The Other Shop

I’m still getting adjusted to SF prices for used/​vintage furniture/​accessories/​etc so it’s hard to appreciate this place. The stuff here is nice, but hard to justify the prices. The working here was friendly though and interesting to talk to. If you have something in mind you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here because there’s lots of stuff here.

Good finds if you have an eye for things

This review will be focused on the record selection at the Other Shop. Before I stepped in the store, I always knew this place had records. But for some reason, I figured the selection was small and probably full of bad 70s disco and 80s one hit wonders.
To my big surprise, the record selection was great; and whoever is buying it knows how much their stuff is worth. Picked up the first jasmine minks LP, New Order’s temptation 12″ single, and a Kinks record.
Looking forward to coming in here on a lazy afternoon (when I have some money to burn) and actually comb through all the records. They’re in tight quarters, but definitely worth flipping through.

This place feels like the early 70s, and that’s a wonderful thing. Funky shop with tons of personality, just be willing to spend some time to rummage through everything if you want to some that ‘diamond in the rough.’ I decided to go here for Mother’s Day shopping, and what a great decision that was.

CURSE these stores, putting a bafflingly funky item in the window to make me pause, and having Run DMC playing the instant I walk in. It wasn’t a mixtape or random playlist, either — it was the contiguous Raising Hell album. Someone sure knows how to ensnare me.
The sliver of mens clothing is several times smaller than the womens selection, but clothing isn’t the focal point. There was a bunch of stuff I wanted: a painting, a calendar, a camera, records, furniture, and other brizzic-​à-​brizzac. I umm, ahem just simply $ didn’t $ feel $ like $ lugging $ an $ armful $ of $ stuff around with me at the time. Otherwise, I would’ve totes purched more.
The owner /​curator /​saleslady Gwen was helpful, too. She basically just left me to my own browsing till I returned to the counter with questions or stuff to buy. I believe under her politeness are layers of calculation and connivery, if the Run DMC was any indication. If I go back and there’s a thing of hushpuppies and fried okra just sitting out, I’ll know I’m right.

Hopefully they’ve changed but I never liked this place. Sure, the furniture and stuff they have is pretty cool, but it’s all WAAAY overpriced and worst of all, the few times I went into this store the people working there were amazingly snotty… like they had far better things to do than actually help a customer. I’ve never been back. You want a great place with similar stuff that’s very reasonably priced? Go to Mickey’s Monkey.

Not the best prices for all things (cough — cough — my three expensive San Francisco books) — but their record selection is magical, and they carry many items which pay tribute to my most beautiful and true love — San Francisco.
Trust.

We visited this shop for the first time today. It was a blast! Very reasonable prices for furniture (well, compared to the high prices in other antique stores in SF). They had other items that are seldom seen elsewhere, including lots of turntables (including an awesome portable version from the 70’s). There were paintings, doo-​dads and just plain cute/​kitschy/​fun stuff. We definitely will be back regularly to browse & find gifts for hip friends!

The Other Shop is my go to for gifts. All sorts of gifts, for all sorts of people. And they’re all super lucky for it. Unique and affordable mid century pieces. The people that work there are sweethearts and know a lot of information on obscure design pieces. I really dig the items from vendor labeled JET, who used to have his hand in X-​21/​Sultana on 1stdibs, the now out of business GOLDMINE of brutalist rarities.

LOVE THIS SHOP! The best one stop shopping for mid century items in SF! Being a 60’s and 70’s nut… I walk through the door and want everything! The store is set up by many different venders. A brilliant selection of vintage glassware, barware, paintings, vinyl records, lighting,
cool stuff galore! I love the little glass case in the back with the awesome selection quirky vintage electronics. Anything mid century that you collect, or NEED… this is a place that you’ll find it!

This is my favorite store in the city!
I love a good treasure hunt, and this place is full of divine finds!
If i ever get married I want to register here! I seriously love everything in this store.
In terms of furniture (while it’s a bit out of my reach right now) the selection is excellent. If you are looking for retro, 70’s danish wooden pieces they always have something beautiful here.
Also they have great lighting pieces.
But in terms of what i’ve found over the years. let’s see:
1) Vintage Louie Vuitton Riding Jacket… $ 50, it’s real and in great condition.
2) Large Lichtenstein Poster, which I adore, it’s the coolest thing in my apartment right now $ 60.
3) Brand new, never used Fondue Set, still in the box from the 70s a wedding gift that was just never used I’m sure. $ 40
4) Lots of prints, vinyl & cards. I love looking through the old post cards and prints. I always find a hidden gem.
5) BELTS! I have found some amazing old belts here. Whenever I wear them I get compliments. They have a decent amount of vintage clothing shoes and accessories.
6) Jewelry! Tons and Tons of Jewels. I’ve gotten several pieces, and there is always so much to look at. Also i’ve gotten some great pairs of sunglasses too!
The thing I love so much about this store is that there truly is something for everyone. While some things are pricey, it’s usually for a reason, and these people are not trying to rip you off. They are professional collectors and these pieces are their heart soul and in some case livelihood. Unlike stores such as «Past Perfect» down in the Marina, this place will not try to bleed you dry with every purchase, and you won’t leave feeling downhearted and broke.
The Other shop is remarkable and fair, and that’s why I love it, so shop here instead of getting ripped off at most of the other vintage antique shops in city.
But don’t get carried away! Save some stuff for me! :)

I just adore this place for it’s unusual antique, largely mid-​century (I think) collection. There is such an eclectic assortment, that you really have to carve out some time to just browse. I particularly like their many fully in tact color-​tinged glassware sets.
But what really prompted this review at this moment is the following:
There on one of the two small racks of clothing yesterday, was a gorgeous white, silk, fitted Chinese dress. Yes I said white. Yes it was my exact size. Yes I’m going to the «Like a Blizzard» Diddy style Unilocal party tonight. Yes that dress is going to match my white wig and coat just perfectly. Huzzaaaaah!
You just never know what you’re going to find here.

I still pop in here from time to time (or is it time after time?), and always leave with a smile, if not a purchase. You have to commit to browsing here, just like fortune hunting I’d suspect.
For instance, on my latest excursion I spotted a prosthetic arm, yes, for sale. I thought I’d wander the store a bit more and come back to it, only to find another brave soul fondling said limb. He bought it and thus won; I lost, but the thrill was all there.
If this is the «other» shop, I hesitate to ask what is «the» shop!

Cool shop.
Everything is scattered aimlessly, so you have to wander around to fully look through what they sell.
They had many great pieces, prices werent the lowest but its still a great shop to pick up one or two key vintage items to put a room together.
They had a mini vinyl selection which was also neat.
Didnt get what I was looking for, ill be back to look again nonetheless.

Used to buy furniture here like 7 years ago. It was a fun and funky shop then. Went in today…
Furniture — bad and expensive. It isn’t the classic midcentury stuff, it’s crap like Sports Illustrated shoe phones. And the records. OMG. I looked at the prices, and you can tell why the record shop that used to have their own location across the street had to shut down and move in here. They had ESG’s self titled record — original label, but in like VG condition. They wanted $ 40! WTF? Are you high?
I just bought that record in NM condition for like $ 15 two weeks ago. Same label and everything. When I was like, the record pricing is a bit high, I got a dirty look and the person who asked if I needed help quickly scurried away.
Oh well, another one bites the dust. Other Shop? More like find another shop.

Since moving to the neighborhood, I’ve been into this place several times. It bums me out that no one greets me when I walk in the door as most friendly, local store owners like to do. It’s definitely up my alley in terms of mid-​century style, but not so up my alley in terms of price. I have found much cheaper — and impeccable — stuff on craigslist. And they apparently won’t negotiate on the price of anything below $ 200. I found a rug that would have been great in my place but it’s marked $ 75 and FROM IKEA. I’ll pass. I realize rugs are pricey but it’s still Ikea (and this is the second overpriced Ikea item someone is posting about — pretty sure the ice cube lamp is still there too).
I’ll probably be back in again, to browse around and leave empty-​handed.

Of all the things I wanted to buy in this store, I managed to justify one purchase. I had a wedding to attend in the somewhat near future and needed a new frock. Low and behold, I stumbled upon the most perfect dress one Sunday afternoon, wandering around to work off some of the brunch.
There’s a small selection of vintage clothing in perfect/​near perfect condition. I spotted a beautiful custom 1960s Hawaiian hibiscus knee-​length dress with the most fabulous pleated train. It was stunning (as confirmed by compliments left and right each time I wear it). As soon as I put it on, my friends commented that the dress looked as though it was made for me. I had to have it. The price was a bit high but after some negotiation and a little time spent waiting for the shop clerk (possibly owner) to call the former owner to check to see if my desired price was acceptable. Success! I spent the rest of the day running around with my head in the cloud, dreaming of the day I could debut my new dress.
I’ll absolutely be back next time I need a new dress, a unique gift, or new home furnishings/​accessories.

I was in the market for S&P shakers, a must have for every new apt right? I found these fabulous rustic looking wooden shakers. They are 4in tall cylinders with S and P dotted on the tops, perf. I wasn’t even looking but I found more! A retro set of canisters that I intend on using for sugar and flour (I don’t bake or cook, but whatev). The containers are yellow and orange with large flowers on them. I was continually eying a red bulking lamp, but decided I should save something for my next visit.
I was about to check out when I saw it… what? There are vintage clothes, shoes and bags here! No way! Yes, and they are in such great condition I couldn’t help but scoop up a black vintage purse for myself.
Multiple vendors sell their items in this spot so you are truly getting a great variety of artwork, furniture, glassware, jewelery, and anything else you can imagine. If you love antiques you will find this place wonderful and charming, which it is!

«Pardon me… but may I buy my introduction back?»
«You should go far… and I hope soon.»
«Do it tomorrow… you’ve made enough mistakes for today.»
«What’s on your mind? –If you’ll forgive the overstatement.»
«I’m not in the habit of forgetting faces… but for you I’ll make an exception.»
and my fave: «I could grow to dislike you intensely… but I’m not even going to bother.»
No, these weren’t overheard at a Unilocal event, or even on Talk. They are quotes printed on 1 of 6 cocktail tumblers I found here for roughly 10 cents a quip.
The Other Shop is a «must» when in the neighborhood. The apparel in back is psychedisco fabulous! Last walkthrough seduced with a «Sculptura» telephone, a stack of 50s architecture mags, and Playboy’s dubious gift to all for Christmas 1983 — naked Joan Collins.
The ever-​helpful owners adhere to one expression amid the insults on our new-​old tumblers: «It’s real nice to be important… but it’s real important to be nice.»

This place has so much cute stuff! Lots of vintage houseware and odds and ends. Some pieces of furniture. All very reasonable priced compared to the places on Valencia. I only wish hubby would let me go crazy and buy all those glasses and dishes (but then we would probably need an extra kitchen for everything).
I’m keeping an eye out for a lounge chair. I’m sure the perfect one will end up here waiting for me someday.
No 5 stars because I’ve yet to buy anything after all this browsing.