Over a decade I've lived and worked in this neighborhood and happily supported this store since it was the only hardware store downtown. All I wanted to do today was mind my own business and buy some spay adhesive for a work project, but Ryan the manger, and the dismissive girls at the register, decided I couldn't do that without facing a little discrimination first. Suddenly I'm a thief who cant be trusted to walk through the store with her own bag and I'm instructed to leave it on the floor infront of their wide open doors if I want to shop. The manager claims this is a policy that they've had since they've opened but I've never heard of it and its never been enforced with me, or anyone I know, before. The manager offers me no real explanation and cuts me off to rudely and dismissively tells me to "buy my things and have a nice day" end of discussion. This "policy" really sounds like the type to only be enforce at their discretion as in based on their opinion of you when you walk though the door. If you're going to have a policy you need to enforce it equally and constantly. If you only enforce it for certain people at certain times that's called discrimination. I used to think of the people at this store as fair and kind but they proved me wrong today.

I Love ace hardware very friendly staff they do need a ace hardware in El cajon remember the song you have to have a ace in the whole well trust me we need a ace hardware in El cajon I know there's home Depot Walmart but ace hardware isn't home Depot yes it's a hardware store like home Depot but they are not the same home Depot don't have some of the things ace hardware has and ace hardware don't have some of the things home Depot has I'm sure ace hardware can get what you want and you don't see people standing outside of ace hardware trying to find work why cause that's home Depot not ace hardware why do people go to home Depot standing outside trying to get work cause they can't handle a real job they just want something for the day not tomorrow if they wanted a full time job they'd go apply for a job I'm just saying you don't see that at ace hardware they would go outside and say you need to get away from the property home Depot they don't care about customers home Depot has people to help people do stuff

I came in to try and find a relatively obscure measurement tool for musical instruments. They didn't have that (not surprising), but Brian chatted me through other options that might work given the use case and where I might be able to find those locally in the event that Ace didn't have something similar I could use. I ended up getting a couple other things and heading home. I'm in the crosswalk about a block away and Brian comes running, literally, up to me with a tool he and his teammate found that would work for the job. We walked back to the store while he caught his breath and I purchased it immediately. Works exactly as I needed it to for the job at hand. Honestly, they have a super impressive customer service mindset at this place. The kind of interaction that makes you realize how bad everywhere else is because they actually care and want to help. If you're downtown and need anything, go here, they won't let you down.

The employees are very helpful, they will stay with you until you get all the help you need, if you asked a location for some item, they will walk with you and make sure it's what you are looking for. It is conveniently located at the gaslamp district down town San Diego, but parking in that area is a hassle, they have wide variety of hardware items, tools, many on sale items, and if you subscribe to their website and download their app, you will get coupons on regular bases,roughly for a 15% to 20% of your last purchase .and if you are looking for something not available at the store, they will check their computer and will order it for you, to be picked up at the store. Or delivered to your location at no extra charge, usually you will receive it, 48 hours later. Their prices a bit higher than Lowe's or Home Depot. But the service and the convenience is worth it, especially if you live downtown, and you can walk there.

I weirdly love going to Ace. I'm not handy and I'm not a DIY kinda person, but Ace can help you out with whatever chore it is you need to do or whatever project you've got going on. The people who work there are like customer service ninjas. They greet you at the door, find out just what you need and tell you just where to go. Then when you get to that aisle, BOOM, there's someone waiting for you there to tell you which is the best product at the best price! You can get your soda stream CO2 refilled there, you can get that random little tool you need to fix that stupid thing in your house that's been broken forever, AND you can bring your dog. This location also has free 30 minute parking right out front (not that you'd even need 30 minutes). One million stars.

Incredibly customer-friendly store. I've always been greeted/ met by helpful, knowledgeable reps upon entry. Sales offers and coupons add great value too. HIGHLY recommend ! NOV 2023 UPDATE: ACE downtown again saved me...this time to get me a new Honda key. I had such incredible luck that on staff here is an expert in auto keys--BRIAN. His knowledge, experience and competence in programming me a fully functional duplicate at great cost savings over the dealership was greatly appreciated. Incredible how he ordered my blank Monday...and when it arrived Wednesday he almost immediately completed programming it to my car outside on 6th so I wouldn't have to return. ACE/ BRIAN the best!! ✔️ And the reason I m loyal here over the home Depot and Lowe's chains

Been going there for nearly 4 years and many of these reviews touch on what's great. #1 - When you do walk in, multiple people will ask you if you need help. Originally it freaked me out, but with that parking meter ticking away you'll appreciate the fact you are in and out in 5 mins with all the things you need. #2. For the most part they know what they are talking about. In my experience if they don't know they will also tell you so at least you are not getting the wrong information. #3. Parking is a pain, especially on weekends. If you live in downtown and need to take your car, it may be worth a drive elsewhere versus hiking a couple blocks with a kitchen garbage can or other bulky item.

I get all my "hardware" online now. I live in the Gaslamp area and use my electric skateboard to get pretty much everywhere. Considering that my skateboard costs almost two grand, I always bring it with me into the store. This place is the ONLY store in San Diego that has ever given me gruff about it. They have some kind of sign outside that says you can't bring "bikes or scooters" in because of "covid". My electric board isn't nearly as large as a bike or a scooter. The owner/management must have some kind of grudge against people who like alternative modes of transportation. Needless to say, I don't shop here anymore.

I want to work here for sure! There isn't a staff person whose ever to busy to not help. The owner Harry, told me I put a smile on his face but truly he puts a smile on everyone's face. He's the greatest and knowledgeable man. Oh ladies you got a handy dandy home fix it problem, all those guys know their stuff. It's not only a place where you get solutions, you don't feel like you're being hustled because you don't know. All too often I'm skeptical I'll be ripped off but here they give me coupons and compliments. Where else can you find that...plus lots of men! ‍♀️

The downtown Ace Hardware doesn't open until 9:00 AM. NINE! And they close at 8:00 PM. That's three whole hours later and one hour earlier than the Big Box hardware store that's just a few miles away. BUT... it's within walking distance of my business, they have just about everything I've needed, they have subject matter experts who greet you as you enter and escort you to where the item you need is located, and are able to expertly discuss every aspect of installation, application or renovation of that item to your project. Plus they're just so darned nice! Five earned stars.

When I first moved to Cole Valley my landlord told me that Cole Hardware was the place to go for EVERYTHING. She couldn't of been more right! To the late night emergency plumbing emergencies and the last minute things that you need, they have it! How they cram so much stuff in such a small store...I don't know but they do! :D I especially love how attentive they are. You need something...ask. I swear they have to be quizzed because every employee knows where everything is! Can't help but love how kind they are too! Especially Amber She always puts a smile on your face.

The staff is really helpful and friendly. I bought a tool at Walmart and I couldn't figure out how to use it and I went to Ace and the sales person took the time to show me how to use it. I was ready to buy another one at Ace but since the associate was so kind and helpful i saved some money. The guy at Walmart was a jerk that sold it to me but Ace took the time to explain the process of operation. They have the BEST customer service at the Ace downtown. I work retail and I know how patience runs thin sometimes especially right before closing.

Elder lady at this ace is very rude and unfriendly, refuse to answer any questions or wait on me because she said she was with contract customer and it would take her 10 minutes and I was the only other person in line with 1 item, if she can answer phone and questions for phone customer, why couldn't she just ring up 1 item, if she's that rude she should not be working customer service I'm very afended by her action, my company ars by lot's of merchandise when needed in a hurry or in area but Never again and I will tell my company also!

In the Gaslamp area, San Diego, on 6th Avenue. Staff and managers are very willing to help you find things, as the store is packed from the floor to nearly the ceiling. The selection and variety of tools, hardware, and painting supplies they can order most specialty items for you. The cleanliness of this store is outstanding, and your best friend can have a refreshing drink, woof... Prices are reasonable, and as Best Business practices are expected, pan handling is not tolerated. Thanx Ace.

On a particularly busy Saturday I was replacing a timing belt and made upwards of 5 different stops to the store. A worker named Bryan was so motivated, knowledgeable and helpful during this experience that I was able to do this challenging job by myself. On multiple occasions I needed to get a different tool to reach something, extract a worn out bolt, or just needed advice on how to complete something and he was on point with the whole experience.

I can't say enough about this store and their staff they out do themselves everytime that I've been there. Their prices are higher than your box stores but their knowledge, competence and their let's help attitude supercedes the prices. I go there knowing value in customer service and how to do the job correctly. Don't monkey with a wrench or go bananas with those box stores if you need the right tools for the job well these guys are KING KONG!!!!

One visit to this Ace store will remind you of how hardware stores used to be and what is wrong with Home Depot. When you walk in, you are greeted by an associate, who directs you to the aisle with the item you need. You will be asked by another associate if you need help. In my experience, these have been retired general contractors who are able to give expert advice. Compare that to your last Home Depot visit! I love my local Ace hardware!

I have a neighbor living across the hall from me who is always doing cockroach sorcery on my apartment. I came here to get more of their Combat cockroach killing gel because this neighbor started hexing my apartment once again. The Ace Hardware team greeted me and helped me find what I was looking for by taking me to a large assortment of cockroach killer products and took the time to help me find methods that really do work.

I needed to get specific Benjamin Moore paint and my options in San Diego were Ace Hardwares only. I have a house in North Park and this is the closest Ace Hardware which carries Benjamin Moore paint. Both Billy and Steve were so helpful in getting me all the paint colors I needed and so nice and patient. I am grateful this Ace Hardware is relatively close and it's super handy for residents downtown.

We love this downtown Ace! They staff has consistently been outstanding. For being a smaller hardware store (compared to something like Home Depot) it’s always a fun surprise to find exactly what we need. From fridge water filters, keys, custom paint, small appliances, lights bulbs - Ace has always come through for us. We now drive out of our way to come down because we love this store so much

Ace Hardware sets the bar so high that Lowe’s and Home Depot can’t even come close to the level of service Ace team members provide. You walk in and immediately are greeted with urgency to help you find exactly what you need instead of other hardware stores that point and let you go waste time. Ace does a superior job helping you get exactly what you need in a timely manner. Thank you!!!

This place outshines virtually ALL stores of it's kind. Fully staffed with extremely friendly and helpful personnel, there is never a wait for either help and advice or checking out. As an additional benefit, they have free hot coffee for customers. One of the few places I know that actually lives up to it's advertising jingle, "Ace© is the place ... with the helpful hardware peeps."

Went to the store to pick up some items that I needed to finish some home projects. Was made to feel like I was inconvenience to their day was rushed and when it was all over I had forgotten a couple of items it was really needed. To finish the project that I was working on I feel this the store needs to check their online times so customers will not be inconvenienc ed.

These guys are the best! I'm painting my office which is no small task and have been to Ace almost every day for the past week. They have been incredibly helpful at every stage of this process. All their recommendations for supplies and paint type have been spot on and I'm pretty sure they only hire the nicest people on the planet to work there! Thanks for all the help!

ACE is the best. I wish every store was like them. The customer service is phenomenal. They address you immediately at the door to see what it is you need and then they make sure someone is in your aisle to assist you from there. They're always super helpful, but never pushy. And, super dog friendly. I'd rate this place a million stars if I could.

The employees at this Downtown Ace are the most helpful people in the world. I come to this Ace to shop multiple times per week, and whether it is locating a product or advice on how to accomplish something, I always get what I need when I come here. Can't say enough great things about this store or the people who work here. Thank you so much!

We went in 5 minutes before closing and the employees were so welcoming. Brian helped us figure out our car key trouble with a quick and easy solution. As an Ace Manager myself and being on vacation, I knew I could count on Ace! Brian is they type of employee that holds all the values this company looks for and I was glad to be helped by him.

I didn't even know this location existed until I ordered paint online through Benjamin Moore's website. I had a couple of supply issues through the manufacturer's website, but Derek at this Ace Hardware was truly an Ace! He called BM and another Ace Hardware store to get what I needed right away. Thank you Derek for the fantastic service!

Not a big store, but they can get whatever the chain is carrying. Small wide selection of what you need for home maintenance mostly. Staff is very professional, courteous and friendly. I think they have curbside pickup, but they will help you out to your car with your purchase if you're parked out front. On street parking. No parking lot.

Ace is meant to be a place that helps you solve your ordinary problems with extraordinary service. This Ace... Goes above and beyond. Friendly staff. Awesome owner. They treat my family like their own and for that - they earn more stars and more loyalty than such a simple review warrants. Thank you to everyone at Downtown town Ace!

I love this location. The guy upfront is always so sweet. The prices are quite fair as well! I would expect the downtown location to be upcharged, but a lot of the gardening stuff is cheaper than Amazon. Even if it were more pricey, I would come back for the great service. I actually signed up for the rewards card lol.

Have to give 5 stars because they had rechargable AA & AAA batteries. Also they had candy for cheap boyyy. lol. It was the Original Carmel candy they had to top it off though. Even has an area for people to sit and work on a laptop if you want to just fyi. Find it to the right when you walk into the store.

This is hands-down the best store experience I have ever had. The first time I went in, there was an insanely helpful manager in the back who already knew exactly what I needed and guided me straight to it. The next time I was there, Louis helped me find exactly what I was looking for right away.

I live Downtown San Diego and this is our go to place! Excellent customer service! We’ve been going in there since they opened and we are in there at least once every 2 weeks. I love it because I walk in and there’s someone there to help and direct you as to where the items you’re look for are.

The downtown San Diego Ace hardware I don't deserve bigger than one down Hillcrest ticket to go to the basement to look at the product. I'm going to keep going to the one downtown. I got a new heavy duty shopping cart for my laundry and my shopping even offer assembly for you and charge $10.00

After several poor experiences at other Ace locations, I returned to Ace as a last resort. However, after two trips I've been impressed with both the staff knowledge and availability of products I needed. After telling him my project, Derek was helpful in finding the right tools for the job.

Wont honor $5 off $15 token unless in person order, no phone order for $54 propane tank. Huge parts inventory, more than most ace stores. Crazy prices 0.08 cents on ebay is $1.40 here. Extensive standard and metric fasteners. Associates are helpful but sometimes ask too many times.

Clean, friendly, store and staff. Great selections possible from the expansive varieties on hand. Specialty items are ordered by request. Love the fact that, "got an extra dollar, is not occurring, here? Dogs are welcome, bad owners, well--Food, water, toys, all available too

Love this place, doggy dish with water in front. Secure, safe, clean, always helpful, asking as one enters "Hekko - can I help you find anything?" Large inventory, including will order products outside of the physical inventory.. Prices are fair, but the courteous staff AOKAY

The service at Downtown Ace Hardware is always phenomenal. In addition to the awesome service, this location has a great selection of everyday and more hardware oriented products. As a downtown resident, I am stoked that the staff and the store are part of our neighborhood!

I live down town so i was pleasantly surprised to find a hardware store just as a blok from my home. Anything I needed was there however the one down side I can say is that I thought they were overly priced but that's the price I pay for being downtown. Lol. Still 5 stars.

Amazing staff. Brian helped me find EXACTLY what I needed and reassured me about the solution! My new sofa slipped on our floor and my husband and I almost spent hundreds on a carpet and instead Brian helped me find furniture grippers for $20. Thanks, Ace!!

I have been meaning to post a review for a while. This Ace is the best. They are so welcoming and helpful when you go there. I enjoy how knowledgeable, thoughtful, and enthusiastic they are here. Thanks for making it a pleasurable shopping experience.

Your one stop shop for the tools ya need with the other guys tools too. Be sure to check out the same sales for each of these items that you are looking for. You'll find a way to leave the type of review that I have as well as my current one. …

This is the place for downtown condo folks to get their home repair kit on without getting in a car. It's an urban location, but pretty spacious even so. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You pay for the location but it's the only place to go.

I hate going to this store. (Sometimes I have to. For convenience)they ALWAYS follow me around and act like in going to steal something. Also it is EXSPENSIVE!!! I guess because it's downtown. Whatever. I hate this place but if I must then fine.

Brian provided great advice during a phone inquiry about painting tile. He shared information he learned during a recent course. Kudos to Ace Hardware for empowering and educating staff and to Brian for terrific customer service!

Great service and friendly people there. I highly recommend talking with anyone there although Brian is my go-to guy there. He's awesome and has a running knowledge of all my projects so his insight is invaluable. Great job Ace!

Ace Hardware downtown has a really friendly and helpful staff that is eager to assist in locating products within the store. Ace tends to be a little more expensive than larger hardware stores, but the experience is way nicer.

Super friendly and knowledgeable team. They have an amazing variety of products that usually saves me from having to face the big box hardware stores. It makes me feel good to support smaller local business es as well.

To Access an Ace Oracle: Walk to the center of the store. Loudly ask your DIY question. Receive answer from the heavens with corresponding aisle. If ye be blessed a quest master shall appear. Freaking love this place.

Superbly helpful. The manager personally assisted me with a battery change that in another situation, required me a purchase a 1 time use tool. He saved me time and money. The staff is Abundant and friendly as well.

Not only is this store in a great location, the staff are also friendly and helpful. If they don’t have an item in stock, they’ll bring it from the Hillcrest store. They also love dogs and they always have treats!

Billy - "The Paint Guru" is extremely helpful when I go in to buy paint (which is a lot). His knowledge and understanding of paint and colors is great and I appreciate his help every time I visit! Thanks Billy!

This place is great. They had a big selection of screws, bolts and nuts, and for each thing they offered, they had a huge variety. Take for example the super glue section. See my photos for the vast selection.

Great customer service. Helpful and informative. Why not 5 starz is due to the fact that they wrre borderline stalking me I guesa cause of there theft problem. But once I asked a question the stalking ceased

Friendly, helpful and a huge selection for a store in the middle of the city. You NEVER have to worry about finding something or getting help. THIS ACE is truly the place with the helpful hardware folks.

Well stocked, organized and clean. A cashier, who I didn'trecognize, was not able to direct me to the correct item and tried to sell me something I didn't need. Perhaps she was new. Return went smoothly.

Helpful people. Unfortunately, due to store size constraints, they can't carry everything but their selection is well thought out. Downtown wouldn't be the same without them. My first stop every time.

They have everything in the world you might, and more. Customer service is kindly helpful. It's not just hardware; they have fun gifts, household appliances, and so many choices of quality brands.

Great place to do all my shopping for projects that I need to do around the house and yard. I'm currently working on a couple of projects and Ace has everything I need to accomplish those things.

I love going into this.i grew up in ace hardware store.even work in one. My a tom boy at heart,love to get my hands dirty.akwaysabke to find what I'm looking for always. Employees are awesome too

Staff is surface level helpful. Small store and small inventory. Ok place for a quick need but didn’t really get the help I would have at Home Depot to help work through solutions to my problem.

Great store! Knowledgeable staff, this is always my go to hardware store when I am San Diego. Brian with an "i" provides exceptional customer service. Thanks Ace Hardware for always being there!

Great service, super friendly staff and quality products! I love the small town feel and customer care from every employee I interacted with- this is my new go-to for all of my hardware needs.

It was my first time visiting this Ace and it’s located conveniently downtown walking distance if you live nearby. Parking isn’t great so just a heads up. But the customer service was great.

Great customer service. I came early in the A/M. Manager guided me through my whole search of certain items and also have me suitable replacements if they saw a better item or lacked one.

Having this store right down the street is super handy. The staff are always helpful and super knowledgeable if you ever need them. Otherwise, they have good stock and great staff!!

Such a nice group of people, they take care of you from the minute you walk in the door. I was picking up an online order and they took good care of me plus there was great parking!

The cashier was very helpful. Excellent customer service by gentleman and lady cashier. Even though they didn't have what I wanted I still bought something off clearance rack. ;)

Received some great customer service from Peter today. He is very knowledgeable about products I had questions on. Learned some things from him today that will last a lifetime.

First time here today. Not bad. Helpful, friendly staff, but like other Ace stores, it's as much gift shop as hardware store. For downtown though, it's better than nothing.

Very helpful, pleasant staff. Greeted with a smile at the door, offed help when looking at the stuff I needed. Will replace the deliveries from H*** D**** with trips here.

Great location, awesome staff. Held the door open just past closing and helped keep get some last minute hardware I needed for a project. I'll definitely be coming back.

Always friendly, Always more than helpful, I mostly go there for whatever I need, but I always get more than I went there for ‼️ Great place for impulse shopping ‼️

Order online and do a quick rush into the store. Ace Hardware has a great selection of tools for the avid gardener and for those weekend projects around the house.

This is a great hardware store. The variety of products is amazing. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The use of space for a small store is very creative.

Excellent customer service, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Has a great range and accommodates all budgets (particularly for an inner city store).

This place is great. Need help assembling something and getting the right screws, they are your people. Staff is attentive and nice. If it weren't for parking...

The owner and staff are very friendly and helpful in finding everything I needed. The store inventoried a lot of the items I was looking for. Thanks ACE…..

Best service of any hardware store ever. My absolute favorite "store" in all of gaslamp. Wish I could just buy everything here. The staff is so helpful!

Needed a wrench for Ikea stuff Darien, I believe was so helpful, gave us a little tour too. Great service with everything you need for your home. …

I love this place! This entire staff is very helpful, they know exactly what I need and how to do it. I highly recommend it for all your projects

Always happy with customer service. They are always waiting to help you when you walk in the door and they take you straight to what you need.

I love all the dogs that get their pics taken for the poster boards! Staff is always waiting in front to greet me and do my shopping for me.

I go here a lot for company purchases, The staff are always so helpful, especially the Manager Brian ! Recommended for all your needs

Stopped in to pick up a few things Being from out of town it was convenient and the people working there were nice and very helpful

Always super helpful. Every employee is very knowledgeable and helps you find what you need quickly and easily. Great store.

The staff was very helpful in helping me find what I needed I was in and out of their very quickly I couldn't be happier.

Great customer service. Employees blew my mind with resourcefulness and ingenuity without an awkward moment for me.

Very helpful and informative, came here with problems and they found solutions. Come here if you live in downtown

Best hardware store in town! All the employees are awesome, knowledgeable and genuinely happy to help!

Excellent hardware store.. very good/helpful customer service.. but wished they stayed opened til 10pm

Had all supplies I needed for travel boxes. Funny items in aisle 26. Hope you win

A nice place with the Downtown area with helpful and friendly customer service!

Derek was unhelpful and rude. I recommend asking someone else for help

No selection. They tried to charge me $40 for 80 1 1/2" screws

Great customer service by Chris. Excellent hardware choices.

Great store and the staff is always friendly and helpful

Love ace hardware they need a ace hardware in El cajon