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Skateboarding => Travel Guide => Topic started by: Utopos on May 13, 2020, 01:20:58 PM

Title: Coolest Shops
Post by: Utopos on May 13, 2020, 01:20:58 PM
Looking to do a US roadtrip, what are the best shops to hit up?
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Davethedavedave on May 13, 2020, 03:09:56 PM
play it again sports
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: GardenSkater77 on May 13, 2020, 05:14:01 PM
I assume any shop that reps ScumCo is good people:

https://scumcoandsons.com/pages/stockists
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Davethedavedave on May 13, 2020, 08:04:26 PM
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: fredgallSOTY on May 13, 2020, 10:15:15 PM
Sky High in Milwaukee is the best skate shop in the world.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Carrolls Chesthairs on May 14, 2020, 12:14:11 PM
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow
idk about all that...
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Spunkchild on May 14, 2020, 12:18:49 PM
NJ skateshop, Board of Missoula, Lotties, Zembo temple of skate and design, vu in baltimore, Humidity, and of course NJ skateshop.

Labor is sick don't listen to that person. I'm a giga kook and they showed love.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Krile on May 14, 2020, 01:58:15 PM
mine
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: HyperBeam on May 14, 2020, 08:34:23 PM
bill's wheels santa cruz. 5 points ventura. none of dat boutique shit
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: TheLurper on May 14, 2020, 09:47:39 PM
N. America Roadtrip
Phoenix - Cowtown
Austin - No Comply
Baltimore - Vu
Montreal - Dime
Philly - Nocturnal
Norfolk - Cardinal
Raleigh  - Endless Grind
Albany - Seasons
Ithaca - Homegrown
Burlington - Maven
SF - DLXSF
LA - Lotties

Euro Roadtrip
Paris - Nozbone
Athens - Color
Tallinn - Reede
Moscow - Pro Skate Shop is pretty good. And, Destroy isn't super core, but the owner is cool (these shops are right next to each other.)
Helsinki - Ponkes
Amsterdam - Tomm's
London - Slam City
Groningen - Skate Store
Bremen - Attitude (The guys at this shop are super awesome. I went in to buy a local board and they treated me to a beer and hung out with me for an hour.)
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: CHONGO on May 15, 2020, 07:49:42 AM
35th ave federal way washington
35th north Pike st seattle washington
unknown boardshop bellingham washington
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Carrolls Chesthairs on May 15, 2020, 07:55:39 AM
Familia in Minneapolis
Uprise in Chicago
Cal's Pharmacy in Portland
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: offkilter on May 15, 2020, 10:47:31 AM
BLX in Tucson, dope shop and they will make you laugh.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: rejectpaul on May 15, 2020, 11:48:13 AM
Zoom into Fast Times if you’re in Aus
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Esmith5488 on May 15, 2020, 06:11:41 PM
no comply without a doubt is a must stop, especially since house park is right behind it.
Vu is the local to me and they have a location up a hill from a park that’s worth checking out if you are going through baltimore
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: WeenisVonHugeDick on May 15, 2020, 07:09:42 PM
No comply is a great shop as well as 303 in denver
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Maccat on May 16, 2020, 03:29:02 AM
If you find yourself in Michigan, Refuge is where it’s at.

+1 if you’re into hardcore.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: JB77 on May 16, 2020, 11:01:14 AM
Endless Grind, Raleigh NC.  Founded by freestyle legend Reggie Barnes, going strong since 1986...
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/12036703_550006455153265_8635527193446945418_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=dd9801&_nc_ohc=Q1aQilmVH0EAX8bOGCV&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=c7d6676af5a079a56eea5c75da39cf9e&oe=5EE44CEA)
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: smackenzie on May 18, 2020, 12:18:20 PM
I'll vouch for some already mentioned shops: Nocturnal in Philly and No-Comply in Austin. Both great places with good people, No-Comply especially. Tons of stuff available, friendly dudes, and a great park right behind the shop.

I'll add: Delicious Skateshop in Wake Forest, North Carolina. The shop itself had an ok selection, but the two-story park inside sealed the deal. There's a concrete bowl setup outside too.

Civil in Providence, Rhode Island. They have a few locations but I only scoped Providence. Tons of product, cool dudes. Decent proximity to NJ and New York if you want to go down the east-coast.

Warped Sportz in Crown Point, Indiana. There's really no reason I'd imagine anyone visiting, but if you're in the area check it out... it's all we have haha. Great place though.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: blurst_of_times on May 18, 2020, 08:48:01 PM
Sky High in Milwaukee is the best skate shop in the world.
I've not been to Sky High (yet) but regardless I will counter your claim with Passion Boardshop in Eau Claire

Familia in Minneapolis is also cool, and Geoff and Jeff @ Freedom in Madison, WI are awesome to chat with
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: blurst_of_times on May 18, 2020, 08:56:05 PM
I want to make a separate post for Passion Boardshop in Eau Claire. Honestly, the coolest shop I have ever been to. It's in a nondescript rambler, but inside the walls are covered head-to-toe with memorabilia, posters, stickers, signed decks, etc. It's basically a skate shop embodiment of a teen skate nerd's bedroom. They have a fish tank with goldfish in it because they love Goldfish so much. The owner gave me dozens of free stickers and patches, and I bought a black sweater with "goldfish" in gold lettering written on the front and I wear that shit at least once or twice every week.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: VHS ERA on May 19, 2020, 05:13:22 PM
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow

don’t listen to this guy Labor is good.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Dr Steve Brule on May 27, 2020, 08:59:34 AM
Expand Quote
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow
[close]

don’t listen to this guy Labor is good.
Labor is great
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: tortfeasor on May 27, 2020, 10:12:44 AM
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow

I'm a dork and the guys at labor were really cool to me.


my top 5 favorite shops are
1)Dime, MTL
2) DLX, SF
3) Ruin, ATL
4) Uprise, Chi
5) Ben G, AMS

Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: bad joke on May 27, 2020, 09:01:57 PM
Expand Quote
Labor is good.
[close]
Labor is great

Labor will let you masturbate
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Seventyfrigginseven on May 28, 2020, 04:47:21 AM
Expand Quote
Expand Quote
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow
[close]

don’t listen to this guy Labor is good.
[close]
Labor is great
Good to hear..I live in Maine and the closest shop (with website) that had Venture 6.1s was Labor. Glad that I bought from them.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: noahch on May 28, 2020, 09:16:57 AM
just based off of my own experiences -

atlanta, ga - ruin
nyc - labor
sf - DLX
LA - kingswell
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Shalom Peterson on May 28, 2020, 11:02:44 AM
Mad About Skateboarding in Ft Lauderdale
SPoT & The Boardr in Tampa
Westside in Tarpon Springs
Plus in Orlando / Ft Walton
Relief in Panama City
Waterboyz in Pensacola
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Grant Patronik on May 29, 2020, 12:00:53 PM
Midwest love!
Familia in Minneapolis, Subsect in Des Moines, and Uprise in Chicago are all great shops with awesome owners/employees.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Junglist on June 07, 2020, 11:42:26 AM
Recommendations for shops in Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam?
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: (fake) nollie. on June 08, 2020, 04:54:10 PM
I usually shop at the closest Zumiez, they don't look at me like a freak when I ask what a slappy is. It was an honest question too, skaters are so judgemental ugh.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Utopos on June 09, 2020, 05:10:32 AM
I usually shop at the closest Zumiez, they don't look at me like a freak when I ask what a slappy is. It was an honest question too, skaters are so judgemental ugh.

Find a different username or better yet just leave altogether.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Glurmpz on June 11, 2020, 01:15:52 AM
Grandeur in Oceanside is my go-to for North County San Diego. Heard Slappy's downtown is rad. I always grab a shop tee or hoody from Pacific Drive for nostalgia's sake.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: rejectpaul on June 11, 2020, 06:13:18 AM
Recommendations for shops in Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam?

Welcome in Madrid is the one for sure!
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: cucktard on June 15, 2020, 07:02:01 AM
Skull Skates, both Vancouver, Canada and Gifu, Japan.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Seventyfrigginseven on June 15, 2020, 09:12:23 AM
Looking for recommendations for cool shops (US)with online ordering that carry DOA decks. I purchased one from Library in Mass last week (whom are awesome btw), but I enjoy spreading the love when I can. I would like to try to stay with this brand for a while. Thanks homies.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: TheLurper on June 15, 2020, 10:44:54 AM
Expand Quote
Recommendations for shops in Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam?
[close]

Welcome in Madrid is the one for sure!

Nozbone in Paris

Tomm's in Amsterdam.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Utopos on June 15, 2020, 11:03:46 AM
Expand Quote
Expand Quote
Recommendations for shops in Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam?
[close]

Welcome in Madrid is the one for sure!
[close]

Nozbone in Paris

Tomm's in Amsterdam.

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/Y2gIlHMMse3KKKcDbS/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Junglist on June 15, 2020, 11:32:10 AM
Dope, thanks guys!
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Nicki on June 15, 2020, 12:08:44 PM
Zoom into Fast Times if you’re in Aus

Hahaha. Yeah, nah.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Mcidraque on June 15, 2020, 05:25:34 PM
Expand Quote
Recommendations for shops in Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam?
[close]

Welcome in Madrid is the one for sure!
Sk8land is a good stop too while in madrid along with Welcome
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: quarterpound on June 28, 2020, 12:45:32 PM
Expand Quote
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow
[close]

I'm a dork and the guys at labor were really cool to me.


my top 5 favorite shops are
1)Dime, MTL
2) DLX, SF
3) Ruin, ATL
4) Uprise, Chi
5) Ben G, AMS

Sometimes I wonder if the Labor haters are all out of towners who don’t realize how intense the nyc unintentional vibe can be.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Spacetravelisboring on June 29, 2020, 12:27:24 PM
Looking for recommendations for cool shops (US)with online ordering that carry DOA decks. I purchased one from Library in Mass last week (whom are awesome btw), but I enjoy spreading the love when I can. I would like to try to stay with this brand for a while. Thanks homies.

Select skateshop in Houston.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Rockin Robbin on June 29, 2020, 01:59:30 PM
I'm voting for my own local (RIP) Church of Skatan in Santa Barbara. Was built inside an actual defunct church.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Vpmw-aQ7_9b45ybYOv6Z2fNubMJV93A-wCM9LL51Bzylz5FgxdtV1nRTteMNeLFcIX9As7vgS1dZgOde4M_7YJq8KL2v31k8gJH4BeH91PEvxu7c-hCFQ68Ikl-sHzf0ywvxEKJ19EycC_HmnYwLVg)
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Diocletian on June 29, 2020, 02:17:23 PM
FA Skates
6 W Busse Ave
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Crailslideyoface on November 10, 2020, 01:35:47 AM
Probably too late for this, but Escapist in KC is the best if you ever come through
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Robby on November 10, 2020, 02:43:51 AM
+1 for Zembo in Philly
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: jerrygurneyscream on November 10, 2020, 10:34:55 AM
No comply is a great shop as well as EMAGE in denver
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Surf The Earth on November 10, 2020, 11:25:04 AM
FA Skates
6 W Busse Ave
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

No question! I was getting worried when Uprise was the only Chi area shop getting love (not that it is not deserved), but FA is the greatest.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: jerrygurneyscream on November 10, 2020, 12:09:14 PM
Expand Quote
Expand Quote
don't go to Labor in nyc, shops the size of a closet and its "cool guy" vibes blow
[close]

I'm a dork and the guys at labor were really cool to me.


my top 5 favorite shops are
1)Dime, MTL
2) DLX, SF
3) Ruin, ATL
4) Uprise, Chi
5) Ben G, AMS
[close]

Sometimes I wonder if the Labor haters are all out of towners who don’t realize how intense the nyc unintentional vibe can be.

Damn forgot about Ruin, Ive never felt so welcomed somehwere. Super sad to hear of them closing down
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Allen. on November 10, 2020, 05:02:12 PM
Refuge, People, & Plus in Dearborn, Keego Harbor and Farmington Hills, MI, respectively.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Sila on November 11, 2020, 01:37:50 AM
Expand Quote
Zoom into Fast Times if you’re in Aus
[close]

Hahaha. Yeah, nah.

Yeah half the time it's skate fashion hipsters working there.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: B. Hopper on November 19, 2020, 12:50:00 PM
303 in Denver
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Urtripping on November 21, 2020, 08:13:08 PM
Refuge, People, & Plus in Dearborn, Keego Harbor and Farmington Hills, MI, respectively.

People is great, Premier in West Michigan holds it down as well.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Crailslideyoface on December 28, 2020, 09:45:22 AM
May have already posted, but Cowtown in Phoenix, SPOT in Tampa, Infinity in St. Louis is my old local and rules and Escapist in KC is my current and favorite
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Mr. Stinky on December 29, 2020, 07:47:52 AM
Raunch in Salt Lake City.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Freelancevagrant on December 29, 2020, 07:57:01 AM
Home in Louisville is my favorite shop in the world.

No comply in Austin is great too, it’s my local so I might be biased.

Rise in Fort Wayne is pretty solid too, similar vibe to no comply because of the built in coffee shop and the park right down the street.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Sluggloaph on December 29, 2020, 09:49:24 AM
Seen nocturnal mentioned. Solid. Also if yer in Tucson my man of kilter is correct BLX is the shop. Albuquerque has filter, sick. If yer in the"Philly area"  fairmans is awesome and kinetic in delaware is doap.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Surf The Earth on January 06, 2021, 07:48:11 AM
Raunch in Salt Lake City.

A f***ed up place to buy some s***
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Mr. Stinky on January 06, 2021, 04:45:07 PM
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Raunch in Salt Lake City.
[close]

A f***ed up place to buy some s***

Hell yeah it is. Brad is the best dude, so glad he started things back up.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: CossRooper on January 12, 2021, 10:32:00 PM
Central Florida/Orlando, FL - Plus Skateshop. Ignore everywhere else in Orlando, really.

Daytona Beach, FL - Energy
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Mr. Kamikazi on January 13, 2021, 07:51:40 AM
Holistic Skateshop: Reading PA
Ignition Skateshop: Lancaster PA

Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Cuban_Lynx on January 13, 2021, 08:51:48 AM
FA Skates
6 W Busse Ave
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
I'm fiercely loyal to Uprise, but I've recently order a few things from FA that Uprise doesn't carry. I can confirm, they are awesome! Zero cool-guy vibes, free product box, etc. I even called for a board that wasn't on the site and they tracked it down from a rep and got it shipped to me.

I moved out of Milwaukee 6 years ago, but Sky High is awesome.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Murge on January 13, 2021, 10:03:01 AM
Orchard was my favorite so far. I went in got a orchard sling bag and hat told the dude I was from Midwest  and wanted pop in before leaving. And the guy working was super welcoming and chill. Gave me some zines Stickers and an orchard patch he said I can sew on whatever hat or beanie. Set the bar for welcoming and cool skate shops. If my local don’t have stuff I always check orchards site just incase they got it.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Diocletian on January 13, 2021, 10:55:11 AM
Expand Quote
FA Skates
6 W Busse Ave
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
[close]
I'm fiercely loyal to Uprise, but I've recently order a few things from FA that Uprise doesn't carry. I can confirm, they are awesome! Zero cool-guy vibes, free product box, etc. I even called for a board that wasn't on the site and they tracked it down from a rep and got it shipped to me.

I moved out of Milwaukee 6 years ago, but Sky High is awesome.

Jon at FA is such a good dude, he has done a lot for me over the years and I've given him a ton of my money.

Uprise is alright, I've been in there a bunch of times and there's a couple nice guys but the rest have too-cool type attitudes and overall the shop has a stuck-up boutique vibe than an actual core shop.

Phase II in Milwaukee is also an amazing shop and the owner Mark is a really great guy. Never been to Sky High but that "Wi skate" crew rep it hard and shred even harder.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Cuban_Lynx on January 13, 2021, 11:42:15 AM
Ah, I thought Phase II was out of business, but that's only the Eastside shop. It looks like they're still open in Tosa. They were my go-to for nearly a decade when I lived on the Eastside/Riverwest.

Jamie Thomas was the only person to ever cool-guy me at Uprise. They do have more of a boutique vibe, but they've always gone out of their way to help me get stuff. I first ordered some AWS boards from them in 2010 and they were worried about scuffs, so shipped me a box straight from DNA. I have a ton of stories of them looking out for me.

I'm a more recent FA customer, but they've been really helpful, friendly, and patient with my dumb requests.

I know absolutely nothing about Prosper. Yeah went under about 1-2 years ago. I think those are the only Chicago shops.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Surf The Earth on January 13, 2021, 12:27:56 PM
I got my first skateboard at FA in 2007. Back when they were in the first spot that was huge in the back. Ever since then FA will always hold that special place of being the best skate shop in my mind. I like Uprise. I think it represents the city really well. I just never feel at home there.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Cuban_Lynx on January 14, 2021, 02:13:25 PM
OK, just a quick follow up. I contacted FA last week about getting something I didn't think was even possible to obtain anymore. They got it for me at 30% less than I originally saw it for. So yeah, those guys rule.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: banksandledges on January 14, 2021, 03:28:32 PM
Anyone who thinks anyone at Uprise puts out a cool guy vibe must have social anxiety or something. They’re literally probably one of the most down to earth shops and helpful staff there is.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Cuban_Lynx on January 14, 2021, 07:32:20 PM
Anyone who thinks anyone at Uprise puts out a cool guy vibe must have social anxiety or something. They’re literally probably one of the most down to earth shops and helpful staff there is.
Haha, yeah everyone there as been hella cool to me. It’s hard to remember the days of hanging out at the shop, though. A few months back I watched someone get chewed out while asking for ID on a curbside pickup. He was totally chill even while getting shouted at. Even I wanted to clock that dude.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Cellular on January 14, 2021, 10:23:40 PM
local is slappys garage, only been to linda vista location and everyone there is chill and theres zero cool guy vibes.  mom wanted to come with one time and she left with a postive image in her mind

fa skates def the hookup they got really good deals, ship with tracking etc.  def my second fav

cowtown pretty dope too.  i fw how they dont sell fa and hockey online
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Rubbrick on January 22, 2021, 10:29:51 PM
local is slappys garage, only been to linda vista location and everyone there is chill and theres zero cool guy vibes.  mom wanted to come with one time and she left with a postive image in her mind

fa skates def the hookup they got really good deals, ship with tracking etc.  def my second fav

cowtown pretty dope too.  i fw how they dont sell fa and hockey online

When I lived in SD the guys at the slappy’s downtown “cool guyed” my friends and myself. I love route 44 and the small shop feel. Although when I was last in town their selection looked pretty sparse.

Also I’m in AZ now, so cowtown is my local. I don’t think you could ask for a better shop. They do so much for the community and everyone that works there is super helpful and friendly. And they do sell FA/hockey online? Maybe it changed recently though
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Not A Damn Chance on January 23, 2021, 12:43:21 AM
Expand Quote
local is slappys garage, only been to linda vista location and everyone there is chill and theres zero cool guy vibes.  mom wanted to come with one time and she left with a postive image in her mind

fa skates def the hookup they got really good deals, ship with tracking etc.  def my second fav

cowtown pretty dope too.  i fw how they dont sell fa and hockey online
[close]

When I lived in SD the guys at the slappy’s downtown “cool guyed” my friends and myself. I love route 44 and the small shop feel. Although when I was last in town their selection looked pretty sparse.


I used to go to this shop, I wasn’t a regular but would hop in once in awhile.  Last time I went in, I checked out a board and asked for the specs.  They were not what I wanted.  I said “Thank you” and handed the board back to the kid behind the counter.  The owner, Carney, mumbled, “You won’t be buying it from me”.  Feeling awkward I walked out and he asked me “What happened?”, and I said it wasn’t my size.  He shook his head in disappointment and didn’t say a thing staring at me.
The owner is a kook and I refuse to put money in his pocket after this interaction.
He was right though, I didn’t buy from him.  I went to the mall shop and got the board I wanted with no attitude.
Zumiez is more welcoming than that place.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: shitsandwich on January 23, 2021, 02:39:58 AM
I went to Kingswell for this first time last week. It was a cool shop, the guy working there seemed chill and their shop designs are really cool
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Cellular on January 24, 2021, 10:14:30 PM
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Expand Quote
local is slappys garage, only been to linda vista location and everyone there is chill and theres zero cool guy vibes.  mom wanted to come with one time and she left with a postive image in her mind

fa skates def the hookup they got really good deals, ship with tracking etc.  def my second fav

cowtown pretty dope too.  i fw how they dont sell fa and hockey online
[close]

When I lived in SD the guys at the slappy’s downtown “cool guyed” my friends and myself. I love route 44 and the small shop feel. Although when I was last in town their selection looked pretty sparse.

[close]

I used to go to this shop, I wasn’t a regular but would hop in once in awhile.  Last time I went in, I checked out a board and asked for the specs.  They were not what I wanted.  I said “Thank you” and handed the board back to the kid behind the counter.  The owner, Carney, mumbled, “You won’t be buying it from me”.  Feeling awkward I walked out and he asked me “What happened?”, and I said it wasn’t my size.  He shook his head in disappointment and didn’t say a thing staring at me.
The owner is a kook and I refuse to put money in his pocket after this interaction.
He was right though, I didn’t buy from him.  I went to the mall shop and got the board I wanted with no attitude.
Zumiez is more welcoming than that place.

yikes.  might start going to pacific drive instead
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: dr.prestige on January 28, 2021, 12:48:02 PM
Atlas in San Mateo is cool, don't go when they're doing a shoe release though, you'll be in line for a while. Mission skateshop on 24th st in SF is also cool, they sell all sorts of graffiti shit too if you're into that sort of thing. Blast Off in Salem, OR is pretty limited in terms of product selection but they're the only shop in that town that's managed to stay open for a while, probably because it doubles as a thrift shop. The owner is cool, he's been skating since the 80s, he's got photos up on the wall that he took of Hosoi skating Upland back in his ripped t shirt and spandex days.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Lloyd Braun on January 28, 2021, 06:55:12 PM
Black Sheep in CHarlotte NC is my local always been good to me.
Bluetile in Columbia SC
Humidity in New Orleans.

Haven’t been to many others tbh, need to make more of a point to stop in when I visit new cities buy a shirt or something.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: bongboarder420 on January 29, 2021, 05:34:47 AM
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local is slappys garage, only been to linda vista location and everyone there is chill and theres zero cool guy vibes.  mom wanted to come with one time and she left with a postive image in her mind

fa skates def the hookup they got really good deals, ship with tracking etc.  def my second fav

cowtown pretty dope too.  i fw how they dont sell fa and hockey online
[close]

When I lived in SD the guys at the slappy’s downtown “cool guyed” my friends and myself. I love route 44 and the small shop feel. Although when I was last in town their selection looked pretty sparse.

[close]

I used to go to this shop, I wasn’t a regular but would hop in once in awhile.  Last time I went in, I checked out a board and asked for the specs.  They were not what I wanted.  I said “Thank you” and handed the board back to the kid behind the counter.  The owner, Carney, mumbled, “You won’t be buying it from me”.  Feeling awkward I walked out and he asked me “What happened?”, and I said it wasn’t my size.  He shook his head in disappointment and didn’t say a thing staring at me.
The owner is a kook and I refuse to put money in his pocket after this interaction.
He was right though, I didn’t buy from him.  I went to the mall shop and got the board I wanted with no attitude.
Zumiez is more welcoming than that place.
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yikes.  might start going to pacific drive instead

yea i’ve gotten some weird vibes from the owner at slappys too, always an awkward interaction, the other workers there though are cool
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: kimura on January 29, 2021, 06:49:20 AM
35th Ave. Federal Way WA. Great shop and good vibes.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: jsettle on January 29, 2021, 11:00:03 AM
Central Florida/Orlando, FL - Plus Skateshop. Ignore everywhere else in Orlando, really.

Daytona Beach, FL - Energy

PLUS SKATESHOP!!!! Basically if you are in FL and you arent shopping at Plus, you are slacking lol. The original Plus Skateshop is in Fort Walton Beach FL (panhandle area which has been going for a good 30+ years. Plus Orlando is the 2nd location that opened up about 3 or so years ago ran by Kieth who grew up shopping at the Original Plus. Both are skater ran and anyone behind the counter skates. Kieth at the Orlando location is a shredder on the board.
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: matty_c on February 02, 2021, 08:09:11 PM
Missed this thread y’all fuck with preduce or what
Friendly lot and they helped out with spots
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: DaleSr on February 02, 2021, 10:06:20 PM
If you make your way to beautiful San Diego

North County San Diego

House of Vista in Vista
Asylum in Oceanside
McGills in Encinitas

South County San Diego

Slappy's Garage
Route 44
Sk8Supply is the best kept secret in South County


Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: ok boomer on February 03, 2021, 04:35:13 AM
Infinity in St. Louis
Uprise in Chicago
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: witty pseudonym on February 03, 2021, 05:31:17 AM
Love this thread.  Just a casual reminder for people without a good local spot that many of the shops above have online stores that you can order from and support skater-owned local businesses. 
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: InternetDaddy on February 03, 2021, 05:37:08 AM
Crushed in DC
Venue in Richmond
Vu in Baltimore

Bobby Worrest mentioned bringing Pitcrew back from the dead on instagram a little while ago, that'd be tight
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: VCR on February 03, 2021, 07:51:13 AM
MN, WI, IL list

Familia
Alumni
Phase 2
Uprise
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: ballintoohard on February 03, 2021, 06:03:27 PM
35th North in Seattle, Atlas in San Mateo
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: briancoco on February 03, 2021, 08:45:03 PM
Go to No Comply then skate House Park 8)
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: Meekin on February 10, 2021, 02:08:36 PM
Black Sheep in CHarlotte NC is my local always been good to me.
Bluetile in Columbia SC
Humidity in New Orleans.

Haven’t been to many others tbh, need to make more of a point to stop in when I visit new cities buy a shirt or something.
Black Sheep is great.

Ill throw in Continuum in Charleston SC
Title: Re: Coolest Shops
Post by: iknowisuck on April 17, 2021, 11:38:41 PM
Terrace in Fullerton, and Furnace in Cypress are nice.