Before moving to Russian Hill, I don't think I ever have had a favorite hardware store. That all changed my 1st weekend here after a big move from Miami. I had dozens of boxes, and no box cutter! My poodle and I traipsed down the hill to this delightful store. There are so many things to love about Cole Hardware - it's kind of like a Hallmark store meets Ace Hardware. I've had keys copied here AND I've bought a SF-themed deck of cards. I've bought cookie sheets AND light bulbs. I've bought Christmas lights AND cute dishtowels. The customer service here is fantastic, the people who work here are kind, you can ask questions via text, and they give back to the community in both vibes and with give-back programs to support local. Why would you shop anywhere else? read more

Back at cole hardware on Polk Russian Hill..basic old hardware store ..San Francisco style..got a yoyo and silly putty the other day ..says that was in 2021 around Christmas ..back in 2025 exactly ...weird ..Polk St Also Cole hardware in Cole valley ...2023...now it's 2025 ...two years and two years ..it had been 2 years ago ... read more

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Amazing pies/cobbler Nice counter guy too who gave us the tip to cook it extra. Also add some butter to the top of it about 1hr 20min in read more

Cole Hardware has funky and cool things outside of being a serious hardware store -though I really don't get the refrigerator case of frozen pies by the register. Are pies impulse purchases after picking up a wrench or a J pipe? I dunno, I can't fix things. Maybe you need sustenance after maintenance work. Cole Hardware has a few locations in the city. This outpost occupies a large corner on Polk Street in Russian Hill yet it doesn't look like a cookie cutter box store: A friendly canvas awning invites along with the little pots of succulents and herbs. I picked up a pair of binoculars I ordered online, ready in 15 minutes, birthday gift for my son so we can go whale watching. They only lose points that the box was so dusty you could've drawn on it. I asked them to wipe it down and they cheerfully did. Prices in line with other retailers and online. I try hard to spend my money in the city; Bezos is rich enough. read more

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I enjoy swinging down to this hardware store when I'm in the area and I need small housewares, cleaning supplies, random tools and bits and bobs for repairs. It's small but packed with a wide variety and between that and the cool helpful staff, it's a great store for the neighbourhood. I also go here to get my knives sharpened. It's quick and easy, doesn't cost much at all, and if you aren't too fussy or fancy, it's worth it. I've had a few knives done here and they're still holding an edge and doing a great job. read more

Very friendly staff, and I've always been able to find what I need there. They have gardening stuff, home improvement stuff, kitchen supplies, and more. I especially appreciate Mike (I think that's his name); he has always been super helpful. Plus they gave me puppy a treat :) read more

The staff here has always been helpful. They have a great selection for all my DIY needs. I've had two interactions with Rick and each time he's been super helpful with my projects. I'd recommend this hardware store! read more

I do not recommend women shop at this store for fear of harassment by employees. I was just at this store this afternoon and was harassed by a male employee. I came in here after the gym to get a quick bag of candy to satisfy a sugar craving. The Asian male cashier made inappropriate comments during checkout. Not sure if he was trying to make sexual innuendo or was criticizing my body or my purchase. I assume it was the latter. Either way, it doesn't matter. During checkout he said "You're wasting your money at the gym, girl". I didn't ask for his opinion nor did I want it. read more

Crazy experience with the staff at the cashier/check out staff. I came in to buy two potting soil bags. I asked them for a bag that i can carry in and that wont break during a 10 minute walk home. She double bagged it without telling me that she charges 25 cents per bag. And i had a small carryout food container that i tried to put into this double bag. All i asked her was " can she hold the double bag potting soil while i place my carryout into it. This person started selling me another bag for 25 cents. I said "no thanks" and mentioned to her that I'd like to look at my receipt to check my charges. While i was trying to look at my receipt, she started this monlogue at me "i dont know what you want" "i dont know what you want" and same thing over and over again while making some weird hand gestures at me...Seeing her body language and hand gestures, constant repeat of the same sentence without letting me respond, i felt it not safe and left from there. This is not how someone should be speaking or interacting with customers, it felt rude, harassing. [On the other hand, the staff member who approached me and helped me find the potting soil was very friendly and also helped carry them to the counter. thank you!] read more

*SOCIAL DISTANCING EXPERIENCE* Have you too started a new obsession with indoor plants during quarantine? This Cole Hardware has a great selection of planters, planting soil, and of course plants--including air plants, herbs, and air filtering plants. In December, they also sell small to medium Christmas trees. The plants are located in an outside display and inside to the left of the entrance. Gardening supplies are in the very back right-hand corner. Cole Hardware also has a great selection of basic household items--from storage containers to light bulbs. Prices are reasonable. The staff is incredibly friendly, and they have done a great job handling social distancing. read more

Cole Hardware - Mason jar containers with clasp lids - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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First time we visited Cole. Loved the plant I bought. No one really asked if we needed anything which is okay - we were only looking in the plant section. Would have been nice to have boxes available for plants with no dish. Price is reasonable. read more

Cole Hardware - Beautiful house plant - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pro tip: make sure you haven't missed a coupon in the mail and they have student and senior discount days. This hardware store is the heart of the neighborhood--great service and genuinely helpful staff who know their stuff. Needed paint for a DIY project? They didn't just hand me a can; they walked me through color matching and gave me tips to avoid rookie mistakes. Had a plumbing issue? They helped me find exactly the right part and even explained how to install it like a pro. It's the kind of place where you feel like they actually care, not just about selling, but about making sure you get the job done right. read more

I'll give 3 stars because it has nothing to do with the store and I'm sure they have great inventory but both female cashiers are so extremely rude. She was rude to the woman before me and to me as well. The woman before me in line looked back at me when she was done returning her things forewarning me about the older lady cashier with the bob hair. I've never heard someone huff and puff so much off of one exchange. It doesn't take much to smile and be courteous. I even asked her if there was something I did to offend her and she shook her head no while proceeding to throw items that I handed to her carelessly. The younger cashier also was rude to those that wanted to do a return. Pretty sad service. Although i will say the other gentleman that was there seemed really nice. read more

Came to duplicate my keys and it was quick, easy, and cheap. Will come again! They also had a lot of selection of keys, loops, etc so it's a one stop shop! read more

My Garmin vivofit suddenly stopped working. I needed new weird batteries and despite my husband's large collection of tools, we lacked a Phillips 00 which this hardware had in stock. A nice young man (who at one time worked for Saks) spent an ENORMOUS amount of time helping us. Garmin said I needed a 00 but the 00 wasn't working and this hardware store would not sell me something that wouldn't do the job. I appreciate that. Knowledgeable and honest help. Eventually they pointed me in the direction of a highly recommended clock shop who they felt would have an assortment of tools to get the job done. I like this hardware store. I wish it was closer. Fabulous customer service tailored to YOUR needs. And while they couldn't solve my problem, the clock shop they recommended did. read more

Just received a grill delivery. They built it and brought it over, everything was as it should be. Kevin and Gave were great and provided some helpful advice on how to carry it. Appreciate the complementary bottle of wine as well--nice lil addition. read more

great curstomer service, specifically from Edgar. We walked in hoping to buy something to clean a wood table, he suggested we first try a home remedy before doing so. Nice to see that they put their customers first, we'll be back. read more

I have decided the walk down Polk is incredibly worth making to patronize this store instead of the one across the street from me, we all call it attitude central due to one...human ....there I walk into Cole Hardware, spy a name tag with Kevin on it, and I am pleasantly surprised at the amazingly helpful attitude displayed by him! I am told of my several choices, make two, and OTD in less than ten minutes, HAPPY!!!!!! I am 65, if I walk into a hardware store, I need help. I can get attitude on the street, but this was old fashioned endearing customer service! In Arnold Schwarzenegger's words I'll be back read more

This is our local hardware store, so we come here often. Rick H. is awesome!! Level twice, hang once!

I went to Cole Hardware on Polk street with a broken lava lamp that I found at Goodwill in hopes I would find a way to repair. One of the store representative addressed my concerns right away and was able to provide some guidance and tools to get everything working. Great service and really caring about the customer, in a refreshing way, not seen in some time. The rest of the staff seemed very willing to help point me in the right direction. It felt like more than a hardware store. What was potentially looking at a one way trip to dump now has life anew in the turning tides of this lava lamp in action. I will be returning and have a new favorite hardware store. read more

Cole Hardware - Working lava lamp - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place to find things for your plants and how to elevate your home style. It's very small but packed in really nicely! They also have tons of succulents outside for sale. Parking is tough. read more

Every time I come in now, everyone is super helpful and I haven't witnessed the horribleness from before. They usually have what I need, and I'm happy to shop local. read more

Cole Hardware is the go-to place when you have an unusual DIY challenge... like installing ball bearing casters on a coffee table that were actually intended for an entirely different purpose. Dr. Hardware helped me select the right drill bit, sleeves, and washers to achieve the desired result. I love these people! read more

Cole Hardware - Casters successfully installed on heavy coffee table, thanks to assistance from Cole Hardware. - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I moved to Russian Hill last summer and have been impressed by this Cole location every time I stop in. You can find just about whatever you need, and things you didn't know you needed! The cashiers and other employees are incredibly friendly and have always gone above and beyond during checkout or if I have questions about where an item is, etc. I love checking out the houseplant collection outside, as it's always changing! read more

It feels good to support a small, local business. It feels even better when that business is sincerely fun to shop at! Cole Hardware never ceases to amaze me! The staff is beyond helpful and appears to genuinely enjoy their jobs. Most recently I popped in to have a key copy made. Cole Hardware makes key copies quickly behind the counter. Also, they offer a wide variety of specialty keys with sports, art, and other colorful themes. There is also a nice variety of key accessories like key chains, clips, and lanyards. Cole Hardware is much more than a "hardware" store. I have fun shopping in the garden section and checking out their unique knickknacks, which make wonderful gifts. The kitchen section includes fun dinnerware, utensils, and small appliances. I was particularly impressed with the display of S'well steel water bottles, which, by the way, also make great gifts. Without a doubt, I will certainly be back! Cole Hardware is one of my favorite places to pop into when I'm out and about on Polk Street. read more

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I love this little neighborhood hardware store, and I will continue to support it throughout SF. The employees here are friendly and helpful. It's great that they offer a lot more than your average hardware store: camping gear, homeware, and even cleaning products. The best part: they have reasonably priced plants that live and thrive... a lot better than Trader Joe's plants! read more

I was looking for a specific item and looked online, and it said it was in stock. So ordered and paid. I drove out of my way to go there and of course they had not picked the order. So they directed me to where the item would be, and of course it was out of stock. They were impolite, their inventory was out of date,they really don't accept online orders but they say online that they do and will even provide curbside pick up. read more

I love this gem of a hardware store in Cole Valley. They gave a little bit of everything: from housewares, garden supplies, table and chairs, hardware, etc. read more

Good selection and love the Housewares. Thanks so much for providing a neighborhood hardware store!

The person at the register when I went in earlier today went beyond merely rude and was actively hostile. I expect to be treated with basic good manners when I enter a store. She not only failed at that but she was actively unpleasant. She does not belong in that job. Another person who works there was helpful but her behaviour poisoned the entire experience. The facts: I went in to get a new battery for my garage door opener. I walked in, said hello to the person sitting behind the cash register, told her that I needed a new battery for my garage door opener and held out the opener to her. I'd previously tried to open the case but wasn't able to open it. - Her response: "YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT". - I told her nicely that I'd tried unsuccessfully to open it. - Her reponse: "I DON'T DO THAT". She then physically turned away. I walked over to the paint counter, where a young man was standing and told him what I needed. He tried to open it and gave up without a word. A second young man came over, took the opener, worked with it for a moment and opened it. He then found me the battery I needed and waited while I installed it. He then offered to test the old battery and dispose of it for me. This was the kind of support what I'd hoped for. This is not the first time that someone at Cole has either been actively rude or actively unhelpful. Cole used to be known for its extraordinary customer service. It used to be my go-to place for anything related to my home or hardware needs. No more. I don't like being treated the way the person at the register treated me. I have options. I will exercise them. read more

While I always enjoy going into Cole Hardware, Kevin really exceeded my expectations earlier this week. I had a major issue with paint spilling into my car and he was patient and kind - recommended the best products for me and helped me when I was in dire need. No more suburb hardware stores for me - it's Cole Hardware on Polk every time. Thanks Kevin - you're the best! read more

friendly! Almost a one shop kinda store . Lots of good stuff!! Convenient for the neighborhood!! Great prices!!

25 years ago when I lived in the Cow Hollow/Russian Hill cusp, this space was a Walgreen's Drug Store. The layout still kind of feels like I should be looking for cough medicine rather a new screw driver set. Yet, any self-respecting neighborhood should have a hardware store, and the Cole's appears to serve the present clientele quite well. I certainly found what I was looking for, even though I'd be using it for the Pleasant Hill house. Store staff were very pleasant and helpful. read more

Cole Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Francisco, California

A quick and helpful place to come stop by if you need something fixed. With no Home Depot or lowes in the city, this is your best one Stop shop to get whatever you need, fixed. I came here and needed a toilet repair, I showed the staff a video of what was wrong, and they helped me find what I needed and got me on my way fast. I am grateful to have a hardware shop in the neighborhood, and love that they also have popcorn haha. Definitely come check out the hardware store if you need something fixed! read more

The most patronizing and condescending experience I have ever received in customer service experienced here today. Came in looking for a specific light bulb for my apartment i'm standing there in the aisle and am approached by an older gentleman with very loose pants asking if I need help. Sure I say here is what i'm looking for, he proceeds to say "Lets go look and see if the light bulb sign is still up" walks out of the aisle "Yup the sign is still here light bulbs on aisle 2" Like what the heck! So gross I will never come back here due to this experience, sucks cause I live a couple blocks away. If you want to be met with the most disgusting passive aggressive customer service this is your place, if not take your money elsewhere read more

I love this store and would give 5 stars but the woman at the register, Deborah, was beyond rude, in fact, I was stunned that she said several things that were quite inappropriate to say to a customer. I'm not sure her attitude can be corrrected so perhaps she deserves the boot. Fortunately, for the store, I don't think that woman would curb me from returning but it's very sad that she is such a poor reflection on this outstanding store and the other folks who work there. read more

One of the few hardware stores that stocked enough supply of respirator masks, picked up the phone and patiently answered my questions (during the CA wildfires). Helped me get a Respirator Mask when I most needed it and didn't gouge the price. read more

I went to make copies of my keys, later i tried these copies but the 1st one barley opened the door and 2nd didn't work at all. I went back and i told them. they were so careless and even the man was angry to re-do it again! So rude and bad service! read more

This review is for my encounter with a very rude employee. I went into your store at around 5:50 pm yesterday and saw a woman at the register to the right of the entry door. I said hi and she lazily turned her head over her left shoulder to acknowledge my existence. I asked her if I could recycle my toothpaste tube at your location. She answered, "No" in a rather exasperated way. I said that I could recycle them at the 9th street location. She just glared at me. Then I asked her if I could recycle Brita water filters there and she nodded her head. I thanked her and upon leaving, I told her she did not have to be so unfriendly. I have been a customer and fan of Cole Hardware for decades and your staff has been great. There is always a first time for everything I suppose. read more

I needed a new vacuum bag and was considering a closer store, but went instead to this store as its partner Ace Hardware was online, so I was able to verify they had it by checking online then calling the store and giving them the ITEM number which I obtained thru the website. Using this method, I was advised within seconds by phone that there were four bags in stock! As there is usually NO parking nearby, I walked the route from North Beach to Polk and Green Street: three steep hills, 3 inclines, one steep hill down, and two almost-level streets - and got the exercise I haven't been getting! I left at 2:58pm and arrived home again at 3:30 exactly!! Within the store I walked the aisles and was at the back wall when I was approached by a store employee, who guided me to the bags I needed where it was found within 42.9secs. Store well-stocked and not messy. Well arranged and tidy!! They even had a small garden section in the back!! read more