Rathbone Ace Hardware

This may be my favorite hardware store. I lived in the apartments just behind the building for years and it was great to just mosey across the street and get whatever handyman stuff I needed for a great price, but that’s not what makes this place unique and great.
First, it’s not only a traditional mom-​and-​pop hardware store, it’s also a thrift-​store/​flea market for home related stuff. They’ve got plenty of dishes, nick-​knacks, yard art and even some used tools and sports equipment at unbeatable prices, so if you’re willing to dig there’s quite a bit of gold to be found. Even some small furniture. If you bring your kids with you there’s a significant collection of $ 1 used toys. I got a multi-​tool with a little rust on it (easily brushed off) for $ 2.49 and a bike tire repair kit for $ 3, those easily cost $ 20+ new a piece. Score!
But the real reason to go here is the service. If you have to go to bLowe’s or Home Repot, it’s easy to spend a lot of time wandering around just trying to find the right section, let alone the right widget for your project. But at Rathbone it is extremely rare to not be greeted by a warm, competent, helpful staff person who can help you troubleshoot your effort and patiently help you find exactly what you need. The service of the old school of hardware stores like this one is an increasing rarity. These guys are keeping that way of doing the business alive and they’re doing an outstanding job of it. Do yourself and Commercial Street a favor and just stop by this place before you hit the big box store for your next project, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
(Or at least call them, they are a smaller outfit and they don’t have building materials, but you’d be surprised what they fit in that little storefront!)