Casa Bonampak

4.5 star rating
24 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Flowers & Gifts, Arts & Crafts, Party Supplies  [Edit]

1051 Valencia St
(between Hill St & 22nd St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 642-4079
Hours:

Mon-Sun 11 am - 7 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage, Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"a good selection of dia de los muertos arts and decor." (in 9 reviews)
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"...an 18' foot string of papel picado for the wedding and plan..." (in 7 reviews)
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"...sets from Mexico, sugar skulls and whimsical skeletons Day..." (in 3 reviews)
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24 reviews in English

  • Review from Lacy T.

    •  
    • 48 friends
    • 78 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/3/2010

    Went to Ritual after church last Sunday and saw the Dia de Los Muertos banners hanging in this shop.  How is it that I have walked down Valencia Street a meeelion times and have never been into this store?  Unfortunately it is closed on Sundays, so I had to wait until Tuesday to go back and check it out.
    I totally loaded up on a bunch of unique wedding decorations for my sister's upcoming wedding!  They are having a backyard affair and the flags and banners are going to be a great addition. I only wish I had known of this place sooner so I could have ordered some customized numbers.  
    Incredibly friendly service, great prices, and creative and unique wares.  Definitely my kind of place.  Great for decorations, jewelry, clothing, and giant flower shopping!

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Nancy C. of Casa Bonampak 9/5/2010   
    Hola Lacy! We are NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 11-6 PM. Totally… More »
  • Review from Tracey A.

    •  
    • 282 friends
    • 311 reviews

    San Anselmo, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/27/2011

    Weffy's heading off be a do-gooder in Latin America this summer and has informed me that "No, you cannot come over and visit".  Aren't teenagers great?!  My next best option is to don my blinged out  "Sexy Nica" t-shirt and head out for the Maria Elena plate at "Oye! Managua" making a pre-dinner stop at Casa Bonampak.  

    Casa Bonampak is all  hand-made fair trade goods from Latin America and is a hot little place to pick up some things that you can't find anywhere else.  Having a fiesta?  Get over here for buckets-full of day-glo colored paper flowers, hand-embroidered cotton blouses, Frida Kahlo inspired jewelry, day of the dead tchotchkes, and the piece-de-resistance:  Elaborate hand-cut paper decorations known as Papel Picados.  

    The Papel Picados can be made up in advance to say anything you want and can be made in any size or quantity desired.  They're really quite impressive and would make distinct and memorable decorations for any festive event.  They can duplicate logos and other artwork, all in brightly colored cut out paper;  It's like paper dolls as done by MC Escher.  

    Casa Bonampak has  been featured in Brides and Sunset magazines and also has an on-line store.   My only recommendation is that they should beef up the physical store so that it's overflowing with goods so luscious that I can't help from breaking out my wallet.

  • Review from Vittorio L.

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Beautiful paper crafts and Dia De Los Muertos paraphernalia are strewn throughout this store. Bright colors and oversized flowers are what originally brought me in, but once i saw the delicate Papel Picado prepacked and ready to go, I was hooked. I know where i'm heading for this next Dia De Los Muertos, or to just spice up my party / kitchen / patio with paper flags and HUGE, beautiful, paper flowers. Or maybe just for gifts. =)

  • Review from Rinky N.

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    • 485 friends
    • 721 reviews

    East Bay

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/18/2009 3 photos

    I removed my photo of the storefront from my original review since it was taken at their former location.  

    I went there with three gal pals.  I bought several sets of Papel picados--one of Che for my son, one Birthday for me (next month), one Southwest decor for a friend and one Aloha for another friend.

    Their new space is roomy and sunny. Beautiful blouses and skirts.
    Cute Che teeshirts for kids,  Handmade cards from Africa and Mexico.
    Frida Kahlo cards too.  A huge variety of papel picados (samples all hanging from the ceiing) all colorful; ranging from "Obama-nos." Gay Pride," "Love," "Peace," Quinceneras." "Mazeltov," "Wedding,"
    and more.  You can also order customize papel picados.

    They also have a wide variety of crepe flowers from tiny to huge.

    There is also a nice selection of jewelry.

    Very sweet staff.

    Listed in: Endless Birthday!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      9/15/2008

      Thanks to Steven N. and other Yelpers I added Casa Bonampak to my list of Must Do's for my Endless… Read more »

  • Review from Lauren S.

    •  
    • 406 friends
    • 676 reviews

    Stockton, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/19/2008

    I found this place via yelp, and I'm so glad that I did. I found some very beautiful papers for my room and for throughout my apartment. I love mexican folk art, especially involving Dia de los muertos so I found a supply place for myself. Awesome. It's so great that it's fair trade, and things are really well made. I bought three different paper patterns, a mini game of loteria, and some beautiful cards. I've seen more expensive products and less inexpensive product elsewhere, but I'll definitely be back.

    The staff is pretty much to themselves and gives you time to browse and will answer your questions. However I was a little bummed that it seemed a little empty in there, like they just had a bunch of people come in and buy lots and lots of stuff. I was hoping I'd find some tin art or an inexpensive nicho, but unfortunately no.

    But I told them I loved them, joined the mailing list, and went on my way.

  • Review from Leah E.

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    • 278 friends
    • 363 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/27/2009

    Got the idea from Miz Rinky that I should do a Must Do's for my Birthday Month.  Making a special trip to Casa Bonampak was part of my Birthday List.

    This place is one of a kind.  It is definitely a "Must Stop At" if visiting the Mission.  What makes it so special is that it is a one stop shop for very unique, handcrafted arts from Peru, Mexico, etc.  It is a museum in its own way.

    Casa Bonampak is well known for PAPEL PICADOS or handmade paper streamers/banners where designs are cutout by hand.  My favorite is the skeleton paper streamer. I just think its so cool!

    They have handmade sweaters for your pooch from Peru, Nativity sets from Mexico, sugar skulls and whimsical skeletons Day of the Dead style, and beautiful silver jewelry.

    If I call the items at Casa Bonampak "cute,"  it will not do them justice. They are beautiful works of art by beautiful people from beautiful countries that I hope to someday visit.  (However, I think some of the skeletons are cute.)

    The staff were nice and welcoming. I felt very comfortable browsing.

  • Review from Katie C.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 108 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/12/2008

    I love this place.  The staff doesn't harass you.  They leave you be to browse their beautiful selection of merchandise.  I personally am a collector of Day of the Dead ephemera.  They have a wonderful selection of figures to chose from.  So many, in fact, that I used to stop here when I'd had a bad day at work (and that happened A LOT at my last job) and buy myself one as a pick-me-up.  There are still many figures I would like to have if that gives you any idea of how many they have.  Most of them are pretty reasonably priced as well.  They also have a great selection of cards and postcards.  

    Update: they have changed locations. The new location is very spacious and beautifully decorated with all the same great stuff. However, I did feel like they had way less DOD figures this time when I visited, which is a bummer.

    The best part is that around Day of the Dead in October and November it's your one stop shop for sugar skull supplies, which in my experience, can be hard to find and expensive.

  • Review from crystal v.

    •  
    • 34 friends
    • 58 reviews

    San Rafael, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I love everything in this store, seeing as my fiance is Mexican I love the folk art aspect of their culture. I actually picked up my day of the dead bride and groom which I'll be using as my wedding cake topper in October. I wish they just had more jewelry and decorations in stock in the store.

  • Review from Scott P.

    Vancouver, BC

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    10/23/2008

    You can find some cool stuff in the Mission and Casa Bonampak has some of the coolest!

    I bought lots of Papei Picado in the shape of skeletons.  Very cool stuff for Halloween.  They have some of the nicest cards too. The graphics are unique and I am sure they must say something nice in Spanish but I don't read the language so I couldn't tell you.  

    If you are into skeletons you will find it here for sure.  But they do have more than just skulls.  

    Go check it out and enjoy.

  • Review from Anabelle B.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 82 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/14/2008

    I love this place!

    They have post cards, art from Chiapas, cool t-shirts, great jewelry, calacas, luchador masks, loteria, wow! you name it, they have it! If you need to buy a cool, authentic gift for someone or a little treat for yourself, visit Casa Bonampak!

  • Review from mario c.

    •  
    • 163 friends
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/14/2008

    this is what a Latino art store should be! :)

    love coming here and spending a nice Saturday to see the many different art from all Latin America; mexico, central america, south america, carribean....

    loves of cute stuff too.... so much stuff it can be overwhelming. (is this good or not?)

    the owner and staff are super nice!

    the only bad side: wish it were bigger to see even more stuff!!!

  • Review from Steve N.

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    • 221 friends
    • 457 reviews

    Pacifica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/30/2007

    One of my favorite places to shop. I love the products from Mexico and Latin America. Whether you want Dia De Los Muertos paper cutouts or Zapatista Honey they have a great selection of stuff. A very large card selection and books too. Also clothing and some really cool stickers and music you won't find anywhere else. I stop in here every couple months and always leave with some new treasure that I'm happy to have.

  • Review from Kate S.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 7 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/15/2006

    I really really enjoy going into Casa Bonampak.  The items they carry all have a certain hand-chosen feel to them which is so often missing at other boutiques or shops in the City.  More importantly than being "a good place for birthday cards" or "the sugar skull emporium" they sell their wares with the producers in mind.  They have lots of crafts made by the mujeres of Chiapas and such import substitution items as coffee and honey (more coffee than honey I guess).  Their message is of peace and freedom for the indigenous people of Chiapas, which I feel is one of importance that should be heard by many.  So yeah they sell that stuff you saw in Cancun or San Cristobal de las Casas last year but it's a little more than that.

  • Review from Cristy J.

    •  
    • 24 friends
    • 103 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2010

    Very friendly service, lots of books to peruse of haciendas, tiles, other Central American and Mexican crafts. I purchased an 18' foot string of papel picado for the wedding and plan to buy a ton more. The counter person was friendly, personable, answered all of my questions and welcomed me back to get more stuff for the big day. This Guatemalan is definitely a new loyal customer. I took off one star b/c the previous location had a lot more products on display, this one was more of an arts space. Still cool and I liked the displays a lot. Great place for Dia de los Muertos and other Latin American festivities for supplies.

  • Review from Laura G.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 33 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2009

    they are famous for their papel picado and their large dia de los muertos merchandise....however, their awesome card collection kicks ass and their various t-shirts and indigenous clothing rock.  

    the owner and staff are nice, knowledgeable and patient.

    arriba casa bonampak!

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Nancy C. of Casa Bonampak 12/8/2009   
    gracias prima More »
  • Review from Karen W.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 75 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/28/2006

    Everything I love about living in the Mission -- unique, global, positive-vibe merchandise. I can stop by here after getting off the very-nearby BART stop (at 24th) after a day at work, and I'll just feel happier. The staff is nice and don't hassle you, even if you spend 20 minutes scrutinizing childrens' ponchos and sweaters and then don't buy one because you don't have kids and have a terrible time trying to visualize clothing on your niece so aren't sure if it will fit...  (The sweaters and ponchos were very cute and some only $15-$20.) I need to go back soon and buy some of the hand-made paper flowers I saw and also maybe a Che necklace.

  • Review from Carla C.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Weed, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2009 4 photos

    All right, I am biased because this is my sister's store so, I want to give you the insider's point of view.  She is very dedicated to fair trade and working with indigenous artisans to keep the folk art in Latin American countries alive and kicking.    As stated in other reviews, there are some unique items in this store but more importantly everything that you buy helps support artisans.  If you get a chance and she is not too busy, she is a wealth of information.  She also does presentations at local schools in the Bay Area during the month of October for Day of the Dead.  If you are interested in having her speak at an event, ask her!  We are also related to Estrellita Restaurant in Los Altos and Mexxi's in San Ramon.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Nancy C. of Casa Bonampak 12/8/2009   
    thanks carla- pay u later,  nancy More »
  • Review from Adrian N.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 138 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/7/2006

    I can always rely on Bonampak to have that perfect b-day card for a friend.  I like to browse, but can't quite get myself to buy larger items.  They do have a good variety of Latino products and art.

  • Review from Michael A.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 49 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/11/2010

    I just love this place.  It's full of colorful Mexican and Latin American crafts and decorations.  My house is full of long, colorful strings of  papel picado (cut paper), gorgeous paper flowers, candy skulls and candles for my Day of the Dead altar, glass and tin hearts and other crafts.   Casa Bonampak's prices are quite modest, especially compared with the other Latin crafts stores in the Mission.  It's hard to walk down Valencia Street and not be drawn into this store.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Nancy C. of Casa Bonampak 3/23/2010   
    Thanks very much for your words Michael, they inspires us!… More »
  • Review from christine t.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/24/2008

    I had passed by this place every day on my way to work for the past three years and always thought it looked interesting.  I finally went in about two weeks ago and have gone in almost every day during lunch since.  

    The highlight for me is the selection of papel picado for every imaginable occasion.
    I also love that they have some things that don't seem to fit the theme...george bush-its (post-its) and toilet paper, for instance.  Good times!

  • Review from frisco j.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 381 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/17/2006

    whether you're into frida, rivera, che, zapatistas, dia de los muertos, this store has it. and it's authentic! you won't find any "made in china" here. owners (co-op, i think) are very nice and helpful, too. so if you're looking for an authentic and indigenous latin american folk art, cards or clothing, bonampak is a good bet as any.

  • Review from charlotte s.

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    • 93 friends
    • 1236 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/1/2007

    when i used to live in the neighborhood, i'd drop by this little store once in a while.  they have some great decorations from little dolls and zapatista dolls to handpainted figurines... a good selection of dia de los muertos arts and decor... some t-shirts, greeting cards, posters, stickers, books, sugar skulls...
    a good place to find some creative gifts or to grab a 'i heart tequila' bumper sticker...

  • Review from maiko h.

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    • 83 friends
    • 462 reviews

    El Cerrito, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/22/2005

    When I worked in SF, I was always intrigued by the shop window at Casa Bonampak--woven plastic baskets, colorful paper banners, jewelry, Day of the Dead figurines, and other beautiful objects make an enticing display.  The store is fairly small, but it's chock full of really awesome handmade crafts, mostly from Chiapas, where they pay the artisans a fair price and encourage community development.   This is a fantastic place to find unique presents, from something that costs a few bucks to items worth splurging.  If you're looking for a way to decorate your place with colorful items, you will definitely find some great art or intricately cut paper banners or great figurines for the mantel.  The most amazing items here, for me, are the Day of the Day sugar skulls (http://www.casabonampa...).  Yep, they're skulls made of sugar and decorated with brightly colored icing piped into delicate designs.  I haven't seen them being sold anywhere else, and I think they will impress the hell out of people as centerpieces for a Halloween party, or just to have around.

  • Review from Shannon C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/1/2009

    best papel picado ever! and they are Fair Trade! yes!! love their new location!

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