This lady saved me! I took my dress to get it altered at another place, and the seamstress forgot to sew a huge part inside the dress. I called the other place and they recommended I go here (they had left on vacation for 2 weeks). I dropped off the dress lady sewed the dress and I asked for it to be steamed. The process was painless and quick. I appreciated her quick turn around since the wedding was the next day. I will def go back and hope to do get something's altered in the future. She only accepts cash and or check for forms of payment - no debits or Ccs. read more

Flawless work, amazing price actually, great turn around time and a pleasure to do business with. 3 suits perfectly tailored and another coming. Thanks again Mary! read more

Thank you so much for the wonderful alterations. I brought in my bridesmaid dress one week before the wedding. I am 6 months pregnant and had ordered a last minute replacement when I outgrew the original dress (it had stretch so I thought it would be fine, whoops!) - but the replacement arrived 10 days out from the wedding with damage to the sleeve, not to mention it was a weird fit since it's not a maternity dress, just a larger size. I am adding a photo because it worked out perfectly with some small tweaks (sleeves were taken up, the pockets taken out since they were causing bunching around the hips, and the wrap top was sewn shut to avoid gaping) and it all worked out perfectly. The cost for alterations was what I expected having called around a bit for comparisons, and I was just glad the turnaround time was so quick. read more

Flamingo Cleaner & Tailoring - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

I've been going to see Mary for 20 years. From cleaning my dress shirts to making outfits for Burning Man - I've always had a great experience! read more

Mary is very talented and very honest about her recommendations. I have had multiple experiences when she has said she would have to charge me a certain amount for something that is pretty basic and advised that I do it on my own (and explained how to do it). I appreciate that! I would trust her with any alteration I needed. read more

I have been really wanting to find a good seamstress or tailor to use on the regular, for my clothing to look grown-up fitted and professional. I'm on the curvy side, so I know that when I buy off the rack, it will mean paying for alterations. I dont expect that to be cheap, and am willing to pay for quality. I stopped into this shop with a pretty basic but decent garment. The reviews seemed good so I was kind of shocked because the woman was very rude. She refused to talk to me and told me she didnt want to sew for me and basically threw me out after denying me service. I'm at a complete loss as to why I was treated this way. read more

Mary has amazing skills and is also very honest. She is an amazing seamstress and I have been going to her for more than 15 years. She has also given me good advise about what I've requested and has always delivered excellent work. Mary is a real joy, funny and works really hard. read more

The owner, Mary, is responsive and offers good pricing. However she isn't careful with the wedding dress. I brought mine in for a simple steaming but found a step mark on right across the middle of the train! I noticed she wasn't very careful with where she steps on but I still took a chance; now I'm regretting it! read more

I needed to get my bridesmaid dress tailored so I came here for a quote and brought the dress. It's a two layer chiffon dress and Mary quoted me $60 for just hemming it? Seemed expensive to me but the kicker was when I told her I wanted it to get it altered too because it's a little big on me, she asked me why did I get a such large size? And that I should return it for a smaller one. I explained I am in between sizes but she still insisted I return it. I'm petite, a lot of clothes fit weird on me. Thanks for understanding I guess. I'm a bit taken aback by her attitude--which I know she's just being honest, perhaps to a fault, but I don't think I'll be returning. read more

I have taking alterations here for years. Always well done & fair pricing. Owner is very nice, caring person.

I went to Flamingo to meet with Mary due to the great reviews on Yelp. Unfortunately I did not have the best experience and felt a little upset upon leaving. I brought my wedding dress here to get alteration/cleaning quotes. My wedding dress was from a sample sale therefore it had some minor wear and tear (small stains & a few holes in the tulle). Mary basically said I should return it and buy a new dress cause it was at my own risk to be cleaned or repaired. I appreciate honesty but I felt Mary didnt try to help suggest anything else. I was obviously very shocked and as a bride it was very upsetting to hear. With that said, I went elsewhere and they happily said they can easily repair my dress and then get it dry cleaned. read more

Have you ever bought a pair of jeans that had a 1-2in gap in the waist above your butt? No? You haven't? Well...that's probably because you suffer from Noass Atall Disease. I have had that gap and it is NOT cute to flash your butt crack to folks when you sit down. So my hips are wide!! So I have a bubble butt!!! I want jeans that fit, too!!! Argh! Enter Flamingo Cleaner & Tailoring...this woman is dope. She altered my waistband on my jeans so that my bubble butt had a nice crack-less fit. Five Stars!!! Also...great prices! Score! Not that my rear isn't a wondrously gorgeous sight...but such exposure is gifted only unto the worthy. read more

This tiny place is easy to drive right by and never notice. However, if you do go in, you will meet Mary, one of the nicest, most competent and best priced tailors around. I have had Mary do a variety of things for me. I have had her -hem pants -hem jeans (yes she can keep the original hem) -repair clothes -alter clothes (taking in both blouses and pants) On everything she has done, they have turned out fantastic. Mary is also incredibly nice and her prices are better than reasonable. read more

I have been coming here for years. Expert, kind cleaning/ dry cleaning and pressing, but better than that -- what an awesome tailor/seamstress service. Best I have ever found. Whether tailoring or repairs (even darning) it all gets done so well. She even hemmed up curtains for me!!! read more

I'm a domestic goddess in many ways, but sewing isn't one of those traits that I possess. Luckily I saw Kimi's review a few months ago and decided to give Flamingo Cleaners & Tailor a try. I've been going regularly ever since. It's easy to miss, so beware. It sits next to the big Bank of America on San Pablo. The owner is not only friendly and has a great memory, (she remembers my name every time I come in) she's a very experienced tailor. I have come in with ideas for her and she gently talks me out of it because it wouldn't work with my body type or the type of material of the item of clothing. Her prices are reasonable and she really knows her stuff. If you are sewing challenged like myself, a visit to Flamingo Cleaners & Tailor is a must. read more

I found Flamingo's through Yelp and it was a GREAT find!! The owner, Mary, is incredibly sweet and extremeley detail oriented. She completed several custom jobs including pillow cases and seat cushion covers. This woman is fantastic and I strongly recommend her! - A Happy El Cerrito Customer read more

I had a bridesmaid dress to be taken in and hemmed. The alterations were done very very well and the seamstress is clearly experienced. She will tell you frankly what can and cannot be done and is always friendly and accommodating. I will definitely go back. read more

I discovered Flamingo here on Yelp while searching for someone who could do better tailoring than what I've been able to find here in Pinole. I took a few purchases I needed for work wear to Flamingo, and the tailor did a great, great job. My confidence was boosted by the fact that she seemed to understand fit & I was thrilled to realize my confidence in her was not misplaced when she tailored a pair of trousers so that I can wear both flats & heels successfully with them. I just brought a nice winter coat in there today to have the pockets re-lined, and I'm really sure I'll be happy with the results. Plus, it's right across the street from El Cerrito Natural Grocery, so I can get some yummy stuff after I'm done at Flamingo. read more

I don't usually write reviews unless I think that's it's absolutely necessary to say something that might help someone else. The reason why I gave this place a 3 star review it's based on the price that it charges for its services. I took in ONE shirt to be taken in from the sides and I was charged $27 dollars. That's pretty extreme if you ask me. And it wasn't even going to be ready fast. She said it would take 10+ days. If I were you, I would look at other places and compare prices first. BEWARE: The lady there will come off as rude and pushy. read more

Mary is an actual expert tailor! I trust my most divine pieces to her. Mary you are the Best! read more

Mary is great! I brought her a bunch of pants to hem and they turned out perfect! She is the first tailor I've been to who kept the original hem. I'm really glad I found her on Yelp! read more

I've stumbled into this hole-in-the wall dry cleaners / tailors place on accident and had a fancy dress tailored a few months ago. I was instantly comfortable and pleased and impressed with the tailor. She had an eye for design and understood the cuts, so I felt like my dress was in good hands. Now in a quest to wear clothes that actually fit me well, I have turned to her for my work pants, too. I am sure there are other fancier spots but this is the one I found and am very happy with. read more

I love love love Flamingo and the owner! I am petite person and I have had to have quite a few clothes altered in my lifetime. I hate having to do it and sometimes I just wear choose to wear my clothes a little big or not buy more clothes at all. This has changed since I discovered the Flamingo based on the recommendations on Yelp. Mary is really good about telling you what clothing should look like on you, giving recommendations for how to have it altered, and offering suggestions about when you go shopping how to purchase items to make them less expensive to alter. Mary did a phenomenal job altering a dress to fit and accent positive parts of my body on a dress I had for a reception for my fiance and she quickly shaped/altered a dress so that it would stop riding up my hips when I walked. Mary is a doll and her customer service is impeccable. A few times I had a hard time finding the Flamingo, if you are traveling south on San Pablo in the El Cerrito area, look for the Bank of America on your left. If you park in front it, Flamingo is three doors down. read more

The owner Mary is really great and knows what she's doing. She tailors the clothes to your body and is honest on what will look good and what won't. This will be the only place i will go to get my clothes tailored. She's a little pricey but it's worth it! read more

For a trip to Italy, I brought a linen suit to Mary and am very pleased with the results. She did an masterful job and charged a reasonable rate. I think she should probably put a little effort into improving her shop, since it does not match the quality of her work, but otherwise, I think she's outstanding. She provides a very good service. read more

Mary altered my wedding dress around a month ago, she shortened and let it out. My dress has four layers and one of the layers has lace on it, so it wasn't that easy to fix it, however, Mary did a great job. She is also very honest, she tells that what is possible or not, or she gives some alternative ideas and talks about price very clearly, her price is reasonable. So, I am so satisfied because of her job and many thanks to her, she definitely deserves it. read more

Flamingo Cleaner & Tailoring - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Best service and prices. I brought my ski jacket for some additional cuffs. The Chineese lady owner was so nice and attentive. She did a GREAT job on my jacket. read more

Mary is amazing. She gets clothing and the way clothes should fit on a person. I have taken about 5 dress shirts to be tailored and my girlfriend has taken a pair of pants and they all have turned out perfect. Better than the "fitted" shirts that can be bought at stores. She does amazing work! read more

Love this lady. The owner is very funny and matter of fact and knows what she is talking about. As long as you aren't in a big rush, it's an ideal place to go. I brought her a bridesmaid dress that was too big and she got it nice and fitted. She didn't treat me like I was dumb and we discussed the pros and cons of different methods of taking the dress in. And she was reasonably priced! $25 versus the $60+ that the bridal shop wanted to charge me. I am bringing her everything I need done from now on. read more

I've had clothes dry cleaned here and minor repairs done. Very pleasant service, excellent job on the repair/alteration, and very reasonable prices. Yay! read more

The only dry cleaner who steamed my shirt at 3:30 pm in the afternoon when I urgently needed it!

Skeptical at first about all these great reviews, but they are justified. Just got back from bringing in an ill-fitting dress shirt and pants and she did a perfect job with them. She gave her honest opinion about what needed to be done and was very frank about how things should fit on my tall and lanky body. It was a little bit more expensive than other places, but well worth it. I'll be going back for sure. read more

Been going to Mary now for almost three years. We recently moved to Oakland but I still make the drive to take my clothes here as the service cannot be beat. Mary is just wonderful! read more

Incredible. Very patient and professional. My jacket is better than when I purchased it. A true artist!

Had my shirts tailored here also and thought the service remained good. I have to have store bought clothes trimmed.

Good price and alteration was done perfectly. She is super friendly and honest. She will tell you what she can do for alteration, provide suggestions, and the result is perfect. I brought my dress here for alteration and we spoke for 20 minutes before coming to a conclusion for the changes. It gets busy on weekends, so come on weekdays if you want some attention and suggestions. read more

The only reason that I gave this business a 2 star review is that I understand that Yelp does not rate 1 star reviews as importantly. I have been a professional for over 40 years and have been taking my clothes to dry cleaners and laundries since 1968. I brought in 5 shirt for my initial order to see how they would come out. When I got them back one of them, which was a fairly thick fabric, had a 2 INCH tear in the front.. How did someone not notice this? I called the owner and told her what happened. I said that I would not allow my clothes to be destroyed without some compensation. She eventually agreed to pay me $20, which I am sure was not coming from her. There is NO work done on the premises, either laundry or dry cleaning It is all sent out to another unknown business. By the way, I tried myself to tear the fabric by pulling on it as hard as I could (I have lifting weights since 1962) and could not do it. I went today to pick up my ruined shirt and my "compensation" of $20. The owner then proceeded to lecture me, saying I shouldn't have brought the shirt in in the first place. I thought, even after this, that I would give her another chance. I have a down comforter that I had recently put a 1 inch tear in it. I asked her how much it would cost to sew this 1 inch tear. She said "Ten Dollars". I decided to take a pass. I will be bringing all my future dry cleaning and laundry to a business that actually does the work on the premises and appreciates a new customer. read more

I brought in a silk chiffon bridesmaid's dress that needed altering (bringing-in the shoulder straps; 2-layers of hemming). The seamstress was very friendly. Her alterations were beautiful. Would definitely recommend. read more

Mary is a fabulous tailor. She can alter clothing and also I've seen items she made from scratch, using a garment as a pattern. She knows what the garment needs to look good on you. Her prices are a little high, but the quality of her work can't be beat. read more

I LOVE Mary, the owner of this place. She has saved me hundreds of dollars on new jeans by patching up my "blow outs" for me. Even better, I brought my wedding dress to her to be hemmed (it's a tea length dress) and she took the time to do a proper fitting with me, showed me all my options and very wisely advised me against getting the dress altered. If that is not good, honest know-how and savvy than I don't know what is. If you are looking for first rate service, fair pricing and an honest, experienced and talented tailor, than Mary is your woman. read more