Cliff's Variety

Variety store · The Castro

2

Closed

Highlights

Cliffs Variety is your neighborhood treasure trove, packed with everything from housewares to Halloween decor, complete with friendly service and a fun shopping vibe.

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479 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114 Get directions

Closed (Opens at 10:00 AM)

$$

"Since 1936, the queen of gay hardware stores has been a magnet of variety. Household necessities for the kitchen, nuts and bolts, garden and home improvement frame seasonal offerings during any holiday. A section for toys featuring off-brands caters to all ages. The adjacent semi-connected storefront is more soft-home and self improvement — featuring wigs, fabric, shower curtains and a good start for the out crafter in you." - pixelstud

·

Jun 11, 2024

View Postcard for Cliff's Variety

"Cliffs, Castro by pixelstud. Since 1936, the queen of gay hardware stores has been a magnet of variety. Household necessities for the kitchen, nuts and bolts, garden and home improvement frame seasonal offerings during any holiday. A section for toys featuring off-brands caters to all ages. The adjacent semi-connected storefront is more soft-home and self improvement — featuring wigs, fabric, shower curtains and a good start for the out crafter in you."

San Francisco
·

Mar 16, 2022

View Postcard for Cliff's Variety

Nicole Y

Google
Superlative Party supply store I've been and the prices were half of what Party stores charge you in Daly City or surrounding areas. Living in SF 🏳️‍🌈 I used to go all the way to Daly Cityo to get good quality Party decorations, till I decided to try this lovely Castro store. Polite n friendly staff. Specially Joseph! Thank you for making my experience so smooth and easy. You all rock 🤘🍾🥂🏝️🎂🍰😎🔥

Matthew Neumark

Google
This store has tons of variety for almost anything your looking for. Fro hardwares to household goods. A good place to checkout for your needs. Including a really incredible selection of board games!

Gemma Boothroyd

Google
Good god. I love this store! It’s like Amazon but in person, with fantastic humans and an array of quality products you can trust. Went down for a sewing kit, small broom, and a “CONGRATULATIONS” banner. A wide array of goods in mind? Absolutely. Did they carry them all? They sure did! Thank you for a terrific shopping experience! ☺️ So glad to have found this neighborhood gem.

Emilio

Google
Cliffs Variety, founded in 1936, on the Castro District, just like the name says is a variety store. The store is very well stocked with a great selection of home supplies (pretty much like a small hardware store). The service is excellent with the staff asking if they can help without even asking, great place with stockpiles of Hallowing and Christmas goods.

Richard Horan

Google
Awesome neighborhood hardware store plus a lot more. Won't have the selection of big box shops like Home Depot or Lowes but for a local shop, it has a decent assortment of necessities plus excellent service and help when you need it. They have side by side product rooms with differing categories of goods with the smaller one more soft goods, decorative, and gift-oriented items with still excellent choices.

Lydia Winn

Google
Cliffs! How I love thee. Truly the most helpful people in the world. Namely, Michael who also does handyman stuff for my family (we live two blocks away) and also rich who is the wonderful owner/manager and cares deeply about delivering a wonderful service at the right price for his community. Shop here, they have everything.

M W

Google
Watch Repair - Battery Replacement - Cliffs Variety thanks!! Trying to find a watch repair shop in the city is hard. I needed my fossil watch’s battery replaced and it needed a special tool to crack her open without scratching the watch. I go to cliffs and the nicest guy takes my watch and 5 minutes later the battery is replaced and she’s ticking! If you need a new watch battery go to cliffs! It was $5! Talk about service affordability. Thank you cliffs associate!

Jaicob Stewart

Google
The store has good inventory, I like to shop local. However when checking out the staff was very impatient, told us “we have to pay attention” since it took us a few seconds to spot which cashier they were at. They continued to patronize us during checkout.

Rachel K.

Yelp
We visit every time we're in SF now and they're always bringing in fresh merchandise. It's so fun walking around both of the stores (they're right next to each other). The Annex is my favorite part because they have even more of the fun and gifty items. I love looking at things like candles, mugs, lotions, magnets and more here. In the back they have art supplies, fabric, carpets and other home items. I always feel inspired after walking through those sections. The staff is friendly and you can find some really great items for others or for yourself. It's really hard not to want to buy at least one thing each time you visit. In the bigger store they have pretty much anything you could need. My favorite part of that side is the gardening pots. There are so many cute ones. If we lived in the area this would be our go to for all of our house project needs.

Michael N.

Yelp
This establishment began as a Hardware Store Long before I began to make canes, I Would come back to this store. It was long before it was brought to my attention that some of my purchases signifies 'gay, LGB... ' people by my children. I loved the flag from the beginnings . Anyway, they are a 1st rate hardware store and I would know. I have been going to Hardware stores all my life. I am about to date myself. In the beginnings, extension cords did not come readymade. You had to purchase the individual cords; and, puchase each end seperately. My mother used to fix washing machines. She got it ftom my grandfather who could fix refrigerators , when they were 'ice chests. In addition, he was pretty good with cars. My father's brother, my uncle used to do Plumbing on the side. As a teenager I could take the phone apart and reassemble it. At Washington High School I took autoshop, and took apart one of my first cars two years out of High School . I also put it back together. So, I "digressed" to say that I spent a lot of years in the Hardware shops. in Cliffs is really kool; but, they have become more of a variety store. Many of the things that you would purchase from a Hardware store are just not available. So, I have adjusted and I love Cliffs Variety Store. They are always pleasant no matter how dumb your question is. They assist in looking for any products. The Isles are wheelchair accessible. The prices are not cheap,!this is still San Francisco. So, if you actually know what you are looking for, you will be out in no time. No long lines at the cashier. ' Check it

Joe C.

Yelp
My number one stop for everything! That's what they claim to be, and they aren't kidding! I don't know how I would survive the Castro without this neighborhood staple. Everything from decorations, gifts, paint, nails toys, and on and on and on. The staff is plenty, friendly, knowledgeable, and check out is fast no matter how crowded the store seems to be. Also, considering its size, the store is well laid out, clean and orderly. You never feel lost or confused or overwhelmed. Whatever you're looking for I'm sure they have it, can offer an alternative, or you probably don't need it.

Tom S.

Yelp
I went to cliff's because it was convenient. I will never patronize them again after my last experience. I have never liked their snooty attitude and arrogance. But, this time they took it too far. I went to get some small hardware. I purchased 4 packages of what I needed. I got home and I realized they overcharged me on three of the packages. The price tag was on all four packages. The amount of overcharge was substantial. So, the next day I went to get the proper adjustment. I went up to a man behind to counter when it was my turn. I told him how I was overcharged. He was unresponsive to me and acted like I was bothering him instead of being helpful. For some reason he told me to go to another male down the way instead of helping me himself. To me the situation was a slam dunk. I had my receipt and all four packages. The second guy started in how Cliffs "usually "do only ONE price adjustment on a sale? WHAT? In all of my life I have never heard of such a ridiculous explanation. I told him I clearly was overcharged on three of the four of the packages and the price sticker showed that. I tried to rationalize with him and he got defensive and responded in this nasty tone and told me that he was not going to give me a price adjustment on two of the three packages. I was with someone and we just could not believe how arrogant and beyond unprofessional he was, and not to mention WRONG at denying me an adjustment for two of the three overcharged items. SO, I told him that I would just return ALL THREE OF THE ITEMS. IDIOT. I have since posted this on social media, Facebook, etc. I mean, what can I say? If that is how Cliff's treats their customers with arrogance and a ridiculous explanations of how they would not to give me a price adjustment left me no other alternative than to do what I should of done in the first place. GO DOWN THE STREET TO ACE HARDWARE STORE ON MARKET STREET. I found better quality hardware there for at a way better price point than of Cliff's. AND, they were professional and respectful to me as a customer. There were no customers in the store at the time and I told them of my tale of Cliff's. The guy told me that, "they get a lot of people telling them the same story," and head to them for better service and lower prices. INTERESTING! I guess I am not the only victim? Hence, my story was not the first time I have had issues with Cliff's. There continued poor attitude turned me off many times and I have avoided shopping there. But, my last experience really has forever soured me from EVER going there again. I do not know how these people are permitted to do as they do and give poor customer service. Apparently, they have been enabled by management. There Anex store has the same attitude. So, If you are in need of a local hardware store with a professional staff, I would go to ACE HARDWARE, OR COLE HARDWARE. They both treat their customers with respect and do not try to rip you off when there is a clear mistake on their part. With competition stiff in the retail world, I think Cliff's should finally pack it in and go away. I hope CLIFF'S IS HAPPY NOW!

Deborah B.

Yelp
OMG, Cliff's has everything you might need or even want from kitchen stuff to tools to toys to gifts. Be sure to go through both stores, the big hardware store and the little gift shop next to it. Get your costume supplies, and check out the great selection.

Doris G.

Yelp
I love Cliff's. It's not the least expensive hardware store but it has a low key knowledgeable staff that are approachable. I never have to go back and return something because it wasn't the right hardware that I needed. I've been a customer for 30 years and this is a brick and mortar we will always need.

Cathy F.

Yelp
The store is amazing, everything you need from a great local hardware store and some. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Shout out to the locksmith Tamdin, so helpful in helping us figure out what to do with my mortise locks and getting skeleton keys for them.

Carla L.

Yelp
I loved Cliff's Variety! Walking in, I was on one side, where there were super cute wigs and jewelry for the DIVA in you, wonderful little things for the house, you name it. I bought a dry brush for my face, a lip balm and a couple of little gifts (cat themed) for my pet sitter. When I went to check out, I found a couple cute Trans rights stickers for my baby. Then we went next door (I didn't realize it was the same shop) and got a cute little toy block set for my grandson. They have everything you need, like... seriously. Chill atmosphere and all kinds of goods. Can't go wrong.

Eden C.

Yelp
God bless you Cliff's Variety. If you're a design student on hour unknown of final review prep who lives in the Castro, and realize you don't have the time to make the trek out to Blick or Flax to grab chip board for a last minute model, just know that Cliff has you covered. Their selection is limited, but it was all I needed to make my shitty little topographic model. If you saw me struggling against the wind holding a 30"x40" piece of chip board.... No you didn't.

Vivian C.

Yelp
love cliffs variety!! it's a 2 building store front one has mostly hardware and the other is like a gift shop with the cutest knick knacks :) every time I'm in SF I'll try and stop by since they have the cheapest price for the items i get. Also staff is very friendly - love talking to Paul he always makes my day :)

Jaicob S.

Yelp
The store has good inventory, I like to shop local. However when checking out the staff was very impatient, told us "we have to pay attention" since it took us a few seconds to spot which cash register they were at. They continued to patronize us during checkout. It was very disrespectful and I would not shop here again without an apology from them.

Lydia W.

Yelp
Cliffs! How I love thee. Truly the most helpful people in the world. Namely, Michael who also does handyman stuff for my family (we live two blocks away) and also rich who is the wonderful owner/manager and cares deeply about delivering a wonderful service at the right price for his community. Shop here, they have everything.

Days P.

Yelp
Cliff's Variety is the Castro's own little department store from another era, stacked with both essentials and curios. Whether you're cobbling together a last-minute project or just browsing, you'll find something that fits the bill. And yes, it saves the day more often than you'd think.

H. H. M.

Yelp
Just a fun useful well stocked helpful place to shop for what you need, want or just must have! From gaskets to lashes to fun socks and the nastiest greeting cards this place will make you, your home, and your giftees smile. You can get things for design, entertainment, making, fixing, creating, growing, nourishing, repairing and doing. Check out both stores - they're side by side so just do it.

Erin F.

Yelp
What's not to like about Cliff's? A true variety store offering an array of both much-needed and entertaining items. This place has history and a must-see in the Castro. There's no place quite like it!

Todd L.

Yelp
Why haven't I gone to this store sooner??? What an absolute one stop gem! Tons of stuff in this store. Fully staffed with great service. When you need to shop, you need to go here first.

Ben M.

Yelp
The locksmith at Cliff's went above and beyond in terms of service. Helped me retap/chase a bad set of threads on my bike crank arm. Thank you!

Randy M.

Yelp
Cliffs is a wonderful and important store in the Castro neighborhood. The store is a cornucopia of gadgets, trinkets and toys. A valuable neighborhood business for those unexpected home needs. Note...most all the employees act as those they are unhappy or there to enforce some "rule". Strange.

Magnus' D.

Yelp
I love Cliff's. It's such a fun store. I go here for almost all of my hardware needs. And sometimes just to browse (Warning: You'll be hard pressed not to purchase anything if you're just browsing. So much cool stuff here.) The very best thing about Cliff's, though, hands down are its knowledgeable and friendly staff. Case in point: Last year, while cleaning our bathroom, I accidentally broke our porcelain toilet bowl (yikes!). I'm not handy and Googled info on how to fix it. I then went to Cliff's to purchase what I needed to patch it up until the toilet bowl could be replaced. When I got to Cliff's, there were a lot of different glue and tape options available and I wasn't quite sure what to buy. Should be simple, right? But would they all work on porcelain? Did I need something waterproof? Of all these options, what was best for my situation? One of the staff and he was happy to give me some guidance. He helped me choose the right products and then gave me advice on how to use them. His advice was spot on. While you may save a couple of bucks by ordering stuff online, the invaluable advice that you get from places like Cliff's isn't something you're going to get from Amazon. Grateful that gems like these still exist.

erika e.

Yelp
Nearly anything you need, you can find here. Super friendly staff. Things I've picked up here over the years include dog toys, party banners, tea towels, tub stopper, le creuset Dutch oven, tools, fabric cut by the yard, gas for my camp stove, earrings, all kinds of well received gifts, etc.

Mark L.

Yelp
I have been a Cliff's customer for more than 23 years, getting all my hardware and houseware needs fulfilled there, except once they didn't carry some plumbing oddment I was looking for. It turned out none of the plumbing supply places in San Francisco had it either. The staff are professional and exceptional. There's a reason they have flourished for more than 80 years

Amanda P.

Yelp
I went in to buy some holiday stuff, prepared to spend at least $100 as i really liked this store and wanted to support small businesses. I didnt see any shopping baskets at the front so when i started shopping i VERY OBVIOUSLY put stuffy in my reusable bag in front of store employees while asking them where things are so that they wouldnt worry about me trying to steal. I held the bag wide open the entire time and smiled at all the employees. Then an employee can put to me and said "uh, no, lets not do that before someone starts making assumptions about you." And then handed me a basket. I completely understand that with all the stealing going on in the city, workers need to be on high alert, but that kind of tone is so unprofessional and honestly completely rasict. As a person of color, hearing that from another person of color was extremely distressing especially after getting stared down by all the white workers. With all the other comments about their outright racist behavior I bet they sent in the POC so that they couldnt be called out; however, the racial profiling could not be missed with the way he looked at me and talked to me. I meant that this man looked at me like he was disgusted with my presence. Now if he had said something along the lines of "Hey would you mind using a basket instead of a bag, we have a policy about this due to theft issues" I would have gladly taken the basket and apologized for my mistake. But i have NEVER been talked to so rudely in my life by an employee. Also as someone who works retail i wouldnt dare say that to a customer even if i suspected them of stealing. Its really such a shame that they are okay with this behavior.

Dan B.

Yelp
Great all purpose store. Hardware items, crafts furniture, toys, kind of a jack of all trades of variety stores. They have good service, and their sales folks are knowledgeable about the location and operation of items. They have an official checkout system and their product selection is pretty broad in the key categories. I go there whenever I'm in SF to get must have items. It's really more than a hardware store.

Felix Y.

Yelp
Let me start by saying I am NOT a DIYer. I had a keyboard tray that was acting up and had read how replacing some tiny screws (and adding glue to the screws) would fix the problem. Before I spent $75 on a new tray, I thought I'd try it out. Into Cliff's I went, looking forward to telling the salesperson "Hello - I'm looking for a little screw". Sadly, I didn't get my chance. I did, however, get the brilliant assistance of "J.J", and I hope I got that right from the receipt. J. J. was the essence of patience, directed me to the correct screw drawer and helped me (while also educating me) to "find the right screw". The total sale was under $12 and what could have been a very stressful shopping exhibition turned into a delightful customer service moment. Thank you J.J and thank you Cliff's, for being in the hood and being there for me!

Dallas T.

Yelp
I love Cliffs! They saved the day today so I thought I would give them five stars. I wanted to change my faucet and I was doing so well until I ran into problem after problem, I was YouTubing and learning plumbing as I did my job. When I got stuck I went down to cliffs and was looking for Louis and Leslie, (they usually solve my problems) they weren't to be found but a nice man came around the corner and put all my worries to rest. Everything I was worried about he was able to fix, he even cut a pipe for me. Who does that? My faucet now works beautifully. Ps, I go to cliffs on non emergency days, too! Especially for friends' kids' birthday gifts:)

Brian S.

Yelp
Cliff's is awesome! It's easy to understand why they have been in business so long with great reviews. The selection of items is incredible. The staff is lively, super knowledgeable/top notch. Special shout out to Richard and Chuck- you guys are amazing! Love this store.

Ron H.

Yelp
Simply put, Cliff's is the best there is when it comes to hardware stores. It's so much more than just hardware, though. In fact, it's hard to think of the place as a hardware store at all. You'll find gifts, decorations, and novelties here that you won't find at any other hardware store in the world. Back when I lived in the Castro, I used to make up excuses to go to Cliff's and I wound up going nearly every day of the week. The sales staff got sick of seeing me. Since moving away from the neighborhood, it's one of the things I miss most. I LOVE THE PLACE AND YOU WILL TOO.

George I.

Yelp
This neighborhood gem has everything and their prices compare with Amazon's prices. It is better than Amazon because you get to see and touch the stuff that you are going to buy. The selection is probably not as good as Amazon 's, but you know what you're getting when you buy it at Cliff's. The service is usually good, given with a positive tone most of the time.

Maureen B.

Yelp
This store has the MOST AMAZING customer service. I was looking for furniture risers of a certain size and height which they didn't have. Instead, Tamdin offered to see what could be made with scraps of wood. He brought Richie over who made the exact size we needed--at very little cost! Every time I shop at this store, I leave with a smile. Five-plus stars!!!

Barbara H.

Yelp
Cliffs Variety is the best variety store ever. Whatever your household need, whether it be hardware, accents, decor, mirror or glass creation, this store has it ALL. The staff is helpful and considerate. The only problem is that if you plan on going there for 15 minutes, I promise you that you'll stay for at least an hour because there is so many interesting and fun things to look at.

J H.

Yelp
Pure magic is what I'd like to refer my experience to while shopping with this business. Everyone who works here is highly skilled in each department. From essentials, to crafts, indoor/outdoor improvement, to construction tips and impressively any shortcut you can imagine to help you get that project done; folks who work here know how to help. I'd like to give a shoutout to all of them, and to Bill for helping me get my vintage clock and lamp restoration completed. :) Thanks again

David S.

Yelp
First a big thank you for all things, and especially all people Cliff's. This store is one of many I've patronized for more than half a decade because I love the community feel. I love that they give back. They also curate really great things. I've known a buyer here, and my experience talking to them, and also just with my own two eyes... I can tell how thoughtful each product is selected. That's why I often prefer to buy it here, even if a few of them I can find online elsewhere. Support local is a real thing. And especially support local when it is such an ethical place. Not only do all employees feel happy to me and appear well taken care of, they also have done their utmost to keep us safe during the pandemic: Limited attendance only. Sanitizing on entry. Aisle lines with product only flowing in one direction. And until recently, a **very** limited attendance in the annex. +1 more positive note on curation: I freaking love the fabrics, ok? Many of Cliffs selections have been top sellers of more than 1500 masks I have made during covid. Cliffs, please, can I offer a polite critique here without getting forever scorned? I've not felt exactly... welcome the last two times I came into browse, specifically when it became evident I would not be purchasing something. It is just a sense, although one employee did make a comment the first time. I work in a retail setting, too, and am a front-line worker, so I get how stressful it is right now both for safety and financially. Times are... rough, so rough. For me too, which is why I cannot always buy. I'll concede today though the vibes were in part my fault. I was clearly aimless, showing interest in nothing. But also taking a lot of pictures of cute stuff, while heaving around a big bag. I'll try not to act so suspicious next time. Thank you again for all the fabulous wares and what you do for the community!! Attached some fabulous masks I have made with your fabrics.

Jay D.

Yelp
Cliff Hardware is the best hardware Variety store in San Francisco. The Hardware staff is informative and helpful. But the cashier service staff needs improvement. I purchased two animal repellant one spray the other powder. Both large. Asked the cashier for protective covering for the containers. Did not want any leakage of chemicals. Also a possible rain shower. I was offered a paperbag. No. I asked for maybe a tape to seal or plastic trash bag. No one knew where they were located. I was amazed. Went next door to their notions dept. I received a plastic bag. The front staff obviously does not know how to handle possibly dangerous chemicals.

Denise C.

Yelp
Finally visited Cliff's Variety the other day. It was a big deal because I hadn't spent that much time at this Castro shop. They have some toys, household items. It's a variety store that has knick-knacks and housewares. It's in the Castro and it's fun to browse. I got some dice(4) for a $1. You can get a souvenir for fun. Niche or cult favorite in the Castro.

Mario M.

Yelp
TLDR POC AVOID THIS STORE I always feel racially profiled when I walk in so much so I've decided not to support this business. I've tried multiple times and have wondered if it was just me feeling this way but after speaking with my other queer friends of color and sharing that they experience the same thing/ have similar stories it's rather disappointing. Feel free to look at the other reviews on here that also speak about racist incidents that happened here.

Mark R.

Yelp
Love this place and have been supporting it since the 90's!!! However lately I have been ordering what I normal buy there online to avoid the rude treatment I received the last time I was there. I had just left hot cookie another business I try to support as much as possible. I walked in with 1/2 of the cooking in a white bag. the other half was in my mouth before I walked in the store. Before I could swallow and buy the soap I had come for the employee/ monitor told me " There is no eating in the store... you will need to put the food away" I had the food wrapped up completely, I was just about to swallow what was in my mouth that I had eaten before I entered the store... and the only place I could the completely bagged cookie was in my shorts pocket. I did not want to do that so I just turned around and walked out. I am 54 yo have raised three kids and am caring for my parents, I am a responsible adult. I felt scolded as if I had broken a rule but I knew the rules and the food was wrapped up and I was not eating it in the store. Please don't treat your customers like children it's rude and bad for business.

Christopher R.

Yelp
Horrible service. Racist bougie workers! They treat homeless and black people terribly. Just watch if a homeless person comes in. They swear like your money is fake. And the products aren't good. I've bought 5 pairs of heels. Only for them all to break, then they want to say I'm not allowed in the store because they think I stole some eyelashes when I would spend $100+ on heels. Just overall horrible service. And I'm not the only person who thinks so. Don't shop here!

Bryan S.

Yelp
The staff is always friendly and helps me find what I need. Getting keys copied is always fast.

Matthew M.

Yelp
I usually walk into Cliff's with a problem: a mouse in the heater or a project I'm working on. I'll wander around the aisles looking for inspiration. When I get stuck, a very helpful staff member appears and asks me questions and points me in the right direction. It truly is a magical store. An actual pillar of the community. I've used it mostly as a hardware store, but they also have homegoods and toys and anything else you might need. Highly recommended

Tiffany P.

Yelp
Love this store so much! They have a great selection of housewares and kitchen stuff, including some high end brands. It's fun to browse the aisles and find interesting things.

Janice C.

Yelp
If you need another 101 reasons on why San Francisco rocks, take a peek at Cliff's variety! From interesting kitchen finds, garden hoses, feather boas, craft supplies, paint stuff, stuff you need to paint the town red (or rainbow, coz we are in the Castro!) Cliff's variety has got it all. I get sucked in by their greeting cards with attitude and other Knick knacks. I can spend a solid 2 hours here and not be bored! Cliff's is a SF institution since 1937 and I wish them another 80 years!

Stephanie M.

Yelp
A really fun miscellaneous gift store in the Castro District of San Francisco. I was not planning on buying anything except drinks during this trip to the Castro but what pulled me into their store was their window display of political action figures. This is one of those stores that you could spend hours in and end up spend too much money. On this day I walked out with a mini Elizabeth Warren and a Drag Queen card set. Items I don't necessarily need yet also items I so desperately neeeed.

Cheryl M.

Yelp
Kitschy store along with fun board games and practical stuff for ur house. Bought a bunch of fun items for a bachelorette party so you can imagine. :) Staff here all friendly, helpful and welcoming except for 1 young divo' (hardware side) who thought he was something....okay he WAS (dark hair, eyes, beard) but that's not the point! Haha he was talking to his older coworker and saw me (oh we made eye contact!) walking down the aisle...did he scooch over? Not one bit! Eh I know it's trivial but come on! I had to squeeze past him so I'll assume he thought I was tiny to maneuver around him! ;) sheesh. And only later he acknowledged when I met up with my male friend did a 'did u need help anything' came out...hmmm! Oh well, still this a fun place to stop and get that home repair item or something that makes you laugh out loud!

Jim P.

Yelp
I've been a customer for decades and have never been treated so poorly as I was over the weekend at the Annex part of the store with the drag stuff and fabric in it. The store has this curmudgeonly heavy-set bear-type guy with a headset on trying be Mr. Loss Prevention 2023 or something. He stares down customers he thinks are a theft risk for the store. I mistakenly brought a recycled bag in there (as the city supervisors want us to) but was followed around the store by this angry clerk who repeatedly stopped and glared at me around every corner. Little does he know that my partner and I have been loyal Cliff's shoppers for decades and being profiled this way is not a great business model. We won't be back. Please fire this employee; he is bad for business.

Jimmy C.

Yelp
Cliff's Variety is my most favorite place to shop for anything from home improvement tools, to school supplies, and to kitchenware. They have kids' toys and even other exclusive items depending on the season. I been so crazy to shop there but, boy! I feel like I wanted to make a list in case I was so eager to buy something. Therefore I posted photos of what I like to buy to make my life easier. Say if I need to buy a wrench to unscrew, where would I go? Instead of heading further to Home Depot in Westlake Daly City, Cliff's Variety is the best spot. Cliff's has almost all the items every buyers dream of having. Thus Cliff's in Castro community will always be in my list of visits. Customer service is as good as expected. I highly recommend shopping at Cliff's Variety. :-)

Gregory G.

Yelp
The Folks at Cliff's aren't just a bunch of pretty faces. They are sweet, kind and helpful people. AND Knowledgeable for Sure! I had the most wonderful and supported exchange with CHUCK. He helped me with a dimmer for the new LED bulbs. He didn't give up. It turns out there's a small switch somewhere on the dimmer to accommodate and Completely dim these new LED bulbs. Very tedious.......but Chuck was there all through it! He sent me at least 3 "how to" vids in text messages. The position of this secret switch depends of the brand of dimmer. He wouldn't give up! I am very happy now and I have Chuck's tenacity and kindness to thank for it. Thank you again, CHUCK... YOU are the BEST!

John S.

Yelp
This is my new go to place whenever I'm in the Castro area. I didn't get to explore the whole store to see all what they have. That's because I spent all my time in their toy isles. They have Hot Wheels. They even have the European short cards. But most importantly they have a nice variety of Playmobil Toys. And their prices are very reasonable. Pretty sure there is something here for everybody.

Austin J.

Yelp
I came in to just look around and ended up finding a shower curtain and really nice clock that cost nearly $150.00 that I wanted for my new apartment. However, for some reason, as I continue to look around, I noticed the people who worked here had been following me around. I brushed it off thinking "maybe I'm just thinking too much about it", but the person who I was also with also noticed this! Despite the fact that there were pleof other shoppers in the store they somehow found it necessary to follow the shoppers around who just so happened to be darker! I don't need to steal anything!! I am on a full ride scholarship at UC Davis studying physics and chemistry!!! I'd never risk that over some shower curtain! I'll never be back to store! Update: I went and spent the extra 15 dollars rather than deal with racist white people. 2nd update: Reading back on this, I also wanted to note that the clock was with them at the counter, not in my possession. The only thing I had was the shower curtain.

Eric R.

Yelp
I honestly have no clue who Cliff is and I've been coming here for years, or even centuries *cough cough*, but no matter who Cliff is or isn't all that matters is this "hardware" store turned "curio" store is pretty rad! I wouldn't exactly call myself a regular here, but I make at least several visits a year. Especially around Halloween or if looking for that unusual or naughty birthday gift. I mean where else can you find two dozen faux beards or four shades of rubber nipples? Well besides every other gift store on the Castro:P But really Cliff's Variety has some pretty cool toys, games, keychains, greeting cards, and I didn't even get to their actual hardware section yet... Yes! Cliff's Variety started off as a legitimate hardware store back in the 1930's, and over the decades morphed into the current variety story. Yet, the backbone is still the hammers, nails, screws, bulbs, garden hoe, et al. So if in the Castro District and feeling a tad gay c'mon on down to Cliff's Variety and by golly who knows what you may find... the skies the limit here, well unless you already have a ladder & a feather duster in your pocket...
Cliff's Variety on Postcard