- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Upper Playground
Categories: Shopping Fashion Shoe Stores Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Shoe Stores, Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing [Edit]
220 Fillmore St(between Laussat St & Waller St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhoods: Lower Haight, Hayes Valley
(415) 861-1960
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Our passion has always been to make women feel beautiful. That's what we're about. And our clothing remains a symbol of who we are: the honest… read more »
217 reviews for Upper Playground
Review Highlights
"sam flores (twelve grain) is my absolute favorite."
(in 45 reviews)
"This store sells awesome shirts by local artists."
(in 18 reviews)
"The shirts are a little expensive but worth it."
(in 91 reviews)
Loading...
217 reviews in English
-
Review from Dan T.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
How much do I love Upper Playground? Half my shirts were purchased from Upper Playground.
I didn't hurt that I've visited their other shops in Portland and Seattle. But the original is the one I love though parking is hell in the neighborhood.
The t-shirts are typically around $25. They are original and the quality is amazing as they'll last beyond the normal lifespan of a te. .
My only beef is that the sizes are difficult to figure out. Some will really shrink in the dryer. This may explain why depending on the t-shirt brand, they might be really oversized where a medium is really a large. This wouldn't be a problem if all the shirts shrank, but it's really inconsistent so sometimes I feel like it's a crap shoot on figuring out which size to get.
But he real reason why I give Upper Playground five stars is that occasionally they'll have 50% sales. This is where I'll go hog wild and buy five to ten shirts and hoodies. There's nothing better than getting awesome t-shirts for super cheap, especially when you're asian! -
Review from Johnny P.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always gotta come here everytime I'm in the Bay area....
Urban, unique, street wear...with swag...
People that know Upper Playground...know. Love the clothing and shirts fit great too! Very chill and laid back employees and store.
My favorite are the the urban artist stuff they carry...from books, shirt prints etc...
Highly recommended if you are in the area!!! -
Review from Lauren S.
Stockton, CA
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The stuff here is fresh to death. Always clean and clever and one of a kind.
There's plenty of other reviews that will tell you in depth about how dope this place is. But I'll leave you with this.Listed in: Lower Haighter.
-
Review from Eric M.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
This place has the coolest clothing. If i had a sense of style, and a bigger paycheck, i would wear their clothes every day of the week. Or at least the days that I leave the house and desire compliments on my outfits. I got his hoodie from them a couple weeks back and every place I go, people say how rad it is. I also got a couple Sam Flores prints, hung them on my wall, and my eyes still dance for joy every time I look at them. They were reasonably priced too. The only drawback is the staff have this attitude and I don't get where it comes from. They can be very helpful but i do feel like they have a holier than thou attitude when you try to get their attention. It's as if they'd rather be involved in a conversation with each other than a customer. Maybe that's cuz I'm over 30 and completely unhip.
-
Review from Jermery F.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2011
These guys are the original OG in keeping it real San Francisco style. Some of the owners have been here over a DECADE, that's how old school they are.
Want to proudly show how truly San Franciscan you are, you got to be wearing an UP t-shirt. But really it's all about the hats and hoodies and who doesn't need at least a dozen of each, right?
The range of styles is huge with designs inspired by graffiti from all over the mission and probably brooklyn too and I don't get the bitching about the sizes, you be riding your skateboard here from the mission and drinking enough PBR and smokes and the sizes will fit you just fine.
The staff is the shit too, being real chill and I bet they'd even share a blunt with you. -
Review from Chris G.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011
I was a fan of U.P. before I even moved to SF from the east coast. Great artists, designs, and products. The shop itself is mostly t-shirts, hoodies, and hats, but they also have a few housewares like pillows and pint glasses, as well as books, prints and art.
I'm a big fan of the art from Sam Flores, Herbert Baglione, Jeremy Fish and photography from Estevan Oriol. Attached to Upper Playground is a little room with "FIFTY24SF Gallery" products, including Jeremy Fish's "Superfishal" line of goods, awesome stuff.
For some reason the sizing seems off, the Medium's should be labeled Small and the Larges should be Mediums. However the FIFTY24SF sizing seems normal. I've gotten shirts in the wrong size several times because of this confusion, as the t-shirts shrink a lot in the dryer.
Prices are moderate, but certainly not a bargain. The best time to get down to the store is during the annual 50% off sale, which is usually in January and lasts several days. $11-12 shirts and $30-40 hoodies? Yes, please.
The staff is usually chill and helpful, but every so often they can just be "there", and not want to help anyone.
[PRODUCTS] - 10 / 10
[PRICES] - 7 / 10
[STAFF] - 7.5 / 10
[EXPERIENCE] - 9 / 10
[OVERALL] - 8.4 / 10 -
Review from K W.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011
Unique selection of T's, hoodies, and hats. They even have baby/toddler clothes. Great place for gifts as well as something for yourself. They take Amex too.
-
Review from Dizzy L.
4/17/2011
Always something good there for me or for someone else I know. Helpful. Creative. Local. Good clothes, music, books, and videos. Always know what's up around them in the area specifically and SF in general -- culture and style-wise.
Two things I wish for from them: more plain-ish hoodies and zipups with a small embroidered or screened image and some guys shirts that fit guys not so tight. -
Review from Kay I.
San Jose, CA
8/2/2011
I've been a fan of UP for quite some time and this place is the place to go for some clean designed attire. I have not only UP apparel but I even rock an Upper Playground umbrella for those rainy bay area days.
Customers appreciate cleanliness and friendly staff; that being said, this place is definitely up to par. A while back, I even noticed a line for babies, it was a bit odd but very unique. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Stockton, CA
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's easy to know when you're getting close to the Upper Playground store, more paintings, wheat pastes, and stickers of the Wallrus pop up as you get closer to the store.
I found out that there is one owner of all the buildings for an entire block and he allows Upper Playground to put their stuff up all over his buildings, AWESOME! Free promotion and a perfect way to help people find the store!
I've been wearing their gear since I was living in Socal but I barely had the chance to come up to the store since I was living down there. It's been years since I recently visited. The place got bigger than the last time I visited. The store is big has HELLA variety I MEAN HELLA! From jackets, Tees, hoodies, crewnecks, hats, beanies, stickers, vinyl toys, art work, and dvds (I'm sure I left other things out). For all men, women, and even baby.
I honestly was super surprised to see some prints of clothing there that date back to when Upper Playground even started, so if you're looking for older designs you might have a chance of finding it here. The staff is super friendly, cool, and most of all helpful. Bunch of old and new designs by notable artists like David Choe & Jeremy Fish.
I'll be back for another visit the next time I'm back in the City. If you really like their gear sign up to their mailing list, because they have crazy sales like 50% (like they had last month) not only in all their stores but also at their online store. I actually asked a worker how all that went, they said it went well and sales online were going so crazy that the site crashed due to heavy traffic.
++++ to this spot for their service, clothing, and awesome artwork up to find the place.Listed in: Boutiques
-
Review from Shad B.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This man shopping cave is off the heezy... I've read reviews about his place and had to check it out for myself. What a perfect place to have a shop, right in lower Haight, nearby Three Twins Ice cream... I'm a sucker for ice cream.
Walked in and I heard the trumpets of heaven. Tons is gear and loads of shirts and art. Have tons of their Fifty24SF line that features different artists. What more could I ask for from this spot. I bought a shirt from them for $26. That's pretty damn good in comparison to a lot of places that sell Crooks, etc. -
Review from Tony R.
Sunnyvale, CA
Upper Playground is the way I expect heaven to be, as I stepped inside I instantly felt like a kid in a candy store. I have worn Upper Playground for years, there are not too many places that carry the Upper Playground brand, which is something I both love and hate. The selection of shirts, jackets, and hats available are so dope, it is really hard to not want to empty my wallet because I want everything they have here.
You will find the artwork and t shirts of Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, Estevan Oriol (my personal favorite, shirts are dope). There is a great selection of artwork here, a bit pricey, like the Estevan Oriol "West Coast'" framed piece for $5,000 (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), 5X7 and 8X10 prints, and silkscreen posters. If you're into the hip hop/street culture you'll definitely love this place, and it is definitely great place to find a dope gift for someone you heart. -
Review from Ariel L.
4/11/2011
Great street art gear.
Hoodies, tshirts, beanies, etc....
They even have original art in the store from a lot of their favortie artists (all the Sam Flores prints are for sale).
Staff is super friendly and if their gallery two doors down is closed they will usually pop out an open it up for you if you'd like to take peek. -
Review from Tiffany B.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2010
Shit son,
here be some badass walrus
Reppin' on your walls like his tusks could fight crime.
Real crime,
Like the lack
of the Click Clack of spray paint cans
and illy threads on your back.
Hood ladies love it
G-men scholars approve
3 year olds rock it to preschool.
Say fuckyeahmenswear, and take it to the T
TipTop, hip hop ya don't stop
And give it real steez:
Tees to take out wack trash 'Crombie
Tees that would make even Don Draper more dappy
Bet your sweet bippy,
These Tees would black-eye-the-shit out of your American Appy.
More Sour than the citrus report
But Sweet like graffito
Stencil your wire hangers, keep them crispy
Slap up the pole wif your mail-label sticky.
Ride the aerosol carousel
Cause this shit is global, whirled ride
Take your peasant wheatpaste
And get paid, son.
Street art is real art -
Nah mean?
Find me at the P-Ground,
Swinging that black/orange bag.
Uppers is tougher
When you know you got swag. -
Review from Alan M.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2011
I used to look around and have shopped a few times at this Upper Playground location up in the Fillmore.
This store has only had a few cool tees such as a white tee that had three serial killers on them along with Don Knotts and a Michael Jackson tee that has him as a zombie from the classic Thriller music video.
I bought a pair of nice Adidas Stan Smith kicks that were designed by artist David Cho.
The people that work here don't ever care whenever anybody including tourists come inside the store to look around and shop.
Based on the times I have went to this store, their employees always come off apathetic and have never came off friendly to me or any other customer. -
Review from Bee O O.
Ashland, OR
11/4/2010
I came in here a few months back looking for a gift for my (now ex) boyfriend. The guys working here were exceptionally helpful and I think the most distressing part of my trip here was choosing what to get because everything rules. The designs are on point and it's a treat when you can have a real conversation with the staff (who also hooked me up with some free buttons!), especially when most places have that holier-and-hipper-than-thou attitude.
In retrospect, I should have kept those shirts for myself. I should also stop dating assholes. -
Review from ruggy j.
7/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
While these cats have posts in SF, Sac, Portland, Seattle and even Mexico City... wearing their threads makes me feel like a real local. Whether or not I actually look like a local sporting their wears is a whole other question... but at least I feel like I'm contributing a small slice of my expendable income to a solid local operation like Upper Playground.
Culture-wise, they're way too cool for me. I'd look like a complete ass wipe wearing about 98% of the stuff they have on their shelves, but I can get away rockin' the other 2% of their duds without looking like too much of a poseur. If you're more hip and stylish than myself (not hard), however, you'll dig the wide assortment of unique apparel they have on stock every day at their headquarters in the Lower Haight. From loud, vibrant hoodies (as the kids call 'em) to shirts that say things like "San Franfuckingcisco," if you have the huevos to wrap yourself up in their gear, you'll be rewarded with nods and inquiries as to where you swooped it up. But again, if you buy something that makes it look as though you're entering a 1/4 life crisis by dressing like a high school student, people will take you for a daft, desperate old man.
In addition to clothing, they have a small assortment of local artwork and home accents like pillows and throw blankets. They all look pretty dope, and for what it is, they won't completely drain your bank account either.
Also, if you're a fan of Blik, check out the Upper Playground decals available on their website!Listed in: Star Search, Hipsters in Space, The Fillmore, The Haight
-
Review from Kate D.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
They had a cool art show last week there, other than that I have seen better boutiques in my time but they have some pretty good gear and at reasonable prices. They have a long history so you can't hate on it and they keep a pretty good stock. They have a shop up in Seattle that did a lot of dope stuff so I have respect for all the Upper Playground locations.
-
Review from Michele O.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2010
Once upon a time a cool boy came into my life and introduced me to Upper Playground. It was at this store that I fell in love with him and the walrus. We became an Upper Playground couple, slappin' stickers around town, sportin' them on my ride, lookin' fly wearing the shirts and hoodies on the weekly and spending hours in the store checking out all the threads, prints, books, hats and extras. I'll never forget our Upper Playground dates and even though our love didn't outlive Upper Playground, were still good friends that randomly call each other up and say "It's an Upper Playground kinda day, let's roll."
It's a retail playground, drippin' seductively with art and culture. A visit to the store on Fillmore is like no other shopping experience. You'll wonder where time went after hours in this store, yet walk out feeling juiced.
Besides the awesome designs, the quality is superb. The shirts and hoodies are staples in my closet and even after several washes and reckless adventures, the color hasn't faded nor the material shrank, destructed, distorted or de-threaded. Check out my pics for my latest snazzy shirt. Plus, if it no longer works for you or is no longer wearable, shoot, frame the sucker! It's art!
When the folks in my life start looking shabby I insist on a visit to Upper Playground to upgrade their style and swagger. When your wardrobe needs some pizazz or you just need a comfy hoodie for the winter, head here. You can shock your co-workers on casual Friday and impress the fish in the sea.
I love how the store supports artists, particularly local artists and promotes urban, contemporary art.
p.s You can score some of these cool cat's art on your iphone by downloading the GelaSkins app.
When you see the walrus, holla! -
Review from Joe P.
Stockton, CA
7/25/2010
As a lifelong fan of hip-hop (I used to steal my older sisters NWA & 2 Live Crew tapes overnight as a child), this place is similar to walking into a church. All aspects of hip-hop culture are addressed in this store. DJ, MC's, Graffiti and B-Boys.
The shirts have some of the most obscure references on them, but if you're a true hip-hop head (and not one that thinks simply owning a Hiero T-shirt is "keeping it real") you will appreciate the nods and references to the culture.
Take some $$ when you visit as I guaranty more than a few articles of clothing will catch your eye. -
Review from Alice L.
Daly City, CA
7/10/2010
I really, really like this place. The staff is friendly and they have a wide selection. A true SF gem.
I love the locality of the art. As a native San Franciscan a T-shirt the OG SF icons is much needed as I venture to the suburban outskirts of the Bay for work. They have a great selection of authentic urban art whether as fine art or a graphic printed on t-shirts and sweatshirts.
I'm all for supporting local artists, but I do have to say that $28 for a T-shirt and $90 for a sweatshirt is a bit steep. -
Review from Bill M.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2008 ROTD 1/10/2008
I think it's hard for a guy is to go shopping during the holidays. You get dragged into a mall with ; screaming kids, rude pedestrians, and 22 year old retail employees showing you things that make you look like "old dude in the club". Top that off with low blood sugar and it's not a good experience for the guy or anyone else in his vicinity.
I recommend guys do two things. 1. Don't wait last minute to by gifts. You'll be stuck in a store with your fellow procrastinators fighting over a Nintendo Wii for your nephew. 2. Shop at small stores, you know, mom and pop and independent businesses.
One of my favorite small business in SF is Upper Playground. It's great for what I call the everyday "mindful/casual" look. This place has durable gear that fits me really well, it can be intermingled with basics I already have, and they can shift into streetgear you can rock at night. You may look like a bum but you get to show you have a little style.
I did about a 3rd of my x-mas shopping there;) I bought two prints for 2 couples I know, a few T's for my hommies, a couple of mugs for clients, some baby clothes, and a couple of books.
You don't have to be knee deep in Hip Hop roots to shop there either. It's all about urban dwelling. You'll see a big mix of folks in there and the staff is helpful and mature, meaning- you won't have to know the the real names of the Wu-Tang Clan to stroll in and have someone help you out.
go... -
Review from Bucky K.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2008
I remember the day very distinctly. It was the summer after fifth grade and I was swimming in our backyard pool. One of my neighborhood friends called me over to the fence and in a very contraband way passed me a cassette tape through the links. All he said was, "Listen to this." We always had a jam-box playing while we were swimming, so I popped out the tape (which was probably Phil Collins) replaced it with the new and pressed play. I ran back and jumped in the pool before the song started. It was La Di Da Di by Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh. It was the first rap song I had ever heard. I honestly don't remember how many times I listened to it that day but I'm sure it was on repeat til I went to bed that night. I was mesmerized.
Since that day, I've been a Hip Hop Junkie. There hasn't been a time in the last 23 years where I haven't been listening to it. It's not just rap that fascinates me but Hip Hop as a whole. You may ask, "Aren't they the same?" As a much smarter man than me once said, "Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live." That was KRS One. Hip Hop is a lifestyle.
It's that lifestyle that's on sale at Upper Playground. Shirts, hats, hoodies, prints, dvds, art. It's a great spot. Spacious and clean. I'll pop in every now and again and never leave empty handed. My only complaint here is that you are watched like a hawk anytime you are in the store. They have a side room and if you walk in there and no one else is in there... an employee will magically appear in that room in a matter of seconds just to deter shoplifting I'm sure. Which I understand, but I don't like being watched while shopping.
That's actually a big grievance and it really does kind of irk me, but it really is my only complaint with this store. Otherwise this would be a glowing five star review. -
Review from Seong P.
3/19/2008
As stated before, I am not a tee and hoodie wearing kind of girl. I like them on guys (except for the all over print hoodies) but I only need that stuff for the gym or if I don't feel like wearing my pj's around my neighborhood on a particular day.
So I didn't really expect much when I walked into Upper Playground but I came this close to actually purchasing a hoodie. It had cherry blossoms and a pretty graphic that I could almost picture myself wearing but I decided in the end it was a little too Asian for me.
They also sell prints of some of the designs and if they weren't out of the ones I liked, I would have bought one. The dressing room was covered by shower curtains that would look great in my bathroom but I didn't notice them for sale anywhere around the store.
This is the first store with a much larger men's section than women's section I have seen in a long time. Take that for whatever it's worth. -
Review from Drue C.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2007
This place should be called Danger. It is very easy to walk out with a plethora of t-shirts that will cause your dresser drawer to become so full that it will no longer close, thus causing tees to wedge in the back of the drawer, which throws the runners on your drawer to fall off track and bend....requiring furniture repair, making that super super cool t-shirt cost you even more than what you already thought was too high of a price to begin with for a t-shirt.
And you know what? I don't care!! -
Review from R M.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2007
The thing is...
I can't get excited about spending $26 on a t-shirt. I don't care how much I love the creative designs.
Well, I chalk my new purchase up to an indulgence.
Everyone should check Upper Playground out for themselves. I get a sense that they're here to stay.
The t-shirt designs reflect varying splinters of Sucker Free's (SF) Popular culture. This is made evident by the homage to Muni via beanie replete with the Muni logo and the brown/orange shirt with silkscreen caricature of a Muni bus with web of cables hovering above.
But alas, $24-26 for a t-shirt? Oww, I have got to learn to silkscreen!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE
I Love my Upper Playground Big Lebowski shirt so much. Everytime I wear it I make friends on the street, in elevators, bars...everywhere.
Also, the cut of the girl's t-shirts are sooo flattering. The cut actually makes my pudgy arms look lean. A miraculous t-shirt indeed. -
Review from Zak F.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2010
THIS PLACE IS WACK!!!!
What would appear to to be a store celebrating independent culture influenced by hip-hop, graffiti and skateboarding is nothing but a CORPORATE HOAX.
Allow me to share a little story about this poorly managed store:
For the holiday's I received a sick Jeremy Fish shirt. A friend of mine picked it up at "Weathering The Storm" show in Laguna Beach, the only problem was it was a size to big. I was like oh no worries I live 4 blocks from the shop on Haight. Im sure they'll just swap it out.
So I went into the store and found this wonderfully, too cool for school, kid with big black glasses at the counter. I took out the brand new perfect condition shirt, told him my predicament and asked if they could swap it out. He explained to me that because It was from a show they could not swap it out.
I asked "do you guys have this shirt"
He answered "yes"
I said "so cant you just swap it out for a smaller size"
the clerk said "no cause you didn't buy it here I dont have the upc"
I was like "dude it says upper playground on the tag"
"still I cant"
I promptly left without even perusing through the store.
LET ME JUST HIGHLIGHT WHAT HORRIBLE SALES PERSON THIS KID WAS!
Had he exchanged the shirt I would have
A.) walked through the store and quite possibly found something else I liked and bought it.
B.) Gone into the store and saw something I liked and came back for it.
C.) Saw something cool and told a friend about it.
D.) Told a friend what a positive experience I had with that store.
But instead I went right in the door right out the door. That's just bad retail. You get someone in the door you make them comfortable. Tell them what's new, what cool, you don't send them right out the door they just walked in.
Moral of the story: UPPER PLAYGROUND IS POORLY STAFFED AND CORPORATELY OPERATED!
If you want mass produced graphic T's and arrogant sales people I recommend shopping there otherwise Id find a shop that values your business. And the staff actually comes out from behind the counter to help you while you shop. I am sorry but any real shop with roots in skateboarding, hip-hop and graffiti, would of exchanged that shirt in heartbeat. I might as well had been shopping at zumies or metro park.
PS . I had some extra cash in my pocket from the holiday season I planned on spending there. But I most certainly took my cash else where. Which I recommend you doing as well!!! -
Review from MJ T.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2007
Utterly amazing.
One can frame and display each of these t-shirts in an art gallery.
I spent an hour looking through all the shirts and walking out not buying a thing. I was even bold enough to grab the last free VICE magazine. I know I have no shame.
Robert P. says:
My advice: Come here on payday.
.
.
.
.
.
Upper Playground is EXACTLY where I will be on Fridays.Listed in: If I won the Lottery
-
Review from Stephanie W.
Oakland, CA
3/24/2008
I heart art and the artsy fartsy people who make it.
Upper Playground is where I will come one day when I have some spare cash to drop on some very worthy pieces of artwork, by seriously rad designers.
I purchased a Sam Flores hoodie here. 2nd best thing to real art, is art on a hoodie!
It unfortunately shrank to a size small enough to fit my cat (almost). So, I emailed up the ladies at the store and they are going to exchange it for me. LOVELY!!
Customer Service rocks here and once again everyone here is too cool for school. I'm envious.
If only I could be a creative type and make rockin' art.
HELL, if only I could draw stick figures. -
Review from Liz S.
7/3/2007
Graphic t-shirts are like present day calling cards. They tell people who you are, what you believe, and generally what makes you tick.
San Francisco is a mecca of graphic t-shirt wearers, and Upper Playground is an excellent resource for them, in fact the best I have seen in the city. Their graphics are varied so you'll find something for everyone. In addition to carrying a wide assortment of local artists, their store logo ones are awesome.
There are actually 2 stores, right next door to each other. The larger of the two houses men's product, including accessories and artwork. The smaller of the two houses women's and baby products. It is SO HARD to find cool women's tees that I was pleased to have such a vast selection. When I was there, a mom and her teen-aged son were shopping and both ended up with an armload of shirts.
I found the staff to be extremely helpful and kind, so my experience was different than other reviewers. Really, they could not have been nicer to me.
Prices are pretty consistent - $24-30 for a tee. They also offer hoodies and hats. Quality is good - but what you really come here for is the artwork.
Make sure you pick up a catalog - it's beautifully produced, and you can do some advanced shopping for next time. Or check out the website http://www.upperplaygr...
A gift certificate from UP would be sure to please a wide range of people on your shopping list, especially those that live outside of our city. Spread the love! -
Review from Jill K.
Rockville, MD
11/14/2006
Awesome, awesome store. The prices are up there, but the designs are incredible and showcases the work of some fabulous graphic artists.
Friendly staff and constantly changing selection. UP totally captures the essence of the Lower Haight... unique, fun, and artistic. -
Review from Lauren F.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 11/17/2008
This store still rocks my world.
My friend mentioned in my original review, unfortunately passed away a few months ago, but with the love she had for all things Sam Flores, I had to go back and buy something from there for my wall. I found the piece I wanted at the store, but had to think about it for a bit. So, when I got home, I ordered it online! They have a huge warehouse of stuff that they sell at the online store as well. Now, whenever I look at my art, I will always think of Rubi.
Jeremy Fish, Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores, and all sorts of other awesome artists rock this store, and rock my world.Listed in: Sometimes I gotta be…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/17/2007
I'm more yelping this place for my neighbor Robyn. She has been a huge fan of Sam Flores for quite… Read more »
-
-
Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
3/29/2010
It's been a month since we were here and I forgot o write a review and I am making up for it now.. My bf and I came out to see the David Choe exhibit at their gallery just a few steps away "FIFTY24SF Gallery".
We then came in here to shop. This store is a haven for those who can appreciate street art. Those who don't appreciate urban art and don't understand it will not find this boutique like shop interesting at all. The staff that work here are all friendly.. They had tons of stuff clothing for both ladies and men... Cool stuff... The Chrome bags had artist design on them. I ended up getting tons of stuff here. They also have a shop in LA that I have yet to go to but it is on the list of things to do..Listed in: Cultured..
-
Review from debu m.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2007
Formula for street cred.
1. stop off at the BART station and pick up a route map
2. go to American apparel and buy them out of sky blue and lime green tee shirts.
3. go to Kinko's and have them enlarge your Bart map 250%
4. stop off at Blick art supply and pick up some screen printing ink, and stencil making material.
5. Go home and stencil the BART map on your shirts (Repeat this at least few times on each shirt)
6. Go to Upper playground and sell them the "art" you made.
Bam, you're on your way to becoming the W. coast Russel Simmons.
ps Monopoly money can be subsituted for BART map -
Review from Charlene C.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2009
That old T just not looking as fresh as it once did? Looking for something different, not the usual bougie hip hop labels in department stores but you're not quite of button-down age? Get thee to Upper Playground where their gear features the work of local artists (big ups to their recent art show featuring Craola!!).
The art here is really what I dig and its interesting to see some of it translated into clothing so you're wearing art for the world to see. I can't knock the hustle, they do have some great designs for their clothing, but at $90 for a hoodie that's ricockulous. Their shirts and shoes OK I get it you're definitely getting what you paid for, but really $90 for a cotton hoodie when I don't think its well-constructed, the seams are shoddy, and there are strings hanging loose? Sure I'll blow $300 on Ice Cream or Billionaire Boys Club but come on this is Upper Playground what happened to the egalitarian ethos of the Bay? -
Review from Jen D.
3/17/2008
Before moving to SF, I was given a Sam Flores t-shirt as a gift and I loved it! His art is crazy nice. So of course when I walked into the Women's side of Upper Playground, it was seriously like walking into a playground for me. Sam Flores tees from floor to ceiling. Awesome choices, as well as choices of other tees that are SF specific.
Took a walk over to the Men's side and was simply amazed. The men's side is about 4 times larger than the women's side. This is an awesome place to get someone a gift. A gift that can only be found in SF. I'm actually surprised that I haven't seen Sam Flores shirts at boutiques in NYC. They'd sell really quickly I would think.
Awesome store. Friendly staff. Cool interior. -
Review from Mick F.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/6/2009
So here it is almost 4 years later, and i return thinner, drunker, and loving life more than ever...
In this past 4 years ive learned a bit about local artists as well, such as Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish and MARS-1, and UP is the place to check their shit out.
And you know?
I might be a little richer.....cuz i DID shell the $60 for the clothing, and may even shell the $150 for the shoes ill never wear.
(Just keep telling yourself, Mick....its art......)1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/5/2005
Walruses man....shit. Thats gotta be the coolest logo ever. It just stinks and reeks of goodness.… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jeff L.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2008
Upper Playground I think I love you.
Though my work uniform now consits of merino wool v-neck sweaters, slacks and Ferragamos, I still defiantly sport your Snoop Dog smoking a bleezy t-shirt circa 2003 under my polyesther-blend button-up. It's been cold lately, and I've been taking the train so I've been wearing trench coats, but tucked away in my back pack is my trusty Jeremy Fish hoodie, still equiped with the ski mask you oh so brilliantly attached--should i decide to rob my local liquor store (Sam's Market, you suck!) or decide to do a quick throw-up on the side of the CalTrain. I cried the day i accidently shrank my Fillmore sweatshirt after 5 years of use.
Upper playground, I know you're expanding, with another flagship store in Portland, stores in Japan (you're international playa!), etc. but please don't lose that grimey, "I made it in my Lower-Haight studio", feel that your clothes tends to have. There's other places like Lower Haters, but UP, you popped my cherry.
Though the Black Eyed Peas and I may have sold out, I hope you never have to.Listed in: Place to take out-of-towners
-
Review from Jared B.
Berkeley, CA
6/6/2007
I'm mild mannered by nature. Still, when I walked into Upper Playground for the first time, I heard a strange voice say "Yo BITCH, buy me a hoodie with some GUNS on it!"
"Who said that?" I said. No one else was in the room except for the cashier.
"Yea yea, while you're at it, get me some of that SAM FLORES gear!"
"Do you hear that?" I said to the cashier. She smiled and shook her head.
I heard the voice again, angry this time. "Screw this, GIMME YOUR WALLET."
My arm, possessed by something, swung wildly into a rack of shirts. I struggled with it, writhing around on the floor. Suddenly, it jerked up under my chin and uppercut me into a display case full of custom shoes. I blacked out.
My inner thug had mugged me.
I woke up on Market street a half hour later wearing a hoodie with guns printed all over it. I had a Sam Flores hat on and a shirt emblazoned with a women's ass with "LEFT COAST" tattooed on it. In my hand was a half-drunk bottle of Mad Dog 40/40 in a brown paper bag.
My wallet was gone. -
Review from Catherine O.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2008
This store is pretty much unavoidable. A must for those who like art and the "urban" scene. Plus, I love the inspiration it gives me!
They carry a variety of artist based items: shirts, prints, figures, bags, pillows, dvds, and of course the fifty 24 sf goods! Carrying the art of Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, etc including the Upper Playground brand itself. You pay for what you get, and you're paying for art....so don't expect bargain deals! It's worth the spend.
They recently remodeled it to a very nice, wood based set up. Very clean and modern. And they also now have a men's and women's store. The store usually carries a good selection and I've never had any problems with finding sizes for shirts.
Friendly staff, and always helpful.
Only problem: walking out with an empty wallet... :)Listed in: Look @ my Empty Wallet!
