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Mon-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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The best part about this place is that not only do they have all of the kick ass fedoras, they've also got Irish walking hats, all sorts of drivers, throw back ball caps, and more.
I bought a great driver and old style tweed ball cap (long bill) a few months ago and they've been happily keeping my head warm all winter.
I was Cary Grant or Gregory Peck. I was in the 1940's and I was in need of a new chapeau, topper, sombrero, lid, bucket--you get tha pictcha?
Actually I was in the market for a new flat cap (they're also called newsboy caps)--my current one's over 15 years old....so I was due.
Bernie Utz Hat's is like a trip back in time. Here you get personalized service from someone who clearly knows everything there is to know about hats. I was greeted warmly, and listened to both staff members talk eloquently & knowledgeably about head covers---I never knew there was so much to know! They no their stuff.
The small store is filled to the gills with nothing but hats. Not your basic run of the mill cheap hats, but really top quality stuff. They have all types. There were many styles and types for every size. And if you are in the market for a pricey (& I assume top quality hat), they have 'em in spades.
---Are ya lookin' for that pimp derby? They got it.
---What about that swank Panama hat? Yup, that, too.
For these higher end hats, don't be surprised to see price tags above $400! Maybe one of these days I'll upgrade. I was fine with my $35 newsboy cap.
Now the store has been around since about 1934 & there have been about 3 different owners in that time. Let's hope it continues to serve the people of Seattle for another 75 years.
Bernie Utz Hats = What a treasure from another era. A solid 4.5 stars (I'll definitely be back).
Great old shop - with a wonderful selection of men's hats. Very friendly and helpful sales people - and an easy return policy.
Not Bernie, but BYRNIE. Stopped in on my last trip to Seattle and spent about an hour getting a remarkable history lesson from the proprietor on every hat I tried on. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. The staff is exceedingly helpful and patient, and I recommend going in even if you're not in the market for a hat (you will not leave the place without buying one!). The store is a relic! I went with the black porkpie!
I visit the house of Utz every time I make it to the Traffic City.
It place is pure style, and sartorial genius. Very good service, if you need it stretched, or steamed they have the skills to pay the bills. Its almost a good a John Helmer's in Portland.
Byrnie Utz is like stepping back in time to the era I should have been born in. Where shopping was an activity to be seriously attended to in emporiums dedicated to items of the finest quality. Where you could leisurely peruse endless variations of one item, elegantly presented in large glass cases with an attentive helper by your side. Where the item you finally choose suits you entirely and lasts for 30 years. This is what Byrnie Utz is like.
My gentleman caller is the proud owner of two hats from Byrnie. Both are Stetsons and made to last. When you select a hat they then spend an infinite amount of time (and patience) steaming the brim into the exact rakish angle you desire, and when they're done they stamp your initials in gold in the interior band so your hat can never be lost. They'll reshape your hat for free should you ever be caught in a particularly felt-rending hailstorm. The tools mounted to their workbench alone should be enough reason to visit. Go visit Byrnie and forget for a minute that its not 1950 outside.
Time capsule brilliance. Old people love it. Or gangstas. Hat nerds explode with glee upon entry. The staff hates you but hides it better than mafia money. Grab everything by the brim, you rube. You're welcome.
Byrnie Utz Hats selection is excellent. Old school attention to detail and service to match. After inquiring about the style I was looking for, the saleswomen talked about the price range of the style I was looking for, making me aware of the qualities and differences. My new purchase was blocked to my desire and I was instructed about how to care properly for the brim and how to store it.
I needed a special hat for a special friend. I know nothing about hats, much less the size of my friends head, so I called up the store. They told me to bring in multiple pictures of my friend and they would be able to guess his size.
I headed in there, and they immediately knew what size he would be. I described his personal style, and they helped me pick out the perfect hat. They even helped me pick out a color that would look good on him and would match a variety of outfits.
They said if he wanted a different one, or a refund they would do it no problem..at any time as long as it's still in new condition.
Great service, can't be beat. And my friend seemed quite thrilled with his new present.
This is a great store. They have a huge selection of hats at a wide range of prices. And the people who work here really seem to love hats; they know a lot about them and are passionate about helping you find one that suits you.
This place is definitely worth a visit, even if you don't think you want a hat. You never know what you might find . . .
If you're here, it's because you want a damn fine hat.
Yes, they charge full retail. Yes, their selection is more expensive than the Target knock-off that looks just like a Kangol without a kangaroo. But you aren't here to get the knock-off. You're here to get the popular British golf cap embraced by the late eighties hip-hop community. Perhaps a true Stetson suits your cowboy head-ware lust. They'll round up the selection and let you ride out with the right one.
Speaking of selection, theirs is excellent given the size of the store. And the service is fine, with a friendly staff ready to help. This stands out especially because the store is usually brimming with customers (pun intended).
Go and take a look around next time your head gets cold or lonely. You'll likely find the right hat for you, or at least get some ideas on what knock-off to hunt for next Target trip.
My husband is the proud owner of a fedora from this fine establishment. I hauled him in here one day and asked the nice folks to help him find his dream hat.
The sales staff spent a ridiculous amount of time and energy showing him hats, trying on hats, talking about hats. Subsequently, I spent a ridiculous amount of money.
The hat is worth every penny. It is a top quality hat and he looks hot, hot, hot in it.
Large selection of hats--not baseball--in many sizes and shapes. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.
Have you ever lost a hat? Well, by living in Seattle and having a bald head...you won't lose the hat you bought at Byrnie Utz Hats very easily! It goes like this....I go into a bar, and eventually come outside. Since this is Seattle ...the rain on my bald head tells me I left my hat in the bar. In I go, retrieve my chapeau and Voila! life is good again.
Byrnie Utz has any type of hat you need from a Beret to Indiana Jones Fedoras to Johnny Depp-like hats and even summer straws. A quality hat is not cheap so choose your hat with care...the sales people will help, gladly.
They get 5 stars for selection and knowledge of the owners.
They get 2 stars for the young, poser punks who make up the rest of the staff.
They get 5 stars for having a damn cool name.
Well worth a visit for the history and one of the best hat selections anywhere. (Not so strong on the western side, but there are plenty of places where you can find those.) Bring your wallet, a good hat isn't cheap, but its worth it.
If you are a hat guy, you owe it to yourself to check this place out!
I've never been here, but it was on NPR today:
http://www.publicbroad...?
action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1208369§ionID=5
The way you want a store to be run, one on one with all your questions answered. Knowledgeable staff. In the same location since 1939. My experience there trying out different hats lasted well over an hour before I picked one and they made it fit perfectly. Prices are average for a dedicated hat shop. Great selection. Street parking can be a bit trying.
the best place for hats. The staff is very knowledgeable. I bought a panama hat (125.00) last June. I bought e really nice fedora (85.00) today. I was in the store for a long time....I wanted just the right hat...I felt like the person helping me had nothing better than to answer all my stupid questions...and gave me really helpful info to help select the right hat. I think stores used to be run this way back in the day. prices range from $10.00 up to....well you DO have top pay for quality!!!
Stores like this *almost* make me wish that I lived in Seattle. From the outside I was hesitant to enter, as I had imagined everything would be too expensive for me to afford. Luckily I decided to take a peek inside and see what the situation was. This place has a fantastic selection of hats and caps, and many of them are extremely reasonably priced! The staff was very helpful in helping me find the exact hat I was looking for, and even suggested one that was less expensive than the one I was about to buy!
If you're looking for something to keep your brain from freezing, Byrnie Utz's better be one of the first places on your list.
Utz carries a huge selection of high quality hats that you just aren't going to find elsewhere in Seattle - Fedoras, Trilbys, porkpies, Hombergs, caps, Panamas, even boaters.
Customers services is attentative, and competant, if not particularly friendly.
Prices are Nordstrom-esque - not cheap, but you are paying for high quality. The caps and Panamas I was looking at were all in the $60-$80 range. Expect to pay a lot more for fur-felt Borsalinos or genuine Italian boaters.
I have to disagree specifically with Ian K.'s review. I had almost the indentical experience only three weeks later. I too bought a newsboy cap; I too found it too small to wear after a day at home. However I brought mine back and they exchanged it with no problems at all.
I bought a handsome Panama instead.
Ok, Seattle, bring on the rain! I know we were supposed to get some today. I have my rain hat at the ready! I've been looking everywhere for a suitable hat that is stylish and functional. I almost gave in and bought this ridiculous thing at REI, but I held out. I knew that I could find something that wouldn't make me cringe. Thank you Byrnie Utz Hats!! I even found something not MIC. It cost a little more but it was worth it.
Hats!!! I love hats!!! They have everything from Stetson to Kangol, but more of a Stetson-like selection. You can find that perfect Indiana Jones top or that Cowboy hat you've always dreamed of. My next big hat purchase will definitely be at Byrnie's.
Neighborhood: Central District
Category: Bridal
Neighborhood: Wallingford
Category: Bakeries
