As much as I was excited about a local hardware store bringing in a hometown feeling right in the middle of Houston, I've come to consider this place a last resort. They have a good selection but you'd think they would be A LOT friendlier for the markup you pay when shopping there. They do no let greet you, they aren't helpful or ask if you need help, and almost seem annoyed by my presence. I've even had one last pull the "I told you so" with me, when I came back in the store asking if there was someone working in the lot. She hadn't even said anything to me previous to that, a different cashier had checked me out and sold me the dirt and didn't say anything about no one being in the lot. Why would you sell dirt if it wasn't available to pick up? And WHY would you tell a customer "well I told you so" or ANYTHING other than "Well get someone right out there for you" I see the owner or someone that works for Southlands Hardware replies to the reviews here but seriously, nothing has changed in the years I've shopped there. Either you are ineffective in your training or you don't actually address the issues. I will pay more to support a mom and pop business but not if the people that manage it (cashiers included) can't treat customers with respect. There's one man that works there, I think his name is Robert, who is really helpful, but he's the only one that ever helped me or even asked if I needed help. The cashier that gave me trouble with the dirt has always been rude. Shes never greeted me when I came to the register, she never asks if I found what I needed nor has she thanked me for me business. read more

This place is by far the worst hardware store ever. Nothing by hot headed employees who could care less about their customers and don't care to help them out. Seems it's out doing its age and I pray the times with bring them to an end.. Please do not lie in this review. Clearly everyone knows you all are rude. You did not calmly try to resolve this. You all are hot headed employees who don't care about your employees. I witnessed your employee not even knowing how to use the check machine and had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Also I didn't berate your employees, and it was far less than 30 minutes. Sorry but you all are running a horrible business. I will be very happy and not surprised when the day you all close down. Sorry but y'all need training in learning not to bully your customers and embarrass them read more

I love this hardware store!! Sometimes it's fun just to go in and see what they might have. It inspires me to do things around the house!

I love this place so much. Been coming here since I was a kid and I'm 36 now. I always feel good about the crew and how much they care that their customers are happy. read more

Well stocked neighborhood hardware store. We have gotten planting supplies, paint, cabinet hardware, bulk screws, etc.. The employees are very helpful. read more

Southland was founded in 1935, but I've only been a customer since the late 70s. In the Montrose they've been the best neighborhood hardware since forever. The store which claims "to have almost everything," really does. Paint, hardware, plumbing, lighting, locks and keys, wood, planting equipment and soils, concrete and caulking, laundry and kitchen goods, custom cut glass, power tools, nuts, bolts, nails and screws, propane exchange, bird and pet supplies, sundries, and just about everything in between -- like a big collection of pocket knives and some lotions. You will wonder how a store with aisles so narrow can stuff so many employees who buzz about, like fat and lazy bees over fed on nectar. And yes, some of them aren't always in the most pleasant mood. Aside from a handful of youngsters, the majority look like retirees, or ancients who should be patrolling the corridors of a nursing home, and in the preternaturally busy store of both contractors and entitled River Oaks matrons and younger Southampton prepsters, you can imagine all of the stupid questions and harried insults they have endured. And a few of these guys have probably been at this store for 40+ years. And it makes a difference. Can't find something on a shelf in a big box store? Just give up. Here you can locate someone who will drag it out from some dark recess in a storage room. Prices are generally fair, sometimes cheaper than Amazon or Home Depot, sometimes more expensive. They are part of the Do-it hardware cooperative, so they have a lot of miscellaneous inexpensive stuff and specials. I'm not usually one to grouse about the ever thinning ranks of mom and pop stores via modernization, but this is a case of a long standing valuable institution that would be dearly missed if it was no longer there. Berings hardware, 15 minutes away on Westheimer and another on Bissonnet, is better run and more modern, but they lack they feeling of ol skool Americana and the rekindled glee of a young boy roaming the overstuffed aisles. For those of you in the Heights, C&D Hardware is another unique store, just like every small village once had. read more

They are nearby so that's what they have going for them. The cashiers act like you just ran over their dog - and that's on a good day. "I already told you: I deal with the god damn customers so the owners don't have to. I have people skills; I am good at dealing with people." read more

Incredible spot. Swarming with helpful employees. Found my replacement roller catches in a jiffy . Proceeded home where installation was unsuccessful but nonetheless excellent store read more

The two stars mean "Meh, I've experienced better." Which is true. I have been to this place over 5 times to get supplies and keys because I was desperate to get a key made and also to get some supplies for my office. The younger crew is super helpful, but 4 out of 5 visits, there have been older men working and they were just not accommodating! (I used to get my keys made at River Oaks Hardware but they closed down. They made my keys perfectly!!!!) At Southland Hardware, the older men just looked at me like I was some foreign object (maybe I was a foreign object bc I am a chick in a business suit at a hardware store) and when I asked to get some keys made, one guy made feel like a dumba55, almost as if I was nonexistent. Dialogue: Me: Hi there, how are you sir? Old dude: Uh-huh. Me: Good, may I get 4 copies of this key please? I took it off the ring just in case it helped. Old dude: 4 keys? That's a lot. Hey "John/Ricky/Paul (names are fake)" come make these keys cuz she needs a lot and I got other stuff to do!!" Me: Thanks. Old dude: Uh - huh. The younger guy shows up and made my keys. The side that makes keys only accepts cash and I was lucky enough to have some cash. So I didn't have to leave! The young dude hands me my keys and disappears. The older dude is at this same station since he has been ringing up people with cash. I looked around and there was no one in his line so I moved to the left so that I was "in line" and was ready to pay. The older dude looked at me and said, "hey missy, you need to go over to that line and pay. Me: Sir, this counter says Cash Only and no one is in line and I happen to have cash...am I missing something? Is your counter closed? Old dude: Oh, I figured you didn't see my sign probably cuz you just didn't want to wait in the other line." Me: Oh my..I'm just ready to pay for my keys please. Old dude: Uh-huh. OMG!! Are you kidding me?!!!! What the heck is wrong with people! This made me really upset..what is wrong with people nowadays!?? It is 2010 for goodness sake!!!! I need to find another hardware place near my area! Waaaahhhhhhhhh!!! read more

This place might look like it's a dump that just doesn't seem to fit into the surrounding neighborhood, but it sure is necessary with the overabundance of homes and businesses in the area as well as the lack of Lowe's/Home Depot within a 15 minute drive. Southland has had everything I've needed (so far) and is close to home for a lot of Inner Loopers. The parking lot needs some TLC, and they close a little prematurely at 6pm during the week. If they only extended it 1-2 hours more, this place would be solid gold for me. read more

This place literally has it all! From loose nails and screws of all sizes to paint pens, Southland Hardware is like an old fashioned hardware store where all the employees know where everything is and are happy to help you find exactly what you need. I love this place! read more

If you miss being groused at by your dad, by all means go here. I came looking for custom parts on a Reno job, got nearly yelled at by "the cabinet guy", then went looking for wood. The cashier couldn't be bothered to show me where the warehouse was. Once I found it, the guy in there mumbling, unfriendly and not helpful. Way to chase off customers! read more

What the what ?! I felt like I walked out of the Doctor Who telephone booth into another time . I had been looking for a part for my apt sized mini washing machine that Home Depot was out of. These wonderful people had it , same price. They seriously have everything Home Depot has maybe a few extras. This is a vintage small business that's perfect for the Montrose/upper Kirby peps. Some things are a little high priced but when it's the closest thing to your apt (walk or bike ride) somethings are worth the extra change. Also the people working there are very attentive and know how to help and get you what u need. I think they support older employees and that's awesome too. I will be back , (they had the power surge plugs cheaper than Best Buy ) Love this place! Shout out to Larry in plumbing! Lol:) read more

I entered southland today in search of brackets and screws to re-enforce a book shelf, it had the same stand-offish vibe it always does; my boyfriend asked for a specific type of screw and the employee cut him off to point to the drawers (we knew were there we were just looking for a box instead of loose and also a SPECIFIC KIND) he kept on discribing the screw in hopes of a different response, or a more discriptive one and the employee just kept on saying "the drawer" over and over again until he started saying it more stern/annoyed? (And trust me this isnt the first time something like this has happened here everytime I go the employees are rude and bothered that you ask them anything.) I work in customer service and I would never speak to a customer the way he was speaking to us. So heres what Ive noticed the 6 years Ive been shopping here... Almost everything in the store is over priced and old; the store is jam packed with stuff so if you cant find something you're screwed -if you dare ask a employee for help they'll make you feel stupid for even asking something in the first place. The only nice employee Ive encountered here is a younger girl (who works in the paint department/area, I think) I fully support local businesses but from now on I'll be making the trip to home depot. read more

As a boy I couldn't build a Lincoln Log house that didn't collapse in five seconds. Even the clubhouses I made out of refrigerator boxes would spontaneously combust. I'm just not handy. Really, I have the hands of an unemployed poet, not Macgyver. That's why I was delighted to find Southland Hardware -- a well stocked, old-fashioned neighborhood shop with a helpful and knowledgeable staff. When I needed a slab of wood to prop up an air conditioner so it wouldn't fall out the window and squash some poor passerby, these guys gave it to me for FREE. When the hardware that came with my spiffy rear bicycle basket kept falling apart, these guys set me straight with the right nuts and bolts. They even have a bike rack out front and I'm all about soliciting the bike-friendly stores of Houston. By the way, that was over a year ago and my basket has stayed on right ever since. I like this store, I like their staff, and I love the fact that this isn't Lowes or Home Depot. read more

I returned to Southland Hardware to exchange some bolts I had purchased for a piece of furniture. I had purchased regular bolts, and after some research realized that I needed something called a "hanger bolt" and not a regular bolt. I should now add that I had my phone in hand and have been on hold with DPS for almost an hour (as in, was at my house, called dps, got bored, got in car, drove to hardware store, shopped for bolts.) I look around the "bolt corner" on my own and found only regular bolts. I am still on hold with DPS, and i take my phone from my ear and ask the first employee I see whether they carry hanger bolts. "what are those?" he asks. oh no. I think, the internet lied to me and these magical bolts don't even exist! "well, they are supposed to be like a wood screw on one end and a machine screw on the other?" "you've lost me. what are you talking about?" at this moment, SOMEONE AT DPS ANSWERS THE PHONE! it's a miracle. "Oh, I'm sorry, I have to take this, I'll try to find you again in a minute," I say, very kindly, and joyfully, because DPS answering the phone is kind of like Christmas morning, you know? This man does not share in my joy. In fact, he *yells at me.* Yes, he yells, "well, I guess I'll just have to WAIT until YOU get off the PHONE." I am somewhat stunned by this. "Um... sorry? I've been on hold with DPS." Other customers are staring at the man. Another employee witnesses the exchange, but does not seemed surprised. I guess Bob (we'll call him, I'd rather not ID the man, perhaps he was just having a bad day. though he could just be a terrible person. I'll never know. cause I won't be going back there.) just gets in these moods sometimes... Anyhow, a few seconds later, now terrified to ask anyone if they even KNOW what a hanger bolt is, I run into the employee who witnessed this little temper tantrum, and ask, timidly, "um... do you know where I can find a hanger bolt?" He didn't, but he did help me look for them, and he didn't yell at me, so at this point he is the best thing about southland hardware. (It also didn't hurt that he was really cute. Hey buddy, that extra star is for you ;)) We find them, exactly as I described, by the way, and I make my purchase. By the way, note the price of your items before you go to the register, they don't have a catalogue at the counter, and I've been sent back to retrieve the price, which I thought was strange, kind of like the honor system. Like I said, I won't be back. Home Depot and Lowes have all the same things and then some, they are open later, and no one has ever yelled at me in a Home Depot, even when I actually *didn't* know what I was talking about. I think even once I got a hug... seriously. Normally, I'd like to support local businesses, but this is one instance where I'll be returning to the chain store. :( read more

I really want to love this place. It's local, I've been going for 20+ years and was always happy to pay more to support a store like this rather than going to Home Depot. But the staff there has just gone to hell. I came in a few weeks ago looking for staples for my electric staple gun and was spoken down to by a fellow who seriously seemed to think I couldn't read. Okay, whatever, sexism in a hardware store isn't going to surprise anyone. But a few days after that I was helped by a woman who was friendly and exceptionally eager to help, and asked me about the dress I was wearing and where I got it. She said she had a question to ask me and "could we keep in touch". I assumed as it was business hours, she felt it was inappropriate to be talking about clothes and was pleased to see some degree of professionalism. Nope. About a week later, this woman texts me with "a very cool tool to possibly increase my business sales". This is so unprofessional, so not okay, so... wildly inappropriate, that I am simply done with Southland Hardware. It's really a shame that such an institution has reached such lows. I wonder how many customers this woman has pulled this on. read more

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Love that there's still a real hardware store right here around the corner. Reminds me of the shops I went into with granddad back in the day. read more

I LOVE Southland. Really love it, and am so grateful it's near my home. That said, I have also, over the years, encountered employees who seemed pretty unhappy to have to deal with me, and one who literally cursed at me for asking for something. And I wasn't being difficult or asking for anything weird. But I was/am a woman, and I can't help but think that can be a factor. On the other hand,I think the management has made an effort to improve employee/customer relations, and most people are very helpful. But even if they aren't, this is still the best place to go. Far and away better than Home Depot, etc. in terms of selection and hard-to-find items and knowledgeable staff. And I always enjoy the ladies at the registers. read more

+ close by + they got more than you think - customer service (rather rude, and you do the searching) - all (!) bags of grass seed were not to be sold/used anymore, read label carefully read more

If you need help with a project, advice on what kind of anchors won't rip huge holes in your rented walls, or some hard-to-find nut, bolt, or other small bit of useful metal, Southland Hardware just might be the place to find it. This hardware store sells a bit of everything but the kitchen sink (though they probably have the parts to repair it). They also mix paint and copy keys reliably. They also sell nails by the pound, which once led a friend to ask me, "Which would be heavier, a pound of nails, or a pound of apples?" I kid you not. Let me know if you figure out the answer. read more

Unfortunately I have to write a negative review. I was excited about the prospect of going to this local store rather than trek out to home depot. The teenagers manning the tills both had sour faces, but did point me in the right direction. I needed several things though, and there's no chance of knowing where anything is without asking. I asked this older gentlemen but he was not at all friendly and didn't take the time to listen to what I was saying. He also inferred I was an idiot for doing what I was doing. I won't tolerate this terrible customer service and so I had to leave. read more

This store took me back to my childhood. Old fashioned store and service. I checked many unexpected things off my list that I had planned to buy at The Container Store or Bed, Bath & Beyond. The prices were comparable or cheaper. This should be your first stop shop. read more

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This is a solid 4+ review. The closest large hardware store is about a 15-20min drive away, so the proximity (Montrose) is the major win. They advertise that it nearly has everything, and that is pretty much the truth. One time, I went in for new keys, an electric turkey carver, and some drywall anchors, and I found everything. The key is to ask for help. Always ask for help, because the employees know where all the random items are stashed. But alas, it has its limitations. There is only so much you can find here before you have to make a trip to Home Depot. Also, while competitive, the prices are a bit higher than you would find at a larger store. Overall though, good selection, friendly staff, unique store. read more

Nostalgia factor: infinity This place is so fun and goofy, I love just browsing the aisles. They have all sorts of trinkets, tools, decorations, supplies....I haven't been here before and NOT founded what I needed! The check-out staff can be a bit gruff, more on that later. The floor staff are generally helpful and knowledgable. On a recent trip, I was looking for a 12x36" air filter because Home Depot and Lowes didn't carry any type of filter in that size. Southland had 3 different price points: what I call the cheap-o fiberglass filter (for those of you blessed to not have allergies) and two different allergen-rated 3M filters in my desired size; score one for "shopping local"! Onto the checkout experience: if you have all your stuff ready and you're ready to pay, and have no, "dumb" questions, likely no issues here for you. If you're a bumbling man-child, they may raise an eyebrow or scoff, but this has only happened once to me :), but I still have to ding one star for them being so gruff here. By the way, this is a "Do It Best" affiliate, so you can buy something online and have it shipped here, if that's important to you. Overall, I love this place, and it reminds me of a different era of hardware stores. read more

I love, love this place! Sure, the outside is not as fancy and pretty as your major hardware stores, but this place really has everything! Reasonability priced, excellent location, but the best thing about this store is the amazing people who work there! Eager to help, extremely knowledgeable in everything they have. Definitely give this place a chance! I am sure you will love it! read more

This is a real, genuine, old-school hardware store. It's a relic. It will likely disappear within my lifetime (not sure if that's pessimism or optimism). It's real people that have an independent business. It's not Home Depot or some other mega-lo-mart. It's a hardware store crammed full of stuff (very dense, packed by hand instead of forklift)... and full of stuff that old homes need (good luck finding weird little parts at the mega-lo-mart) like I did a week ago. It's not cheap. Not everything is higher-priced than the mega-lo-mart... but some things are. On average, it's more expensive. However, it's convenient and they seem to know their products. Unlike the kid working at WallyWorld/etc for minimum wage, these people are actually helpful and reasonably friendly. I like that one reviewer said that they made her feel like an idiot (hey, we all have those moments)... and good on 'em for not being sycophantic turds and having the gumption to call her/us on it. If you live near Southland Hardware, you should consider supporting them because, well, they're far more likely to have that "weird little item" that your Craftsman bungalow needs. Well, until they go out of business. Better yet, if you only need two washers instead of a plastic pack of 25, they'll sell you two washers. That oughta be worth something... read more

This is my all-time favorite hardware store. When you walk into the store you feel as if you have walked into a "tardis". Ha The gentleman (Jerry) who helped me was patience and knowledgeable. I even bought me a cool buck pocket knife to wear on my belt when I want to feel macho. Thanks Jerry, it was nice to meet you. Take care of that thumb! read more

Have you ever seen that movie Pleasantville and thought, what a great time to live in...Simplicity, pleasantness, real customer service? Southland Hardware has all of that and more! I am a huge supporter of local businesses and always pick places like Southland over the huge conglomerates if possible! Walking into this Houston landmark is just that...it is tiny and kind of crowded and little warm, but you will find what you need, and if you can't spot it, someone will help you spot it! I even had a 30 minute paint consult with a very helpful employee! I have gone here for everything from paint and drain plugs to toilet parts and window alarms. The prices are a little higher, but again you are helping a local business stay afloat! After all, it's been around for over 75 years! That has to say something! read more

The senior citizens that run the counter are pretty disgruntled. A fresh smile would liven up the place and make customers feel more likely to return for their next project. And potentially help grow the business stronger. But they'll probably keep it up and make people feel uncomfortable. I've even attempted to liven up the lady at the register and just got a treatment as hurry up and get out. read more

I've gotten strange stares from the staff- but it's an independent business trying to survive in a land of bigger businesses, so I can understand them just trying to make sure nobody is stealing or whatever... I've mostly just bought screws or picture-hanging supplies there, but they seem to have a pretty good array of things contrary to how small it looks from the outside. read more

They have a little bit of everything and were helpful in telling me where I could try for a specialized part they didn't carry. They carry "two old goats" lotion my mother loves too! read more

Southland Hardware - Cable to exhaust flex. They have a little bit of everything. - Hardware Stores Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I usually do not get so enthusiastic about retail stores, but... THIS STORE IS AMAZING! Who knew that this unassuming neighborhood hardware store could be so great?? It doesn't look like much from the outside, but somehow they carry everything you'd ever need. They even stock lumber, plywood, piping, etc. and will cut it down for you for next to nothing! Best of all, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Each department has someone who is an expert in that area and is ready to help. These guys really know their stuff and it shows! For my last DIY project, I just went in to buy some wood, and Melvin ended up designing, measuring, and cutting the wood, on the spot! Where else can you get service like that?? This store is the best! Support your local hardware store and you will be writing their next 5-star review! read more

This store was recommended by a friend and I found that the person who was helping me was very friendly and helpful. It turns out that they didn't carry the screw I was looking for but she gave me a couple of other places to try. The only problem was her recomendaton was another Do It Right store and they had the same stock as Southland but not nearly as friendly. read more

I love hardware stores, which sad to report are an endangered species this is a good one & with Buffalo Hardware's passing, my go to place even before I think I favored this one, which is not as pricey as Bering's & which has a surprisingly vast stock, though not in Buffalo's league for kitchenware, but better for gardening folks there are very helpful & true to its Montrose roots, it does not lack for funk be careful entering the back parking lot which has some series pot holes read more

This store is conveniently located if you live in central Houston and it does carry most things you'd expect a hardware store to carry. So it can save you a trip to a big box store. But the other reviewers are absolutely right: the staff at this place is rude and ugly to people. I've personally seen them be so nasty to other human beings that I felt like I left there with PTSD. Just know this about them before you go there and brace yourself; it seems to be the company's culture. read more

I've been going here for years, and it's a Really great, local hardware store. They have everything you could ever need, and the staff is VERY helpful (don't listen to the other reviews, the staff is very nice also). The prices are very reasonable, and it's a much more pleasant experience then going to Home Depot or something. Highly recommend. read more

Today will be my last day shopping at Southland Hardware. The staff is so rude. I have been overpaying for their bs merchandise since 2014 yet I still get followed and treated as a potential thief. They are trash. I try to help small businesses and don't mind paying a little more but I'm not going to pay more to be disrespected. Suck an egg southland. Home depot from now on. read more

literally the place that has almost everything...great employees that know where everything is.....amazing

This review is solely regarding the knife sharpening service that Southland offers through a third party company (Greater Houston Sharpening?). I dropped off a set of six serrated knives to be sharpened, but when they were returned, the knives were no sharper and just as ineffective as before I took them. To the company's credit, they offered to do a "redo" at no charge, but this time the knives were actually less effective on account of the company actually grinding the serrations nearly off. The result was like trying to cut a bell pepper with a wooden spoon. While serrated blade sharpening is listed as a service on the flyer the company distributes and actually costs more, you should avoid trusting this company with your serrated knives. read more