All American Boy

This is an absolute on my San Francisco itinerary every time I travel across the bridge and pass close to the Mecca of my people. Tucked between venues on the Castro itself, this charming little establishment echoes an Old-West feel to me, with high balconies encircling the perimeter, shelves and shelves loaded with trappings, old burnished floorboards and glass cases of accessories.

Much of what I find here is not the usual department-store fare, with lots of fun and fashionable articles of clothing in trendy yet reasonable styles. Prices are fair, for the value of the goods, and so long as one is willing to pay for quality one will leave most satisfied.

There is a gamut of swimwear and undergarments, some in really sexy designs that are at least interesting to look at, if not to actually wear. Ditto what's already been said regarding the fitting rooms - one might as well strip in the center of the shop. The patrons and clerks most likely won't mind at all anyways.

I also do not find their store policies unreasonable. People really shouldn't be bringing back garments after weeks or months of wearing. They are indeed a small independent establishment, and so should be expected and respected as such.

Small and cramped, true.

But worth it for the cute boys and the variety of colors in bandanas (complete with reference chart!)

All I know is that when I want to display my kinky fetishes to the world, I'll know what color to pick (and which pocket to place it in) all thanks to All American Boy.

There's not many places that sell clothes that fit me. I'm lanky and tall. I'm picky. And I want brands that are difficult to find. But All-American Boy always has something I want.

The store is small and cramped. They have lots of t-shirts with cute little designs on them. They have a consistent selection of dress shirts that are just the right combination of unique and businesslike. I've had good luck finding cool work pants there, too.

I'm not big on their jean collection -- most are from Buffalo, which is a cool brand, but most of what they stock seems to be too similar to each other. And the stock Dickies. I hate Dickies. But that's OK. Maybe it's just me.

Their dressing rooms are... how shall I say this... conveniently configured so that the employees can shamelessly watch you while you change. They have western-style saloon doors that don't close all the way and mirrors placed so they can peer inside like a dentist peers into your mouth. Some may find this disturbing. I just find it funny.

They don't exactly have a flexible return policy: returns can only get you in-store credit. But they're a small shop and probably don't make tons of money, so I guess that makes sense.

Check them out before the next time you see a movie at the Castro.

I came to American Boy for the first time in search of a birthday gift for my brother and left with 500 dollars worth of clothes for myself! i didn't want to, but everything i tried on fit like a glove and made me look ten pounds lighter than my already slender frame, so whatev i went with my impulsive inclination despite knowing the creditors would have a hay day when they saw what i was up to!
A boys gotta spoil himself sometime right?!

As a hetero, patronizing a trendy clothier in the Castro is kinda like shopping at a Rolls Royce dealership with no cash-you get ignored.
It's actually kind of nice not to be bothered when perusing, unless of course you really need help like when you're reaching for that one inaccessible hat hung way up on the wall.
They have an almost excessive amount of stylish underwear to choose from. I actually had no idea dudes had so many choices of cuts, fabrics, and patterns.

I am sad to see that All American Boy has closed after 30 years. I had been shopping there for almost 25 years. Although it was cramped they were always nice and always had unique, quality items. They will be missed.

Here it is December, 2008 and All American Boy is now history.
It's been in the process of closing for weeks and the place is empty.
It was one of the first of the gay businesses to open in 1972, shortly
thereafter.