The staff is too lazy to get up off their chair and help. Two people at the counter pointing a finger "in the other room." No help & their information was incorrect. I get this is a store full of imported low cost junk, but do the staff have to act that way? Sigh. read more

I adore China Fair their prices are very high, and they don't have the breath of stock they once had but still a store I love.

The variety of items and the excellent prices cannot be beat! Whether you are looking for a particular thing or just trying to outfit a new kitchen this is the place I send people. read more

This is such a great spot outside of Porter Square. China Fair has a great selection of goods for the kitchen, and is priced very reasonably. Even though the ambiance feels very simple, it's straightforward and has no frills. read more

We found the prices affordable (a good set of 6 stemless engraved wine glasses for 1.99 each, total of $12). We had fun browsing and imagined replacing other hand-me-downs in our house with better versions from here eventually. We'll be back. read more

If you're having a big shindig, this is a wonderful resource. While it's not a "party store" per se, they might just have what you need to accommodate a load of guests. Having enough of the right pieces when hosting a gang, is one of many good reasons to shop here. Although they have paper plates and cups, I'm not a fan of those. Instead what interests me whether the party is inside or outside, is having enough ceramic plates, bowls, and glass drinking vessels of every kind. You want them to be pretty but not precious too. Here you will find a great assortment of very reasonably priced ceramic dishware, much of it in easy mix and match white although there are some attractive Asian inspired blue and white patterned dishes as well. There are multiple shelves of all kinds of drinking glasses. I wanted a bunch of margarita glasses since my husband purchased not one but two frozen drink making machines last summer (one for land and one for sea). For outdoor and boat parties, I sometimes do use paper napkins and China Fair has them in a variety of sizes and dozens of colors. I loaded up on both dinner and cocktail napkins the other day. There is a sizeable area where you will find all kinds of baking pans too. So if you're a baker you'll probably find what you need here including Silpat liners. It might be that you're not having a party but you're just starting out with outfitting that first hipster apartment of yours in Cambridge or Somerville. Well, here you go and all at affordable prices. Don't forget to check out the silverware, chopsticks, tea pots, serving platters and baskets. There are two large floors of interesting housewares here. The shop itself is a bit dusty and old with original hardwood floors but it all adds to the charm. I'd recommend bringing your own tote bags. And most of all don't be fooled. You'll think you're going in for a quick browse for an item or two and you'll end up leaving with your arms full. You'll want sturdier and larger bags than what they offer. Generally, good deals here. Here is my video Valentine's Day gift to you my Yelp friends! I hope you have the time of your life today. xo http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/10/via-rich-miller.html read more

I love stores like China Fair. They have tonz of kitchen stuff for cheap. 2 floors filled with dishes, silverware, serving pieces, pots and pans, teapots, napkins, disposable chopsticks and paper products, placemats and napkins. GREAT PLACE to come to shop if you are having a party!! I found a cool 2 cup milk warmer/ butter melter? bit sure what it is called but I really like its. Its a fun store just to take your time and browse around. The store itself is a little dusty and has creaky floorboards. Old Cambridge charm! Parking can be a little tricky, as it is street only and almost to Porter square. read more

Stacks of party supplies, plates, and industrial-grade cooking equipment piled throughout a wood-and-sawdust warehouse of a store is my definition of Heaven on Earth. So China Fair, you are Heaven on Earth. read more

I like this place. It's been around forever it seems. I am always petrified that I'll break something in here though... My cousin and I went here a few times when we were outfitting our apartments. They have loads of things you need for the home. The prices are pretty good from what I remember. They have an impressive array of baskets that I've only seen matched in the home of somebody who weaves baskets... read more

China Fair - Kitchen & Bath Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Sure they might have what you're looking for but good luck getting them to answer the phone, or acknowledge you in the store. For Cambridge China Fair, customers are an inconvenience to the work they "have" to do. Plus it's dusty and dirty. I learned today the stores close on Mondays in the summer, but don't have it on their website and Cambridge doesn't have it on an outgoing voice mail. I was furious that I wasted an afternoon to learn this. read more

My name is Joey M. and I have a kitchen gadget problem. My sister pointed China Fair out to me a few weeks back and I quickly added it to my list of places I needed to spend money. It's got a lot of gadgets for a pretty good price. Everything from Pizza Peels to Coffee Makers to plates. The selection is only so-so. I feel like typically it's on the cheap side of things, but for things like a lime juicer, you can't really go wrong. I'm not gonna lie, this is a dangerous place if you like kitchen gadgets. If you are like me you will find yourself picking things up and saying "you know, now that I think about it maybe I DO need a meat tenderizer" (I'm a vegetarian). I found it easy to navigate, and pretty decently priced. There were a few things I couldn't find but after asking the staff they typically knew where it was/if they had it. They actually offered to call their other location and get bench scrapers sent over so that when I came back again. All in all if you are in need of some cheap kitchen accessories or just want to see what they have to offer, I highly suggest stopping by China Fair read more

For what China Fair is, it's pretty good. Well what it provides is very cheap plates, knives, cutlery, and all sorts of kitchen gadgets. I frequent China Fair when I need a present or am hosting a party. Staff is pretty friendly, though I more like to peruse more than anything else. Basement is a bit creepy in the sense there is poor lighting and very low ceilings. The prices can't be beat for the area and if you're north of Porter Sq I would definitely recommend it with the selection they have. Bare bones in presentation but it keeps the prices low. read more

Your neighbor keeps peeping into your windows at the most inopportune times. Shut that beotch out with some cheap rice paper blinds from China Fair. You've suddenly become obsessed with Little Red Riding hood and need a wee basket to complete the costume. The array at China Fair practically make you quake. Thirty people are storming your house because you made a bet with your Chinese coworker that you can make better dim sum than her but you don't even own a pot. You find China Fair's gleaming, multi tier stainless steel supply and know victory is in the future. You're tearing out your hair because your silly friend has decided to go without a wedding planner and put you in charge of finding 80 sets of matching tangerine plates, napkins, and plasticware. Where do you go? Straight to the rickety, dusty shelves at China Fair, of course. Your mother-in-law has rediscovered potpourri and has requested you bring her laser cut glass dishes for the filling so your house will smell like baked apples. Yep, you hightail it to China Fair. You're plastered (again) and stumbling around the kitchen break your last mug. China Fair, naturally! Oh wait, they have the lamest selection of mugs. You cry for the next week, drinking watery coffee out of their cute Japanese soup bowls, and your realize that it's true, no relationship is ever perfect. read more

Some people need an excuse to throw a party. Maybe it's another candle on the ol' birthday cake, a year closer to retirement, a celebration of two people's union or the addition of another person to our planet. Whatever the reason, whatever the occasion, this party ain't gonna plan itself! And that's precisely where China Fair comes into the picture! Forget overpriced party stores teeming with whiny kids demanding the latest cartoon-themed birthday pinata. Bypass the big lot stores where you likely won't find anything in a timely fashion, and nevermind hiring someone to take care of all this for you--who's got the $$ for that?! China Fair has what you need at a reasonable price to plan anything from a dinner party to a large-scale event. With deals on everything from ceramic plateware to cookware to decorative baskets, you won't need to go anywhere else! I snagged 1,000 plastic cocktail cups here for $100! Advice: ask for help! And bring your own shopping bags--they only bags they carry are super small! read more

On first glance, this repository of all things all things appears to be the dusty trap door beneath the X on the map of any ragtag, adventure-seeking group of social misfits, a la Goonies knockoff. If I ran through the roster of what stocked the shelves on a two-floor kitchen and bath emporium, I'd run out of characters for this review because the internet would run out of memory - needless to say, it's massive. Crockpots to creamer caddies, baskets to immersion blenders, pepper shakers to Parmesan grinders - if you need it, China Fair has a poorly constructed version of it. And many folks say it's cheap, but that all depends on the item in question. My plastic muddler at $3? Cheap. Ikea quality flatware, cereal bowls and cake plates ranging from $5-$30 respectively? Not so much. Having a standard sense of going rates for household basics will help out sniff out the deals and avoid the gouging that happens for more popular items. Please heed this warning. But tis the holidays, and if your Somerville sensibilities have you shopping locally and crafting your own assortment bundles, the woven baskets are abundant and rightly priced for quick fills and quicker distribution. Just don't get swept up in the dark and haunting corners from whence they came. There are some skeletons in that basement, dearie... read more

China Fair is an interesting and frankly quite unique store nested just a few steps away from Porter Square, right on Mass ave. This two-storied store offers up all-things kitchenware, flatware, cooking ware, bakeware and various others things including cutlery, storage items and even restaurant supplies. From plates, water carafes, tea pots or martini glasses to siltpats, rice cookers and numerous items, my trip there with the wife was quite enjoyable as we perused through every single nook and cranny in search of random thing to help upgrade our current kitchen situation. Best of all, the service is friendly, the prices are great and their selection top notch. The only downside, is that you'll most likely need a bit of help to find what you need - there's stuff all over the place and it's not always organized logically. read more

I love China Fair. I don't mind the dusty chaos, because I always find something cool. I bought all kinds of things here over the years: dinner plates, bowls, cookie cutters, jars, Christmas cookie tins, napkins, etc. and I keep coming back for more. Parking is a bit of an issue, especially because it's impossible to make a legal U-turn on the street, but it's manageable. read more

My last review complained about bad service. Everything else I've said in the last review (all the good stuff) stands, plus now I've received stellar service every time I've gone. There's an older guy behind the counter who's usually there (perhaps the owner?) who knows where everything is and knows a thing or two about the products. I've even seen him stay a few minutes later than the closing time for late customers. God bless him! The younger folk who work here are lovely and friendly people but they're woefully taciturn and not as knowledgeable as I would have liked for clerks at a store like this. They're not bad, but this is sort of a specialty store, you know what I mean? In summary, this place rocks. read more

I was introduced to China Fair when a friend was throwing a large party and needed a sudden 'large amount' of glassware. China Fair is a place were it clearly is 'meant' for people who want to stock a restaurant. But... anyone can shop there! They have everything!! Need a dozen mini chafing dishes; they have them! Need 6 French Onion Soup bowls; they have them! Need a bunch of cheap martini glasses b/c having plastic ones at a 30th birthday party wont cut it... THEY HAVE THEM! Granted, you aren't getting Ridel's here (though you CAN) the price point is perfect. Wok's, ladles, hot pads, and cookie sheets... you can find it here. The staff is usually pretty much just chatting away behind the register, but in a place like this you are far better off just wandering around to find that random gem. read more

Hooray, bargains everywhere! Mark Bittman says, never buy your kitchen utensils from a place like Williams Sonoma. Instead, go to a restaurant supply store. Or, go to the China Fair! They have almost everything imaginable, although you'll have to hunt for it and may not find the exact-exact item. Also, strangely, they carry wrapping paper (great during the holidays), and lots and lots of baskets. In addition to utensils, there's glassware (excellent if you want to throw a cocktail party and need cheap martini glasses) and an assortment of chinaware. read more

Great place to roam if you need any of the following: mugs, silverware, bundt cake forms, meat thermometers, asian soup spoons, giant woks, canning jars, pyrex stuff, rubbermaid containers, Christmas wrapping paper, woven baskets, Trappist jam, deep fryers, 10 gallon stock pots (not kidding!), plates, water pitchers, window blinds. You might get a healthy dose of dust with your purchase, but that's a small inconvenience, considering you most likely just saved yourself a ton of money. Right now, I'm still comfortable living the rag-tag lifestyle of a college student where I am proud of the fact that none of my plates match, but once I get over that phase, I will seriously consider outfitting my kitchen here :) Bottom line: you should go, even if you don't need anything, it's really fun just to poke around the dusty shelves fantasizing about your secret life as a world-class chef :) read more

China Fair is the spot in North Cambridge for inexpensive kitchen stuff. It's a little shabby, what's there is what's there (you may not find a particular name brand if that's what you are looking for), the stuff is wrapped in this morning's newspaper and you absolutely want to wash the accumulated dust off of anything you buy there, but you get back in price what you gave up in ambiance. China fair is perfect for plates, bowls, mugs and glasses and another side of the store is full of pots, pans and kitchen utensils that you didn't know that you needed and make great gifts. There is a room full of wicker baskets and downstairs has all sorts of storage, canning stuff and Tupperware. You can also pick up party stuff (plates, cups utensils), gift wrapping stuff and even pinatas. Basically a great place for cheap stuff for entertaining. Keep an open mind and you will get what you need for a good price. read more

As someone who cooks at home extensively this place is the best. Sooo many kitchen supplies (Pyrex! YES!), dishes, containers, housewares, etc, etc. Basically every kitchen and home good under the sun. Two floors even! Holy smokes! Tends to be pretty fairly priced (especially in the bargain basement). There's some high end stuff in here but nothing is so overly priced that you'd begin to calculate in your head whether you should buy the baking pan or just spend the balance on beer instead. Also, for all you homebrewers out there they have large sized glass bottles that air lock tight for 3 bucks. Definitely a step up from reusing screw top wine bottles. As mentioned bit of a dirt pit. But I dig it? read more

This is my sort of party supply store slash random houseware place. I've had to throw several events/parties that needed matching napkins and plates and theses guys have got it! Only thing is if the lighting isn't being your friend that day, you may pick up colors that are slightly off. Do yourself a favor and just check the labels to make sure you're getting "Fresh Pain Blue" instead of "Sad Blue".. not that they're named that. They've also got random colored Chinese take out boxes and sometimes out of season wrapping paper and bags for your off-key party needs. I wouldn't say this is the place to look for deals, but some things come pretty cheap. This isn't a discount Chinatown store. Most of the workers are pretty friendly. This isn't exactly a party store so they aren't sugarfied nice, but when I was looking for a certain type of container and they didn't have it, they made a few suggestions to help me out. PS - If you are allergic to dust.. stay away. Especially from the downstairs. read more

They sell everything kitchens need. I like the products, from the plates and glasses to the party supplies. I have bought several things from here and have not been disappointed. Much of the cookware is actually what you can find at many restaurants. For party supplies, they've for tons of napkins, plates cups... heck, I think I even saw pinatas here. read more

China Fair is one of my favorite weekend shopping destinations. With my addiction to kitchen tools and gadgetry, a reliable, inexpensive source of cooking-whatnots is absolutely key. China Fair hasn't let me down yet. They have everything the budget-conscious cook could ever need. Need a box grater but only have $2.49 to spare? Not to worry; just stop by China Fair! They have whisks and rolling pins for days, all the baking tins anyone could ever need, and mixing bowls big enough for me to sit in. On top of all the cookware, bakeware, glassware, and tableware, they also have a small selection of used cookbooks ($1.99 each) and a section full of various party goods. China Fair loses one star because it's a bit dusty and disorganized. Plus, the staff can be little remote. If you don't mind that hunting a little for your ramekins, China Fair is definitely worth a visit. read more

Sometimes, when I have time to kill, I wander in here and just roam the aisles, dreaming of being a master chef with a huge kitchen. I'm pretty sure that the employees must recognize me by now and think I'm a bit crazy. Having China Fair just down the street does come in handy when I find that I need random bits of housewares and I don't want to have to shell out a huge chunk of cash. A colander here, a pizza stone there...It's definitely my first choice stop when I realize that my kitchen is lacking something that I need. Their extensive selection of everything - serving dishes, pots, storage containers, salt shakers, pots, pans, utensils - means that you're almost guaranteed to find what you're looking for at a price that you can afford. Someday, I'll have the huge house I dream of and I will finally be able to buy everything from China Fair that I want. For now, I'll buy little pieces here and there and stay content with wandering. read more

This place is really awesome! If you're an avid home cook or a professional chef this is the best place to get anything from canning jars, knives, baskets, and all types of culinary gadgets. It has many of the same tools as Crate & Barrel and Williams Sonoma but at a far cheaper price. For instance, I bought a magnetic knife holder for $15, while C&B sold one for $50. I echo the sentiment that the customer service is lacking. So you would have to into this place knowing what you want and possibly having a pic of the item. read more

This place is pretty darn cool. Quirky with a different vibe, I dig it. Not only do they have every kitchen ware available from plates, glasses, mugs, serving ware, small appliances and tools etc. They have every piece of product that could conceivably be used in a kitchen, even some items that you might not have space to us. I.E. a giant basket. I mean big--nay--epic in size (at least to me). Me and my friend could probably, if not comfortably, sit in the this basket. AND they have cornucopias! Who has those? I've only seen them in paintings and movies, but there they were on the shelf. cool. I ended up purchasing a nice coffee mug and a few other nick-nacks and the prices were unbeatable but a couple of things put me off. The place has a noticeable layer of dust on just about everything. And the staff while helpful, didn't seem terribly excited to be there. These two things, however, didn't stop me from giving it 4 stars. I will definitely be returning there. read more

Had a star shaped baking pan. I couldn't find any baking pans with unusual shapes (other than cartoon characters) for same day pick-up. But China Fair came through-and at a reasonable price. read more

I second what they other reviewer said about not wanting to put up a harsh review for a local business, but that I don't care if a crook is a local business or a corporation. When they say no returns on broken items, they mean that they sometimes sell defective items that will break and they will not let you return. THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. DEFECTIVE? "CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER." Worst customer service I have encountered in years. I bought a pair of Venetian blinds from their dusty basement, guess I should have known better. The bracket was very warped old plastic rather than metal. When I tried to slide in the faceplate to the warped bracket, the plastic chipped. But there was enough plastic left I thought I'd try again, which resulted in more snapping and crumbling plastic. They can't refund it because it is opened (how do you know a product is defective without opening it?!) but they will pass the message on to the manufacturer (but I wouldn't be surprised if they keep selling them). So, expect cheap prices, even cheaper quality, and "I don't give a damn" customer service policies. Search the Yelp reviews for the word "return" (in this and the other Newton location) and you will see that refusal to accept defective returns and rude stonewalling are a pattern for this business. read more

Ugg, First off i'll say this kills me to write as they really have some great stuff in stock. They also offer some competitive prices on many items, and as far as restaurant supply places it's a pretty large selection. However, I recently purchased a Taylor 1479 Commercial Wireless Remote Digital Food Thermometer for $29.99 last week along with an additional $100 of merchandise from this vendor. The product is a current thermometer with average ratings online currently available at Amazon for $21.00 (See Link below) After thorough research, i decided to pay the premium $10 this business was charging for the convenience of being able to purchase this without waiting the 1 day it would take for amazon to send this. The product did not function out of the package whatsoever. I was burned because the thermometer registered 170 degrees too low. After reading all the directions, and correctly assembling this, it was quite obvious it was broken beforehand. I then checked my temp with a 6 dollar meat thermometer i had on hand and it was apparent that this device was completely not working. I have returned to the store with the merchandise, packaging, and receipt and attempted numerous times and have been told that the owner sells everything as is. He assumes when it is broken that it was broken by the customer. I understand selling certain items being sold at a really good price as is. Electronics are the exception. If i purchased this from Amazon, best buy, or any other retailer broken, they would apologize and help me locate a different model that met my needs. I received the name of the Owner and called and have left 2 messages for him about this thermometer, and have received no response. I hate to rip on a local business , but to be honest if you're a crook i don't care if you're a corporation or a local business. I ended up purchasing a premium thermometer at BBQ Barn, a local business as well but one that has customer service and one that will get my future money and recommendations. http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Commercial-Wireless-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B002E1AVT8 Update: 7/30/2012 - The owner has ignored my better business bureau so i am forced to file a small claims court case against him. It's so sad to see such bad customer service from a local business. http://www.amazon.com/ThermoWorks-Original-Cooking-Thermometer-Timer/dp/B0019R4HQQ/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1340641273&sr=8-47&keywords=taylor+thermometer read more

Some of the wares are a bit dusty from sitting out on the shelves, but this compact 2-level store sells kitchenware and cooking utensils at wholesale prices! You can find just about everything: Tupperware, everyday dishes, utensils, baking sheets, cake molds, etc. A great place to go if you're planning to throw a great cocktail party since they have all kinds of glassware, utensils, modern-looking dinner/h'or doevres platters (like the kind you'd find at restaurants), and cocktail napkins in every rainbow hue! I also love the random assortment of cookie cutters for less than a buck apiece. I bought an elephant as well as a bunny shape just for kicks. The cookie sheets and baking pans are less than what you'd pay at Target or any other big-box store, so I bought a couple of those too. Just make sure you wash everything well with soap and hot water :P read more

3 stars for 1) proximity as I can walk there2) More selection then I thought there would be 3) It's one of those eclectic sort of places Cambridge was all about forever. It would be 1 star if based on the sour pussed "why should I help you I only work here" guy. I have worked a small retail business for 20 years and, yes, some of my coworkers have been accused of being unfriendly or grumpy and it's the cardinal sin in retail. It wouldn't be so bad if he just didn't seem happy but the fact I had to open freakin boxes myself to find what I was looking for should have earned me a few more niceties. It reminded me of those movies where someone working at a botique or something of that nature thinks they are sooooo much better then their customers. Remember dude, customers aren't an interruption of your time but the whole reason you have your job!! read more

Wow, impressive selection! Make sure to check out the basement area too.

This place is just strange. I often stop in on my weekend run and wander around to see if they have whatever cooking gadget I need for my latest baking adventure, and I've never walked away satisfied. Instead, I end up in the basement looking at the ugliest china possible and wondering what 1980 Howard Johnson had to close in order to get a set this atrocious. Prices here are eh- I would only go back to show my friends the hilariously hideous pieces, not to actually buy anything. read more

Nice spot that complements Restaurant Depot, Eastern Bakers, and that wholesale place off of Lincoln St. in Chinatown pretty well, if you're cooking for an army or running a small business. They should sell bulk tiki mugs though, that would be pretty pimp. read more

Not as cheap as one might expect for a wholesale housewares store, but they do have a really good selection of generally inexpensive ceramics, glassware, and other kitchen-type stuff. You'll also find some industrial-grade equipment here that you won't find at places like Bed, Bath, and Beyond, i.e. 60-quart aluminum stock pots. A great store for most of your kitchen essentials. read more

Went in to spend some serious money. Asked to use the bathroom, was told there was a gas station a block away. Fuckin bullshit. I am so sick and tired of this no public restroom bullshit. I am sorry your place is surrounded by junkies but I am not one of them. In fact I look like a cook, even in street clothes. There is no mistaking me for some fuckin junkie. If you can't discern between a threat and your very specific target audience, there is no hope for you. Any way... enjoyed the gas station bathroom. Enjoyed more driving past you with my cash still in my pocket. Go fuck yourself. read more

A good place if you want cheap kitchen stuff. Also a good place if you want to inhale your weight in dust and see how big a fly has to be in order to get crushed (and forgotten) under a bowl. Don't get me wrong- I got a frying pan, various bowls/plates, utensils, and baking stuff for under $30. I just had to wash everything very carefully later. Worth it overall. read more