Tail of the Yak

Lovely store with incredible gifts, etc. It's impossible to leave without finding something you can't pass up! The selection of exquisite wrapping paper will elevate any gift to the next level, whether it's from Tail of the Yak, or not. This is a must-go-to store when searching for a gift for anyone special in your life.

When you find hidden secrets, this is one of them! beautifully curated! It is a maximistas dream of color, texture, and sensory delight. You can’t leave this place disappointed or empty handed. One must purchase a lovely token in order to feel complete before leaving. I will return!

I always stop into this extraordinary shop while visiting Berkeley, so visually stunning, & beautifully arranged. Love the colorful & affordable items, that I use in my children's room/for entertaining etc, from many different countries. Unique gifts, helpful staff, inspiring!

This little shop is pure magic. A delight for all of the senses one can truly lose and then find oneself here. I now live on the east coast but make a special trip to Berkeley whenever I’m in California just to go to Tail of the Yak. Truly a one of a kind experience.

I live half a world away in England but used to live in Berkeley and I would visit this enchanted place whenever possible . There is no other shop in the WORLD like it and to my mind it is the best! The owners have a wonderful eye for colour,display and the magical object So glad it exists .... Take the opportunity to step into wonder!

There is no store like this anywhere else in the world! You will find beautiful treasures from all corners of the globe to unique and curious creations made right there. Tail of the Yak is an artful and beautiful experience that captures the imagination.

Absolutely the finest and most diverse gift selection on Planet Earth ! Scents and colourfull presentations abound ! A must visit for anyone passing thru Berkeley .

I love this little shop and stop by whenever I'm in Berkeley. They have beautiful and unique items from around the world.

Lovely store with incredible gifts, etc. It's impossible to leave without finding something you can't pass up! The selection of exquisite wrapping paper will elevate any gift to the next level, whether it's from Tail of the Yak, or not. This is a must-go-to store when searching for a gift for anyone special in your life.

When you find hidden secrets, this is one of them! beautifully curated! It is a maximistas dream of color, texture, and sensory delight. You can’t leave this place disappointed or empty handed. One must purchase a lovely token in order to feel complete before leaving. I will return!

I always stop into this extraordinary shop while visiting Berkeley, so visually stunning, & beautifully arranged. Love the colorful & affordable items, that I use in my children's room/for entertaining etc, from many different countries. Unique gifts, helpful staff, inspiring!

This little shop is pure magic. A delight for all of the senses one can truly lose and then find oneself here. I now live on the east coast but make a special trip to Berkeley whenever I’m in California just to go to Tail of the Yak. Truly a one of a kind experience.

I live half a world away in England but used to live in Berkeley and I would visit this enchanted place whenever possible . There is no other shop in the WORLD like it and to my mind it is the best! The owners have a wonderful eye for colour,display and the magical object So glad it exists .... Take the opportunity to step into wonder!

There is no store like this anywhere else in the world! You will find beautiful treasures from all corners of the globe to unique and curious creations made right there. Tail of the Yak is an artful and beautiful experience that captures the imagination.

Absolutely the finest and most diverse gift selection on Planet Earth ! Scents and colourfull presentations abound ! A must visit for anyone passing thru Berkeley .

I love this little shop and stop by whenever I'm in Berkeley. They have beautiful and unique items from around the world.

My absolute favorite place to shop for gifts and myself. There collection of things is so uniquely curated. Unfortunately all the woman who work there are absolute cunts. However their shit is so good their poor customer service doesn't keep me from coming back.

I would put 0 stars if I could. Before entering the establishment, I was told by, who I'm assuming was, the owner "If you're gonna come in, you have to buy a diamond ring or a mercedes benz HAHAHA. You can't come in look and then leave". I was so startled I said maybe another time and left with my wife, crying. What hurt me the most is that I'm a Peruvian historian (one of my specialty is antiques) and some of the artifacts such as the saint statues that decorate their "store" are objects my mother would craft and do restorative work on. It devastates me that my culture is being sold for ridiculous prices to people who don't know better or just like the "aesthetic". Do better.

Great store and great staff. I usually look around for 10-15 minutes at their things, stare at the doves, see what I can afford and then end up telling them what I can spend and they suggest a few things. Their gift wrapping is pretty spectacular and costs extra. The sales people and owners are great. They answer any questions and ring me up. I can't stand going into a store where sales people follow me around and hover and make fake small talk. They don't do that. They leave me alone to look at the things, which is why I came into the store, not to have a discussion with someone whom I do not know. No they don't fake smile at me and say how glad they are to see me, but I don't want to hear that from strangers.

Such a gorgeous store. Have admired it for years. Always inspirational and beautiful and unique. If only the store owners and staff actually wanted to help customers or to even have a retail business at all (?!). Staff reveres the merchandise like it's a museum, but then they must hold their noses interacting with customers. The store is closing after 50 years. I called to ask about purchasing 2 more of 2 favorite pairs of earrings. All inventory is gone and they will share nothing about the jewelry...no information, where to find it elsewhere, who the makers are. I'd hoped to hand down one pair each to each of my daughters of the 2 special earrings. No such luck getting any information out of these women. I thought I would miss this place but frankly I won't. A close friend from Mexico went in with me once and was taken aback by the huge markups on the Mexican products as well as the elusive rudeness of the staff. I won't miss being in a passive abusive relationship with this place...attempting to ask questions, wanting to make purchases or ask about products and being treated like an interloper in a caste system and deciding so many times to just walk out of the store and purchase things elsewhere where staff don't treat you like an untouchable.

Unique lovely items- It's a true treat for your senses. Adventures to whimsical corners of imagination await you upon each visit. I love their artisan ethnic crafts and their jewelry is exquisite! Timeless... I highly recommend looking here for sweet, elegant gift for someone you treasure.

Staff is rude at best. The rudest of them was one of the owners (yes I asked and yes I told her that her attitude was a major turnoff) Their selection is eclectic but cool to look at.

I have been coming to this store for years even though I have moved away from the bay- whenever I am visiting my family I make a concerted effort to come here. I must come to this amazing store's defense by clarifying a couple of things: 1.) I was told by one of the saleswoman the last time I visited that the doorbell/buzzer is in place due to the fact that they were robbed recently. She said this kindly and without acrimony- just stating a fact. 2.) Although I have been here many times and oftentimes not buying much, i have always been treated with kindness, hospitality and respect. I honestly don't know what the other reviewers are talking about when they discuss the saleswomen in this store. They are mature women who know their merchandise and take great pride in the artistry and curation of the store. In all the places I have lived and traveled to, this store always stands out for its unique and tantalizing beautiful products. I highly recommend visiting this heaven on earth.

I found this place by googling "unusual things to do in northern California." It sounded intriguing--I like browsing through stores with lots of interesting things, so my husband and I went to take a look. It is a bit off-putting to arrive and find the door locked, but with a sign that says "Sonnez S.V.P." I happen to have some French proficiency, so I knew what it said, but he didn't. I rang the bell and she let us in, but didn't say anything to us. We wandered around a bit, but didn't buy anything. From the descriptions I read, I was expecting something much bigger with a lot more variety. I saw some earrings that I was interested in, but I didn't get the feeling that they really wanted my business so I didn't ask to see them. It was kind of neat to see the live doves in their beautiful cage, but I wonder if it isn't kind of cruel that they never get to fly. The staff were not rude to us, but really just seemed indifferent.

The store is beautifully curated. I'll give it that. Otherwise, it's pretty snotty and the people act like they are doing a favor letting you in their store. Very precious. I bought a plastic whistle for my son, not unlike one you would buy at a party store. I thought they made a mistake when I realized I paid EIGHT DOLLARS for it. It looks like something that should be no more than 25 cents, and it was proved it should have been when I got it home and it made no sound. I would have let it go had they not so outrageously priced it, so I attempted to return it. They told me they would only exchange it as was their policy. Worse, she tested them. Put her mouth on it and gave it to my baby. Seriously? I understand policy, but when you sell someone a proven overpriced product, make an exception.

A friend suggested that I stop in here and I didn't mind ringing the bell to get in... but I do mind the SNOTTY 'tude of the owner/employees! It just took all the fun out of it...they were talking and they were annoyed that I was interupting them! When I commented that one of their artisitic cases was very dark and said, "I'll bet you wish that had a light in it." They acted as if I was absurd and NEVER offered to bring the case of earrings 'down' to counter level so I might actually see if I wanted to buy anything in it! And I was all dressed up at the time! Someone needs to go back to charm school... and it's not moi!

The merchandise is unique-truly, and a feast for the eyes. Very special items, chosen with care. Yet, sadly the women, (with the exception of one or two), working there are so rude and uppity, that I no longer find it a pleasant experience to give them my business. Would it kill you women to be a little more kind, polite, respectful towards your clientele?? You care about your merchandise-why don't you care about how to treat customers?? During the last few visits I made, it was very obvious that certain individuals who enter the premises are "cool" enough or of the appropriate ilk to merit pleasant verbal exchanges with the staff. Not so, if you're not part of this select tribe. Truly off putting and provincial behaviour.

Can you say precious? So precious you need to be buzzed in. I couldn't tell you exactly what they have, but it does appeal to a part of me I am not so reconciled with. The effete ephemera loving part. Still, so appealing it rates as worth a detour. The useful: If you like Nest on Fillmore, you'll like her more refined cousin, Tail of the Yak.

This is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. Super unique and cute items. Make sure you ring the bell :).

This place is a different world! Even when I am mighty thin on the funds, I can indulge myself with a little trinket and an infusion of the esthetic. My favorite purchases from Tail of the Yak are the amazing local letterpress papers (stationary, photo albums, place-setting cards). I think the calendars they give out at Christmas are created by one of the owners and they are so strange and elegant, I cannot just throw them away at the change of the year, I use them for craft projects. My other favorite purchase was some tres chere gold earrings that will never go out of style and only increase in value. The staff have been most gracious. They are interesting. I don't expect gumball So Cal cheeriness. They are well informed about their products, have good taste and can wrap your present with panache.

Treasure trove of amazing things! A museum of ribbon and letterpressed paper and pretty things! Paradise for cute vintage jewelry, tiny bottles of special perfumes, twine rolled in a peanut shaped balls and neat french postcards. This is the original. There are many knock offs of this fabulous store in the bay area and across the country, but the ladies at Tail of the Yak did it first and do it best. The window displays are always gorgeous--it makes me smile when I drive by. I love coming here for gifts or just for fun. A truly special Berkeley business.

This place has such a unique aesthetic. You feel as if you're not shopping for home furnishings, but rather an assortment of eclectic relics and specimens. On my modest budget, I've bought a pair of hammered Mexican silver earrings here for $45, passing up on the authentic Victorian black resin earrings that retailed more than $200-300. There are two live doves kept in an ornate cage and you'll find stuffed birds staring down at you throughout. Today, I bought a couple glass stands with bell jars to top them for $20 and $18 respectively. I love them and I will be using one of them to display a "relic" - a cluster of shells from the Philippines and the other as a "greenhouse" for my ivy plant. Other customers bought both the spiral tapered candles and Chinese New Year favors in droves. P.S. No other place I know has as great crepe paper streamers and crepe paper spheres as this place.

this is the boutique that set the standard for all of its kind! it's truly a unique, creative environment, beautifully styled with antiques and new items in a variety of price ranges. Everyone who works there is knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, and they also respect those who want to quietly look around without any high pressure sales. You have to ring the bell to get it. Having lived in the Elmwood area myself I can tell you there is a good reason for this: it's not snotty or elitist, it's simple security. Once inside you are treated to lovely quiet place filled with beauty. I often go out of my way to visit there.

This is my favorite little boutique. Its cute and quirky - more of a tart than a cupcake. Unlike other little shops that came later, Tail of the Yak is sophicated and elegant at the same time. It definitely has a French influence. I love the atmosphere, and I like the ladies that own/work here. They leave you alone. In most boutiques, the salesgirls keep asking you questions about what you're looking for, or keep pointing out their "wonderful" mechanise, or staring at you. Here, the ladies just ask if you need help, and then leave you alone. I feel comfortable enough to stare and explore and comtemplate. Plus, they package up everything so nicely, and they'll tell you what makes your item special while doing it. Makes you feel as if you've stumbled upon a lovely slice of old world charm.

Love this place! I always find some small, inexpensive items mixed in with all the pricey ones and I stock up to use those for stocking stuffers during the holidays and for small gifts. Even if I only purchase a $1 or $2 to something expensive the staff are always courteous and have never been rude. As far as being buzzed in there is a good reason...there have been issues in this area with security even though Elmwood in general would be considered upscale it still has it's share of panhandlers and people looking to do mischief and sometimes with only one or two staff in the store it is best for them to buzz people in and that way everyone is safe and the customer's can shop in peace. Go and enjoy this unique shop. It is worth the parking hassle.

I was in Berkeley visiting friends who took me to this eccentric store. I loved it. It's chock full of knickknacks, trinkets, paper goods, jewelry etc. I loved it! It can be overwhelming if you don't like to take the time to look through packed displays, but it's worth the time. I loved the selection of washi tape and glitter made from glass. I didn't mind being buzzed into the store. The employees were happy to help me, but also happy to sit back and not pressure me into buying anything. I liked that. I left the store only to return that afternoon, dragging my hubby to look at a pair of earrings I loved. It was my bday after all! They were chandelier earrings from Tibet with Chrysoprase stones. Gorgeous. Took them back to Denver and the second time wearing them, one of the dangle parts was missing. I was not happy. These were spendy earrings! I contacted the store and spoke with Susan. She had me send the broken earring back to her and promised to have it fixed. I received a call later that week that it would be much faster for me to receive a new pair of the same earrings because they would have to send it to Tibet for repair. They trusted that I would send the other unbroken earring back to them. But before they even received that, Susan sent me my new pair. They look great and all dangles are attached correctly! Thanks Susan and Tail of the Yak. Service this great makes me want to shop with you more often. Wished I lived closer.

I have been in this store a dozen times. It is a charming, albeit somewhat overly precious, store and I have purchased jewelry there on occasion. They do have some nice pieces, but their prices tend to be a bit high. That said, I purchased a favorite pair of Mexican silver earrings there from the 40's. They are awesome. I have a BIG problem with the store, however. The women are the worst snobs and have terrible, terrible customer service. Maybe they have something against me, but I am in my mid 40's, well dressed, live in the neighborhood and have made purchases there. I am an easy shopper in my mind. And, none of that should matter, as every customer should be treated with the same respect, no matter their circumstance. My girlfriend has noticed this poor attitude and on a visit last night she simply turned on her heels and left. First off, one of the women nearly pushed her down to get the back room. Shortly after that I asked to see a pair of earrings in the glass case, after I was left waiting as 3 employees walked past me. When I finally had someone take the earrings out she immediately said, in what I can only describe as a bitchy tone, "These are $850." I said, "Okay, can you tell me about them?" I was told where they were from and that they were old. When I asked how old or if they had a mark on them (silver jewelry like this usually has a maker's mark), I was told, "Well, that's what they are." again in a tone that was just awful. I told them thank you and I'd think about them. Not one word back from them. Difficult to convey just how awful their tone and attitude was toward me, and for no apparent reason. As I said, this is not the first time I have noticed this. Look, I can complain and complain and give similar examples of other visits, even those when I made a hefty purchase there, but the fact is that this place does not deserve my money ever again. I don't need to deal with bitchy snobs on any given day, but it was 2 days before Christmas and I left feeling bad about myself wondering why someone would treat me like garbage. There are enough people that will be jerks for free. I don't need to pay for it.

So friggin' overpriced, it's criminal. The place has a pretty cool ambiance inside, if they deign to buzz you in. I really wanted to love this shop but I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed at the inventory.

I agree witht he rest of the reviews. The ladies have a cold attitude and you feel like your not welcomed. But, I love the aestheitic and will contiune to shop here for little gems. Great selection of vinatge jewlery, paper stock ribbons, hand made papers and lots of other goodies.

Over the holidays, my boss' wife bought me little French La Lavande soaps and a gorgeous artisan wine glass (no stem) that had been hand blown and painted with the most beautiful spring flowers. Packed in a gorgeous custom wrapped and fragrant box with the signature Tail of the Yak embossed emblem, I was relishing every second it took to unwrap this very unexpected and thoughtful thank you gift. What a treat! Without fail, my wine glass is the first glass I reach for if I want to enjoy anything from orange juice with breakfast to a glass of wine with dinner. It is truly one of a kind and drinking out of this glass fills me with lots of happy and warm thoughts. I just adore the little bubbles in the hand blown glass, and they look so lovely with the spring flowers. Likewise, the French La Lavande soaps were amazing! I enjoyed the honey-lavender the most, but the gardenia and green tea were equally amazing! :) I loved them so much, that I finally made a special trip from SF to Berkeley to stock up on these amazing soaps! Even found some new scents to try! :) I can't say enough good things about this boutique. It is truly filled with some of the loveliest artisan creations I've ever seen, and they even have a gorgeous vintage jewelry collection! If only my budget permitted at the moment, I would certainly purchase a number of the beautiful pieces carried. Notably, the staff at The Tail of the Yak are equally lovely. I felt right at home shopping for my soaps, and I look forward to coming back for more in near future...as well as seeing the new artisan creations that have come in. :)

Many negative comments are on point. I discovered TOTY years ago, drawn to their unique curated product line, beautiful interior, and creative merchandising. Unfortunately, I too experienced the very same abuse with EVERY single visit. I am happily a long time professional retailer with a well versed background. Associate, manager,buyer, wholesale and now independent designer and seller. I have worked in well known specialty boutiques to corporate level retailers.-and I get it it's not easy. I would like to avoid having to "profile" myself (my ethnicity, the way I dress etc.) Rather, I would like to stress that what is important to me is that I am pleasant, and I regard manners, respect and common courtesy vital to any exchange with anyone. - and I expect the same in return. The owners and their hired associates seem to take pleasure in staring at you, giving you the "up & down" to the opposite extreme of ignoring you all together. If you dare ask for assistance, information or *ahem* the PRICE!?!? Expect attitude, the icy look or a deep sigh... I have no desire to return. Fortunately, for all of us who believe in supporting original local small retailers and the neighborhood you live in there are SO MANY other establishments I gladly do support.

The first time I entered Tail of the Yak and saw the spectacle of garlands, taxidermy animals, the jewelry--the luster--I was instantly obsessed. Every so often when I permit myself visit the store, I am in awe of the magnificent hangings + the priceless antiques that captivate my imagination and feed the dream that I will one day own a beautiful, one-of-kind piece of jewelry from this store. Mainly, however, I am tempted by the seashells stuffed with treats and wrapped in sliver twine that are irreverent gifts anyone remotely concerned with fancy aesthetics can appreciate, as well as the fun, petite garlands, and decadent cards. The wonderful ladies who work there are elegant and kind, and they are always willing to educate me about a certain piece or explain ever so briefly how one is made. There is history to even item in that store, and I consider Tail of the Yak to be an important part of my history; as the store in a connection to my own artistic aspirations and I value it highly as such.

Listen up, ladies - you just have to 'walk the walk' sometimes when you're out shopping. Would you saunter into a high-end boutique with muddy shoes or a dripping umbrella? No. So quit whining. Don't expect the women who work here to be customer service drones. They are STYLE mavens and this place is not for everyone. You will find treasures here that cannot be found elsewhere. Period. The other day I walked in and bought five teeny-tiny little wooden clothespins. Five for a dollar. I have no idea what I'm going to use them for, but I could not resist... you've just gotta love that. I also bought a beautiful hand blocked card for $5.00. My total bill was Six Bucks & Change. I admired some of the French antique ribbon at eye level, but it wasn't in my budget. But the memory of that robins-egg-blue satin still makes me smile whenever I think of it.

Lovely shop with lovely merchandise but the women who work there are terribly unfriendly! I got the feeling that they didn't want me there (I look like a student. I am not one, and can afford to buy things, but they treated me like I didn't)

Such a whimsical, beautiful store! Definitely worth checking out if you're shopping in Berkeley. This store has so many fancy things. Ostriches, doves, mushrooms, swans, feathers, ribbons, colorful fabrics and designs, I love it!

The doorbell lets you in. And then you step into a wonderland of treats. I bought the Mexican wedding flags for my wedding and I always know there will be something there to inspire me.

This is a gift shop, but the window displays and things for sale are so different here. It's very haunting, lots of old dolls and tea sets and masks. You have to ring the bell to get in. There are birds chirping in antique cages. It feels like the Twilight Zone. I see another reviewer on here calling these women snobs and I actually expected that when I went in, but they couldn't have been nicer. They take a lot of pride in their store and they were helpful without being overbearing.

What a fun place to let your visual senses explore. I love picking up a little treasure when I am here. Always something new to see every chance I get to visit.

It is one of my very favorite shops. They have something for everyone. Its a great place to find unique gifts and even bring home a little something for yourself. They are also very helpful with pointing out special pieces and new items.

I always love coming here! Such beautiful things and artistry! I always walk out inspired!

I've been a fan of the Yak for decades. They know how to mix it all up in a way that makes me swoon. The prices are crazyhigh, but I know this before going in and only stop there when I can afford a binge. I've dropped many a Benny at this place. But dang! The shop ladies sure have a sour attitude! It has gotten worse over time. The other day I saw them do the old-gal equivalent of a high-five after a big sale. They dole out their smiles according to how much scratch you drop. Not nice. In a way they would be kind of quaint, if they didn't hit my wallet so hard. No matter how much I spend, I always feel a little dirty, like I did something very bad.

The jewelry and paper products are amazing! Can't go higher than 2 stars as the women working the day I was in acted annoyed from the moment I rang the bell. I took my mom who is southern and loves, loves, loves everything Victorian. She walks the walk and talks the talk, yet both of the women were snooty to her too. Not the best tactic when we came in expecting to buy lots and spend loads of $$$$. And, the stuffed ostrich has got to go. I get that it is old and was probably stuffed long before people realized ornamental dead animals aren't a great idea. However, if you love it that much. Keep it home, in your bedroom ladies.

A great store with a perfect aesthetic -- kind of a French Victorian Kunstkammer and cabinet of curiosities -- but more of a museum than a store since everything is priced out of range. If you travel you can find much of this stuff for A LOT less, especially the prints. I find that it is good to go and see what you like and then find it on eBay, etc. for much less. The people that work there are suffering from a range of affectations too, but maybe this goes with the 19th century feel. Don't go if you are afraid of taxidermy animals. Do go if you want to be inspired.

I've been going to this store for years. I used to tell myself when I was a struggling 20 year old that someday I'd be able to afford one of their fabulous Victorian or Georgian pieces. Well that day came and the way I afforded one was to go to London on my own and scour the Portobello Market. I love love love the aesthetic of Tail of the Yak but the prices are waaaaaay too high for me even now. Those pique tortoiseshell bird earrings? So not worth $1800 to me. I always find something small to purchase, like a pair of mexican sterling hand earrings or a book entitled Ghostly Ruins. There must be someone out there who can afford the amazing antique jewels and santos that this store sells because they've been around for over 20 years, but when I visit, I feel like I'm more of an appreciative spectator than a shopper.

I found a few very cool things and the store is extremely visually appealing, but overall, VERY EXPENSIVE and very overrated.

The first time I bought something here was decades ago. It still has unique items for sale. It also has some of the most unpleasant sales people anywhere. Really, I just don't get it. I went in today because I was walking by, and thought I'd find something pretty for one of my daughters. Yes... the jewelry is nice. But, no, not willing to spend that much. Should I buy a $16 candle shaped like a tree branch, which I will burn up in an evening or two? A $10 greeting card? A $50 tree ornament? Nope. I came up to the counter with a book I wanted to buy and asked if they had anything with a particular motif (wasn't seeing it; there is so much stuff it is a bit overwhelming) and the lack of enthusiasm for helping me was... REALLY overwhelming. By the way, I am a middle-aged woman, was dressed nicely and for all they knew, was ready to buy anything there. This is why I have largely given up brick and mortar shopping. I am not doing you a favor by spending money at your store, which an attitude like the one displayed today suggests. I deserve to be treated with courtesy. Sheesh.

Like no other place/store in the world, Tail of the Yak is the most personal, exquisitely curated collection of the handmade, delicate, yet not precious that you will find. the people there are not snooty; they are private, letting you roam to your heart's delight. Ask them a question and they will answer with all the detail you might want. In an age of, "Can I help you?" as the norm, TOTY lets you browse, contemplate and admire in privacy and quiet until you ask for otherwise.

This store is the most beautiful and delightful place to shop or to just take in their superbly edited inventory presented with love to delight the senses. A trip here never disappoints. The staff is equally charming and willing to take the extra effort to make your purchase special. It's ground zero for a certain type of shop but no other does it quite as well.

The most unique, beautiful store you will find anywhere. Carefully selected, often one of a kind merchandise, beautifully displayed. I strongly disagree with the critics of the salespeople. They are not snobs in the least, and I have always had good experiences with everyone there, and I've been coming here since the late 1970's.

I always visit when I'm in town. But note, my five stars are not awarded as much from the perspective of my being a consumer, as much as a voyeur. Many items are overpriced and one must, of course, curb those later-regrettable impulse buys -- but we know this going in. Go the Tail of the Yak to savor and enjoy the whimsical experience of being there. Not unlike the Museum of Jurassic Technology in LA, this place is wonderful and weird, beautiful and perhaps, if the gals at the counter are a bit aloof that day -- humorously precious. And as to reviewer "Sugar E"s seemingly disrespectful comment that this store has none of the "gumball cheeriness" of So. Cal -- well geez -- if people on this site paint an entire region of this state with one judgmental stroke, the joke's on them. Here in LA, we've got numerous treasures just like Tail of the Yak -- but because our neighborhoods tend to be more diverse and inclusive than the inarguably exclusive enclave in which Tail is located, prices here tend to be more favorable. For those who are not put off by shopkeepers who actually say hello when you walk in, don't miss Zanzabelle, in LA's Silverlake neighborhood.

What's not to like about Tail of the Yak. They have exquisite antique jewelry cozying up to beautiful Mexican silver pieces and more modern items. There's beautiful fabrics, interesting soaps and perfumes, stuffed birds (and live doves!) and amazing surprise balls hand made by a local artisan! I like to drop in sometimes just for the ambience.....and I generally wind up taking home something delightful whether it be a few candles, a book or gorgeous piece of antique jewelry. There's something at the Yak for everyone!

I really love this store. They have beautiful and strange things. I love the old scientific drawings they sell, they have great cards that I usually buy for myself to keep, really nice ribbon, and so many other little wonderful things. My friend even got the most beautiful and unique engagement ring. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because they aren't the friendliest towards me. I don't look like their common customers, I'm young and I have tattoos and such, but I always buy something. And once I start talking to them they're very nice, but I always feel like they're watching me shop and it makes me very uncomfortable. That being said, I still love love love this store and will continue to shop there for as long as I can!

well, uh, i dunno. i like their little trinkets. but this is like wishbone in sf. like stocking stuffers. but they have nice jewelry. and stuff like that

My favorite store of all time! I never miss a chance to stop by Tail of the Yak when I'm in California. The antique jewelry is truly lovely, and well-priced. (I suppose I should add a disclaimer that I live in New York and pay $6.00 for foil, so what do I know?) The laurel garlanding is breathtaking -- stop by, if only to gawk at how gorgeous the shop is.

I love this store. It is pure aesthetic bliss. I love that the style is a little edgy-er than other stores like this, they don't go off the deep end with the girly, frilly pink stuff. I love that they include lots of taxidermy and wierd antique science stuff, which I like. Yeah, the prices are high, what do you expect from a place so well curated with unique, one of a kind things? I don't understand the other reviews posted here about the service...again, people are very quick to complain about this in the Bay Area. I have noticed that whenever I have visited this store, no matter how crappy I look, they always, always ask me if I would like any assistance and if I am looking for anything in particular, they are always very nice but not overly nice or spastically enthusiastic. They take pride in the store and in their work, that's a good thing.