Due Maternity
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

3112 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Mona B. writes: Hold your horses, I am NOT pregnant!

I took my friend who is in her 4th month of pregnancy here out of the recommendation of yelp.  There were so many cute clothes that I was wishing (for a very split second) that I was 'with child'.

The diaper bags…

Lulu Boutique

302 Baldwin Ave
San Mateo, CA 94497

lucy k. writes: Thanks to Sarah K., I went to Lulu and at long last was able to find jeans that are both hip enough and long enough. Citizens FH jeans are nice and all, but a wee bit short for me. Kasil jeans are very long (35" inseam) and fit great. (Read: no…

Patrick & Company
Neighborhood: Financial District

290 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111

wendy h. writes: ETA 7/18

Stopped by to look for ink cartridge refills for my fountain pen.  Found that they carried Coffee Crisp (a candy that you could only get in Canada but I heard Nestle is trying to expand it in the US).  They were selling CC for 90 cents each.…

Barnes & Noble Bookseller

1149 S. Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Lukey B. writes: This store is your typical Barnes & Noble Bookseller. Everyone knows what a typical two story Barnes & Noble with a coffee shop looks like, so I am not going to go on about that. I would much rather buy books from a smaller book store and support…

Hydra
Neighborhood: Fourth Street

1710 4th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710

Nish N. writes: Like the SF location on Fillmore, Hydra exudes freshness and fun. The store is an aromaphile's wet dream; all the soaps, lotions, etc. have amazing fragrances and induce a smile.

They just put out a line of soaps that have names like Haight Ashbury,…

Sams Smoke Shop
Neighborhood: Lower Haight

250 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117

jessica t. writes: Please note that this review does contatin mention of tobacco products,

(please also note that I have NEVER smoked and will NEVER  smoke cigarettes...EXCEPT

.... for one teeny tiny incident when I was five.  It wasn't a whole cigarette. It was a huge…

Warm Things
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

3063 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

megan w. writes: This store makes me want to have the kind of lifestyle where I stay in bed all day. I think I'm going to quit my job and stock up on bedding at Warm Things. I'll have down comforters on my bed, down blankets in the TV room, and when I need to get up…

Mountainwest Snowboards
Neighborhood: SOMA

290 Division St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Jude M. writes: Friendly, knowledgeable peeps. Way better at board tuning than the shop at REI.

Hilside Bags
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

10 Lupine Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118

Rachel L. writes: HILSIDE BAGS----The cutest CUSTOM, HANDMADE  bags around town!  The designer, Hilary Wehlitz,  who happens to be an old friend of mine is in her first year of business and has successfully launched a complete line of handmade cosmetic/ditty bags…

Ambassador Toys
Neighborhood: Financial District

2 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111

Brenda Kaye W. writes: I bought Christmas presents for my niece and nephew here.  For my two-year old niece, I bought a plush stuffed kitty in a plush pink purse.  My sister said my niece loves it.  My niece is such a girly-girl.

To my nephew, who turns six next month, I…

A La Folie
Neighborhood: Fourth Street

1816 4th St
Berkeley, CA 94710

Tsada K. writes: Thank you to Jillian, the sweet, beautiful saleswoman in this store who took the time to engage in a lengthy and insightful consultation about my hard-to-fit tittays.

Even though I could not afford any of the gorgeous brassieres Jillian showed me, I…

L'Occitane
Neighborhood: Financial District

2 Embarcadero Center
Street Level
San Francisco, CA 94111

Katherine N. writes: When the holiday season comes around  I treat my friends to L'Occitane gifts.

Especially my doctor friends.
They have this liquid soap that is a moisturizing soap for people that wash their hands ALOT , like doctors, dentists, hairdressers and such.…

Split Culture
Neighborhood: Nob Hill

901 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

Gemma W. writes: I'm always down to support local artists.  This store in the Tender Nob has tons of urban art, graffiti-ed hats, some jewelry, and cute-tees.  And always fresh tunes playin'...gotta check it out whenever you dare venture in the Loin.

Laurel Jewels

San Francisco, CA 94101

Leah C. writes: Gorgeous.  I need say no more, but I will.   Laurel doesn't just create jewelry, she creates art.   Each piece is an inspired combination of vintage charm and girlie goodness.  I almost want to get my ears pierced just so I can wear the debbie.  But…

Old West Gun Room

3509 Carlson Boulevard
El Cerrito, CA 94530

Juanita c. writes: According to media reports, this is where Mamiko Kawai's husband bought the gun he used to kill her, himself, and their two young daughters last week. Pretty cool looking shop from outside, very ranchy/wagon wheely decor. I heard that the owner once…

Fengari

415 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Olma M. writes: I just learned to knit last year and was quickly drawn to it.  Something about the repetitive movements and concentration it requires which puts me in a somewhat meditative and relaxed state (plus, there's something so fulfilling in making something,…

The Ink Stone
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area, Telegraph Ave

2302 Bowditch Street
Berkeley, CA 94704

Lauren G. writes: They provide me and my office with a plethora of foam core in all the right sizes!

Nedas Flowers and Gifts
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury

1681 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

Rebekah K. writes: Two of the most darling things ever: Flowers & Vintage clothes!

I felt like the uniqueness is one of those places you see in an Audry Hepburn movie.

I've been looking for a dress to wear to my friend from High School's wedding. See, this needs to not…

Forrest Jones
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights

3274 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94115

Gourmet G. writes: An eclectic collection of kitchenware and household accessories fills this shop, making it a good place to find a hostess or housewarming gift.

Casa Bonampak
Neighborhood: Mission

3331 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

mario c. writes: this is what a Latino art store should be! :)

love coming here and spending a nice Saturday to see the many different art from all Latin America; mexico, central america, south america, carribean....

loves of cute stuff too.... so much stuff it can be…

Fireside Camera
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2117 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Gourmet G. writes: A family-owned business that's been a Marina fixture since 1954. No doubt you'll find less expensive film in Walgreen's and cheaper processing at Safeway, but there's something to be said for supporting small business owners who know not only their…

Walgreens
Neighborhood: SOMA

670 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

Ali R. writes: Dear Walgreens,

Thank you for helping me maintain my dignity. We've all done the 'Walk of Shame' but how many of us had to go straight to work the next morning?

Walking into work wearing the same clothes in a company like mine will get noticed.…

Giraux Fine Jewelry
Neighborhood: SOMA

888 Brannan St
Ste 129
San Francisco, CA 94103

Amanda H. writes: I had the one of most beautiful experiences happen here yesterday.

I discovered this place well over 5 or 6 years ago and made several great purchases here.  The family that runs the shop got to know me at the time, and I mean the entire family, so…

Forbeadin
Neighborhood: Noe Valley

1195 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

Kristina R. writes: I think I've paid this woman's rent for a year.  

I can't stop myself from wandering in here every time I'm...   a) waiting for the J Church,   b) renting a video across the street, or   c) outside.

Her beads are beautiful, stunning, and…

Sanrio Surprises
Neighborhood: Lakeside

3251 20th Avenue
Stonestown Galleria, Ste 300
San Francisco, CA 94132

tinna h. writes: Even now, there are days when I am in the mall, and I make a beeline for Sanrio. It's the place to overindulge in CUTE. Something about reliving the past, always wanting to remain a little girl, even though none of the characters are actually as cute…

Borders Bookstore

32111 Union Landing Boulevard
Union City, CA 94587

Stu U. writes: I go to Borders Cafe a lot to study. Its pretty cool there. The workers are nice and friendly. However I can't study when this girl name Kathy is working. She is so loud and talks so much! I can hear her from the back of the cafe. Sometimes when I'm…

Nomadic Arts
Neighborhood: SOMA

342 9th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Wendy K. writes: This is one of the best furniture stores around if your dwelling is decorated in a "lightly distressed" indonesian rustic wood style, or you want it to be.  I had so much fun picking out my furniture at this place and the owners are really helpful.…

Bay Area Bikes

2424 Webster St
Oakland, CA 94612

J G. writes: My brother Jake works here...small selection but good and from what little I know about bikes..good prices. Talk to jake..get a bike...ya ya. He hooked me up with a cool Raleigh bike. Yeah!

Wash Club

520 Frederick Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

Quinn S. writes: I just went to the laundry mat for the first time since I moved to San Francisco almost two years ago. In fact, it's the first time I've been in several years.  Back in the day, I drove to my parents house to do my wash, my first house in SF had…

Video Room
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Piedmont Ave

4364 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611

Anna B. writes: Video Room, you rule.

People have already said everything there is to say about the excellent selection, although I need to re-emphasize that the tv-show selection is unparalleled, and you don't have to be embarrassed by your nerdiness when renting…

Bar of Contemporary Art
Neighborhood: SOMA

414 Jessie Street
BOCA
San Francisco, CA 94103

laura b. writes: apparently this is THE place for hot girl on girl action.  and i do mean, hot.  like a fucking broiler room up in this bitch.

p.s.  i saw a woman freaking a cement column here!

MAC
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

1833 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Tanya Z. writes: MAC's products, in varied hues housed in their sleek black displays, are like crack for my eyes...and my wallet.  I have to give props to my MAC homies at this location - they don't mind people like me who periodically drop in to see what's new and…

Cole Haan
Neighborhood: Union Square

324 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

Geoff K. writes: I mean, seriously, whose dick do you have to suck to get a plain black wallet without some bling bling logo on the front of it these days?  I don't ask for a lot.  Black leather.  No logo.  Bill separator.

Nordstroms?  No.  Macys?  No.  Neiman Marcus?…

Five Star Video

1550 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703

david c. writes: any place i can chat about doom beats while debating between skate videos and romantic comedies deserves a perfect score

Oscar's Photo Lab
Neighborhood: SOMA

790 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mark G. writes: They did a big B&W traditional blow-up including some touching up and it was fine. This seems like a very well managed, friendly and family-owned place. We talked about photography a bit. Prices reasonable. I would go back again.

They don't serve…

Juniper Tree
Neighborhood: Lakeshore, Lower Hills

3303 Lakeshore Ave
Oakland, CA 94610

Kristen S. writes: If you need to get one of your friends a very cute girly gift that doesn't have "Victoria's Secret" or "Bath and Body Works" plastered all over it, this is the place to get it.

Their dresses are very cute and girly. They range from fun and summery to…

City Optix
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

2154 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Katrina D. writes: This review goes out to all those with "omigod you're blind" glasses prescriptions. If you're like me, you've turned your handicap into bragging rights ("-3? Child's play. Try -8, beyotch."). You've stopped stressing about your myopia getting worse…

FINDecor
Neighborhood: Castro

258 Noe St
San Francisco, CA 94114

Toro E. writes: A really neat store with very nice home decorational accessories.  There are some pricey items, but many items are at affordable prices.  Store owner was friendly and helpful, wrapping our purchases in high end wrapping paper.  While I still like…

Aumakua
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

2238 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

Mollena W. writes: The thing is this.  I never fucking go to PacHeights.  Seriously.  If I want to watch rich people buying stupid shit and drinking coffee and lugging around their shrieking spawn or pampered canine, or, some days, random tropical birds or fuckin'…