I came here for the sandwiches which were great, but more than that I liked the grocery store. It had all the things I ever wished in a grocery store. read more

Most awesome grocery store with a whole WALL of chocolates!!!!! the meat and fruit is really fresh, and they sell ben and jerry's peace pop thingys. those are soooooooo good! They also sell swedish fish that aren't all packaged. also have the biggest selection of Dirty potato chips ever!!! yum! nice staff and yummy red licorice. bread here is yummy too. and look at all of the vitamin waters!!!!!!!!!! awesome place. : P read more

I wish I had discovered Star Grocery when I lived three blocks away! It's right near my parents' house, but, inexplicably, was never a regular grocery stop for us. Now I'll probably make the trek up there anyway, or combine the odd shopping trip with a family visit, since it's just a little bit further than the Berkeley Bowl, and has a lot more going for it. It's the kind of well-stocked local grocery store that feels almost like an anachronism. The selection is quite varied, considering the size of the store, and prices are surprisingly low for the great food they have. Their produce section is small but second in quality only to the farmers' market, including a wide range from local farms -- yesterday I got local Cara Cara oranges, Full Belly Farm beets, and Willey Farm leeks and parsnips, and passed by Full Belly wheat flour only because I still have half a bag left at home. When I have a little more money I will surely be back to check out their chocolates, meats, pantry staples, etc.... read more

If there is an equivalent to "local food" in the grocery world, Star Grocery is it: they've been in the neighborhood for years, are family owned, and their food seems entirely catered to the tastebuds of the neighborhood/area. There's a plethora of fine chocolates, breads, cheeses, and they have all the things that I was surprised to find in a "mom and pop" store: they have humane raised eggs, the butcher in the back has marin sun farm meat, and they have produce from local farms--recently, I spotted ramps! I can't believe that I've missed this place for more than a decade. It wasn't until a friend of mine said, "Go to Star Grocery," that I dropped in and was totally surprised. My husband (who also loves the place--he sees it as a mini-Berkeley Bowl without the drama of parking and the crowded aisles and the occasional crazy shopper) and I now view farmers market + Star Grocery as the perfect food sourcing pairing. They're definitely cheaper than Whole Foods--we spotted Meyers products there at almost a dollar cheaper. So--you'll feel good shopping at Star Grocery (for all the reasons stated above but also because the place feels local and has a feel-good vibe) and you won't regret it either because it won't be an act of altruism. There's good stuff here and it's priced well. Oh and if you like the booze, they've got a great selection. read more

I would like to shake the hand of the person who orders and stocks the beer selection. I currently host a beer drinking, dog training podcast, my co- host is based in NY. I recently moved to Oakland, my friend and fellow dog trainer in the East bay told me about star. I come to star grocery once Or twice a month to get beers to try on the podcast. Such a great, interesting, and varied selection of craft brews. The person is doing an excellent job. read more

Star Grocery is a wonderful place to explore new foods. The variety and quality of their drinks, snacks, candies (especially chocolate), teas and foods is amazing. For me, entering the Star is about the small things, like lavender flavored soda and peppercorn chocolate. I have a friend whose grandparents used to live one block away, and they have had an account here for more than 50 years and only had great things to say about it (yes, the old fashioned I-trust-you-to-pay-your-bill-at-the-end-of-the-month kind). In general, they sell upper-end, gourmet goods at prices that are lower than other shops of their caliber, even those which specialize in one item, like tea or chocolate. read more

Adorable place. Please never shut down, I want to shop here forever. The young men who work there are both friendly and knowledgeable about everything from alcohol to fruits and back to spice rubs. Girls are not as friendly, but oh well. Awesome selection of stuff you CANNOT find at safeway or whole foods. local foods that are Actually organic, not whole foods organic. Prices are okay, Way good for a local grocery. Love This Place! read more

Star Grocery is legit. Assuming the worst about other small overpriced food stores in the area, I have never entered the store until earlier this week when my sister and I ordered sandwiches from the meat counter. We ordered the Goodfella and Godfather and shared both. $8.50 per sandwich was a great deal considering the amount of high quality meat, argula, mozzarella cheese, and roasted peppers that was stuffed into fresh bread (from Acme I think ). The quality of cuts at the meat counter was some of the better I have seen, but they are definitely priced just as high as their quality was. They cure their meats and make their sausage in house, and they looked delicious. Their local produce looked fresh, which is awesome of course. I was especially enthralled by the kale. The prices were high, around the same prices in Hawaii. Good beer and wine selections, nice artisan products, and having moved home where nutritional yeast is $15/pound, seeing an $8/pound price was nice. I gave it 4 stars for its awesome sandwiches and high quality of their products, not 5 because it is a little more expensive than local produce you could find at the farmer's markets. I'm definitely going back for the sandwiches! read more

Bourbon review 2/13/19 - they had baby saz for $28 and good selection of other commons. Ok place for everyday bourbon.

A neighborhood gem! They have everything you could want and then some! I have yet to find another place that carries bread in can!(you know....for emergencies) Head on to the back of the store to the butcher shop to find my all time favorite-Lebenese Bologne! Mikey, who runs things, makes sandwiches that you will end up dreaming about-I usually order two! Yes, they are that good! And to top it off, if you are clueless on how to prepare the meat or fish you are buying, just ask Mikey! He will give you simple and tasty recipe. Star gets 5 stars! read more

I like beer. Many people like beer. The people who like good beer, would appreciate that Star Grocery is worth the trip out to Claremont if you don't live in the area. They have an amazing beer selection with great breweries like Dogfish, 21st Amendment, and more. I'm a huge fan of 21st Amendment's Hell or High Watermelon beer, which is infused with real watermelon flavoring (no concentrate here). This beer gets even better... it's in a can! I thoroughly enjoyed having something else other than a Coors Light on Super Bowl Sunday this year. I also liked the pasta selection here, and satisfied my pasta craving by buying some great noodles to make for dinner. The cashiers were all very friendly, and I look forward to buying beer and pasta here again. read more

What would I do without the Star? Starve, probably. And now with the newly opened, reinvigorated butcher counter, Star has everything I need. Don't miss the foodie produce section, the extensive wine selection and the yummy, yummy premade foods at the butcher. Around 2:30PM, you'll see the benches in front crowded with school kids from John Muir up the street, enjoying their ice cream bars and cookies. On the rare occasion I'm home at that time and sit on the bench myself, I feel like I'm on vacation. read more

I am 62 years old and have shopped at this squeaky floor grocery store since 1958 when my Grandmother Marie bought a Tudor style home about a block and a half down Claremont. I spent my summers there. My Grandmother would write a note and a list of what she wanted and I would deliver it to Mr. Pappas Sr. and he would fill my order. Oftentimes the order would include a pack or two of Pall Malls, and occasionally a fifth of Jim Beam, which Mr Pappas would very discreetly wrap up,and cushion so that I wouldn't break it on the walk home. There was no fear of prosecution back then in a private transaction between a shopkeeper and a customer when a written note authorized by a regular customer with signature and a monthly account was acknowledged and a reply and receipt from the shopkeeper accompanied the groceries. Mr. Pappas was a very kind man, and loved children. He was a true family man, and I grew over the years to know his children, cousins, nephews nieces and every other family member you could think of. Always on the shopping list was a small oval can of pate de foie gras which for the life of me I cannot remember the brand of, but it was scrumptious and seemingly available nowhere else. I look for it often but can never seem to find it. Mr. Pappas was an avid booster of local schools and sports teams, and often sponsored events. He was a short round man with Benjamin Franklin glasses and always treated me with a respect I never earned but certainly enjoyed experiencing. That market is a true holdover of times past. It had a high gas light ceiling and a ladder was always available so that certain specialty items on the top shelf could be accessed. Mr. Pappas carried everything you could ever need or want in that little market, and would slice your salami for you at no additional charge. If he didn't carry it, he would order it for you, and call on the telephone when it was available. What a bunch of wonderful memories I have of the market. It is peaceful in there, and so many thousands of customers over the decades have left their auras in that place. I'm so happy it's still family owned. The next time I'm near there, I will undoubtedly go shopping for the hard to find items I can't find anywhere else. read more

This review is for the beer section only. The beer section is legit. You may think the beer section is not legit just because it's relatively tiny compared to Bevmo. However, the two fridges are packed with beer that is only available in Star grocery. Harley, the beer buyer, is approachable and willing to answer any questions regarding to beer release dates/recommendations. Conclusion- get your regular beer at Bevmo and wholefood. Make a stop at Star Grocery to rack up some hard to find beer recommended by Harley. read more

Star Grocery is your REAL local Berkeley market. It's quaint with a homey feel and has the little unique things you can't find elsewhere. Although it has all these qualities, you should note that actually doing all your grocery shopping here is VERY EXPENSIVE. I like the butchers in the back of the store for their deli meats. Hot coppa, salami, and all the other goodies. And Star Grocery has an AMAZING beer selection! Not to toot my horn or anything, but I have been privy to some very unique beers and I have found them at Star Grocery for an affordable price! It definitely makes me think twice about heading out to the bars and spending a fortune. Good meats, beers, and food... read more

A charming little market, very nice people, lots of cool drinks and snacks not found in your typical supermarket, and a cashier whose smile can calm even the most shaken nerves... a nice old man he was. I loved the layout of the market. It was very old-fashioned and fun to browse through. It seemed like you could never guess what they sold around the corner... and it always seemed to be something cool, worth trying, or at least something that would induce some sort of double-take. I didn't get to spend much time in the market because I was pretty much bee-lining it to the deli for Star Meats. 4 Stars for a cool little market. I WILL be coming back here to pick up some of the cool snack packs I saw. read more

They have a surprisingly wide selection of items for a small market. They have gluten free flour and lactose free milk for example. Although they don't have my favorite brands sometimes I still enjoy being able to walk to a local market. Since I moved from the NW corner of Berkeley to the SE corner I have greatly missed Berkeley Natural Grocery (http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Berkeley+Natural+Grocery&utm_source=openSearch&utm_medium=searchBar) and while not a complete replacement it is certainly better than my other walking distance alternatives. read more

This place is perfect for what it is trying to be. It is a neighborhood grocery store serving its local community. It is independent, staffed mostly by students and young adults, and it is stocked with things that the people who live within walking distance want and need. read more

Star Grocery - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Clearly an incredible marketplace but certainly not for the Everyman. Many luxuriously priced items that are hard to come by--but is "real freedom" the choice between 50 expensive, artisan pastas that are difficult to rank, or 3-5 pastas at variable price ranges? One thing: killer booze selection. I imagine many of the rich folks in those yonder hills have well-stocked bars for their holiday get-togethers. read more

Star Grocery is what a local business should be about. They have what you need (fresh produce, breads, flour, sugar...) and what you desire (chocolate, wine, coffee...). Prices are fair, service is friendly and the place definitely has roots. They seem to care about their clients (credit slips, offers of assistance) and their customers definitely care about them. Stop in on a weekday afternoon and see the kids from the preschool down the block shoppings for snacks and dinner with their parents. Stay a little later as the refugees from the San Francisco commute make their way back home. Get a coffee, or maybe a piece of fruit to enjoy on the wooden benches out front. The awning keeps you protected from sun and rain so you can watch the joggers, cyclist, dogs and everyone else run, ride and drive past on Claremont. Good selections of what they do carry, from PG Tips tea to bulk foods to a deep wine list. Kudos to Star Grocery for setting the standard for how a business can be a great neighbor. read more

I came here for one reason alone -- I had a hankering for Republic of Cake cupcakes and being the socially conscious citizen I am, I did not want to waste the gas associated with driving all the way to Orinda! So, instead I drove to Berkeley. Unfortunately, after a brief survey of the entire store, the teenager behind the counter informed me that they were out of Republic of Cake cupcakes. Bummer. However, my survey of the store informed me that Star Grocery has a plethora of grocery items -- standard and unique. What a wonderful neighborhood grocer! I would definitely come back here if I was in the neighborhood and needed high quality products in a pinch. Keep on stocking those cupcakes, yo?! read more

It has been many years since I've been there but have many fond memories of this store. Both My maternal grandfather (Adolpf Paganetti) and fraternal grandmother (Emma Willis) worked for Mr Pappas for years. Mr Pappas never failed to give me treats when I visited. My husband's family shopped there and even when they moved out of the area they continued to do so. I'm so glad the children have carried on the family business. read more

I love this amazing family market! The staff is​ so sweet and helpful! They have an amazing selection of produce, beer, and a surprising variety of groceries! While they carry some pricey products, they're usually local and delicious! And they still have some of the lowest prices you'll find on cheaper products! You can feel proud knowing you're supporting an independent​, local business. Feels more like family than a grocery store! I would rate 10 stars if I could!!! read more

Like other negative reviews of this store, I had a bad experience with two of its teenage employees today. The rudeness of the teller who spoke to me demeaningly because I failed to understand her orders about waiting before inserting a chip card, was astounding. A second employee then compounded the attitude of the first by challenging my veracity after she overheard me telling her colleague not to speak to me that way. A call to the owner to suggest customer service advice for his two employees resulted in no apology, but rather telling me that one of the employees is a friend's daughter and he'll have a word with her father. He clearly didn't take the matter seriously and was quite dismissive of me. I very much doubt he'll take the time to educate the two involved, which won't help them on the path to maturity the least bit. read more

My mom lives a couple of blocks away and I take her here occasionally to shop since she's not driving anymore...this was the place we came as kids, as I mentioned, but they have stayed really current regarding what people like these days...including...frozen cornbread pizza crusts...which I've died for for years since Viccolos near Hayes St. closed. Yum. read more

A colossal disappointment. Went there this weekend for the first time to get some basics and was insulting overcharged (trying to be Andronicos?) and then not provided nor offered an itemized receipt. I was simply handed my credit card receipt and stared at awkwardly. I have a yucky feeling that I may have been charged an extra $5 or $10...Although most of the food was fine, I opened the box of Nature Made Agave sweetened granola and it tasted like a horrid combination of stale (cardboard) and bug spray. I want to return it, but I don't have an itemized receipt! I was so disappointed in my experience that I feel obligated to balance out their outstanding rep in the neighborhood. read more

Last night, a friend asked if I've ever had a sandwich from star grocery. Nope. Today, a different friend asked if I wanted her to pick me up a sandwich from star grocery. Yes please. Coincidence? I think not. Fate? I think so. Based on another yelp review, I'm pretty sure I had the soprano sandwich + prosciutto. Oymygawd!! So delish. Mozzarella, arugula, bruschetta, balsamic, and that prosciutto.....DROOL. Beware of the garlicky aftermath - there are chunks and chunks of raw garlic in the bruschetta. I love garlic but even I had to pick some of them out. The bread was also so so good. According to my friend, they are almost guaranteed to run out of bread every day. Ridonk! Ah I'm in love. read more

Star IS my #1 go to for very very good food. It's gourmet and simple at the same time. Zero snobbery. They know their customer and you can find many unusual things not found at the big stores . Fruit and Veggies always fresh and FLAVORFUL. For me they have it ALL and I can manage getting in and out of the store in 15 minutes. That is unless I am deliberating over their olive oil and vinegar department. Love Star Meats too!!! ( in the back) Homemade Sausages, Bacon , Meatballs, Great quality plus fantastic sandwiches ( 11-2pm strict rules ) Enjoy!!! read more

My daughter's school is right nearby and so we frequently find ourselves going to the Star Grocery to get soups or other things for her lunch. I'd never actually shop here because the prices are so astronomical, they are purely a convenience store. Last week, I went in to get a soup for her and while there were several people working there, there was a old man at one of the registers who was tagging cans with a pricer (yes, you heard that right, are we living in the 1960's?). Since he was the only person behind a register, I walked up to him and handed him my $5 bill to pay. A couple seconds later, a young guy came up behind him and the old guy threw my money at the young guy and said with the nastiest tone possible, "take care of it!". The young guy, not knowing what to do or how to react, kind of jokingly said, "yes, sir". It was one of the most awkward shopping situations I have ever found myself in. I was so put off by the the old guy's attitude and absolute rudeness that I have now vowed never to shop in that store again. Not only because he treats his customers with no respect, but does the same to his employees. People who are a**holes shouldn't have success. Period. Take your hard-earned cash and spend it somewhere else at a store where the owner actually cares about your business and knows what customer service is. They're out there, you just need to find them. read more

I love Star Grocery. I feel like I'm transported back to the 1950's there, a real neighborhood grocery store. The quality is very high, but the prices are reasonable. Such a sweet place. read more

An outstanding local grocery for those who managed to get their mitts on a piece of the primo real estate in the vicinity. old school grocery with heavy doses of charm and very likely to have what you need. high quality overall. but what brings me to this market, far from my own beaten path, are the remarkable roast chickens you'll smell on the spit the moment you enter the store if you arrive after say, 4:00p. Follow your delighted nose to the rear of the store and lay claim to one of these fine birds. Crazy good stuff. Weirdly, I believe there's a link between the current butcher shop and Star and my former butcher and chicken roaster extraordinaire formerly with the now defunct Woodminster Market butcher shop (was it Bob's Meat's, how the mind goes). If you are looking for the quintessential fat, juicy roast chicken without turning your own oven past low, look no further. read more

Fantastic deli!! Great signature sando's! Fantastic cuts of meat!

No doubt, Star is one of the three things I would list about why the Elmwood is such a great place to live. Being able to walk around the corner and get anything I need, from milk to freshly made sausages (at Star Meats, within the Grocery) is fantastic. Great selection of cheeses, wine, beer (incredible!), etc... The produce is also farmers-market-worthy: No need to wait until Tuesday or Saturday or whatever, they always have a great selection of both organic and conventional stuff. Don't let the slightly disheveled appearance fool you - spend a few minutes getting oriented and you'll find everything you need to live a well-fed life... read more

Great local grocery with a wide selection of items. Definitely priced a little higher but it makes sense for their business and they have reasonable deals of what is commonly found at a grocer. Worth a stop if you are near, the setup is nice, environment clean, staff friendly. What more could you ask for. read more

Having moved to the Bay Area from Seattle, I was searching for a fantastic local store for organics and gourmet items. I have been a PCC shopper my entire life, and Whole Foods, Berkeley Bowl, etc. just didn't cut the mustard. Good, but not great and way too crowded...frankly, just too overwhelming. I stumbled onto Star Grocery on my way back from a hike and it's my favorite spot for everything. Meats, organics, chocolate, wines, etc. I relish my weekly visits. read more

Incredible produce, friendly staff, and solid prices (even some surprising deals). I don't live nearby, but I try to work my errands such that I can stop in as often as can. Don't miss the sandwiches at the butcher's counter in the back. Their Italian classic is the best in town. read more

The owner chooses to hire pre-teens from his wealthy Uplands clientele, but fails to train them in customer service. They are bratty, immature and seem to fail to understand that they are working a real job. But I guess since they don't need insurance, it seems worthwhile to Nick to keep hiring them on. read more

My son had a 'cowboy rib eye' steak last year from Star and I heard he ate all by himself. I decided to try one, but with 3 family members helping & devoured it. Wonderful quality, flavor and texture. One of the best steaks had ever. Great meat. Price was right. Love the history of the place. read more

I walked down here to get myself some stuff to make breakfast while visiting a friend and it was amazing, made me wish I lived in Berkeley so I could shop here all the time. I got some of the best bread I've ever had, from the Acme bread company. read more

Great produce and groceries. Excellent beer and wine. AND an awesome butcher with QUALITY meats. Forget Berkeley Bowl, Star Grocery is my new fav. read more