Eye Gotcha Optometric

 

19

239

K W.

San Francisco, CA

Sales people are so friendly and helpful!  The selection is enormous, but they quickly steer you towards what will work for the shape of your face and the arch of your brow -- thereby eliminating the exhausting effort of finding new frames.

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2

105

Matt G.

San Francisco, CA

I had to get glasses for my first time last week at 32, but they made it an enjoyable experience. I have no idea what to get in glasses, but they were thinking about both functionality and style. The first thing they asked:
"Where will you be wearing them?"

"At conferences."

"Artsy, design ones or..."

"Technical computer ones."

"Ok, a bit of a geeky edge then!"

It turns out that I love what we came up with. They aren't your standard square euro-trash glasses and they don't make me look like a precision German (no offense, I am of Germanic decent!).

I picked up my girlfriend's glasses with her before I ordered mine and they are meticulous about fitting them as well. So, when I go to pick them up next week, I'm sure I'll be happy!

Oh, and they accept VSP insurance.

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2

4

Chris S.

San Francisco, CA

Since moving to SF in '99, I had been going to various eye doctors trying to find someone who I felt really knew their stuff, would take the time to examine me carefully, and really listened to me.  Finally, a few years ago, I found Dr. Philip Tawil purely by coincidence.  He is the best possible combination of knowledgeable, skillful, thoughtful, and just plain super-nice.  The only bad thing about eye exams with Dr. Philip is that they only happen once a year!

Also, it's true what the other reviewers have said both about the available selection of frames AND the expert advice on what to choose.  I've been wearing glasses since I was 5, and throughout my adult life have been choosing my frames myself.  No one ever commented on my frames (no doubt adhering to the "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" philosophy).  Never, that is, until they helped me choose new frames last year.  A pair of ic! berlin frames that cause even random people to approach me to tell me they look great.  

I believe it was Karen who helped me, and it went like this: I told her what I do for a living (real estate agent, so need to look professional), she went around the store collecting frames for me (no need for me to tag along "helping"), brought about 5 back and told me that these would all look stylish but not too over-the-top.  I loved that I didn't have to wander around the store on my own looking for the right pair.  She just brought them all to me, narrowing my choices from like 1,000,000 pairs of glasses to 5.  The choice was easy, and now everyone thinks my glasses look great.

So now I know that I must leave things to the professionals and let the folks at Eye Gotcha help me select my frames.  For both eye exams and frames, there's simply no reason to go anywhere else in SF.  Fantastic!

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16

13

Yiming R.

San Francisco, CA

I love love love Eye Gotcha. I hated glasses and thought they made me look dorky until I found Eye Gotcha. They have a great selection of designer glasses and they work with you one-on-one to make sure you find the perfect frames. I've come in a few times to get my glasses adjusted and the staff is really friendly and helpful. The last time I was in there, I asked if they had eyeglass microfiber cloths, assuming they would charge me for them and they just handed over about 7 for free.

I'm happy with my current eye doctor, but no one has the glasses selection they have here and the good doctors get great reviews. I figured I'd make things easier on myself by getting my exams and glasses in one place. Amy called me to explain that it hadn't yet been a year since my last eye exam, but that I just had to call my insurance and ask them for an exception. Exception granted and I'll be there tomorrow for what I'm sure will be another great visit. Yay, Eye Gotcha!

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Elite '08

90

162

RJ A.

San Francisco, CA

(07-12-2004) 01:32 PDT San Francisco, Calif. (RJ) --

Authorities say one man sustained minor retinal damage in what appears to be another gang-related rubber band war at the workplace.

San Francisco authorities state that Monday night's shooting occurred at about 4:30PM--right before closing hours--- and that one man suffered temporary retinal damage at the scene.

Authorities state that HR Department Executives are looking for  one or possibly two suspects (Matt, you jackass), who are believed to be rubber band gang members.

There have been at least two apparent rubber band gang-related shootings in the SF workplace over the past three weeks.

It was reported that the victim whose name was withheld cried like a pansy all the way to the Eye Gotcha Boutique located in the Castro.

The victim who's initials are RJ, stated that "Eye Gotcha was a positive experience...they took an embarrassing situation and made me feel
comfortable...their customer service was nonpareil...when I was able to regain my vision, I noticed that they had top notch frames here and I would definitely come back...all thanks to Dr. Higuchi..."

As of March 10, 2008 the suspects (Matt, you jackass) have not been found.

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0

7

Cheryl J.

San Francisco, CA

I'm addicted to glasses and sunglasses.  There I admit it.   This place is great!  I'm in there almost weekly.   When I walk in, I can see by the look on their face that they thinking, "Oh!  It's Cheryl - the last time she was in here for an hour and bitch tried everything on twice and bought the first pair" - then they're like, "Oh Hi Cheryl, how are you.  Girl you look fierce".    Loves it!

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0

4

Carter W.

San Francisco, CA

The sales people here are very friendly and also helpful. They will help you in selecting the frame that will best suite you. The price range of the frame varies. They also a have a huge collection from which you can select the one you like..

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0

1

ben l.

San Francisco, CA

This place is great.  What a selection of frames!!!!  Great doctors and opticians.  I love this place.

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1

22

alexandra t.

San Francisco, CA

I found out about Eye Gotcha from Yelp and I'm so glad I did. This was the best eye glasses experience I have ever had. Everyone there is so friendly!

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0

4

C C.

San Francisco, CA

I was in dire need of new glasses and contacts...  I'd put off having an eye exam for nearly 3 years b/c I thought eye exams were as enjoyable as a root canal with no anesthesia.

Got myself over to Eye Gotcha (based on Yelp reviews) and had an eye-opening experience (ha ha, sorry).  I've been wearing glasses since the 3rd grade and never have I had a pleasant eye exam.  Dr. Tawil set me at ease, was super knowledgeable, conscientious, and detail-oriented.  The staff, too, were also great and helped me figure out how to best utilize my insurance and picked out a great set of frames for me.

THANK YOU Eye Gotcha!  

PS: Although I did not meet Dr.Higuchi in person, he seems as great as everyone else.  There was a little mix-up with my contact lens order and Dr.Higuchi got back to me promptly and explained to me why prescriptions for spectacles and contacts are different.  I wish all my doctors were so helpful!!

PPS:  Eye exams are by appointment early (book early -- Eye Gotcha is very in demand).  You can walk in if you're just buying frames.

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4

28

vicki t.

San Francisco, CA

one is for the selection.

sales reps: bitchy and unprofessional. as employees, you should not be conducting your own business on your employer's time, i.e. discussing your finances with your boyfriend in front of customers while youre helping a customer (first hand experience).

prices: jesus. i visited an old favorite today on fillmore (dr. terence chan) and was reminded of why my last three pairs have been purchased there and not somewhere like eye gotcha: prices. for example: i found several pairs of vera wang, marc  jacobs, kate spade and giorgio armani for less than $250. similar or comparable frames here were over $350. the two i liked were in the $500s. i like wearing glasses but really, $500 for frames? that doesnt include lenses.

considering i had to witness the above event AND hear the same employee as well as her co-worker speak unkindly and condescendingly toward a customer on the phone,  i wont be coming here again.

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Elite '08

74

234

Christy L.

South San Francisco, CA

Dr. Gregg (Higuchi) is so awesome!  Friendly, thorough and FUN!  By far, the best eye exam I have ever had - Dr. Gregg really takes his time and explains what he's doing throughout the whole process.

I love the selection of frames and sunglasses they have, there's always something unique, fresh and hip to be found - prices are reasonable as well.  The staff is super friendly and helpful, with a great eye for finding the perfect frames for you.

I highly recommend Dr. Gregg and Eye Gotcha - they seriously rock!!

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18

69

Glenn G.

San Francisco, CA

I've been coming to Eye Gotcha for my optical needs and eye exams for over 10 years now and I haven't been disappointed.

Dr. Higuchi and the rest of the staff are wonderful and do a great job with helping picking out the most awesome frames that are stylish and timeless as well as fit well and appropriately for my face shape.

Yes - the frames can cost a lot but they last so much longer and you'll be happier. :) They have a good range of frames to choose from.

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4

8

paula n.

San Francisco, CA

I had a very good experience with Eye Gotcha. I was able to get an appointment and new contacts quickly. They are very professional and friendly. I highly recommend them.

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5

9

Jessica L.

San Francisco, CA

The folks at Eyegotcha are friendly, informed & wonderful!  They always remember my name, and the last frames I brought in (hello Karen!).   I collect & wear vintage oversized frames & this is one of the only places in the city that will put a presciption in them.  My last great experiance was with a set of lenses that were different sizes from each other, a very tricky job, done beautifully. I will go no other place, ever.

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Elite '08

18

132

Sean G.

San Francisco, CA

Oh la la!

An amazing selection of glasses (ic! berlin & Mykita, just to name a few), super friendly and knowledgeable staff (they manage to remember my name every time I walk in, lord knows how) and Dr. Gregg is thorough and very personable during exams.

I've purchased two pairs of glasses from them over the years - I sometimes bring them in for adjustment and cleaning, with never a hesitation from the staff.

My vision plan isn't accepted here (I blame my work), but I'm still willing to shell out the extra $$ to come here for eye exams.

Bravo!

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1

2

Roger C.

San Francisco, CA

I have NEVER gotten as many compliments on my glasses as for the two pair I purchased at Eye Gotcha.  The sales folks there were helpful and spent plenty of time with me.  That's worth 3 stars.  But they also know what looks good on different people.  That is definitely worth 5 stars.

I would not say Eye Gotcha is giving glasses away but their prices are absolutely worth every penny.

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1

1

roel b.

Vallejo, CA

GREAT trendy optical place for some really fashion forward frames.  i would expect nothing less in the heart of the castro.  theres no parking though.  and prepare to spend a great amount, if you  want some really quality frames.  really unique frames, that complement your face and become truly part of your accessories.  people will ask you where you got them.    i am really happy with my purchase, they really give you great treatment - and make sure you are happy with how they look on your face.  bravo!

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8

53

lenore s.

San Francisco, CA

The best frame selection in the city and the staff won't let you buy anything that makes you look ugly -

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0

5

Collins S.

San Francisco, CA

friendly staff.great collection of frames.
i would recommended this place to anyone and everyone.

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4

13

Ryan J.

Palo Alto, CA

I was stoked about this place when I found out they take VSP. Then I went to their store, and their prices even without insurance were lower than any other store that carries high-end brands. So big ups to Eye Gotcha for competitive pricing for an independent store.

More big ups because when I walked in, this lady looked at me and said, "I really like your glasses. Cool frames! I'm on my way out but Eva here will help you." Now, you have to understand that I've gone to a lot of frame stores in the past month or so, and no one has EVER complimented my current pair of frames (even though they are pretty fabulously super-hip). Am I being a sucker? Yes, but I don't care: friendly should count for something.

So I sit down, and Eva picks out two frames right away, one of which I love (a Mykita metal frame). She picked out about 15 more after that, but she really had it right the first time. So more props for having salespeople with a good eye. Also, she was nice when I explained that my insurance wouldn't cover new frames until January 1: she went behind the counter and wrote down all the info on the frames so I could come back in the new year (which I probably will). This seems like a simple thing, but a lot of places are shady about it because they don't want you finding the frames cheaper over the internet (which, BTW, I tried to do but couldn't because Eye Gotcha has good prices. See how it pays to just have reasonable prices in the first place?).

The one thing I don't like about this place is the setup; all the glasses are locked up which makes it look more sterile than it already does (the decor is kind of TOO colorful, which ends up making it sort of look like an awkward cross of funhouse-y and museum-y), and the picnic benches you're supposed to sit on are kind of weird. But whatever, 5 stars anyway for a great value, friendly and helpful staff, and stylish selection.

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3

2

Andy M.

San Francisco, CA

This place is awesome.  Besides the wide selection of stylish frames, the employees are extremely competent.   Dr. Tawil is great, and Tim the Optician makes choosing great frames that fit well and look good a fun experience.   I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.

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1

5

tom s.

San Francisco, CA

I would have to agree with all of the posts to date.  I have been going to EyeGotcha since I moved here in '93.  Dr Gregg and the rest of the staff are absolutely awesome.  The m ost thorough eye exam you could possibly get anywhere. Always great customer service, and the most eclectic assortment of frames that you could find anywhere.

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1

41

Bradford S.

Durham, NC

This is the ONLY place that I will buy glasses and contacts!  Karen and Eva are great!  Karen always knows which frames are best!  They have a great location and incredible selection.  Plus, the staff at Eye Gotcha are wonderful, fun and accomodating.

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0

15

Larry B.

San Francisco, CA

I've been buying glasses here for more than 10 years.   Dr. Gregg is personable and thorough.  The staff (Karen, Tim, Eva and others) is friendly, attentive and helpful.  The selection of frames is way cool.  I've been known to buy glasses here that I don't really need.

If you can, have Karen help you pick your frames -- she has a great eye for what looks good and won't hesitate to tell you if a look doesn't work for you (sort of the optical equivalent of answering the question "do these jeans make my a** look big?").

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Elite '08

128

216

jill j.

Mill Valley, CA

EYE don't even NEED glasses ... Mom & Dad blessed me with perfect vision ... but Eye Gotcha has such great frames and such great customer service (Karen has a great eye for what looks good) that even EYE got sucked in for a pair of Paul Smith spectacles in the coolest case ever.  

(EYE always wondered, can an employee subscribe to their employer's Vision Plan and purchase frames through the plan if (s)he has perfect vision???  EYE didn't think that far ahead, so EYE paid full price for my glasses, but most people get coverage through their Vision Plans.)

Kudos, too, to the leather dude who was there when EYE picked up my clear-optical-quality-glass-lenses in the oh-so-cool nerdy frames.  He kept looking at the ticket, trying to find the prescription numbers.  Then he looked through the glasses, looked straight at me, and said, "WHY did you get these?"  EYE cocked my head suggestively and looked back at him, "Because EYE like glasses.  EYE'm going for the librarian look."  He checked and adjusted the frames, jokingly asked if EYE could read a store sign across the street, and then gave me directions to the Castro library.  The LIBRARY!!!  Now, if that isn't great customer service!

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15

44

Elizabeth B.

San Francisco, CA

I think this is the best eye exam I've ever had! Dr. Philip is very thorough and proffessional but also very personable and warm. The staff is also friendly and helpful which makes the expereince that much better.

I would highly recommend this office to anyone who is looking for friendly, helpful service...with a smile.

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1

51

Neil S.

San Francisco, CA

Flawless.

Karen & Eva rock!

Amazing selection, Amazing service. YEARS after buying frames I get compliments from strangers. I will not look elsewhere for I would only find dissapointment.

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4

29

Jeffrey F.

San Francisco, CA

Having gotten glasses and contacts from such places as Costco and Lens Craters I was a bit hesitant about going to Eye Gotcha fearing I would be overcharged for the same pair  I could get for half the price

HOW WRONG I WAS.

All the staff are very helpful and friendly and know there trade. They have the best up to date frames at reasonable prices. Though they are more expensive than Costco and Len Crafters the frames they carry are anything but boring or predictable. I have been going there for three years now and in that time have gotten two pairs of glasses and contacts. The staff helped my pick out a pair that was funky and fun but was also professional.
I highly recommend Eye Gotcha for anyone in need of glasses or contacts

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3

18

Mia R.

San Francisco, CA

I am from San Jose... yes, san jose. If only I could type it in a way where it looked like I was whispering, because yes, I am a little ashamed of my roots.

It's so unfair too because my great grandmother came to SF in 1910 and bought a giant house in Noe Valley for like $5, my grandma was a "blacklisted" revolutionary in the Mission,  my mom partied with Santana, demonstrated  in the Haight, and disco-ed it out in the Castro way before there was even a parade.

But alas, I happened to be born and raised in San Jose. Land of "Yeah we've got culture! Hold on, let me build it first."

Where am I going with this?

When I moved to SF to claim my true roots one of the first things I did was buy some groovy eye glasses. 'Cause nothing says, "I'm not from San Jose!" like well designed eye wear. You will never find anything they have in a Lens Crappers or any other store in San Jose.

They have amazing service and they are superb at knowing what looks good on your face, even for a round face like mine. In fact 4 of my round faced San Jose relatives have driven up to the city just to get their glasses here because yes, they are that good.

Thank you Eye Gotcha for making me too hip for my hometown, I couldn't be happier.

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Elite '08

250

238

gwynnie p.

San Francisco, CA

Love it. I get compliments on my frames all the time from random strangers. One or two big sales a year. Great selection and maybe something you like will be on sale when you stop in especially if you're a lady cuz they don't get so many of the ladies in here. Dr. H. will eval your eyes with a smile.
Super helpful staff and there's no need to ever go anywhere else for glasses. That would be a big waste of time.

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8

95

Ken p.

San Francisco, CA

Who would know that this little hole in the wall has the best selection in SF.

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6

15

Alexis W.

San Francisco, CA

So of course, I managed to wait until the last minute to use my flex spending at work and a month before it expired I was frantically trying to use it or lose it. After the dental work was taken care of (begrudgingly) I went after some new frames. I was going to go back to See Eyeware where I had purchased my last two pairs of frames, but I heard some bad things about management from an employee AND I needed a new eye exam (which they don't do) so I decided to look elsewhere.

Time was running out, I had money to burn, but I still wanted a good experience. So I turned to Yelp, which I don't normally do when I have to make a serious decision because I feel like Yelp is more a venue for snarky writers than earnest reviewers, but I needed some sort of guidance.

All of the reviews for Eye Gotcha were positive without being suspiciously gushy so I decided to call and see if they could accommodate me on super short notice. Karen was very helpful and explained that if I couldn't get in for an exam by the flex deadline I could pay for the exam in advance and come in when it was convenient (something that seems simple enough, but that was refused by several other establishments I had tried).

I made it into the shop a few days before the deadline and looked at frames. I was lucky to have not one, not two, but THREE staff members help me select frames and when I mean help, I really mean help. I've been wearing glasses all of my life and I've never had that kind of attention paid to me and my smiling face, not to mention everyone's uncanny ability to really know what frames would look good on me. After trying on at least 20 frames (no kidding), I narrowed it down to 4, and with some expert help from the staff I chose 2 and put them on hold until I had my eye exam a few days later.

I didn't think it could get any better, but my exam with Dr. Higuchi was actually enjoyable. No puffs of air, no annoyed tone when I was neurotically hesitant when deciding which letter looked clearer. In fact, he even patiently listened to my small business idea (like, stopped what he was doing listened), which I thought was very nice and I didn't even mind that I had to have my eyes dilated (well, I did afterward, but that's not his fault).

My frames came a week later as promised and they were everything I hoped and more. In fact, the glasses in my profile picture are the glasses that I purchased!

If there's one thing I know it's glasses and optometry. Eye Gotcha is great! I highly recommend the bespectacled Bay Area community pay this place a visit.

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91

36

James F.

San Francisco, CA

Best collection of Alain Miklis in the city.
Need I say more?

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Elite '08

19

145

Margie L.

San Francisco, CA

A friend of mine swears by this place for the best eye glass selection. I like my eye doctor but didn't love the glasses I got last year so when it was time for a replacement I went here.
At first i didn't see any glasses as I was wandering around but  they sat down with me, looked at my face and started bringing out frames that fit. Definitely a good place for women's frames, too. I have a small and really hard to fit face and they found two pairs that fit.  And they are COOL. One of 'em is steel and virtually unbreakable.  really great staff, really friendly and really helpful. Definitely recommend!

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0

2

alison m.

San Francisco, CA

I went to Eye Gotcha based on Yelp reviews. And I was very happy. The staff were very nice and Dr. Tawil was kind, patient and thorough.

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2

2

Naomi L.

San Francisco, CA

I have been using Eye Gotcha since they opened, fantastic! The best optometrists around, staff is wonderful, frame selection outstanding, There is nothing but praise from me, I would not go anywhere else,

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Elite '08

28

217

rene d.

New Orleans, LA

An amazing selection of frames, and great, patient service. I wish I had a trust fund for glasses, because you can spend $2k in here in the blink of an eye!

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14

43

Surely I Am C.

San Francisco, CA

I've been wearing glasses since I was 5, and I've never left an eye exam smiling... 'til today. It's something I've just done annually and am grateful it's nothing like the dentist. My past optometrists have mostly shared that opinion and raced though exams like my cat to her feeder. But Dr. Higuchi actually seemed to enjoy his job-- it was a shocking experience. Like everything I've believed was suddenly brought into question (...maybe pork really isn't the other white meat?...) He was friendly, patient (because after awhile, #1, #5, and #6 really do all look the same...), and answered every question I could summon. So 5 stars just based on the exam.

Then Karen showed me every pair of glasses in the store, but alas, I couldn't find any suitable frames. So she then suggested I try elsewhere and recommended a few places. Too bad. If glasses weren't so expensive and critical to my daily well-being (and wardrobe), I would've bought something there just to support their business. So go! and bring all your male friends. I think their frames cater to male customers, surprise surprise.

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21

61

Miss K.

San Francisco, CA

Because I had to get glasses I was afraid that:

A: A visit to the optometrist was going to be like going to the dentist.

B: I was getting old

C: I was going blind

My guess is all optometrists cant be this great. I am actually looking forward to going back in two years. Mostly because the doctor is adorable and fun. Then there's that amazing red velvet couch with rhinestones. Only in the Castro.

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