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The Tail of the Yak Trading Company
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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43 reviews for The Tail of the Yak Trading Company
Review Highlights
"The antique jewelry is truly lovely, and well-priced."
(in 5 reviews)
"A great mix of eclectic and Victorian."
(in 8 reviews)
"...gaze at all the amazing stuffed birds and religious statues."
(in 3 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from ludmilla r.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011 3 photos
this is the boutique that set the standard for all of its kind! it's truly a unique, creative environment, beautifully styled with antiques and new items in a variety of price ranges.
Everyone who works there is knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, and they also respect those who want to quietly look around without any high pressure sales.
You have to ring the bell to get it. Having lived in the Elmwood area myself I can tell you there is a good reason for this: it's not snotty or elitist, it's simple security. Once inside you are treated to lovely quiet place filled with beauty. I often go out of my way to visit there. -
Review from Mavourneen L.
Lafayette, CA
4/30/2011
A friend suggested that I stop in here and I didn't mind ringing the bell to get in... but I do mind the SNOTTY 'tude of the owner/employees!
It just took all the fun out of it...they were talking and they were annoyed that I was interupting them!
When I commented that one of their artisitic cases was very dark and said, "I'll bet you wish that had a light in it." They acted as if I was absurd and NEVER offered to bring the case of earrings 'down' to counter level so I might actually see if I wanted to buy anything in it!
And I was all dressed up at the time!
Someone needs to go back to charm school... and it's not moi! -
Review from Heather W.
Cambridge, MA
7/3/2011
I have a friend who collects antique jewelry and, hearing that my boyfriend and I were interested in looking at some sparklers, recommended this place, saying it was her favorite in the area.
So, before going to dinner my boyfriend and I made made a special trip over to look at said jewelry. And, I have to say, as other reviewers have mentioned - they have some really great pieces but their attitude leaves something to be desired. ... that something being friendliness.
First, after we got beeped in nobody said anything. No "hi! welcome to Tail of the Yak" or "good afternoon, can I help you with something?" - not even eye contact and a smile. Shit, not even eye contact at all. Nada. Zip. Zero. How can you do that when you expressly have to let each person in?
As someone who was seriously looking at purchasing, I find this a bit hard to understand (let alone accept). People come in here ready to spend thousands of dollars. How on earth can you not be friendly when they enter? You're selling antique jewelry! Yes you sell little soaps and stuff too, but the minute I bee-lined for the glass cases you should at least give me the benefit of the doubt!
After a while someone came over and while she was somewhat helpful, she was still aloof, barely wanted me to touch anything (which I somewhat understand, given the age of some of the pieces), and was just not that much fun to talk to. Jewelry shopping, if nothing else, should be FUN.
So, all in all I have to say that while I really enjoyed the some of the pieces (they seem to focus more on Victorian/ 1890s pieces with some art deco and virtually no art nouveau) I would rather (all things being equal) buy somewhere else. -
Review from Lauren B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/15/2011
The first time I entered Tail of the Yak and saw the spectacle of garlands, taxidermy animals, the jewelry--the luster--I was instantly obsessed.
Every so often when I permit myself visit the store, I am in awe of the magnificent hangings + the priceless antiques that captivate my imagination and feed the dream that I will one day own a beautiful, one-of-kind piece of jewelry from this store. Mainly, however, I am tempted by the seashells stuffed with treats and wrapped in sliver twine that are irreverent gifts anyone remotely concerned with fancy aesthetics can appreciate, as well as the fun, petite garlands, and decadent cards.
The wonderful ladies who work there are elegant and kind, and they are always willing to educate me about a certain piece or explain ever so briefly how one is made. There is history to even item in that store, and I consider Tail of the Yak to be an important part of my history; as the store in a connection to my own artistic aspirations and I value it highly as such. -
Review from Heather J.
Bay Area
2/18/2011
Such a whimsical, beautiful store!
Definitely worth checking out if you're shopping in Berkeley. This store has so many fancy things.
Ostriches, doves, mushrooms, swans, feathers, ribbons, colorful fabrics and designs, I love it! -
Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2010
Can you say precious? So precious you need to be buzzed in. I couldn't tell you exactly what they have, but it does appeal to a part of me I am not so reconciled with. The effete ephemera loving part.
Still, so appealing it rates as worth a detour.
The useful: If you like Nest on Fillmore, you'll like her more refined cousin, Tail of the Yak. -
Review from Loulou d.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2007
I would love to give this business 5 stars, but can't:
Pluses: Great inventory, beautiful ambiance and arrangement of store fixtures and offerings.
Minues: Inflated prices (especially the jewelry - egads!) and most distressingly, snooty, preoccupied, and self-important staff.
Still, this is a shop I always make a point of visiting when I'm in the East Bay. Too bad they couldn't have a little nicer attitude to go along with the beautiful shop. One wonders, sometimes, why people ever go into the business.Listed in: Hunting & Gathering
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Review from Neal A.
Alameda, CA
9/20/2007
FAVORABLE BIAS ALERT!
My sister is part owner of this store. I always have trouble describing it to my friends because it has such an interesting, eclectic mix of items. Stuffed birds (taxidermist style) to antique jewelry. I've always loved the shop because Alice and Lauren (my sis) have created such a beautiful place. It certainly reflects their taste. I don't get in there much as I would like but Christmas is my favorite time to shop there. It's just a great place and yes, I am a proud brother. By the way, Lauren is also a wonderful artist http://laurenmcintosh.com. -
Review from Jacqueline M.
Cincinnati, OH
6/20/2010
Over the holidays, my boss' wife bought me little French La Lavande soaps and a gorgeous artisan wine glass (no stem) that had been hand blown and painted with the most beautiful spring flowers. Packed in a gorgeous custom wrapped and fragrant box with the signature Tail of the Yak embossed emblem, I was relishing every second it took to unwrap this very unexpected and thoughtful thank you gift. What a treat!
Without fail, my wine glass is the first glass I reach for if I want to enjoy anything from orange juice with breakfast to a glass of wine with dinner. It is truly one of a kind and drinking out of this glass fills me with lots of happy and warm thoughts. I just adore the little bubbles in the hand blown glass, and they look so lovely with the spring flowers.
Likewise, the French La Lavande soaps were amazing! I enjoyed the honey-lavender the most, but the gardenia and green tea were equally amazing! :) I loved them so much, that I finally made a special trip from SF to Berkeley to stock up on these amazing soaps! Even found some new scents to try! :)
I can't say enough good things about this boutique. It is truly filled with some of the loveliest artisan creations I've ever seen, and they even have a gorgeous vintage jewelry collection! If only my budget permitted at the moment, I would certainly purchase a number of the beautiful pieces carried.
Notably, the staff at The Tail of the Yak are equally lovely. I felt right at home shopping for my soaps, and I look forward to coming back for more in near future...as well as seeing the new artisan creations that have come in. :) -
Review from Vera D.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2007
This place has such a unique aesthetic. You feel as if you're not shopping for home furnishings, but rather an assortment of eclectic relics and specimens. On my modest budget, I've bought a pair of hammered Mexican silver earrings here for $45, passing up on the authentic Victorian black resin earrings that retailed more than $200-300. There are two live doves kept in an ornate cage and you'll find stuffed birds staring down at you throughout.
Today, I bought a couple glass stands with bell jars to top them for $20 and $18 respectively. I love them and I will be using one of them to display a "relic" - a cluster of shells from the Philippines and the other as a "greenhouse" for my ivy plant. Other customers bought both the spiral tapered candles and Chinese New Year favors in droves.
P.S. No other place I know has as great crepe paper streamers and crepe paper spheres as this place. -
Review from Bev J.
Modesto, CA
7/6/2010
So friggin' overpriced, it's criminal. The place has a pretty cool ambiance inside, if they deign to buzz you in.
I really wanted to love this shop but I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed at the inventory. -
Review from Sarah L.
Albany, CA
8/3/2006
Treasure trove of amazing things! A museum of ribbon and letterpressed paper and pretty things! Paradise for cute vintage jewelry, tiny bottles of special perfumes, twine rolled in a peanut shaped balls and neat french postcards.
This is the original. There are many knock offs of this fabulous store in the bay area and across the country, but the ladies at Tail of the Yak did it first and do it best. The window displays are always gorgeous--it makes me smile when I drive by. I love coming here for gifts or just for fun. A truly special Berkeley business. -
Review from Sugar E.
Alameda, CA
12/2/2008
This place is a different world! Even when I am mighty thin on the funds, I can indulge myself with a little trinket and an infusion of the esthetic.
My favorite purchases from Tail of the Yak are the amazing local letterpress papers (stationary, photo albums, place-setting cards). I think the calendars they give out at Christmas are created by one of the owners and they are so strange and elegant, I cannot just throw them away at the change of the year, I use them for craft projects. My other favorite purchase was some tres chere gold earrings that will never go out of style and only increase in value.
The staff have been most gracious. They are interesting. I don't expect gumball So Cal cheeriness. They are well informed about their products, have good taste and can wrap your present with panache.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Maureen B.
Berkeley, CA
8/15/2011
Why is this staff working retail when they apparently think customers are beneath them? Yes, they have some lovely things and the displays can be beautiful. But last time I went in, and I was the only customer in the store, no one bothered to say hello, good afternoon, or can I help you. I said the flowers were gorgeous and asked if they had grown them. No response. Not even a no. I have never been treated so rudely by a retail establishment in my life. I wouldn't give them a penny of my money ever again, even if they were selling Queen Victoria's jet earrings for a buck.
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Review from DJ Justin C.
Oakland, CA
4/2/2011
This store is so magical! I always feel transported into another world when I am there! I love it and try to always buy some Christmas gifts there every year! I dream about getting locked in there overnight and watching all the magical things come to life! If you looking for a truly unique gift its here!
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Review from Joyti J.
Oakland, CA
7/6/2007
This is my favorite little boutique. Its cute and quirky - more of a tart than a cupcake. Unlike other little shops that came later, Tail of the Yak is sophicated and elegant at the same time. It definitely has a French influence.
I love the atmosphere, and I like the ladies that own/work here. They leave you alone. In most boutiques, the salesgirls keep asking you questions about what you're looking for, or keep pointing out their "wonderful" mechanise, or staring at you. Here, the ladies just ask if you need help, and then leave you alone. I feel comfortable enough to stare and explore and comtemplate. Plus, they package up everything so nicely, and they'll tell you what makes your item special while doing it. Makes you feel as if you've stumbled upon a lovely slice of old world charm. -
Review from Mary Ann M.
Menlo Park, CA
4/24/2007
Listen up, ladies - you just have to 'walk the walk' sometimes when you're out shopping. Would you saunter into a high-end boutique with muddy shoes or a dripping umbrella? No. So quit whining.
Don't expect the women who work here to be customer service drones. They are STYLE mavens and this place is not for everyone. You will find treasures here that cannot be found elsewhere. Period.
The other day I walked in and bought five teeny-tiny little wooden clothespins. Five for a dollar. I have no idea what I'm going to use them for, but I could not resist... you've just gotta love that. I also bought a beautiful hand blocked card for $5.00. My total bill was Six Bucks & Change. I admired some of the French antique ribbon at eye level, but it wasn't in my budget. But the memory of that robins-egg-blue satin still makes me smile whenever I think of it. -
Review from Bindi B.
Healdsburg, CA
5/12/2010
I've been a fan of the Yak for decades. They know how to mix it all up in a way that makes me swoon. The prices are crazy-high, but I know this before going in and only stop there when I can afford a binge. I've dropped many a Bennie at this place.
But dang! The shop ladies have a sour attitude! It has gotten worse over time. The other day I saw them do the old-gal equivalent of a high-five after a big sale. They dole out their smiles according to how much scratch you give 'em. Not nice. In a way they would be kind of quaint, if they didn't hit my wallet so hard. No matter how much I spend, I always feel a little dirty, like I did something very bad. -
Review from Alex T.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2008
The doorbell lets you in.
And then you step into a wonderland of treats. I bought the Mexican wedding flags for my wedding and I always know there will be something there to inspire me. -
Review from Candice R.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2010
This shop is such a gem in the east bay. I can't help stopping when I drive up ashby and getting buzzed in the door is such a treat. Not only is it my one stop shop for everyone's birthday, anniversary, xmas, and little treats for myself, it's a history/geography lesson. The antique jewelry is to die for - and the prices are TOTALLY fair for what you're getting. Anyone who says otherwise, perhaps isn't familiar with the level of quality and special-ness that these ladies shop around the world for. I recently bought a diamond band from Turkey and when we needed to trade up for a different size a few weeks later, the owners and employees were more than happy to help me and exchange it. I really appreciate their level of customer service and special thanks to Alice for being understanding with my ring switch! I think the Tail of the Yak and I will have a long, long relationship.
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Review from Marcy J.
Redwood City, CA
7/2/2007
I've been going to this store for years. I used to tell myself when I was a struggling 20 year old that someday I'd be able to afford one of their fabulous Victorian or Georgian pieces. Well that day came and the way I afforded one was to go to London on my own and scour the Portobello Market. I love love love the aesthetic of Tail of the Yak but the prices are waaaaaay too high for me even now. Those pique tortoiseshell bird earrings? So not worth $1800 to me. I always find something small to purchase, like a pair of mexican sterling hand earrings or a book entitled Ghostly Ruins. There must be someone out there who can afford the amazing antique jewels and santos that this store sells because they've been around for over 20 years, but when I visit, I feel like I'm more of an appreciative spectator than a shopper.
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Review from Daria A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2010
I LOVE this store. They have the most amazing and beautiful little treasures, soaps, and jewelry.
I got my my wedding guestbook here. It is absolutely beautiful.
They also will give you free calendars that are GORGEOUS for the year. -
Review from pea p.
Berkeley, CA
3/1/2007
A great store with a perfect aesthetic -- kind of a French Victorian Kunstkammer and cabinet of curiosities -- but more of a museum than a store since everything is priced out of range. If you travel you can find much of this stuff for A LOT less, especially the prints. I find that it is good to go and see what you like and then find it on eBay, etc. for much less. The people that work there are suffering from a range of affectations too, but maybe this goes with the 19th century feel. Don't go if you are afraid of taxidermy animals. Do go if you want to be inspired.
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Review from Schtef T.
El Cerrito, CA
1/31/2009
The jewelry and paper products are amazing! Can't go higher than 2 stars as the women working the day I was in acted annoyed from the moment I rang the bell. I took my mom who is southern and loves, loves, loves everything Victorian. She walks the walk and talks the talk, yet both of the women were snooty to her too. Not the best tactic when we came in expecting to buy lots and spend loads of $$$$. And, the stuffed ostrich has got to go. I get that it is old and was probably stuffed long before people realized ornamental dead animals aren't a great idea. However, if you love it that much. Keep it home, in your bedroom ladies.
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Review from Katie C.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2009
I found a few very cool things and the store is extremely visually appealing, but overall, VERY EXPENSIVE and very overrated.
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Review from nancy b.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2009
I always visit when I'm in town. But note, my five stars are not awarded as much from the perspective of my being a consumer, as much as a voyeur. Many items are overpriced and one must, of course, curb those later-regrettable impulse buys -- but we know this going in. Go the Tail of the Yak to savor and enjoy the whimsical experience of being there. Not unlike the Museum of Jurassic Technology in LA, this place is wonderful and weird, beautiful and perhaps, if the gals at the counter are a bit aloof that day -- humorously precious.
And as to reviewer "Sugar E"s seemingly disrespectful comment that this store has none of the "gumball cheeriness" of So. Cal -- well geez -- if people on this site paint an entire region of this state with one judgmental stroke, the joke's on them. Here in LA, we've got numerous treasures just like Tail of the Yak -- but because our neighborhoods tend to be more diverse and inclusive than the inarguably exclusive enclave in which Tail is located, prices here tend to be more favorable.
For those who are not put off by shopkeepers who actually say hello when you walk in, don't miss Zanzabelle, in LA's Silverlake neighborhood. -
Review from Leanne V.
San Francisco, CA
12/4/2007
just plain lovely. i used to go here with my mom when i was little and gaze at all the amazing stuffed birds and religious statues. i still gaze at them today, since they are effing expensive and i can't afford them. but they do have smaller items well within reach. it's the perfect place to buy a beautiful, unique gift. half the stuff in there you have no idea what to do with, but you desperately want it anyway. mini paper lamps, muerte figurines, itty bitty bound books. just great, fanciful stuff.
i do have a major problem with their hours. they close at 5:30! i wanted to get my mother a nice birthday gift, but had to make it across the bridge from work first. luckily my boyfriend beat me and walked in at 5:20. i was making my way up ashby, so he asked the women if they wouldn't mind staying open just five minutes more until i got there (i assured him to assure them that a sale would be made that day! he even had picked out some items for me to look at before i arrived) and they said absolutely not, and ignored him until he left.
before i give them zero stars for service, i have to admit the last time i went in there the sales women were very pleasant. although you have to be "buzzed in," and you are not greeted after you shut the door behind you, i was treated very well once i was in the store...and spent money... -
Review from Inari T.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2007
well, uh, i dunno.
i like their little trinkets. but this is like wishbone in sf. like stocking stuffers. but they have nice jewelry. and stuff like that -
Review from Julie C.
Petaluma, CA
11/27/2007
If you are a magpie you will love this store. Pretty shiny things and I leave with gorgeous little ribbon that I never use.
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Bici B.
Emeryville, CA
3/19/2007
I agree witht he rest of the reviews. The ladies have a cold attitude and you feel like your not welcomed. But, I love the aestheitic and will contiune to shop here for little gems. Great selection of vinatge jewlery, paper stock ribbons, hand made papers and lots of other goodies.
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Review from Jana H.
Alameda, CA
7/3/2008
This place is a treasure to me. I love everything from this store: the papers, the estate jewelery. A great mix of eclectic and Victorian. I always leave feeling inspired.
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Review from Maggie Baggie H.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2008
this is a beautiful store. really.
how ever, i have to say their jewelry is absurdly over priced. i use to work in a vintage jewelry store and i can for sure say these people have lost their mind. or, rather, i should say they have found their market of babyboomerberkeley women who have lost their minds. hey, wish i could loose it with 'em and get that ring that looked so good on my finger...
ps. i bought trinkets. -
Review from Livvy G.
Oakland, CA
8/3/2007
Walking by TotY, you probably wouldn't even notice this tiny little store. But once you take your first step into the shop, it's like an intirely diferent world. Unusual and exotic trinkets line the walls, alongside cases of vintage gawdy jewelry, and baskets of old elabrate ribbons. it's like an elizibethan paridise, full to the brim with crafty wonders. My personal favorites are these handmade wonders crafted out of layer after layer of crepe paper. Some are fashioned into roses and other asorted flowers, others into fruits and shells, even animals. Inbetween the layers are vintage trinkets, so charming and adorable you'll fall in love at first sight. Now, I would give TotY five stars but, *everything* is overpriced. That is it's fault, and one fault alone. If it wasn't for that, I would say it is one fabulous store. :)
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Review from Bucky M.
Oakland, CA
9/7/2007
I love this store. It is pure aesthetic bliss. I love that the style is a little edgy-er than other stores like this, they don't go off the deep end with the girly, frilly pink stuff. I love that they include lots of taxidermy and wierd antique science stuff, which I like. Yeah, the prices are high, what do you expect from a place so well curated with unique, one of a kind things? I don't understand the other reviews posted here about the service...again, people are very quick to complain about this in the Bay Area. I have noticed that whenever I have visited this store, no matter how crappy I look, they always, always ask me if I would like any assistance and if I am looking for anything in particular, they are always very nice but not overly nice or spastically enthusiastic. They take pride in the store and in their work, that's a good thing.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Berkeley, CA
11/9/2007
The key to this place is not thinking you're going to buy anything. For me to like a place where I can't actually purchase anything is a real testament to how cool this place is. This is clearly the most beautiful place in all of Berkeley (I know, I know--that doesn't say much--but trust me, it's gorgeous). You have to think of this place as more of an aesthetic experience. It's like a Wunderkammer with a slightly Victorian edge. Just come here to stare at all of the beautiful things. The women who own this place have such a unique, precise, and completely unerring sense of style and beauty. What a cool place! Everything is horribly overpriced, and you have to ring the bell to get in, but it's totally worth it.
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Review from Jonathan C.
Mill Valley, CA
6/18/2010
This is a great store to shop~It has the most lovely gifts in the whole bay area! It is a clean store with a great staff! Thank You Tail Of A YAk! jc spot~
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Review from Ms. Q.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2006
what is not to love about a store/museum of curiosities with a large antique cage of gently coo-ing turtledoves? (doves not for sale)
3 stars b/c I don't always feel enticed to buy, but the presentation and store esthetics is definitely worth a gander if you're in the 'hood. -
Review from Andrea L.
New York, NY
3/13/2008
My favorite store of all time! I never miss a chance to stop by Tail of the Yak when I'm in California. The antique jewelry is truly lovely, and well-priced. (I suppose I should add a disclaimer that I live in New York and pay $6.00 for foil, so what do I know?) The laurel garlanding is breathtaking -- stop by, if only to gawk at how gorgeous the shop is.
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Review from d g.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2011
a magical dreamworld of a place. i honestly don't know how to better describe it. a few examples from their handpicked selection : books on (ie:) corals and ferns, ribbons, glasswares, fabrics, antique jewelry, illustrated astronomy plates, vintage & vintage inspired childrens toys/games, papers/paper objects, seasonal decor, candles, hand-carved wooden objects and rings, french-milled soaps and more.
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Review from Fiona K.
Marin, CA
11/24/2010
Special, artistic store. Great selection of arty and estate jewelry, beautiful cards, paper and scarves. Stimulating place to visit. Ladies who work there all seem to be artists of some sort with incredible taste and skills.
