An Expert's Guide to Vintage Shopping and Thrifting In San Francisco

Scoping out the local vintage scene is a great way to experience a destination. On my adventures, I make a point of asking the shop owners for recommendations on where to eat, drink, see art and, yes, do more thrift shoppingOpens in new window.

Here is a list of my favorite vintage and thrift shops in San Francisco. Visit them all on the ultimate treasure hunt that will have you crisscrossing the City to discover all of its secrets and surprises.

If you only have one day…

Haight Street has the highest concentration of vintage clothing stores. From the Goodwill to the formidable Decades of FashionOpens in new window, located in an old bank, the street has the full spectrum of eras. My personal favorite is Relic VintageOpens in new window. Owner Oren Scott curates this jewel box of a store with the most beautiful selection of impeccable party dresses from a range of decades. There are also men’s suits, coats, beaded sweaters, and a fantastic selection of accessories, including undergarments to mold one’s shape into a 1940s pinup. Don’t forget Lower Haight, too, where you’ll find Fuzz n SwayOpens in new window and other interesting shops.

Hidden Gems

Tangerine QueenOpens in new window is a by-appointment-only space on Union Street run by the exuberant Katelyn Tighe whose bold and eclectic style sparks buckets of joy. The showroom is packed with a riot of colors, textures and sparkle. Kaitlyn is a talented stylist, and I cannot recommend enough putting yourself in her hands. She will push you out of your comfort zone and transform you into the most vivacious version of yourself. Tip: bring something that has been languishing in your closet because you don’t know how to wear it, and she will give it a whole new destiny.

Love Street VintageOpens in new window is a gorgeous mini-boutique located in the Outer Richmond. Owner Graciela Ronconi offers a beautiful selection of southwestern jewelry and other accessories, as well as apparel from a range of eras. I always find something beguiling. I picked up a metallic floral coat from the ‘60s and a pair of large ‘80s “diamond” encrusted clip-ons. On the weekends, she’ll often link up with independent vintage sellers and host sidewalk sales. Love Street Vintage is open Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Located on the edge of the Mission District, in a space that almost feels like a speakeasy, is Empress VintageOpens in new window. Plan to fall deep into this rabbit hole, which is lovingly cultivated by stylist Janina Angel Bath, who takes pride in the fact that she personally restores and maintains all of her items. The collection reaches across decades with accessories and jewelry galore. Another bonus: her prices are very reasonable. She loves to host shopping parties, so grab a group of friends and make an appointment. Check her Instagram accountOpens in new window or google for shop hours, which she updates daily.

Markets

During the pandemic, San Francisco sadly lost a few beloved brick-and-mortar vintage shops; but like phoenixes rising from the ashes, many of them have reinvented themselves into traveling roadshows that now show up regularly at a growing number of markets.

One of my favorites, Ver Unica VintageOpens in new window, run by an anchor of the Bay Area’s vintage community, Cindy Spade, is a regular at West Coast CraftOpens in new window and its spinoff, WavesOpens in new window. Cindy also has her own pop-up in Hayes Valley, which you can find out about by following her on Instagram. You can also find her and other local favorites Mercy VintageOpens in new window and LaliSimoneOpens in new window, along with the best sellers from across California, at the legendary Pickwick Vintage ShowOpens in new window, popping up at the Ferry Building every other month. Get your tickets in advance and be sure to get there a little early to beat the crowds.

While you are at the Ferry Building, pay a visit to Fog City Flea Trading PostOpens in new window, which has a lovely little curated selection of vintage featuring selections from Ver Unica Vintage and LaliSimone.

Pro tip: Wear a bodysuit or a tank top and stretch pants so that you can try on clothes on the spot and avoid lining up for the limited dressing rooms.

Greatest Hits by Neighborhood

North Beach

Grant Street is a great shopping destination in general, but don’t miss Vacation SFOpens in new window, which has two locations on the same block and is purportedly one of Gap Artistic Director Zac Posen’s favoriteOpens in new window sources for inspiration. Also located on the same block is Via Margutta VintageOpens in new window. A few blocks off Grant is the charming Missing Audrey VintageOpens in new window.

Mission District

Start at No ShopOpens in new window, followed by Afterlife CollectiveOpens in new window and finally Valencia Street VintageOpens in new window. On the weekends, Valencia Street Vintage is the hub of a lively second-hand market.

Polk Street

Stop by Cris ConsignmentOpens in new window for super high-end “future vintage” and then pop into Black-owned ReLoveOpens in new window for a mix of vintage, designer and independent labels. For Y2K vibes, head to Moody Goose VintageOpens in new window. And don’t miss STUFFOpens in new window, less than a block off Polk Street. While they mostly carry furniture and home goods, there is always a stash of vintage clothing that sometimes yields an unbelievable gem, like a vintage Ken ScottOpens in new window housedress.

Inner Richmond

Just for the food alone, Clement Street should be on everyone’s itinerary. Grab a bite at the Farmer’s MarketOpens in new window on Sundays between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and walk off the calories by shopping at The Future PastOpens in new window, Body Philosophy ClubOpens in new window and The Golden HourOpens in new window.

Kate Patterson

Kate Patterson has worked for the City and County of San Francisco for 16 years. She is currently the Director of External Affairs for the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. When she is not hunting for vintage clothes, she spends her time exploring San Francisco’s many museums, parks, and neighborhoods and attending live performances. She lives in the Inner Sunset neighborhood with her husband and daughter who are very tolerant of her closet space domination.