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Thrift Town

4 star rating
based on 136 reviews

Category: Thrift Stores

Neighborhood: Mission
2101 Mission St
(between 17th St & Clarion Aly)
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 861-1132
Hours:

Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

136 reviews for Thrift Town

Review Highlights   

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"It is well-organized and new items come in everyday." (in 8 reviews)
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"lots of clothing to peruse, quality items, helpful staff, and good prices." (in 43 reviews)
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"Anyway, another excellent feature of Thrift Town is the furniture." (in 26 reviews)
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Photo of Avery H.

 

3

13

Avery H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/8/2009

Fendi jacket: $5.99
Banana Republic cardigan: $1.99
Aldo flats: $0.99
Sorry! Board Game from 1960: $0.99
Brand new hot pink bikini:  $1.99
[this list can go on forever]

I could rave and rave about all of my amazing finds at Thrift Town, but it's just one of those things where you have to see it for yourself.  Obviously, with any thrift store, it takes a lot of patience and rummaging.  Sometimes Thrift Town can be a gold mine, and sometimes it can just be another thrift store that happens to have two floors.

Definitely a fun way to spend your afternoons in the Mission!  Oh -- and make sure none of the employees are around when you're trying on that sweater in front of the mirror.  They start freakin' out at you that you need to take it to the fitting room.

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Photo of Believe B.

 

0

12

Believe B.

Nassau, NY

4 star rating
10/20/2009

I'm leaving San Francisco never to come back....so I'll let you in on a secret...........Thrift Town is the second best thrift store in San Francisco....best time to go is on Mondays after 4pm, 25% off sale...Oh my!  Gucci purse for 14.99, North Face Jacket 9.99 clothes in excellent condition.....

Oh another secret....there "Better Than Racks" are not "Better than"  more like better not waste time....combing through Levis, Kmart and Walmart clothing...getting to the digging in there is GOLD in Thrift Town!!!

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Photo of Meg T.

Elite '09

400

487

Meg T.

Walnut Creek, CA

4 star rating
10/6/2009

This place is HUGE and it's where I ended up getting my shoes for the Prom Party.

They had racks and racks of pairs to choose from and mine only ended up costing me about 5 dollars and change.

Their purse section is meh, but for having as much foot traffic as they seem to it was pretty clean.

I'd come back.

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Photo of Valerie S.

 

0

17

Valerie S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/7/2009

Still my favorite thrift store even though it has been invaded by the hipsters and Google workers. I often still find amazing bargains there and the staff is the same folks for the last 20 years which speaks to Debbie's management style.

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Photo of Liza B.

Elite '09

15

290

Liza B.

Norfolk, VA

2 star rating
8/29/2009

Thank you to Zagaat or San Francisco Chronicle for rating this place as the best thrift store in San Francisco and basically ruining what the store was.

I used to be a regular at thrift town - 2 years ago. I would come here, get some SICK vintage pieces from dresses to purses to household goods. I came back about a week ago, excited to be back in town and having the opportunity to hit up thrift town. I was extremely disappointed and walked out half-angry. It seems that being awarded best thrift store in town has not only caused people to raid this place and leave nothing good behind but also the prices were OUTRAGEOUS. I thought we were in a recession...how dare they charge $25 for a simple non-label dress. I was appalled by the lack of variety and the high prices.

I will 100% not come back here and would recommend that you stay away as well. What is hanging up on racks is unwearable and what is somewhat attractive is priced above the actual worth.

Thrift town I was you 1 question - WTF happened to you???

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Photo of Hannah K.

 

0

12

Hannah K.

Santa Cruz, CA

3 star rating
8/24/2009

I was a little disappointed by Thrift Town. It was ok, but I was expecting more after reading the reviews on here. Yes they have dressing rooms and lots of clothes but there were an intense amount of people and it felt dirty.
I do like that they have a whole floor for house wares though. I will go back if I am in the area, but I will not make a special trip again.

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Photo of Michelle B.

Elite '09

1357

1133

Michelle B.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
5/7/2009

I figured it out! I figured out the secret to Thrift Town!

You've gotta go right after the first of the month because that's when everyone is moving and that's when everyone is donating the good stuff; as opposed to junk they simply want the eff out of the house.

On this last visit to Thrift Town the entire upstairs was packed to the gills with furniture and weird kitchen wares. Just the stuff I'm looking for! I scored two vintage tin TV trays, a plug for my kitchen sink (it was new and it was like it was meant for me), and a picture of a whale that cannot be purchased in any store.

If you take my advice and crowd the store around the first of the month be sure to keep an eye out for a petite brunette looking for antique books and keep your mitts off of any bright orange kitchen wares - I need those.

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Photo of Joshua W.

 

6

22

Joshua W.

Mountain View, CA

4 star rating
9/19/2009

One of the best thrift stores ever!  For me its all about the Housewares. Glass, dishes, china, candlesticks, vintage items....great stuff and pretty good prices.  Typically thrift stores in SF charge consignment/boutique prices.  You would not believe some of the stuff I have found!  I don't want to mention specifics because I want there to be some when I go back.  Sometimes it gets pretty crowded but oh well. Here's a tip...get in early. :)

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Photo of Nathan C.

 

11

19

Nathan C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
6/23/2009

So this has been a local spot for costume shopping on my radar for a few months now.  Only last week did I ever venture upstairs though and check out the HUGE array of furniture, games, kitchen stuff and other random crap that was both amusing and insane.  
 I spent the better part of an hour tearing apart the whole place, found board games for my house, wall art, and a few odds and ends that just couldn't be ignored.  All in all what did my whole experience set me back (an I filled my messenger bag to the gills)? a measly $15.  
 So needless to say this spot went from the only going when I need a bay to breakers outfit, to a place I'll probably be frequenting once a month or so.  Great prices, and enough crazy shit to keep one occupied for days!

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Photo of roxmarie g.

Elite '09

108

278

roxmarie g.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/4/2009

I'm the person who doesn't have two matching pieces of stemware or two matching cocktail glasses to show for myself. But I do have a cool Thrift Town snifter or two. I love Thrift Town. It's always crowded, and the people who are shopping are from every walk. The one binding feature is that people care about what they're shopping for here in a different way - they aren't consuming conspicuously, but carefully.

I kid you not - this time in the dishware section they had a whole bunch of "joke" tea cups which looked like they were from a chinese restaurant - little white cups replete with something like "Ed Foo Lounge" on them in a retro font. On the bottom of the cup - I still don't know why I looked there - in raised letters it said "Melamine." Not nice, but amusing.

I'll admit I can never find anything in the way of clothing here. I'm just not a good thrift shopper for clothing. There were some hopeful skirts today and a lot of lucky looking shoppers, neighborhood ladies, drag queens, and more.

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Photo of Nate M.

Elite '09

99

220

Nate M.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
5/4/2009

Thrift store trousers are the new chef pants.
Find me at DeIfina cooking in style, baby.

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Photo of Beth W.

 

17

68

Beth W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/5/2009

Thrift Town has the merit of being so huge, they have a really good selection of merchandise to paw through. We started coming here often while preparing for the birth of our daughter, picking up old towels and sheets and other items for our planned home birth. But they also have a knockout collection of baby clothes, blankets and gear -- all at very cheap prices. Given how quickly babies outgrow things, it's great to find bargains on these things.

But it also has a wonderful assortment of men's and women's clothes, shoes (I got a kick-ass pair of boots here last winter), kitchenware, furniture, you name it. It's also fun to poke through the graveyard of old electronics -- one time they had something like five different foot massager things lined up. You just never know.

Whether you're looking for a bargain or just wanted to be entertained by someone else's cast-offs from the 1980s, this is the place.

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Photo of Robin D.

 

10

113

Robin D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/31/2009

Always had good luck finding stuff from here.  
When we moved into our apt the first time and needed new furniture...thrift town.  
Needed clothes for a halloween costume...thrift town.
Needed a tennis racket for a spontaneous game...thrift town.

:)

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Photo of Rachel A.

Elite '09

39

137

Rachel A.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
3/23/2009

Some days the thrift gods are with you, some days they're not! This was a 'not' kind of day at this Thrift Town. Nothing particularly good or interesting in the women's clothing section. Nothing that really caught my eye upstairs either. Sigh.

Next time I'm in the area, I might check out the Goodwill on Van Ness instead.

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Photo of Maggie M.

 

0

61

Maggie M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/26/2009

Love Thrift Town! When you short on money, and who isn't these days, you can get the best deals here. Go back often as their stock changes daily and yes it is crowded but I don't mind as I always leave with a treasure.

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Photo of kate r.

Elite '09

121

424

kate r.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/17/2009

WHAAAAT? I have NEVER written a review for Thrift Town SF?

Thats just terrible of me. I LOVE THIS PLACE.

I.

Love.

This.

Place.

My mom would kill me if she found out I bought old ladies polyester skirts thrown out from the 90's or that my dingy plaid shirt she compliments so many times only cost me $1.99 here. She'd kill me, seriously.

She's tried multiple times to ask me if I wear used clothing, so far I've evaded her questioning very well. How can she complain though? I'm trying to save good money by getting "my look" for less.

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Photo of John F.

 

229

231

John F.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/19/2009

This place is better than goodwill.  Look cleaner and more organized.  The have used exercise machine that probably don't power but still goo to exercise.  They have George Foreman's  grill  and small appliance for like around five or more.  I assume they more different sizes of clothes too because most of them looks the same because the way they organize it.

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Photo of Amanda C.

 

11

45

Amanda C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/27/2009

I'm always excited to go to Thrift Town. It has a great selection of clothing, shoes, accessories for decent prices, and DRESSING ROOMS. I have purchased scarves, hats, purses, games, puzzles, jackets, dresses, and belts here. Plus, it's a great place for cheap furniture (if you can somehow find a way to park in front of the store and get it home...)

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Photo of Julz C.

 

1

13

Julz C.

Vallejo, CA

4 star rating
10/9/2009

This place is huge! First floor houses all clothing, shoes, jewelry, scarves and bags/purses, other knick knacks you can find upstairs. After only briefly perusing the clothes racks I picked up the cutest black, satin-lined blazer for only $7.99 that fits like a glove! Unfortunately, the other clothing wasn't my style but my find alone is worth the great review. I'm sure if I had the time and patience to dig some more I probably could have found some more great stuff. The stock here is plentiful and the prices are extremely reasonable. I'll be coming back again soon!

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Photo of Laurie H.

 

0

34

Laurie H.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
8/14/2009

Awesome. Found an April Cornell dress for my 9-year-old (you know-the two piece, simple but girly dresses that retail for $170?) never worn, WITH TAGS ON for $5.99. Another dress was Gymboree cute little shift in gingham with a sweet little print, again-never worn, tags on, for $1.99. Most of the kids clothing seems to hover in the $1.99 to $4.99 range. I couldn't believe it. Saw an iron daybed, should have snapped it up, waited 5 days and it was gone but the guy helping me told me about two big deliveries coming in this week so I should come back. Also found 2 pair of perfect pumps for me....wasn't even looking for me.....$4.99 and one was kind of expensive at $15.99 but had to have them.  Hiking boots for son at $4.99. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. No problem finding parking right in front twice, or you can BART & get off at 16th St.

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Photo of Jocelyne H.

 

7

27

Jocelyne H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 8/10/2009

Love this store but last time I was there I got followed around by a creepy guy.  It lasted about 15 minutes throughout many women's departments and needless to say I was terrified and about to lose it when he finally left the store.  Just beware ladies, watch your back.  I still adore the store and the manager was helpful when I told her of the issue.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    9/1/2008

    Great prices for san francisco and great selection, furniture is better at community thrift but the… Read more »

Photo of M K.

 

0

38

M K.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/6/2009

Best thrift store in the city.  BEST.

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Photo of haley d.

 

47

119

haley d.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/1/2008

I love Thrift Town. I've found some of my most prized gems here and on the off day where I find nothing, the local folk keep me humored.

Don't bother with the clothes. While I will admit, I've found a few things that are worth bothering with on the racks, the allure is in the upstairs.

Furniture, typewriters, vintage blow dryers, records, books, ash trays (no, really, they have an incredible selection and I have started hoarding them), random baggies filled with miscellaneous items, briefcases. Like any thrift store, you have to dig, but Thrift Town digging is much more palatable than the activity at most other second-hand stores.

Always featuring some kind of special or sale, you can't beat the prices... UNLESS you buy the ONE crutch they had for TWO dollars last week! Then, not only could you beat the prices, but you could beat the bum who really, really wanted that one crutch.

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Photo of angela j.

 

0

8

angela j.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/1/2009

I have been a regular shopper for 10 years. Debra ( I hope I spelled your name right) the manager is great. The people she has working for her are all past victims of domestic violence or other hardships. You would think that would jade them but no. Nice as pie. There is a Samoan lady and also an Indian lady who have worked there the whole time I have been a customer, and they are so great and so nice and they always say hello to me. When I take a few days off from Thrift Town, they ask me where I've been. It makes me happy to shop at T-Town because I see the people that my dollars are helping and those people are AWESOME. I just love the staff there. And I do find good stuff. Not as much as 5 years ago, but there are gems. You have to look for them

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Photo of Katie N.

 

27

70

Katie N.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
2/13/2009

This is THE BEST thrift store ever. Well, until I happen to find another store that even comes close to this one, ha. I have been madly in love with this place from the very first time I step foot into the store. It is two stories of fabulous finds waiting to be discovered. The first floor is clothing/accessories/towels and the second floor is furniture/electronics/books. It's amazing how little I spend in this store yet I leave with tons of outfits and accessories. It's wonderful for me, because I'm a full-time student and working, therefore, I'm on a budget. I wish I could buy the lovely vintage and antique furniture, but I wouldn't be able to get it home. It is well-organized and new items come in everyday!

And if you sign-up with them through e-mail, they let you know about the 20, 30, or even 50% off sales going on. They have lots of doorbusters also. So I suggest you sign-up and stay updated!

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Photo of Jill D.

Elite '09

331

957

Jill D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/29/2008

In the hunt for a fondue pot (since mine is in storage currently, grrr) Natalie and I ran into Thrift Town recently. While we didn't find the desired fondue pot, I did spot TONS of great stuff that I yearned to snatch up until I remembered that I am not only NOT living in my own space (I'm staying at a friend's pad until I can find my own place) but I have no way of getting that super awesome record player/crock pot/sexy Halloween costume/etc home if it doesn't fit in my bike's basket.
Prices seemed super reasonable and I'll totally be back when I have my own place, a friend's vehicle (coughMattcapitalRcough) and some free cash.

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Photo of tinna h.

Elite '09

557

611

tinna h.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/8/2008

Did your companion forget to leave a blanket in his car in case you should decide to spend an afternoon absorbing the Vitamin D, people-watching, and then napping [note that you can easily replace "napping" with "cuddling"] at Dolores Park [aka Dog Pee Park]? Before you scream "EPIC FAIL!" at him, pick up a cheap sheet/blanket at Thrift Town! It's just a few blocks away from the park and not a trek across town.

We weren't expecting to find treasures, so we were not disappointed. With Thrift Town prices and low expectations, you are bound to leave somewhat satisfied. On our way out of the store, I said to my companion, "I'll definitely be back. I need to pick up one of those the next time..." I pointed at a rusty old planter shaped like a lizard, sitting behind the register.

I'll probably not come here for the latest fashion or to work on "finding my style." I will, however, return for the random, the odds, and the ends. Plus, the rusty old planter shaped like a lizard is waiting for me.

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Photo of Stephenie T.

 

0

26

Stephenie T.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
3/30/2009

Maybe it's because I wasn't looking for clothing at Thrift Town, but I was pretty disappointed.

I generally like trolling thrift stores for kitchen items, electronics and furniture...really nothing here I was interested in.  The couple things that I was semi-interested in I thought were overpriced.

They did have a huge selection of clothing, but I wasn't there for clothing.

Make the trip to Urban Ore in Berkeley if you're not looking for clothing...way better.

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Photo of Mitsi L.

 

114

201

Mitsi L.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
8/26/2008

I was working here during the 89 quake. My job was to put the clothes in order by color. After about 3 months of doing this, ThriftTown hired mentally disabled people do to the same job. I would have been offended but the mentally disabled people were much better at it, so I really couldn't complain.

Right after the 89 quake hit, I got drunk and dyed my hair cobalt blue. When I went back to work 3 days later, ThriftTown fired me.  I like to think it was because of my hair.

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Photo of Monica K.

 

9

6

Monica K.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
8/4/2008

Thrift Town is great.  It's the only thrift store I know of (besides Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads, which aren't really thrift stores so nevermind) that has the clothing sorted by size.  As a size 14, I really don't have time to wade through racks and racks of smaller sizes just to *maybe* find something in my size.  

I also appreciate that Thrift Town does tend to stock larger sizes.

The selection is often hit or miss.  I've found some ok things there, nothing super-stylish, but some decent basics - t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, pants, etc.

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Photo of Ryan S.

 

11

106

Ryan S.

NY

4 star rating
7/12/2008

Don't know what prices are like now, but when I was going it was extremely reasonable. This place is big, yeah it smells. It's two stories!

I got an awesome camera there for $20. I saw the same thing on ebay for about $100. Worth checking out.

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Photo of Corey C.

 

15

34

Corey C.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
1/28/2009

I love this Thrift Store. I took the BART from Oakland cause of the reviews on Yelp and they were true. They have a pretty good selection of books, household goods, and clothes.

I specifically left with some china plates and saucers and some shot glasses. I need to know when they put their inventory out though.

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Photo of Melanie O.

 

0

16

Melanie O.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/24/2008

Thrift Town is the Mecca of thrifters.  

How to find out of someone doesn't know their thrifting ABCs:  

You:  "Oh, so you like thrifting?"

Liar:  "Yeah, man, I love it."  

You:  "Been to Thrift Town?'

Liar:  "Oh, no but I a..."

You:  "Whatever, you're obviously not serious about this whole thrifting thing."  

Converted:  "Man,  I'm so busted."

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Photo of Larry J.

 

17

181

Larry J.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/15/2008

I like Thrift Town.
I like to buy 8track tapes, 45s and old vintage audio equipment from there.
I also like to buy used ski clothes. That stuff sells for hundred$ of dollars new. Then practically given away at Thrift Town. I don't need the latest fashionable attire when I hit the slopes in the winter. Since I am lucky if I get two ski trips a season, I see no need to spend $300 on ski clothing.

The hours and selection is great and the staff is very friendly.

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Photo of Susan C.

 

8

84

Susan C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/5/2008

I love this place...  Most of my time is spent on the second floor looking at the lamps and misc furniture.  I bought a super cute nightstand here for $12.

The clothes aren't badly priced either and I actually got a few sweaters and random cheap jewelry (that I take apart for the beads and make new things out of...).

Just a fun place to walk around, look out the huge windows, ponder the dishes while looking for things that resemble a vase or flower pot...

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Photo of imelda j.

Elite '09

85

189

imelda j.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/9/2008

Anna D. totally reminded me about this awesome store!!

It gets total props for being featured on an episode of MythBusters from Discovery Channel one episode.  The guys were looking to bust the myth that dropping electrical appliances in the bathtub can kill you!  Jaime and Adam came here to pick up some stuff like an iron and other appliances to bust the myth.  It was so funny seeing this place on the show!  

I've been here a couple times.  There's TONS of stuff to look at.  I recently went here with a friend to pick up an 80s outfit for an 80s birthday party.  And I kid you not, I found a seriously awesome pair of elastic, tappered mom pants, a horrible shirt that practically had the graphics from "Saved By The Bell", suspenders and an awesomely bad vest.  I rocked that outfit like no one else!  And all for a great price.

Like most thrift stores or stores that involve having to "search" for the good stuff, it's best to come early as it gets messy as the day goes on.  

Great spot to find bargains of any kind.  Thanks Thrift Town!!

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Photo of Lizzy L.

Elite '09

92

160

Lizzy L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 3/3/2009

patience is a virtue. virtue is a grace. put them all together & you have a happy face!

i guess my mother's teaching has finally set in because i actually shopped at thrift town recently. holy crap, have i been missing out!!

$3 yellow, high-waisted skirt
$2 oversized, brightly-colored plaid shirt
$0.69 plastic, wine glasses ( my roomies & i are clumsy drunks :] )
& 30% off at the register for their clothing sale means i walked out with some great finds for less than $10!

i have officially converted to thriftianity.
praise the penny!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/2/2008

    i'm not a true thrift store shopper. i have no near enough patience to sift through so much stuff.… Read more »

Photo of Denise J.

 

47

78

Denise J.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
5/18/2009

I've gotten some great looking clohes here at a cheap price but the staff and security are incredibly rude.  I've waited in line for the dressing rooms over 20 minutes only to have an employee pound on the  door, and tell me to hurry up.  Excuse me?  This has happened a number of times.  And I never stay long in any clothing store as I am severely allerged to clothes shopping.  My clothes have to practically fall apart before I replace them. (I was raised by shopaholics:0:0:0) There have been other rude incidents I won't even go into.  So I don't shop here anymore.  Customer service does not exist at this store!

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Photo of wendy g.

 

11

30

wendy g.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
8/27/2008

I go to Thrift Town with my friends every time I'm up in S.F. (which is every few months).
We spend half the day here sometimes.  This is a thrifters paradise.  
The shoe section is a dreamsicle.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I usually get jealous and pissed when my friends score some sweet furniture because I can't lug it back to L.A. with me.

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Photo of Jenny W.

 

15

63

Jenny W.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/22/2009

I had passed thru this place like a millionth time but never went in.  So, I decided to check it out.  BF found a pressure cooker.  And found a great storage rack for ten bucks.  Normally, if you go to Target or Loews, it's about $40 bucks and up.  Brought it home, clean it up with some Lysol wipes.  It looks like brand new.  The 3 level shelves are pretty neat, a great storage for just about anything.  My BF preferred to be a tool storage, but I took it for my own things.  We havent had time to use the pressure cooker yet, only because he's been busy working on the computer.  But, he's an amazing cook, so no doubt I can't wait for him to make some nice beef stew for dinner.

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