Musical Offering Cafe
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area, Telegraph Ave

2430 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94704

Irene S. writes: this is one of my favorite lunchtime spots in berkeley.

all of the food is huge & delicious, including the salads & soups & sweets & the coffee. not to mention that it's quiet, except for little hints of conversations here & there & classical music,…

A Bed of Roses Florist
Neighborhood: Mission

2948 20th St
Ste 104
San Francisco, CA 94110

Stellah D. writes: Pat's work is exquisite it's true. Her arrangements evolve and bloom over several days, and serve as a meditation on the beauty of impermanence.

I sent some of her flowers to a client recently, only to have them call in awe an hour after they…

Mickey's Monkey
Neighborhood: Lower Haight

218 Pierce St
San Francisco, CA 94117

maria d. writes: A vintage store for nerds & weirdos who like old, odd stuff (like owl statues, glasses with pink elephants and jewelry boxes with creepy  pictures on them). Unlike some other, this place is not stuck in eternal, ugly mid-century hell (although they…

Costco

451 S Airport Blvd
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Janney B. writes: My parents bought me an Executive Membership so I would stop dating mean jerks and meet a nice jerk in the electronics section of Costco.  

I came here on Sunday at noon.  I had thought it wouldn't be crowded and I could glide through the store…

Visual Media Solutions

4239A 21st Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

Valarie A. writes: I had an idea to have a postcard made up of the holidays I've taken over the past year.  I called a couple of other printers and they would only make a quantity of 500 or more...then I finally called John and he was more than happy to help make my…

Zolita
Neighborhood: Mission

3335 17th St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Meave G. writes: I was looking for a Christmas present for my younger brother -- the pretty, stylish one who could look adorable in a burlap sack -- he has established his own look for sure, but had said he wanted to take it up a bit, so I thought ok, sophistication,…

Stephen Wirtz Gallery
Neighborhood: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin

49 Geary St
San Francisco, CA 94108

kim n. writes: Another great callery on 49 Geary, with this one showcasing art of many medium. My  former sculpture professor still remains prominent in this space and if it weren't for some of her scathing "tough love" critiques, I may development in studio art…

Greetings
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave

4152 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611

Rinky N. writes: Although I love the Greetings Store in Berkeley, this larger
store is captivating.  Tons of cards, fun and funny pop culture gifts, painfully cute stuffed animals and wonderful socks.

I must have spent a small fortune on socks-socks with cats,…

Mignonne
Neighborhood: Old Oakland

1000 Jefferson St
Oakland, CA 94607

Tina R. writes: I am a recovering Mexican American Catholic school kid. I did my time (shout outs to SLOT and BOD Class of '87) BUT I am obsessed with

La Virgen de Guadalupe.

She's my version of the Goddess, pictures and statues of Her are all over our home much to…

Ladybug Ladybug
Neighborhood: Noe Valley

3870 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94114

laura b. writes: Um, this place sells Christmas Cards with depictions of Santa boning Mrs. Claus with Rudolph watching in the same row as baby bonnets and children's toys.  It's a racy if not odd pairing.  You will be guaranteed to find some noe valley baby making…

Bombshell

25 W 25th Ave
Ste 8
San Mateo, CA 94403

Walter P. writes: I accepted the opportunity to be the first male Yelper to have my man brows done.   Yes, my man brows.    How about that?!!!     I gave my man brow virginity to Christina and Stephanie on their BOMBSHELL Birthday Party on 11/17/07.    What a way to…

Gallery of Jewels
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2115 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Kristina R. writes: There are some beautiful pieces here, and I'd love to buy it all, but I need my retirement money.  

The name of this store does not reflect the prices they ask you to pay.  I thought, "Ooh, Gallery of Jewels! What a funny, kitchy name.  Bargain time!"…

Japonica
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

5503 California St
San Francisco, CA 94121

cyndi L. writes: Valerie is a wiz at putting together really fab arrangements. She's also got a great affinity for tropical arrangements. Her little shop is packed with all sorts of gifty items. Bath products from Davies Gate, delicate jewelry from a local artist,…

Toy Safari

1410 Park St
Alameda, CA 94501

Kristina R. writes: This is the weirdest Sybil-esque Toy Store I've ever encountered.  There's the new section, which has a less impressive collection of children's toys and eye candy that makes the little ones come in and whine and beg.  

And then there's the section…

Milk
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Rockridge

5833 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Ms. Q. writes: the only place in nor-cal with a great selection of lovely marie-helene de taillac jewelry (and I have searched long & hard for them...). the staff/owner was incredibly pleasant and helpful. also carries gorgeous children's clothes (sometimes on…

Little Fish Boutique
Neighborhood: West Portal

320 W Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122

Frankie F. writes: I found this gem walking the streets of West Portal and am in love!  This is the cutest store ever.  And for this native San Franciscan I was thrilled when I found that Tori sells San Francisco native T-shirts.  I've been looking for this simple…

Passion Trail Bikes

415 Old County Rd
Belmont, CA 94002

Mike B. writes: Greatest bike shop ever!  Expertise in service/repair of both road and mountain bikes, intimate knowledge of MTB trails in the area and in NorCal in general, and a cool place to hang out and chat.  Charles only carries equipment he knows to be…

Fastframe Expert Picture Framing
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1700 Lombard Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

lori s. writes: I find it so refreshing, these days, to find a business that really values its customers. Their service was excellent. I didn't know what style of frames to choose for my husband's sports photos. Sluggo took them and worked his magic. They look…

Ike's Luggage Repair
Neighborhood: Lakeshore, Lower Hills

3311 Lakeshore Ave
Oakland, CA 94610

Laura C. writes: yup - Ike's is working for me! The zipper on my brand new Samsonite suitcase ripped on one side the very first time I used it taking a flight to Montana. Since my "warranty" doesn't cover damage done by carriers (bastards!) and I didn't want to go…

De Vera
Neighborhood: Union Square

29 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, CA 94108

Trixie J. writes: Here you'll find beautiful beautiful beautiful work...unfortunately marred by the ugly malignant polyp of a shop noob a.k.a. Snobby Sales Broad.

HopeNet
Neighborhood: SOMA

223 9th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Marc B. writes: I hit this place up for the first time yesterday.  I saw the Yelp sticker at the front door, which was cool to see!  I showed the doorman my card, and he let me in.  I came in like 10 minutes before closing, but they didn't seem to mind.  Once I got…

Serenity MedSpa
Neighborhood: Union Square

77 Maiden Lane
Suite 250
San Francisco, CA 94108

spiff e. writes: it's too bad that most of the reviews on here are by single-review non-yelpers, because it makes this place look sketchy.  but it isn't.  i actually really like it.  i guess serenity falls into that gray area of services like back waxes and…

Target

1057 Eastshore Hwy
Albany, CA 94710

msbeesknees x. writes: i was loath to go to "super target" this sunday due to its christmastime rush of shoppers filling its walls to capacity but I HAD to check out the store's  limited edition "rafe for target" handbags and "behnaz sarafpour ny chic" clothing line and…

Isda & Co Outlet
Neighborhood: SOMA

19 South Park
San Francisco, CA 94107

H. Q. writes: I have never walked out of this store without buying something.  I have been very happy with my purchases and they are great basics to have in any wardrobe.  Note: basics - great pieces to layer, wear to work or to lounge around in.

I am first to…

Zappos

271 Omega Parkway
Shepherdsville, KY 94610

Miu M. writes: la la la la Miu is a happy cat!  

I ordered a cute pair of shoes from zappos.com yesterday.  

On my doorstep this afternoon:  my cute pair of shoes!  I barely batted an eyelash and they arrived in time for casual Friday!

Overnight shipping - free!…

Maison d'Etre
Neighborhood: North Oakland

5640 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Alice S. writes: I have a thing for kitchen stuff (it's the bright colors). If I allowed myself to really be a collector, I would be in trouble because the 'pack rat' gene runs in my family.  Seriously.

Maison d'etre is a temptress!  

Let's see, so far they've managed…

Bloomingdale's
Neighborhood: Union Square, SOMA

845 Market St
Westfield San Francisco Centre
San Francisco, CA 94103

Keane L. writes: I bought something from Bloomingdale's.

Yes, it's true. You're looking at the proud owner of a Jack Spade man-bag. The journey to said acquisition was intense, and not for the faint of man-heart. Do you know how fucking difficult it was for me to…

KTD Fine Jewelers
Neighborhood: SOMA

101 Utah Street
Suite 133
San Francisco, CA 94103

Lil H. writes: KTD is where I trust to go to for all my diamond/jewelry needs.  I changed my setting and Aulien took my 2 side stones and turned them into earrings for my newborn daughter.  She's knowledgeable, honest, and we just get along really well.  I can't…

Patrick & Company
Neighborhood: Financial District

560 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94104

Michael M. writes: They have everything paper that you could possibly want.  Pad refills, post its, index cards in all sizes, and all the pens you can eat!  Well, not eat, but try at least.

I had lost my favorite pencil, a 1.4 mm lead while it's hard enough to find a…

The Art of Shaving
Neighborhood: Union Square

865 Market St
Westfield San Francisco Centre
San Francisco, CA 94103

Michael M. writes: This stuff is EXPENSIVE!  I wanted a trial size of after shave balm, just to see what it was like.  A 2 ounce bottle costs $22 ... yes, $22.00 for a tiny bottle of after shave.  The badger hair shaving brushes seem really nice, but cost up to $500…

Valencia Cyclery Repair Shop
Neighborhood: Mission

1065 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

loach X. writes: I work as a bike messenger. I put a lot of miles on my bike and for some reason I break a lot of spokes. I can't afford a lot of down time in a repair shop but I am usually too tired/lazy to be bothered to change a spoke. One shop in the SOMA area…

London Sole
Neighborhood: Union Square

19 Maiden Lane
San Francisco, CA 94108

Noelle Q. writes: Suffice it to say that the first time I came here, I had a terrible, no good, very bad experience. Then, I got a couple PMs from the owners that explained the situation- to make a long story short, my experience was directly and solely due to a…

Rowan Morrison Gallery
Neighborhood: North Oakland

330 40th St
Oakland, CA 94609

Celeste C. writes: These guys are great. Always friendly, very supportive of the local artist community and they have great art up on the walls! I really like the selection of books they carry and lots of them are hand made or made from recycled materials. The owners…

Glaser Designs
Neighborhood: SOMA

1435 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Ajay K. writes: Myron and Kari Glaser make their one-of-a-kind bags right in San Francisco.  After taking a look at my current bag to get a sense for my luggage needs, Myron took an hour of his time to show me around his workroom, introduce me to all of his…

Oakland Flower Market
Neighborhood: Old Oakland

821 Jefferson St
Oakland, CA 94607

msbeesknees x. writes: i love this flower market for two reason:

ONE: they carry my favorite flower, the exotically fragrant tuberose at a really decent price. i can usually get a bundle of 3 stems, HEAVY with blossoms, for $8. they'll continue to bloom for about 7 more…

MaiDo Stationery & Gifts
Neighborhood: Union Square, SOMA

845 Market St
Westfield San Francisco Centre
San Francisco, CA 94103

Kristina R. writes: This Kinokuniya Stationary twin offers the same types of beautiful Japanese Papers, weird little pens and erasers, and pads of paper with adorable big-headed cartoon creatures on them.

The cards were fabulous, and I just happened to need one for my…

Candy Kitchen
Neighborhood: Mission

2807 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

laura b. writes: this place is full of girly, fun, silly, pretty underwear that any woman would love.  if you don't love them, you are missing some key thing that makes you a woman.  probably a vagina.  AND A SOUL.  and if you have neither a vagina nor a soul then…

Bose
Neighborhood: Union Square, SOMA

845 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Archie R. writes: I fly a lot.  Let me share with you my ULTIMATE pet peeve.

------------------------- ------------------------- -------

Plane touches down.  People start to unzip their carry on bags.  I hear the startup of about 10 phones.  I hear dialing.  I then hear…