Wide selection of real, high-quality, vintage clothes-- Owner super helpful, she clearly has a passion for what she does :-)

I have gone to Janina for quite a few readings over the years. Janina's readings are very human and sensitive, and offer depth and leave you feeling empowered. She will get to the core of the issue, and offer angles on things that are missing, making readings both like guidance and a point of departure. She has helped me during moments of chaos, or to shift my perspective or get my mind out of ruts. Or, to give real, concrete advice about helping oneself or protecting energy. Janina is one of those people who truly listens and is present, and I am always grateful that she can listen when more comes up (I only hope that I don't interrupt any of her reading). I highly recommend her as a tarot reader. read more

I was in the area and was looking for some vintage shops and the store wasn't completely open but the owner of the store kindly let me and my friends in to shop after hours! She is so sweet and has SOOO MANY GOODIES. I highly recommend this store. Thank you!!!!!!!! read more

Hidden gem vintage clothing store! I can't believe I just heard about this place. The store and clothing is so clean, and has a large and well-curated assortment of clothing, shoes, bags, and even Tarot decks. 100% recommend! read more

I'm a photographer and I needed some stuff for my rack. This spot has so much to choose from! I ended up walking out with several pieces recommended to me by Janina. I already used one of her pieces in a shoot. Loved the results! Definitely recommend checking out her shop for cool vintage clothing! read more

Empress Vintage - Loved using this piece from Empress Vintage in a photo shoot. - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - San Francisco, California

THIS is your sign to go check out Empress Vintage!!! It is my absolute favorite vintage store in the Bay Area. I felt welcome from the moment I walked through the door, and within seconds I knew that this place was a hidden gem. I always struggle finding vintage shops that carry larger sizes, and I was able to find TONS of pieces in my size within the first five minutes. The selection here is absolutely incredible. The owner, Janina, has pieces of all aesthetics, not only catering to one style as I've noticed a lot of vintage stores do. Empress is truly an eclectic vintage wonderland! Janina was super helpful and kind, and she even showed me some pieces she thought I might like. Her prices were great, especially considering the quality of the pieces. She was very reasonable and understanding of my budget. Janina took clothing to the fitting room for me as I shopped, and even held some pieces for me while I went to get lunch! I have truly never been to a better vintage shop. My experience here was amazing, and Empress has gained a forever customer! If there was one place I could recommend to anyone interested in vintage, it would be Empress!! Go check it out now, you won't regret it! read more

Usually good customer service but walked in here today to sell some clothes and the woman working there was very rude. She made me feel uncomfortable in the shop - maybe because she was speaking to someone or didn't want to be bothered.... Unfortunate because I usually have a positive experience. read more

My husband bought me a jacket, dress and Fanny pack for Mother's Day. They do not fit at all. I asked to exchange for something that fits and got a big hard NO. I'm shocked given the circumstances that this was a gift and these clothes are used. What's the harm in exchanging them for something else of equal value that actually fits me? You would have made a good customer. Instead I'm disappointed and will be posting your lack of service to create happy repeat customers on yelp and other social media. This is yet another reason why small business is failing. read more

I've been following empress vintage on insta for a while now and frankly I'm mad at myself for not checking them out in person sooner! This shop carries a collection of beautifully curated vintage clothing. The owner knows what she has and prices her pieces fairly when compared to the market right now. I was the only one shopping when I stopped by and I felt safe as far as covid concerns. The owner (I think it was the owner?) was great- I'm usually more of a "leave me alone while I shop" type girl but I actually really enjoyed the conversation and help she gave- it was friendly and helpful without being overbearing or awkward. Lots of wearable vintage pieces and overall a fun shopping experience. read more

This shop continues to make my day every time I go in. I've never failed to find some amazing top or skirt thats about to become my new favorite. As a total addict of super-expensive, curated vintage shops on Valencia, it's so dang refreshing by to find a little gem like Empress on the proper side of the water, with great selection and prices that garunte you're not leaving with only one thing. I also just love the employees. I'm a chatty midwestern transplant & I appreciate the work they put into being friendly & downright charming while you poke around the cozy, intimate space. Also, is it's on sale, for God's sake but it! It's gonna be gone the next time you come back!!! read more

I have been going to Empress Vintage for 4 years and throughout the years it has become my ultimate favorite place to shop at. I never knew a clothing store could provide me with so much excitement and endless amounts of new fashion experiences and ideas. I literally overtime have gotten rid of all my old unexciting clothes, and have filled my closet with all my Empress collection. There is just so much positivity and excitement every visit I make at this store. It's pointless for me to go anywhere else because Empress Vintage is the absolute best. They sometimes have music and art shows in the backyard too which makes it fun to get to know the neighborhood. You can also have your tarot read and find beautiful stones and aromatherapy for all healing purposes. Whenever you need a nice positive lift up from the craziness of this world you can escape from it all, and leave feeling beautiful and brand new each time. It's grown to be a second home where I have Empress sisters and so much gratitude and love for all the hard work that goes into each and every unique item brought into the store. Some days I don't know what I'd do without Empress Vintage. I LOVE YOU EMPRESS VINTAGE!!!! read more

I wish this place was a little more affordable. I do love most of their pieces. I feel like for someone who is slightly more overweight a lot of the pieces actually do not fit me but I really appreciate the selection that they have in this location. Every time I go they have a brand new things that are on display that always catch my eye.My friend always has luck here finding things I think I just need to go back a little more often so I can find things that will fit me and that I can see myself wearing. If you ever need a costume where they have a great bodices that are a beaded that I am absolutely in love with. read more

Seriously, this place rules. Typically, if a shop has a men's section it will most likely be an afterthought. So I was pleasantly surprised to experience a wide selection of well curated and fairly priced mens goods. I don't happen to pay much attention to the woman's section but its always packed so I can imagine they know what they're doing. I happened to be looking for a specific Lobo Pendleton flannel with elbow patches and I was delighted to find it amongst a huge selection of other wonderful flannels. Great prices and a range of style from classy to totally funky bizarre. The staff here has always been amazing. But on this particular day I was being helped by a young lady, I think her name was Alana? It was refreshing to be helped by someone so approachable and friendly. She helped me with the item I knew I wanted and I ended up leaving with a few gifts for my girlfriend as well. But make sure to set aside a chunk of time so you can enjoy the whole alcatraz experience. Coffee at Alchemy, freshly brewed beers at hoi polloi, soul food at easy creole, and sweet fashion at empress. Looks like I'll be bart'ing to Berkley more often. read more

This store has a great vibe. I bought an awesome sweater here. The coolest thing about the place is the owner Janina. She's really nice. We got to talking and I told her about my music. She asked to hear it, liked it, and then offered to host a silent disco to play it for people. A few weeks later we had a silent disco listening party and it was so EPIC!! Great vibes on a lot of levels in this place. Definitely check it out read more

Very friendly owner and staff. Cute little boutique vintage hole in the wall out of nowhere shop...just the way I likes em. read more

This is a truly great place to find special pieces for reasonable prices. I've been coming here since it opened and I've found some of my favorite clothes from all decades. Everyone who works here is so kind and invested in your vintage style journey! Beautiful jewelry, a bunch of shoes, a huge rack of dresses, all types of jeans...the shop is small but they pack it with good things. Come support this remarkable small business read more

Exquisite vintage collection for all occasions!! I'm going to the Kendrick show tonight, and found the perfect outfit, to die for. The staff is positively delightful, helpful and fun-loving. Go today!!!! read more

This is a great little shop. with lots of neat clothes...mostly vintage. Just a minor criticism; the owner is an incredible salesperson...(the proverbial 'ice to an Eskimo' kind) She can really sell...Do not go in there in a 'weak' moment; I did, and ended up with one of those things you bring home and look at and say. "did I really buy this?" "Was I drunk?" I NEVER buy Polyester! Well, she will not do an exchange (or a refund, of course) I'd never even ask, but I had really hoped to exchange this for something I could wear. Nope. I can see why she didn't want it back, and why she sold it so hard. Oh well, Caveat Emptor...just be very sure when you buy something there...no second thoughts! read more

This place is trying to pawn off middling vintage clothing at 200+% retail value. I make it a note to check on the 'designer brands' they have before I buy, because they are usually just low quality collared shirts (knockoffs manufactured to look 'vintage') priced at around $36-40 dollars. Actual cost of buying the same shirt online is $15 brand new. read more

Special vintage store, great selection, good vibes, friendly helpful staff. I enjoyed the Large selection of Japanese kimono ;)

Empress Vintage is always where I go when I need an incredibly special dress~and I always find one. Prices are great for vintage, the owner Janina is a magical tarot reading goddess, and the space is a great spot to catch music or just peruse awesome fabrics & styles. read more

This shop is amazing. Really well curated and full of gorgeous treasures and the shop owner is really kind as well. Highly recommend!

Stopped in after I saw it driving buy . I'm a crazy person for vintage boutiques. The lady working there was a so sweet she made my day. Definitely will be back quality vintage at reasonable prices;) read more

Empress Vintage is a gem here in the Bay Area. The collection is absolute magic. There are pieces that you will only find at this shop; special and unique. The jewelry collection is also wonderful. I bought a piece from the Lapis collection that has become one of my all time favorites. To top everything off, you can purchase Tarot cards, crystals and magical healing tinctures, scents and more. The staff are all wonderful, and if the owner Janina is working, you are in luck because she is an expert and can style you perfectly. There are events held at the shop as well, if you are looking for community. Love this place!!!!!!!!! read more

This is such a cool funky little shop! Great unique pieces and selection for men and women! I actually found them on instagram where they post pieces that they have for sale in the store. I messaged them through instagram and they gave me all the details, size, price, and even offered to ship it to me. I live close by so I went in to try it on and the employee was super nice and welcoming, made me feel right at home. I just really appreciate the personalized care and attention, definitely my favorite vintage shop! read more

Empress is a beautiful vintage shop where you can find lovely clothing and accessories, soaps and sprays that smell amazing, accurate and helpful tarot readings, and sometimes really fun special events. I've found countless gems here and new items arrive frequently. Everyone working is so nice and helpful and I'm extremely glad this shop exists, I can't recommend Empress enough. read more

I love empress!!!! From all the amazing looks in a range of sizes to great accessories I find everything I need. The atmosphere is so welcoming. They have garden shows pretty often too which I love. If you ever need a dope outfit at a moments notice come to empress. Best pieces, best prices, excellently curated read more

Empress Vintage is a hidden jewel of the Bay Area. Not only are the prices appropriate for the quality, but the store is beautifully organized and the employees could not be more helpful. If you are into high quality vintage (mostly 70s esque) you should absolutely check out Empress! read more

My boyfriend bought me a birthday present at this store, a blouse that was too small for me and besides, it was a synthetic fabric and kind of ugly. I don't expect him to always have the same taste as me, but I did expect Empress Vintage to consider allowing me to pick something else. So I went to the store to ask if I could exchange it for something else and Janina said flatly "NO." She wasn't willing to discuss it at all. I guess if you're buying stuff they're nice, but her unwillingness to allow me to find something for my birthday that I liked, that possibly would have cost more so she wouldn't even be losing money, made me decide not to ever shop there. read more

This adorable, friendly store is full of a changing array of beautiful clothing, shoes and accessories. Super helpful sales people who are also sensitive to letting you browse on your own. Plus music events in the back garden, tarot readings and other community events. This is a go-to vintage store! read more