It's unfortunate that some people have had an unfavorable experience because I don't like to go anywhere else for my paint and misc supplies. Tony is beyond helpful. He knows where everything is and can help you with questions on just about everything. I went in for one screw and he helped me as if it were a large order. I hope the people who had a bad experience would go back and give them a second chance. read more

Hillside is a filthy garage. An amazing, beautiful, filthy garage. It's got everything you'll need, and nothing you can find, which is why I'll echo the sentiments in a number of reviews: ask the employees. Just like Junior's pigsty of a room, there's method to the madness and only he understands it. If you decide your product GPS is on par just fine, thankyouverymuch during your first visit, it's guaranteed you will be asking for assistance during each subsequent perusal. So before you grab the whip and your pith helmet, just buck up and inquire like every other customer who walks through the door. Oh, and wear a dust mask - filthy garages are filthy! There's a 1/4 inch layer of sawdust and other assorted particulate on a bag of grass seed, but I've figured out why: every contractor, paint professional and plumbing enthusiast swings through during its opening hours. And if the pros are making this their purveyor of choice, so should you. Bonus tip: need chems to keep you motor running? I found carb and choke cleaner, fuel additives, motor oil, coolant, radiator sealant and other engine maintenance liquids on hand, just in case the jalopy is bringing you down. Prices are better than the gas station! read more

Brought my daughter back to college today (from NY) and needed to drop by Hillside Hardware to pick up a few things. I was reminded of two years earlier when I first brought my daughter to college and also had to pick up a few things. Friendly, helpful and courteous. Then and now. Tony and his team are fantastic. I find some of the recent poor reviews just bizarre. Have they never been in a small hardware store in an urban setting? Where they somehow are able to have nearly everything? I love these types of places. This store is a treasure. Next time I'm up visiting my daughter I'm going to have an excuse to drop in and buy something. :-) Keep up the good work, Tony! read more

These guys are awesome. - They've supplied my paint numerous times - they've cut keys for me - supplied electrical supplies - various cleaners - various home repair needs - and more Always have good advice. Always have helpful suggestions and things to beware of. I am simply amazed how much stuff they have there. The store has endless nooks and crannies like a Thomas English muffin in which they store as much inventory if not more than a Home Depot. Amazing. I moved away from Medford but thought of them this weekend after the poor outcome of then Home Depot Behr paint Job in my living room. I need to go back to Benjamin Moore and hillside hardware. read more

The best around ... bar none!!! Tony is fast efficient and knows his stuff! The staff is just great and can answer your questions about all your hardware needs. They'll walk you through the store to get you what you need... try finding someone to help at the big box stores!!! It's an old fashioned hands on place... prices are as good if not better than the box stores.. I found Scott's products cheaper here!! Plenty of parking across the street and street parking is usually available... read more

This store is filthy and unorganized to start. In addition, each time we have been in there the customer service was HORRIBLE! The clerks behave as if they are too busy (whether they are or not since there is never anyone shopping in there) to help or as if you are bothering them by just entering the store. Today my husband, at the recommendation of our contracted painter, stopped in to get something the painter said he got there and the clerks were dismissive and rude. Our painter is a loyal customer because they are local and he is too. We want to shop local but, we will never go back there. I recommend you don't either. Go to Modern Hardware and Paint on Salem Street. The store is clean, organized and the staff are SUPER helpful and pleasant, busy or not! read more

The guys who work here know everything about anything and most importantly where to find stuff on their shelves. They are a lot of fun to chat with and make any experience there enjoyable. We painted our entire house with paint from their counter. Anytime we need something we go there and they have it and give advice on what NOT to do! read more

Hillside Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Medford, Massachusetts

I love the feel of a place that reminds me of my basement when I was growing up. Stuff everywhere, but yet everything is in it's place. The service is excellent and they always have what I'm looking for. Definitely a small town local feel to it. read more

This place has the inventory of Home Depot in 2 or 3 storefronts. I don't know how they do it. Yes, it is really dirty and I can never find anything I am looking for despite the fact that I went about every weekend for five years. The rule here is ASK. The employees know where everything is and they almost always have what you need. (I have always wanted to see in the miraculous basement that the previous yelper mentioned.) I used to wonder around to try and find an item. I would stubbornly look for like 10 minutes and finally ask. The service is great and if you need a contractor go between 6-7am and write down all the numbers on the vans. Avoid Thursdays because a huge tracker trailer is awkwardly parked out front. You can park in the lot of the Brazilian church across the street when it is not having services. PS Mark is my homeboy! read more

The employee I spoke to was clearly overwhelmed and busy, which is not his fault, but he was also rude, sarcastic, and dismissive when I asked a simple question. As a person who knows very little about home improvement, I always feel a little stupid going into a hardware store... and he certainly made me feel that way. I went to Shattuck Ace Hardward in Arlington instead, which was a delightful experience. read more

Terrible customer service. I went in for a general question and help and I was brushed off immediately. The guy (Tony?) gave me a lot of attitude and had zero patience when it was a quick question. If you know what you're looking for when you go in then it's fine. If you have to interact with anyone...good luck. read more

These guys are great! My son and I were in great need of paint supplies and sandpaper one evening. We actually arrived 15 minutes after closing. I began to walk away- but my son noticed there were still people inside. He peeked in & they motioned us in- we apologized- they said "no problem" helped us find exactly what we needed, with courteous explanation. It was not only great service and a friendly atmosphere- my 13 yr old son saw men hard at work & being great examples. They have another loyal customer. No more Home Despot for us. read more

I really love this hardware shop. The staff has always been helpful and if there is something that isn't in, well it'll be in next week. I have to give a lot of credit to the local guys. I'd much rather come here than to get lost at Home Depot. read more

Not only is this place convenient but they have a good selection and great prices. I have bought vegetable seeds late in the growing season, on sale before Garden World (delicious mesclun, by the way) and cfl bulbs (pink ones, for breast cancer awareness)--worth giving them a call or just walking in if you have a home or garden project/need. read more

The hardware store where everyone knows your name. Well, not my name. I'm just the girl who sometimes tags along with the guy who comes in at least once a week to buy home renovation supplies. They know his name. The point is, this isn't Home Depot or Lowe's (though maybe they'd know your name too if you went in often enough). It's a small, family-owned place and even though it's a little more expensive than a Lowe's/Home Cheapo, I like supporting local businesses. The place is somewhat of a fire hazard, and where you stand at the cash register is right at the narrow entrance to the store, so it can get a bit crowded in there. Still, I like this place because it's convenient and we've always had good service/treatment from the staff. One drawback, however, is that they're only open til 5pm on weekdays. Open 9-5 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays. read more

Owner Mark is the best! Him and his staff know about pretty much anything and everything. And if you stump him then he has a guy or a phone number you can call to get the answer you need. This is old school Mom and Pop type of store that this country was built on. None of the Big Box Chain Store stuff that everything is turning into. I prefer to give my hard earned money to places like this. Every square inch of space is filled with items from A to Z. Hard to find just what you are looking for but if you ask the guys they will know exactly where to find it. Prices are fair but I personally put a premium on great service and this place will give it to you. Go check it out next time you are doing a home project. read more

I went in as the cliched girl with a new apartment and no idea how to hang art (or, in this case, my spice rack that didn't come with screws even though it was supposed to!) They were wonderfully helpful, and kind, they gave me helpful hints on how to install it, as well as the correct screws... in a situation like this you never know if you're going to get genuine help or be laughed at. This was 100% genuine help, and they also made me an extra copy of my keys in like 2 minutes. I will go here next time I need help on a small household project! read more

To start, the staff is super friendly and incredibly helpful. I've been going here since my high school days (25+ years ago) and they honestly stock more "stuff" than you can imagine, if you don't see it, ASK, they probably have it somewhere in the building. My last visit tops it, after having my front door key remade twice at a local locksmith only to have it fail both times I decided to have Hillside remake it before I replaced my lock, the teenage kid with glasses nailed it perfectly the first time and the replacement key actually works better than the original! read more

As a chick who is quite competent when it comes to using tools, and has engaged in many DIY projects out of both boredom and necessity, I often dread going to the hardware store, including those really big hardware stores that sell those orange buckets, and dealing with a staff that is either incompetent, condescending, or both. This is not the case, however, at Hillside, and I'm super glad I found this place. The staff comes off as genuine and clearly know what they're talking about. The older guy that helped me sort out what all I needed to refinish my coffee table was super sweet and even remembered me from when I was there a couple months before. This is a business that is highly deserving of local support! read more

A gem. What retail used to be like. It's got character and whatever hardware you might need. Shop local!

Great place (they answer their phone and answer your question too). Small with a lot of hardware and had exactly what I needed.

i'm always in support of local businesses. hillside is no exception. the guys there are just blue collared dudes and they are pretty funny as well. they don't always have what i need but they'll sure try and find something or rig something up for me.. if they can't do that they'll suggest another store. i've gone there for every local household need since i moved to medford. read more

I don't think I've ever experienced a better hardware store. This place is jam packed with everything. I've purchased keys, smoke detectors, paint, tools, and other various items over the last 10+ years of patronizing this business. My experience has always been consistent. Friendly people, knowledgeable staff, and always willing to go the extra mile. I could go to Home Depot and save a couple of bucks but I prefer to patronize a local business with outstanding staff and service. read more

This place is a gem. I can walk in with a small screw and/or bolt and they'll match it for me, accurately. They have also ordered special lengths of rebar for a garden trellis project (called when they came in) and other items. Staff are very friendly and helpful, always a pleasure to visit here. I try never to go to Home Depot anymore. And prices are competitive. Truly a pleasure to have this as my local hardware store. read more

Nothing bad to say about these guys. I think they know me by now--I go up there for almost all my home repair/improvement needs. They are a little more expensive (for some things) than big box stores, but it's so nice to support local businesses and have the convenience of them right up the street. read more

I just moved to the Somerville/Medford area and have been repeatedly coming to Hillside True Value for all my hardware needs. They have a knowledge group of gentlemen who are always willing to provide their advice and help find the right tool for the job. Prices are fair and returning an item is never a hassle. Plenty of parking on the street or across the street from the store in the parking lot next to the church. read more

What helpful staff. While waiting for one gentleman to get my hardware cloth cut, I think every single employee asked if I needed help. I love that!! And on top of that, this place is PACKED with fun hardware and accessories. Fun time to look through it all while waiting. Will definitely go back. I would rather pay more money to support this business and get this service read more

I went in to replace a fluorescent light bulb and the owner asked me questions about the fixture. He recommended I replace the Ballast as well as the bulb and it turned out to be the ballast after all. Saved me another trip and the new bulb was much brighter than the old. read more

The best customer service ever! Tony is amazing and always makes me feel welcome. I go there for everything and everything. It atmosphere is great! Thank you!!! read more

Quintessential neighborhood hardware store -- even for a small space they somehow manage to have everything you could possibly need in stock, plus friendly staff who really know what they're doing. read more

The people who work here are so nice! I came once to get paint and they were super, super helpful. I also came once to inquire about cardboard boxes for an art project, and they gave me some for free and told me to come again should I ever require large cardboard containers again. Very very nice people. read more

Most of the guys who work here are great, but the old guy with the wonky eye is the living worst. He wasted about 20 minutes of my time because I dared to ask him for a specific nut I couldn't find. I'm not sure if it was deliberate or through sheer incompetence. I wouldn't be surprised either way. Steer well clear if that guy's working, everybody else there has been great. read more

I really appreciate this hardware store. The people working there have been very helpful and friendly each time I've been there, showing me to whatever I've been looking for and explaining options. read more

I love this place. Fabulous customer service, always friendly, always helpful, great stock. The first time I went here they didn't have the light bulbs I needed for my bathroom so they gave me a new pack to use until the correct wattage bulbs came in a few days later, when I traded for the ones I needed. They were also very helpful when I needed to find a locksmith in the area to change the lock on my mailbox-- even though they couldn't do it, they put me in touch with the right person who could. I now rely on them for all my assorted household and hardware needs! read more

For someone like me who isn't terribly knowledgeable about home improvement, having a staff that is as friendly and patient as the guys here has been wonderful. I go here with all of my questions and household needs. read more

5 stars b/c this place is an oasis of excellence. Mark + Tony are the best. Do not miss Hillside Hardware!

Only reason for not giving 5 stars is that the selection, while impressive for such a small store, is limited even compared to some other local non-big-box hardware stores. Customer service can't be beat, though. They're friendly and extremely helpful. For example, one time when I was trying to find some fasteners for a piece of furniture they didn't stock them but gave me some extras that they had leftover from past furniture purchases of their own. read more

Great small hardware store. Packed to the brim with stuff. They have lots of paint and house work stuff, but less of the nuts and bolts hardware. read more

Our 19 year old daughter is spending the summer in Medford. Her second floor sublet is very hot , so we contacted Hillside Hardware and Paint. Tony was very helpful, we were able to buy the air conditioner(window unit) over the phone and he referred us to a handyman who showed up when he said he would and installed it ! Thank youTony! read more