My favourite hardware store. Friendly, helpful and happy staff and management. I found my plumber through shopping at this store.

Once again I ask myself why I shop there. I just read other reviews (from within the last month) and the sentiments are the same. People are rude, arrogant and generally unhelpful. This time the woman at the cash register was badmouthing (loudly) about the last customer because she had asked about her bad cough. The employee said that the woman should mind her own ****ing business. Then the new young man, Chris, was rude to me as he helped me carry things out. It never changes. None of the employees ever seem happy working there, never act like they want to help or care. I try to shop local; this doesn't work with Pastime. read more

Pastime Hardware is a One Stop Shop!!!! You name it they have it !!! It's a Full Service Shop!!! The Hardware professionals can answer any questions you have about Home Improvements or Tools!!! Service is Fast , Knowledgeable , , And Professional!!! They even Carry Craftsmen Tools!!! Price's are a little on the Higher side!!! I went and bought a New Rubbermaid Trash can !!! Also I bought some Wild Flower Seeds for the garden!!! The Cashiers were Friendly and Fast!!! For These Reasons , This Is A Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!! I'm Gone With The Wind Fabulous!!!! And I Keep My Pimp Hand Strong!!!! read more

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This used to be a great local resource that decided to go to being open only during office hours and closed on Sundays since the Covid-19 close-down. Who thought that was a good idea? The staff are great, but being open for such limited hours is ridiculous for a hardware store. read more

I'd like to give the staff at Pastime five stars for their expertise. The major downside to this store, is that one of the owners, a tall man with a dour and judgemental expression, who stands for hours glaring at the cash registers and the customers coming into the store. He has caused me to avoid the store and go elsewhere on many occasions. read more

One annoying part about Berkeley / Albany is there's no home depot or lowes within 15m, so Pastime ACE is here to the rescue. They have a very good selection here, and it is true that they have the helpful hardware folks (you grab a number and someone gives you a hand finding whatever you need). Prices are decent. Maybe a little more than Amazon / Home Depot, but let's be honest, amazon always wants to sell you a 10 pack of something when you really only need one. Keys are very inexpensive here, I think the best price in town, and I didn't have to wait long. Wishes: - Open for a few hours on Sunday - Better app for finding stuff in their huge store. It's nice to talk to someone but I feel like I could be in and out faster if their app told me the aisle I was looking for. read more

Is it crazy to love your hardware store? I must be coz I'm crazy about Pastime hardware. Being a busy plumber, I need materials for every job and Pastime hardware is my go-to store. I'm in there at least 3 times a day picking up supplies. They are amazingly well stocked and the staff there know their stuff! Bravo Pastime hardware, keep on keepin' on! Derek-the Drummer Plumber/Water Heaters for Less read more

Pastime Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cerrito, California

My husband & I have been shopping at Pastime since arriving in the Bay Area decades ago & have spent thousands there! In the past we've had pleasant encounters. Today, because we are from small business families, rather than ordering on-line, we went out of our way to shop at Pastime. My husband, recovering from surgery, asked to use their 'PUBLIC' restroom & was told there was none, then he asked another person to use their 'CUSTOMER' restroom & was told the same. I, concerned about him, asked the young checkout woman if they had an ADA restroom. "No." I responded that it was required by law. "Why are you telling me that. I don't have anything to do with it!" She is a company representative & I wanted her first to help & then to pass on that information. "Go talk to the manager, he's over there." I did & learned they, although required by law, have no restroom for customers --- a lawsuit he claimed is the reason. I returned to the clerk & in my teacher-mode, firmly told her she had been RUDE. Another young woman joined her & she literally started screaming at me. They both walked away. The manager, just feet away, did not call either aside to educate them on 'customer relations.' Of the 5 Pastime people we dealt with, NOT ONE was helpful or even cordial. The 2 young women were not just rude, but abusive. It seems much is wrong at the employee level, probably because something is very wrong with the current management. Pastime made for an unpleasant afternoon. I wish we had ordered from the internet. read more

I've been shopping at Pastime Hardware in El Cerrito on and off for years, and I've always appreciated having a local store nearby. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was so unpleasant that I don't plan on going back. The salesperson who helped me was rude and dismissive, and when I tried to address it, the management's attitude wasn't any better. The overall mood in the store just feels low -- like people don't really want to be there. You can sense the frustration or unhappiness from the staff, and it spills over into how customers are treated. At one point, I noticed an employee giving what sounded like a full travel log to a customer for nearly ten minutes, while several other employees were just wandering around without engaging with shoppers. It was strange -- the whole atmosphere felt off, like customer service simply wasn't a priority. I understand that everyone has tough days, and I truly respect people who work in retail and customer service -- it's not easy work. But basic courtesy and attentiveness should still be part of the experience. I left feeling disappointed and a little sad to see how far the atmosphere has declined in a place I used to enjoy visiting. read more

The dudes working here are grossly unhelpful and openly rude condescending and I cannot fathom why they'd work in customer service. If you hate people don't work a job where you have to help people pretty simple. I wondered if it was just me but while standing in line at checkout I overheard an older woman say she was also trying to get assistance and they simply ignored here. Given how things look generally I can't see them staying open much longer as people choose to forgo the attitudes and choose online stores. read more

I was sold a humane mousetrap that was impossible to set to work; store refused a refund.

Rate this place 4.5 stars. I think the parking sucks sometimes. I am appalled by some of the horror stories of the disenchanted customers. However, In NO WAY am I discounting their frustration, ire, and dissatisfaction. I guess I've been lucky. Never really had a problem. About two weeks ago I needed a wall mounted kitchen sink. Not many places carry them. An employee immediately directed me to the correct aisle. Selection was limited, but the price was right. All of my other experiences there have been decent. Employees have helped me as much as they could even if what I wanted wasn't on hand. read more

Great resource for our community. Lots of hardware choices down to nuts and bolts. Helpful staff.

Wonderful to have a store where people actually know something, I hope to keep them in business. so unlike Home Depot where damn near everybody is clueless. Reasonable prices . Wide selection. I'd come here first before any large Lowe's or whatever. read more

I am incredibly disappointed with the customer service at Pastime Hardware. On multiple occasions, I have called to check if they had specific lights in stock. Three times in a row, a kind staff member went out of their way to check the back room and found tons of boxes that were not in the system, and each time they found plenty of stock of this item, even though their computer said there was none but the website said they did. I soend about $300 each time I go there. However, today I had an entirely different and infuriating experience. I called and a rude salesperson answered the phone. He checked the computer and outright refused to check in the back. I explained that in the past, staff had found stock in the back room when asked, but he rudely insisted that the computer showed no stock and that it was probably bought up since then. His dismissive and unhelpful attitude left me feeling extremely frustrated and undervalued as a customer. This is the first bad experience I've ever had here, but it has left a terrible taste in my mouth. I would not recommend this store to anyone who values good customer service because you will not find it here. It's a shame to see such a decline in the quality of service at Pastime Hardware. read more

Ask for ANYTHING. They know which shelf of which aisle and will walk you there. Cut a key, grab some birdseed, replace the weird knob for your toilet seat, all in one stop. Parking is easy peasy, AND the offer regular knife sharpening. read more

I too have been a customer here for many many years. Has always been my fave hardware store and will remain so (well the one in the Arlington rocks too!), due to ease of parking, selection- sheer volume of items- awesome!, price is right, and the customer service. I'm always blown away by how the staff always knows where things are and location on aisle. Plus, it feels very community to me, which has become more and more important in this virtual age. read more

I had the hardest time finding the correct shower knob for my old shower elsewhere . The young man today took his time to make sure I got what I needed.I had got one picked out at a popular box store and had to go back twice to return it.Pastime from now on for me. read more

Although this place didn't have everything we needed when we stopped by with a minor emergency, the woman who helped us was so delightful that I had to give a review! We were looking for an umbrella (it was pouring outside), scissors to trim hair, and a knee brace. She took us to where scissors were but first pointed out a large display of umbrellas. They did not carry knee braces but she recommended CVS. Check out was quick. Parking was a bit cramped. read more

Service use to be great here and I loved supporting them over somewhere like home depot. Now is seems their service is more like home depot than even osh. The manager barely acknowledged my presence then told me the incorrect isle for a product I told them I looked there already and they said go look for someone else to help me and went back to just standing there doing nothing This was after spending ten minutes waiting to be helped by two different people that would be right back in the hardware section. One highlight was the cashier was super pleasant. read more

I love this hardware store. They have a huge selection of hardware and household stuff, but maybe the best part is the service. They have a team of people who will advise about products and how to fix things. This is a truly unique and valuable service. Recently, Kafi helped me with a difficult plumbing project and, thanks to him, it turned out perfectly! It is such a pleasure to shop here, as opposed to the big box hardware stores. This store took a big hit with the pandemic, and now has reduced hours (9-5) compared to pre-pandemic times, but it is still the best hardware store in the area. read more

Sadly gotta agree with the other reviews re. the customer service. Several visits, one dude was nice, an older guy...but in general the shlubby middle-aged men on the floor have a real attitude problem, kind of a subtle condescending and dismissive tone, like the Comic Book Guy character on The Simpsons. One time I was confused about the specs on an item, and I politely asked an employee -- I think he was English or Irish maybe -- and he just stared at me and gave one word answers, like it was beneath him. Had some other bad experiences too. Pathetic, won't shop here again. read more

Old school customer service. There are plenty of people there to help you out on the isles. And they're all cheerful about it. This store is jam packed with everything you need for fast jobs. They have good prices. I have my next list ready for them now. Been a customer there since I moved here. Shout out for team PH. Thanks for superior help from Dominic, Kafi, and Jocelyn. read more

It's a nice benefit that they partner with Golden Gate knife sharpening service. I also like the way you can take a number so you don't have to be hunting for someone to help you in the store. read more

I've had a few separate instances over the past year where the customer service was unfriendly. A general air of impatience and condescension, or straight up disinterest in being helpful. Recently from some British bloke, a couple other times from different employees. It's a real mixed bag, but to me not worth it to be treated like that, will spend my money elsewhere. read more

i'm only rating their online purchase process. I ordered a brass elbow fitting that was in stock and online. Said it would take 15 minutes. I had to go to work that afternoon and I had about two hours to spare so I ordered it. After I called up to see if it was ready, and I was told that it was, I could come pick it up. By the time I arrive there, I had an email confirmation that it was ready for pick up. I walked in and there's no indication as to where to go, so I asked the cashier and she said to go back to customer service. I saw a sign that said clerk, but that was it so I headed that way. I spoke to the gentleman that was standing there and told him I was told to come this way to pick up an online order made. Asked me if I had received a phone call and I said no, but I received an email confirmation that it was ready for pick up. then I placed the order and I told him about an hour and a half ago. Then act surprised and I said I have an email. He sat there in Ho so I opened my email and I showed him here's the confirmation he said to meet him in the front of the store, so I proceeded to the front and waited. After a couple minutes, I see him coming towards me, but this guy is walking like he has nowhere to go, I mean slow! I'm on my way to work so I'm trying to get this done quick. And there and I'm looking at him and nobody is saying anything until I finally say "what's up "? He says I have your part here, and this paperwork is for you. Oh, and I need you to sign and date this hand me the paper with no penand after a brief pause, he realizes I need a pen so he hands me a pen. I get my stuff and go all in all. It was just an awkward encounter and the guy that does the online orders act like he really doesn't want to be there. read more

The folks here have been really patient and helpful with me. I was able to do some home repairs and learn some new skills. Thanks very much!

I agree with others who as of this date have reported a less than optimal experience especially re "customer service". I have now more than 2 times experienced hostility and self-righteous indignation of especially one cashier. as I left the store recently, their indignation upon a customer's expression of confusion re pick up of an order was clearly heard by all. Cashier: "...they tried to say they were told to do xyz..." Customer's paperwork said for them to come up to the front of the store however, cashier at front told directed them to the back of the store and hardware personnel at the back of the store told them to meet them in front of the store at the cashier): a recipe for confusion. I have seen similar transactions go on in the store over the past recent years including same angry self-righteous immature cashier telling a customer something was "...a law..." that was not a "law" at all. I don't know what happened to this place, but this kind of attitude of self-righteous indignation and hostility towards customers eventually destroys businesses. Advice to Ace and this store: change your attitude. Customers may be getting confused about picking up items because areas of the store you want them to go to are not clearly marked as such. There likely are many other ways that you could make things easier on yourself however, given the attitude expressed here exemplified by this cashier, the atmosphere is so hostile towards customers, of course nobody is inclined to provide feedback. And finally, you're not the center of the universe. Businesses come and go. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and humility for those in the neighborhood whom you are supposed to be serving vs. what you are serving up today which is akin to an angry drunk or blamey 3 year old who wants to play "director". Am taking majority of my business to HD, Amazon, and other Aces which also have better hours too. read more

Even though this Pastime is closer to me, I go to Home Depot or Harbor Freight. They will have what you need at a lower price. I wish I could support this locally own hardware store but I've found the customer service is lacking especially from the manager's end. read more

[ During Covid Review ] This place has been here for a long time and unfortunately, I just didn't have a great experience when I went here today. Expect a line when you come here because they do try to enforce the amount of people in the store, the 6 ft distance and having customers/employees wear masks. They have a parking lot, but if you can't find parking there, you can park on San Pablo. When I went, the whole store itself was boarded up and the employees there weren't in the best mood to be honest. When I was waiting in line, the person who was manning the entrance was too busy chit chatting with his coworker that he didn't notice me. I ended up having to wait 10 minutes until he realized I was there and after 8 customers left. Even when I tried to let him know I was waiting, he didn't seem to notice me. I managed to just get what I needed and leave, but it did sort of irk me when I noticed there were some employees that just did not wear their mask on correctly or sanitize after a customer touched the checkout area. read more

I went in to grab a few things I needed for my home. All but one of the 5 employees I interacted with were disengaged and seemed annoyed to even be there. I actually wondered if they were doing someone a favor and not being paid to be there. No one made eye contact and I had to demurely ask for help. The first employee I asked acted as if his shoes were GLUED to the floor. He rattled off 3 aisle numbers and made no effort to help me find anything. I heard another woman having a similar interaction with someone. It was obvious she needed guidance and the employee was making minimal effort and I could hear her getting desperate and frustrated. The second employee I talked to actually seemed irritated to have to help me figure out how to describe what I needed - a specific type of hook. A young guy finally seemed genuinely interested to help and walked me over to what I needed. I was so grateful after the other interactions. The two cashiers also seemed like they were "passing the time" versus working. I had to ask for a bag after being rung up for items it was obvious I could not carry without one. She acted confused. I finally had to ask - do you have bags? The other cashier was picking her fingers and said "yeah, we have bags" but made no effort to help the other cashier. It was so strange. I felt like I was in the twilight zone. There were managers/owners there gruffly communicating with each other in a way that said I've got more important things to do than talk to customers. I could see this cycle happening of customers having to demurely ask for help from people who were aloof and avoiding interaction, the customers becoming desperate or upset and then the employees feeling like the customers were stupid, annoying, etc. If employees were helpful to customers to begin with, those customers wouldn't get frustrated and it would break the cycle. It was just SUCH a stark difference from the other Ace stores I've been to like Cole Hardware and the one at Grand Lake. I definitely won't be going back to this one. It was strange and I felt like crap afterward. I don't think I was the only one. read more

There is a heat wave that just came over the Bay Area this week. After not being able to sleep last night because the house was so hot I went in a mission to fine 2 fans to add to our home. One for the living room and a bigger one fore the kids room. They do have a strict no mask no service policy so please be have a mask on hand. The staff are friendly and know answers to questions unlike other stores that say I don't know and leave it up to the customer to find what they are looking for. There are enough checkers at the check stands so you do not have to wait forever to check out. This store has so much to offer I could get lost in here for hours coming up with ideas about thing to do around the house. The window are currently boarded up but do not be fooled they are open for business read more

I came here to get paint. Folks were helpful and kind. Shout out to Esme at the register for a great experience. The problem was the actual paint. One can started leaking from the bottom before I left the store. They kindly offered to mix a brand new one or put the existing paint into a new can. My professional painter pointed out there were problems in how the paint & pigment was mixed. Fortunately, they had the right tools to whip it into shape. I think some folks need more support in training. Clearly everybody cares and wants to be helpful read more

I love this store because it has everything that you need in a relatively small area. The people who work here know what they are talking about and know what they have and don't have. Also, we were looking for something that's no longer for sale in the state of CA, denatured alcohol. But the guy told us the bill number and when I looked it up, he was correct. They do limit the number of people in the store and wear masks. They have a lot of people who work there to help us. I don't have to spend a lot of time wandering around looking for what I want. I can usually find it because someone who works there can guide me towards what I'm looking for. The people who work there are pretty nice. Also, when we've needed to pull a number to wait for assistance, I haven't had to wait too long. read more

Pastime Hardware - Long line going quickly! - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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I just got home from the worst experience at Pasttime Ace Hardware. I've been going to this store for YEARS, but will never waste my time or money there again. Not only did the clerk that originally helped me hand me the wrong part, and tell me that a part I wanted wasn't carried (and then I found a line of them 5 feet away), but a customer had to help me complete my purchase. When I got to the register another clerk told me I couldn't buy what I had in my hand--it was part of a set. Yes it was: it was from the box I was carrying and I had taken it out of the box to check it, They insisted I buy another part instead. When I came home and realized the error, it was too late to return to the store as they close at 5 now. When I came back the next day and spoke to the manager, he didn't want to listen and he accused me of being someone he "recognized" as trying to return parts before, and told me I hadn't brought back the right part. After browbeating me very aggressively some more, he said I had to bring back everything installed under my sink even though it wasn't part of the problem because he didn't believe me. I took out everything I had installed the night before and dropped it on one of the clerk's counters, saying I will never be in that store again. I admit, the previous day when the manager was aggressively arguing with me I did say he was being condescending and rude, but I had never dealt with him before, so he was accusing me of being someone I wasn't. They worst part of all of this is that now I don't have any plumbing under my bathroom sink, and I'm out of funds until my Social Security check arrives in ten days. And I got yelled at by my housemate for not resolving the problem. May his business crash and burn. read more

Maybe boarding the place up, though an overreaction, was an understandable response to what happened after George Floyd was murdered. But is it a sh*tty urban gesture to keep the place clad in plywood. It's a f*ck you to the entire community. I can't imagine how anyone with a scintilla of self-respect would do such a thing. Lazy and stupid. I won't be back until you fix this. read more

This store always has what I need and the staff are super helpful. I purchased a grill and a part was missing (manufacturer error, not the store's error). The store went above and beyond to help me get the missing part and made sure I had everything I needed, even though the manufacturer was at fault, not them. read more

Sorry but before my last visit I'd have given 5 stars plus. I purchased over $60 and presented my ace coupon and the cashier said most of my items didn't qualify; no issue. Then I said "oh I need to give you my number". Her response was "too late" with a look that irritated the "h" out of me. I went home and the more I thought about it the madder I got. I took back the entire purchase and the cashier who took the return was #1 I haven't gone back but I will and got fingers crossed; the folks on the floor are so knowledgeable. I just don't need someone who is not customer service oriented read more

This store has gone completely down the toilet in the last 20 years. Yes, they still have a number of oddball items you may not find elsewhere, but the indifferent staff and ridiculously minimal hours (9-5, closed Sundays) more than offset that benefit. Toss in the fact that there is zero cell-reception in the store (useful when trying to look up items), and you're left wondering how this place stays in business. read more

Pastime has been here since long before I was born and my family has always gone here. We're still customers. It's wonderful having a non-big box store with a huge inventory so accessible. The staff are very helpful and we rarely leave empty handed. Yay for independent businesses! read more