I spent a full day Downtown in the summer, getting delicious drinks, browsing around local shops, and walking the pretty streets. We stumbled upon this vintage store, and I had to check it out. I love thrifting and shopping vintage, the clothing and products just has a unique flare that shopping centres don't. Right off the bat, the store was incredibly big. There's a wide selection of items, such as sunglasses, clothing, bikinis, books, magazines, jewelry, shoes, trinkets, and so much more! The offerings they had were unbelievable. There's only issue I found was that there weren't many sizes left that fit me, but it's expected. The workers were very kind, and asked if we needed any help and guidance for finding specific pieces and sizes. The prices were pretty average, some pieces were definitely on the higher end, but that's due to higher quality and value. Majority of pieces were at good price points, great for a shopping spree. They had this really cute TV screen photo op area, so of course we snagged a few pictures. Definitely suits the vintage vibe! read more

Public Butter - TV screen photo-op - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Public Butter is a very interesting replacement of what was an iconic store in this location. There are all sorts of things worth seeking out here. There are records, and clothing, and magazines, and old toys... And license plates?? If you miss the feeling of thing to a flea market and being surrounded by chaos and the unknown, this is one of the best ways you can get that feeling back in a slightly more controlled environment! read more

If you're a thrifter who likes a bargain, SHOP HERE! This store has so many neat finds and their prices are pretty reasonable in comparison to all of the overpriced vintage + consignment shops in Toronto. I discovered this gem several years ago and am so glad it's still around. read more

Best vintage shop in Toronto. It's the slightly more edited offerings from same owners as Black market.

This is a place I could return to on a regular basis to see what's going on. It's a mix of used clothing and everything else. You don't know what you'll find - bikes, sunglasses, pins, whatever is sellable I suppose. Often vintage and consignment focuses on women's clothing - this one had more men's clothing than usual, so that was interesting to me. Would I return: Yes Would I recommend: Yes read more

Great vintage shop in Parkdale. Prices are affordable compared to Kensington. Shop is pretty crammed with clothes, furniture, home stuff. Worth checking out if your around Dufferin and Queen St W. Staff has always been helpful. Most annoying aspect, there is often horrible, amateur Punk Rock playing, too loud and awful.. it's not your living room, still a store.. read more

Sometimes you need matching plaid shirts, a lobster trap or a vintage troll. On these fairly rare, yet very urgent, occasions, Public Butter is there for you. It's only a few blocks from my house and a treasure trove of vintage clothes, fun extras and costume ideas. I'm here often. If you need a pick me up in Parkdale, look no further. read more

I was in Public Butter in Parkdale today with my two boys. The staff there were fantastic. They were engaging, kind and helpful. One young woman that was working took such special care with my youngest son, who was selecting a talking Cookie Monster stuffy for his teacher for Xmas. That made all of our day! Aside from that, the selection is absolutely incredible especially for really cute hangknit sweaters that I check out there every year. They have a lot of Mary Maxim Patterned sweaters read more

This is a nice clean store with really cool stuff. I'll definitely be going back regularly.

I love poking around here. They have sales frequently, so if it's not 50% off yet, wait another month and check again, because it will be. No guarantees that whatever caught your eye in the first place will still be there, but there'll be something else awesome to tempt you, I promise. Their buyers are very on-trend, so there's been lots of vintage Canadiana and '80s-era beaded dresses the last few times I've gone--fun stuff! read more

I want to LOVE Public Butter. Let us first start with the name. What an awesome name for a vintage store: cute, yet random. I loved that they played The Stranglers full blast while I was there too (Golden Brown is pretty great!) Similarly to Connie T. I didin't really find anything. There were a few cute items, but I was overwhelmed with lots of crap. The change rooms are kind of ridiculous! They are these wooden closets, one of which is reminiscent of a house stable. read more

The public butter is a decent vintage boutique located on Queen West. The prices are totally reasonable and there are some interesting treasures to be found. Merchandise includes: clothes, accessories, shoes, bikes, records, and furniture. They also have a silk screen shop station in the store. It is a little squalid in there, however, always fun to pop in and take a look see. You never know what you may discover. Maybe not all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island, but perhaps a retro polka dot dress or a mott the hoople album on vinyl. but make um understand its westside foe life! read more

Baby, you're my favourite waste of time. (Anyone else remember that Bette Midler song?) Public Butter is a very popular vintage destination but I go for the quirky accessories - jewelry that appears handmade, well-priced scarves, gloves, hats, sunglasses and t-shirts that always put a smile on my face. Admittedly a crowded dark space that could use some light and fresh air, but always full of pleasant surprises and always worth dropping in for a browse. read more

Salty qween that served us needs to realise that he works in retail and its all about customer service. Time to get off your high horse and help customers. We won't be going back. read more

I love Public Butter!!! It's one of my favourite stores in Toronto (although I wish it was as cheap as Black Market!) TODAY I was in Public Butter and walked up to the cash register and waited in line to find a very rude customer (Robert C, just wrote his own review) demanding a refund, although you cannot get refunds. I heard him claim there was a defect in what he was purchasing (to which I say, it's a second hand store, things may have defects. If you bought it, you should have inspected it first.) In every second hand store I have come across returns and refunds are not accepted. He was very rude to the cashier, although she called the owner and talked about a refund, WHICH she gave to him. $100 in store credit. You could tell she was trying her hardest to stay professional, but he was being very rude. She was very upset, and I understand why. As someone who works in customer service, it is very hard to stay professional when someone is being intensely rude to you. She handled the situation accordingly, in my opinion. She got him the refund, and he was still a huge asshole to her. I am often in Public Butter, and I have never had a problem with customer service. Sometimes you just have to play by the rules, Robert. read more

Sure sure they have good clothes at decent prices, but BUYER BEWARE if there's any unseen defects, stains or rips that you didn't see when you bought the garments. YOU CANT BRING ANYTHING BACK! In this age of advanced customer service where most retailers know the value of keeping shoppers happy, the Public Butter is sadly behind the times. The cashier's attitude went from charming to confrontational to antagonistic when I inquired about trading in a garment I bought a few days earlier (for $100). She started the return process by shaking her head 'no' before she even looked at the jacket, my tags and the receipt, and then proceeded to find more good reasons why NO was acceptable. But I insisted on getting some satisfaction (reminding her that this is the age of good customer service and this was an opportunity to make a maven out of a mud lark), and so she finally called the owner and together they decided that I had to return home and bring back everything I had purchased the previous day so that the validity of my claim could be appraised. I did as she asked, retuning 2 hrs later to wait again as there was another phone call to the owner. Finally it was decided I could replace the garment but the cashier reminded me loudly in front of patrons that this was highly unusual and such an act of kindness would NEVER happen again to me or anyone. I said 'Okay I'll be sure and let readers know your policies on Yelp when i write my review later today' to which she said 'Thank you'... Because what else could she say? the irony is that I've probably spent over $1500 in that store over the years, as I love cool vintage clothes, But now I will avoid it and warn others away. read more

Public Butter - Unique clothes and good prices, but poorly trained staff with zero customer service skills ruin the shopping experience- avoid - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Hit and miss here! But killer choices on quilts, thick wool blankets, chunky sweaters, awesome plaids, and outer wear. But buyers be aware! Some mystery stains have surfaced from time to time..... Haven't had luck finding something for my petite frame, but I did find a cool clutch. read more

If you are hot for Vintage you will like this place... Public Butter is a more Unique and Service Based Store compared to its siblings (Black Market Vintage Stores) and it has some pretty rare but very cool things. This store is walking distance from my house, and gets me all fired up because they have a T-shirt screening situation going on there too!! I bought my husband a bad-ass black T-Shirt of Johnny Cash Flipping off the world for a mere $10. NICE! They also have vintage suitcases, bags, Shirts, a HUGE dress selection & bikes...Cheap Good Quality Bikes. Speaking of bikes I got there and realized I didn't have my lock on me, and the gentleman let me bring it in while I shopped, that was a nice service situation... I also bought a tacky ass shirt, the colour of psychedelic vomit, I adore it! Also, it was $15. I also got a plus sized Corset in Black and Burgundy! I think I found my new fave store... There fitting room is a confessional... A Place you can confess your shopping sins... I bought plenty! It is tight in the fitting room to try on a dress... It is really as good as it gets! Also, Not ULTRA pricey like the Vintage store across the street! This place is classic & has LOTS of stuff! (I will take pictures next time) A Hint: They are always cleaning up in there, I thought it was close to closing time, but it turns out the employees work...Nice! Also, one really tall guy who works there with dark hair, he gave me such nice service!! read more

Though the name sounds invting, the vibe inside the place is cold and harsh. The clothing they carry isnt quite good enough to give them the free pass on decoration. The employees grill you as you walk through the store - making you ashamed you cant rock full price jeans, while theyre pimped out with septum piercings and eyeliner. Be moderately friendly and it will make Public Butter many peoples go-to impromptu shopping spree a sure success. read more

Public Butter is becoming one of my favorites vintage shops in Toronto. The prices are good and I always find something interesting to buy. This is run by the people who own Black Market Vintage but with the addition of furniture, collectables and nicknacks it is tons more fun to browse in. It is also a art space that has monthly art opening parties; Interesting art, great music, beverages and shopping after a few is always interesting... read more

This place does have some okay things. I rate it poorly however, because of their complete lack of service. They have their sunglasses and glasses on the wall, with a sign that said "Please ask for assistance". I was wondering if one specific clear pair was UV protected or a reader, and when I asked one assistant, she stared at me and said "They're just clear lens" in a very snobby way and then stared at me some more. It's hard to describe, but it was pretentious and made me feel uncomfortable and "looked down upon". First, I was the only person in the store, there were two of them, but they were too busy talking amongst themselves. I didn't want to intrude so I even waited for them to finish talking, but it went on forever, and when I finally asked I was met with that kind of a response. Clearly, they don't know anything about customer service. Also, the store is stuffy and hot and there was no fan of any kind. It was gross, and can't be good for the clothes. read more

Always something new on the racks and their ongoing cycle of sales make it very easy to spend! Staff is helpful. If you are super picky about condition of your vintage (as I am) then make sure to check each piece well. This place cater more to the 'rock'n'roll' look than then well-dressed gentleman, so items tend to be well worn. That being said, there are real gems to be found! read more

we walked in probably near the end of closing time and the store was manned by one woman. she greeted us and was nice to us from start to finish, but god forbid you should have ever pissed her off. while i was looking for sweaters (read: sweater, NOT sweater-vests), i caught a nice verbal gem from this womans mouth that landed over all the sweaters i was looking through. she was talking on the phone to someone about her recently inaugurated ex-boyfriend. the best of the verbal diarrhea went something like this: "why doesnt he just go ahead and hang out with his new 23 year old PIG FACE GIRLFRIEND". (sorry what was that, i couldnt quite understand. could you be more specific please. stop beating around the bush and cough up the real feelings. were all friends here.) as i said, despite her performance piece, she was nice enough to the both of us, but might i suggest a different time and place? the store is festooned like other vintage shops with clothes from many different eras probably back to the seventies it looked like. we also found some coffee tables that are the exact ones we have at home. mine came from my grandparents after they passed away and are in brilliant condition. theirs had scratches and no glass cover, but cool still. i didnt really find any cool sweaters i liked. there were maybe a dozen to choose from and they were all thickish cotton and kind of ugly with stripes and stuff. i glanced over leather jackets, shirts, tshirts, etc. and its all displayed with a little flair which is nice. it allows you to see things anew. they seemed to have a pretty good selection and it was relatively cheap too so id stop by next im in parkdale for a good find. read more

Good prices, LOTS of stuff. They do the silk screening like a few other vintage/thrift boutiques but it's neat. Love the confessional booth changeroom. read more

Public Butter is a fun thrifting experience. 1) Very reasonably priced. It can't be compared to a full on thrift store such as Value Village, but it is very reasonably priced in comparison to vintage stores. There are often sales going as well. 2) The staff is very nice and low key. I am the kind of person that likes to be treated nicely (as I always do with others), but left alone. Sometimes I find in vintage store people are hovering and I feel pressured...Public Butter is not like that all. It is so chill...you can go through the racks at your own pace but get some help if you need it. 3) The high point of PB for me is the accessories. The bags, scarves etc. - awesome selection, great prices. Overall, I love PB. It is one of my favourite vintage stops...it is quite out of the way for me, but I always try to make the trek at least once every couple months. read more

I felt the customer service was lacklustre and non existent. I didn't find anything to purchase but I've only been there once. Will give it another try but I've already found other vintage stores I'd rather spend my money at. read more

This young girl with a bang has a nasty attitude towards customers or humans in general. My friend and I were looking through the rack near the entrance, and this girl started bringing in the chairs displayed outside the shop since it was 15 minutes before the closing hour. After she brought in the first chair, she gave us a dirty look and said "there'll be lots of going in and out". There was an awkward moment of silence, but soon we figured out her intention and said "ok, we can check the other part of the store". Then she left with an extra spoon of dirtiness in her face. Btw, when she was moving the very first chair, she hit me quite hard with the chair legs which I suppose to be intentional, and no apology of course. What a civilized way to let someone know that you need a space to move stuffs. She seems to misinterpret dealing with vintage items as some sort of authority to become a self-absorbed hippie emo girl. read more

this place is cheap and on target if you're in the market for trends. You need to pick (ie.you might find a designer dress for cheap or an amazing leather fringe jacket for $20 but it will take hunting), but the prices are so low it's worth it. Also, the people are always rad. read more

This place is worth a visit if you're in the area. They regularly seem to get new and fun or wierd clothes or knick knacks in. Is a lot of it high quality? Nope. But still fun shopping. read more

This shop sells faux vintage tees, and does not pay copyright fees for art they have stolen. They sell low quality silk screen tees, using designs without permission, and therefore take money from small independent artists. read more

My favourite store in the city. I always find a treasure here. It's one of those satisfying vintage stores that you need to dig through to find the treasures, but one will always turn up. Prices are very reasonable, I especially love their 50% off sales. Cool curtains, great shoes, neat accessories, old school casio watches, a wide belt and purse selection. Fun, fun, fun store. The basement is really spooky though, don't go down there. read more

I live nearby in Parkdale and as a frequent customer of this usually lovely store, I am so dissatisfied with my experience the past few visits. A fairly recent hire, known to me as Amy, has treated me with not an ounce of respect or decency but rather the snobbiness I had come to never expect from The Public Butter. If I wanted to be surrounded by rude and unhelpful staff, I might has well have gone elsewhere. Consider me a customer lost. read more

Great store, with a far superior selection of military uniforms compared to Black Market. Uniforms from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam are available, and, with a few exceptions, all are at reasonable prices. I would recommend this store to any militaria collector. read more