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Categories: Videos and Video Game Rental, Lingerie, Adult
Neighborhood: Nob HillMon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
"Life without Amoeba would be like life without food, water, sex, or coffee. It has the potential to be as dangerous as all of the above as…" read more »
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Good Vibes is the first adult store from which I ever made an online purchase - way back during my time in New York. It changed my life, because the atmosphere of their website encouraged me to learn about what I was buying, as well as myself, without shame. When I finally found myself in San Francisco I knew I must make the pilgrimage in person and I was not disappointed.
What a fantastic store! I know good vibes was recently acquired by a larger company, but rest assured that the independent, feminist, service-oriented spirit is very much alive.
I walked into this store and was immediately greeted by their inspiring and entertaining selection of antique vibrators. As a proud owner of an early 1900s vibe myself, I was thrilled to see her sisters on display here.
As one might expect, this excellent store sells a variety of toys for all genders and sexualities, as well as some uniquely tasty BDSM gear and plenty of books, condoms and lubes. Toys are usually on display, so you can check them out, and the lay out of the store is comfortable and easy to navigate.
Let me take a moment to compliment the staff, who are all far more trained and approachable than those are your typical (smuttier) store. As a professional sex educator, my questions tend to be picky and unusual. I was thrilled that staff were able to advise me on their items without hesitation, in spite of my detail-oriented needs. I left feeling well educated about the products that I was interested in, and confident that I could call later, if needed.
I should also mention that they have an art gallery space in the back are easily accessible by bus.
God does not kill a kitten every time you touch yourself.
Pleasure Thyself.
Or somebody else...
I kind of feel weird admitting I have been here, and believe me, I was a huge wreck coming in here. This is the second time in a store dedicated to sexual pleasure...haha.
Let's start with the displays. The store has a great layout. Everything was really easy to see, and nothing was that hard to find. I found something I wanted behind the glass case, but I noticed the sales girl was busy, so I continued to look around. The porn selection isn't that great, but I'm not into that, so it's not a problem for me!
The prices can be higher depending on what you want. $20-$80 and in some cases even more than that.
I thought it would be really awkward for someone else to come out and pick up the item I wanted and put it in a corduroy bag for me. But it wasn't, and if made me feel much better to have it put inside a paper bag. It's important to have privacy, and let's face it, it can be pretty hard here.
i liked this store, its nice, neat and i found like 3 things i bought. I went with my boyfriend and all he said was "wow there are more things for girls than for guys, but thats why we're here for"
i plan to go with him again and spend more time in the store since we only spend like 20 minutes because the store was closing...
Very clean and professional store. It is definitely not your average sleazy adult store. I would say that the store is very female oriented. Staff is knowledgeable and approachable. There is a reason that pretty much everyone on here gave them good reviews.
I was hesitant to Yelp Good Vibrations since it's an admission that you've been there and, well, is that everyone's business? Plus... my dad's my friend on Yelp! (hi dad). But then I thought -hey- it's not like Good Vibrations is Sleazy Tom's House of Porn or something...
Good Vibrations is for normal, non sex addicted people. You'll find a wide selection of books and toys, but nothing that screams "Intervention." If you're buying bachelorette gifts, trying to spice up your sex life, teaching your preteen kids about the birds and bees, or just trying to survive your non-existent sex life, Good Vibes is the place for you. Employees are helpful, so don't be bashful and hold back with the questions. You may be patronizing an "adult erotic store," but they work there for Christ's sake! If anyone should feel embarrassed, it should not be you.
The thing that really differentiates Good Vibrations from "sex shops" is the class factor. Prostitutes don't shop here... it's too expensive. This stuff is well made, based on sexual health and education, and very pro-woman. Actually, it's also very pro LGBTQ. Straight men may get scared, however. Especially straight men whose idea of shopping for sexual paraphernalia includes dashing into a Wallgreens far from your neighborhood to buy condoms. God forbid anyone know you're sexually active!!
My only complaint about this place -the near-neon blue and orange VERY identifiable shopping bags- seems to have been remedied. Last time I went in I got a wonderful, non-TMI brown paper bag. There's nothing like leaving Good Vibrations to walk out into the "TenderNob" with a bag that might as well say, "Hell yeah, I have sex! And I do it with toys, too!" You get a few more smiles than you'd like.
As I creep ever closer to that magic number in which I will no longer have to fear "getting with child," I find myself "friskier" than ever. Maybe it's the Bikram Yoga freeing my chi or whatever gets the juices flowing, but I've never been so willing to "explore my inner avenues." I spent my twenties haphazardly flailing around in bed with ex-hubby #1, my thirties absolutely frustrated with ex-hubby #2, and the early part of my forties newly single and wondering what to expect next. I've found my calling at Good Vibrations. Let's just say i've spent more than a few dollars here spicing up my bedroom play with whips, a couple of pocket rockets, Chocolate Mint massage oil, and feathers...LOVE those feathers.
BUT, Good Vibrations is also a great place to buy educational gifts for friends and loved ones. I even bought my seventeen-year-old niece a cute little vagina puppet to teach her about her lady bits, but my sister refused to let her keep it. I now use it to terrify my cat.
They could call it 'a clean, well-lit place for vibrators' if they wanted to. They have great selection and knowledgeable salesfolk. When I moved into my current apt, the fact that Good Vibes is just around the corner was a definite selling point! Not that my elderly landlady mentioned it as such.. But perhaps in the future she should? Keep spreading the sex-positive love good vibes!
The other night, while jerking it to a gay gang bang on the PowerBook and a hetero Euro fuckfest on the TV, I realized that I have a problem.
The problem wasn't that I watched pseudo-frat boys who were about as "straight" as a fucking parabola attend a sausage party where the cover charge was tumescent, exploding cock jammed into an orifice AT THE SAME TIME as I watched a leggy blonde woman with a thick Russian accent get borscht-d by an uncut Mediterranean on a rustic well overlooking the Adriatic.
Nor was it that I had to constantly turn my head from screen to screen like a spectator at a Wimbledon match, resulting in whiplash.
And it certainly wasn't that I constantly write about fucking in my reviews because FUCK YOU IT'S RELEVANT IN THIS CASE 'CAUSE I'M REVIEWING GOOD VIBRATIONS. I will continue to write about cocks and asses and jizz because these are my reviews and I will not censor myself for you! I'm not your China Girl SO JUST YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH.
No, the problem was this: watching porn has discouraged me from having sex with an actual living, breathing man. I mean, it's gotten to the point that I EXPECT sex to be readily available, immaculately clean, and free from smells, sweat, conversation, the courtesy cab fare contribution -- YOU KNOW, those tokens of humanity. Porn has idealized fucking.
So I switched everything off and decided to head out. I opened up the Hershey's tin container where my rubbers were stashed. The first one I pulled out -- a Crown Skinless Skin -- had an expiration date of 10/2006. I tossed it. Next one -- a Kimono MicroThin, also 10/2006. Weird. Next one -- 3/2005. Huh? Next one -- 6/2007. WTF?!? I emptied the tin of rubbers on my bed, went through them all, and can I tell you that EVERY SINGLE ONE of the nearly one hundred fucking rubbers in there had expired?!? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW EMBARRASSING THIS WAS? Granted, I've had a rough few months and I tend to dole out my mouth more than my hole but, dude, HAS IT BEEN THAT LONG?!? I felt like the ugly chick who buys her diaphragms and spermicide in bulk at Costco as a form of flirtation and wish-fulfillment.
Instead of hitting up one of the many sex shops/corner stores/florists dotting the Castro like prostitutes on a corner, I moseyed on over to Good Vibrations. The frosted glass doors parted, the scent of artificially-flavored lube rose to my nostrils, and I entered a Fornicator's Paradise.
I could give you some spiel about how I love supporting local businesses and women's sexual freedom (which includes the freedom to have more weiners shoved up your uterus than an air-sealed Oscar Meyer bag) and buying sex toys in a store staffed with the sweetest sex clerks around and blah blah blahditty blah. Like I give a flying fuck. I'M HERE TO BUY RUBBERS, LUBE AND POSSIBLY A DILDO, NOT RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE.
Now, as a woman-focused sex retailer, you may be a little disappointed in their sex toy selection if you're a gay male size queen, oh wait that's redundant. See, I guess women like their dildoes a little smaller 'cause, fuck, I haven't seen such small peckers since my post-gym shower days in the 7th grade. Not to mention that some of the dildos and vibrators come with that 'extra' appendage I like to call the "beaver pleaser" for stimulating the clitoris which is wasted on men unless you like having a rubber nodule grinding into your perineum and if so YOU ARE ONE KINKY MOTHERFUCKER.
So sad to say I left without a dildo, though I was tempted to buy an anal vibrator called the "G-Swirl Vibe." http://tinyurl.com/d65c4p . The idea of stimulating my prostate as I participated in a budget conference call was strangely appealing.
Good Vibes gets love from me for being clean, providing testers for all the lubes (vegetarian-friendly, too!), and stocking a plethora of condoms, including their own brand (the GV Xtra Wide is exceptional...or so I've been told).
Personally, I'm fond of the Crown Skinless Skin (the pink ones) and Kimonos I mentioned earlier. So I picked up those, a bottle of Eros -- my standby silicone lube, I hate water-based lubes, they need constant refreshing -- along with some Lifestyles SKYN for guys with latex sensitivity or who simply prefer the feel of a millimetrically thin polypropylene baggie around their cock (hey, if the fit is right, there's more sensation).
Oh, and a handful of Trojan Magnum XLs since I can never predict what'll burst forth from behind the zipper.
Now all I have to do find is a man. A human man. I have until 10/2011 or 2/2013. Do you know any? Hello?
Lets see. This place absolutely rocks! From the educated staff to the fun learning events they seem to have, ALL THE TIME to the range of selection of items for ummm "adult fun". Its definitely not seedy or grimy. It is well lit and a place to come to shop.
Good Vibrations is like Discovery Museum for adults where you can actually take the things you play with home, and with better instructions (for those unsure or still with questions).
I used to go in there all the time with my lovers, and buy new, fun, exciting things that kept it interesting as I was in a few long monogamous relationships (or pretty monogamous depending on how you look at it and all). I think their staff is fantastic and they don't make you uncomfortable for asking any questions, regardless or whether or not you think they may be "mundane" or "just plain wrong". They'll keep smiling and point you in the perfect direction to whatever you'd like.
They usually have an extensive selection of vibrators for all sorts of different wants and needs. It's like picking out a puppy there, which one looks the best, with the best performance, that will be around for a while and you won't get tired of it. Their condom selection is similar to many other places that I have seen, but their strap-on selection and harnesses are great. Different sizes and colors, textures for the wants and needs of all. Are you blushing yet? Cause I'm not....haha....how could you be offended by a purple silicone dildo? Trust me, sitting by itself it may look odd here and there, but on the right person, hot! I'm sorry, did I just say that or think that? Oooops!!!!
Their porn selection is pretty good too, although I have found other stores that I prefer. The coffee table books range anywhere from exotic and beautiful to just dirty so they have it all for each type of person.
I think Good Vibrations should be praised, always. They have made a significant difference in the Bay Area and beyond, taking time everyday to educate people about toys and products that otherwise many wouldn't ever ask about. It's one of the reasons why the Bay is the Bay and we love it here. I'm a firm believer in "education is key" and with that education comes, well, a whole lot more fun.
I. Love. Good. Vibrations. !
I had never been here before, but my boyfriend loves this place. He took me here for the first time 4 months ago. I was kind of nervous at first (will it be gross? will weird people be shopping here? am I going to feel super uncomfortable and out of place?). But after walking inside, I felt the total opposite. The vibe in there was perfect for someone like me- it was super clean, bright, good music playing, & fun! They have great little toys, sexy accessories, books- whatever you are looking for, but not sleazy or over-the-top at all. I love how only women work there too- makes the experience so much more comfortable. Unfortunately, all this fun stuff can get pretty pricey, & it's easy to get carried away. But, hands-down, this is the best "adult store" in the Bay Area! Go nuts people.
My 69th review.... :)
- The Beach Boys sang about it.. "I'm pickin up good vibrations...She's giving me excitations"
- Marky Mark sang, err rapped about it... "It's such a good vibration.
Come on come on come on. It's such a sweet sensation. Feel it feel it"
This place is clean and organized. One never feels embarrassed or fearful by walking into and being in this store. My friend mentioned that she's witnessed many tourists with their children walk past, only to back track to enter as they're intrigued by the store front. They immediately retreat as soon as they figure out what kind of store it is. She overheard one kid call it the 'water store.'
So, this 'water store' has a great selection of toys, games, books, candy, etc., Great, friendly, and knowledgeable staff.
I've been to the Good Vibrations store in Berkeley a few times, but on this trip to SF, I dragged my friend along as she'd never been.
It's very tasteful, clean and organized and most items you can actually inspect out of their boxes. The employees are always super friendly and I've never felt uncomfortable.
We found ourselves sitting in the back on a couch flipping through a very interesting book. I might have to go back and pick that one up!
I found what I was looking for and it was fun to wander around the store.
Always something interesting to catch your eye and giggle over!
Everything is laid out like you're in a Borders, and the employees are even nicer.
My innocent girlfriend kept pointing to the extra little rubber nubs and curves of the vibrators and asked 'how come' ?
Indeed.
Unfortunately, handing her the book on Fellatio backfired. She still shook her head instead of nodding up and down.
Like most everyone, I generally hate going to sex shops for my regular needs or just to sate a curiosity. I was with my friend, Jennifer F, and her boyfriend. I felt at ease just waltzing in with these straight folks as I would feel walking into a gayer sex shop with my gay friends. In other words, I liked it.
This place is open and has an airy feeling, done up in light colors. This is not your grandpa's sex shop. No way. There's no seedy back hallway to get molested in, I mean, watch "adult" videos, or the crazy-eyed guy behind the counter. Nope! This place is full of the goddess, and you can feel it, though I don't study any of that. It's just a feeling of calmness and openness, without judgment.
I ended up getting a few samples of several new brands of lube that I had never heard of before. I'm always on the hunt for the Most Amazing Lube (for all potential circumstances). I walked out with several samples, for like a quarter each. I'm down with that!
I will be back. This place has reasonable prices, and a huge selection, and the nice staff who knows their stuff.
By the way, talk to the staff about your interest and ask about specific products. They often have hints to try or suggestions of certain products over another based on what you're into.
"Judge not lest ye be judged. Ye without sin cast the first stone."
A wise attitude when perusing such attractively presented items to get your rocks off.
froyo dude here.
I didn't see any Dutch-wife in here.
The best Dutch-wife is this.
http://www.youtube.com...
Btw, get this.
HITACHI MAGIC WAND. 52 bucks!
It's not HIBACHI, it's not HAMACHI.
HITACHI.
made in Japan!
"The Cadillac of vibrators, this is Good Vibrations' most popular vibrator. The foot-long, two-speed Hitachi has a soft, tennis ball sized head which is equally good for squeezing blissfully between your thighs or for running up and down a sore back. The ideal choice for those who want a vibrator with many uses. 120 volts, 60 Hz, 20 watts. Volume: 4; Intensity: 5.
For North American use only! 110-120 volts. Do not use with voltage converter.
Reviews:
The Hitachi Magic Wand is not just any vibrator -- she is the queen mother of all vibes, the alpha and the omega of self-pleasure. Her power is incomparable to anything else you've tried. She's named the Magic Wand for a good reason, try her out for yourself.
-- Michelle, Arizona
I never liked vibrators before; I thought they were more annoying than fun, but the Hitachi is one powerful and blissful ride!
-- Niki, GV Staffer
Care and cleaning: This vibrator can be wiped clean with a cloth moistened with mild soap and water. Do not fully immerse in water."
This is from the website.
Made in Japan, Fxxx yeah, Japanese are so FXXXin' kinky and creative porn-headed people.
We walked in here after Sunday lunch with our friend.
Clean and nice, like a regular book store.
There was a cabinet showing old vibrators were interesting.
I didn't know anything about vibrators in general but I picked up one and tried on my shoulder instead of my crotch.
It was HITACHI MAGIC WAND.
The sucker is GOOD SHIT on my shoulder too!
I really felt that it goes into the deep tissue nice and gentle.
People were lookin' at me and I realized that I was moaning.
YES, THAT GOOD! ON MY SHOULDER!
Is there any vibes for a multi purpose thing?
One machine does it all?
So.......it'll be like this.
Auto sonic tooth brush in the morning,
+Sonic auto bathroom cleaner,
+Auto sander,
+Polisher,
+Mixer,
+Blender,
and,
Massager and a Dildo for late night.
How about that?
You just change the top and speed.
I think it's possible.
You know I love you, YoYo froyo dude.
I saw a wooden' dildo for 80 bucks!
Ouch!
I thought this is a porn shop.
No, it isn't.
Bacause it doesn't smell like it.
But I didn't know.
I was…
Read more »
Hmm.... This place is ok... Seems to be a bit lacking in choices. They have a few of certain things, but idk... I felt like my options were limited. Very limited.
BUT!
They have the best selection of erotic literature.
My first visit to an "adult store" was circa 1998. Valentine's Day. It was dingy. Got a blue vibrating penis thing. Had no idea how to use it. Neither did the flavor of the month that joined me in this quest.
Fast forward 10 years. Looking to add a little something to my growing collection. And I do mean little. Don't want to scare the insecure boys with all bells and whistles. For fuck's sake, a clit is not that big. A little goes a long way...in terms of what you need to get that baby humming.
Never thought I'd have such a comfortable conversation about masturbation with a guy. Ever. I wish I could put him in my pocket and take him home and ask him all kinds of platonic naughty questions until I have exhausted my curiosity.
Or I could just go back. What a candy store it is.
As far as shopping for joy sticks go, this is probably the best you could ever get in a store. The store is clean, bright and very nicely laid out. They don't have a hueg selection like some places, but that's because they don't sell the cheapo ones that die in the middle of happy time. They only carry quality brands and toys. Everything I have bought from them has lasted and been of great sturdiness. I bought an $8 little mini-vibe 2 years ago, and it's still going strong.
Staff is very nice and helpful. They also have a nice selection of books of naked men.
A few blocks from home is a store,
Whose inventory is anything but a bore -
You can stock up on toys,
For girl and for boys -
And never be called a whore.
I went here last night to check out the massager selection. All models were available for testing outside the package....which was nice but it was a little expensive --- and I would call the selection "minimalist".
LOVE LOVE LOVE the customized batteries, tho.
I suppose this would be an awesome store for the sex addict.
Has more variety of "toys" than I think I could even imagine.
Has adult videos in the back, no soft core or romantic stuff though.
Also erotica novels and "how to" books.
Even adult board games.
Huge variety of condoms and lubes.
Crazy amount of promotional adult events.
Needless to say my very prude self did not walk out with anything.
It's a perfectly sunny day, perhaps it was September of 2007?
Those who know me in person know one thing for sure: when it can be helped, Grace does NOT walk. Grace drives herself, gets driven, or gets dropped off, but Grace does NOT walk. Ask anyone who has gone anywhere w/ me. This is made clear from the start.
This is not about me being prissy (not to say I'm not, and I'm not saying I am, but this walking business ain't about that) - - it's about me being in 4 inch heels. Yes, I believe in "no pain, no gain" - -but I also believe in, "when in pain, minimize the square footage one must cover in these shoes."
But there are exceptions, like when I'm in sneakers, and the weather is nice and brisk - - I can walk for hours on end. I walked the entire city of Rome for a few days - up, down, back and forth. I walked the entire city of Madrid, too, without a single complaint. (Or is it when I don't know anyone in the city with a car?)
The point is - there are exceptions - - just not often.
Afterall, it's not often (in my book) that I think an oufit looks better w/ sneakers than w/ some kind of fancy heeled shoe.
So, back to this day in September....
I am walking around town with Robbie-Boy, enjoying the weather, in search of the perfect coffee spot.
I'm "people-watching" as well as window-shopping.... looking at store signs, and generally just chillin' out.
I spot a sign.
"GOOD VIBRATIONS".
I smile.
Grace: "What a name - - kinda makes you think it's some kind of adult store."
Rob: "It is."
Grace: "What~~~ever!"
Rob: "Really, it is."
Grace: "No way...."
(It's then that I notice that there is some opaque window-covering on the store windows..... )
Rob: "See?"
Grace sees.
I bolted across the street, stopping traffic and nearly getting run over on Polk Street by two different cars and inches away from making the front page of the SF Chronicle.
"Prude Gets Killed on Polk Street Due to Street Signage - $4 Million Suit Pending - Full Story on page 4."
Rob: "What are you DOING? Where are you GOING? What the HELL are you DOING????????"
Grace pulls a Forrest Gump and continues running down the block.
Thank God for Adidas!
.
.
.
.
.
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(4 star rating given simply to maintain the business' rating based on other Yelpers who have entered no-man's land. I knoweth not what they actually deserve....)
The mister and I came here once to check the place out and happen to have our dog with us. Well the cashier kept telling us we couldn't really bring out dog in even though I was carrying him and really needed to just grab something. The way they made it sound was like my dog had the koodies or something even though many business in the city are pet friendly.
I'm sure that my fur kid is a lot cleaner than some of the people who may come in here. Unfortunately, my fur kid IS a major part of my life and if he wants to tag along with mommy while she shops..ain't nothing going to stop him, especially when daddy's willing to drop the big bucks to keep their business a float in this economy. Beggers can't be choosers in this kind of market woof or no woof.
** Unofficial Pirate Pub Crawl Stop **
I hadn't been to the new GV location, but found it just as well-lit and friendly as the former Valencia shop. You have to love a shop where the entire staff cheers as you walk in... "Yay! Pirates!"
I never thought it would be a fantasy of mine to walk into GV in full pirate regalia, but now that I've done it and gotten a standing O (pun intended), I don't think I can shop here any other way. Yarrrr.
I'm a big fan of Good Vibrations. It's a perfect place for the single gal to get your vibrator, sex toy, or other erotic essentials. It's well light and clean. There is nothing cheap or sleazy about it! It's also a great place to buy gifts for your friends and the bride to be!
Always wanted to visit one of these...
So several weeks ago, while doing the Pirate Pub Crawl...we went inside this store.
Holy crap. It's immaculately clean, neat, and resembles a Christian Bookstore (with exception to the phallus-shaped items hanging around...)
I'm impressed.
WARNING: The following review may not be suitable for all readers. Proceed with caution.
"Hello everyone. This is the Kiki G. learning show, and I am your host Kiki G."
OK, listen up. Ladies, let's talk about vaginas. Yours, to be exact. It's not about the brazilian wax, the landing strip, or the wild 70s bush. That's all just for looks. I'm talking about the actual pleasure providing aspect of your vagina. For you, mostly. But your partner will appreciate this, too.
If you don't know what "kegels" are and how they are done, do yourself a favor and google it. Then come back to this review.
I am familiar with the exercise known as kegels, but have been reading more about taking this workout to the next level. Why just have the GI Joe, when you can have the GI Joe with the kung fu grip? Er, so to speak.
There are different levels of equipment you can use to flex your va-jayjay. The geisha balls are the thighmaster of the kegels world. They work fine, but if you want mind-blowing, earth-quaking orgasms....you have to go with a barbell. Yes, I know, it sounds scary. But trust me on this one. Once you start flexing with this barbell, your cootch will thank you over and over. There are a few different styles to choose from at GV. They are all made of stainless steel, so make sure you warm them up with some hot water before using.
So, go on in to GV. Tell them you want to flex your way to a power pussy. They will hook you up with the right stuff. You will be "ringing the bell" with greater ease and with an intensity not previously achieved. Go ahead, annoy your neighbors. It may go something like this: http://youtube.com/wat...
This place is awesome....Staff is always willing to help and answer any questions you may have.
They have some great classes after hours too! We have been to a few at different stores and have had lots of fun and learned a lot!
Everything you can imagine is on the shelves and you can touch it, feel it and try out any lotions, etc.... They also offer a great array of after hours classes. Check them out!
Much better than your Dad's "sex shops" !!
You can tell women must run this place for sure!
Yeah ladies, it is ok to be jealous that I can walk here from my place! Which means when my "back massager" bites the dust and an emergency run is in order, I dont have to give up my good parking space to do so.
Perhaps it's my strict Catholic upbringing or the fact that my grandmother once told me to keep my eyes open and ass (yes, ASS) closed right before a date or even the fact that my parents traumatized me as a child and teenager with their extremely LOUD lovemaking (i.e. angry monkey sex).......not sure exactly why but every time I walk by this place, I feel odd and embarassed...and guilty. I have to look away or look down or just walk really fast far far far away from this evil and sinful place. I feel dirty and in need of confessing my sins to anyone who will listen.
Yeah...that only lasts for so long...girl's got needs and frankly, lately, Good Vibrations is the only place with the tools to satisfy.
My last purchase was a big disappointment though. My fault entirely. Blue toys are sooooooooooo not sexy!
Laziness doesn't help either. The whole DO IT YOURSELF aspect of Good Vibrations' products, especially after a hard day at work, just doesn't do it for me (in more ways than one) sometimes.
I still love the place though. It's fun and the staff is incredibly helpful.
I haven't yet met THE ONE (i.e. the ONE vibrator that will turn my whole world around), but I look forward to sampling more of their products in the future.
Oh...and they sell books, too. Check it out!
In the front:
As I was used to sex toy shops being little more than cluttered entry ways to video arcades of which gentlemen pretend no knowledge, this was a completely refreshing store. It was all about the toys, displayed tastefully as they would be at Sharper Image, but not marked up nearly as much. The showroom was filled with women, another unusual feature in my experience. I couldn't tell the clerks from the customers, but one of them approached and asked whether I needed any help. She was able to find me the items I had in mind. She knew her products, and it didn't bother her at all that she was discussing them with a man.
In the rear:
I was primarily here for a Learning Annex class taught by Nina Hartley. Behind the main showroom was a classroom packed with students drawn, perhaps, by her star power, or perhaps by a true desire to learn. Besides the stadium seating and paper easels, there were tables covered with Nina's publications, tasty snacks, and beverages.
Bottom line: Did I buy anything? Yes, and I will be back.
Awesome. Vintage. Vibrators.
I think it's worth stepping in just to check out the industrial-looking nightmare machines that women used to get off with. Makes you wonder how bad the marital sex *really* was when a lady'd opt for something that could peel the varnish off a coffee table.
Unfortunately, the rest of their stock just ain't up to par. I love them to death for being open-minded and sex-positive. I do! But the selection is a disappointing and overpriced mix of gimmick vibes, anal sex technique books, and unimpressive dildos.
I go here because they carry glycerin-free lube, and I once purchased an average-priced harness here, but if you're actually into toys, you won't want to bother with much else.
Overall, a great concept, a good heart-- but a very mediocre porn store.
But hey. At least it doesn't have the sour, bleachy miasma of a jerk-off booth. That's got to count for something. ...right?
Other yelpers have reviewed the place very positively; I very much lament being the odd one out here, but my visit to Good Vibrations really made me question the reasoning behind its name.
I have to admit that in other occasions, in the past, I actually got some good vibrations there. However, I went last week with a friend and a not-too-ambitious four item list and the expedition was a complete failure :-(
The pristine displays were holding almost nothing; they had eight colors for the same model, but just that model. Why?
When it comes to epicurean games, variety rarely means same-toy-different-color (!?)
I read on the paper about their economical difficulties and their way out (I'm glad). If this was the case, they could have closed the store for a while, instead of keeping it open; practically empty, deceiving their ex-costumers. Yes, "ex": I found a more (I don't say kinky, I'm a lady!) "adventurous" place, with more and better vibrations, but to review it I may need to change my profile picture-letter to an "X"... ;-)
I really liked good vibrations. I was looking for a sex shop in order to find some fun gifts for a bachelorette party and a friend happened to suggest good vibrations. Everything was organized in it's place, so it is really easy to find whatever you are looking for. It was clean which is always something you hope for when going into a sex shop. The employees are friendly and don't make you feel more awkward than you already do for being in a sex shop. Lastly, they have prices in every range. It was fun to wander around this shop.
Ok... I had to do it. My 69th review is for Good Vibrations.
You can pretty much get anything and everything here that relates to sex. They even have their own batteries. The employees are extremely knowledgeable and helpful and never make you feel weird. If you are too embarrassed to show your face and order online they ship it in a plain brown box like you ordered something illegal.
Also when staring at the lube and condom wall don't be intimidated. They all are actually different. Ask for help and they'll explain what's the best for you. (ie different types of lube if you are prone to yeast infections, if you have sex with or without a condom, etc.)
Good Vibes is extremely sex positive. They believe sex should be safe and fun. How can you not love this place?
They also have great gifts for bachelor or bachelorette parties. I pretty much shop here every time I go to one.
Being a good Christian I never venture into places like this. I cannot say the same for my friends. I was dragged. We enter and are greeted by dildos...dildos everywhere:
Pink ones, furry ones, scented ones, vibrating ones, some that glow in the dark, and (shudder)... some with cute little bunnies on them that go hippity hoppity somewhere I suppose they shouldn't. They did everything but talk to you. Of course being a good Christian I would never buy any of these fandangled sex contraptions. Sex is sacred.
Ever the good Christian I continue on to the lubricants. Chocolate, vanilla, ones that warm to the touch. Whatever happened to good old soap and muscle? As all good Christians know - masturbation leads to blindness. I have 20-20 vision, you can't get more Christ-like than that.
I say a prayer to the lord...asking Him to forgive these sinners.
I move on, only to discover a portable butt! The floor model looked like it had Herpes (Not that I have this mind you, I read books). God, I hope they do not give in-store demos.
I expect Satan to jump out from behind some gigantadildo and start undressing me with his eyes. Oh these sinners, Lord...
"Can I help you sir?"
"Do you take MasterCard?"
"Of course sir"
"Good, I'll take the Jeff Stryker and the Quantum Pleasure Pump...and don't be chintzy with the batteries...and oh, I'd like them gift wrapped."
(like a good Christian would ever...)
So I was going through a weird bondage phase when I first found out about Good Vibrations. I walk in by myself to an empty store. I look around, and it's as though God has shone his heavenly light directly on the most beautiful sexy handcuffs I had ever laid eyes on. They were put on earth for me, and the men and women I choose to lock up.
They were pricey, I will say that. But worth every goddamn penny. I didn't just use them in my dungeon, but would walk my friends around in them at night. Multiple purposes always increase satisfaction.
I bought them from a hideous and amicable tranny. A great experience.
It lacks the sticky and horrible lighting of the adult stores in North Beach that I'm sure we've all had cravings for (because, let's face it, that atmosphere DOES have some appeal). But if you aren't in the mood to go through lube with four men watching your every move with their hands down their pants, check out Good Vibrations.
Hey hey hey! What's this? No more brown paper bag - look at the lovely font on the cute lil shopping bag! Oh look, GV-re-packaged toys & lubes!
Hee hee hee - yeah, the marketing of sex appliances has cum a long way since I first bought a vibe (with a money order, b/c I didn't yet have a checking account - hee hee).
This store and a few others like it are what helped spur the migration of happy-cooch-making gear from the mail-order wasteland of back pages of magazines to, well, the mall.
I have to say, it's kinda fun toting around a cute lil bag that was clearly full of slippy sex condiments and toys for the upper playground. It's hip now, and nobody's leering. We all have a gadget or two, and some sauce to serve it with. Our lil beavs are purring in our panties, and our boys and/or girls are, consequently, purring as well.
Trickle-down luv, yo.
Yay for GV for being a fun date destination, for rescuing vibes from icky sex shops, and for generally helping to modernize our ideas about humping happily!
One star less for not having a lot of the pretty vibes I've seen online, but one star more for being such a great place to get your buzz on :)
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Books, Mags, Music and Video
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
Category: Adult
Neighborhood: Castro
Category: Adult
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
Category: Lingerie
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Lingerie
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