Jay Gemkow1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Jay has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleKind and helpful experience. It’s such a treasure to have a neighborhood hardware store.
Yu Hardware
How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%73+46.4Reliability 28%76+21.5Replies to reviews 8%12+1Experts Score= 69Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.69SCORE
BGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#15 of 30 hardware storesPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 52%
4.7 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews · 12 photos
85%five-star reviews
4.83★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.6%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Sep 2026latest review
Yu Hardware at a glance
Customers frequently praise the store for quick key copying, helpful staff, and competitive pricing on hardware items. Many reviewers highlight the long-standing neighborhood presence and the owner's personal attention to finding specific products. However, lower-rated reviews indicate recurring issues with inconsistent operating hours, including unexpected midday closures and late openings on Fridays that contradict posted schedules.
- Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 111 reviews (85% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 111 Google reviews (78 with written comments, 2 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
- Most recent review: September 25, 2026.
- Service: Hardware Store serving Chicago, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.
Score profile vs other hardware stores
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Yu Hardware: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.B
73
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Yu Hardware: 76/100 on this factor. Category median: 77.B
76
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
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ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
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MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Yu Hardware: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Yu Hardware: 12/100 on this factor. Category median: 34.F
12
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
111 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars9485%
- 4 stars1110%
- 3 stars22%
- 2 stars22%
- 1 star22%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 78 written reviews
- Praise7497%
- Complaints23%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude3749%
- Speed & response1216%
- Price & value1216%
- Quality & results912%
- Would recommend57%
- Honesty & trust11%
What customers talk about
We read 78 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Every time I've gone, I call ahead and the employee is always very helpful and makes sure they have my item in stock.”
“Great experience - got 2 keys copied super quick for very cheap.”
“Lil pricey but worth it to keep this place alive, his stuff LASTS!”
“Great service and very friendly; the shop itself has that oldschool local hardware store vibe that's so rare to find these days.”
“Made my key and got me rung up in about 5 minutes, highly recommend this place”
“Honest and friendly shop here and keep our heritage alive !”
People customers mention
- Depot 4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Jay1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Kind and helpful experience. It’s such a treasure to have a neighborhood hardware store.
DerrickC64Local Guide · 90 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
This spot been around before I was born🤣😂 but I been coming here since I was a kid getting all the screens windows replaced💯 great prices on a lot of products for your home and more... Best thing about this hardware store is the guy at the register is the most friendliest person ever and believe he is also the owner
Ian37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
I love this little gem! They don't have everything, but they have enough to be my local spot for odds and ends. Every time I've gone, I call ahead and the employee is always very helpful and makes sure they have my item in stock. Great local place.
DeborahLocal Guide · 60 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
I've been going to this hardware store since 1971. They had everything I need, no matter what it is. Keys, broken windows, ripped screens. Whatever odd thing I needed, they had it. One Christmas they were selling Christmas trees in the back. I think it was 1982. I went on Christmas eve. I couldn't afford anything…
EmilyLocal Guide · 25 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Consistently the most helpful and friendly environment. I’d so much rather support local business in my neighborhood than go to a big box store.
HaroldLocal Guide · 37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
Was looking for a simple tool to scrape paint from windows. Had tried a few places without success. Popped into Yu, and the gent was a magician. First showed me scrapers for putty from walls. Turned around and he had 3 options for paint. Bought the cheapest one at $7, and it works perfectly!
Photos
Customer reviews
4.7 ★★★★★ 111 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Team members customers mention
DerrickC64Local Guide · 90 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews DerrickC64 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleThis spot been around before I was born🤣😂 but I been coming here since I was a kid getting all the screens windows replaced💯 great prices on a lot of products for your home and more... Best thing about this hardware store is the guy at the register is the most friendliest person ever and believe he is also the owner
jordan andersenLocal Guide · 22 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews jordan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleMade my key and got me rung up in about 5 minutes, highly recommend this place
Ian Anthony37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleI love this little gem! They don't have everything, but they have enough to be my local spot for odds and ends. Every time I've gone, I call ahead and the employee is always very helpful and makes sure they have my item in stock. Great local place.
Deborah FenwickLocal Guide · 60 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Deborah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleI've been going to this hardware store since 1971. They had everything I need, no matter what it is. Keys, broken windows, ripped screens. Whatever odd thing I needed, they had it. One Christmas they were selling Christmas trees in the back. I think it was 1982. I went on Christmas eve. I couldn't afford anything but they had one tree that was real scrawny. The owner let me have it for 2 dollars. He even wrapped it so I could drag it to my Mom's car.
Tricia PartlowLocal Guide · 31 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tricia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleOnly place I go to get keys copied. They work every time!
Daniel J. StegerLocal Guide · 42 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Daniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleTerrific selection of old and new hard to find product lines.
Zac5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Zac has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleVery nice owner, great shop
Emily SchwegmanLocal Guide · 25 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleConsistently the most helpful and friendly environment. I’d so much rather support local business in my neighborhood than go to a big box store.
Harold PinteresqueLocal Guide · 37 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Harold has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleWas looking for a simple tool to scrape paint from windows. Had tried a few places without success. Popped into Yu, and the gent was a magician. First showed me scrapers for putty from walls. Turned around and he had 3 options for paint. Bought the cheapest one at $7, and it works perfectly!
Business details
- Address: 3639 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Phone: (773) 278-9251
- Service area: Chicago, IL