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Ellis Ace Hardware
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Hardware Stores Hardware Stores [Edit]
5424 Martin Luther King Jr Way(between 54th St & 55th St)
Oakland, CA 94609
Neighborhood: North Oakland
(510) 653-4365
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm
Sat 8 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Founded in the late 1880's, Center carries a complete line of commercial and industrial supplies and hardware. Center services a diverse collection of… read more »
62 reviews for Ellis Ace Hardware
Review Highlights
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"All the men and women are very helpful." In 5 reviews -
"I dislike both Home Depot and Lowes." In 19 reviews -
"...parts house you just walk up to the counter and get hooked..." In 6 reviews
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62 reviews in English
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Review from Allie S.
3/26/2012
I am jealous of how much meaning the employees here have in their lives. THEY ARE SO HELPFUL AND WONDERFUL.
Graffiti removing magic stuff? HERE. All the copies of keys in the world in 2 min? HERE. Machetes? YES OF COURSE. Weird coveralls? DUH.
If you overlook this place and go to Home Depot, you deserve the hassle and you suck.Listed in: Walking distance
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Review from Mutant O.
Berkeley, CA
3/10/2012
High density.
Before I'd entered the store, I was greeted by two staff people arranging the sidewalk displays, and they were each smiling. (Smile density.)
On entering the store, I was immediately engulfed by shelves and shelves of all manner of products. (Product density.)
And just as quickly, someone called out to me, "Can I help you find something?" My purchase was quickly rung up, and I was on my way. (Efficiency density.)
High density, and in a very good way. -
Review from Susie W.
3/4/2012
This store transported me to another time and made me realize where the word "stockist" comes from. You pretty much ask for what you want and they get it. Totally friendly and you can open a line of credit just a tab in a bar, in case you need other people buying stuff on behalf of you.
My Home Depot loyalist construction guy was delighted a $40 piece of equipment cost just the same here.
Just took off 1 star for being closed Sunday + as it is kind of cramped for when you do want to peruse the few aisles they have. However I am so happy I discovered Ellis Ace! -
Review from solell s.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 3/31/2012
I have been going to Ellis for years, paying more then at Home Depo, feeling OK about that because it was a local place but today has turned me off and I will now start saving money by shopping elsewhere. We bought a large sheet of window glass and as my partner took it to the car a gust of wind snapped it in two. I went back in to get another and explained what happened and asked with a laugh if they would give a discount and was told no. I was speechless, glass is one of their biggest mark-ups.
They should have placed an X of tape across the glass and I wished that my partner had thought to ask them to do it...We have noticed that the man in the couple is very helpful, but the woman is different, they seem to be sort of "good cop, bad cop" . I have gotten bad advice there on several projects and purchased the wrong material on the advice of the clerks.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/29/2011
I live near here and that makes me very lucky. These people are helpful however they have given me… Read more »
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Review from Nique F.
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
You wouldn't believe how difficult it is going through life without a screwdriver. A hammer can be easily substituted for a sturdy boot, but a screwdriver is a whole different animal. Try to twist those suckers out with a knife and you'll understand why every town needs a hardware store.
I was desperate to get these antique turquoise knobs on my new dresser (brushed pewter knobs - perish the thought!). Yelp pointed me to Ellis Hardware, just around the corner from my house - what luck! I would much rather patronize a shop with a person's name in it than a big box monstrosity like Home Depot. This would be fun...
I walked in and suddenly felt like Goldie Hawn in Housesitter - a total city slicker, in my leopard coat and red high heels (ok, it was a lace cardigan and white loafers) nervously scanning the shelves for my beloved screwdriver, feeling lost and overwhelmed by the abundance of burly men in dirty Carharts who knew these crowded aisles like the back of their weathered hands. Within seconds, the friendly clerk spotted my panicked face and asked the obvious, rhetorical question "Can I help you find anything, Miss?" Ah, I love being called Miss.
He was wonderful. I explained my troubled, screwdriver-less existence and he came back with a variety of options: the slotted, the flat-head, the multi-sized changeable, the electric. For a buck a piece, I took home two. You never know what kind of screwing you'll need to do, right? They rung me up on what might as well have been an antique cash register. Smiles all around. Friendly farewells exchanged. The simple pleasure of getting exactly what you need...priceless.
I can't wait until my next tool emergency! Now, off to buy some new knives...Listed in: East Bay Errands, Old Timey, Quick Style
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Review from Jenn S.
Oakland, CA
12/10/2011
This place is awesome.
All I needed were screws for the license plates on my car. Went to Home Depot for them. Figured out what size they were but couldn't find the actual screws, so we asked a guy for help. The guy tested it out on their little screw sizer (exactly what I had done) and got me my screws. Bought them, went outside....and they didn't fit. Didn't feel like dealing with returning a dollar worth of screws, so I went to Ellis Ace.
Rex helped me out - took one look what size they were (not what the Home Depot guy said AFTER testing it). Got me my screws. Went outside and tested them but they didn't work. Perplexed. Went inside, Rex came outside, took a look and told me that I'd fine if I used a wrench. My front plates had a plastic frame, which required different screws - Rex went back inside, got different screws, tested them out to make sure they worked, and I was set to go.
This place his amazing customer service, and they seem to really know their stuff. Definitely coming back here and staying away from Home Depot. -
Review from Matt K.
Alamo, CA
11/2/2011
I would recommend people STAY AWAY from here!
Didn't have a great experience here..
I purchased a DieHard jumper pack (portable battery you use to jump a car) thinking this was what I needed to get my car working, but it was not (I needed a new starter and this did nothing to help my car).
Well I went to return it and was told I couldn't as they pointed to the sign saying no returns on "tools". Well, I figured that since when I purchased this item, it was already open (the seal saying to charge before using was broken) and it was not really a tool (especially purchased from a hardware store). The clerk brought the owner to see if they would return it and after he thought about it for a few minuets decided to not return the item even after I explained that the product was already open before I purchased it and was probably returned by someone else.
He then proceeded to get his wife involved as they teamed up on me explaining how it was a tool and how I was stupid to not have read the sign. Oh by the way they never gave me a receipt either or said anything about not being able to return the item when I purchased this. Usually return policies are on the receipt..
I then proceeded to go outside to the sidewalk and talk to my father on the phone.
What happened after is uncalled for. The male owner followed me outside and said that it was a federal crime to tell anyone that I was unsatisfied with his business and I was not allowed to stand on the sidewalk because he paid the city for usage of it?!?!
Then his wife and son? came out as they proceed to barrage me with threats and physically pushed me off the sidewalk into the street.. I would have called the cops if I didn't have to get back to work.
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE SERVICE there!!! -
Review from Youngbok P.
Oakland, CA
4/23/2012
Horrible customer service. You walk in and looks like a junk yard. Bought a tool and wanted to return it because it was so nioisy and did not perform well. They said no. There's nothing written on the receipt about no return nor the clerk mentioned anything. They said here is a. Sign. Could not see it because they had million other signs hanging in the front of the store. Owner was very rude and impolite. Never go there again. Horrible...
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Review from Hally J.
San Jose, CA
7/27/2011
Ellis Ace Hardware has almost everything you could possibly want! I really love this place.
1. Lots of space in the parking lot. Great!
2. I think all hardware stores should be like this. :P
3. The workers are friendly and nice. Not the forcing-a-smile type.
4. Awesome prices.
5 stars! -
Review from Ida F.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 2/21/2012
When I first came here, it was 10 minutes past closing time, and I made the mistake of going to a different Ace, the one in El Cerrito. I thought a "bigger" Ace would be better. Silly me. I had such an awful time with the manager at that store, please see their reviews, so I don't have to hash it out again.
when I returned to this store, at an earlier hour, I got polite, dare I say, cheerful service. Wow, they were so nice. Paul in particular. He got me what I needed in 2 minutes or less. When I went back this week someone else helped me. A woman, and I'm sorry I didn't get her name. She found what I needed, quickly. Another pleasant exchange. I will never go back to that El Cerrito Ace. This one is it for me. Everyone in there is great. totally different energy. People are happy. They are kind. There's enough bad vibes in the world. Shop here and be pleased.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/1/2012
When I first came here, it was 10 minutes past closing time, and I made the mistake of going to a… Read more »
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Review from Dan W.
Emeryville, CA
9/20/2011
Hot damn! You just hand them a list of what you need and they get it for you?!
For all of us who have agonizingly paced back and forth through the big box looking for the right part, here's the solution right here. Really feels like a trip back in time; excellent service. Staff seems very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects -
Review from Jenn C.
6/20/2011
Ellis Ace Hardware is the place you go when you want someone to consult on your project or to do some work for you. I had a table that needed new screws to keep the legs from getting wobbly - instead of spending an hour looking at 800 options at OSH or Home Depot, I fortunately went to Ellis Ace - and they sorted me out in under 5 minutes for less than two bucks. I am not kidding.
My cheapass landlord has procrastinated on replacing my screens which are suffering solar deterioration - but finally relented and said I could take it off the rent. He suggested Ellis Ace - and after calling a few other places - this is where I went. All the other places wanted twice as much and offered 1 week turnaround times. Ellis Ace had my two screens done for $49.95 in 3 hours.
Everyone there is very nice & knowledgeable - if you don't know what it is you need exactly, go to Ellis Ace first - you'll be glad you did. You'll save all sorts of time and money! -
Review from Tia L.
Oakland, CA
9/11/2011
These people are the greatest. They have everything you need, they are friendly, KNOWLEDGEABLE, and will accommodate your every need. I've been to them when working on various projects, from woodworking to PVC structuring. Also awesome prices, and they only sell you what you need.
Don't be fooled by the small storefront interior. They have everything behind the counter, and service is their focus. Genuine, friendly service. If you were going to go to Home Depot or Lowes or whatever chain store exists in the area, you should come here instead. -
Review from julie m.
Oakland, CA
1/10/2011
Personally, I think every hardware store should be designed like this, with essentially the entire store behind a counter of eight helpful staff available to run off and procure whatever you request. The employees are like eight hardware genies in the Ali Baba Hardware cave, going, "Your wish is my command, as long as it has to do with tools." Which is great for me, because I know nothing about hardware... well, I know nothing about many, many things, and things-hardware-related easily account for 27% of that vacuum. So to walk into a hardware store and literally be prevented from accessing it (and thereby wandering the aisles unproductively for thirty minutes) is dreamy.
Look, I know I'm not cool. I know the trend these days is for everyone to know how to do everything themselves. I know I'm supposed to have my own set of tools and know what every one of the wrenches is used for. I know I'm supposed to know how to fix my own bike. And I'm supposed to be growing my own food and then making my own jams and shearing my own sheep and knitting my own clothes, a la the whole DIY / Urban Farmstead movement thing happening around here. Which I'm fascinated by. And a little frightened.
Because, I confess, I'm not planning on learning how to do any of those things. I sort of still want to just walk into a business and ask for something and then leave with it in my hands. And you may say that this practice contributes to and perpetuates an economic system based on capital in which everything in nature becomes an object or resource to be managed and manipulated for profit. Which, okay, you have a point.
But I'm also contributing to and perpetuating a world with genies in it!
Five stars! -
Review from Oliver B.
Oakland, CA
1/1/2012
One of my favorite Hardware stores, anywhere. Always greeted right away with a smile and extremely helpful service. Never feel like you are asking a stupid question, even when you are, and everyone there really knows what they are talking about.
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Review from george t.
Oakland, CA
12/17/2011
A classic old-school hardware store. Old-school as in 1920s, pre-supermarket style. The aisles are behind the front desk, and you just go up to the nice clerks and tell them what you need. It's fast, you get great advice, and they have everything. The best part--if you need to browse, they let you behind the desk. Like your a real pro.
Alternatively, you could go to Home Depot in Emeryville, get caught in hella traffic, and spend half an hour looking for an orange vest surrounded by less than three people. Your call. -
Review from Adam V.
Oakland, CA
6/8/2011
This place rocks. They carry most everything I need, and they're close enough to home that I can walk there in less than ten minutes - handy!!
There's just something so cool about walking in, describing what you need or showing a sample, and then waiting or browsing while the -extremely- polite and helpful staff go about the business of finding what you need. No giant store to be lost in, no desolate aisles with zero staff to help you with questions. It's like the anti-home depot.
The selection of products they carry could be a little broader and a little more in depth, but honestly, they always have more or less what I've needed, so that's a minor quibble. I've got no complaints. I've gone there lots of times before, and I anticipate going there many times again in the future. -
Review from Ninotchka L.
Oakland, CA
9/9/2011
I always feel like I've stepped into Mayberry, RFD when I walk in here...and I love it. EVERYone is helpful and kind, and you don't have to LOOK for anything, you just tell them what you want, and they go find it for you, in this weird maze of shelves behind the counter. It's awesome. Once I was using this 2 part apoxy I just bought and was having trouble (I am an artist, impatiently gluing some work as I sat on the sidewalk) and somebody came out to help, right there on the side walk. They are just great.....the only place I go when I need hardware-y stuff.
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Review from Grace C.
10/2/2010
1. Free spacious parking lot (though entrance is on a side street and if you're coming north from 980, you end up entering the wrong way if you're turning from MLK).
2. Well staffed counter service
3. Knowledgeable, friendly workers who can tell me the pro's and con's of two top ant killer products (one brand will actually attract ants, but if you tip it over, the liquid is a pain to clean up; the other brand works well and there is no mess).
4. Total time spent in store: Five minutes start to finish. -
Review from Liz W.
Berkeley, CA
10/2/2011
The employees are friendly, knowledgeable, and fast! I got keys made, a new lightbulb, and a ratchet strap (they came out to my car to check the size for me) on a saturday morning in 7 minutes!
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Review from melissa r.
Oakland, CA
5/21/2008
Us: "We need something to get rid of foxtails in our yard. We've got a dog and foxtails are the spawns of hell to dogs."
Them: "Let's see... be right back."
Us: "Whoa, It's like, 90 degrees outside and it's probably like, 105 in here. I feel bad for the crew stuck in here."
Them: "Here you go. It's not specifically for ''foxtails", but it'll kill anything."
Us: "Anything? We really need to make sure there are no foxtails in our yard. You say this'll work?"
Them: "It'll kill anything. Just keep your dog out of the yard for a couple days afterwards. Be careful where you spray and avoid the nice plants or grass you have because, it'll kill anything."
Us: "Um, sure. We'll take it, as long as it kills the foxtails."
I've been too scared to use the product. What if I'm the cause of The Host becoming a reality in America? I can't handle that kind of responsibility or shame.
Anyone interested in ridding our yard of foxtails in a safer way?
Anyway, this Ace was kinda cool. It was like a fast-food joint - you walk in, someone greets you, you state your need(s), they go away and come back with an item. It was like nothing I've ever experienced before.Listed in: A hop, skip and a jump --…
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Review from Piper E.
Oakland, CA
9/11/2008
This place is amazing for what it is, and truthfully you can't find full service anything anymore.
However, I am also the type of person who likes to wander around and figure my own shit out. BUT, thinking about it now I could have saved myself so much time if I had just come here. You just walk up and tell them what you want and they go get it. Even if you have no idea how to properly describe what it is that you want, eventually they'll figure it out through pantomime.
My biggest issue with them is their miserable hours. Closed at 5 o'clock???? Really??? Closed on Sundays???? Really??? Oh, that and parking. Which is street and meter only. -
Review from michealle r.
Concord, CA
8/14/2006
I dislike both Home Depot and Lowes. They are so big and easy to get lost in, and while one is worse than the other as far as service goes, they're both decidedly lacking.
I was worried when I walked into this place. I am short. I walked through the front door and there were towers of things to either side of me. I had no idea how I would find anything, nor how I would be able to reach it if I did manage to find it. What's more, about eight feet in is the counter. If the counter was right there, how could they possibly have what I wanted? And what about all of the stuff in giant towers behind the counter? How was I supposed to look through all of that?!
I was quickly relieved, however. There were three capable and able-bodied people behind that counter. And you know what they did? They helped me! I got help in a hardware store. I didn't have to look for a thing. I got to stand there and entertain my baby while a nice young man scouted about for things that fit my descriptions and let me pick the ones I wanted. I about died of relief then and there.
The reason I am giving it four stars instead of five is that they close early during the week, and they are closed all day on Sundays. I realize this isn't a big deal for most people, and that this allows them to keep their prices low, but after work and weekends are when we get all of our home-stuff done!
Plenty of street parking, and they took my magic money card.Listed in: My Old Neighborhood
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Review from Cal C.
Oakland, CA
2/18/2008
Service? Fully stocked? In a hardware store? Not like that lame Home Depot in Emeryville. How can such a humongous place not have anything I come in for? But I digress....
Ace Ellis is the opposite experience. Staff who can't wait to help you, and who actually know what's on their shelves. You tell them what you need - or ineptly try to describe what you need - and they go back and get it. Magic.
And if you get past the sensory overload of the stuff stacked and hanging, check out the skylights. They were the only features that didn't remind of that last scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, with the camera pulling back to show more and more aisles and stacks.
The only reason I knocked off the fifth star is their limited hours. As other reviewers have said, if you work 9 to 5, you've really only got Saturday to get everything you need.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Cora C.
Oakland, CA
9/13/2011
The staff member directed me to what I was looking for and needed to repair the bathroom door nob. He gave me some much needed advise on how to and I'm proud of myself because I actually did it. Well, I was successful at repairing it. Thanks to this helpful hardware store.
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Review from Whitney M.
Emeryville, CA
5/12/2008
I had this wood working project that I needed to finish. After trying Michael's Crafts and Home Depot to no avail, I decided to ask over at Ace. I really should've gone here first. They were SO helpful, and so genuinely interested in my project. They even helped me figure out a simpler way to accomplish what I wanted. I can think of few times in my life where I've gotten such good service in a retail store.
They officially have a new loyal costumer. -
Review from Kyle P.
Oakland, CA
11/9/2010
I just moved to the east bay. With moving comes all the little repairs and touch-ups... Fortunately I found Ellis Hardware first.
I walked in and was immediately greeted and offered assistance. Since it's set up like a contractor's parts house you just walk up to the counter and get hooked up efficiently. Every request was met with knowledge and friendliness. The guy who assisted me is named Rex. Nice guy! Helpful and quick. I got in and out and on with my project in 5 to 6 minutes.
Seriously, customer service plus... No wandering the halls of a mega home improvement warehouse looking for a rusty door-knob set screw... These people know their customers and care.
Thanks for the first neighborhood impression! -
Review from Mookie M.
Berkeley, CA
4/9/2008
This place is WONDERFUL. The service is outstanding, truly beyond anything I ever hoped for.
I have a shower over a clawfoot tub. A tiny connector on the shower part broke. Of course, I'm assuming I'll have to buy the whole kit-n-kaboodle for $60. and replace everything. That's what would happen if I went to dumb awful Home Depot.
But no! The amazing people at Ace Ellis looked at it, said I only needed the tiny part and actually opened a box containing the whole works (they didn't have just the tiny part in stock) and took the tiny part out and sold it to me for $4!
I almost fainted. They could have sold me the stuff I didn't need and everything else would have gone in the garbage except that tiny part.
Why would anyone park a mile away and stagger around that gawd forsaken Home Depot? I used to go to the independent hardware store in the Temescal before it closed. I'm so glad I discovered Ace Ellis not far away. They are the best!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Rachel Z.
Denver, CO
10/25/2010
I've never felt inclined to recommend a hardware store to anyone before. But the fourth person I told about this place pointed out I ought to review it on Yelp if I liked it so much.
The main thing is the counter service. I didn't know it, but I've been waiting to find a hardware store with counter service all my life. In a grocery store, I know where to look for oatmeal, you know? It's in the cereal aisle. But where the heck do I find the wasp spray in a hardware store? No instinct there on my part. And I know I can just ask people when I walk in, but I'm kind of shy and I hate being THAT GIRL who has to ask where everything is. At Ellis Ace, I don't need instinct, and it's totally normal to ask. You have to ask. I love it.
The service was fantastic -- they pointed me to what I needed, explained the pros and cons, and actually welcomed me to the neighborhood. Hurray! I can't wait to need something again. -
Review from Glo P.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2009
Main three things I usually rate on(when applicable):
Location, People, Edible Stuff.
Good location right of Hwy 24 like 3 blocks, cant be more than 1/2 a mile away from the Berkeley bowl.
People are really, really nice. All the men and women are very helpful. It's kind of like a mom and pop hardware store except they have absolutely everything. The last time I went in for a 28mm deep socket wrench these two guys walked in and were looking for a machete for their yard (who's yard needs a freaking machete in the first place!) anyhow, one minute later the guy was showing them four different machetes. Paint, gloves, goggles, tools, piping, wood, glass, yard signs they have it all and I can't figure out were they store it, the store is packed with odd goodies. It's like toysrus for hardware store junkies! You also get much better customer service here than you would in lowe's or home depot. If you don't understand how to make a project happen they are really great about explaining what you would need and why. It's like a "leave it to beaver" hardware store ;)
Hey when you are running errands you need snacks right? This has to be one of the oldest bakery's in Oakland it has a cool old school feel to it. It's All Good Bakery, and it is a stones throw away from the hardware store. The pecan pie is "almost" as good as it is in Jackson, TN. Bon Appetite!
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Review from Tamir S.
Oakland, CA
12/22/2007
Overview - Mean people. Good selection. Go to Eastern Supplies (great selection, excellent service, very nice and very knowledgeable) or Ashby Lumber and even Home Depot instead.
The Good - they have a good selection of hard to find things ( I was looking for a chimney sweep; its like a ball of spines that is pulled through a chimney to clean the sides of buildup)
The Bad - I bought a brush that was simply too big for my chimney. It was expensive and I brought it back I was told that they wouldnt take it back! Last I checked it was the job of the counter staff to make sure customers were clear on the (lack of) a return policy. There are no signs and nothing on the receipt that they dont take things back. I even went the extra step to have them stamp my receipt because I though I might not get the right size.
What really irked me about this was that the sale person claimed she made very clear the policy and that I was lying. Pretty hash. Not exactly in the Christmas spirit. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Oakland, CA
6/7/2010
I have no idea how prices are at this store compared to others, and I don't care. Why? Because they're always saving my butt during semi-emergencies. I'm DIYing a lot on my first house and figuring things out as I go along. A trip to Home Depot 1) takes longer, 2) results in wandering around for useless lost time looking for the thing or the person to lead you to the thing, and 3) often that person is wrong and you have to return the thing.
Screw it. Right down the street is my local Ace, where the people know the thing, give you the right thing--with kindness and smiles!, and get you in and out the door.
I like a good deal, and a few times I've felt like I've really overpaid for something, But other times, I feel like it was probably less than HD would have been. I've not directly comparison shopped, but there is no comparison in the experience. I'm all about the Ace.
Excellent service. And the Yelpers who complain there is no parking? Hopefully you're not encountering them on the roads because they are BLIND (to the clearly marked Ace lot to the right of the front door, pull in on 54th).
An additional bonus is that this place has been here for YEARS and is like a community on top of a shop. They seem to know generations of customers and the 'hood. They will be getting to know me too! -
Review from Eileen V.
Oakland, CA
5/4/2009
Love. How was I so lucky to have moved into a house four blocks away from here? AND work at home so that I can walk over at lunch.
It's been said already but I'll say it again: this is service unlike you'll get anywhere else -- you FIRST talk to a person who then FINDS you what you need. As a first time homeowner I appreciate the fact that they ask what I'm working on and they steer me closer to what I should be asking for. Great service, great store. If you live close by, you need to support your ace. -
Review from Lisa C.
Alameda, CA
7/3/2011
I'm moving back to this neighborhood soon, and I have to admit that one of the things I most look forward to is seeing these guys again.
I used to live in a crumbling house around the corner from them and often needed to buy various items or get fix it advice. I never got anything but top of the line service from them.
To say that they are friendly, helpful is an understatement.
I got nothing but love for you ACE Ellis! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Berkeley, CA
9/6/2010
I have never been to a hardware store, and felt like I knew what I was doing, until now. You walk into Ellis Hardware, tell the individual behind the counter what you are looking for or what you are trying to do, and they bring you what you need, and more than likely more than one option. There is no wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles, getting lost in huge stores. The staff brings everything to the counter for you. It's amazing.
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Review from D H.
Los Gatos, CA
1/14/2011
Ok, I wouldn't have thought I'd have another 5 star review, especially so soon, but I have to give this place its marks.
It might also be due to the horrible customer service experience I received from Diego at the Emeryville Home Depot, but the guy at Ellis was patient in addressing my needs, very helpful, and had a pleasant demeanor.
I needed to speaker mount 2 Adam A3X studio monitors and they're $300 apiece, and yes, that price is for the 4.5" woofer cone model, so I expect to get some damn service up in this bitch. I'm not taking any shorts considering how expensive these are, and I'm not willing to damage them by getting the wrong parts.
Like other reviewers have mentioned this store is based around customer service. It's basically like a full-service gas station except they're selling hardware. Like I said, at Ellis the customer service was excellent. At Home Depot the underlying message was basically "figure it out yourself, I don't want to help you....oh and by the way I have a personality disorder".
I've only dealt with Ellis one time, but I highly recommend it based on that experience. -
Review from Ormond O.
Richmond, CA
4/12/2005
Tired of wandering lost and lonesome in the big box stores? Try this little outside, big inside old-timey hardware store. Their specialy is knowing where everything is. Matter of fact, you just tell them what you want, and maybe tag along while they scoot through the towering endless shelves in the back. It's very dense. Unlikely you will leave without what you need. Owner operated. They're at the counter, with many others to help you. I like this place!!!
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Review from Joe B.
4/27/2007 1 Check-in Here
2 blocks from my house, very helpful, will look up odds and ends in hardware, and the most beautiful distressed unfinished wood floors of any hardware store I've ever been in. Ask for Rose. While you wait, look above and around you. This place is packed to the rafters!
Listed in: North Oakland reprazent!
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Review from b. r.
Oakland, CA
10/31/2007
I cannot believe I have not already given this place 5 stars. I have been coming here for years, through several different companies, looking for almost everything you can imagine. I have asked them for the strangest valve parts, wrongest sizes of things, and weirdest couplings, and have almost always been handed what I asked for without a blink of an eye. It's like they knew I would be asking for it, and stocked it just for me. This place is the winner. Period. And, I am extremely pleased how nice all the staff is and has been. Joe is right, Rose is great, but don't let that limit you!
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Review from Julia L.
Oakland, CA
1/10/2008
Brimming with the items you need - and knowledgeable, efficient, and genuinely friendly staff to help you find them. They greet you immediately at the counter and get right down to business, no fuss. This place has never let me down.
