Buying a toilet seat is never a glamorous errand. It's not the kind of purchase that stirs the soul…read moreor inspires dinner party conversation. But if you must embark on this deeply humbling retail journey, Upper West Side Hardware is the place to do it. Tucked into the charming chaos of the neighborhood, this hardware store offers more than just screws, paint, and oddly specific plumbing bits--it offers genuinely great service, and a surprising amount of grace for those of us who clearly didn't measure the toilet properly. We bought the wrong seat. Classic mistake. The kind that whispers, "You really should've Googled that." To their credit, the staff gently reminded us the item was non-returnable. But then, in an act of rare retail compassion, they let us exchange it anyway. No eye rolls, no sighs of hardware judgment--just a kind, quiet swap and the unspoken understanding that sometimes, life is just... complicated. The store itself is well-stocked and surprisingly organized, considering the usual "organized chaos" aesthetic of local hardware shops. It's not cavernous, but it has everything you need--and probably something you didn't realize you needed until you saw it hanging on a peg. In short: Upper West Side Hardware is a neighborhood gem. Whether you're a DIY savant or someone just trying to make your bathroom slightly more functional, the staff will treat you with patience and a touch of mercy. And in New York, that's worth its weight in toilet seats.

These guys are great. Incredibly helpful. I had to cut a padlock off of our storage locker bc we…read morelost the key. So I went to this place to buy heavy duty bolt cutters which were pretty expensive- almost $100. When I told the guy why I needed them, he agreed (without me asking) to loan me the store's bolt cutters. Didn't ask for ID or collateral- just said bring them back when you're done. They knew me as a regular customer but still- this was above and beyond. Most stores would have taken the money. These guys instead saw an opportunity to do something helpful for a regular customer. Now, I'm a customer for life.

Great hardware store! Found everything we needed, from a stepladder to replacement blades for a box…read morecutter. And the gentleman who assisted us very kindly installed the new blade on the box cutter. Really nice to have this in my mother's new neighborhood. The friendly help was much appreciated. We were tired and cranky, so didn't really explore the store. The sales associate actually found everything for us except the extension cord, which was literally under my nose at the front of the store.

Went here to buy some glue, as we broke some furniture. The store had a good selection of glues…read more The staff was very helpful, but I had the feeling that I was more experienced. I got what I wanted. I probably would go again.

Brought 12 by 36 stained plywood planks to have cut down to 9 3/4" by 36. Talked with the guy at…read morelength and he said they could do it, but the guy who was skilled with the saw wasn't in, and he really wanted to make sure they were done well. I arranged to leave the shelves and pick them up on Sunday evening. Come Sunday, I call and ask if they are ready, and say I'll be in about 5:30. When I get there, the guy who I dealt with (who usually works the counter) isn't in, but another employee brings me the shelves. They're a complete hack job - fully crooked, wood splintered off in pieces, and not to specifications - off by 1/4", some places too much and some too little. It looked like it was done with a poor handsaw - I mean it would have been laughable if I hadn't paid $180 for them. I measured them in store and showed the guy and voiced my concerns. Since the guy I made arrangements with was gone, I left my phone number and asked them to call me. He calls the next day, and when I explain him the condition of the shelves, he instantly turns belligerent and accusatory, saying I was trying to get out of paying for the shelves because I knew he hadn't gotten money for the job beforehand. I've been to this hardware store 5+ times over the last 8 months to have keys made and for various supplies. The guys who work there were always gracious and helpful. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Don't advertise services you CANT fulfill and then accuse your customer of being cheap when you just ruined $180 worth of shelving.

Thank goodness there is a hardware store in my new hood - and not just an all-purpose store. I…read moreneeded a level to put together a closet set. I walked over after not finding one at the Paragon (shocking - I know!), told the super friendly owner I needed a level, he showed me the two sizes, I picked the smaller, he rang me up, smiled and told me to enjoy the lovely day, and that's it. Easy, friendly, and reasonably priced. The place is small, but fear not, it has the necessaries!

This is the only hardware store I got to in the area. It's just a simple mom and pop store but…read morethey really know their stuff. I also really like the staff, especially the tall guy and the girl behind the register. They're always really friendly to me.

Excellent place, I went there once to duplicate a key that other hardware stores were not able to…read morereplicate. Today, I bought a TORX 10 screwdriver to change the hard drive of my IMAC. I had been to several other hardware shops looking in vain for this screwdriver, so I was happy when I found it.

I have searched the internet - What is your correct phone number and what are your regular hours…read moreand holiday hours

Friendly, helpful, convenient, good selection for a small store. In and out with exactly what I…read moreneeded in 5 minutes.

The big guy at counter who I'm guessing is the owner..very rude and annoying..when you ask him for…read morea specific item he always has to correct the way you pronounce it which is unnecessary..if you know the item i'm looking for just say yes I have that item.. improve on your customer service big guy

Outstanding!! The owner is loyal and professional. I've always been able to find what I've needed…read morewhen I visit.

Marve is an essential neighborhood hardware store. From tools to cleaning supplies to key cutting,…read morethey're there to help. Key cuts are around $1.50 for a regular key, very reasonable and they're very fast. Highly recommend.

Thanks Brithers Hardware! I was in a pinch and you carried exactly what I needed. You have all…read morethe essentials to keep someone working.

Jimmy went out of his way to help me solve my problem! In a city where customer service is all but…read moredead, it's nice to know that there's a place that still seeks to treat the customer like more than a dollar sign. I'll be spending my money here from now on. Even if it means braving midtown.