Abitare

4.5 star rating
15 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Jewelry, Antiques, Home Decor  [Edit]

522 Columbus Ave
(between Stockton St & Green St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 392-5800
Hours:

Mon-Fri 11 am - 6 pm

Sat 10:30 am - 6:30 pm

Sun 12 pm - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

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Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Love this little store." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "...presents, just because and of course gifts to yourself." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "...resist buying one of the red fabric-and-wire lanterns." In 3 reviews
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15 reviews in English

  • Review from Lisa C.

    • 10 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Diamond Bar, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/17/2012

    I am only writing this because I unexpectedly discovered that they carry my beloved lip balm (made in Spain) which I didn't think I'd find anywhere in the states :) they also have a great collection of maps printed on paper made in Italy. Walked out of this store very happy and and with equally happy lips ;)

  • Review from Carla P.

    • 49 friends
    • 92 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/8/2007

    Update: I stopped by Abitare yesterday and was wonderfully surprised by some very awesome Halloween decorations. Not the cheesy cheap kind you get at walgreens, but real Dia de los Muertos type stuff (everything from ceramic candle holders to lanterns and skeleton earrings.) If you're looking for anything cool to deck out your place with, stop by Abitare.

    And no, they didn't pay me to say that.

    -------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------

    Love this little store. Love just going in there to look at stuff. You can always find some fun little thing like bowls, pocket mirrors, soaps, dolls, napkins, bags, jewelery, antiques...

    It's the perfect place to stop by if looking for a last minute gift and will accommodate all price ranges.

    Pets welcome.

  • Review from Michael H.

    • 314 friends
    • 1032 reviews

    Hayward, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/20/2008

    Even though it's a small store, Abitare packs several punches.

    I tried opening the door but it was locked.  The owner opened the door for me.  All I can guess is that they don't want shifty eyed drunkards coming in.  The owner is really cool and friendly.

    Abitare is chock full of nandy dandy do dads.  It's a place that most girly-girls will like.  A good assortment of scented candles, antiques, and potential gifts.  They have a children's cubby with new and old products.

    Usually when I come to stores like this I find a mostly recycled stuff I've seen at a million other stores.  This place carries a lot of stuff I've never seen before.  I don't know how they find their merchandise.  Either they have really good taste, good researchers, or both.

  • Review from Lainya M.

    • 11 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/13/2009

    I can't say enough about this lovely little gift shop in the heart of North Beach! It's pretty much a gift-giver's Holy Grail.

    I recently discovered Abitare while I was out shopping for Christmas presents. In one trip, I managed to find something for everyone on my list, as well as something for a friend's wedding, and a few items for myself...
    One for you, one for me...
    And all for around $100!!
    I've gone back several times since and have never been disappointed.

    Expect to find affordably priced, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world sure to satisfy those with impeccable taste. I found this fantastic elephant-shaped bank, handmade in India, that was crafted of pink leather with a colorful, tooled design. Adorable! Also found a pocket-sized cosmetics mirror made in Turkey that was inlaid with a glass mosaic design. Tres chic!

    Abitare is a shining example of why it's best to support local businesses!

  • Review from Best O.

    • 276 friends
    • 136 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/16/2008 1 Check-in Here

    When I think of an old fashioned general store mixed with a hip vibe-this is it. The owner just happens to have an eye for what is creative and cool and the price is always right. I go here for little gifts for friends and family of all ages - funny things with a sense of humor, romantic presents, great accessories, wedding and shower gifts. I love the way this shop is stuffed to the rafters with layers and layers. It is like being in a grandmother's attic with the lovely old wooden floors and the bounty of collected treasures.
    I had this store on my hit list for a friend visiting from Seattle. Before I could tell her the itinerary, she asked me to be sure to include her favorite store in the city and yes, it was Abitare.

  • Review from Berna T.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/20/2007

    Interesting little store to buy a unique gift for people into home dcor, vintage posters, jewelry, antiques, or even a San Francisco souvenir.  The word "eclectic" fits Abitare perfectly - it's hard to describe exactly what type of store this is...it's probably how Arial from the Little Mermaid (Disney's version) felt in her "treasure trove".

  • Review from Dana R.

    • 32 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Belmont, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2007

    I can't believe there are no reviews! This little store on Columbus Ave in North Beach has been around for years. My mom and I always would step in and look around when we were in North Beach for dinner or coffee. She has a really eclectic mix of small home decor items, trinkets and it's a great place to find gifts. I found an antiqued wooden saint statue I have been searching for and was so happy to get it.

  • Review from M p.

    • 98 friends
    • 28 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/3/2009

    Ranging from quaint little things , like ol' fashioned embroidered cotton hankies ,soaps in those vintage decorated cardboard boxes , cloches , multi colored recycle tin lanterns, embellished note pads......to chic professional leather hand bags , nail files embellished with dichroic glass, candles ....You can find little things from France, Spain , India....
    Kudos to the merchandiser, who obviously has a great taste. Also the ladies that work here are nice to talk to . Its a fairytale-ish boutique .

  • Review from Audrey V.

    • 212 friends
    • 248 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2008 2 Check-ins Here

    This is a great place to find special gifts. Perfect for birthdays, hostess presents, just because and of course gifts to yourself. Unique little items at good prices. The gals that work there are charming and it's always a nice visit. I highly recommend stopping in Abitare next time you're in North beach.

  • Review from David M.

    • 46 friends
    • 150 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/11/2008

    Very cute! After beers and crab cocktails at Sotto Mare Mrs. Farris and I popped in to find a housewarming gift for Johnny M and Mirishae. I ended up getting them some frenchy plates w/ old school olive oil labels on them in a cute round box.  I also have my eye on the silver pill box that says "They share everything.  Even their medication".  Krista! Look away! I have found your wedding present.

  • Review from Marina N.

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/10/2007

    Great gift store with a wide variety of items that are great for women and children. (Not too much here for hetero men.) The store is tiny but they manage to really pack a lot into it.

  • Review from JEN W.

    • 19 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/27/2007

    Whenever I walk into this store around the corner from my place in North Beach, I am reminded how much I love it! I sometimes seem to forget about it tucked away amidst the coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, but it's a great place to wander around as there's plenty to look at -- the shelves are stacked and piled with vintage/french home/bath wares while the walls feature interesting jewelry and old posters. Plus, the owner is really welcoming and you can tell she's always on the lookout for new, eclectic, pieces for the store. Great place to buy unique housewarming or birthday gifts!

  • Review from Stephanie J.

    • 131 friends
    • 270 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/7/2009

    Absolutely fantastic selection of whimsical and romantic objects of desire. Candles, soaps, vintage-inspired cards, hand mirrors, keepsakes and more line and overflow from the shelves of this little tucked away shop on the main drag of Columbus. On a leisurely day feel free to browse its wonderful selections as you sip a coffee from Caffe Roma on your way to Washington Sq park.

  • Review from Christina F.

    • 2 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/21/2010

    I love this store! So many cute little things you can't seem to find anywhere else! Beautiful, original jewelry. I just bought my sister-in-law a silver compact with "french" art covered by a faceted "glass." I couldn't resist buying one of the red fabric-and-wire lanterns. Whenever I walk through North Beach, it's a struggle not to go in!

  • Review from Red G.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Fairfield, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/15/2009

    This is one of those shops you need to browse every inch of. There is so much to see, you're almost afraid you'll miss something. Grab a latte/coffee/bloody mary(!) a pastry from Mara's and spend the entire morning just finding treasure after treasure. They have great cards, party supplies and just plain ol' good gifts for that last minute. You'll find   something for everyone you know. It's a great shop for the "I was just thinking of you" sort of gift!!! The only drawback, parking can be a nightmare!!

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