I finally got over to stuff vintage modern on San Pablo…read more Definitely an unusual find in these days. It's organized by vendor. Each vendor has their own little space to display their items. Everything in the store is vintage, collectible, hard to find, and everything is fantastic! I went in there because I am decorating my bathroom in a vintage owl theme and I found three things that I can put on the wall and they turned out to be perfect in my space. Definitely come here if you have something in mind that you're looking for, they just might have it

My favorite vintage store in the area! It had so many items…read more I was here for an hour & a half. It was filled with items I have in my home and items I want in my home. This store has a huge selection of everything you ever wanted. So many clothes, so much jewelry, a plethora of housewares & furniture, lots of vinyl, artwork, etc. The prices varied; there were definitely bargains but also high end items. The gentleman that was working there was friendly and helpful. The music was a delightful accompaniment. They have a private parking lot.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Interesting little store specializing in antique maps…read more Another happenstance find. Looks like it's been in the area for a while, which the friendly owner, Reine, confirmed. They don't have a huge selection, but there were some interesting things. Mostly maps, yes, but there was pottery, ceramics, books, and some original art by the owner herself. I ended up getting a sizable book on Japanese art for $15, which I was happy with.

Fantastic local business on Solano Ave. Owners (husband and wife) are extremely helpful and kind…read more It's a relatively small store, but you do feel like you're in a museum... with items you can take home! Their collection is extensive. Many old maps of various parts of the world, old stamps, original manuscripts (dating back to the 1750s, at least!), coins, photos, and much more. I ended up walking out with a small anatomy book from the early 1900s. I would recommend a visit to this store if you're around! They are only open a few days a week - so be sure to check ahead to see if they'll be open.

I had to do some errands at the post office across the street and saw Umami Interiors. My friend's…read morebirthday is coming up and I wanted to get her some goodies from a local shop. Jessica helped me show me the bath salts and I chose the scent more relaxing for her! I found a cute soap dish made in India and a beautiful hair clip. Jessica helped wrap everything together and I'm so excited to give it to my friend. I'll definitely be back to explore more. They have beautiful cloth placemats with great prints!

I visited my kids during their Spring Break. My daughter got a little job at Hal's Office Coffee…read moreshop. She wanted to show me her new place of employment. I hadn't been to Albany in over 10 years! I immediately vibed with the little town. After my daughter picked up some coffee, I knew I wanted to walk around. I was instantly drawn to Umami. What stunning artifacts. As a minimalist, I wanted to buy everything! I graciously and gladly resorted to and settled on a set of earrings and necklace. I absolutely love them. Umami is a beautiful shop. And the Shop Attendant was just as beautiful, sweet, helpful, personable, and welcoming. When I visit my kids next, during the summer, I will be back!

I had a light fixture that stopped working. It was one of a pair and I really didn't want to buy…read moretwo new light fixtures so I was determined to find a business that would repair old fixtures. And then I found Ed at Ensler lighting. He beat his estimate and got my fixture back in good working order within a couple days. If you're anywhere near Berkeley go and check them out. Such a cool selection of light fixtures at their shop. It has been there for decades! And of course, if you have a fixture in need of repair go see Ed at Ensler!

Really appreciate Ed responding to my emails!…read more I managed to fix the lamp I emailed him about but I felt compelled to bring in my other pieces that needed rewiring. Ed and Roel were super friendly and it was a quick (less than 1 hour) turnaround. It's a bit of a drive for me so I really appreciate them getting it done in one trip. Highly recommended.

I rode the #7 bus from Downtown Berkeley intending to disembark along Solano Avenue, but fate had…read moreother plans. I guess I got on the wrong bus, because after it went through the tunnel, it turned left onto The Alameda. Whoops, I'd better get off here. I stepped off the bus, and landed right in front of Hana Japanese Antiques. The storefront is Arts & Crafts-looking, which, as you know, incorporates Japanese aesthetics. Immediately, I felt like I was walking into a Yasujiro Ozu movie circa 1920's. I heard the tinkling of water flowing in a fountain, my feet padded along a stone pebble entryway. I descended down old wooden steps and carefully moved into the main part of the store. I saw tonsu of different sizes and styles, including one made to fit under a flight of stairs. The tables and cabinets were adorned with fabrics, plates, teacups, vases and little plants in their ceramic containers. Vintage lamps here and there cast their warm amber light upon the many vignettes. I ended up buying a tea cup and saucer set that was glazed, but had a rough and enjoyable tactile feel. The price was a very reasonable $15. Prices for tonsu looked reasonable too. The owner, Susan, was chill and easy to talk to.

My first time coming here, my youngest grandson birthday and my granddaughter graduated. Awesome…read morestaff,great service! Loved our cook so funny,very entertaining! Waitress gave excellent service. Food was delicious. Oh and those teriyaki fried chicken wings,off the hook.lol.

Solano Oriental Rug Gallery has provided excellent profession care for my rugs year after year for…read moreover 20 years. I could not ask for more

We always take our fine rugs here for cleaning and they do a great job. I like that they use water…read moreand then air dry; there is virtually no odor when we get the rugs back. They've also done a minor restoration on a carpet we brought in a few years ago and it was flawless. Highest recommendation.

This man has blessed me and my children with his outstanding generosity, sometimes I visit him even…read morewhen I don't have the funds to make a purchase. Ed is a very knowledgable owner with great knowledge and knows what he's talking about. He is also one of the nicest people I have ever met, treats his customers like true members of the clan. If i did not know any better I would have mistaken him as Jonah from the Bible. Hope you see this Ed, peace and love brotha.

What a horrible interaction I had with the owner. I tried to walk in and he was blocking the door…read more I said "sorry sir, excuse me." And he replied in a rude manner, "can I help you?" and I was taking her back and said "oh sorry are you guys not open?" and he responded in the most nastiest tone of voice, "does it look like we're closed?" What kind of business owner says that!? Avoid this place. It's also important to note, he smelled like urine and alcohol and may have soiled his pants. So if he is an old geriatric who has health issues, I apologize. But if that's the case, maybe get someone else to come in and work for you. If I could give fewer stars than 1, I would. It's apropos that his store is called Rosebud, named after Orson Wells' famous quote from Citizen Kane...he too was a despicable and crotchety old man who no one liked.

Best Thai store in the Bay Area. You can find small Thai things that you can't find in other…read morestores. This Thai store is mostly geared towards selling traditional Thai items, but if you are American and want to immerse yourself with a little bit of Thai culture or a simple souvenir, you can find it here. The owners are very nice and kind people. Sawadee Khrop.

Otops Thai has been awesome for over well over 20 years and this review is long over due. Otops…read moreThai continue to do an amazing job at bringing Thai culture and products to the Bay Area. Their products are genuine and their prices are reasonable, especially considering that they had to bring everything from 8,000 miles away in Thailand. I especially enjoy their toy thiong (medicinal ointment) and their herbal balms. Stop by and make Thailand part of your life. You will be happy you did. Sawadee Khrop.

I've been a customer of Hudson's Estate Sales for many years and I'm thrilled they've opened a…read moreretail store. The stock is good and moves quickly. Prices are excellent - close to wholesale. Really impressive in the crazy Bay Area market.

Awesome place, room after room of vintage decor and furniture, reasonable prices. Super authentic…read morepieces, hard to find amazing original. It will take you back in time.