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Antique Alley
Categories: Shopping Antiques Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Antiques, Art Galleries [Edit]
706 State StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-3944
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
14 reviews for Antique Alley
Review Highlights
14 reviews in English
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Review from Wayne W.
5/26/2012 3 Check-ins Here
"The antique store for people who hate antique stores!" That sentence right there summarizes Antique Alley to a "T". This place is, without a doubt, one of the wife and I's favorite places to visit when we are in Santa Barbara; and, to be honest, its probably *the* place that got me to begin to actually enjoy antiquing. Read on!
Antique Alley is situated on State Street in beautiful Downtown Santa Barbara. It's kind of near the end of the drag on the left-hand side as you drive towards the ocean - right near where the majority of the remaining shops become eateries/pubs/etc. The front facade of the store isn't anything too wonderful; but don't let that deter you! Once you enter, you are presented with two loooong rows that span the length of the store, from which branch forth all kinds of little nooks, crannies, displays and areas to explore! And explore you should!
There are all kinds of wonderfullness to find here. From jewelery to books to pinup art/classic 50's calendar art to classic signs to crystal to furniture to...well.. you name it! There's even a little "garden" section in the back of the store to peruse.
The "hippy" comments about the owner is right on, but in a good way. He has hippy vibe to him... but in a pleasant, welcoming and fun way. He's very knowledgeable about the items in the store and is more than happy to help you find what you're looking for. And if he doesn't have it he's not afraid to refer you to another shop that might. All of the employees have the same friendly, helpful air about them.
We've found some really lovely finds in here, both by "accident" and on purpose. One time I was on the hunt for a cut-crystal decanter of a particular sort.. and within 5 minutes of walking in one day.. BAZINGA! We found it! The prices here are also reasonable on average, especially for the trendy area. You are going to pay more for higher quality stuff - but isn't that the same wherever you go?
I can't recommend this place more. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. A word of advice.. I would park in one of the parking structures near the shop on this end of State Street. Why? Because with all the fun stuff you are going to find, you'll need to have your car parked fairly close...unless you LIKE lugging stuff all up and down State Street for the rest of the day! Don't make the same mistake I once did, dear reader!
Go! Peruse! Get lost in this place and enjoy! -
Review from John G.
Millbrae, CA
5/16/2012
I'm sure based on the other reviews that they have some nice stuff but i wouldn't know cause as i walked in the door i had a guy come running up to me yelling that they were closed cause it's 6:00. Well guy maybe your watch is also an antique and running a bit fast cause it was 5:55. I'm down here doin the tourist thing with my Girlfriend and you made an ass out of yourself not only to us but the other couple that was also wanting to come into your establishment. I can tell you this that you most likely lost a sale from us. Total Jerk, no customer service at all. Very Rude!
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Review from Annbriel B.
Laguna Hills, CA
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE antique shops. I wish I had more money so I could go more often. Anyway, the bf n I stopped in here to get out of the rain about three weeks ago, and we were pleasantly surprised. There was SO MUCH to look at! I mean, it was a little squished, but if I'd had any money on me I would have bought at least 5 things. Especially this AWESOME red lamp. I just hope its still there next time I go. Anyway, I felt like things were a little too pricey, and we didn't buy anything so I cant comment on the customer service, but the place seemed great anyhow. I will be back... with money :)
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Review from Jeremy G.
Humble, TX
8/8/2011
This is what happens when hippies run an antique mall. In a good way.
I would say that this is my second favorite antique store on the Central Coast (after the Depot in Los Alamos). It has both a lot of loot and a lot of character. There's some really cool stuff here, actually, along with the usual jewelry, books and knick-knacks. Prices are decent, too - especially for an über-trendy part of Santa Barbara. The guys who work the desk are a hoot.
And they have a bathroom. Hooray!
(If you can't find street parking, there are public garages on both Ortega and Haley, just off the strip.) -
Review from Billy D.
2/27/2011
Very solid antique store, and not dusty and boring like you are stereotyping it to be.
Great selection of anything from busts to street signs to jewelery to furniture. They have a lot of cool stuff. Prices are generally fair for an antique store. -
Review from Sherryl C.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2011 2 photos
This place is a fun and awesome place to peruse.
They had some great finds and I became inspired by their assortment of vintage telephones. They have a mix of true vintage and just plain old stuff. I even found a box of old postcards and large ziplock bag of old matchbooks with various places in LA county. I had to strongly talk myself out of buying it.
I told my husband, "next time we redecorate, we're coming back!" -
Review from Jessica L.
Santa Maria, CA
3/27/2009
Yaaaay Antique Alley! One of my favourite antique stores!
They have TONS of stuff. The store itself isn't ginormous, but they've got so much stuff packed in there, it's awesome. If you're looking for vintage jewelry, you've definitely got to have a look here, it's unbelievable.
Depending on what you're looking to purchase, some of the items here can be a little pricey. And if you see something you've just gotta have, buy it because you will NEVER see it there again. :o) There are always lots of customers when I come here, it makes for an exciting trip. Always something new!
The owners are unbelievable nice and more than helpful. They know what they're doing and are passionate about it. :o) -
Review from Debbie B.
Los Angeles, CA
9/29/2009
A must for antique-whores (like myself). There's bound to be something for everyone here. I stumbled on an amazing mid-century modern fox sculpture and got a great deal on a pair of adorable kokeshi dolls--i discovered my first ones here and have been obsessed with them ever since.
My husband found a Revere 8mm camera (circa 1940) in perfect working condition, original box, accessories and booklet--for $25!
The staff is super friendly. They'll bargain if you ask. And they'll tell you as much as they know about the items you're interested in. We were planning to hit up several antique stores in Santa Barbara that day, but after visiting A.A., there was no need. If ya gotta go antiquing anywhere in SB, this is the place. -
Review from Leona S.
Los Angeles, CA
7/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
Wow~~~!! What an awesome place!
My BF and I were just cruising on State St. and stumbled upon this store. They have SO MUCH! There are aisles and aisles of all sorts of things, jewelry, bags, shoes, clothes, maps, fans, plates, chairs, etc. Everything you can imagine! I think we spent over an hour just wandering around the store...it was really great. And the most surprising thing, everything is pretty CHEAP!
We ended up buying an old vintage fan for $12 and 2 retro sugar tins for $10! What a bargain! -
Review from Jeff P.
Palmdale, CA
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a fan of antiquing, but my wife loves it. The staff is very friendly and we did find a beautiful clock made between 1920 and 1926 which made a perfect 10th anniversary present for us. I actually enjoyed shopping around the store.
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Review from Erica C.
5/27/2010
Suuuuuch a cool store. So many different untique things ranging from clothes to jewelry to trinkets and books etc. I could literally spend all day here, looking at everything. By the time I got there, the store was about to close. bummer! But I ended up buying my dad an old book about antique Harley Davidsons. They had some amazing purses that I really wanted. OOh and they were playing old Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand music when I was there! Won me over :)
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Review from Adam B.
8/18/2009
Pretty cool antique shop situated along the main shopping drag of downtown Santa Barbara. Place has all sorts of goodies from the past. In particular I was interested in the neon beer and soda signs. From generic beer signs to more recent signs from Pyramid and the like. The selection goes past the main store area into the back and outside like many of the good antique shops do. This is a great find in an area you wouldn't really expect it. Definitely check it out when in the SB area.
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Review from Michael J.
Manhattan, NY
3/27/2011
Unbelievable selection of random stuff. You really have to look as I was told that there are a lot of different sellers in here...kind of like a swap meet and the guy even haggles with you. The music is cheesy but that just adds to the whole experience. We spent a long time in here and found some really cool things for not a lot of money!
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Review from belinda n.
Los Angeles, CA
9/8/2008
vintage clip on earring aficionados, welcome to your temple of worship..
saturday evening post collectors, here is your geekdom..
this joint has about 100 billion peices of antique jewelry, some inexpensive ($5 for a pair of earrings & $200 for a ring) but if you need to complete your packing for next years viva las vegas weekender of youre styling a photo shoot & you need clunky jewelry, you'll find everything you need here! (& then some)
they have some lovely beaded clutches, satin & suede.. raffan handbags.. lots of wicker esque easter basket type purses..
i found a fitted baby blue quarter sleeved cashmere buttonless cardigan marked down to $5 from an original $22
the price tags on their clothing are bday party invitation cards circa 1950-1970... and the descriptions are precise & informative & spot on.. (total dedication)
there were 2 old men chit chatting up a storm by the front door & one of them operated the register for my purchase..
i jumped into their chit chat & one of the peepaws mentioned the LA Times (& we're in santa barbara, mind you) did an article a couple days back about how thrift stores/ consignment shops/ vintage shops are becoming shoppers' 1st pick.. so thats cool.. total antique blood in their stream..
antique alley may seem dis organized & dusty & you might groan as you browse their "junk".. hey, you might even throw your hands up in defeat & just walk right on out of there & log back on to your ebay account..
trust me.. dont give up.. you will find something super cool in here.. it might be pricey, what ever you do find, but these shop owners are no phonies.. they live breathe shit eat & know antiques.. it actually was an honor to be in their store.
