I love our Ace Hardware Downtown San Diego I can go in there and get the best welcome and service. We come here all the time. They have everything! Today I had great service from Jacob (I may have spelling wrong). He helped me out with a ridiculous request. It was for Sand and he was so professional regarding a small purchase but he helped out! They have everything in ACE hardware stores. Thank you! BTW once you go there they send coupons and I used one today it was awesome! Thank you ACE you're the best! read more

I wanted to have a key duplicated for my roommate, but on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:40 PM, the employee working in that section informed me that he could not assist me and would not sell me anything in the store even for a key! Without offering any explanation, and acting solely on his own whim, he forced me to leave the premises. !Please do not employ such low-caliber individuals in companies like yours! read more

Was having a late lunch nearby and decided to come in and look around, I've heard good things about this Ace hardware. I walked in and was immediately greeted by the cashier, I did mention to her I was just looking around. Overall the store was very clean and organized, and everyone there was very friendly. I can see why people like this Ace. read more

Jacob and other staff were very friendly, informative, and kind. Knew their selection very well.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. We moved to downtown SD a year or so ago and spent a *good amount* of the first 6 months in this store! The location is fantastic. It's 5 blocks'ish from our condo, so it's perfect for us! The staff is super friendly and helpful. They have anything and everything you need, even stuff you don't know you need (like Twizzlers at the front counter). Paint? Yes. Tools? Yes. Ladder? Yes - and we even bought a 6ft ladder and walked it home (it was a bit of a Keystone Cops moment crossing a couple of streets, but yeah we walked it home). If they don't have what you want in stock, they'll get it from another location for you. It's clean and the aisles aren't cluttered. And I feel the need to mention the staff, again. They are ALWAYS there if you need them and really good about not only finding stuff but answering questions on whatever project we were working on. We'll definitely be back (hell, we've been known to go 3 times in one day - because there's usually something we forget no matter how prepared we think we are). Thank you for reading my review! read more

I go here all the time it is the closest stor tome down town to me. it got more thing in it out droor patio furniture barbecued grill outdoors furniture camping suff and more thing and a on lind catalog to order things that are not in the store read more

What a convenient hardware for us downtown residents! Just moved to the area and discovered this was literally half a block away from my apartment, which was perfect because I was in need of some tools for all the household repairs on my list. It's a small but mighty place, with practically everything the larger stores carry. Plus a few more convenience store tidbits like snacks, TP, detergent, etc. The staff was also extremely friendly and helpful in guiding me to the right aisles and not only explaining different things, but taking the time to search for the tools I needed for the different projects. Price wise, it seemed relatively comparable. I was able to purchase a few quality tools for under $25. I anticipate I'm going to be repeat customer as I get my home liveable read more

Another successful visit with the very helpful team at Ace hardware. Derek was my hero today when I arrived with a ring light that we use for our photo booth business. The mount for the iPad was broken during a recent event and he took quite a bit of time with me to help me locate what ultimately amounted to less then $1 in hardware. The solution is more sturdy than the equipment was originally and we're back in business instead of having to spend over $100 on a new ring light. I have visited this location for years. All of the staff there go out of their way to help find repair solutions. read more

came in to get a key fob replaced--quick, simple errand. Store was empty, my electric skateboard was off to the side and not in anyone's way. Still, the shorter guy working there decided to give me attitude for no reason. Power trip, Napoleon complex. Making up for something. Enjoys telling people what to do. I didn't realize getting a key fob cut required passing a vibe check from the Ace Hardware police. Spoiler alert: I failed his power trip test. No thanks--I'll take my business (and a spite tip) to your competitor in Little Italy. At least they act like they want customers. To respond back to Harry: Thanks for the reminder! The exchange was so contentious that I couldnt wait to leave your store. I'm glad your worker had the courtesy to do his job and not steal my things. Wow, now I understand where the attitude comes from! Search "attitude" or "rude" in these reviews and see what comes up! Enjoy. read more

Great store convenient to downtown. Staff is so great in helping you find what you need. Prices good for value.

This place is convenient for downtown dwellers. The employees are knowledgeable and helpful. They have come through for me several times now. read more

Okay, I've had way too many great experiences at Ace Hardware in Downtown San Diego, so this review is long overdue! This specific Ace Hardware is truly a neighborhood gem. Every time I visit, I'm greeted with a warm welcome and a willingness to help. That's hard to find these days. The staff here is consistently friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely eager to assist--whether it's helping me track down a specific part or offering advice on a DIY project. The store is well-organized and easy to navigate, and even though it's in the heart of downtown, it's never overwhelming. I've left every visit feeling confident that I got exactly what I needed, thanks to their attentive service. TMI, but my son is currently potty training. He yelled out that he had to go to the bathroom, and the staff was kind enough to let us use their employee bathroom (which was immaculate). Also, because I had my son with me at the time, I managed to leave my keys behind. Toddlers are distracting! Dione called and left me a nice message letting me know they had my keys. When I went to pick them up, they were wrapped nicely in a little bag and stored at the front desk. It's rare to find a place that combines great customer care with convenience and a strong selection of tools, hardware, and home essentials. Huge thanks to the team for always going above and beyond! Thank you! read more

Staff doesn't seem friendly or helpful and selection is limited. Plants are always dying read more

Amazing service! Needed to get a paint they didn't have in stock, so they called up to Hillcrest and had it processed right before closing while I was driving there. So much more friendly than the big box stores. read more

Called ahead to see if there was a product in stock they said yes. Drove all the way there for them to say oops sorry we don't have it. Don't be sorry. Be better. Because this always seems to happen at this store. read more

Great and personable service. Recognized my needs and didn't try to sell me something that I didn't want. Just great and appropriate customer service. read more

Every time I go here I leave impressed.......this time I Got to Yelp-out yesterday's help in the paint Dept. by BRENT. I'm redoing my REALY outdated bathroom and he helped me select a good value/quality moisture resistant paint in like 5 minutes. And then the custom color mixing took only another 10. Can't wait to slap it all over my walls now. read more

The young unhappy women at the cash register is so rude and unpleasant, that they have to put up a sign on the register, asking paying customers not to be rude. I have never seen anything like this in my life. I hope to never be exposed to it again. Horrible experience and humiliating in front of the other customers. Date: 12/12/23 Exactly 4:48 PM. I do have my receipt. Initials: ICM read more

The service from the staff is quite good. Esteban, however, was Esteban excellent when I needed something that had to be shipped from another location. He checked on availability , coordinated the transfer, and insured I was kept in the loop, and delivery was on time. As a time sensitive order, he made it happen. Considering store size it has an amazing inventory. If they don't have it they will check other locations and have it made available. Value is always subjective. All things being equal. I.e. knowledgeable and available staff, convenient location,, nearby parking , quality products, and store hours it is a good value for the money. read more

Great service, clean and well stocked, very convenient for those who live in downtown, variety of merchandise. A lil on the pricey side, but what isn't nowadays ! I found that I was looking for ! read more

This place is great. Everyone knows any/all home projects involve you realizing at the last minute you don't have a very specific tool to complete the project. Luckily Ace hardware is conveniently located downtown (for those of us downtown), I love being able to walk over - but there is also some street parking and it's pretty close to the park it on market as well. Everyone in the store is super friendly and helpful, I chatted with someone who works there for about 20 minutes about which super glue was best for my project, and then another 20 minutes about which potting soil is best. This is so convenient to have, and a bonus that everyone is so nice and friendly. read more

Ace is one of my favorite places in downtown customer service is always on point. They are helpful the store is always clean and with friendly staff. We are so lucky to have an Ace here. read more

The employees that helped me were attentive , helpful and friendly. Probably the best customer setvice i have received in downtown san diego. The only issue is , the door is open and its extremely hot and uncomfortable in the store. The employees who work in this location shouldn't be flirtimg with heat stroke . Ace hardware, your employees deserve to be confortable in these awful heat. read more

This place has an amazing amount of stuff, given the square footage it occupies. It's not cheap but it has a lot of the essentials. Mind you, it's no Home Depot... I think of this as the 7-11 of hardware. It's right around the corner and it has most of what you might need for a quick fix project. Not as cheap as going to the grocery store for your weekly grocery shopping, but not as far either. Very convenient!!! read more

Derek was insanely helpful. That's the reason I go to Ace Hardware. He walked me through all the specifics with the problem I was having with my project and it turns out I could actually do the whole thing with parts I had at home, but when he realized that he was still super helpful, and gave me a bunch of advice. read more

I love Ace! Brian from downtown Ace made my Christmas wishes come true! I needed help mounting a monitor arm to my drywall that had a few complexities to it. Brian took time to work through several options, review photos of my wall/mount and helped me figure out a solution. Walked out spending $11 in drywall screws/brackets and with a plan on how to do the job. It worked perfectly and I'm so happy with my new work space! Thank you Brian and thank you Ace for having such a helpful staff. You guys rule!!! read more

Does not guarantee the paint color will their other cans in the same hue. I would go directly to Benjamin Moore's stores in the future. This mistake cost me a lot (not just the loss on the can of paint) but also the cost to have the entire room re-rolled after the touch up didn't match. They wouldn't even give a $30 store credit as an apology for the effort It took me to re-buy even more paint and essentially redo the room. Just 1 of 4 walls pictured. I couldn't leave it like that. Honestly hate to leave really negative reviews, but when I told the ace team about the problem, their responses were illogical, and you could tell they were just digging their heels in and didn't care about my problem. I was really exasperated when the painting job needed to be redone and wished I'd felt like ace downtown was on my side. read more

Downtown Ace Hardware - This is after drying a few days. Crazy- - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

Poor judgment and priorities. A family member called the store with a problem. Derek ended up picking up and fielding the call. Within 10-15 seconds he shut her down, letting her know there were people in the store staring at him, and she should come into the store if she wanted help. Zero thought or consideration to the problem. Is someone on the phone not a customer? So I take the item into the store, and low and behold find Derek at the door. Not even 5 seconds into our interaction, he pinpoints the problem and lets me know; so obviously he knows how to resolve the problem and could have done so via the phone. I had to waste an hour of my time, driving over and finding downtown parking, for an answer to a simple problem because Derek didn't have the patience to talk through the issue on the phone. Unreal, and incredibly frustrating. read more

This location is super convenient as a downtown resident, and the employees here are beyond friendly, and very helpful. I never have to browse aisles to find something, and if I have the item page on the website loaded, someone will physically find and hand the item to me. Returns are easy as well. And they have everything I've needed for basic home repairs. read more

Over a decade I've lived and worked in this neighborhood and happily supported this store since it was the only hardware store downtown. All I wanted to do today was mind my own business and buy some spray adhesive for a work project, but Ryan the manager, and the dismissive girls at the register, decided I couldn't do that without facing a little discrimination first. Suddenly I'm a potential thief who cant be trusted to walk through the store with her own bag and I'm instructed to leave it on the floor infront of their wide open doors if I want to shop. The manager claims this is a policy that they've had since they've opened, but I've been coming to this store since it opened and I've never heard of this policy and nothing like it has ever been enforced with me, or anyone I know, before. The manager offers me no real explanation and eventually cuts me off to rudely and dismissively tells me to "buy my things and have a nice day" end of discussion. This "policy" really sounds like the type to only be enforce at their discretion as in based on their opinion of you when you walk though the door. If you're going to have a policy you need to enforce it equally and constantly. If you only enforce it for certain people at certain times that's called discrimination. I used to think of the people at this store as fair and kind but theyve proven me wrong today. read more

This ACE is super handy when you are in a pinch and need the item right then and there. I actually had my paint mixed her for when I remolded my condo, and they did a great job. Seriously pro! They have recently remodeled and so the place looks a little different, but same great service. Parking on the street is super easy now: with the bike lane the city has added, it ends up adding-parking. Again, what this store lacks in size makes up for in what is inside. Helpful employees and so far they haven't ran out of anything I've needed at the drop of a hat. Use this hardware store, and Ace! Please open one in Little Italy! read more

One name, Brian (though of course the rest of the staff was very attentive and helpful): Brian helped me with attaching my portable washer to my pull-down sink. He advised that instead of working over, we work under the sink. As though he were a mad scientist, he swiftly grabbed various pieces and constructed the project part I needed. I felt as though I was the grasshopper and he was the sensei. He told me exactly why I needed each piece, what each piece was for, and in simple terms told me how to install his newly created part--which was far from Frankenstein's monster because it looked professional and elegant--to my sink. As someone with delicate artist's hands, I cried because I was so defeated with using the wrench. My fingers are weak and the skin on my hands cut easily. I went back since I'm so near to the place and he told me which side of the sink to undo. I was going about it the wrong way! Brian understood the problem, listened to me (even my wrong approaches to the dilemma), and crafted a solution in such a short time, all the time I wasted on forums and Home Depot (just looking for advice was a hassle there!) was made up for tenfold. I have to say that every dollar I spent was well worth it because all the parts he suggested were used. There were no objects forgotten or object left unused. I felt incredibly fulfilled doing it myself and appreciative for the skilled advice after the project. In a time when being in a crowded laundromat can pose a health hazard, Brian is a lifesaver! P.S. Don't believe the hearsay that everything at the downtown location is overpriced. I've been discouraged from going there because of it. From personal experience, I find the prices are quite reasonable. If I already had tools it would've been a cheaper project overall. read more

Brian was helpful, knowledgeable, and polite. Helped me find exactly what I needed before I even got halfway through the store. I was in and out in three minutes with exactly what I needed. I highly recommend Ace Hardware and appreciate Brian's help! read more

Great location with tons of useful stuff, I was in need of a drill bit and Ace came to mind. I was a little lost until Derek came along, hd saw me from afar and immediately came to assist in the process. He was extremely helpful as he explained to me how to complete the task I described and got me everything I needed to get the job done. This is someone who went the extra mile and understands the needs of the customer. I'll definitely keep coming back. Thanks! read more

Avoid this place at all costs. Such an unpleasant experience here at the paint counter. Came in for a paint color match on a quart of paint and it didn't match. I simply reported the issue and immediately received such attitude from the person who helped me. This guys name was Derrick. I couldn't believe how despicable he was. It's like he took it personal. He just wouldn't let it go. It was bizarre. This guy should not be working in a job helping customers. Ditch digger or embalmer job for this guy only. Congratulations for losing a customer for not eating $3 worth of paint. Shame on the manager and owner of this place for letting their staff speak so rudely to the customer read more

My favorite store! First aid kit whenever you need anything! Great service, inventory, location, thank you guys! read more

Downtown Ace Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

I've only pooped in a couple times, but this staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. I've always preferred Ace hardware over home Depot because of that reason. Thankfully, most Ace hardware employees are welcoming, warm and helpful. Thank you read more

Love this Ace Hardware! I live on 4th & J and I feel lucky not just because it's close but also because the staff is so great! They are so welcoming and ask how they can help IMMEDIATELY. Even if they don't have the items I'm looking for, they provide solutions like suggesting a product or offering to place an online order. I've been wanting to write a review for a while, and after all of Esteban's help I couldn't put it off any longer! Thank you! read more

Went to get a 15 amp light switch. None on the shelf and only one 20 amp available. Asked at counter and was told if not on the shelf they don't have them. Get about 6 every Wednesday but the maintenance people in the area buy them out pretty quickly. Seems like they need to address their inventory a little better and maybe order twice as many of they run out each week after a few days. read more

I've been to this Ace many times as I live around the corner and have had the pleasure of being helped by Ciara, Esteban, Brent and especially Derrick! The guy who left the negative review several days ago is an entitled snob who wouldn't know great customer service if he was punched in the face with it. I know from first hand experience the staff there, including and especially Derrick are exceptionally capable of matching paint colors along with all of their other responsibilities. That's all. read more