I just spent some time with Al, owner of Al’s Attire, a North Beach institution. What a great guy that everyone loves knowing. We had coffee at Café Trieste, and he seems to know everyone there and on in shops and restaurants along the way.
He’s got a list of famous customers a mile long and he treats it like nothing. “Oh yeah, Carlos Santana was in on Saturday for some shoes and a few other things.” He doesn’t brag, but I heard Tom Waits and Rob Schneider’s names too. There’s more, but that’s not the reason to check out Al’s at 1314 Grant in North Beach. His clothes are amazing and he really knows what he’s doing. He’s a hands on guy and gives customers the attention they deserve. I think the key is, he really loves what he does, and it shows.
If you need something original, he’ll help pull it together. Or, if you need to have a pair of antique shoes re-produced, Al’s the guy. He creates bags, hats, belts, shirts, suits, evening gowns … you name it. You’ll just have to go look. When you do, tell him you saw him on Quirky San Francisco.
