I've been a customer for decades and have never been treated so poorly as I was over the weekend at the Annex part of the store with the drag stuff and fabric in it. The store has this curmudgeonly heavy-set bear-type guy with a headset on trying be Mr. Loss Prevention 2023 or something. He stares down customers he thinks are a theft risk for the store. I mistakenly brought a recycled bag in there (as the city supervisors want us to) but was followed around the store by this angry clerk who repeatedly stopped and glared at me around every corner. Little does he know that my partner and I have been loyal Cliff's shoppers for decades and being profiled this way is not a great business model. We won't be back. Please fire this employee; he is bad for business. read more

This is probably the best hardware store in San Francisco and maybe one of the most unique stores in the US. I always like to explore and buy my Christmas gifts here. This store is so much fun. There are so many different items here- from practical things such as shower curtains and bathroom hardware to costumes and stuff that is just plain quirky and fun. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. I love when the holidays arrive because they have the best Christmas and Halloween decorations. read more

I absolutely adore this shop. They somehow have everything you need and everything you don't need but would love to have all at once. I can't count the number of times I needed a lemon peeler or a specific size battery charger, or some other odd essential thing that's never there when you need it, and saved myself a trip to an unpleasant big box store by visiting Cliff's. Whenever you're in a jam, Cliff's will save the day. Apart from the utility of this store, it's also a fabulous place to shop with a great community vibe. A hardware store that also sells stripper heels and glitter is my kind of place! I've always had an excellent customer service experience here as well. One of the staff even pulled out a staple gun and helped me quickly construct a protest sign with the items I purchased so I wouldn't miss my march. This place is a gem and I hope it continues to shine like a diamond for generations to come. read more

You simply cannot say a bad thing about Cliff's and the annex next door, you just can't. For one, they are dog friendly and give my dog a treat when I pay. Second, the staff is just THE BEST. From walking you straight to the thing you're looking for, to cracking jokes, and making killer recommendations I never have a bad experience here. Third, they have EVERYTHING. Fourth, window displays, obviously. From political commentary to seasonal trends, they always go all out. They also make all my keys and take my recycled light bulbs and batteries! For kicks, here's an abridged list of things we've purchased from Cliffs over the 10+ years we've lived here: -Protest sign pens and poster board -Felt and Feathers for various reasons -Fake blood -Brown spray paint for a fortune telling machine costume -Pink spray paint for a Hit Girl Costume -Zorro hat -Bachlorette items -Birthday candles, streamers -Legos for a local xmas toy drive -Cleaning products -Gardening products -Washers, tools, etc that my husband used to install our fancy Japanese toilet seat -Mouse ears -Poo-pourrie -Yarn for knitting -A soda steam -all manner of cookie cutters -xmas tree ornaments -Iron on transfer letters -Materials used to dye a white shirt blue -Fabric for a toga party -Glass cut for a very random bathroom shelf -Glittery fabric for a JEM costume -Fake snow -Glow sticks -A broom (they told me to fly safely) -A tiny food truck for birds -A watering can shaped like an elephant -Pipe cleaners to clean my sister's Pax read more

I stumbled on this cute little (not actually, it's huge) mom & pop store-of-all-things after getting a massage in the area and wanted to take a second to give them a shout out in an age where these types of small businesses struggle to stay afloat without spiking charges out the wazoo (wazou?). They have anything and everything- puzzles, board games, hardware, pots/soil, pens, markers, party favors, friendly staff. Feels like you walked into a store during the 80s or something, I just loved it! Beware, no service in that area, it was a dead zone for my Verizon line so I walked around the corner on the left to the Starbucks for WiFi to call an uber. read more

This is my new go to place whenever I'm in the Castro area. I didn't get to explore the whole store to see all what they have. That's because I spent all my time in their toy isles. They have Hot Wheels. They even have the European short cards. But most importantly they have a nice variety of Playmobil Toys. And their prices are very reasonable. Pretty sure there is something here for everybody. read more

Bought some cooking items for myself and had a question about a ginger slicer/grater. Waited in the long line and then presented to the counter. The clerk wasn't able to answer my question so he referred me to another nice clerk by the name of Chuck. After my questions were addressed, I turned to proceed with my purchase. But already a different clerk was present and started processing another customer's merchandise. I asked could he help me after the nice white Lady was done (cause I'm nice!) and he said no I had to get back in line. I said excuse me I was in line ..I was here to ask questions about this merchandise... my questions were answered.. I'm here to purchase my three items. He had the nerve to say out loud no I was not standing in line.... I yelled back at him yes I was standing in line... Do not tell me I was not standing in line. He insisted I get back in line again. I cussed loudly about the fucking racist Castro "community".. put my gay black ass back in line ..made my purchase and left ..someone said I hope you have better experience next time. My anger is not so much about being/feeling black in the gay community ..it's about customer service dammit. read more

Cliff's Variety - Ginger sliced and grater.. - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

SO RUDE. After making a purchase me and my friends were looking at fidget poppers up front by the cashier. No one was in line behind us, we weren't bothering anyone, just looking through the products. When we stepped away a worker sighed really loudly and immediately came in and angrily started rearranging them right in front of us even though we hadn't made any sort of mess, the toys were just shuffled around. I still had one in my hand so I put it back in the box for him instead of leaving it on the counter because I thought it would be nicer, but instead he nastily replied "you could've just handed it to me". I was trying to make his job EASIER and all that after I'd just made a PURCHASE. The man when we walked in was also super aggressive about me putting my mask on even though i had it on my face but had pulled it down to drink water and was actively drinking water. All around terrible experience, wish I hadn't bought anything there. read more

A must visit when in the Castro. They have a little bit of everything. High quality at reasonable prices. Support an eclectic, one of a kind local business. read more

I've been going to this store since I was a kid and it's changed it has everything that you need it's kind of expensive but they have a lot of cute stuff in here hv a lot of cookware n here everything that you need hardware tools. You can make keys here cooking utensils everything games all kinds of parties stuff. So if you're in the neighborhood and you want to go somewhere that has everything come check this store out people are very nice, and helpful a lot of workers that will go out of their way to help you and take their time to explain stuff and that's what I like. read more

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What a fun store! They really do carry a variety of items from games to tools to housewares and more. Huge store, well lit, very clean, and helpful staff. Fun even just to peruse through. read more

After years of hot and cold service I've decided it's time to move on from Cliff's. Some of the staff have very bad attitudes and after buying overpriced items to support a local business my last straw was Joseph's demeanor today. Why try to help a store with terrible service stay afloat? This has been going on for a long time and I'm done with it. read more

They have *everything* and not unreasonable prices either. The store is separated into two store fronts, as in two front doors and you have to leave one store to go in the other but they are both Cliff's Variety. So that's odd but not a bad thing exactly. One side seems more craft and costume oriented, the other is more hardware and supplies oriented. read more

This place is so hot and cold. I have worked with absolutely amazing employees who have been super nice and knowledgeable in home improvement projects. If you get the right person then this is a great place to go for advice on small construction projects. I've also worked with some really sassy, rude employees who make the environment super awkward and unsafe feeling. I don't understand the management of this place, it's unclear why they tolerate some of their employees being so openly hostile to customers. Today I witnessed an employee (Scott) scoffing at, flipping his hand and walking away shaking his head from a very elderly couple who were hard of hearing, confused and just needed help. Cliffs has so much going right for it, they just not to be stricter about not allowing these bad apples at their store. read more

I will never step foot in cliffs again. And I will tell everyone I know about how poorly I was treated. I was treated very rudely while I was looking around for some product today. One of their employees come up to me and said," what do you want". In the rudest possible way. It was clear to me that right away he thought I was less than deserving to even the minimal ,descent, salutation. I was looking for art supplies, not trendy on sacred ground. It's clear they only prefer one look and it's not me.zero stars ZERO! read more

I'll start off by saying Cliffs is a great place for finding things you don't really need and even a few things you might really need $$$$ Pros: A lot of variety and fun things friendly workers knowledgeable and helpful etc. Cons: expensive some items are over 50% more than other hardware stores. example .... natural orange oil pest killer $14.99. ...the exact same item at Whole Foods is $9.99! WOW is 50% more than Whole Foods Market read more

Excellent customer service, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and they have EVERYTHING. Sometimes gets crazy crowded because of the tourists, but they do their best to keep the lines moving and have space in the aisles to move. I come here over the larger chain hardware stores. read more

My wife sent me here one time and I forget it is in young and hip neighborhood. I feel a little boring and old, I am honest. But a very nice man help me find these supplies. He said he like very much my jacket and hair. read more

This store is the best! Knowledgeable staff, a surprisingly deep inventory considering the size of the store, and they have been taking COVID precautions very seriously. I'm so happy to have them in my neighborhood and know that whatever I might need, they'll either have it, or they'll tell me where else I can find it. read more

Verbally accosted by another customer because after he left a rack - 4 feet away - I started looking for an item and he "wasn't done." I was called a princess, faggot, fat, and several other derogatory terms. The only thing I said to him was that he was child and needed to grow up. What disappoints me most about the situation is that Cliff's staff laughed and joined in with man. In the middle of the Castro, to allow that behavior is reprehensible - and a horrible customer experience. I realize it's convenient, but this is the 21st century and we HAVE to stop patronizing businesses the allow this behavior - let alone join in! read more

This is a great place, well stocked and the staff is attentive. This is however a hardware store that opens at 10:00 AM. If you have people working in your house in need of anything in the morning, how staffed the inventory is and how attentive the personnel is it's irrelevant as the doors are closed. While I am all for supporting local businesses, the businesses still have to do their part. Having a hardware store with clothing boutique hours it's useless as you still have to go and support big box stores like Home Depot. read more

So helpful and so much fun stuff here! One of the gentlemen who works here helped my friend I refurbish this chair for our dining room! He explained the whole process and helped us pick out this fun color. Thank you Cliff's! :) read more

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

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WoW wOw & WOW - Customer Service: Very helpful and constantly over staffed to assist in your every need - Parking: Street parking is what is available so make sure you make time to look! - What can you BUY here: This store is an all in ONE (Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Sephora, Party City, & Toys R Us) All check this store out! I was able to buy jewelry for my mom, wall art for my place & lashes...... Love It read more

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What can I say about this amazing store ? I just love me some cliffs . The variety , the unusual , the funny , the tasteful , The elegant . It has it all ! You can spend so much time , in either side , and I always find a huge amount of goods that I want and or need . The service is fabulous , helpful & always good welcoming vibes . But ...... I don't know , now , more then ever , I really appreciate feeling the love , the kindness , and I have been in to cliffs twice , in the last week , only to not experience nice service ?. I was in two days ago , spent more then I prob could afford , these days , just short of 200 dollars . I was greeted at the door & I was paired up with a gentleman that did help me , but he was positively cold . I don't get why ? When I paid , it always startles me to have them start off w , can I see your ID ? I don't know , and the cashier ,nothing nice , just acted hostile . I showed my license , no gestures , no ok thank you , Rings me up , several items were precious , I can't bring my own bag , and he , very crankily ask will u need A bag ? He started off w a small one , a few things got bent , he did then get a larger one as well . This is the worst part . I thanked him And nothing , I really felt low , he stared at me like I had two heads ? So as I am leaving , my salesperson at the door and another seated , these two men , look like men you want to interact with , I said Thank you , both Nothing , mute ? I can't believe I am kind of ridiculous, I Repeated it two more times , before I was out . Because , I have been a customer for years , and never have I got this treatment . I was baffled . I will go back . I do recommend it highly . But the virus is no excuse to forget a welcoming spirit . Why did each one Refuse to express appreciation that I made the trip in ? I can't explain this . I say , Cliffs , don't forget who you are , why is the staff with holding warmth ? Why not give just a wee bit of what I always have experienced . I usually have a laugh , the cashiers are beyond helpful , so I have no idea why this shifted . It has stayed w me . Cause I felt that it was sunpin about me ? Again Not one , not one Expressed gratitude or gentleness . I am perplexed . That's it folks , maybe a two off ? But I will remain devoted , but of course not if this is the new experience shopping at Cliffs . read more

This was my first time to cliffs, and it is essentially a Michaels craft store with everything being double to triple the price. If you need arts and crafts supplies, they will have what you need, but I wouldn't advise coming here if you are on a budget. With that being said, the staff are very friendly, and the store is conveniently located on Castro Street and is well organized. read more

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

One day you may find yourself the lucky invitee to a rainbow themed party. Mmm, cherish the thought. And when that day comes, you'll want to spend a good hour or two at Cliff's Variety where rainbows and glitter and feathers and mesh are not only abundant, but surprisingly well-priced. I was drawn inside by the looks of their quirky stationery selection (thank you notes need not be sterile and serious), and was later pulled by some colorful cosmic force towards the back of the store where aisles of costume inspiration in the form of wigs, fabrics, beads, boas was waiting for my awe-struck perusal. I picked up a handful of feathered hair accessories for less than $2 each, some faux rainbow lashes, and some artsy vintage thank-you notes for $12 a box. On the flipside, my shopping partner found a wooden bath "mat" type thing in their household dept and picked up some paint samples from their hardware dept, which goes to show how truly diverse Cliff's is. You can go in for one thing, or go in for nothing. But you're sure to walk away with something. read more

Cliff's Variety - So many colorful goodies! - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cliff's is everything you could possibly want in a neighborhood variety-and-notions store. Teapots. Board games. Plaster ceiling medallions. Rainbow flags. Ball-peen hammers. And ah yes, utensil-drying containers. I must share a harrowing, true-life story of fate, destiny and tragedy narrowly averted thanks to the endless inventory at Cliff's. Only the facts are changed to protect the innocent. I have this dish-drying rack I prop up over half my kitchen sink. Well, it came with a little plastic container to hold the utensils, but one day, the clip that held it to the rack broke. I was traumatized. I tried super-gluing the clip back on, but it kept breaking off. I was unglued. I went back to the Container Store where I got the rack and asked a cheery sales associate if I could buy the utensil holder separately. He was confused. I left the store in despair. I wandered the streets until I found myself in J-Town, Surely among my dollar-store-oriented peeps, there is one to be found. With resurgent optimism, I barreled down to the basement of Soko Hardware and searched frantically for a utensil holder. Yes, yes, I found one, a nice metal-mesh holder....for eight dollars! Eight dollars?! I left in a proverbial huff concluding that I was destined for a life with wet silverware. So I went to Cliff's...and lo and behold, there is a plastic holder for $2. Now I can dry my forks and spoons with confidence. Unfortunately I am not allowed near the steak knives or other sharp objects. The doctors never explained why. The moral is if you need something trivial that no one else would even think of carrying, then go to Cliff's. It's there. read more

Growing up without a TV as a kid, I'm convinced - definitely helped shape who I am today as an adult. Instead of watching MTV - I played out ridiculous adult theme scenarios with my barbies. Instead of watching 90210, I would sit outside and doodle. Instead of watching Nickelodeon, I read books. About two years ago I canceled my cable and outside of rented Weeds and Mad Men DVDs, I have never really looked back. Though admittedly, there's really never enough hours in the day; the hours, or minutes that I do have free - I like to dedicate to cutting up old clothes, attempting to make jewelry, or drawing on T-Shirts. I'm all about wearable art. I've been surprised to find that despite the handful of great art stores in the city such as Flax, Blick, Ultrecht and such, that very few of these stores -stock things such as brooch backs, quality feathers, Filo clay, hemp thread and such. But Cliff. Oh lovely Cliff, has all of that. They have stunning feathers, which once mounted on a headband or brooch back - could easily be the clutch accessory of an outfit, or make for a great gift. They have hemp thread, ideal for making friendship bracelets (yes, they're due for a comeback) or making makeshift beaded necklaces. They have fabric, they have ribbon, they have jewelry making materials, and just so much more. In just one store, you can find toiletries, pens, cleaning supplies, masks, puzzles, bathroom supplies, decorate household pieces, and really anything you can conjure up - Cliff's has it. Cliff's is just so beyond What's Up. They're in a whole 'nother sphere of What's Upness. The are truly an epic San Francisco institution. Trust. read more

Cliff's Variety is like an old Trading Post except you cannot pay your utility bills there. It is two shops in one. One side has hardware; gardening supplies, seasonal decorations and toys while the other dude is full of gifts, crafts, fabrics and wigs. There is so much to browse at and I usually find something I need or just want. Cliff's is also part of Ace Hardware. read more

Me and my friend came from out if town to visit the Castro today. He's was looking forward to visiting the store because he was looking forward to it. When we got in line it appeared that the first point of contact was asking us exactly what we wanted to buy. We weren't quite sure yet and just wanted to look around. He was not friendly at all! Once we got inside the other customer service people were not smiling not friendly and seemed to just want to have us eventually leave. We bought some things but probably won't come back for awhile! Not good! read more

This place is like Calypso Twist, Joannes Fabric, Mendels and the Party Store combined. The smaller side has a more Calypso Twist like feel, with unique odds and ends like a timer shaped like a toaster, or ice cube trays in the shape of fangs. They also carry knitting stuff, cute and still affordable shower curtains, and the most interesting fabrics I've seen in awhile... think pink plush rugs or raver gear. The second part of the store is much more a hardware/ everyday party supplies store. Cute candles, light bulbs, beads. I so needed a store like this... a one stop shop where I can get fishnet stockings, a glittery bathing cap and a hammer to pound stuff. read more

I love how Cliff's can unleash my inner dork. I spent 2 hours here on Saturday with my two sisters. I would have stayed longer, but I ran out of quarters for the meter. I'm pretty sure we annoyed everyone in the general vicinity with our ridiculous antics. But there's just so much fun to be had! From trying on masks and hats, or pretending to brush with oversized toothbrushes, or wearing the feather boas around the store....it's hard not to revert back to childhood. My senses were overwhelmed. My favorites were: - Toilet brush cleaners shaped like giraffes: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/naSquvcFb3j3dgPYnHuk0w?select=21Sw2KRFlCgtyICUENMORQ - Pig-shaped pancake pan: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/naSquvcFb3j3dgPYnHuk0w?select=1uRBCFlzOW9E285yNURX3Q - Dish scrubber shaped like a giant toothbrush (see my profile pic) - Feather-banded ribbon - I plan to make a headband out of these - Chicken and shark head hats - Mardi gras inspired masks - Snail measuring tape: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/naSquvcFb3j3dgPYnHuk0w?select=PkFAcJJXmHnT27d8leSTUw - Disco balls - Shag material - gonna make me a shag rug! - Stenciled wall art - sticks to your wall, no need to paint - Historical reprinted photographs of San Francisco, early 1900's There's also a ton of raw materials, like fabric, felt, ribbon, buttons, acrylic paint, feathers, etc. for projects (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/naSquvcFb3j3dgPYnHuk0w?select=kJ6zX92l-FPh5v4sZ-ZPyA). My sister, who makes felt finger puppet animals, came away with a few sheets of felt. Now that she lives around the corner, I'll definitely be making my way back here more often. The items in Cliff's appeal to my love of randomness, personality and fun in every day items. When I have kids, I'm going to decorate the nursery with stuff from Cliff's. Their stuff just makes me happy. I don't know how else to explain it. read more

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I've lived in the area for 20 years and Cliff's remains my go-to store when I need anything I can't get at Mollie Stone's or Walgreens. I could count on one hand the times Cliff's didn't have what I needed. The prices aren't a bargain but if you live in the 'hood, you can't beat the selection of things, the convenient location, and the helpful staff. That it's locally-owned is icing on the cake. read more

Not just a nice hardware store with housewares, fantastic Halloween window displays and costume supplies worthy of the Castro's legendary Halloweens. Cliff's has a well-equipped wood shop, metal shop, and glass shop where they'll cut your wood, metal, and glass for only $1 per minute. I've gotten life changing home projects done without hiring a handyman because of this service. Their knife sharpening is really good too. Knives worked like new again. And it's super nice being able to consult Cliff's staff about repair needs specific to older homes & Victorians. We're lucky to have this place. read more

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Begin your Christmas shopping here! Begin all your shopping here! Take the time to mosey in and nosey around. I always do. Just jump on the F line trolley (the old timey trollies chugging up and down Market and the Embarcadero) and take it to the end of the line. Get off and walk down Castro St. That's where you will find Cliff's Variety. Cliff's always has some wonderful and fun things that you have never thought you needed, but now that you see it here, how did you ever live without it? Ok I buy some of that practical stuff but also the fun stuff. The store is divided into a smaller gift/art/fabric shop and a larger hardware/garden/toy/souvenir store on the other, with separate entrances facing Castro. The fabric selection is small but the fabrics all hit the mark. It won't hurt to take a look. Today I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Christmas replacement c7 bulbs in PINK! I'm thrilled! It is the prettiest, almost fuchsia, colored pink in opaque and clear! Now I can resurrect some strings that are missing all pink lights. I have looked for the pink forever and everywhere, and they have them here. They have all the other replacement colors too like red, green, orange, blue and clear in two standard sizes. They also have a nice selection of Kurt Adler ornaments and string lights. At the counter, they had some pocket sized, simple wallets with a very tasteful imprint of the Golden Gate Bridge on it. The wallet is 3"x5" and perfect for credit cards and some cash that will fit perfectly in your pocket. They also have all these gizmos that attach it to your pocket for extra safekeeping. The bonus is the people who work here. They are just the friendliest and helpful people you will find anywhere. read more

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My roommate was told that Cliff's Variety had many decorations for those celebrating Hanukkah. Well, the variety wasn't as large as we thought, but they have everything else! From hardware to kitchenware, they have a lot! We were longingly staring at knives we can't afford, and one of the employees chatted us up on his favorite brand. He was so friendly and enthusiastic! I ended up getting a light timer which was around $13, which is the standard price on Amazon. If I ever need anything, ANYTHING, I'll check Cliff's Variety first since they probably have it. read more

Wow...if you are ever in the Castro area just strolling around......check this place out Customer service is great.....smiles everywhere....very pleasant They have tons of cool stuff that you wouldn't find in your normal average stores... read more

Nice store with really neat items but staff needs an attitude adjustment - Store manager Pay attention !!! Some of the staff are rude with no reason - asked a simple question about a hardware item clerk got visibly aggravated - Not the first negative experience I had there so will prob be taking my business somewhere else. read more

I had a home project with a few curve balls and multiple staff were super helpful. So Grateful for this place. Thanks!! read more

I get all the random things I need here. All the employees are very helpful. Whenever I need paint, there's always someone to help. I've gone in to get some random hardware screws when I found some were missing. They had what I needed and someone even helped me tighten the screws on the piece I had brought in! All for only a dollar sale. read more