I wanna love this store. It's everything a hardware store should be. The staff offer help, the inventory is organized. They will sell you a single bolt and nut if that's all you need, and the hardware is extremely well organized. BUT They close at 5pm? And are closed on Sunday? I have to take time off work just to go to this store. Why on earth do they run these hours? They should be open until 8pm and on Sundays. Make that change and it's an easy 5 stars. read more

Ask yourself this, do you really want to shop here? And read this before you decide. I hadn't been there for months and on arriving saw the boarded up windows. I asked the gentlemen at the door, what happened? They tried to burn my store down he said. I said I was sorry to hear that. And as I entered he said And if trump wins they will riot again. They? I turned around and left. There are many hardware stores in the Albany El Cerrito area. I am truly sorry that this store owner feels this way, this is why violence is never acceptable in protest. But. You get to choose where to spend your dollar. Do so in an informed way. I took my dollar elsewhere. Make your own call. I did. read more

I use this store out of convenience, but it's a far cry from Ace Pinole that I love. Hours not ideal. Closes at 5? Not open Sunday? Also the vibe at the front registers is strange. The managers just sit there lurking. The lines are long...they can't jump on a register when it backs up I guess. They just stare over the whole operation. The employees are helpful when you get one on one time read more

Pastime has been here since long before I was born and my family has always gone here. We're still customers. It's wonderful having a non-big box store with a huge inventory so accessible. The staff are very helpful and we rarely leave empty handed. Yay for independent businesses! read more

I would have give this store absolutely zero star but I can't because of the system that we're using. I was going to apply for a job at the store. I went to the office door and a nice lady greeted me professionally but the manager without even saying hello just asked me what I need! I calmly responded and he reached his hand to me with application form and looked a way until I grabbed it and didn't even spoke a word. It was an interesting situation. So I decided to go back to my car and complete the application. When returned the application to the manager he took it from my hand and without looking said "ok, thanks". In that moment I realized that I wouldn't want to work at such place with such a careless, jerk, and zero empathy for new employees. I feel sad for this place. read more

Save yourself frustration and do not shop here, especially if you are female. Customer service has declined significantly. The male staff are rude, condescending, unhelpful and sexist. I was mocked and teased for not engaging in the odd conversation that one male staff tried to have with me while I was simply asking for help finding the correct size of a screw. He didn't end up helping me find the right size and walked away. I was then yelled at, dismissed and told that I was lying and making up stories by 3 male staff members when I asked the manager for help. It honestly felt l was in the Twilight Zone. They were all standing around together just making fun of me. It seemed like gaslighting, misogynist, ganging up on behavior. Very very uncomfortable and strange. The male staff members act as though they are being inconvenienced by questions and should not be in customer service. The manager was nice and seemed a bit in shock by the behavior of his staff. It was unsettling and upsetting. I won't be supporting this Ace anymore. The Ace on Milvia has great customer service so I'll take my business there. read more

This store has a great selection of parts and tools and compared to a big box store it is a lot easier to find what you are looking for. I've had excellent customer service on each visit and received great recommendation and tips from other shoppers in the store. If you looking to grab what you want and get in and out of the store quickly this is the place to go. read more

Once was great, now indifferent to customer. Now keeps bankers hours. My best guess is they are trying to get out of the hardware business to perhaps build condos, as clearly the real estate is worth more than the business. Hours: opens too late for contractors closes too early for neighbor customers. The manager (frank) is amazing, as rude and nasty as anybody Ive come across in retail. Thank g-d we've got good alternatives. read more

When it comes to home repairs, I suck. So of course, my son, Jonny, would like me to help him modify his xBox wireless controller. Huh? Can't we just buy what you want at GameStop? No? Off to Pastime! We needed to remove tamperproof screws. Doesn't "tamperproof" mean don't touch? And Orange and Black hobby paint? There is such a screwdriver, which costs $15. Two cans of paint, $12. Helping my son with his project, priceless. See the photo of the finished product. Like the song says, "Ace is the place!" read more

I've been coming here for years for all my Hardware needs and tools as I need for the job they've always been kind courteous and professional they have just about everything you need for just about every project you have they even have barbecue pits and this summer they have nuts and bolts and different electrical items read more

Pastime Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Excellent service from knowledgeable salespeople. Friendly cashiers at checkout too. Very good selection including paint and hardware, tools, gardening items, plumbing supplies, and housewares. Parking in their lot and on the street is available. Worth a trip even though the hours are not as good as the big box stores. read more

This store's web page says it's only open until 5 p.m.! Whoever owns/manages it reacted exceptionally strongly to the lock-down period and apparently has no interest in getting back to more normal retail hours so people can shop or pick up things after work. Maybe it has something to do with hardware stores being few and far between these days? Forget about customer service. They know we have little choice and don't care. No wonder shopping online is booming. read more

I'll never go back to this store. I've spent hundreds of dollars there over the years, because I appreciate the range of stock and I like to support small local businesses. Today I took in a small purchase from several months ago -- a set of house numbers -- and asked for store credit, since it was past the 30-day return limit. The manager was incredibly rude and refused to do it. I explained that I wasn't asking for a refund, only a credit, because I had some other stuff to buy in the store. I also pointed out that the numbers were still in their original packaging, that the store still carried them, and that I had the original receipt, so all they had to do was put them back on the shelf. No dice. So they lost a longtime customer out of stupid rigidity about the "rules." Great decision-making. Great customer service. Hello, Home Depot. I also notice that there are a lot of other frustrated customers in this space. Management hasn't bothered to reply to them or offer any solutions. As Lily Tomlin used to say: "We're the phone company. We don't care; we don't have to!" This seems to be the motto of Pastime Hardware as well. What a shame. read more

Pastime has always been a little more expensive than Home Depot, but with more helpful and knowledgeable employees and a generally more pleasant vibe, I've found it to be money well spent. But lately I'm noticing that they've jacked their prices waaaay through the roof; some items three times as expensive as HD, others 50% more. And now that they've reduced hours, no longer have helpful/knowledgeable/friendly employees, I'm feeling less like paying the premium to shop here. read more

It's a nice store, when it's open. But since 2020 its hours have been really difficult for working people. I don't understand how it can close on Sundays, or after 5. read more

Why would a hardware store be closed on Sundays? I had a project to complete this weekend. The can of paint I bought on Saturday turned out to be completely dried up. Now I can't replace it until next Saturday. How many scores of people must show up at this place every Sunday assuming it's open on a Sunday, like every other hardware store on planet earth? read more

If you are looking to support your local businesses at this time... Pastime Hardware is a place you need to go. They have been in business for so many years with the best customer service...with anything you may need read more

Man, this place makes going to Home Depot look pleasurable. It's all aggressively boarded up as if they expect zombies to break in and steal their lawn mowers. I came here because I didn't want to go to the big hardware store and expected I would get some one on one service. I took a number and by the time they actually paid any attention to calling them out, I had already found my product and was in line. It's also not open past 5:00 so if you were getting off work, forget about it. They're closed on Sundays like they're running a business selling alcohol in the South or something. Like God forbid, nobody wants to do home improvements on a Sunday. I'm taking into account that we are living in different times and stores are struggling to stay open, but so many other stores have got their acts together by now and I have to stop cutting them some slack. read more

They are unfriendly and unhelpful at this store. The check out workers are just plain rude. Why give them your money? And take the plywood down. What a mind set. read more

have encountered consistently rude staff repeatedly, definitely worth driving up the hill to Kensington or make the trek to Pinole.

The clerks and regular staff are helpful but the managers are generally d*cks. A year after COVID and some local looting they still have the store boarded up like a fortress. They strut around their fiefdom like clueless peacocks, losing their business to other stores with friendlier staff and a bigger inventory (Ace in Pinole, Outdoor Supply Hardware on Ashby) read more

Just a poorly ran store that's an eyesore to the community. Why are you boarded up still? There are no "riots". The management has been selectively rude and unprofessional for years. Incredibly overpriced, and the archaic take a number system is ridiculous. Stand by a pole or your number is skipped? So inefficient. Please take your dollar elsewhere. I know I will. read more

I don't get the one-star reviews. This is seriously the best neighborhood hardware store ever. It's huge, so they can offer a great selection without overloading the shelves and making the place too claustrophobic. They have very helpful employees and reasonable enough prices that I never even think of going online anymore. A few months ago I moved to the neighborhood, less than a mile away. As you might imagine, that has required dozens of trips to the hardware store to pick up various items for home projects. Every time, I have found the staff at Pastime to be friendly and knowledgeable. Best of all, they actually staff the store appropriately so you don't have to wander the aisles for 15 minutes trying to get help from some poor overworked employee. If there's one complaint I have, it's that the checkout lines can get a bit long. But they seem to care -- they'll usually call over another cashier when that happens. Thank you Pastime Ace Hardware! Don't know what I'd do without you. read more

Great selection, and most of the staff are pretty friendly, but I just drove there from SW Berkeley to use a "spend $50/save $10" coupon, only to be told that the discount didn't include batteries! WTF?!?...(FYI, this info was not among the exclusions on the discount mailer or cards.) So no thanks to you, Pastime Hardware, for wasting my time ("time is money", right?)....you really ought to put this info on the cards! read more

Two of my local hardware stores are Pastime and Home Depot. Pastime is my go-to place for running in and out of the store and shopping local. The only thing that would make this place better is if there were people in the front waiting to help you when you walk in. You have to walk to the back to their "help" station and there is nothing more irritating than walking to the back to see a group of people "waiting" for someone to pull a number for help. read more

Been my go to Hardware Store for over 40 yrs. As close to an old time "have everything" hardware store that currently exists.

I prefer to spend my $ in smaller local stores like this one, over Big Box stores. But Pastime Ace Hardware just lost my biz permanently today. I was in the store about 20 minutes when I had an urgent! bladder call & needed a bathroom. I was in pain. I asked a male clerk in the aisle for the rest-room (I am an older white-haired lady) and was abruptly told "No." I asked if he could please make an exception, as I was afraid I might have an embarrassing "accident" & leave a large puddle (or more) in the corner. He still said "No." ? ? He explained to me that the reason was this: Because a prior customer (who was Disabled) had made a complaint to the Owner that the toilet was not accessible to her in her wheelchair (ADA accessible) and he there-by decided to make the toilet inaccessible completely. What?? Wow. Two big strikes. That is just sickening to me. This store is just two blks away from the Albany School for the Blind. In my experience, this community; the patrons; and the stores in this area go out-of-their way to try & help the disabled. This story about the owner of Pastimes Ace speaks volumes and leaves a deep bitter impression. Shame on you Owner/Mr Pastimes. read more

I recently had to return an item for an exchange and the manager owner took a long time looking At his computer and came out and proceed to tell me I was lying about buying the $7.99 item from them. All. Was asking for was an exchange of a product I was told would damage my floors by an expert in floors. I spend a lot of money in this store often. Than he accused me of getting it free! By a cashier error! I have never been more insulted . He's a racist jerk and I will never shop her again. HomeDepot from now on sad you can't support local businesses without be treated like crap! read more

Love everything about this store, including the deli number system for getting help, but do NOT love the "form three lines" system. Customers should not have to guess which line is going to move the fastest. Single line to multiple cashiers is more efficient, and seeing the "multiple lines" sign burns me up every time I see it. Lay out some tape on the floor for a single line coming from the seasonal section, and split it at the registers, please. read more

This Ace was my go-to hardware store for the last 10+ years, until yesterday. I was there with my son, who like many young children can't maintain bladder control for long once they realize they have to go, which happened part way through our shopping list. I asked an employee, who said they don't have a public restroom anymore. When I asked if they could make an exception, he said the only person who could was "the boss," who happened to be walking up just then. But the owner just responded with a flat and uncompromising "no public restroom" before turning and walking away. That evening I found out they wouldn't even make an exception for a friend of mine with ulcerative colitis. I'm putting down 3 stars because the staff has been consistently friendly and helpful, but I don't feel welcome there anymore and will be shopping elsewhere. read more

I ONLY CHECKED 1 STAR OR IT WONT POST . My friend and I went to Ace hardware today . When we were heading out I asked the counter girl where the hand sanitizer was at the counter and she said they had some for sale but not for use leaving the store . I asked her for some . The manager who I spoke with after said it's available at the counter just ASK !!! I did . She then sprayed down her counter . She did not go get us any sanitizer even though we had touched many things and handled cash . They have a big sign that says NO MASK NO ENTRANCE. The guy who's job it is to tell you to make sure you know what your there for at the front door is making sure your not spreading a virus inside but they don't care if you get a virus inside and then spread it to your phone , purse , keys other people ....whatever . SANITIZER HAS BECOME A CASH DEFICIT ESPECIALLY AT PASTIME HARDWARE. No matter where I go ...to the bank or to a store ( not just food) they are polite and offer sanitizer if they have it . Ace is just out to make a buck . The so called rude manager CHRIS . Told me that they have plenty of sanitizer at the front counter for us to buy . I asked him why he didn't provide it to his customers . RUDE DUDE. ACE could care less about your safety or well being . Rude counter girl checked out .Incredibly RUDE MANAGER . I don't ever go there to shop because the people are so weird but had to grab a product . It's always toxic poisons throughout the store and it smells like poison . My skin is burning just being in the garden section . I'm not the only person who has had terrible attitude and service from this business . It's well known in EC/ Albany area . I've lived here 40 years and have gone there maybe 5 x if I couldn't find things other places . It's the last resort for many . I don't know WHO THE REAL MANAGER IS BUT IT SUCKS . They try to sell you a crock . I'd rather shop at Home Depot or a real store with friendly responsible , respectful staff . You lose in so many ways ACE . LOSERS!!!! DONT shop there ..except at your own peril !!!! read more

I have shopped at Pastime, my neighborhood hardware store, for 23 years. This week I bought an inexpensive but defective product here (garden clippers with a bent blade). I discovered the defect when I tried to use the clippers for the first time and realized that the blades did not close. I returned to Pastime with the product and receipt two days after the purchase. The manager curtly refused to even glance at the clippers and, of course, refused to exchange them. During my many trips to the store, I have seen the manager behave in a similarly abrupt and dismissive manner toward other customers. Yes, the store is well-stocked and has many helpful clerks, but the current manager, unlike past managers, is unpleasant and seemingly indifferent to valid customer concerns. read more

I've been doing a lot of canning and pickling, so I have found this ACE store to be a great source for buying Bell jars by the box. I can get a few different sizes of jars in different styles and pretty affordable too. Allows me to continue to try new recipes and give away my precious little jars. For that, I keep coming back for more and other creative project needs. read more

So sad to see a good business go down hill. They were always expensive, but it was worth it because they had a wide selection, convenient hours, and helpful service, but no longer; too bad. read more

How, in the middle of a pandemic, can you not figure out how to do curbside pickup for items purchased online? McDonald's does it for a $4 cheeseburger, yet to pick up a $350 bag with two air purifiers here I have to wait in line, then walk to the back of the store to get my items? Come on, guys. read more

This is my go to spot for various miscellaneous home needs. I'm pretty handy in and around the house, in the garden or with light construction projects. But even if you are Bob Villa, entering any hardware store can be intimidating as you wander various isles looking for specific things. I have noticed that Hardware like filing systems depends on the brain or brains of the owners or inventory clerks. Aka as many combinations of organizing things as there are people! And because hardware items cross varied disciplines, plumbing, electrical building HVAC etc. the combinations are endless as the number or screws, nuts and bolts. Where would you put those scrunchies designed for the do it yourself ladies wanting to get their hair out of the way when they are painting, sawing, hammering etc... What I like about Pastime, is they have tons of staff to eliminate the need to try to find logic in where things are. For example today I wanted a timer for a lamp. Not near the bulbs, not near the lamps, I was taken directly to where extension cords were stored. So don't be a typical DUDE who never asks for instructions or directions in some feeble attempt to reclaim you macho man street creed. Just ask the red smocked staff. Or I f you can't find someone, venture toward the center back of the store, straight back from front door. And there's an old school, ticket system. Someone will eventually rescue you. If they don't have it, they also recommend a nearby alternative. Plenty of parking on San Pablo, or in the lot off central. read more

Everytime I come here, I regret not visiting more often. They have a selection of the most random stuff. It's like Sanrio meets the container store with a tool belt. I came here looking for specific craft paints (which they did not carry, even though a non affiliated website said they did), but I ended up walking out with a bunch of misc stuff for my house ..... I sort of have a weird project to hook up garden hose to my showerhead (no joke), and this older gentlemen spent 20 minutes helping me find all the adaptors to ensure a successful hookup. The staff here seems top notch ... like they actually enjoy each other ... or at least they do a decent job of hiding it. Maybe one of their staff is the devil's bounty hunter too ... read more

Like so many other reviewers here, I've been going to Pastime for decades. I have, overall, had good customer service, and of course their stock is extensive. I am dismayed to see so very many reviews complaining about customer service, and I can't believe they're all being princesses. Don't know what's been going on in recent years to result in these complaints, but I certainly hope the management takes them seriously. There are too many of these to just reflect an unpleasable few. read more

This place could be so great that it's hard to understand why it's so bad. The staff is generally unpleasant, unhelpful and sometimes just downright rude. They give wrong information on the phone (if they answer), so if you make the trip, don't expect to find the item you actually called about. Last time I called I was given a price for an item that was supposedly in stock. I rushed over only to discover that not only was that item not in stock, but the price I had been given was for a different brand and a different size. (I specified both brand and size when I called.). And they are never apologetic about their mistakes. To the contrary, most of the staff seem put out by having to do anything. I've experienced this attitude first hand, and seen it directed at others. The cashiers don't even acknowledge customers. It's depressing. Compounding it all are the much higher prices at this store. Home Depot is literally 5 minutes away, so why pay a premium to be treated poorly? Every other town I've lived in I've preferred to shop at local hardware stores rather than big box ones, but this is the sad exception to the rule. Oh, and it's also the ONLY hardware store I've been to in the bay area that does not permit dogs. Every other ACE, Cole and other independently owned hardware stores I've shopped at in the bay area has not only allowed dogs- they've welcomed them.I think the no dog policy at Pasttime is pretty telling. read more

Definitely 5-Stars. First of all, this is a HARDWARE store, not a TARGET. I think that if you know what to expect of such a store, you will more likely to be satisfied. The selection is vast, organized, and accessible. Even though sometimes it is hard to get help from one of the staff members and some of the products are locked, aaaand there are NO BATHROOM I really think they deserve the best review just because they have 99.5% of everything you need in one place and that's what's important. Yes, you can go to HOME DEPOT but it's not the same. The only other place that was on the same level was OSH and they closed on 11/2018. read more