From broken heels to wheels that have seen better days, our possessions need extra attention now and then. Check out fifteen shops where you can treat yourself — and your car, lenses, pant hems, leather, and more — to some much-needed TLC.
Boots not walkin’ so much? Felix Santos picks up your tired soles and delivers them like new two days later, saving you a barefoot trek across town.
For in-person pickup or delivery, call 415-424-6654.
Broke a heel between meetings? Don’t sweat it. Jack’s Shoe Repair in the heart of the Financial District repairs your pump during your lunch break — meaning no one will notice by the time you’re back at your desk.
Jack’s Shoe Repair, 53 Sutter Street, between Sansome and Montgomery Streets (415-392-7336).
Get pedals fixed by one of the three knowledgeable owners. Plus, there’s free commuter help for easy fixes at the revamped newsstand outside the shop. Score.
Huckleberry Bicycles, 1073 Market Street, at 7th Street (415-484-6575 or huckleberrybicycles.com).
This is the mullet of bike repair (cafe in the front, shop in the back). Get your wheels, from fancy roadster to beat-up Schwinn, back in gear in no time. Or grab a snack while they fix your flat.
Mojo Bicycle Cafe, 639a Divisadero Street, at Grove Street (415-440-2370 or mojobicyclecafe.com).
The not-for-profit cooperative’s staff of volunteer mechanics offers DIY bike repair, providing all the tools and parts you need to hook up your new ride.
The Bike Kitchen, 650h Florida Street, between 18th and 19th Streets (415-647-2453 or bikekitchen.org).
Teeny Doris, dubbed the alterations expert, used to work in Hong Kong’s Garment District, so she can take apart and put back together pretty much anything. Plus, she can fix your frocks lickety-split.
Doris at Central Cleaners, 1101 Guerrero Street, at 23rd Street (415-824-7300).
City living is tough without a car, but it can be even tougher with one. Make it a walk (or drive) in the park with DriverSide’s personalized maintenance reminders, repair calculators, and how-to videos.
Available at driverside.com.
Venture 22 steps underground to this Union Square spot, where you can peruse an impressive selection of discounted frames while waiting for eyeglass repairs. Walk out seeing clearly, thanks to a complimentary lens cleaning.
Optical Underground, 280 Sutter Street, at Grant Avenue (415-982-5106 or opticalunderground.com).
Leather under the weather? With two in-house tailors and a pattern maker, the little shop sees to all your leather needs, from alterations and repairs to custom-made jackets and purses.
Fog City Leather, 2060 Union Street, between Webster and Buchanan Streets (415-567-1996 or fogcityleather.com).
Quit carrying on about your busted carry-on. With more than 30 years of experience, these guys fix and clean your damaged goods (wheels, handles, and frames) to have you flying high in no time.
Main Luggage Repair, 1553 Polk Street, at Sacramento Street (415-673-2286 or mainluggage.com).
Who’s afraid of a little wireless router? Set up a house call for geek-free tech support, including computer repair, home networking, or audio and video setup. Non-tech-savvy customers can opt for basic training.
Nerd Busters (888-678-6373 or nerdbusters.net).
Making a home in the Marina since 1928, the neighborhood shop specializes in cars (specifically, those that break down). The owner charges a fair price and promises fast service — with a smile, of course.
Union Street Garage, 1550 Union Street, between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street (415-673-5728 or uniongarage.com).
Perpetually running fashionably late? It’s time you visit Uncle Raymond and his nephew, William, who specialize in antique and modern watches and clocks. The family-owned business has serviced the Polk Gulch for nearly fifteen years.
Clock World, 1450 Pine Street, between Polk and Larkin Streets (415-346-0228).
Whether you have a stringed instrument that needs fixing, amps that need servicing, or a hankering to hang out with five handsome rock stars/repairmen, face the music here. For eleven years and counting, the guys have busted out 50 guitars a week, including some built by hand. Rock on.
SF Guitarworks, 323 Potrero Avenue, at 16th Street (415-865-5424 or sfguitarworks.com).
Here’s a little shop with a big heart. Owner Mike Welsh has 36 years of antique restoration and custom upholstery under his belt. By the time it leaves, you may not recognize your old chair or sofa.
Welsh Upholstery, 3612 17th Street, at Dolores Street (415-621-3639 or welshupholstery.com).
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