Can't complain. They had the specialized beer I was looking for, so a plus on that! I'm sure if I lived in the neighborhood I'd be way happier, because they offer a lot of things that I like. But I was just searching for the beer. read more

I love this little grocery store. It has the simple, down home charm of a local grocery store with a few unusual and hard to find items. If you're looking for a little inspiration, you might pop in and see what you can find. Don't forget to browse their great selection of Dagoba single source chocolates--fabulous chocolate at a good price. read more

Really cheap produce, eggs. This place has some produce (mostly the vegetables) that are organic and/or pesticide free, and still cheaper than even Berkeley Bowl. I will from now on only buy my vegetables from Star Grocery. Same with the eggs, the eggs (Clover, from Sonoma) are cheaper than the cheapest eggs at Berkeley Bowl (Petaluma eggs) The meat selection is sparse, but it looks good and the prices are reasonable... I haven't tried it, yet, though. Oh, and there is no inventory tracking system at all, everything is rung up as 'GROCERY' and I'm not sure if the prices are so incredibly amazing it blows my mind, or if the cashiers are just terrible at ringing everything up properly (always in the customer's favor, it seems) read more

Super convenient place to pick up groceries, closest place to where I live. I haven't tried a sandwich yet, but I always see people sitting outside munching down on them midday. I enjoy their selection and their prices are fair. The staff is very courteous and the shelves are well stocked. I enjoy the unique products they carry, like an old timey neighborhood grocer. read more

Not only does Star Grocery have a fantastic selection of just about everything (but cheese-- their cheese offering is tasty but limited), but their butcher shop is exceptional. I wanted to buy humanely raised short ribs that were still in my budget. While Mi Ranchito sells short ribs for under $4/lb, I had a feeling they weren't "humane". Andronico's carries Niman Ranch meat, but their short ribs ($6.50/lb) are only USDA Prime. Cafe Rouge's short ribs, while probably just what I was looking for, are almost $10/lb. Verbrugge's, at $6/lb, are hormone-free, etc., but grain-fed. Star, however, carries Niman Ranch short ribs, at $6/lb, hormone-free, humanely raised, and grass & grain fed. Delicious. read more

Star Grocery - what can I say? So much history, so much quality food, so many quality wines and beer, so many generations of loyal customers, so many neighborhood kids who make Star Grocery their first place of employment. I was there on May 19, 2002 when they celebrated the store's 80th birthday, officially deemed "Star Grocery Day" by the mayor. Can't believe it turns 90 next year, especially in this age of supermarkets. Star Grocery is a family; not just its present employees, but past employees and customers as well. The owner is the most generous man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Thank you, Star Grocery, for being what you are. read more

This review is primary for the deli, as I have not shopped the market extensively. Bottom line: I'm a sandwich guy, and these are killer! Really top-flight. The meat quality is high-second tier, which is perfectly acceptable, and the condiment combination is perfect. read more

Star Grocery is the best grocery store I've ever shopped at. It has fresh local produce from farms you see at farmers markets which is my main reason to go there over all other shops. Plus, there are selections of Kermit Lynch wines, olive oil, vinegar, condiments from around the world, good pasta (including lots of whole grain options), chocolate, and my favorite olive bread. I love all the cool kids who work there. I'm not a fan of the butcher shop in the back. Those guys are real cool and al, but I got some nasty dried out house-made sausage there that they should not have sold or even given anyone for free. So one star off for Star because of the quality issue. read more

Had another GREAT sandwich from Star. This time I had the "Raging Bull". So much flavor including fantastic cheese. Wish I could tell you what the cheese was but I'm just finishing the huge sandwich the day after I bought it and I forgot!. Plenty for two lunches. Kinda pricey at $8, but loaded with quality meats, cheese and it's substantial. read more

Great for picking up loose ends to dinner and some fresh bread or meat. A little on the expensive side for some things, so I wouldn't do all your shopping here. Trader Joes is right down the street. read more

Great to have this local resource. They carry a good variety of items, a lot of gourmetish stuff, a decent amount of the more health food oriented stuff I like, and prices are ok. I drove by it for a year or two before I stopped in and wish I'd tried it earlier. Much easier to park than Trader Joe's when in a pinch. (I'm not a Safeway person) read more

This little grocery store is perfection from its core. AMAZING produce hand picked with love and bountiful beers from strange lands. This is everything a grocery store should be- friendly deli counter and all. Go do yourself a favor and check out Star for all your culinary needs, you'll never want to go anywhere else. read more

My family has been going to Star since I was a child. When I moved back to the area, not only was I happy to find that this landmark grocery still exists...but is thriving, and looks better than ever. I've been in a few times to shop, and each time Adrian (now a manager?) is there, and seems to be a large part of why this local grocery store is something special. He knows everyone's names (and even remembered me!) His enthusiasm about food, special items, and all the customers made me believe that, even when there's a Whole Foods, Safeway, Starbucks and Jamba Juice on every corner, Star Grocery will remain alive and well. Some things about Berkeley never change, and Star is the best one. read more

Star is as good as it gets--locally grown vegetables, a great bread and cheese selection, great range of snacks and wines, as well as oils, vinegars, and honeys and jams. A lovely shopping experience! The fruits and vegetables are sourced from great farms, and make this a slightly more expensive farmers' market type quality of food. read more

With the new deli it's EVEN better... and how many stores can you count still have house charge accounts???!!! Oh the trust! You can find everything you need, it's like the best of Whole Foods and TJ's in a Ma&Pa place! Masaki (the produce Master) puts out some of the best local organic goodness you can find. The little notes over newly featured bottles of wine are helpful as well. And what's better with wine than Cheese? Oh yes, the cheese... even dairy-free for the more sensitive type. See for yourself, then take a peek at the one-of-a-kind quirkiest bookstore ever... Dark Carnival.... To be continued..... read more

Talk about laid back and relaxed, they even still have sign accounts. Lots of local stuff from bread, chocolate, beer to baked goods. Yes, there are supermarkets with bigger selections, better decor and more parking: but this is a gem. read more

Went there because they supposedly had Boyajian citrus oils (according to boyajian.com that listed their local distributors) Store never heard of it. Nice selection of other oils and condiments. I like this sort of independent market, far better than any "corner" store with nothing but sugar and alcohol selections. Sort of like the smaller Farmer Joes in the Laurel district of Oakland. If I lived in this neighborhood, I would probably shop there from time to time, tho prices for odd items that I checked were premium. Tried two sandwiches, "classic" and a roast beef. Similar to upstate NY style submarine sandwiches, tho the slices of cheese on both were paper thin. They were both good, and tho a bit pricey, they were large, good for 2 meals. Read another review re truffle-fig sausages. Very pricey, but bought 3, enormous, but pretty bland. Out of propane to grill, so I cooked in an iron skillet, low-ish flame...at first they swelled like they had been 'fluffed' then they burst, continued on very low flame in order to prevent all of that sweet fig juice from burning, tho they did come mighty close, before being cooked thru. They were meh. They had just a pleasant enough pork flavor, with no hints of any other flavor. I probably should have asked the butcher for cooking recommendations for these, or serving recommendations...I ended up adding a little hot and sweet mustard to perk them up. I wouldn't dis them, but for the price, they weren't all that special...about $5-6 each. Maybe someone out there has a good suggestion for spotlighting these with a meal. read more

Love this place for the convenience and fantastic selection. Great wine and meat counter. I would say that my only complaint are the limited hours. Closing at 7 means i can't go there and night after work even though it's close to my house. Same story on weekends. .. If you're not paying attention and think you'll just pop over and grab something, they're closed. I wouldn't consider myself a plan ahead shopper though. read more

I love this neighborhood gem. They carry produce I would typically buy at farmers market and a great variety of local dairy and bread items. Most of all I love the friendly vibe of this small business. It is so nice to give my business to an independent community business. I love their local selections of items ranging from dairy to jam and the people are so nice. read more

Star Grocery is a wonderful, small market with fresh produce, specialty breads and it's own meat market. Although you'll pay more than at Safeway, chances are they'll have whatever you need when you need it. Open 7 days a week. Friendly, helpful staff and wonderful owner. A real gem! read more

The beer selection here is uncanny. I couldn't believe some of the stuff they had in their coolers. The guy they have getting the beer for them is awesome at his job. Every time I go in there I see something I haven't tried before. You gotta check it out. read more

This gem of a store is one of Berkeley's best kept secrets.It has been owned by one family for many years. From the farmer's market produce to the great beverage selection to artisan products; it is one stop shopping. They even stock raw milk. The meat concession in the back carries really nice products as well. Additionally, the prices are very reasonable for the high end products they carry. read more

I have been shopping here for about 10 years. I have noticed a change in staff and attitude. Their organic and non organic produce are not clearly marked and differentiated. I noticed today that the price being charged for a non organic item was high. The clerk gets all huffy and says it looks organic!!! Really not good customer service; does not make you want to return. I was buying $85 dollars of grocery. The store does not give you a detailed receipt so there is no way to tell what you are being charged. Either the clerks are not trained or whatever-- but I suspect they are upcharging you on produce. I'm pretty disappointed. When I shop there again I will get only items that are marked and skip the produce. read more

You know, this place is a bit odd. They really seem to cater to an "in crowd" of long-time family patrons and their children and so on. If you are not one of these regular patrons, you can expect your experience to be sometimes unpleasant. In fact, you get the feeling that the owner could really care less about you. I guess I don't blame him for being burned out....Yet, some of the staff occasionally has attitude problems too, and it is pretty clear that talking to a manager or owner here will get you 86ed from the market so you have to grin and bear it. I have been blatantly insulted by some pretentious customers as well. The prices are too high for the minor convenience of being 3-8 blocks closer than safeway and trader joes and whole foods respectively. Also, as some have pointed out, the food here can be stale. They do have nice selection of items, but their fruits and vegetables are not up to organic hardcore vegetarian standards according to my dad who wouldn't buy anything here. I don't know anything about it, but he seemed to be offended by the produce here. Lastly, the the Butchers almost all take your money and give you change with their gloves on, and then serve another customer. It is unsanitary. That said, I still go here because 3-8 blocks is a lot to a lazy person like me, and it is a lot quicker to get in and out vs. a big market with lines, etc. I should say that there are a few workers here that are nice and make me feel welcome which i appreciate. Update: I pretty much stopped going here after deciding that Whole Foods is a much better and positive experience. read more

Home of the best sandwiches in the Bay Area. I know that's a bold statement but it's true. You can't go wrong with a Classic or a Dirty Bird (secret off menu item) but everything is good. read more

i can't believe this place has only 10 reviews. it is the oldest grocery store i have been to in the area. furthermore, i can't beleive baron's butcher shop in the back of the store hasn't been reviewed. the grocery store carries fresh local produce, and hard to find specialty items. the employees are young locals, who seem to really care about the store and know lots about the history of the place. great spot to shop on the weekends. it beats the crowds at whole foods, and the prices are better too. read more

I have been a customer of Star Grocery for more than 5 years. I do love going there, but it is not the kind of place for one stop weekly shopping. I am hooked on a number of products that I can't seem to find anywhere except at this small old fashion somewhat quirky grocery store. In particular I love their cheeses and olive oil imported from Europe, and their unusually good locally grown organic produce. The selection of produce is very limited compared to Berkeley Bowl, but the quality is much better than BB. I also like the staff there -- they are always friendly and courteous. read more

My favorite grocery store here in Berkeley. Looks a bit expensive and organic, but that's actually not the case (don't worry they have a lot of organic stuff though). Their cheese selection must be one of the best I have seen yet. I love the Délice the Bourgogne. You can also trust them for the wine selection. Only place where I could find a decent wine for under $10 so far (Limited Lot). Only the vegetables are sometimes sub-standard. And they could have some frozen fish/meat for when the meat corner is closed (closes at 6). read more

star grocery has big breasts. chicken breasts, you perv; that was just to get your attention. i stopped by today to grab some stuff for a picnic grill out at lake sonoma and chatted with the fun and friendly butchers, who were excited to hear my plans for the day. the head butcher immediately referred me to his young apprentice, who is apparently quite the fisherman! he hadn't yet been to lake sonoma, so he had no tips for that spot, but once he heard i was a fishing-neophyte (as in ain't never been, but always interested in trying new things), he directed me straight to the russian river as the best place to drop a line. and i surely intend to find out if he's right! berkeley is the amazing city that it is because of the people that live here. the ones that are kind to newcomers and will take a minute or two to share a part of the area that they think is really special. the ones who choose to get out of their apartments and DO something, instead of watching tv, and bike to work instead of driving, and are proud to bear the name locavore. the ones who sit outside your office by the BART entrance singing loudly and forming a drum circle (or playing the spoons) to entertain you during those sleepy afternoons after your morning coffee has worn off. the ones who turn a cell phone into a microscope to capture images of a patient's blood cells in the field, and send the pics back to experts at medical centers (berkeley students are SMART!). and especially the ones who run teeny, tiny grocery stores that carry everything you need (like their exceptionally large chicken breasts, wide variety of cheeses, ample wine section, and assorted produce) plus all the exotic extras (like maple ginger snap gelato, french berry lemonade, and rao's homemade spaghetti sauce!). the people make this a great place to live, and i am very grateful that it's the place i currently call home. read more

Great location. Very nice cashiers. Most staff are very nice (one kind of snobby guy). Well stocked for the basics.

Star Grocery is a true gem...a reason to live in this neighborhood...how do they know exactly what we need for some obscure holiday dish...it has gotten better than ever now that the new meat market has moved in. The meat is high quality, the sandwiches are big and yummy and the owner is a super nice guy who seems to be friends with all of his customers. He actually delivered a chicken to my house recently. read more

By far my favorite grocery in greater Rockridge. A real old-timey feel, they have a great selection of breads, beer, yogurt, you name it. Not overpriced like Market Hall but not Safeway processed plastic. I try to do all my shopping here. read more

Frighteningly good selection of beers, able to compete with snooty people at The Trappist down the way. The staff actually cares about the customers too. The food and offerings here are oddly better than anyone would hope to expect. The many and varied qualities of this place sneak up on you, but it's really a very remarkable store. read more

Star Grocery is everything and more you might want from a neighborhood grocery store. Personal service, unique selection of foodie foods, organic veg and even an independent butchers in the back that make excellent deli sandwiches. And if you are a beer geek this place will flip your lid...crazy selection of curated unique beers most of which would be hard to find at other beer destinations like Beer Revolution or City Beer store. Really...see for yourself, you won't be disappointed... read more

Awesome beer selection, the truffle and fig sausage is made daily and absolutely killer

Man, I love this place. Everything you need is there. The customer service is amazing. You feel appreciated as a consumer.

Star is a neighborhood gem. It has an excellent selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, wine and cheeses. In addition, it carries Acme Bread. Shopping at Star is a 5-star experience. read more

Such a great neighborhood resource. Feels like old times but the food is all fresh and very up to date.