The Pros: Massive Variety: Truly a "one-stop shop" for tea…read moreenthusiasts. Low Pressure: The staff greeted me and then stayed hands-off until I had questions. The Price: Easily some of the best values in the city. The Con: Sealed Packaging: Everything is pre-sealed in 1lb plastic bags. Because of the sealing, you can't smell the tea before buying. I'd love to see them implement scent jars in the future to help with the selection process. Neutral Observations In-House Packaging: All the tea is packaged identically in 1lb bags, which suggests they likely process and bag everything in-house. Labeling: I didn't notice any specific organic labels on the packaging, though I didn't explicitly ask. If this is a deal breaker, you may want to ask. Review If you're looking for a genuine loose leaf tea source -- your search ends here. I stumbled upon this place after endless online searching (blogs, search engines, etc) and it was well worth the effort! Just a heads-up on navigation: G-Maps is slightly off. If you rely solely on that, you'll be a few doors down. Look for the Volvo mechanics and the shop is located just on the other side. The exterior is unassuming, no windows, just a sandwich board on the sidewalk and a door. Looking inside it's a bit of a mysterious vibe, you'll see a stairway to the left and a hallway ahead. Go for it. Ignore the single pane glass, bank-teller-style window to your right (which directs you to the main door) and just head in. Also, keep an eye on the clock because, per the phone tree, they close for lunch from 12:30 to 1:00. I arrived right after 1pm and was able to park right in front. There was also plenty of other parking spot around at that time. IDK why, but before walking in, my imagination had prepared me for an old-world San Francisco opium den. I was thinking there was going to be this lingering aromatic smoke, plush floor pillows, people lounging, sipping tea, and the soft, ambient melodies of an upscale spa. I had also pictured rows of heavy, whiskey-style wooden barrels overflowing with loose leaf tea, topped with clear lids and metal scoops. The reality is much more utilitarian. This is not a den or a spa. It's clean, straightforward, and focused entirely on their product. The selection is robust and incredibly diverse. While they claim "wholesale to the public", I can't verify the industry margins, but I can tell you the prices are very good for the quality you receive. The employee greeted me and then stayed hands-off while I browsed, which I appreciated. When I did ask specifics, they had basic foundational knowledge. Honestly with the diversity and sheer quantity of products offered, it would take forever to earn a Tea Master badge. No harm no foul. The only real bummer here is that everything is pre-sealed in 1lb plastic bags, so there is no way to smell the product. I'd really appreciate scent jars in front of the bags. Since they seem to be doing the packaging in-house anyway, it makes me wonder why they haven't set aside a small amount of each batch for scent jars. It wouldn't require a change in their supply chain, just a few ounces and a glass jar to help customers navigate that massive variety. That aside, I absolutely loved this place. I've been searching for a spot like this for a long time. I'm just glad I finally found it. If you're at all interested in loose leaf tea, I'd suggest giving these folks an honest try.

I needed dried lavender for simple syrup and ice cream and found this place online. Prices are very…read moreaffordable and they have so many options! I'm not able to post all my photos but this is some of what they offer! Will definitely come back.

An Absolute Gem for Foodies & Flavor Lovers! If you…read moreappreciate high-quality, beautifully curated culinary experiences, Oaktown Spice Shop is an absolute must-visit. Walking into their Grand Avenue location feels like stepping into a beautifully archived world of flavor--row upon row of fresh, aromatic, hand-mixed small-batch spices in clean, classic glass jars. The rustic yet organized vibe makes you want to overhaul your entire kitchen pantry immediately. They have everything from everyday essentials to obscure herbs, but their specialty collaborations are where they truly shine. If you try only one thing, make it the Hat Trick spice mix (their incredible collaboration with the Oakland Roots and Boichik Bagels). It is an absolute game-changer. It brings a bright, savory, and zesty kick with Aleppo chile flakes, citrus salt, sesame seeds, and nori. It has the perfect warm, delicious heat that elevates everything it touches--especially an open-faced bagel with lox and avocado, or a crusted salmon filet. Between the incredible customer service, the gorgeous shop aesthetic, and brilliant blends like Hat Trick, it's easy to see why they were named one of the best spice shops in the world. I'll be a customer for life!

Oaktown Spice Shop is a must if you are in the Oakland. Oaktown Spice Shop is well organized,…read morewelcoming, and the staff is very friendly and willing to help if you have any questions! The spice shop has a wide variety of goods which are reasonable priced. Once you walk into the store the most amazing smells which you have smelled will fill your nostrils. The smell are not overpowering but welcoming and guide you around the store to explore what the store has to offer. If you are in the area or just want to stop by, please do and you will be pleased with your experienced. If you don't want to stop by, please check out their online store!!

I don't live super nearby to this Co-Op grocery market but my good friend does and she brought me…read morehere while on a walk, and I was blown away by the whole place! Firstly, it was my first time shopping at a co op and I really really really love that aspect of it. Anytime I can support a business like this, I want to! But beyond that, I was skeptical that the prices would be outrageous and was fairly surprised that they really weren't! Ok sure, some items were pricey, and that's true for any small store in this city, but for the bulk items and dry goods, the pricing was incredibly reasonable! I even found the same scones I buy at my local box box grocery store for cheaper here!! What?! I was also just blown away by the variety of choices.. they've got everything here.. produce, condiments, dry goods, chips, snacks, bulk items, tea, medicines and supplements, and a section of boutique handmade goods that was so awesome to look through!! I don't live close by but I will be back anytime I go to see my friend (which is often).

Looking for a clean, less chaotic bulk store and co-op in SF? Other Avenues is what you're looking…read morefor! OA has a plentiful bulk section with all the teas, grains, and beans you could ask for. A few hard-to-find favorites are: dried boba, soba noodles, THAI TEA(?!) and all the liquids. And of course, bringing your own containers is encouraged. Phew! I wish they would start a refrigerated section for things like miso and tofu!

Lots of awesome spices and selection along with knowledgeable and friendly staff, more than willing…read moreto help you find what you're looking for and provide their opinion! Prices are also very good even though it's located in a more expensive retail area. I'm looking forward to trying more items from here!

I noticed this spice shop while stopped in traffic and walked over after I parked…read more The store is highly visible and inviting from the street and inside, beautifully organized with tempting sounding blends like popular Cyprus Wild Mushroom Umami Sea Salt I happened to pause in front of. I remarked how this salt looked like Egyptian frost salt and got a head shake, "Don't know that one". Okay, it's esoteric but also got a non-committal head shake they don't carry Maldon sea salt, commonplace for baking and a finishing salt. I explained I use it to make Blue Bottle Coffee's granola blend. Weak smile. I remarked that I liked their photography cards of beautiful recipe ideas near the jars ("What a good idea!") and shared my use of Vadouvan in a eggplant, chicken & basil stir fry I made up. I got another tepid response. I explained I cook a lot at home and had over 200 jars from the former Spice Ace store that needed to be replaced, "Sadly they faded with time." At this point, don't you think the salesperson would've jumped on that, "Would you like me to pull some jars, get that project underway for a New Year?" No. The owners should be slapping their hands on their forehead watching hundreds of dollars not go into their till that day and developing me as a regular customer. I have money to spend, clearly like to cook and told them I need to replace 200 jars. I practically placed a grappling hook in my cheek like a big mouth bass and told them to reel me in! I decided to ask about their pricing structure, noticing the nonsensical spread on the large and small jars, "Because they didn't get good pricing when they bought the smaller jars" Now muttering to myself, "So how is that *my* problem?" Oaktown Spice Shop is a growing and well-received small chain of three retail stores, two in the East Bay, that has a wholesale roster of James Beard and Michelin starred restaurants and high end delivery services like fellow East Bay business Good Eggs. If the owners read this review, they desperately need to retrain their retail staff. They rang up my small $22 sale as I began mentally filling my old Spice Ace jars at Rainbow Grocery.

It was great working with Dana on my custom spice blend. She was professional…read more and had a fast turnout time. Not only that but she has affordable prices as well as a huge variety of spices in her warehouse.

California Spice Basket is the best co-packing service I've ever worked with! With so much…read moreknowledge and experience, Dana went above and beyond my expectations and gave me advice about everything necessary to ensure quality and helped me release my product to market. Definitely recommend!

I was amazed and truly loved this local Spicery with the unique tea and spices options…read more The staff is amazing. The prices are a bit higher than the market, but at the same time it is a special tea options from green tea till herbal tea with some flowers that makes it blue in the cup! There are good options for a gift or a present for a special occasion. Parking is limited and only street parking is available in front. But if you park near by you will have an opportunity to walk around the area, which is itself a nice experience.

Visiting family near this waterfront gem recently, I discovered the most amazing spices! There are…read moreso many uniquely blended spices to choose from here. Upon walking in, the woman at the counter was friendly and helpful in asking how she could help find the exact one I was looking for that day. My Mom accompanying me, she ended up guessing which one too, the Baker's Cinnamon. The shop has such a comforting, welcoming vibe too no matter what spice you're looking for or are curious about. This should be Marin's go to spice shop no doubt.

Stumbled upon this neighborhood shop and now I'm completely hooked. Perfectly Seasoned is one of…read morethose places that reminds you why shopping local matters. From the thoughtfully crafted small batch spices to the warm, welcoming feel of the space, you can tell how much care goes into everything they do. One of the owners I've met always remembers me, which instantly makes each visit feel personal and genuine. I also love that they offer two different spice sizes, which makes it easy to try new blends without committing to a large jar. Over the holidays, their spices became my go to gifts and they were a huge hit. Another favorite is their San Francisco series, a collection of curated blends inspired by nine of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. They also create and share recipe cards for many of their blends, which makes it easy and fun to actually use them at home. Everyone I've interacted with has been friendly and knowledgeable, and it's clear the people behind this shop truly love what they do. This is exactly the kind of local business I enjoy supporting and recommending.

Perfectly Seasoned is a true treasure in the heart of Noe Valley. It is a chef's dream come true,…read morethe kind of place that makes you want to rush home and start cooking. Whether you are just learning or have years in the kitchen, you will leave here with something that inspires you. The shop is spotless, inviting, and thoughtfully arranged. The owner greets you with warmth and a wealth of knowledge, happily sharing the stories behind each spice blend. Many are made in-house, and some are even inspired by San Francisco's own neighborhoods, each with flavors as distinct as the district itself. The scent of freshly ground spices fills the air, drawing you to the smell samples that beg to be explored. I found myself inhaling one amazing blend after another, already imagining how they would transform my dishes. You can choose from beautifully curated kits or have fun creating your own custom blend. I will absolutely be back, especially to find gifts for the food lovers in my family. Perfectly Seasoned is not just a store, it is an experience you will want to share.

The Oaktown Spice Shops are such a blessing!! They have such…read morean amazing assortment of spices and blends. Great place to stock up, and purchase gifts. I'm still bummed that the Castro Valley location closed, but I will not pass one of their shops without popping in. The space is welcoming, the service is friendly and helpful.

I use so much more spices now that I found Oaktown Spice Shop. It's like I've been asleep and now I…read morehave gained a new sense...taste.

The bEst!!! This establishment is the wealth of the town. I know Berkeley has a lot of great places…read moreyet having an herb shop of this caliber is the true crown. The plant medicine mavens are kind, knowledgeable and astute. I happily travel hundreds of miles to patron Llhasa Karnak

My fiancé wanted to do a bbq spice rub as wedding favors. They not only had all the spices, they…read morewere able to blend them in bulk, saving me so much time and energy. Thanks Aaron!

Halal International and Greek Market is exceptional. I discovered them at the event of a fried…read morethat they catered. The FOOD was Jaw-dropping, but I held on to my manners and kept my mouth closed. It was SO GOOD. A platter of grilled shrimp that was like something I've never tasted before, and yet is was familiar as Good Cooking from Magical Hands. The babaganouj was hands down one of the best I've ever had, smoky and held together in a creamy constitution and not watery. They make their own pita, phenomenal garden salads, Chicken breast kebabs, lamb and beef. I don't eat the last two, but everyone said that they were delicious. All I know is that the catered event had everyone inquiring about the source of the food. The following day I ordered catering for an office event. Don't cheat yourself. Try this full flavored and expertly crafted cooking. Someone whispered that the chef was from Yemen, but I can't verify. What I can verify is that the food is HALALICIOUS!!!

Was in the area and found this spot on Yelp. The outside is…read morenothing exciting but the food counter area was clean, the staff is friendly and responsive and they grilled our food on the spot. Delicious meat selection, their Adana, chicken shawarma and the lamb shawarma are all great. We tried both the plates and sandwiches. Very reasonably priced too. We will be back