE PLACE AND YOU WILL TOO. read more

I LOVE Cliff's Variety!!! I had heard and read such great things about the store. And holy cow, it's all true! I went to the store for the first time today, and I was so kindly greeted by a lovely man. The employees are so great and so helpful. And Cliff's Variety has EVERYTHING! Terry, Michael, Juan, Philip and the entire team are INCREDIBLE!!! They are so skilled and willing that they can accomplish ANYTHING! Come shop here. It is AMAZING!!! read more

Cliff's Variety is the place to go, especially if you're toting a random shopping list. This was today's list: toilet plunger, USB iPhone cord, sketch pad, framed cork board plus I needed to have a key cut. What we actually walked out with was a whole lot more because around every corner is something you'll exclaim, "Oh, I need a new one of those!" (muffin pan) "Oh, look! They have those larger ramekins for French Onion Soup!" "Need one of those" (metal tongs for grilling meat/vegetables) "Here's a good-looking, BPA-free snack/lunch box." "Oh, do you want a new Lego set?" (NanoBlock Empire State Building) "I'm out of these" (business-sized envelopes). With an amazingly friendly staff and just about everything under the sun you'll need except food and clothing (but you can find a tutu or feather boa), I love Cliff's Variety. It's the hippest hybrid of hardware store and 5 & Dime, sprinkled with a little pixie dust. read more

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Cliffs Variety is the best variety store ever. Whatever your household need, whether it be hardware, accents, decor, mirror or glass creation, this store has it ALL. The staff is helpful and considerate. The only problem is that if you plan on going there for 15 minutes, I promise you that you'll stay for at least an hour because there is so many interesting and fun things to look at. read more

Amazing hardware store! Very, very helpful and hospitable staff. They have quite the variety of inventory. Need to go back and explore. My window screen material needed to be replaced. Tough to find a place in SF to get it done. Look no more. Drop off the damaged screens. Cliff's will call you when the job is complete. They were done lickety split. Price was right for my pocket book, too. The new screens look terrific. JJ and Chuck are your guys! read more

Best. Best. Best. Hardware and SO much more! Great toy department might be the only toy store left in SF!? Sad but thanks Cliffs!!! Tons of stocking stuffer/goodie bag options, lots of "oh! Remember that?!?" options. Toy board game go to. Then there's kitchen ware, everything you need and good quality options. Real deal. Craft central- from knitting needles to fabric to buttons to glitter galore. Grab and go gifts from a wide candle selection to socks to lovely blank books to novelty mugs and way more. Many with a queer bent. Oh. And. Yeah. Hardware. This is a hardware store. And they have lots of hardware. If you don't love this place, I'm a little concerned about your ability to truly enjoy life. What's not to love? read more

There are not of ton of shops in the Castro that I can come in a browse, so we often make a stop here. They have a good amount of stuff for Pride. The employees make an effort to ask you if you need help. Good selection of things you'd expect from a hardware store + some extras. They have some kids toys and art supplies at the front. Nice assortment of party decor too. read more

They're efficient with spacing the customers outside. Needed elastic to make fabric masks. As of last week,the back room stil has a spook of it but they're over priced at 99 cents a yard. Other places have sold out on elastics. You can usually get elastic for well under 60 cents a yard. More like 16-20 cents. The place is huge and if not for the fact that they limited numbers in the store and kind of prod you along, I would've gone exploring. Got my stuff and out the door. read more

This store has the MOST AMAZING customer service. I was looking for furniture risers of a certain size and height which they didn't have. Instead, Tamdin offered to see what could be made with scraps of wood. He brought Richie over who made the exact size we needed--at very little cost! Every time I shop at this store, I leave with a smile. Five-plus stars!!! read more

Love this place and have been supporting it since the 90's!!! However lately I have been ordering what I normal buy there online to avoid the rude treatment I received the last time I was there. I had just left hot cookie another business I try to support as much as possible. I walked in with 1/2 of the cooking in a white bag. the other half was in my mouth before I walked in the store. Before I could swallow and buy the soap I had come for the employee/ monitor told me " There is no eating in the store... you will need to put the food away" I had the food wrapped up completely, I was just about to swallow what was in my mouth that I had eaten before I entered the store... and the only place I could the completely bagged cookie was in my shorts pocket. I did not want to do that so I just turned around and walked out. I am 54 yo have raised three kids and am caring for my parents, I am a responsible adult. I felt scolded as if I had broken a rule but I knew the rules and the food was wrapped up and I was not eating it in the store. Please don't treat your customers like children it's rude and bad for business. read more

This neighborhood gem has everything and their prices compare with Amazon's prices. It is better than Amazon because you get to see and touch the stuff that you are going to buy. The selection is probably not as good as Amazon 's, but you know what you're getting when you buy it at Cliff's. The service is usually good, given with a positive tone most of the time. read more

I never noticed this place until I moved to the neighborhood and it's amazing! The store is very well stocked with high quality hardware products, art / craft supplies, toys, games, seasonal items, quirky cards and gifts, honestly anything I've ever needed other than food, apparel, electronics, and drugstore items. Products are well curated and organized, employees are helpful, and their safety producers during Covid-19 set the example. Some random things I've purchased here in the last several months: stickers, art supplies, puzzles, toys, games, Christmas tree topper, ornaments, tree skirt, birthday decorations, filled mylar balloons, tea light candles, hose bib lock, pop-socket for my phone, beading supplies, glitter, picture frame, painter's tape, packing tape, drill and drill bits, yard supplies... and more. read more

Cliff's Variety is a cool independently owned hardware store in the Castro. Besides all the necessary items you would want from a typical hardware store they also have some interesting kitchen ware & gag items along w/ heaps of Stars Wars collectibles. They have a lot of BPA-free plastic tupperware & even some small glass tupperware yet would be great if they carried some large size glass tupperware such as pyrex. There was a cool display of Harvey Milk on the front of the store yet wasn't able to get a photo as was a rainy day in the Castro & was holding my umbrella so take my word for it that it was cool & recommend stopping here if in the area. read more

With 190,000 items in their database, Cliff's says If they don't have it you don't need it. Socks, bags, mugs hardware supplies, paint, toys. Even Chia Pet! We are painting the exterior of our house and we had to get new house numbers. I ran in here on a whim and found exactly what I needed. The people were so wonderful. Loved loved loved the staff. It might be a good thing I don't live close because I would spend a lot of time and money at this place. A Castro and SF gem for sure. We read more

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A really fun miscellaneous gift store in the Castro District of San Francisco. I was not planning on buying anything except drinks during this trip to the Castro but what pulled me into their store was their window display of political action figures. This is one of those stores that you could spend hours in and end up spend too much money. On this day I walked out with a mini Elizabeth Warren and a Drag Queen card set. Items I don't necessarily need yet also items I so desperately neeeed. read more

Somehow we find in this store everything we needed in few minutes. They have everything in the store for yout house, car, trip, hobby, gift, bday, garden, pet, party...and more- lol Staff are so helpfull and friendly and I wish to come more often just for fun and nice small talks I have had few times I been there. Exelent vibe in the store and impresiv number of items they sell. read more

Cliff's Variety - My favorite cofee cuo - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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