Brownie’s Hardware

I made a stop here tonight to get my apartment keys duplicated. When I got home they didn’t work. Extremely upset that simple apartment keys couldn’t be duplicated. Went to Cole Hardware in Soma last time and those sets of keys worked like they should — they opened my apartment. Won’t be going here again.

Brownie’s = da bomb. The staff members are extremely friendly and I can’t get over it every time I come here. I’ve come to this neighborhood hardware store for so many things over the past few years — key copies, drain decloggers, cleaning supplies, mason jars (shout-​out to how cheap they are here), window screens, and so much more.
I am definitely one of those people who doesn’t like to ask for help when I go to a store but at Brownie’s I feel the complete opposite. Every experience has been awesome and I’ve even gotten around to chatting with the employees about the neighborhood. I hope so much that people continue to support it.
I like it so much that I will purposely not purchase items online that I think I can find here. That’s how good it is.

The only place were they sell different kind of master pad locks. I went to ace and others with different name of hardware stores. I’ve looked 2location and I said why not give this store a try and what do you know. They had the locks I wanted. Staff are friendly and they will walk with you and help you if needed witch is awesome because I did not have to look around the hole store instead some one helped me with kindness.

This store has lost it’s touch with knowledge of hardware. Most of the expert employees are no longer here, replaced by indifferent personnel, college kids. I’ve been coming here for years but I only go there if I have to. There’s no other hardware store like Brownie’s but I guess the times they are a-​changing.

My grandfather came here (managed apartment buildings) and now I come here for the great selection and excellent advice. Lots of handy home stuff now too in addition to hardware. The Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook rated them best customer service in SF recently! Not too shabby.

Had a great experience at Brownie’s today. I needed some paint but wasn’t sure what shade/​type to get for the room I was painting. The man helping me, named Hung, was the most helpful person ever. He walked me through different colors and was extremely patient when I painstakingly chose the shade I preferred. I’ll definitely be back here again because of the great customer service!

A quick shout out to the neighborhood hardware store!
Cliff’s Variety is the KING of San Francisco hardware stores. BUT, if you live near Polk Gulch, you’ll see how Brownie’s swings well above its weight. How could you ever go to Home Depot after visiting these two joints?!
Brownie’s secret — which if you read the reviews, is no secret — is its staff. I have never met a more helpful group of people. They seem to be sorted into two categories: 1– the «kids» who work the cash register, but who seem to be learning the basics; and 2– the grizzled «old timers» who have worked here since the store was opened in 1913 (I made that last part up). But the «old timers» are SO helpful and seem to have a solution for everything.
Two recent encounters…
Last year, mice — cute little ones, not scary — had discovered our apartment building. The landlord was placing traps and poisons, but I wanted to place a couple more. I shared this with one of the employees, and he walked me through the most effective traps, AND which were most humane. Sadly, I had no considered the humane aspect. Nice that he did.
And recently, I needed to rewire an old lamp that had been sitting in my storage unit for literally 20 years. I brought the lamp in, looking for the bits I’d need to fix the lamp. Well, the woman working there took the lamp from me, walked around the store finding this wiring, this washer, this switch — then over 10 minutes, she rewires the lamp for me, rings up the bits at the register, and says, «That will be $ 8.» WTF! Thanks, lady!
Anyway, this place is small, but if you have basic hardware needs, need cleaning supplies, need some keys made, need some GOOD SERVICE, this is the place for you.

Note: This review was removed by Unilocal because it mentioned the indecent behavior of a fellow Unilocal user towards me. I’m reposting without any reference to said bozo individual.
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A great hardware store is heavenly. When you’re overwhelmed with unfinished home projects, can’t find the right shade of paint, need a mosquito net, shoe covers for construction workers or impromptu visits by your landlord, sink strainers, laundry mesh carry-​all bags, mold-​resistant shower curtain liners or kitchen utensils, or even keys made, Brownie’s is the ideal pit stop. A Mom & Pop Nob Hill institution, with a classic San Francisco vibe.
You’ll end up with even more than you planned, because as aforementioned, a great hardware store can remind you of every unfinished or dream home project. I want to buy my Christmas gifts from here.
See you soon, sweet thang!

I’ve been here NUMEROUS times over the last 5 years and left empty-​handed every single time. I always get the elderly white guy that also works the register and he is ALWAYS incredibly rude to me. He tends to be nicer to other people — I don’t know why.
Last 2 Visits
1. I tried to get keys made, this guy told me that they would not make an extra key. My landlord (an older white man) went there right after me and he happily paid and sent him to the key to make the key.
2. I tried to buy a drill bit, he told me they were on Aisle 2 and told me I would need something special but he couldn’t tell me what or why I would need something special. He just pointed to the aisle and said «I have other people to help.» All people that came to him AFTER I did.
I have started to go to the hardware on store on Green instead and they’re much nicer and SUPER helpful. I think the elderly white guy that works there is just plain rude and a terrible person and doing as much as he can to violate the commerce clause without flat out doing so.

Wow, I never would have thought I’d be sitting here and wanting to review a hardware store! But, this place is great and deserves 5 stars!
I’ve probably been to Brownie’s a little over a handful of times in the past month and every single visit was a success! Even though this is a boutique sized hardware store, they have everything I’ve ever needed and more, with just the right prices. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful! I am not handy at all and they’ve always been so patient with me and my 5 million questions! :)

I have had to lower this to 2 stars instead of 5.
Fellas I’ve gone out of my way to patronize you. I understand this city needs mom and pop business such as Brownies since I’ve lived here since …1984!
Over and over the past few months you’ve let me down.
I am redocrating and bought many quarts of bright paint and accessories. A lady who helped me over and over was nice. Yet, while buying more paint a man seemed like he wanted to give me every excuse why they couldn’t spin up a quart of bright green paint. Are you serious? This is SAN FRANCISCO a city of bright paints! I bought the paint when I should have just left.
A blasé hipster teen (?) quasi security-​guard clerk was… gasp, SULLEN and very unhelpful.
I don’t accept any sullen clerk period. Suck it up be polite get paid go home I’m not your mom.
Last time I visited was to buy metallic gold paint. Whew, an ordeal. Fast forward to me getting home and the paint totally runining my expensive Purdy paintbrush as the clerk didn’t suggest what sort of paint cleaner I needed! I have a half painted bookshelf, and barely used can plus unopened can of metallic paint as I lost my gusto. And brush!
I bought an apron there it had no price and the clerk was way too meh.
Brownies I’ve tried, really I have.
Its Cliffs on 4^th street for now. I’ll wave as I walk by from Bob’s donuts!

I just have to say that Brownie’s has really shaped up. I know they were in some kind of transition for awhile, and the shelves were looking bare. But today, fully stocked and I was very pleased to discover that they now carry Valspar paint! I bought paint and supplies today. The man working there was very helpful, and answered all of my questions with great patience and care. I was very pleased and will definitely come back.

Great neighborhood hardware store. I’ve been there a few times, to buy tools, get my keys cut and buy missing screws. Customer service was awesome! I didn’t think they would have the part I needed, but I was in and out in minutes, very happy with a new teeny tiny screw and nut. The nice Asian guy at the register was super cool too! Great job Brownies — I’ll definitely be back.

I really wasn’t expecting to be wowed but I had such a great experience that I totally get why people love it here.
I just needed a fridge bulb. Not hard, right? Well, I’m a terrible shopper and I stood in an aisle looking at the bulb after bulb before going up to the cashier and asking if it mattered what kind of bulb I used. She called someone to assist me and he was there in seconds. I showed him the bulb I had and he walked me over to the appliance bulbs. I felt in good hands as he explained the differences between the three that would work as excellent replacements. Seriously great service for a $ 3 item.
I’ve since returned for additional items, with that same super friendly and helpful service each time. Love it!

Nice to have around and very nice staff.