My favorite vintage store in the area! It had so many items…read more I was here for an hour & a half. It was filled with items I have in my home and items I want in my home. This store has a huge selection of everything you ever wanted. So many clothes, so much jewelry, a plethora of housewares & furniture, lots of vinyl, artwork, etc. The prices varied; there were definitely bargains but also high end items. The gentleman that was working there was friendly and helpful. The music was a delightful accompaniment. They have a private parking lot.

Came in at 6:40 on a Friday and was really excited to check this place out. No one acknowledged us,…read morebut an employee turned the lights off on us while we browsed and then went and played "closing time" on the speakers. It was 6:45. They close at 7:00. I found a beautiful smoked glass swag lamp I would have purchased if I hadn't been chased out a full 15 minutes before closing. Incredibly rude. Lost a last minute $500 purchase because kicking people out early was more important than making a sale, I guess. Bizarre and unwelcoming. Terrible customer service.

Fantastic local business on Solano Ave. Owners (husband and wife) are extremely helpful and kind…read more It's a relatively small store, but you do feel like you're in a museum... with items you can take home! Their collection is extensive. Many old maps of various parts of the world, old stamps, original manuscripts (dating back to the 1750s, at least!), coins, photos, and much more. I ended up walking out with a small anatomy book from the early 1900s. I would recommend a visit to this store if you're around! They are only open a few days a week - so be sure to check ahead to see if they'll be open.

Small awesome collection laid out like you're in a living room being told some great stories…read more Significant collection of maps from the 1700s and 1800s, especially of France and Europe. Other countries also are there, as well as postcards, coins, bottles, and a few books. The maps are in awesome condition and reasonably priced.

I visited my kids during their Spring Break. My daughter got a little job at Hal's Office Coffee…read moreshop. She wanted to show me her new place of employment. I hadn't been to Albany in over 10 years! I immediately vibed with the little town. After my daughter picked up some coffee, I knew I wanted to walk around. I was instantly drawn to Umami. What stunning artifacts. As a minimalist, I wanted to buy everything! I graciously and gladly resorted to and settled on a set of earrings and necklace. I absolutely love them. Umami is a beautiful shop. And the Shop Attendant was just as beautiful, sweet, helpful, personable, and welcoming. When I visit my kids next, during the summer, I will be back!

Such a cute little shop!!…read more I love local stores and Umani Interiors is a treasure! Boho boutique in the middle of down down El Cerrito with amazing customer service! Tip- if you purchase a item and eat some Thai food next door you get a additional 10% your meal!

I had a light fixture that stopped working. It was one of a pair and I really didn't want to buy…read moretwo new light fixtures so I was determined to find a business that would repair old fixtures. And then I found Ed at Ensler lighting. He beat his estimate and got my fixture back in good working order within a couple days. If you're anywhere near Berkeley go and check them out. Such a cool selection of light fixtures at their shop. It has been there for decades! And of course, if you have a fixture in need of repair go see Ed at Ensler!

Really appreciate Ed responding to my emails!…read more I managed to fix the lamp I emailed him about but I felt compelled to bring in my other pieces that needed rewiring. Ed and Roel were super friendly and it was a quick (less than 1 hour) turnaround. It's a bit of a drive for me so I really appreciate them getting it done in one trip. Highly recommended.

My first time coming here, my youngest grandson birthday and my granddaughter graduated. Awesome…read morestaff,great service! Loved our cook so funny,very entertaining! Waitress gave excellent service. Food was delicious. Oh and those teriyaki fried chicken wings,off the hook.lol.

I rode the #7 bus from Downtown Berkeley intending to disembark along Solano Avenue, but fate had…read moreother plans. I guess I got on the wrong bus, because after it went through the tunnel, it turned left onto The Alameda. Whoops, I'd better get off here. I stepped off the bus, and landed right in front of Hana Japanese Antiques. The storefront is Arts & Crafts-looking, which, as you know, incorporates Japanese aesthetics. Immediately, I felt like I was walking into a Yasujiro Ozu movie circa 1920's. I heard the tinkling of water flowing in a fountain, my feet padded along a stone pebble entryway. I descended down old wooden steps and carefully moved into the main part of the store. I saw tonsu of different sizes and styles, including one made to fit under a flight of stairs. The tables and cabinets were adorned with fabrics, plates, teacups, vases and little plants in their ceramic containers. Vintage lamps here and there cast their warm amber light upon the many vignettes. I ended up buying a tea cup and saucer set that was glazed, but had a rough and enjoyable tactile feel. The price was a very reasonable $15. Prices for tonsu looked reasonable too. The owner, Susan, was chill and easy to talk to.

Solano Oriental Rug Gallery has provided excellent profession care for my rugs year after year for…read moreover 20 years. I could not ask for more

We always take our fine rugs here for cleaning and they do a great job. I like that they use water…read moreand then air dry; there is virtually no odor when we get the rugs back. They've also done a minor restoration on a carpet we brought in a few years ago and it was flawless. Highest recommendation.

I like to view Yelp results and find them helpful. Mostly democratic…read more.. However, the review of Rosebud and Ed, the owner, are grossly skewed and unfair. He is an honest, reliable, experienced, antiques dealer. Besides his shop he is tireless in his efforts to do specialized shows far and near. Shows that only except qualified, vetted dealers. His direct and abbreviated manner is business like and never intentionally rude. He is a serious dealer with an unusual and refined collection. A very refined eye. People who cannot get by a few bumps in the road are missing a truly interesting and edifying experience.

Didn't even make it inside the store but had a really rude interaction (with an older guy wearing…read moreglasses, who turns out to be the owner) outside the front, came to Yelp and turns out other people have the same experience. Definitely DO NOT come here.

Best Thai store in the Bay Area. You can find small Thai things that you can't find in other…read morestores. This Thai store is mostly geared towards selling traditional Thai items, but if you are American and want to immerse yourself with a little bit of Thai culture or a simple souvenir, you can find it here. The owners are very nice and kind people. Sawadee Khrop.

Otops Thai has been awesome for over well over 20 years and this review is long over due. Otops…read moreThai continue to do an amazing job at bringing Thai culture and products to the Bay Area. Their products are genuine and their prices are reasonable, especially considering that they had to bring everything from 8,000 miles away in Thailand. I especially enjoy their toy thiong (medicinal ointment) and their herbal balms. Stop by and make Thailand part of your life. You will be happy you did. Sawadee Khrop.