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Category: Eyewear & Opticians [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Nob Hill, Union SquareMon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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Every year, I inch a little bit closer to having the worst vision possible. I have the kind of glasses people put on to "see how they look" on themselves, and then quickly realize how distorted the world looks through a pair of coke bottles. If I want to avoid that whole magnified precious moments eyes look, I am relegated to paying top dollar for the thinnest possible lenses. What can I say? I'm vain and like to attract people, not scare them away.
I have to say, I read Bella's review, and think she must not have purchased glasses and/or good lenses before, because no matter what kind of deal you can sway on a set of frames, it's always the lenses that inflate the cost by a longshot. $99 for lenses is NOT NOT NOT expensive. I have been wearing glasses since 2nd grade (my first pair were Nintendo brand, no lie). I know how pricey these things can get.
Glasses aren't the greatest impulse buy since they're usually non-returnable, so when it came time to invest in a new pair of glasses with an up-to-date prescription, I researched my options exhaustively. I found websites where I could get a pair of designer frames for $60-$100, but no matter which way I sliced the pie, the lenses I needed would still cost 2-3 times the price of my frames, and I wouldn't even get to size them or try them on beforehand. I realized that while I could probably save a pretty penny ordering online, I really needed to try things on first.
Optical Underground is quite literally underground, with a "Mind the Gap" message written on the steps down to the showroom. I was drawn in by the dance music and the funky glittery glasses in the display cases by the door, but thankfully, they had a pretty wide selection, from the wacky "personality" styled glasses, to the chic designer frames like Tom Ford and Gucci.
Here's the deal with Optical Underground that I didn't realize: while their claim to fame is discount prices on designer frames, the frames they offer go down in price for every month they sit on the shelf, and if you're a first time buyer, they'll give you a 10% discount on your first frames.
I ended up choosing 3 different frames that I liked, and had the rep there help me narrow it down to two. Though I only planned to purchase one pair of glasses, I really couldn't beat the fact that one pair of Bjorn frames was only going to cost me $10, so I decided to bite the bullet and get a spare pair. I ended up paying $600 for 2 designer glasses that without a doubt would have cost me $800+ together. You can't get cheaper rates online, or anywhere else that I'm aware of where you can actually walk in and try things on.
I was really happy with the service and would definitely come here again. My boyfriend was so impressed, he's buying his next pair here next month, as a matter of fact :).
So I visited here today with my sister looking for a great pair of glasses but with an even greater price, meaning cheap! I really liked this place, it was casual, the guy (Allen...?) who helped me was helpful, knowledgeable, and not at all pushy! He was very informative, gave me great and honest feedback! even told me that the only place cheaper than Optical Underground was Costco, I was holding out for him to uptalk how great and amazing O.U. is......
I gave him a little info about what I needed them for, and he told me his recommendations without trying to rip me off. Even gave me $25 off cuz I visited the website! All in all, I bought great frames, they have uv protection, anti-glare, obviously the prescription lenses, all for $130. Not too shabby! I would definately recommend this place to anyone and I will be going back next time I have to get new glasses!
I'm surprised how many people love this place!!
I have been twice. The first time I picked out two frames and had glasses put in one of them. Down the road I tried to get lenses put in the sun glasses type frames and the eye care center had some trouble with them because they're rather large. Both frames were cute, and on sale.
The next time I went in the two guys there were insanely rude. They would like not help me, not answer questions, etc. It was like they were offended that I dare come in there and like buy something. WTF?
I am still looking for a better place, but it's a bummer that the place has to be so pretentious just because they've got funky frames and are only marking their merch up 300% instead of like 500%.
Booooo!
I needed to find a place that was affordable but that had cool designer frames. I found exactly what I wanted at Optical Underground.
They have great frames at a fraction of the original cost. Not only that, but the staff there was great - not pushy, but very helpful and accommodating.
When I'm ready for my next pair of glasses, I'll definitely go back to Optical Underground.
i have had the same frames since freshman year of high school. yes high school, aka seven fucking years ago. why, you ask? because i am cheap & have always been in denial of the fact that i actually need to wear glasses.
in my search to buy cheap frames, i stumbled upon Optical Underground. i walked in already knowing what i wanted so, when one of the employees approached me, i declined her help. i found the pair of Ray Bans i had been lusting over & immediately hated them when i tried them on. i scoured through their wide selection & tried one at least 50 pairs. what i really dig about this place is the mirror/camera set up that they have. you can take a photo of yourself wearing up to four different frames & then compare them side by side.... frickin genius!
the woman who had offered her help earlier must have seen i was frustrated. she handed me a pair of frames that she thought i would like. i tried them on & they were the epitome of what i was looking for. i should have listened to this gal all along, she knows her shit! i ordered the frames & they were ready in two days even though they originally quoted seven!
i walked out of here with a new pair of glasses for just under $100, thanks to a coupon that i saw on their website. i love my frames & wear them everyday... going for that sexy librarian look, ya know? ;)
Had a fun time trying on the frames. If I was in the area I would definitely be popping by on a frequent basis.
Hugely discounted sunglasses and glasses. They just didn't have any I would like at the time, but it seems like the styles rotate depending on how old the design is, so a repeat visit may be find a good deal!
I must say that before purchasing two pairs of glasses here about a month ago, the last pair I bought was in 2005, so I don't have that much to compare the experience to.
What I can say with assurance is that they had quite a selection of frame styles that looked unique and prices from very inexpensive to expensive. One of the frames I bought I have never seen anywhere before, and I like that, but I wouldn't call what I paid for it "cheap," but maybe relatively speaking, it was. And that seemed to be the order of the day--you can buy HELLA inexpensive glasses here, but they're not going to be extraordinary in any way. The more exotic glasses you buy, the more expensive they are likely to be. They also have a selection of sunglasses.
From the day I put in my order (they were prescription) to the day they arrived was a solid week. Obviously I wish they would have been finished quicker, but in the end I am very satisfied with the feel of the two pairs I bought and their ability to make me see. And the staff was nice.
Good things can come out of bad....
Not long after I posted my original review, owner Lloyd Silverstein called and offered straight-up apologies, no excuses, for my prior negative experiences. He expressed a sincere desire to repair the situation and a commitment to correct the problems with my glasses. Though I felt cautious, I figured it was worth giving him a chance, considering how much money I'd invested and was out. My positive experiences working directly with him in the past also influenced my decision to try and work things out.
It took a while, but Lloyd has come through, solidly. On the condition (mine) that I work only with him on all aspects of replacing the useless pair, he patiently checked, measured and documented everything and got me the glasses I should have had in the first place, with a positive attitude and approach, and, significantly, no further cost on my part.
The same staff still works there, but it can be said that this firm will stand by its work and products should something go wrong.
Because of his integrity as a small business owner-- and a hats off to the value of Yelp-- the situation was resolved satisfactorily, and I am happy to upgrade my review and rating.
In the past I would've have given them 3 or 4 stars, but this last time was a total blow out. I've… Read more »
Pretty good selection of frames here. The staff is great too. They did their best rush the lenses for my new frames. I def recommend this place, particularly for a 2nd pair because their prices are very discounted (assuming your vision insurance doesn't cover a 2nd pair).
A former coworker of mine, of the bespectacled persuasion, would always rave about this place (she had a really great revolving collection of glasses) and I made a mental note to visit. Cue 2 years later, I finally visit! I'm so glad that I came here for the new glasses. I haven't had a new pair in over 10 years.
I checked out the entire store and the staff was really nice about it. I really love that everything was open so that you could try it on without having to ask someone to get it. Then you feel like you have to buy something because they opened a glass door for you.
They have a pretty good selection of names and the styles run the gamut from conservative to funky/trendy. They have an interesting mark down policy of x amount of days and it goes down a certain percentage. Mostly the starting price is 50% off the manufacturer's.
I finally settled on a pair of Shanghai Tang's and got the works for the lenses. I bought the glasses on a Tuesday and on the Friday right after they called me to say they were ready to pick up! Wow! Generally it takes 7-10 days to get the glasses done.
I lurves my new glasses!
Despite my earlier review, my coworker and i went back here AGAIN since Optical Underground had the cheapest frames among the other stores. And yet AGAIN, no one bothered to help us the entire 30 minutes; we ended up when leaving two girls came in who started looking at frames and not 5 minutes of being in the store the clerk came over to greet them and asked them if they needed any help?
Shady! This is the last time that I'll be going here. I give them 0 stars.
My coworker and I were on the hunt for her very first pair of glasses; armed with yelp reviews and… Read more »
I never needed glasses before last year, and I was ASTONISHED to find out how much they cost! I looked at frames at the UC clinic and Kaiser, and pretty much figured I'd have to find some cute-ish ones at the Salvation Army. I mean, yeesh!
I read the reviews of OU, but had my doubts. I was pleasantly surprised that they actually had nice stuff for reasonable prices. I ended up with gorgeous frames for like 1/5 of what the Cal clinic was charging. Nice people there - they asked if I needed help, then left me alone for the next hour or two, while I tried on every pair in the store and agonized over which looked best (hey, they're my first pair).
The only thing is that underground, surrounded by the spotlights and funky frames, you can start to go a little insane in a "why, these enormous square white-and-red frames look GREAT on me!" way. Bring a friend.
I've walked by this place roughly 500 times. I always figured it was some snooty overpriced boutique. Mostly because it's in Union Square, and the Square rolls deep with snooty overpriced boutiques. Fortunately my buddy Cobra Dave set me straight. Definitely go here to get frames for your prescription lenses. Bonus points that the chick working the counter was hella friendly and cute.
They also have designer frames at good prices, but the styles weren't really my taste. At least not today. They sell overstock so the flavors rotate frequently, I was told, and I believe everything I'm told. I also believe everything I read on the Internet. You should too. The Internet never lies.
I loooove this place! I went to probably around ten places looking for glasses. Everyone else had a small selection or were way overpriced. I got a super sweet pair of glasses here and the frames were only $10!! Frames elsewhere started around $150...for just the frames! The frames with lenses ended up being around $130. Best selection, best prices, and super friendly staff. As an added bonus they helped fix up my old pair of glasses.
I love this place! I commented to a friend that she had cute frames and asked where she got them and she told she found them here! So upon her recommendation I checked them out and left with two frames for $19 each!
My friend's frames were Paul Smiths and they have other designer glasses as well and lots of choices to choose from. But I think mine were a total steal! The staff were super helpful and I had them give me a lot of input while picking out the right frames and it was awesome. I totally recommend this place to anyone who needs new frames and cute stylish ones that aren't crazy overpriced! Great place and helpful staff and overall awesome place!
ps. Parking is hard to find during the day but I parked in the Sutter Garage, $2 for an hour, which is not that bad at all.
I went with my fiancée and we had high expectations--every time we asked someone where they got hteir awesome glasses, this was always the place they named.
They definitely had a great selection that ranged from trendy to eclectic but for some reason, nothing clicked for us. There were a few acceptable candidates but maybe it just depends on your luck of the draw. It is an outlet after all.
The prices, btw, are ridiculously cheap. So much so that even though I wanted a VSP provider (which, btw, they're not), their prices were lower than a normal place after the VSP deduction.
Just this year I found out I could use glasses for the computer. Naturally, I was traumatized.
This whole time I was led to believe by my parents, friends, and others that there were 2 categories of people: those who need glasses when they're a kid, and those who need them when they turn 40. Since I didn't need them as a kid, clearly I thought I was safe 'til I was 40. Not so fast. Apparently all these years of poli sci paper-writing and consultant-ese have caught up to me, and now I have a slight astigmatism. Bummer.
Given my propensity to not want to spend a lot of money on an accessory I was already unhappy to have to purchase, I wanted the cheapest, yet fashionable, pair of glasses I could find. After price-comparing at Costco, and being shocked and dismayed by the prices at the "See" boutique by my house, I came across Optical Underground one day whilst walking to a dentist appt. Luckily, their house music and catchy name caught my eye.
I found a cool pair of Modo glasses, for a very good price, and the service has been decent too.
I popped into OU today. I am always on the look out for cool cheeter glasses and they never fail at having the biggest selection.
I found a whole wall completely reduced to $19.00 and in every strength.
Extremely cute styles and colors.
They make being visually challenged a piece of cake !
I HATE wearing glasses. I really really do.
And the worst part is... I don't just have to wear them for reading or when I drive, I have to wear them nearly all the time - at the computer, in meetings, walking down the street, shopping, driving... so it was very important to me to find a pair of lenses/frames that HID the fact that I have them at all - AND that I wasn't breaking the bank for a piece of plastic that is my demise. I'm in the "seriously in denial of my poor vision" group. So.... yelpers suggested Optical Underground.
I went alone, in cognito, on a Tues night, hoping to miss seeing anyone I know, have seen before, or might want to know in the future.... I slowly browsed the extensive selection, trying on pairs for less than two seconds each, because let's face it, none of them are going to look good. .... but.... ALAS!!! They have these "frames" that aren't even frames, its this surgical plastic stuff that basically hides the fact that I'm wearing them. Done. Sold. Where do I sign?
The customer service was perfect - there for help if I needed it, but not all up in my business while I was trying them on. I was in and out in 15 minutes.... and they'll be ready in 7 business days. Can't beat that.
For being a vendor of something I absolutely despise, I must say, I left with a sigh of relief and money still in the bank. Thanks, I guess.
Now I can see!
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Incredibly helpful! I shopped around for a while and Optical Underground was the perfect combination of small/approachable customer service with a ton of selection.
I left a voicemail for them and got a super long and detailed message the next day. The two visits I made were both great - the employees are all super fun and helpful. The most amazing thing was how accommodating they were - they gave me a 7-10 range, but got them made by the following day.
GREAT BUSINESS. Highly recommend them.
Two stars for having some really amazing frames for super cheap. I would have given it more stars however, when I tried to get some prescription lenses into my sunglass frames they majorly messed up.
First they put the wrong lens on the wrong side. I've been wearing glasses since 8 and I've never had that happen to me before. When I tried them on, the shades felt really funny and I got nauseous pretty quickly. The clerk told me that I should give it time to settle in...after a week of settling in, I knew there was something wrong.
They also totally didn't measure my eyes against the new frames to figure out where the center was. Albeit, I could have reminded them, isn't this something that a store shouldn't forget to do since this is the only thing they sell?? They also took a really long time getting my frames ready.
The clerks were really sweet however....I'll totally go there again to get frames --- I just won't get lenses here!
Pro: 3 pair of awesome awesome awesome glasses for less than $400. You know how amazing that is.
Cons: Bitchy staff. Totally bitchy staff who think that their suggestions should be the be all and end all of your glasses buying experience.
Also? Hey bitchy staff? Whatever, I don't particularly care about how you feel about your body, but really, having a prolonged conversation about dieting/weight loss/how gross the little bit of fat on your hips is while my fat ass is shopping in your store is NOT good customer service skills. Learn that, soon, please, so I can go back and get the pair of LaFonts I have my eye on.
So, of course waiting to the very last minute to use my FSA , I had 2 days left & had been all over the city only to find either the same trite frames or ridiculously priced ones or both, sprinkled occassionally with attitude from rhinestone studded cat-eyed clerks- um, no. HOW refreshing at Optical Underground to find:
1.) people who politely leave you alone (not ignore, big difference), let you browse & not hover or offer up unsolicited opinions
2.) truly AMAZING prices
3.) a diverse & incredible selection (as a designer, my standards are ridiculous, i admit)
4.) no nonsense, professional, helpful & kind staff!
I ended up buying 4 pair, the prices are so good!
Highly recommend to those who consider frames an accessory & that you can change with your mood. :)
Optical Underground is a wonderful frames outlet. Although at least 1 season behind, there are plenty of discounted, colorful, and spunky frames to purchase, not just one but several frames to go with any outfit of the hour. The frames are insanely discounted. Already, the frames are 40% off regular retail price. If the frames have been in the shop for more than 3 months, the frames are further discounted 20% (I think) off current price. For more than 6 months, the frames are further discounted 50% off current price. And any frames left after 12 months are $19. With such an aggressive pricing strategy, the selection turns over fairly quickly.
Furthermore, they offer a variety of lenses at or nearly at rock bottom prices. When I asked how the lens prices fair with other places, and they were forthright and honest that the only other place that maybe as price competitive is Cost-co. But Cost-co does not offer as many lens options as Optical Underground. Plus they offer glass lenses, a favorite option in Europe and many Asian countries. The sales people were super nice and helpful.
After spending over $500 for a new pair of glasses at my optician, Optical Underground gave me a reality check of how badly ripped off I was. No more duping. My next pair and then some are coming from Optical Underground.
Wow! This place is great! They have a huge selection of frames. I payed half of what I'd normally pay for glasses. I was in dire need of a new pair since I lost mine over the weekend. The sales staff were very helpful and they even put a "rush" on my order. They had some really cute frames that were on sale for $19. I couldn't believe my eyes!
I was hoping that I'd find a larger selection of small frames. I have a little head. Luckily, I located an adorable stylish pair and they seem to really fit my face.
I'd normally give them five stars, but I have to give them four because the selection for my size was very limited.
Again, the service was fantastic! A well deserved 5 stars.
I have this insanely wide big head. The good news, besides the love of my mother, is that these guys were honest about that but gently so and told me. I was pulling my George Costanza "I want to be/look like an architect" and reached for these arty/half lens faux tortoise specs and got DENIED by the manager. My insanely large and wide head didn't work with these bad boys. After a little more honesty and perseverance I ended up with a great pair and get loads of compliments.
I've gotten several pairs of glasses over the years and always loved the quality and finish period and then extremely pleased by the pricing.
THEN, they actually broke me off some love because I completely smashed a pair I bought there 36 hours after I bought them (running on a cold day with my hands in my jacket - doh!). They ended up cutting me a great deal...
Owner, manager and all the team members are just cool as well...
Good price for lenses. No attitude about putting new lenses in old frames(not bought from them) unlike Lenscrappers.
Parking sucks.
Took just over 2 weeks to get lenses.
Mention Yelp and get a discount!
First I would like to thank fellow yelpers for pointing me in the right direction. I hate wearing… Read more »
BEST PLACE FOR GLASSES EVER!!! That is if you're into funky frames. They have a bunch of designer frames but older styles, so they're discounted. They have a wide range of styles. They carry Oliver Peoples, cool plastic styles, and a bunch of Euro trash looking ones. Most of the frames are in cases that are open already so you can just grab a pair and try them on. The staff is friendly, you can ask them for their opinion on frames. I found the best and my most favorite pair of frames for $60. It's not a fancy name brand but the style suited me perfectly. Plus the lenses, I think it came out to about $120-150. Tell your friends about this place but not too many, I don't want my secret to be known. Then everyone will be trying to look like me trying to look like the Asian Lisa Loeb.
Don't come here with your pupils dilated (like I did)!
This place is the best!! I got three pairs (pair? pairs?) of glasses there for around $500. I totally splurged but they are all super cool, I got anti-reflective lenses and two of them I got tinted. The selection is eclectic and the staff really helpful. I can't imagine buying glasses anywhere else ever again. Super pleased with the whole experience. Everything was ready in a week.
I went here on the recommendation of a makeup artist I met on the set of the Harvey Milk Sean Penn movie, "Milk." She lives in LA. I commented on her lovely frames, and she told me, "I got them here, in San Francisco. You have the BEST eyeglass store in the world in your city!" I was delighted and inspired to go check out optical underground.
The clearance rack has decent and even cute frames for as little as $15. There is also a large selection of frames for $49 and they are beautiful. I ended up getting two pairs of frames for $79 (would have been willing to spend less or more, but these just fit my face the best) and lenses with anti-reflection, scratch-free and UV for under $300.
Who can top that??
The salespeople were very nice. I told the guy who helped me, "I'm going to buy something today, I just need to try on a bunch of pairs first." He was nice and understood but seemed helpful and available if I needed him, and he just left me alone with my pile of 10 frames and let me do my thing until I was ready to talk about lenses with him. I appreciated his hands-off style.
Go to Optical Underground. Don't waste your time with other stores.
I love my glasses that I got from here. Yeah they're just a pair of black framed glasses with the anti-glare and thinning lens option, but they're a CUTE pair of black, framed glasses! And the price...at first I thought it was rather expensive but the more I think about it, it's a reasonable price for a pair of designer frames.
The owners did a good job of keeping the "underground" theme because as you enter, you take the stairs down to the land of frames and stellar service.
So...I'm new to this whole glasses thing. When I was young I had 20/15 vision, but alas years of staring at a computer screen have finally taken their tole.
And so I stand (type) before you; a four-eyes, a squint, a poindexter (alright, that last one might not be entirely the fault of the glasses).
I had read a lot of positive reviews for Optical Underground and wanted to check them out so I headed in earlier today. The service WAS very friendly and not at all pushy. Since its one of the first glasses stores I've been in I can't really comment on price or selection, but I chose a pair of frames that I liked, bought them and after explaining that I really needed them sooner rather than later the guy at the counter went to the back, checked and found the lense in stock, and ground it down for me in about 10 minutes.
So yeah, I'm pretty happy (mostly because I can see again)!
Best selection!
Best Prices!
Best Service!
And yopu can use your VSP to get some great deals on some hawt sunglasses!
Sweeeeet!
Redemption: one of my favorite local beers and a gracious act performed by this business...after seeing my last posting bemoaning the specs I bought here Lloyd tracked me down and invited me back so they could 'make it right'....and so they did, I now have a great new pair of progressive lens and bifocals. Lesson learned: have more faith in local business to make things right when they go awry.
Progressive lens, bifocals? NO. Great frames? YES. Fast forward one year, me still mystified as to… Read more »
If you need frames, you should go here. The people working there let you browse without bugging you, and then when you ask for help -- they've got tons of useful suggestions.
Even though the store has the deep discounts, you don't feel like you're in a Ross. Everything is organized, spacious, and just awesome.
FYI if you want some crazy frames, they've got a $10 wall that will blow your mind.
Optical Underground is like the Nordstrom Rack or Off Saks of Eyeglass shops. They carry overstocked or out-of-season designer eyewear and price them at huge discounts. You'll find everything from Oliver Peoples to Gucci. Myopia can be stylish! The selection of frames is huge, and the prices of lenses are very competitive.
The best part? All display cases are unlocked! You can help yourself and try on as many eyeglasses as you want. Those of you who have shopped for eyeglasses know how uncomfortable it can be when a salesperson is required to assist you on each and every pair you want to try on. Then seventy pairs and two hours later, you end up leaving and feeling guilty for not making a purchase. At Optical Underground, you shop for eyeglasses the same way you'd shop for a shirt at Nordstrom. Easy!
woohoo!!!
got two pair designer frame with really incredible price, too bad they don't have optometrist on site but they can make affordable lenses.
I always have a tough time picking out glasses as I find they make me look equally repulsive, so I walked into this store hoping to get the advice and input of one of the workers. When I got inside I started trying on glasses, all the while trying to look like I needed help to attract a sales clerk. For some reason no one approached me. Why is it that people will always ask you for help when you don't need it? I noticed that everyone else in the store got approached for help, sometimes multiple times. Even people that came in after me were approached immediately. At this point I realized that in fact there was and always has been something wrong with my face.... sigh. I did find a pair however and the price was right for the product.
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Eyewear & Opticians
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
Category: Eyewear & Opticians
Neighborhood: Castro
Category: Optometrists
Neighborhood: Castro
Category: Optometrists
Neighborhood: Union Square
Category: Eyewear & Opticians
