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Category: Hardware Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Nob HillMon-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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There is something about this place that screams "neighborhood" and "Polk Street". It has this friendly Mr. Rogers feel, without any weird thoughts about the land of make believe.
I was instructed to go here to replace my keys after losing them in only the most proper of Yelp ways by getting smashed at Bay to Breakers and abandoning them in Golden Gate Park with my wallet, my bottle opener, my memory and my Yelp bag snagged at the Christmas party last year. Yeah, after acquiring a master set from my landlord, I went and took a trip to Brownies. The staff here seems to be that rare breed of people that legitimately enjoy their job to a certain degree and aren't afraid to go that extra mile. I know because this nice guy named Steve spent at least 8 minutes looking for a key that would work with the one I brought him. During that eight minutes I did some mental planning for all these dream do it yourself projects as I mentally shopped down the aisles. I also pointed out to John H. the power tools I had boughten my mother over various holidays and birthdays. I know. You buy your mom flowers and candy, I buy my mom a cordless drill and a jigsaw.
Still I also did some people watching and noticed virtually everyone who walked in (and if you know San Francisco and you know Polk Street you know how umm, colorful and diverse Polk Street can get). The staff was pleasant and accommodating to everyone who walked on in helping all those DIY people go out and accomplish their tasks/ projects at hand. It's nice to see that this place is a crossroads for the hipsters, the homemakers, the elderly, the young, the underpaid and the overdressed and nice to see an independent "I can fix it" spirit in all walks of life. But for my own selfish needs...
Cheers to helping me recover a morning of debauchery for $2.71!
I do not know jack about painting my apartment, so I went to Brownies. I'm now properly armed to paint my dingy 22 years old living room walls. Yes, we've never painted the living room in 22 years and yes, it looks like a derelict room, especially with the colored paint swatches.
Brownies is a treasure on Polk Street, I love them, they have everything you need, many things you don't (not now anyway) and a great staff to help you.
Brownies! I love thee!
THE OWNER GIVES NO AUTONOMY TO EMPLOYEES TO MAKE A JUDGEMENT CALL ON LOCAL CUSTOMERS THAT THEY SEE ALMOST DAILY...MAYBE THIS SHOULD CHANGE AS IF HE DOESN'T SEE HOW MANY THEY RUN OFF WITH THESE POLICIES............
I mean really, everything in there is a "tool" by definition-used to transport cups of coffee-shower curtains-a tool to move air-a tool to vacumn-a tool is ANYTHING used to DO ANYTHING......except when you use this owner-set doesn't trust his employees to recog local customers and blanket denial policy.............
WOW...talk about a nazi return policy!
This is the second time in the 5 years I have lived in the neighborhood and visited with the mostly friendly staff that I have returned something.I came in WITH a receipt clearly indicating I paid cash..and been told Oh that's a tool-we don't allow returns on cheap pine stepladders,obviously unused without a single mark on it anywhere at all, because that's a TOOL...the first time was for an extended shower rod still in the original shrink wrapping----------WTF????Also obviously UNUSED!!!
Keep the money, Brownie's--- there are too many hardware stores in this area-within a half-block actually!!!! to be treated in such an unfriendly manner.
It's certainly not Nordstrom's of the hardware business---you're a local urban hardware store--and I'm not a contractor or a builder.....just a former customer.I have bought Vornados from you,three of them.....paint--gallons of it at your upmarked prices.......untold small purchases--50 golf umbrellas once for a catered event when it started raining unexpectedly...and many untold purchases over the years.
Larry-I'll miss your always astute advice but I refuse to patronize a store that recognizes-and greets- me as a neighborhood frequent shopper/customer, yet acts like I stole the ladder or built a mansion with a 5 foot $40 virgin unmarked pine stepladder and am trying to scam my "once upon a time"friendly neighborhood store.
Real. Friendly. Fast.
Larry is the man. He keeps it real, schools you (kindly) in whatever it is you need (or DON'T need), and doesn't push you to buy anything.
The prices are reasonable, and quite frankly, I wouldn't mind paying a little more for the service and knowledge I get from Brownies!
Yay for reliable places and thank goodness for Brownies!
Hint! Can park in side garage for 30 minutes for free with validation!
I feel like I've been throwing a lot of 5-star reviews around lately and I think I know part of the reason: My recent apartment hunt and subsequent signing of a lease on a new place have made me feel like I'm in the middle of a second honeymoon with San Francisco. Like I've renewed my vows and am feeling the excitement of new love all over again. I've even found myself wandering around like a tourist sometimes and spying things I'd never noticed before.
Another reason is that I've been experiencing improved customer service just about everywhere I go. Perhaps the economy has prompted businesses to up their service standards?
Well, when it comes to Brownies, the service has ALWAYS been there. I've been spending more time and dollars there than ever these days, getting my new apartment spruced up, and every time I enter I am reminded of what a terrific little store it is. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff, comprehensive inventory and fair prices. If I were to list 10 places that embody "San Francisco" for me, Brownies would be near the top of the list.
Support your local small businesses!
Good local hardware store. Prices are reasonable and the staff is always willing to help you find anything you need. I'm a fan!
Brownie's always has what I need. If it's some strange little gadget, or something that everyone needs, they have it. They are always helpful, I never have to wait for help.
I love to browse the shelves too, because they always have things that I didn't know about, things I didn't know that I needed, but now want or have since bought from them. Such a great store! AND they deliver! Which is good to know if I ever need to have something delivered. You know how it sucks to ride on the bus or walk up 3 or 4 blocks of hills carrying large bulky items. Delivery is a MUST!
Full of cool stuff and the staff is very knowledgable and HONEST! One guy actually advised me to go somewhere else to get a specialty craft paint they didn't carry (for jewelry). Nice that they have customer's best interests at heart. Definitely won my loyalty.
Cute hardware store with a cute name, Brownies!
It's not a very big hardware store, but we were able to find what we needed. It seems more like a convenience store, but it is indeed a hardware store. I picked up some chips too! ...something nice we could snack on while we worked!
Super nice and helpful staff! Thanks, I will be back!
The folks at Brownies are informative and helpful. I need to give them some credit.
BUT, there are three hardware stores in a two block radius and oddly, all offer something different. Suffice it to say. I like Nob Hill Hardware for the "real" stuff, and I like Brownie's for the rest.
I didn't learn a damn thing from Tim the Toolman Taylor.
I thought my years of watching Home Improvement would've taught me some basics, but after scrounging my mind on some home repair issues, I realized that I basically filled my head with a lot of " Ar Ar ARRRR!"
LUCKILY, the 'mom' of Brownies helped me out. (Lets just say her knowledge of home repair was Impressive)
I was able to grab some fixtures, bolts and was able to completely remodel my entire apt in a few hours. Yup, just like that.
Put down new Nicaraguan wood floors, Italian Granite for my kitchen, and was able to add a nice cedar wrap around deck to my 20 sq foot Bachelor Pad. Exactly.
Tim, you suck. (but your show was pretty cool....)
Recently I needed a small piece of wood to secure a loose kitchen cabinet. While Brownies stocks lumber, they also have a 'scrap bin' of wood cuttings that had the small piece i needed for free! I only paid for wood screws and glue. Spend your money here.
I used to come here with my grandfather who managed a building in the hood. (Brownie's was across… Read more »
A perfect store!
They have everything, from ramekins, soap, funny gifts, tools and other great household items to bus passes, a key maker, etc.
I did a lot of my Christmas shopping there, and tend to go in when I walk by. The staff is extremely friendly and thorough, and always point me in the right direction.
I adore this place. Everything you need and more! The staff are incredibly willing and helpful. On the offchance you get a dud, go for the dude that mans the front desk-- he's awesome and is practically a mind reader. Seriously, I've walked up to him with a question and he's literally guessed what I wanted before I got to my description.
They even sell bus passes, so you don't have to feel like you're supporting the Walgreens-Owns-San-Francisco conspiracy when you pick up your monthly Muni card.
Oh yeah! Even if you're not walking difference, they validate your parking at the garage next door-- win/win!
Drawbacks: Like most mom & pop-style stores, it's a bit more expensive than, say, Target. But hey, it's SF, it has what you need with people who will help you find it, and it's close to your house.
Brownies has a huge selection at great prices! The staff is friendly, welcoming and helpful. This is a great place to pick up tools, kitchen goods, and other miscellaneous household items. If you are in the area, definitely stop by Brownies before trying your other options; chances are they have what you are looking for at the best price.
A San Francisco institution! If you can't find it any place else try Brownies! Staff is attentive and knowledgeable, and their prices can't be beat!
I called in advance to see about a plumbing adapter that I needed today. The call was handled politely and gave me the info I was looking for. When I came by minutes later Tony helped me. He got me the part I needed and I was done in about 2 minutes. This is a no-brainer decision for me next time I need a hardware store.
Brownie's is the corner hardware store that has it all. They've saved me in a bind many a time.
Not only do they have anything and everything you need for the house, but they are also super friendly and can answer just about any question you have (confirming the mini-internet searches and DIY videos).
Some notable perks: you can rent equipment in the back, such as an electric drill for dirt cheap, have a great referral system (I got a handywoman to help me with some household patches) and coupons in the mail if you keep your eyes open.
My only gripe is that they don't stay open late which is when I'd actually have the time to hop in for things/advice.
They delivered our freshly mixed paint to our new apartment's doorstep! That's a wonderful service when the only other option is to walk 10+ blocks with six cans of paint.
One thing that big box shops like Home Depot have an impossible time emulating is that neighborhood corner store/ family run/ all smiles destination. This place embodies that one thing. The people who work here are extremely friendly. People walk down the aisles asking if there's anything they can help you with. There are always two people at the front counter waiting to check you out. The employee to customer ratio is seemingly very low. They will take the time to answer your question. They will offer up additional information that may impact your experience there. Case in point -
This morning we go get some keys made. We like the shiny cute keys in the front, you know the ones that have patterns etc. We end up choosing an Oakland A's key and a SF 49ers key. As he takes our keys and walks over to the key making counter, he says, "just wanted to make sure you knew that the other designer keys are $2.99, but the sports ones are a little more, they're $4.99... is that ok?" I smile, yes of course, thanks so much for making sure that we knew.
I'm having a Daria flashback. Does anyone remember the voice of Daria's English teacher Mr. O' Neill? So calm and polite, yet sickly sweet and almost unbelievably kind. That's the voice I heard walking into Brownie's for a door hinge and the basic odds and ends. I had two hours to kill whilst waiting for the older sibling to come out of Lasik eye surgery.
Right away I get greeted by an older gentleman who guides me in the basics of hinges and the man knows his stuff! (yay!) I love how they're all wired to each other through Motorola headsets so one can get the other right away for a question or location on an item.
They have tools for rent cheaper than Home Depot and they have school supplies and baking supplies too! They're not as eclectic as the Fillmore Hardware but this is more of a "man's man" type of hardware store if there could be a textbook version of one.
Each employee was friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. Kudos gentleman. Kudos.
If Cheers were a hardware store, it would be Brownies.
Hands down the best hardware store on Polk.
Friendly and very knowledgeable staff.
I've been coming here forever and they all know my name.
Upon hearing from tenants in my apartment that a shady prowler was spotted and driven out of our building, I ran to Brownies to DIY some extra securrrity.
Deep in the lock aisle I happened to drop eaves on an elderly shopper relating to a salesman details of his large, stony bowel movements and his recent doctor-recommended high protein & fiber diet. I think he was confused about what kind of plumbing problems he needed to inform the hardware professional to correct a low-pressure toilet. The salesman remained extremely understanding and betrayed no signs of comedic recognition in the man's three minute scatalog. While I kneeled grabbing my guts and stifling my laughter I could not help but respect Brownies' sheer no-nonsense approach to selling hardware.
Funny little anecdote aside, this is a great neighborhood hardware store - great service, fine selection of essential hardware, and at near-home depot prices. My go-to as long as I live in Nob Hill.
Service. Service. Service. Service.
When you move into a new place in the city, you are constantly buying little things here and there on a daily basis for a while. My roommate and I went in here in search of a few random things for our apt and walked out happy customers. The two men that helped us were SO friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. They offered advice on how to improve our old showerhead and how to fix my roomie's ugly bedroom lighting situation (lets just say the light was stuck in the 1980's). If you have questions about random household things, go here! They are great!
Any piece or part,
Few merchants sell what we need,
1-0-4 this year!
im a little obsessed with this place. its not very big, but they have just what im looking for...and they're SUPER friendly. And patient.. I ask alot of questions. hey its home improvement ;) me with drill?!?! LOL.
So yesterday Im in the market to paint my room...Thank god the associate talked some sense into me, to do the lighter shade... HAHA ;) he was totally right it was perfect!
Great neighborhood hardware store, with everything from lumber, to plumbing supplies, to windshield wiper fluid, to kitchen utencils.
The store is pretty tiny, but they manage to pack in a ton of useful things - pretty much anything your average city dweller could possibly need. Also, they rent power tools, which comes in very handy when you need a drill on the fly!
When the place is busy it can be tough to find an employee, but the staff is always helpful, friendly, and willing to spend time with you to make sure you get what you need.
I love coming here to get my keys made and pick up things for the house. The guys who work here take the time to ask how your day is going and suggest DIY toosl to make your project go smoother.
I absolutely love this place. Although their prices are generally a little higher than the big box stores, I'd rather pay a little more to shop here because the staff here are so friendly and knowledgeable, and always try to help you find the right things or suggest ideas that will make things work. I'm so glad not all neighborhood hardware stores have been swallowed up by Home Depot or Lows.
I decided I needed one of those rolling carts. You know--the ones that are very popular among the elderly. (Seriously, having to lug all your clothes up a hill to the laundromat in a plastic laundry basket SUCKS.)
To be honest, I hadn't thought much about where I would actually find one of these carts, but I had passed Brownies while walking to Van Ness. Since it was a hardware store that would probably carry a cart I could use, it's close to my apartment, and their name reminded me of dessert, I figured they would be awesome.
I was right. The service here is great. I found the cart I wanted, but it came in red (which I'm not really a fan of). They told me they might have some other ones in the back, so they went to go look for it. When they found it, they offered to assemble it for me too! While I was waiting for them to put it together, I was asked at least 3 different times if I needed any assistance. The people really know their customer service. The prices aren't too bad either!
Just like another reviewer said, I was inspired to start some of my own DIY projects. One of these days when I have time, I will hit Brownies up again.
A big shout to the guys who helped honey lady out with some keys. there place is FULL of stuff, and they seem to know what there doing and selling. I will say the next time someone comes in with a key that says, " do not copy", they shouldn't....
But being another neighborhood store they fit right in with warmth, and ecliptic banter.
Brownie's is the local hardware store that has almost everything from space heaters to vacuum bags to fast passes. If they don't have something, they will suggest another place. Extremely helpful and attentive. You can tell some of the employees have been there forever, which I love. Makes it like the 5 and 10 cent store.
They even validate parking. Bad thing is they close early.
My dog is welcome, they always give her treats from behind the counter.
The selection of stuff is ok, could be better but they are so helpful and nice here. The prices are comparable if not slightly lower than some other places nearby. I like this hardware store, they have never disappointed me.
I like Brownie's just fine, and I'm there often enough. The staff is really helpful, and they pack a decent selection into a pretty small store. And when I had to return a pack of pigeon spear strips (which I was using for their anti-hobo properties, not their anti-pigeon properties), they did it with no problems at all.
My one gripe with Brownie's is that they close early on weekends. Early as in 6 p.m. Brownie's clearly knows that's too early, because during the week they don't close until 7. Any sharp retailer should also know that people do more shopping on weekends, thus it makes no sense whatsoever to close EARLIER on weekends than on weekdays.
C'mon, Brownie's, do the right thing: stay open and let me shop here on my way to tasty Indian food a little further down the block. Don't be a hater.
I love this place! It meets my 2 top criteria for a store: It has (almost) everything I ever need, no matter how obscure, & the staff are helpful, friendly, & know their stuff. I don't live in the neighborhood, but I go there whenever I can just because it's such a great store & I hope it lasts forever!
My favorite Brownie's story: I was looking for a TV cable connector & asked if they had male-to-male hookups. "Of course! This is Polk Street!"
It's my neighborhood hardware store and I'm grateful for it. Anything I need answered is given great attention. Some go out of their way to go above and beyond my needs. I appreciate it. Especially at a time when customer service seems practically non-existent most everywhere.
What's not to love about Brownie's? The folks working here aim to please and go out of their way to help you with a home repair project, locate a hard-to-find item, and keep you smiling while you pay. The store is small and the aisles are a tight squeeze, but it's well worth the maneuvering for not needing to trek out of town to a bigbox store or send your $$ directly to the man. Yes, the prices are a little bit higher but I'm happy & willing to pay more to a friendly place that I can walk to.
As for complaints about weekend hours: would you want to be working after 6pm on a Saturday? Didn't think so. You probably don't want to be doing home repair or cleaning either, so shop early!
I always knew cleaning was a worthless task. Things just get messy again, and besides that things break. OK, maybe it's more that I break things, but whatever. And so it went--Brita pitcher, flying through the air; Brita pitcher, lying on the floor; Brita pitcher, working nevermore. "Noooooo," I gasped, "noooo...Curse you cleaning, CURSE YOU!"
Dejected over my recent loss, I went to Brownie's for a worthy replacement, and I left that day without buying a single thing. For that, they get *F*I*V*E* fabulous stars!
I'll explain: These people are the antithesis of the scummy car salesman. There I was, all set with shiny new Brita in hand, going to checkout. Suddenly, the employee who helped me get it off the shelf (yeah, yeah, I'm short, but it was at the very TOP) called out, "Wait, let me see that." He continued, "I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but you can get one for ten bucks less at the place down the street."
I stared at him, blinking for a moment. I didn't understand. Was he helping me save money by directing me to another store? Did I just have a Progressive Insurance moment? Yes folks, I did. And for that, I can say Brownie's is the best pal a gal could ever have: honest, trustworthy, and reliable. There's a reason this place has been in business for over a 100 years. And I'll be coming to Brownie's again for sure, because I know they've got my back.
When I just arrived to the San Francisco are, I found that store right in front of my house and sales people were really helpful.
Not only they assisted me with finding stuff, but also advised on where to find something else I was looking for.
1 star minus - they didnt have something that I came there for. :)
Over the past several years Brownie's has let go of many of the 'old pros' that made this store so good (supposedly over health insurance). The new staff means well, but know very little about hardware and nothing about plumbing or electrical work. there is a steady and noticeable staff turnover. The True Value across the street is bigger, cheaper, and has many low cost housewares that people seem to like (hitting Brownie's in the pocket).
Tip: In their favor, Brownie's still cuts wood (even if it is overpriced). They also rent tools, ladders, and carpet cleaners.
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Category: Hardware Stores
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