ahhh..Solemates. This place is a treat. The decor is chic and relaxing. The mani and pedis never disappoint, and Cherri is a star nail technician. Love it all. read more

So I moved to the Bay Area about a year ago and have had several pedicures. Which I have not been 100% satisfied with. I am a Hairstylist and work on my feet all day, so pedis are necessary. So I went to Solemates where I received the best pedi I have had in a looooong time. Veny is awesome! I highly recommend this salon. The atmosphere was inviting and calm. Very clean and smelled wonderful! Thanks Solemates! read more

I hope to never go anywhere else for a pedicure again. It has the same feel and same products as Joi on Solano (Joi and Solemates are co-owned). But Solemates is much more comfortable and quiet. Large, reclining leather chairs, which are separated from each other by sheer curtains. Soothing, earthy colors and great music. And my pedicure, by Lisa, was fantastic. Very thorough, but gentle too. read more

First of all, one of the main reasons I go to this place is because they are one of he few places that don't use those filthy spa chairs. The place I used to go, which is very nice and clean, uses those spa chairs and I always seem to get foot fungus. Anyway back to Solemates, I love this place. They are impeccable clean and offer a relaxing experience like no other place in Berkeley. My pedicures last for over a month and they have a great selection of polishes. They are also incredibly polite and gentle - no tearing of my cuticles like I have had at some spas. As far as the East Bay goes - I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

Nice pedicures and very clean. They are really busy so make an appointment ahead of time.

Let's be clear- this is a spa in name only. I was not offered a beverage or a magazine. The service was below average, at best. The nail tech never asked it the water level was comfortable. In fact, it was cold. Luke warm would have been wonderful. This was absolutely lack-luster. Not worth the time or cost and the pedi- I could have done better and saved myself $27 plus tip. read more

This used to be my go-to place for pedicures, but, after my last experience, I won't be back. I was treated rudely, my nails were hacked, and my pedicure barely lasted 2 weeks, when I can generally make it at least 4. I will not be returning. read more

Be ware, my first impression of this place negative. The receptionist was extremely rude and condescending. Upon arrival, she did not greet meet at all and proceeded to continue typing without even stopping to meet my eyes. After asking if there was anything available, she scoffed and simply said no without even offering another time. Again, through this interaction she didn't even bother to raise her head to look at me. I didn't even bother asking for another time because if the first person you meet is his rude, I don't expect much from the rest of the staff. read more

The women who work there are lovely but the management, especially the receptionist, is so rude, disrespectful, and insulting that it ruins every experience there. Simply horrible service. I stopped going there. Awful read more

Seriously nice and experienced people. Would definitely come back again! They offered me great customer service overall.

Low on color choices, some attitude on the part of receptionist, just like their other place on Solano, not that great an execution. Expensive. read more

Do not be deceived by the false advertising in this business' description of the "Fresh Start Pedicure." They do not soak your feet in a "soothing eucalyptus foot bath," but rather in plain old soapy, sudsy water, and the people working there are the first to admit it. In fact, when the matter is brought to their attention, they seem not to appreciate that this is a problem, and in fact seem thoroughly unfamiliar with the products which in their menu and on their website they claim to use. This therefore means that if you don't want the skin on your feet to get all dried out and pruney, you will need to upgrade to the next and more expensive pedicure option available. Not a good way to run a business. read more

It's a pretty cool place that's got nice results. The reason I'm giving a lower rating is that the whole time i felt a little awkward. The people were professional but they didn't listen a lot to what I wanted nor were they very friendly. The price was also so high that I can't recommend this place as a regular. Honestly for that much money expected a little more. But my nails were still pretty. read more

made an appt on a saturday morning. first appt at 10am. was greeted and seated within minutes. the place smells great. asked for tea, but never got it. anyway. the service was not bad. clean instruments, nice warm-hot water in a tub like bowl, good cuticle clean, file and polish. $27 for the standard pedi. i'm willing to pay that price b/c sanitation is so impt to me. what was a turn off was the seating. obviously there is some wear and tear in leather chairs. they were comfortable, but they need to wipe them down after each use. i was wearing shorts and i am really particular (part germ-o-phobe) about my skin touching public seating. so imagine getting your legs massaged with oily lotion and then have your legs resting directly on the leather lazy chair leg rest? just gross. at least put a towel underneath my legs. another downer is parking is limited (cafe next door is packed) and all surrounding parking spaced are metered. read more

Expected much more, esp for the price. Ambiance is nice, but the manicurist seemed very amateurish and because of her errors, some of my nails were ruined. read more

I liked this place, but I won't be back. Last time I went, another customer engaged in a loud and lengthy cell phone conversation in the pedicure parlor. I was plugging my ears as I sat reading, but could still hear it; I ended up leaving early just to get away from her. When I asked at the front whether there was a "no cell phone" policy, I was met with uncomprehending stares. Why a business like this would favor the occasional jerk who doesn't mind wrecking the experience for others, over the many who come for a relaxing escape, is beyond me. read more

One of the best mani/pedis ever! It has been four days and not a single nick on any nails. The chairs are very comfy to sit in. It was a hot day so the water for my feet was a nice, tepid temp. to cool me off. My sister and I both closed our eyes and could just about fall aslepp during the foot/leg as well as hand/arm massages. The cocnut oil smells and feels wonderful. The staff was very friendly and definitely know how to give a great massage. Really recommend this place! It's my new spot! read more

I've been going to Solemates since it opened for waxing and occasional nails. The waxing is always very thorough and it doesn't even hurt! Consistently good manis and pedis too I would highly recommend if you'd like a bit of pampering. read more

Guess who's back????!!!!! Cherry is! I went in to try the services as it is a bit closer to home. Much to my pleasant surprise, Cherry is back, working at the Solemates site. I love the ambiance, and the privacy provided by the sheer curtains separating each chair. I'm sure they'll be a success. read more

One of the best manicure/pedicures I've ever received. They took their time with the hand and foot massage (the whole reason to go get your nails done vs. doing them yourself in my opinion) AND they do a great job shaping and painting your nails. Also, I had good results with their nail polish that claims to be free of icky chemicals and that's hard to find. read more

I am compelled to write a review because I am looking at my nails after two weeks of getting them done here and they still look GREAT! I am not easy on my hands, and every time I get my nails done at Solemates it lasts for a long time. I don't know how they do it, but these are some highly talented people. read more

What a great salon! I haven't had such a nice pedicure in a longtime! They have a very pleasant staff who didn't talk at all to one another during my pedi. I had a great foot rub , my nails look beautiful and what I truly appreciated is the fact the salon didn't smell like nail polish at all. I will be back! read more

I emailed the manager Philip about the incident and to explain that I reviewed them here. He sincerely apologized, accepted responsibility for the mistake, and gave me a reasonable explanation for why this happened. He graciously offered me a service free of charge in order to give his salon another try. It seems like very few places respond to their customers in this way anymore, so I was impressed. What I learned from this situation is that when you are receiving a service that is supposed to be relaxing and pampering, always speak up as soon as it gets uncomfortable or painful. read more

Great mani-pedi with my mom before my wedding. A lovely setting and great staff.

I have been coming to Solemates every week for over 4 years. I found them when I first moved to Berkeley and I wouldn't go anywhere else. My biggest concern with a mani/pedi is cleanliness and Solemates is one of the top salons for cleanliness in all the places I've lived including NYC. The atmosphere is soothing and calm and it is a respite for me after a busy week. I have had services from Thuy, the owner, Teri, Mary and Tina and they are all exceptional. They not only make sure your nails look nice but are well-cared for in a healthy manner. Everyone who works there is professional and capable. Vivian, the receptionist is welcoming and enormously helpful. Whenever I've had a problem or been running late I can count on her to make things right and joke with me to calm down any tension of the day. Perhaps there is a cultural misunderstanding in communication with some of the reviews. I would recommend an appointment as they are usually very busy and have a regular clientele. read more

What a lovely salon in a beautifully renovated place! The space is impeccable, lovely and warm. The service was exemplary, and the technicians had personality without being intrusive. Best of all, you get first rate service for an affordable price. Did I mention that the arm massage for your manicure includes your shoulders and upper back? A perfect morning for a close friend who was visiting from out of town and requested that we get manis/pedis on her stay. We both walked away extremely happy! read more

I've been going here for a few years, every other month or so. The place is quiet, clean, professional and relaxing. Everyone there has always been polite and pleasant. That's on the inside. Unfortunately the last few times I've had a bad experience with aggressive loiterers or homeless people. I don't make a lot of money and I don't have a whole lot of affluence guilt and don't mind saying that the few luxuries I afford myself don't need to be laced with dudes on the sidewalk nearly spitting on me. As I exited the nail salon, I passed Sauls alone, minding my own business headed to my car when a dude standing to the side of Saul's very purposefully hocked a loogie which landed an inch in front of my toes - I was of course in flip flops. The guy in a star studded top hat made a point to look me in the eye without saying a word. And no, it wasn't an accident. It's a good thing I'm not a violent person. There were other instances similar and just as aggressive but you get the picture. Aggression is something that is rampant in downtown Berkeley and very quickly making it's way up the street. As much sympathy as I have for the homeless who may not have a place to go, aggression I'm sick and tired of. Never going into this neighborhood again if I can help it. read more

Best pedicures ever! Everyone there is so kind and courteous. The salon is beautiful and it's a huge plus that it smells good and not like chemicals. The tea is tasty, and all their services are high quality. The organic coconut oil massage is the best. They don't offer a birthday special, but I had mentioned it was my birthday and they threw in a little treat. My favorite nail salon! read more

Fantastic place to be , the service is wonderful as well as the owner and the staff. Highly recommended :) love it

This is the best nail spa in the East Bay bar none. I have been everywhere and this is spa is far and above anyplace I have seen and experienced. The atmosphere is warn, relaxed, friendly and quiet. There are so many wonderful attributes but two really stand out for me. 1 No blaring TV's with Jerry Springer. 2 They only cater to women with natural nails so there is no overpowering chemical smell. This along with the comfy leather chairs, stainless steel foot basins that are cleaned between each client, really they are, and the wonderful staff you will have a relaxing experience and come away with a fantastid manicure and or pedicure. Although I would recommend any of the women, I have to say that Cherry is my favorite. You will not be disappointed. If you can't get an appointment here you can try their sister salon on Solano called Joi Nail. read more

Serene, clean atmosphere! Usually, I come away from Solemates feeling as if I'd had a massage, not just an excellent manicure. But on the rare occasion when a loudly chattering vulgar rich client comes in and destroys the atmosphere, the staff is too timid to ask them to please speak softly so that other clients are not disturbed. read more

Very good pedicure and nice, accommodating staff. Great color choices, reslly comfy chair, great prices for a more natural place. Only thing that is strange is the polished are toxic regulars including some opi. The natural places at my other home in seattle have nontoxic polish but are twice the price. So bring your spa elements polish here for a great nontoxic pedicure. read more

What a great place! Everything about the experience was first rate. The receptionist was friendly and helpful, the chairs were comfortable and the pedicure was fantastic. I have had some pretty rough pedicures at other places in town, but Tina was absolutely amazing, the foot massage was wonderful and my pedicure is perfect. I will definitely come back! read more

I walked in without an appointment and got a great french tip manicure by Tina! Not a terrible price either, $20 plus tip.

I have had many pedicures over the years and this is my favorite place so far. It is clean, the staff are kind and gentle and the atmosphere is very pleasant. read more

I had a lovely experience here in December that compelled me to write a review. I went in with a party of three and they accommodated all of us at the same time, the space was playing relaxing ambient music, very fresh and clean aesthetic. Their choice of OPI polish is pretty good and during the service they gave delightful mini-massages to the ankles and wrists. Spacious, clean, kind beauticians, and very close to Gourmet Ghetto for a nail and nosh. Great place to go. read more

I have come to this salon for several years and always thought it very nice- people and services. I got my daughter a gc for her birthday and she came in to have a gel manicure. She really liked the place but her gel manicure, which generally lasts a very long time, began chipping within a few days. She went back to have them redone, and paid fully to have them redone. The second gel manicure began chipping within a day. I encouraged her to go back and ask for a refund on the second manicure. I went with her because she was afraid to ask for a refund but I assured her that they are a great business and would refund after the second manicure failed and because she had already paid twice. The woman who we met at the desk refused to offer a refund. She offered to redo them for a third time but at this point my daughter just wanted a refund and to go elsewhere because of the two previous manicures that weren't done correctly. It felt unfair to her because she had already paid twice, with the gc and then to have them redone. The woman wouldn't consider it. She was quite rude and unapologetic. We were good and loyal clients and unfortunately won't be going back. read more

If you are interested in frequenting an establishment with officious--and downright condescending--frontline staff, look no further. Although I have gone to Solemates for years, after one late arrival, I will NEVER return. I was in heavy traffic on a rainy Sunday, and arrived late--but less than 10 minutes late. The attendant at the front desk had already given my appointment away, and then demanded that I call next time I was going to be late. I was already feeling stressed and upset because of the rain and traffic, and tried to explain--but she kept pressing me. I tried to say that I had been going there for years, and that this was the first time this had ever happened, but she kept pushing--in a very condescending and rude manner. Finally I just walked out. I wish I had said, "no, I will not be calling you to tell you if I'm late because I will NEVER make an appointment here again." They lost a loyal customer. Front line staff can make or break a place, and a little understanding would have gone a long way this evening. read more

Need to improve customer relations at front desk. Not on top of scheduling. A little too mellow.

Very nice nails and nail techs! I love that they offer a Zoya vegan nail polish with no formaldehyde or tuolane, and that they serve tea if you ask them. It can sometimes bit cold in there, however - I've asked if they could turn up the heat, but I guess they have no central heating. All in all, a nice place though. read more