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Lower Hater
Categories: Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing, Art Galleries [Edit]
597 Haight St(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Lower Haight
(415) 864-6549
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$99 for $149 Certificate
Lindsay H. said: "My photos definitely got an upgrade after sitting through one of their classes. I'm an amateur photographer who's always kind of fumbled through all…" read more »
41 reviews for Lower Hater
Review Highlights
"...the fun t-shirts and all the art featuring local artists."
(in 6 reviews)
"...a lot more soul then Future Primitive could even dream of..."
(in 5 reviews)
"Lots of stuff by Romanowski and other amazing artists, the..."
(in 3 reviews)
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/26/2010
still one of the more fun and people friendly art shops in SF
I caught the black Friday sale and stocked up on some fun stuff for me (not anyone else) for the holidays... sometimes you just got to do what you like and there is a lot to like here
go visit and see for your self1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/17/2010
Art , Clothes , Music, Eclectic...
Food nearby... I love this store... Visit for a real SF feel.… Read more »
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Review from Chris L.
Vallejo, CA
12/31/2011
This gets three stars! Why customer service!
Lazy and really bad.......you staring at a laptop ain't gonna help your business jackhole
I have to admit great great stuff. T-shirts, hoodies and local art.
Expensive as hell. I have an idea if you had some selling techniques and get off the computer maybe you can sell more of this stuff. Just saying.
Sorry. Tough Love, better than no love. -
Review from Tony N.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2011
As for what they carry, I can support. A lot of products by local designers.
Customer service: Horrible, wicked horrible
As for customer service, not even a hello when we walked in. Dude, c'mon, it's retail, put on a fake smile and acknowledge your potential customers. We were the only ones in the store. The guy behind the counter was too immersed in his laptop and loud music. I was going to buy a shirt but decided not to because of this experience. -
Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/23/2010
I always enjoy browsing this store.
I dig that they tap into the San Francisco designer and art scene.
They showcase some real innovative art - including hand-painted suitcases and the like.
Unfortunately - due to the high prices of all of their designs and art pieces in here - I always walk out empty-handed.
Also - while I appreciate the inviting vibe in here, and their big couches in the entryway - I haven't been that taken with their T-shirt and jewelry designs as of late.
Lower Hater is a unique store that stays true to the local San Francisco scene, so I highly suggest checking them out. I just wish they'd carry a few more affordable items in their store and start expanding their printed T-shirts ware selection.
Trust.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/27/2006
Painted suitcases, obscurely crafted kitchen supplies, box wall art, locally designed tees. I was… Read more »
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Review from ruggy j.
12/1/2009
I've always been a big fan of the stuff at Lower Haters, but more times than not, their books, clothing, hats, etc... are waaaay too expensive for my tiny little pockets. On Black Friday, however, it was a whole different story!
Lower Haters had one of those 'Beat the Clock' type sales events, where for one hour, all items were 40% off. For the second hour, everything was 30% off. And for the third hour, everything was 20% off. I know those kind of deals aren't typical, but word has it they'll be doing similar fire sales in the future, so be on the lookout!
You can always count on pretty dope finds, so putting these guys into your regular rotation of boutique shopping is a pretty good call.Listed in: The Haight
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Review from Nish N.
11/13/2006
I was a fan of the Future Primitive store at this same location but have to say Lower Hater is an improvement. A choice selection of limited edition hoodies, t-shirts, jewelry, very cool artwork, painted housewares... and all from a who's who of local designers, like Romanowski, Ferris Plock (check out his custom luggage, yo!), Pnut, etc.
Just going into the store is a trip, worth repeated visits to keep track of the rotating art on display. -
Review from Josh K.
Brooklyn, NY
10/3/2006
What's going on here? I really wanted to like this place but I walked in and everyone sat on the couch, no one helped me, and I couldn't figure out what they're actually doing to make money? They have basically zero selection of anything.
Lower Hater - do something to make me like you and I will revise this review gladly.Listed in: Lower Haight Life
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Review from Christy L.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2007
This place is seriously cool.
Walked by after lunch and almost didn't go in because I assumed it would be one of those uber hipster joints where the store clerks serve up attitude in mass quantities.
Nope. Not this place. Corey, one of the three owners, was totally awesome and down to earth.
I was totally digging the old school hip hop that they were spinning (yeah, live DJ while you shop!) and admiring the local art hanging on the walls. There are couches for chillin and cookies to munch on. Everything about this place screams welcome.
In addition to the awesome art, they have a cool selection of unique t-shirts and sweatshirts, for men and women. While the selection isn't huge, what they offer is unique - and surprisingly not over priced! They have a selection of jewelry, hip messenger bags, hats, wallets, and a section of local zines, books and comics.
This is a hip joint, no attitude and best of all, when you shop and buy here, you're supporting the local talent.
Wound up buying 6 t-shirts for Christmas presents along with some hip and unique stocking stuffers. Thanks Corey for having such a cool shop! -
Review from Steven R.
8/15/2007
Lower Hater in many ways resembles a store I'd want to own.
There's a ton of original clothing here, only rivaled by the nearby Upper Playground (just originality, U.P. clearly has a bigger space). The designs are cool and the fit of most of the clothes is very "Lower Haight" (read: you have little or no muscletone).
It's even hard to completely classify it as a clothing store considering they have a bunch of other just cool stuff. Originally designed pieces of furniture, shoes, trinkets, figurines and little pieces of art make you seriously consider redecorating your pad. If I'm not mistaken, I think I might've seen a few custom umbrellas, not to mention a great array of awesome sunglasses. The pillow with speakers and mp3 player jack was a nice touch.
Yeah, the prices can be big deal breaker (most of the art is upwards of $150, t-shirts around $30) but just like your girlfriend in the Marc Jacobs store, I'm sure the prices will fail to thwart the ambitious shopper.
In all, I loved the store so much I had to get a black sweater emblazoned with a red "LH" logo on the breast (they had just hit the store the previous day). While $50 is out of my usual range for a zip-up hoodie, I'm fairly confident I won't see too many of them around the city, nevermind that it's probably THE warmest sweater I own.
Unique and Functional? I need to come back soon... -
Review from Roxane S.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2006
If you are looking for stylie duds and a chill atmosphere you should definitely hit this place up. It has a lot more soul then Future Primitive could even dream of, although I did love that place too.
I have the utmost respect for any people who support local culture so much. They also carry Spare Change Designs and Camilla Slater Bolland (I had to do a little bit of self promotion, sorry) so how can you go wrong?
Shop here, it won't make you cool but you will look cooler. -
Review from Hebrew K.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2008
Have you ever heard of the "hundredth monkey effect" before?
The term was coined by the Zoologist and author Lyall Watson. It refers to a sociological phenomenon that is still the subject of debate and speculation but the story goes like this;
In 1979, Watson published the book "Lifetide" which contained an anecdote about macaque monkeys on the Japanese island Koshima. According to the story, in 1952 Japanese scientists who were studying these monkeys observed the spread of a learned behavior; washing sweet potatoes.
It seems that one of the monkeys, through some convergence of inspired happenstance, had taught itself how to wash a sweet potato; one of the main sources of nourishment for that population of macaques.
Naturally, it began teaching other monkeys how to wash their sweet potatoes and they in turn showed their friends and family. As new generations developed, the knowledge was passed along to the younger monkeys and eventually disseminated throughout the entire community until it became a common practice.
According to Watson, once a critical number of educated macaques had been reached with the enlightenment of the so called "hundredth monkey", the learned behavior of sweet potato cleaning spread "in an instant" to all the monkeys on other islands across the water.
So what the fuck does this have to do with Lower Hater? (You might ask yourself this if you're one of the few patient/bored enough to have actually read this far.)
I like to think of Lower Hater as the true "hundredth monkey" of the Lower Haight.
The presence of this kind of store (which is an almost derogatory name for such an enlightened business space) in this neighborhood points to a harmonious convergence of commercial and community aspirations that I have never seen before. It is a living collective of artists and entrepreneurs and an increasingly indispensable resource in my own personal creative process.
All of the owners are genuine and intelligent individuals who are actively saving this neighborhood with their insistence on quality and community as the foundations of their business model.
To speak plainly, (not my strong suit I'm afraid) this is what any business should strive to be; clean, conscious and kind.
In other words, they wash their sweet potatoes.
Can I please give it six stars? -
Review from Viv C.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2006
I was very sad when Future Primitive closed. But I'm glad to see that Lower Hater has taken over that amazing space. God, I want my living room to look like that. There's a custom painted/veneered Eames chair in there THAT I WANT. But I don't even think it's on sale. Someone please donate it to me. PLEASE.
As for the store itself, for me, it's window shopping. I can't afford anything in there. I love the art, I dig the clothing. I take it that it'll take awhile for their selection to grow since they just opened. But I see the potential.
I hope they stay open long enough for me to make my first million so I can go and have a shopping spree.Listed in: My 'Hood
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Review from Lily R.
9/24/2009
Cool art on the outside of the building.
T-shirts are over priced and not even American Apparel - $26 for a PLAIN men's t-shirt is not that cool. boring designs and little selection. Someone is trying just a little hard to be haute hood?
Can you outgrow neighborhoods? Apparently so! I guess I can kiss my teens goodbye!
Don't hate haters, I did my part and purchased a shirt. I support small businesses! -
Review from Ivanna C.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2011
This is a great store and very San Francisco-y. I love the fun t-shirts and all the art featuring local artists. I love that they do art shows and really bring a cool vibe to the area. The only thing I would say is that I wish the staff was friendlier. Like when I walk into the store it would be nice if the person behind the counter said "Hi" or acknowledged my precense in any way. Look up from your computer, interact with the customers and they will be much happier to shop at your store.
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Review from Paul A.
Oakland, CA
1/14/2008
Formerly Future Primitive, this store is back like the chiropractor.
They sell this shirt where its the LA dodgers letters crossed out and has "San Francisco" over it - homegirl who works there said it's the best selling shirt they have. I continued that legacy and bought one.Listed in: ESS EFF, Fresh Threads
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Review from Jarrod B.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2009
Lower Hater is more than a store to buy cool t-shirts and hoodies. It's more than that because it's a cornerstone of the neighborhood and a piece of what it means to live in (or visit) the lower haight. You simply cannot call yourself a resident of the neighborhood unless you know Lower Hater and Lower Hater knows you. It's that type of place.
Also, the clothes and art are quite fetching. -
Review from Chris D.
6/12/2007
Excellent space w/ different offerings.
This store is almost a bit too boutique(ee) for me but I do enjoy popping in from time to time.
The staff is always very friendly and helpful.
The interior is always done really well and adds a lot to any visit. Like a reviewer said earlier it gives the patron many ideas for personal projects.
The selection is very limited but very unique. Most of the items you probably will not find too many other places.
I'm glad that they are in the neighborhood...if you are you should pay them a visit. You'll get a nice slice of the lower haight vibe. -
Review from Jessica D.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2006
You want something unique and you've seen countless look alike stores in the Haight; a little fishnet here, a little leather there, a few panhandlers doing their best 'bouncer' imitation as they post themselves at each entrance way and enough smoke shops and tufts of skunky clouds to make the San Francisco fog look minimal...enough already!!!
Lower Hater has some interesting things. Some of the things are good. For instance, they have some artsy pieces that are a derivative of the neighborhood flavor. Unique apparel and whimsical jewelry top my list of their contribution to consumer appeal. They also have some less good things like salespeople that just sort of hangout and occasionally ask if you want to buy something.
Walk the extra blocks from the busier Haight-Ashbury to the Lower Hater; A place to stop by if you've never been there before. -
Review from Katherine B.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
Yes! Yay! A clothing store I can roll to with my eyes closed that has cool hip stuff. Walked away with two sweatshirt-jacket things and 2 T-shirts that I am already living in.
The service is excellent and the prices are totally reasonable for a small independent clothing store.
They have so many cool things here - it is a must for all locals. -
Review from Kelly E.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2011
Love how they support and thrive within' the "local" scene!
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Review from Kellie P.
Oakland, CA
10/10/2008
These guys are great. I have been coming in here for a few years now.
They have sucha eclectic collection of art, both on consignment towards the back, and their ever revolving art toward the front of the store. Also, they sell prints of work for those that cannot find or afford the originals. Applause for that, most modern or urban art spaces don't.
These guys also carry great little stuffed art pieces (some by beesandbears!), jewelry and other trinkets... Stickers, etc.
I wear my "Green Streets" shirt I got there a while ago( a lower hater design), and people love it. Lots of cool shirts... Other wearable art too.
Lower Haight is the best hood to find dope art, in my humble opinion. I'm glad these guys are there to add to the scene. -
Review from Berna T.
3/15/2008
This boutique is a fantastic showcase of art, uniquely SF-designed T-shirts (that aren't as expensive as you'd think), and funky jewelry. I am in love with these arm-warmers they carry from Peru - totally stylish, and for only $25. The back room is like a little gallery, with different kinds of wall art - including painted canvases and skateboard decks. And of course, don't forget to sift through the sale bin - big time bargains on some really interesting pieces.
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Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2009
It's a mixture of Upper Playground, True, and Fabric 8, rolled into one.
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Review from Dorothy S.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2008
Lower Hater gets 5 stars for carrying Bay Area artist's, Rebecka Jacobs, gorgeous jewelry. Seriously, LH is a pretty nifty store that doesn't just cater to SF natives but those who have a lot of love for the 7x7 city! You will find a lot of artists blessed skateboards. I mean, local artists' visions adorn skateboards that hang on the wall. From excruciatingly detailed rendered paintings to line art illustration, you will not want to put wheels on these boards. There are tons of gift ideas as well, which include t-shirts, bags, jewelry, prints, and jackets. As you leave, you can leave your graffiti stylings in their big black sketchbook. There's even seating for the weary Haight-Fillmore traveler or a very tired shopaholic. Go, visit, and just have fun looking!
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Review from Michele G.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2006
If you haven't yet checked out this new spot in lower haight then your missing out. They sell all sorts of products made by artist from all over, right now they have these great christmas ordiments and the jewlery is unique and affordable. I love there T-shirt designs...Oh and the staff is super friendly.
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Review from Lucas M.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2006
Run by long time veterans of the SF underground and counterculture scene, Lower Hater will soon occupy the space vacated by the recently departed Future Primitive. So heads who love hip-hop fashion and style will only have to mourn a short while before LH opens its doors in a neighborhood that is quickly turning into one of SF's new style meccas. In the past LH has thrown some great hip-hop parties and with the opening of their store, we can only expect more great things to come. UPDATE: The store is open and it looks great. Lots of stuff by Romanowski and other amazing artists, the store is a great addition to the neighborhood. Cool clothing, limited edition art, great vibe all the way aound.
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Review from apple r.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2007
I think my friend said it best when she said, 'I love buying things and when people ask me where I got it, I say, 'I don't know some random place in San Francisco.' This is that random place. The things here are unique and varied. They have everything from clothes to bags to artwork to stuffed animals to underwear. They even had plastic boxes that looked like cupcakes with underwear in them. Cute! I do declare. Most of the things here weren't my style but it is cool to look.
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Review from daniel c.
New York, NY
9/18/2006 1 photo
lower hater officially opened this weekend and the store looks absolutely magnificent. the owners are good friends so i've known firsthand how much hard work and dedication they've put into it and it shows. what stands out first is the simplistic freshness of the store aesthetic; big wooden cabinets and furniture stained dark against glossy laminated wooden flooring, a comfortable front area laced with big pillows to max out on by the window and a long leather couch by the side.
art is everywhere in the store but with class and not in your face. the main artist who's work adorns much of the store is by romanowski, a bay area veteran artist and musician who's put together some wonderful pieces throughout the store that keep with the natural feel. his installation in the back is something else; a must see.
the products lower hater carries runs a wide range but all stay within the same vein so as not to give the store a hodge podge artsy craftsy feel to it (been to way too many of those). you'll find quality wears for both men and women, including custom tee shirts by local artists (myself included), jewelry, beautiful handblown glass items and sculptures, art pieces ranging from hand painted luggage to small canvases, and lots of other goodies.
def check this store out asap.... -
Review from John D.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2007
They were the only ones to have my beloved Western Edition Alamo Square Painted Ladies T-Shirt in FOG GRAY before everyone else in SF ran out (FTC, Park Life, et al.)
10% off too, good service as well. -
Review from Yan M.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2006
The store front and window display of these tiny papers hanging on some wires drew our attention. They have really cute tees...there was a bin of $10 tshirts for women. Staff was friendly and greeted us when we walked in....
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Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
10/16/2008 3 photos
I like visiting this place if I'm strolling by. They have cool art, clothing, and accessories. I just like looking at the cool art on the outside and insides. It reminds me a lot of San Jose's Anno Domini. I've never actually bought anything here. Viva la window-shopping.
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Review from Monica M.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2007
this place specialized in artist premium goods, such as tshirts, hoodies and even painted suitcases. everything has an urban feel wish some SF incorporated in.
though this place wasn't my style, its definitely a good pit stop in the lower haight. the name is quite cute and the staff is always really sweet. stop in so your own piece of urban art. -
Review from Dessa R.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2008
i'm a fan-such a cool spot-it's genuine art and cool inside. I really liked the selection of jewelry-which seemed a bit pricey-but all seemed superbly hand-crafted. In the women's section, I loved the peacoats, basic tees oh and gota love the scratch & sniff shirts (how genius!). The lounge area is super sool w/ plenty of magazines & fluffy pillows. I really love the artwork. I can't wait to shop here again.
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Review from chad n.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2009
I'm totally behind this shop. Small and Friendly, carrying goods from local artists and designers along the same quality as TRUE. I got a really nice hoodie here, zip-style, black with gold L and H on da front that i absolutely love. I think it was like $40 - way cheaper than I'd expect. Big UP
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Review from Roxanne G.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/20/2009
This place is just awesome... I sometimes have to avoid this store if I'm in the neighborhood because I always end up buying a tshirt or hoodie. But at the same time I like to support this shop. They have great designs, friendly staff, and maybe a free sticker (or two) if I ask real nice :)
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Review from rob a.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2007
This store has it all from fashion to art and it is a friendly place to hang out with a pabst or tecate, if you feed Corey beer he will share his word's of wisdom one quote that will go down in history "CHOOSE YOUR OWN DESTINY". All in all this store rocks they always got the coolest gifts and thier not snoby like those other hipster stores in the upper haight.. stop by one of there art shows too you may see someone famous.....
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Review from gabriel c.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2009
Very cool items. They cary hip products from all over and support alot of local artists, They sell alot of very cool T's and such, but they also cary alot of jewelry. I love the recycled pieces they carry from The Brown Banana, but the chain mail pieces are pretty cool too.
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Review from Rich B.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2010
Is this place a front for some illegal operation? I say that, only partly in jest, because they don't seem that interested in selling anything in their store. In a 3-week period, I tried to inquire about a shirt I had seen on someone who said he bought it at Lower Haters. I went by during a time when the store was suppose to be open...it wasn't. I called about the item each day for a week and never got a live person on the phone, so I left a message that was never returned. Finally, when I happened by one day on my bike and found the place open and someone working during their retail hours, I was given erroneous information that had me coming back to purchase the item only to find that they had actually not had it in stock. When I entered the store I was there looking around for at least 5 minutes, with no other customer in the shop, and the 2 fellows that appeared to be working there never said "boo" to me. I had to approach them while they were busy captivated by some video on their laptop behind the counter.
So, my conclusion is that these folks must be a front for something else that is making them a lot more money. They certainly didn't seem to be interested in selling me anything. I'm OK with the more laid-back retail approach of the Lower Haight establishments, there's nothing more frustrating than being swarmed on by overanxious store employees with dollar bills in their eyes, but come on Lower Haters, find a balance. -
Review from Oliver N.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2008
five-star neighborhood art shop. authentic selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts and other things which keep you from being naked, all designed by local artists. and the other third of the store houses some sweet prints, paintings and other hangables. general all-around good shop.
Listed in: Street Art
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Review from ameer n.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2007
this spot was pretty cool, i liked the artwork and the fact that there's not too much clutter. they had a couch that james liked, and a hat that george bought. i could probably find an overpriced print shirt if i dug enough, but i was lazy.
