Im 6’2265 nothing in this store fits me and its all pretty lame anyway. If you’ve been to an Undefeated or Kickz you’re going to laugh at this places selection. I guess the wannabe hipsters can have this place if you want to spend that kinda money to look like bargain Kid Cudi. Oh two redeeming qualities come to mind though the art and there sporadic acquasition of cool accessories(watches, headphones, hats).These are things I can easily get off the internet, but still cool that they have them. P.S:People do realize if you give something 5stars its basically saying its perfect A-Front is not on that lvl
David N.
Place rating: 5 Houston, TX
My friend just recently had an art show opening here. I had never even heard of this place or driven by it but popped the adress into the GPS and here I was. We came early to help set up, so during normal business hours it’s a skateboard shop/shoe store. But on this night it got converted into a hip art show opening. They had a DJ spinning, beers flowing, and art displaying. Great crowd of varying backgrounds. You had your urban kids, to you suit wearing accounts, to just the locals in jeans and a tshirt. It was a blast to see everyone having a good time enjoying the art.
Ryan S.
Place rating: 5 Houston, TX
I’ve been a patron to this shop since they opened up. Having lived in the Rice Military/Lower Heights for a couple years, this joint has been my stop whenever I get bored. Tony is an old buddy… caught up in skateboarding. A-front is Houston’s answer to mixed media: art, music, kicks, pop culture and good vibes. One must accept street clothing and pop culture as an art nowadays… The guys are always up for a conversation here or a game of ping pong. Go ahead, «I challenge you!» but don’t forget to check out the merchandise. If you’re a sneaker-head, they can give you a heads up in the skating aspect and any upcoming grabs. Quickstrikes and sometimes rare Tiers pass through this shop. It’s a large space. Your eyes will stay busy all day looking at everything hanging on the walls. If you’ve had enough, walk next door to Dark Horse for a drink and make your way back to the shop. Enjoy and support Artist Front
Kenny H.
Place rating: 5 Houston, TX
Tricks are for kids and Anthony and Matt are the coolest kids I know. Their latest trick is Artist Front. Half skate shop, half clothing store, half art gallery. A Front is some sort of weird fraction that will make your mom cough up a hairball. Sandwiched between Catalina Coffee and Dark Horse Tavern, you can now spend all day on Washington Ave. and never get bored. The walls sport photos, paintings, and prints of all shapes and sizes from local artists. They have all the skateboards and accessories you will ever need and their clothes look great whether you’re walking down the runway or running from the cops. You can enhance your mind, your look, and finally be unique, just like your friends. Mixing business and pleasure has worked well for Matt and Anthony, Their place is amazing, just ask either of them.
Larae M.
Place rating: 3 Houston, TX
Time to get a girl’s perspective on this joint!!! Move over, boys!!! Hehehe!!! I was already in the area(Boheme on Fairview) and being fairly sloshed from sangrias and Russian lemonades, I failed to follow my friends to the Aerosol Warfare event in downtown(another urban event). So I whipped out my trusty Blackberry and messaged people in the area to see what was happening that Friday night. Lo and behold, I was invited to this joint by a friend due to an artist having a show there that night(urban artist, «Article»). So I made two right turns(woo! Thank God for easy directions) and found myself on Washington Avenue and off to A-front I went! If you know me, then you know that this skater/grafitti/urban artists scene is definitely out of my realm. But I’m always willing to broaden my horizons and try anything thrice, and so I went to this event. The store itself is fairly large. The merchandise(from what I could tell) consisted of sneaks, skateboards, paintings, and grafitti-culture-wear(???). I know I’m not articulating it well, but you get the picture! For this particular event, my friend was pointing out several famous local breakdancers, artists, etc that were in attendance. They had a DJ set up as well, which I’m not sure is there during regular business hours. The store was littered with beautiful paintings by the Artist and everyone enjoyed the free food and beer provided by A-front. My friend says this is one of the few places in Houston to cater to this skateboard/urban culture. If this is your scene, you should definitely check it out!
Ryan S.
Place rating: 4 Houston, TX
Ryan + Skate boarding = Failed Poser Ryan Ryan + Skateboarding Fashion = Sexy/Fresh/Poser Ryan …And that’s freakin fine with me! Before I get into it with this place that I really like thus far, there are some things that I need to point out. If you are thinking this is another athletic shoe store in Sharpstown and you are looking for played out Air Force 1’s, Jordans, Kobes, blah blah blah, I suggest you hit the backpage button now before I waste your time. A-Front, which is right next to the Dark Horse tavern on Washington and near the intersection of Sawyer, is mainly committed to the urban/skating genre who are into fresh, limited, and underground fashion and footwear. The appearance from the outside is great. Looks like a run down hole in the wall with the A-Front sign barely visible. With the urban, low-key appearance from the out, I couldn’t wait to open the black steel like door. As I walked in, I was blown away by the vibe. Think urban loft/a dash of a frat feel/your bedroom with game systems when you were 5/a cup of museum/and 2 pints fashion. Yea this place of course has skate board decks, plenty of hard to find tees, and limited sneakers. But it is the art-filled walls of A-Front that makes this place worth the trip even if you are not a sneaker fanatic. I was quickly greeted and felt welcome in an instant. There is a «lounge» type area with a ping pong table, sofa, chairs, flat-screen and of course a gaming system. Now on with everything else. If you are a true skater, you will notice the many decks they offer as well as the skateboard repair area towards the back. Shoes! Like I said, no played out grade school stuff here. Here you will find the largest and probably only Nike SB accounts in Houston which is a rare thing in H-Town. Not only they are rare, but A-Front still manages to have many SB’s on sale! U KIDDINGME! Other standout brands are Supra, Rogue Status, The Hundreds, Vans, Diamond Supply Co., and much more. Overall, this place is great. Its hip. Its art. Its skateboarding. Its badass. –Mr. Strong–
Nick S.
Place rating: 4 College Station, TX
This place had a cool vibe to it. Dudes were playing ping pong and PS3 when I walked in. The bad thing was they really didn’t stop to see if I needed anything. Had a good selection of tees but not slot of sizes mostly M & L. Lots of newly released Nike SBs so if your into that this is the place to get them.
Chris J.
Place rating: 4 Houston, TX
Cool place nice atmosphere a little hard to find if your not familiar w/down town Houston but ready to parallel park… on the other hand they have an spread out Collection on Nike SB Converse & a new Line of Supras. they all so have an great selection on tee’s and Fitted Caps Great Store I would love to see more shops like this In Houston
Flyp p.
Place rating: 5 Austin, TX
A-Front is hip little underground culture — retail shop in the burgeoning Washington Corridor. Strategically located near Houston’s gigantic new skate park — the timing is no coinicidence. The partners involved know all too well that skaters need decks, parts and fresh gear. But its not only a skate shop. They have elevated it to more of «culture center» for grommets, hardcores, and posers alike. They offer generous space for local artists — –hence the A in A-Front stands for Artists — audio and visual. They have selective gear for sale that true sneaker collectors can appreciate and on going limited line of locally illustrated skate boards. And if your rolling your eyes right now and mumbling«hoodrats» to yourself. For shame! These guys have talent, on and off the decks. They’re approach is laid back, chill and thought provoking. They are definitely injecting their own flavor, style and perspective that Houston desperately needs. Flanking their space is a great bar, Darkhorse and coffee shop, fer sure an added incentive to check the shop out. Its also skating distance from the park too, which has very limited parking [Washington does not]. The art is great and for sale — the gear is fresh and new — sweet selection of deck, hats and shoes. Flyp smacks his deck on the pool coping in appreciation of the effort!