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Your Down n’ Dirty Austin Thrift Store Guide

I’ve officially become an expert on Austin thrift stores.
You wanna know why?
Because I’ve been to every single freakin’ one in search of a dresser.
Though I ended up empty handed (most furniture fell under the “Oh my God! Is that covered in rat poop?!” or “What!? This floral golf bag is worth more than my car!?” categories), I did come across some other great finds and colorful characters.

Forget Cream or Feathers, this is your down n’ dirty Austin thrift store guide:

1.) Thrift Town– 10 stars out of 10
Thrift Town is my absolute most favorite thrift store in Austin. Located down south at Stassney and Manchaca, this store not only has the best selection of clothing and shoes, but it’s clean, the staff is friendly, and they boast terrific daily and monthly specials. Sign up for their VIP email list to hear more about it. Thrift Town rocks because it has the perfect mix of contemporary and vintage clothing and the absolute best selection of shoes. Prices are relatively low. If you wait for the specials, they’re even lower! The shoes below I bought for $2.99 and $3.99 respectively. Whomever is the shoe buyer at Thrift Town deserves a big bonus! Here are some of my favorite finds:

2.) Savers– 9 stars out of 10
Though Thrift Town will always hold the number one place in my heart, Savers on Burnet and North Loop (there is a second location at S. Lamar and Ben White) is definitely a close second. Savers is a popular thrift store destination spot in Austin and I can’t believe I had never been until this weekend! What organization! What cleaniness! What service! And to top it all off, Savers selects quality brand name clothing (this is not the place to go vintage hunting). I saw beautiful Banana Republic slacks for $7. What impressed me the most was their great selection of cheap furniture and housewares. I spotted a record player for $10, a desk for $25, and a mirror for $2.
I bought this thing below. I have no idea what the hell it is, but now it’s a home for my jewelry.

3.) Room Service- 8 stars out of 10
Though I wouldn’t call this a thrift store per se, I just couldn’t leave it off the list. This store takes the cake for the best quality retro furniture/housewares/clothing that is not ridiculously overpriced. Room Service on North Loop and Avenue F sits comfortably somewhere in between thrift and vintage. They have a large selection of mid-century furniture, lighting fixtures, magazines, telephones, ugly ass wall paintings, you name it! Every month they run a different special. This month is 20% anything with flowers on it (which was primarily everything I tried on). Room Service has a wonderful collection of carefully hand-selected vintage clothing (especially 50’s/60’s/70’s dresses), most of the prices ranging in between $15-$30, but definitely well worth it.

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4.) Treasure City– 7 stars out of 10
I discovered this little gem recently and have become a fan. Treasure City, located on E. 12th west of Airport, does not have the best selection of anything, really, but the stuff is dirt cheap. Also, it’s kind of a art collective/art space/volunteer outreach spot which is cool in my book. They have clothing, books, housewares, and furniture. I wouldn’t put all my eggs in this basket, but it’s definitely a fun place to poke around.

5.) Texas Thrift– 6 stars out of 10
Last time I went in here, it smelled like baby poo, but I spotted a wall-size photograph of shirtless men high-fiving and that made my day. Texas Thrift, located off of I-35 past 51st, is not the most up-lifting of the thrift stores. However, with some perseverance, you can definitely find some great steals. I typically don’t have success in the clothing department, but have come across some cheap furniture and housewares. A friend of mine got a 35mm camera for $10. This is a good place for cheap fixer-upper odds and ends….or giant photos of shirtless men.

6.) Goodwill– 6 stars out of 10
Goodwill thrift stores are located all over Austin. I have yet to go to one that has blown me away. I’ve found that Goodwill is not good for clothing and is typically messy. Most clothing is over $10 and not of great quality. I mostly have luck in the book department, often finding myself scavenging their book selection for over an hour. This weekend I went to the infamous Goodwill Blue Hangar on Springdale where they deposit all the leftover clothing from the area Goodwills. Even reading Yelp reviews before going did not prevent me for f’ing up the protocol of waiting for the workers to finish sifting through the clothing. As I wandered aimlessly through the giant hangar, a kind employee told me that I was in the wrong section and pointed to the line of people waiting at the front of the building. Thinking that thrift shopping should not be this difficult, I left and vowed never to return.
Here are some books I’ve purchased over time at Goodwill. Hey, don’t judge!

7.) Top Drawer– 6 stars out of 10
Everything about Top Drawer on Burnet and 49th is great: the prices, the cause (proceeds go to AIDs community outreach), and the staff. However, when I went there just really wasn’t anything there! As I recall there was a sign stating that they were renovating, so I will have to go back in the future and give it another shot.

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8.) St. Vincent de Paul– 5 stars out of 10
It took me a long time to warm up to this South Congress thrift store. At first, it seemed like I could never find anything I wanted. Then over time, little gems started to pop up occasionaly. I’ve had a lot of success with dresses at St. Vincent, but really nothing else. Their shoe collection is subpar and their furniture overpriced. The staff there is not very talkative, but I guess you can’t blame them. When you’re over eighty years old and volunteering at a place where a bunch of hipsters shop, I wouldn’t want to talk to me either. I got this dress below for $10 or $12.

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38 Comments

  • Reply Gracie April 20, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Goodwill is definitely over priced at times, but I find that the Newman Dr. location over off Lake Austin Blvd. has some great finds worth dishing out the extra bucks. For example, I've bought Goldsign Passion Jeans in pristine condition for $10. I guess the pricer wasn't familiar with the brand. I always leave there with cute spring/summer dresses, too, all priced at $8.99-$9.99. One time I scored this awesome Australian brand neo-flapper dress. My greatest find there is my D&G demin skirt-$7.99!!!

  • Reply Drew April 20, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    I used to work at a goodwill. a good chance they changed since I was there… but we pretty much price everything by category regardless of brand. IE all jeans are $8 or whatever. This can be a ripoff, but you can also walk away with some pretty nice stuff. also, when it comes to furniture, we generally just want to get the stuff out of there. We never liked haggling on small crap, but the bigger stuff is worth a shot.. (if you saw one couch on the floor, we probably have 3 in the back, and maybe another one that something died on) I'm sure everybody knows this but… anything you plan to wear from there, wash / disinfect / irradiate it. We used to try hats and costumes and shit all the time right out of the bins, until somebody got ringworm. I would also find lots of… surprises in those clothes bins.

  • Reply Claire Marie April 20, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    I'll remember this list for sure if I ever get to Austin!

    I heard a joke today that made me think of you:

    "How many hipsters does it take to change a lightbulb?"
    "It's an obscure number. You've probably never head of it."

  • Reply Hipstercrite April 20, 2010 at 4:57 pm

    @Gracie- Wow! Those ARE some great finds. Way to go! You definitely know your stuff!

    @Drew- Ha! Excellent comment. Thank you for that. I can't imagine what sort of stuff you'd find! Actually, the thought is making me nauseated. I've heard a couple of stories of people getting crabs from second hand clothing too.

    @Claire Marie- That is a pretty good joke. May I use it? 😉

  • Reply Claire Marie April 20, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    Of course! I got it from my cousin actually, who got it from someone else, so I think it's fair game. 😉

  • Reply Johana Hill April 20, 2010 at 5:19 pm

    I once bought a pair of shoes in a thrift store and that was my best buy ever! ;p

  • Reply Angie April 20, 2010 at 5:48 pm

    Man, I'm so jealous, we only have like two thrift stores that I know of here… and they're overpriced.

  • Reply Benny April 20, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    And that's already about 10 more *actual* thrift stores (not just "vintage" and pricey) than I've found in all of New York City. No exaggeration.

  • Reply Fabulous Terrah April 21, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    This is a good idea… may have to do one for the Dallas area. Chya, thanks for the inspiration yo.

  • Reply steff April 22, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    although i don't live anywhere NEAR Austin, that picture of the outside of Top Drawer makes me want to move there like yesterday. i worked @ a St. Vincent DePaul when i was in highschool and i used to find AMAZING things there. i got a 3 piece suit for my boyfriend for 7.50 and he still wears it to this day…
    also?
    based on your past purchases i'm thinking we need to go thrifting together. tho, i can't promise it won't be a fight to the death especially over something like those boots in the first picture.
    LOVE. THEM.

  • Reply joanna April 22, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Room Service is my favorite. I have gotten several badass lamps, clothes, and jewelry there. And my boyfriend wasn't even bored when he went with me once since there are vintage playboy magazines.

  • Reply withthejoneses April 26, 2010 at 8:51 pm

    Goodwill on Airport has furniture.

  • Reply Calliope Musicals May 12, 2010 at 4:00 am

    just came across your blog for the first time, and was pretty excited to read this post. i've been unsuccessfully scavenging around copious amounts of crappy, over-priced "thrift" shops in austin, so i can't wait to try out your suggestions! peace!

    http://www.myspace.com/calliopemusicals

  • Reply Nezha September 20, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    Hey hipstercrite, You did not Thrift Land on Stassny and South 1st. It is a good one , nice selection with good prices. my only complaint is the staff are not friendly . they dont have fitting rooms. my friend and i used to refer to them as the mean thrift store. give it a try it is a good one though!!!

  • Reply rochambeau February 8, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    THANK YOU, Hipstercrite for your excellent reviews! In April I'll be in your fair city and can't thank you enough for taking the time to rate and review your fav thrifts!
    Constance

  • Reply Anonymous April 19, 2011 at 7:52 pm

    Hello ladies (gents too, though sorry not for you!)! Brittany here on behalf of Austin's "Swap Don't Shop" Women's Clothing Swap to let you and whoever you'd like to let know that the Ladie's are at it again and the Third Annual Swap will kick off at noon this Saturday at 1401 Bouldin Ave. Come one come all for a new wardrobe and a good time! In the mean time, please check us out online @ swapdontshop.com or our video on YouTube @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I76BF-Y3-E&feature=share . You can feel free to email me back or the team @ [email protected] with any questions.

    I hope to see ya there!

    Best, Brittany

  • Reply marydaylo June 17, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Good overview, with a few new to me, though I thought I'd scoped them all out. Have you checked out Treasure City on E 7th? That's my next goal…

  • Reply katalinaTX July 6, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    great blog post! Thank You!

  • Reply SNAPS May 28, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Thank you so much for this list! I will be moving to austin for college in the fall and my first thought was “where are the thrift stores?,” Thank you for answering my questions with out knowing that I’d be reading. lol I can’t wait to shop around!

  • Reply Austin « July 8, 2012 at 11:39 am

    […] a great guide to Austin’s vintage shopping scene here, and a rundown on Austin thrift stores here. Wish me […]

  • Reply Chelsea July 26, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    I didn’t read through all of your comments, so Im not sure if someone else recommended it or not, but Blue Hanger is an extension of Goodwill’ and they sell everything by the pound for dirt frickin cheap. You have to dig through bins but sometimes its worth it. I have left there with a TON of things, for around 15 bucks total. Tip: Go Sunday morning while most people at church.

  • Reply Jean October 9, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Thanks for this post–new to Austin and this is a great list for folks who love, love, love thrift store shopping!

    • Reply hipstercrite October 9, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      Me too! I wrote this post awhile back, so I’m sure there are some new places to check out too!

    • Reply hipstercrite October 9, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      And welcome to Austin!

  • Reply Madla Montgomery November 1, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    I love to thrift shop and the best i’ve found so far is Lady Ann’s Thrift Shop at 2000 Sam Bass Rd,Round Rock.
    They have the best prices and the selection is very good ranging from vintage to weird.

  • Reply Donna November 6, 2012 at 10:49 am

    I enjoyed your article/comments and franknessst!( is that a word?)

    Anyways, anything on doggie resale stuff. Looking for approved airlines dog carrier for chihuahua.

  • Reply laura December 15, 2012 at 11:16 am

    i’m going to austin today 😀 and using this as a guide. woooooooooo! just came across your cute blog. xo thanks!

  • Reply Confessions of a Thrift Shop Junkie | Cosmic Acres February 18, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    […] the styles you’ll find. I always have luck at Goodwill (and I have my secret favey’s), but this “hipstercrite” has the down n’ dirty details on Austin thrift stores right he…if you’re a reader in my […]

  • Reply socks February 26, 2013 at 9:04 am

    i need a bike around march 20, preferably a mountain bike or cruiser nike with 26 inch tires.
    which thrift store do you recommend

  • Reply socks February 26, 2013 at 9:05 am

    i need a cruiser bike on march 20,
    which thrift stire do you recommend?

    • Reply hipstercrite February 26, 2013 at 9:36 am

      the thrift stores typically don’t have bikes. i would check out pawn shops or go to the bike stores. they often carry old bikes. your best bet is good ol’ craigslist!

  • Reply Wanker August 7, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Hi, Love your p.o.v. on these stores. Send me an email I have a warehouse full of stuff…

  • Reply Jenny jones December 5, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    There is a new thrift boutique that just opened on S. Congress next to Nia Space a couple doors down from the Crow Bar called The G Spot. Great selection, lots of vintage plus furniture & art. Really good prices. And they opened The Man Cave Thrift in the basement too. Definitely worth checking out!

  • Reply Hector January 26, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I’d rather pay a little bit more to make certain that
    I will be getting good quality Hector which will last.

  • Reply weazzy February 10, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    gre8t assistance,
    Thanks for all the input, you r saving me oodles of time…

    Presently,

    I am hipster and happenin’sweet business located in Santa Fe, NM
    (Sweetpoppies Botique and Rewind collaboration)

    soon to be relocating to Austin…
    Hope you come by and check me out…
    love,
    weazzy

  • Reply Melinda Taylor February 11, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Shameless plug for a great local resource: http://www.austinresaledirectory.com

  • Reply commercesd May 8, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Thanks for this list! Just moved from Chicago and am trying to get over the sticker shock of thrift stores in this region… nice to have a list to check out!

  • Reply Gideon October 25, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    I used to go to Goodwill for work pants and liked spending 6-8 dollars for jeans. But when I went in there last month, Sept 2015 the only one’s that were my size were in between 15 and 20 dollars. this also happened at another store so I asked the manager and he said they were boutique.. Look when I can buy a brand new pair of rustlers at Walmart for $15.00 why would I go to Goodwill? I go through a lot of work pants, like one a month and I just think they have forgotten who they are supposed to service. Not a guy like me I guess

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