Ambrose Vintage
Plenty of times when a store changes ownership, it completely changes course — so it's reassuring that after a change in the middle of last year, Ambrose Vintage is much the same as it was for years under its previous moniker, Stefan's Vintage Clothing. As you might have guessed from the name(s), this store offers up a host of vintage clothing for both guys and gals, with a focus on classic tees mixed in with stylish jackets, tops, hats, patches, buttons, and other goods. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for the store's namesake, Ambrose the shopcat.
Electric Fetus
Yes, it does have a very... interesting name. But that's not the reason Electric Fetus widely known. Instead, it's gained popularity for its role as a gathering place for local music/culture enthusiasts since the late '60s. Although there's now plenty of ways to find new music without even looking up from your phone, the Fetus has maintained its following thanks to its friendly, knowledgeable staff, fantastic selection of vinyl, and frequent in-store performances. And don't worry if you're not close to the original store — they have locations in Duluth and St. Cloud as well.
Colonial Photo & Hobby
Sure, it's more convenient (and potentially cheaper) to order from Amazon or one of the myraid other online camera shops, but when it comes to service, it's hard to beat a hometown store. A store like Colonial Photo & Hobby. While it's a known quantity for residents of The City Beautiful — after all, it's been around for nearly 60 years — it's also a great resource for out-of-towners, as it not only sells but also rents high-quality cameras and lenses from the likes of Nikon, Canon, and more. Oh, and if you're looking for more than just shutterbug gear, it also offers a healthy selection of R/C planes, cars, and scale trains.
Machus
Many folks in the City of Roses were saddened by the closure of Local35 — but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the store's founder has risen with a new store named after... himself. Machus is the result, a well-curated collection of modern clothing from some of the best designers around the globe. From APS and Apolis to Ursa Major and Warriors of Radness, you're sure to leave looking better than when you arrived... assuming you wear your new duds out.
Austin Books & Comics
What makes a great comic book store? Is it the selection of new and back editions? A knowledgeable, friendly staff? A wide range of toys and other accessories? It really doesn't matter which you answered, because Austin Books & Comics has them all. Located north of downtown, this staple of the local comic scene, this surprisingly large store offers a fantastic selection of comics, graphic novels, comic-related clothes, toys, games, and more, so much so that you may find yourself spending way longer than you expected browsing their goods, and likewise a bit more money. So plan accordingly.
Denim Revival
Sure, they have an impressive selection of new and vintage jeans, shirts, jackets, boots, belts, and other accessories. But more than likely that's not the reason you'll be visiting Denim Revival. Instead, you'll be stopping by to get your existing denim repaired. The shop's repair service is legend in the area, as it specializes in a type of mend that renders the repair invisible to the naked eye, saving overly worn or otherwise ripped jeans from being relegated to yard duty. Of course, they can also do traditional alterations, so whether you've gained or lost a few pounds, you can rest assured that your favorite pairs will still fit.
The Best Made Shop
Longtime readers of Uncrate will likely recognize the name from the company's axes, belts, and other implements. The Best Made Shop gives you a chance to visit the spot where the magic happens. This Tribeca space serves as a store, headquarters, and workshop space, hosting courses on Axe Restoration, Field Medicine, and Foraged Cocktail Making. The store itself offers a wide range of products — including the company's signature axes — in an inviting, open space. The grand opening is this coming Friday, with normal store hours running Noon to 7pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
Spoonful Records
Don't let its diminutive size fool you. While small from the outside, Spoonful Records offers a surprisingly robust selection of vinyl from inside its downtown location. Used and hard-to-find pressings sit alongside newer releases, with a stand up front dedicated to staff recommendations — many of which we enjoy as well. As an added bonus for those simply looking to pass some time, the back of the store is also home to two vintage pinball machines, which are sometimes — but not always — free to play.
Lindy & Grundy
It's hard to believe that L.A. was lacking a sustainable, old-school butcher when Amelia Posada and Erika Nakamura arrived on the scene, but they quickly corrected the problem. As the owners of Lindy & Grundy, they offer up beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, all of which is raised 100% organically, and comes from within 150 miles, save for the lamb that's sourced in Northern California. All of the butchering is done on-site, and unwanted bones are used to make stock, which is sold alongside soups, chili, pate, rillettes, and even dog food — so both you and your pooch can get a treat when you go.
Kittery Trading Post
Founded in 1938 as a 360 square foot shop, it'd be a great understatement to say that the Kittery Trading Post has grown a bit in its 75 year existence. This historic store — still owned and operated by the same family — now boasts 90,000 square feet of retail space housing a dizzying array of outdoor products. Whether you're looking for guns, knives, clothing, boots, tents, rods and reels, sunglasses, smokers, grills, navigation tools, luggage, decor, skis, snowboards, or accessories for your bike, RV, ATV, or snowmobile, they've got you covered inside their suitably rustic store.
Henry the Hatter
Searching for a fine hat in Motown? You shouldn't have to. Henry the Hatter is a one-stop shop for your bald patch-covering needs. Founded in 1893 and in the same location since 1962, this legendary shop offers hats and caps from New Era, Dobbs, Stetson, Borsalino, Kangol, Biltmore, and others. Already have a hat that simply needs some TLC? They also offer a basic cleaning and blocking service, alongside a full restoration option that will see your favorite hat renovated from the brim up.
Primitive
When you're trying to find the latest skateboarding kicks, it helps to go to a store that's run by a skateboarder. Founded by famed 'boarder Paul Rodriguez, Primitive offers up a wide selection of Nike SB gear, as well as the Valley's best selection of tees, hats, jackets, shirts, and accessories from the likes of The Hundreds, Diamond, Obey, Vans, Crooks & Castles, and more. If that's not enough to entice you, keep in mind that it's worth stopping by just to check out the design of the store.
