Terrible experience with alterations. My items were not finished on time, and I never received a call about the delay or the questions they had about the work. After being four days late and telling me they didn't know where the seamstress was, I ended up taking my things elsewhere. read more

Some clothes late and others lost.... spare the headache and just go somewhere else. This place is atrocious.

I came in and was quoted $22.50 per pants that I wanted taken in. I brought in three pairs and the seamstress pinned be. Somehow when arrive to pick up the pants two pairs are priced for $45?! And only one for $22.50. I paid the money to get my clothes but I could've bought new pants for the price. What's the point of quoting me for a price when it's inaccurate? And seamstress was rude and not very understanding of the situation. If an add on price is that significant, at the very least you should confirm the price your customer. read more

PSA: Hillside does NOT do "sudden service" same-day dry cleaning anymore. I had a good experience last year when I took a few dresses in for same-day, so I'm disappointed it's gone. The website still says they offer it, but they're definitely not doing it right now (July 2021) and woman working there didn't know if or when it would come back. If you call Coolidge Looking Good on Mass Ave, they may be able to do next day for you. It's not something they officially offer, but they were able to rush my order in a pinch. read more

I've been using this conveniently-located cleaners for almost a decade. And the staff have always done a pretty reliable job at dry cleaning. I've never had any cause for complaint. Until recently, that is, when I had some tailoring done---and the items were rendered unwearable. When I brought this to their attention (not complaining, just seeking a remedy or partial refund) I was treated so rudely that I was brought to tears. The tailor shouted at me and spoke abusively throughout my entire visit. Her fellow staff member, who I've always had nice conversations with, accused me of failing to ask for what I wanted. (Did I ask for my clothes to be ruined? I don't think so.) I'd been a friendly & loyal customer for a decade, I did not deserve to be treated with such profound disrespect for bringing a self-evident error to their attention in a polite way. Reading the other Yelp reviews, I see that being shouted at by the seamstress and denied respectful recourse for damages is something that occurs on a regular basis: I guess I just lucked out on previous occasions. Sadly I will need to find another cleaner/tailor. I'd be grateful for any recommendations. read more

I was really enthusiastic about this place when I met the woman in charge, presumably the owner. She seems like a really hard working woman who cares a lot about getting things done like she says she will. I had four shirts washed and two pairs of pants pressed as well as shortened. I also had a suit jacket cleaned. I had these "rushed" so that I would be sure to have them. The next day I got there and they had trouble finding my things. After searching and telling me to just come back at 5pm, they found everything was done, clearly people just didn't want to go looking for them. I paid about $40 after a coupon you can get online to save 20% which I didn't think was terrible. Alas, when I got back to look at things I found that my pants weren't even pressed properly and my shirts are ironed poorly as well. I paid $5 for just the press of my pants and they didn't put the nice crease down the center. Maybe you have to ask for this? I assumed that this was part of the press.. I paid to get these pressed soley for that nice clean line and I'm incredibly disappointed to see that they didn't do it correctly. I haven't tried on my pants yet, honestly, I'm really afraid to see if they're too short.. I wish I could say I'd go back but even though the price was low, I'd rather spend a bit more and have people pay attention to the details. read more

I hate writing bad reviews, I really do. However, people need to know how poor the tailoring service is here. Hillside deserves zero stars. My fiancee sent in his suit to be tailored for our wedding with over a month to spare. Now, two days before the wedding, I had to go back to the store THREE TIMES in 8 hours before I could pick it up. Even then, the employee gave me such attitude when I told her I couldn't come get it Monday since that was the day of the wedding. In fact, she actually turned around and walked away when I was speaking with her. My fiancee had been told the suit would be ready in two weeks. At that point, they said it would take another week... then another. Finally, he told them he needed it immediately. They offered to give him back the suit, unfinished. The manager eventually stepped in, saying the suit could be completed by the next day, free of charge for the inconvenience. That promise was NOT kept, and I had to pay for a shoddy and untimely job. I will never return, and I strongly recommend that no one else does. read more

I've had two things altered here, and both came out fabulous. One was a pair of jeans that was way too big in the waist (seriously, a cat could have fit in the gap between the waistband and my booty), and the other was for one of those cute shift dresses that's supposed to be flowy, but was a little *too* flowy. The seamstress here did a great job on both, and understood/intuited the way I wanted the clothes to fit, even though I could only describe my thoughts in un-technical Bridget Language. She was even able to turn the dress around in 24 hours, and the lightweight silk (which is a hard fabric to sew, since it is slippery) was undamaged by her work. If you want photographic evidence, check out my pix and look at the orange dress. She saved me from looking like I was wearing a giant orange pillowcase. Thank you, ma'am! Prices were less than I expected them to be, although I don't know much about how much these things should cost. The counter staff is extremely unfriendly and disgruntled, but whatever, I'm not going there to get my ass kissed. I'm going there because now my clothes fit like they were made for me! read more

Truly awful experience. I had to get a bridesmaid dress tailored for a wedding in July, so I brought it to hillside. Not only did the tailor tell me not to "get fat" before the wedding in July, she also wouldn't do a any additional alterations after. I came in today to pick it up and after trying it on, I asked if she could take in another area a bit. Maybe she didn't understand, but she kept insisting "I did everything you asked" which, yes, she did take a few inches of the bottom but I then needed the bust altered. She was so rude I decided to pay and take the dress to another tailor for follow up alterations. read more

It's easy to miss Hillside Cleaners. It's a tiny establishment with a storefront that's only slightly wider than a door. But hey, this is dry cleaner, not a restaurant. Nobody goes to a dry cleaner to hang out (not that they could...no more than about 3 customers can fit inside at a given time). I had a pair of dress pants altered at Hillside recently. Tailoring isn't their primary business by a long stretch, but I was feeling lucky and the price was right. Their tailor only comes in on certain days of the week, so I ended up just gambling and getting measured by one of the other staff members who doesn't typically work with alterations. Unfortunately, the pants were left a little too long, but the tailor (who was there when I went to pick it up) offered to fix it on the spot. A quick measurement and ten minutes later, my pants fit me perfectly. No extra change and no hassle. If you need some simple alterations done, I would recommend Hillside -- just make sure to call in ahead of time to make sure the person doing the tailoring is actually there! read more

I brought my wife's dress in and they returned it with two of the stones missing from the collar rendering the dress unwearable (each stone was about 1/2 inch. In length). Aside from not offering to check if they could find the missing stones, or not charge for the dry cleaning, they yelled at us and said we brought it in that way. When I asked why we would dry clean a ruined dress they basically just brushed us off. It's a shame because we live a block away and dry clean our clothes fairly often, but the convenience is just not worth the risk and the attitude. Never again. read more

Amazing. My red satiny dress had massive wine? cranberry juice? alcohol? spillage from formal. It was ALL over the dress, and I had very little hope of ever being able to wear it again. (It was really sad.) And then, voila!! I brought to HIllside for about $11, and it's just like new again! :) AMAZING!! I didn't even have a fabric care tag for it. I would definitely come back here again. read more

I come here often. Surprised to see the lower Yelp rating. They are super efficient and have reasonable pricing. The best is their same day rush service (only 25 cents extra per dress shirt!)-- in by 11am, returned to you by 5pm. The only place in the square that does that. So fare have had only great experiences here! read more

I love Hillside Cleaners, the dry cleaning service is great and next-day for most items, the staff is warm and friendly and I have always been happy with the clothes I've brought in to be tailored. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because there is such a high demand for alterations that sometimes you don't get your pieces back when they say they will. If I need a quick turnaround on a piece I make sure to check in a day or two early to remind them. That said, I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Had a couple of pairs of jeans altered here. The place is really small, kind of a hole in the wall. Don't let that be an indication of the quality though. The lady who does the alterations is very nice and knowledgeable. She knew what I wanted and even made some suggestions to improve fit. Needless to say, the pants fit nicely now and I've dropped off my other two pairs for alterations. These alterations, however, are pricey. That being said, when you spend money on quality clothing, you don't want your garments to be ruined by cheap alterations. If it's something as simple as hemming, you could get this done somewhere else cheaper. If you need to shrink the waist or need more serious work, look no further than this place. read more

I ended up with three stars on this place because the attitude of the staff was pretty low, and I paid $15 to tailor my jeans, which seems a bit pricey. But the fit was exactly what I wanted, and it was done pretty quickly and returned when promised. Plus it's right there in Harvard Square. This is the first time I've used them for alterations, but I would go back if I had another alteration job. read more

The staff can be friendly if they're not stressed out. The seamstress is a very nice woman and the alterations she did to my jacket looked great. With that said, If you needed something sewn or altered on time, DO NOT COME HERE. If you don't care about when they'll have your stuff ready or if you have no other choice but to get your clothes altered here, get a $ estimate and have it in writing before they start working on it. I was very surprised by how much I was charged to shorten the sleeves on my jacket. read more

I stand corrected. After MONTHS of missing pants, they finally contacted me to tell me that they had tracked them down! So all's well that ends well. They have a 5lbs for $10 deal that I need to get with. read more

The ladies of Hillside Cleaners were very friendly and accommodating when I stopped in for an emergency alteration (a button had fallen off my jacket on the way to work). They certainly didn't have to give me "while you wait" service, but they did and I greatly appreciated it. Certainly my go-to place in Harvard Square from here on out! read more

Awful, awful service. (1) They did not dry clean my clothes on the same day as advertised. Brought in a gold color suede dress on Tuesday for same day dry cleaning service but went to pick it up Wednesday to give them extra time. They didn't have it ready at 1pm and said it'd be ready by 3pm. Now I needed my dress to be ready in 24 hours. That's why I went there in the first place. They advertised same day service! I could g return at 3pm so I had to arrange for friend to pick it up for me. Huge inconvenience. (2) THEY SHRUNK MY DRESS. It's literally unwearable now. read more

Brought a pair of jeans to have a plaid patch put in the crotch and a jacket to get some cool red cross details put on the corners of some ripped pockets on a regular looking grey cord jacket. You know, spice it up a bit. Everything was patched, but to the color of the clothes... Jeans patch, boring grey stitches over the rips... Thanks for nothing, I mean fixing my clothes... To the opposite of what I wanted... I'll try somewhere else next time. read more

Avoid at all costs! Worst customer service I've ever experienced!! Both times I got clothes tailored here they weren't ready on time and they didn't even apologize... They then proceeded to yell at me when I asked for a discount! I had to go late to my event waiting for them to finish. I've never given a bad yelp review before but if I could give negative stars I would read more

I am giving this place one star instead of begging Yelp to add 0 star ratings, because the people who work there are very nice and I did eventually get my money back. In November my roommate and I called to have them pick up our laundry. We gave them our phone numbers in case they had any question. For some reason they only picked up my roomy's laundry. When we called to ask why they said they didn't know they were supposed to pick up both and it didn't occur for them to call and ask if they were confused. Fine, they picked it up the next day. They then dropped off my clothes on two separate days and charged me two delivery fees! I didn't ask to have my delivery split, that takes a lot of chutzpah. They also charged me 20 dollars to wash a small throw that I had instructed them to wash with everything else. I called them and they said that they would take 10 dollars off the bill. They forgot to drop off my hamper when they dropped off my laundry, and it took over a week of me calling every day to get it back. A few weeks later we got our bill and it had 20 for the blanket. I called them and they said cross out the 20 right 10 and say why. So I did that and we paid the bill. A few weeks later we got a bill from them for 10 dollars. So I called again. They said oops don't pay we will fix it. A few weeks later we got another bill for 10 dollars! I called again same thing. A few weeks later A THIRD BILL FOR 10 dollars! . Finally my rooomate went in to talk to them and that works. After putting my sheets on my bed I discovered that my sheets had been shrunk. So i took them in and they said they would put them in chemicals to expand them. I had my doubts but I dropped them off. My sheets were not saved by the chemicals so I asked for a refund which they agreed to because they are nice people. It is just a shame they can't run a functional business. They said they would drop off a form for me to fill out and get my refund (this was in December). I called every week in December and January and finally got the form in Mid January after calling EVERY WEEK for 6 weeks! I got my refund in mid February I spoke to them on the phone between the hamper, the bill and the sheets over 12 times. read more

Complete jerks. I was sold on the same day/pick-up/delivery and similar advertised convenience. They picked up $500 worth of clothing. They lost all record of it. I called them 6 times over the month following. Each time they say they'll look into it, and never call back. Eventually, when I needed the items urgently, I called the owner. He couldn't be bothered to look into it over the weekend -- said he'd call me back the following week. Mistakes happen. That's understandable. If they just told me "We lost it. Sorry. Tough luck," I'd buy a replacement. What's not okay is that they turned into a complete black hole. I don't know whether the clothing is there, missing, or what the deal is. Quick update: They delivered a down comforter (not mine, low quality, stained) to me. Not really sure what I should do with it. read more

Really rude and dishonest service! Was quoted $5-$10 twice by the same woman and then was charged $15 for a leather repair. When I told her someone should have called me as I wouldn't have had the work done for the higher price, she curtly told me, "Yeah, they should have." Never going back here again! read more

This is a TERRIBLE place to avoid at any cost! They destroyed a brand new top that I brought them, they were two weeks late on the date they had told me and the service is absolutely awful. You wonder if the tailor cares and knows her job. My top is ruined and they shouted at me for it. Awful place which doesn't care about customers at all. read more

I work down the street, so I bring all my dry cleaning here. They can be a little stand-offish, but still nice. I've had a bridesmaid's dress altered here that was two sizes too big (HUGE) when I brought it in, but was absolutely perfect when Hillside was finished with it. No small feat considering it had to be taken up and in in numerous places and had a lace overlay. It's a bit pricey, but definitely not bad for Harvard Square. read more

For me, dry cleaners tend to be really good or really bad. They can either get you your clothes late, dirty, and expensively or cheaply, clean, and on time. This place has always delivered the latter for me. The staff that works here is friendly and the few alterations I've had done have come back as expected. I'd give them the 5th star if it was open just a little bit later into the evening. read more

I appear to be in the minority here but I am not the biggest fan of Hillside Cleaners. While I will admit their location is prime, I've always felt like they realize this and slack a little in other departments because they know they are so centrally located that people will flood in anyway... Admittedly, they *are* busy. Having worked in retail, I can empathize but because of this I think they are a little disorganized, difficult to converse with on the phone (one can only be put on hold so many times!) and tend to be short in person (or maybe I am just too friendly? I am from the dreaded South!). They do a decent job in the cleaning department (though once they delivered my clothes to my work location without asking me so that my clothes were 'missing' when I went to pick them up) and have done okay alterations (a few dresses came out fine, a bit pricey but at least afterwards they were wearable!) but are unreliable about timing, in my experience, more often than not. Once I had them cut down a comforter from queen to twin (I know, ridiculous, but it had to be done) and it literally took a month longer than I was quoted for various reasons (ahem, there were various excuses - they lost the measurements, the seamstress was out, they lost the measurements, they forgot, oops) and in the end there was no hint of an apology (and I was very patient and understanding!). I don't know... maybe I am just being picky? but with all of those experiences and all of the other dry cleaning options around, I'll just go elsewhere from now on... maybe into Huron Village or Porter Square? read more

I had a great experience with Hillside cleaners. Wonderfully nice staff, quick turnaround, and low prices (compared to the unnamed popular destination for most Harvard students). However, the distance is a bit of an issue, unfortunately. read more

Hillside Cleaners is centrally located in the heart of Harvard Square only a block from the train station. It is the ideal location to drop off and pick up dry cleaning on your way to and from work if you commute by T. The staff is extremely friendly, and always knows our name and what you've got waiting for you. We are even comfortable sending our teenage kids in to pick up and drop off laundry. The on-staff seamstress works miracles in repairing jeans, dresses, sweaters or whatever favorite piece of clothing you are trying to hang on to. Pricing at Hillside is very reasonable and they offer rush service for most items you need by the end of the day. read more

I hate this place. A couple of issues. I dropped off my dry cleaning here out of convenience (distance wise) and was extremely disappointed by the results. First, the sign that says "same day service" on the window. LIE! Second, I dropped off a couple of pencil skirts and a coat to be cleaned. They told me to come back in 2 days. I went back and found that they were done with the two skirts, but not the coat. Puzzled, I asked if I could at least just pick up the skirts for now since I need them for work. I paid for the skirts and asked when the coat would be ready. They said come back later in the afternoon (this was in the morning.) I went back, not ready. They said come back tomorrow. I went back 2 days later. Still not ready. They told me come back the next day, so I did. What do you know, STILL NOT READY. So I asked what was going on and why they didn't even know when it would be ready. They said that it was because the coat was white and that it has to go through a special process. (really?) Anyways, I told them it wasn't white. It was a off white-tan ish color. Then they said it's because there was a stain. I said, no there wasn't. I was just getting it cleaned, there were no especially noticeable or stubborn stains anywhere on the coat. Infuriated I said that coming back and forth is a waste of my time and they need to tell me a definite time to pick up my coat. They took my number down and told me that they'd call me when it comes in. NO CALL. I checked in later that day. It came in. They told me the price and I said, are you seriously going to charge me full price after having me come back like 4 times and lying to me about why it was taking so long? They gave me like a 10% discount........ VERY VERY VERY UPSETTING. don't go there unless all other dry cleaners suddenly disappear off the face of the earth and this is your last option..... just horribly disappointing read more

I paid to have my shirts dry cleaned - they almost always came back improperly cleaned and with wrinkles. I used this place for a year due to its convenient location until I finally gave up and trek up to Evergreen Cleaners instead. read more

We have given our clothes in a few times since we moved to HaSq. The clothes have come back smelly as if it has been soaking in dirty water or dirty machine! Don't understand how it happened. read more

I've been here twice. The front desk staff is amicable. Every time I was here it was regarding something other than dry cleaning, for instance, watch repair or cutting a belt. The service was gratis. I really appreciated that. read more

Very friendly workers at the counter; horrible service. Hillside completely ripped my silk blouse not in one place--but two places--and tried to convince me it was because of the way the blouse was woven. Keep in mind this was a rip across the front and sides of the shirt--not even on the seam. Moreover, when I picked the blouse up, they conveniently neglected to mention the tears (i.e., I didn't find them until I got home.) No offer of compensation whatsoever (for my $65 item.) I will be filing a report with the Better Business Bureau, and barring all else, trying the small claims court route. I have never had a garment ruined AND not been offered any compensation whatsover. I won't be returning...ever. They would have received zero stars if not for the very friendly counter workers. read more

As for their dry cleaning: the cashiers don't smile, don't look you in the eye, and generally treat you as if you're a nuisance in their shop. More importantly, however, two or three times my dry cleaning came back smelling like body odor, and I would have to air out the clothes for several days before being able to wear them again. As for their alterations: I had a skirt get taken in, a very simple operation. They said it would be ready by a certain time. I came several hours after the appointed time to pick up the skirt, and it still wasn't ready -- in fact, they'd appeared to have forgotten about it and hadn't even started the alteration. I was told to wait another hour for the lady to do it. Upon payment, I asked for a reduction in price given their tardiness, and the seamstress exploded at me, said really nasty things, and nearly shoved me out the door. The cashier (who seemed to have some authority over this), ended up giving me a discount, but I will never go back. read more

This place gets all my alteration business. Jeans and pants are currently made for girls who are at least 6 foot 4. That's great if your name is Rebecca Romijn-O'Connell, but not when you are named Melissa M. Vicky is the lady who I see, who always makes my jeans fit right. The ladies who work at the counter are so friendly, nice, and cool. I see them all the time. I definitely recommend coming here with your clothes if you need alterations. They are quick, efficient, and just overall really great. read more

Brought 3 items in before 10am on Friday, had them ready after 5pm on Saturday. I don't know anything about dry cleaning prices, but they seemed reasonable but not cheap. read more

I've brought in a pair of wool white lined pants and a vintage cream wool sweater that was restored to almost new!!!! Amazing, amazing work, and great service. On a few occasions, the friendly and attentive staff have identified stains that I didn't see, as I was sorting and turning in a pile of clothes at the countertop. One afternoon, during the extremely wet and windy weather we were having in New England in March, I had to pick up a bunch of clothes (pants, dresses, etc.). The staff carefully "packed up" my clothes in a bag that protected everything and was handy for a long T ride on the bus. Yes, miracles happen here on Brattle Street. Lastly, I've been able to use the Yelp discount (which will expire very soon,) many times. Thank you Hillside, I was extremely grateful for the discount! read more