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San Francisco, California / Bars and nightlife

Cliff’s Variety

A historic family-run landmark in the Castro, Cliff’s Variety blends a traditional hardware store with a legacy as a gay mecca, selling everything from plumbing supplies to drag apparel.

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Cliff’s Variety
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What is Cliff’s Variety known for?

Cliff’s Variety is a landmark variety store in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood known for selling an eclectic mix of goods, including hardware, cookware, toys, and drag apparel.

What are the hours?

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 6:30pm, and Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

What does the store sell?

The store carries a wide variety of items including hardware, tools, cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, fabrics, gifts, and drag accessories such as wigs, fans, and glasses.

Does Cliff's Variety offer any services?

Yes, the store offers re-keying and lock repair services.

What is the history of the store?

Opened in 1936 in Eureka Valley, Cliff's Variety is one of the oldest family-run stores in San Francisco and became a widely recognized gay mecca starting in the 1960s.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Cliff’s Variety is one of the oldest family-run stores in San Francisco, having operated since 1936. While the business first opened in Eureka Valley, it moved to its current location at 479 Castro Street in October 1971. Over the decades, it has evolved from a standard variety store into a cultural pillar of the community. Starting in the 1960s, the store became a widely recognized gay mecca, predating the full development of the Castro neighborhood as an LGBTQ+ hub. This unique history is reflected in its eclectic inventory. Visitors can find traditional hardware, tools, and electrical supplies alongside costuming, wigs, fans, and drag accessories. Beyond its retail shelves, the store provides practical services like lock repair and re-keying. Its status as a community staple is further cemented by its philanthropic efforts, such as hosting anniversary celebrations where raffle proceeds benefit the Castro Country Club and the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. Today, the store remains a landmark variety shop that balances the practical needs of home and garden maintenance with the vibrant spirit of the district. It continues to serve as a living museum of the neighborhood's commercial and social evolution since the mid-1930s.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between 10:00am and 6:30pm Monday through Saturday, or 10:00am to 6:00pm on Sundays.
  • Browse the costuming and fabric sections to see the store's unique contribution to local drag culture.
  • Allow extra time to explore the eclectic mix of home, garden, and gift items.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Castro, Cliff's Variety is situated near the Castro Street Muni Metro Station and the Rainbow Honor Walk, making it a central point for those exploring the neighborhood's queer history.

Sources

Evidence and links