I'm a 20 years resident of Northbeach. When this store opened a few years ago, I looked forward to it. I have to say that this location has the worst customer service from all the stores in SFO. The staff are unfriendly, they are not accommodating, and they have the attitudes that you are disturbing their work. They don't go beyond to work with you. Some of the older workers are there for just the paychecks who careless to understand customer service. I dread to go in there because their service is very consistent - zero rating. They need to train their staff customer service offering solutions, ideas, and recommendations to customers with positive attitude. They just simply don't know their products and the basic of customer service. One particular is William and the assistant manager, Yoshi but most of them have the same attitude. Please train them right. read more

Great selection of stuff on the shelves including both lower cost and higher quality tools. Courteous and knowledgeable staff. Not as 'colorful' as the 4th Street store but a lot easier to navigate than either the 4th St. or Cole Valley stores. read more

This is some of the best customer service you will get anywhere. People are attentive and eager to help. They are also knowledgeable and can provide guidance towards what tools or supplies you might need for a project. The selection is also great. Lots of quality products at reasonable prices. Fantastic city hardware store, glad one opened up in the neighborhood! Shout out to Jason and Jorge for their excellent assistance! read more

I don't write reviews often, but the service at this Cole Hardware was outstanding. Every employee in the store asked if I needed help finding anything, and one employee in particular (must have been a manager or the owner) went above and beyond by answering all of the questions I had and proactively offering solutions. Thanks, Cole Hardware staff! Keep up the awesome work! read more

This is the best hardware store in all of North Beach! It is so convenient that it is just walking distance from my home. Sometimes I just come in here to window shop because I just love browsing through all of the tools and other cool stuff they have here. The staff here are friendly and the display shelves and racks are organized. I highly recommend this place to my neighbors for their hardware needs. read more

Definitely loving this spot, as I've been here maybe 4 times in 2 weeks to buy stuff I need and didn't know I needed - large zip loc storage bags, knife covers/protectors, extension cords, basic cleaning supplies that I thought I already had . . . It's like a blessing in disguise - what was I doing before without these things? probably just living in filth and squalor, without places to plug things in. And now my life is significantly better. Or that's what I keep telling myself. Nonetheless, I'll probably be back again in a few days to buy something else! read more

Great place to have in the neighborhood. Prices are a little high in stuff but I guess that is San Francisco these days.

My wife and I recently moved apartments within North Beach and stopped by the store looking for something to hang a few heavy pieces of art and a mirror, and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. Specifically, Spencer, was the associate who took care of us and he was really great to work with. You could tell he was very knowledgeable and legitimately wanted to help us, not just sell us something. He was very gracious with us both throughout the process as we had to return to the store several times -- because of our very old building we ran into some issues with the walls -- and he never wavered in his patience and professionalism as we specifically sought him out for his advice each time. We are thankful to have Cole Hardware as a resource in our neighborhood and highly recommend their products and employees, especially Spencer, The City's #1 Wall Anchor Specialist. read more

We are part timers here in San Francisco and happily discovered Cole's on Polk. Just like the Polk Street store, this newest Cole's Hardware in North Beach oozes customer service. Norma and Jason went out of their way to be sure that we got what we needed (another store across the bay had it). These days so many stores are impersonal, leaving you to wander. Not here and not at any Cole's. There are many stores that are closer to us but we are such fans that we willingly go well out of our way to shop here and at Polk. This latest store is roomy and well organized. As a shopper, I really feel valued no matter what the size of my purchase. read more

The most helpful hardware store I've ever walked into. Very friendly and knowledgeable folks!

Terrific little neighborhood hardware store. They don't have a bunch of appliances and cabinets, but they seemed to have everything you might need for home maintenance and repairs. If you need it, they'll probably have it. A+ read more

Simply amazing. SO glad they are here. They have a really good selection of hardware and houseware (not to mention a very large collection of deeply stacked shelves so you can find what you are looking for). Staff is still in need of some training, but the store is brand new, they'll just keep getting better. The important part is that they are super polite, work really hard for you. I even had one guy admit to me that his wasn't familiar with the tool I was looking for. Have you ever had a middle-aged man in a hardware store do that!? Welcome to North Beach, Cole Hardware! read more

We are new homeowners in the neighborhood, which has resulted in multiple visits each week in the month we've been here. Staff here are kind and thoughtful; they are happy to think through solutions and guide me through the aisle with my list in hand. We've had particularly good experiences with both Noel and Spencer, but have good things to say about everyone! Bonus points for always greeting my dog! read more

When they first opened, they had some very knowledgeable employees. One of the guys I talked to before worked in the army and told me not to mix metal metals when choosing screws and nuts because it would cause rust. Now they have employees who clearly don't know anything other than looking at what's written on the item. I asked the other day, whats the difference between this 10 dollar item and this 17 dollar item. Their answer: "It's has a different shape." read more

Im a local coffee shop manager and this place has absolutely everything I have ever needed for the shop and kick ass service to boot! Jason is always super helpful. I've been helped by most of the staff in there but I know Jason because he comes to my shop. Cole is very much a neighborhood oriented shop and north beach wouldn't be the same without them! read more

This is hands down the nicest hardware store I've been to. All of the staff are helpful, patient and considerate but Scott takes the cake. He is so knowledgeable and generous with that knowledge. I really appreciate him and plan on returning even though I no longer live close by. Give that man a raise. read more

Cole Hardware is the best! I frequent this CH for pretty much everything and the customer service and inventory is A+. Expect friendly and knowledgeable staff who are prepared to help with any home improvement questions you may have. In particular, Scott has been super helpful on a number of occasions, helping us successfully set up a quite inventive project that involved a mini-sink in a half bathroom. Continually impressed and grateful to have CH a stone's throw away, beats ordering stuff from Amazon by a mile. read more

Frank was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. He helped me find the correct specific item I was looking for. Both Luis and Tara were helpful as well when my card didn't work at the counter. Will definitely be coming back and would highly recommend anyone to shop here. read more

I love having a Cole Hardware in North Beach. Sales associates: Justin when the extra mile to help local some MAP Gas and Angle Finder tool. Justin was very courtesy and friendly. He is an excellent worker! read more

This has been such a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. They have almost anything you could need. Staff is super nice and the store is always really well maintained. Thank you Cole Hardware! read more

I wanted buy a Milwaukee grinder. I noticed the store had a gate to prevent thefts of the power tools, very understandable. I asked one of the employees if I they had any battery powered grinders. He didn't understand what I wanted somehow, even though this is a hardware store. Maybe he could have opened the locked gate so I could go show him what I wanted. Anyways I kept my cool and left. I'm sure the store makes enough money without my business but I hated going back to Home Depot and spending a few hundred dollars, but if they could help me why not. read more

We came into town from Vegas & unfortunately got our car broken into, it was the first time something like this happened so we were pretty lost on what to do. But they assisted so nicely! Even helped with securing our window! They turned our whole experience around .. Thank you guys so much! Even though we were there for certain items the store was stocked up with quite a few things! I even mentioned to my friend that it would be cool to have a local hardware store like this! The area was central also - so it was very convenient for us. read more

Wow so disappointed in this place. I really wanted to love it because I live 2 blocks away. First the pluses. They have a text service so I texted what I wanted and they texted me back they had the things I needed. Now the downside, the staff at checkout need to be trained in customer service. There were 3 of them and they just stood there talking to each other while I was waiting. Then when I was finally being helped the teenage cashier behind the counter proudly told me that if I wanted a bag it would be 25 cents. The city already mandates a 10 cent charge but why 25 cents? The teenage cashier had no answer. She then tried to stuff what I bought in the smallest bag possible with no handle. When I asked for a larger bag with a handle, after all I am paying 25 cents for one, she begrudgingly gave me one with a big dose of attitude for no additional charge. I was so shocked by the treatment that I texted the store back questioning why they charge 25 cents for a bag not 10 cents. Wow big mistake! I got a text back from the manager Adrianna basically telling me it is Cole's way of punishing me for not being green enough to bring my own bag. WHAT? Am I back in elementary school and being sent to the principle's office? I texted her back that this is a regressive tax essentially so what they are doing disproportionally affects the poor. She then texted me back saying Cole's doesn't see it that way and they have taken it upon themselves to change people's bad behavior for the sake of the environment. Really? Didn't I just buy incandescent light bulbs from you that are banned in Europe? Funny they aren't charging more for those than other stores in order to change people's bad behavior in using them. She also added they give out many reusable bags free to their customers. Really? No one offered me a free reusable bag even though given I was questioning the 25 cent bag charge this was clearly my first visit. I don't need a store I am patronizing punishing or shaming me for not being "green" enough especially when there seems to be a lot of hypocrisy given some of the items they carry. I will pass on this store in the future and go to Cliff's after work for anything I need. I am giving them 2 stars as they did have what I wanted even with all the shade they were throwing around. read more

With so many hardware stores in the area, I wondered if I had gone to the right one-- I couldn't have picked a better store. Within 5 seconds of stepping foot into Cole Hardware, a lovely woman asked how I was doing and what I needed help with. Tina assisted me in picking the perfect tools to fix my new-to-me motorcycle. Not only was she kind, helpful, and efficient, she happen to own the "brother" motorcycle to my 97 BMW 650F. Our bike kinship aside, the people at Cole were fantastic. After fixing the bike, Tara allowed me to use the bathroom to wash up. I'll never visit a different hardware in the city. Thanks for the great service. read more

I walked into the Cole Hardware store on Vallejo completely daunted by the task ahead of me: all the tubing, valves and spray of the "brazilian" bidet attached to our toilet. Then on this rare sunny day (3-8) I asked Scott for advice. He was incredibly patient and took the time to explain the various options to me and the advantages and disadvantages of each valve, tube and hose. He also me the sage advice of how to prevent water valves from freezing. Thank you Cole, thank you Scott. read more

Normally not one to write reviews but Mark was so awesome and helped me find a solution on my wood project. After plan A failed, I was able to come back and we found a great solution to help me finish the project. The whole staff is great as well! read more

Unbelievable customer support. Vaughn went above and beyond trying to fulfill our request. Will definitely be back for anymore hardware needs. read more

I went in for some lightbulbs and the employee who helped me went above and beyond to explain the difference between the normal and led options and also actually demoed a few bulbs I was considering. Then when checking out the cashier was so friendly and gave my puppy his first treat from a neighborhood store! Would definitely recommend for any hardware needs! read more

Totally awesome staff ! Would come here often . They have everything. Prices are decent. We love this place.

The best service and always well-stocked. My local hardware store always has super helpful and nice store associates whenever i stop by. I am always greeted by someone and am personally walked over to the correct aisle when i don't know where to go, since i'm a total novice with regard to fixing things at home. Never had a bad experience here. Highly recommend the service. read more

If you're one who believes in supporting local businesses, Cole's Hardware should be on the top of your list when you're looking to shop for hardware. The staff and helpful and knowledgeable. I'm a novice when it comes to DIY and home building projects. I've never had difficulty navigating the store. They have several brands and selections for various difficulty levels. My data who's a sucker for a good hardware store loves Cole's as well. They also have special offers for seniors, which my dad loved, of course. They are a little bit on the expensive side sometimes for a few items. However, I find it worth it because I am happy to support local businesses. read more

Remarkably friendly and helpful staff. Great selection of household items. If you don't see something on the shelves, just ask someone! I'm so glad I don't have to drive around SF to find household hardware or kitchen items anymore. read more

Very well equipped; has bath and kitchen stuff also. Some general household stuff. New, neat, clean, and open everyday 8am to 8pm. What's not to like? read more

Scott was so helpful in advising me and my lady on the perfect paint solution for our apartment. Long time renters whose landlord decided to kick down on updating our place. Scott's expertise, attention to detail and overall kindness has made us Cole Hardware customers for life. Thank you so much Scott! read more

Convenient location, large selection, and truly amazing staff. I had the pleasure of having one of the team members, Liz, help me navigate shopping for my new home. She went above and beyond, helping me through my whole list, giving her recommendations and insights throughout. Overall great experience, will definitely be coming back for all hardware needs. read more

Very nice and helpful staff! We were helped by a younger staff member with brown hair on Thanksgiving and he was so knowledgeable. He went as far as to talk to my husband on the phone and see pictures of the problem to help us find the right parts. We managed to fix the problem. Thank you! read more

This is definitely the spot for all your hardware needs...Their personal one on one customer service was outstanding, and now I know why I stay away from the "big box" stores. Keep up the great work!!! read more

This place is a real find in the area- College Ave.- right by the Rockridge BART station. They have two floors- be careful not to miss the lower/basement floor- and they provide excellent old-time service. I prefer shopping at a smaller store, pretty local- they have a few stores in San Francisco also, I believe, and I'm happy to support them. They also carry a surprising variety of items, and I almost always find what I need without needing to order online or go to a "superstore." read more

If you have any projects with which you need help, ask for Scott. He goes out of his way to understand your project and needs and has insightful suggestions on how to make your project a success. I went in for some plumbing fixtures and Scott made me exactly what I needed to make my portable washer a dream to use. Complete game changer. It felt like I was in the type of hardware store that I grew up with where the guys working there knew everything and were excited to help. He makes sure you understand what he is doing and why. I learned a ton from him. Scott is an invaluable resource. read more

I came to this location for the first time to do a Happy Return & shop in their housewares for kitchen supplies...despite the short staffing they had today, I still had a good customer service experience from a gentleman name Yoshi. He was busy with more than one customer, however, he was pleasant and helpful and kept apologizing for the wait. I did not mind the wait and understand how retail can be... It's a really nice cozy hardware store near Chinatown and I'm definitely going to return in future plus tell my friends to shop here. I also felt bad for him when another guy was complaining even though he was trying really hard to help everyone. The owner should hire more ppl to help him... read more