Today I drove all the way from San Jose with my daughters to shop here. Hands down the best grocery store I've ever been to...beats Staff of Life in Santa Cruz and Rainbow Foods on SF which are also favorites. The quality and selection is unbeatable. I have to shop at three different ethnic stores in the South Bay to find what I need here all in one stop. Please bring a Berkeley Bowl to the South Bay! I know it's wishful thinking. I told my daughters today we will make two monthly trips for groceries here and nearby Three Stone Hearth. read more

Took off one star from my last review for what has been my favorite grocery store for many years. Why? Because I've finally had it with the lackluster, tired attitude of most of the staff who work here. WHAT'S HAPPENING, Berkeley Bowl West Management? Why aren't your employees happier? There is a huge difference between your workers (particularly the checkers) and the checkers at Trader Joe's, as one example. The latter are usually pleasant, friendly, cheerful and seem to enjoy their jobs for the most part. Everyone has an off day once in a while, but every time I shop here, the checkers seem to be anxious for their next break. There is a crack in your foundation. It's also a drag to so often have overcharges that would go unnoticed by me if I had not taken a receipt. I can't recall a time I was UNDER charged, but overcharges happen often. I love, love, love that you do not play music in your store. My sensitive nature thanks you, very much. read more

It is with a heavy heart I write this: On Monday, April 27 I shopped at Berkeley Bowl West. I spent over $300... On Wednesday, April 30, I unwrapped the cheddar cheese and it was moldy. See photos. The next day I was going to serve the cherries I bought there and enough of those were spoiled that I had to throw THEM away! Today 5/4 the THREE Containers of Desert Jewels Grape tomatoes are unusable for salads or salsa. So disappointing ..... read more

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Overall this is a solid place to shop. I always liked the selection at the original Berkeley Bowl but never enjoyed shopping there, as parking is usually extremely difficult, the layout for some reason doesn't seem to flow as well for me and I just didn't find myself wanting to go back. This location feels better to me for some reason although it can also get quite busy. Parking is mixed, I have usually found a parking spot close enough to work although sometimes its full and I have to go a bit further away. Huge selection of international foods, incredible produce and vegetable variety and a very solid meat counter as well. Definitely a solid shopping option in West Berkeley. read more

Lately when I'm in Berkeley for any number of reasons I have stopped in here now a few times. It is in another building at Berkeley Bowl West grocery "extraordinaire" store. The coffee is great and a huge fan of the various egg sandos. There is also a side area where they host different pop up kitchens. Multiple 2 seater tables and some longer share tables or for groups. It does get a little loud at times. Maybe needs some acoustic modification. I hear the packaging for wine shipments do a great job for this when mounted on the wall according to my past roommate with a recording studio who dug through my trash for these. But that's a different story. Lots of locals it seems hanging out reading the newspaper (we still have those???), talking shit about Trump (I mean it is Berkeley) and meeting up with friends. Overall nice place. read more

Really popular grocer that has been serving the greater Berkeley community for decades. This location was opened in 2009. They're known for their organic produce or just their produce variety and selection in general. I know for a fact that they are one of few places that get stone fruit from a central CA farm that I am very fond of. I've heard of this place through several of my family members who went to UC Berkeley and been wanting to go. Finally got that chance recently. The folks here are friendly and I would say the vibe is similar the popular grocer chain that started in Austin, but with a more organic community vibe. I came through looking for some fruits and stumbled across their craft beer section, which I have to say, had a pretty impressive selection including some rare, esoteric beers that some of my craft beer buddies would geek out on. I then went to the cafe across the way to get a beverage. That cafe is great too! (I think they're affiliated). Didn't have much time to explore or shop, but me and my fam got some stuff before we left. A true gem and am envious of what the denizens of Berkeley or students have here. read more

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This is the best grocery for all your needs, there all types of food depts including meat/seafood dept., deli, pastries, bread, cheese, regular/organic fruits & veggies, etc. read more

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Wow! This place is huge and has so much variety. When I went to this location a few weeks ago, I was absolutely blown away. All kinds of meat, fish, produce, snacks, and it's pretty affordable. When I went back with my husband yesterday, I did see some moldy vegetables, but ehh, it happens. They have sushi-grade fish and all the fixins and accoutrement-- I'm talking ginger, wasabi, sushi rice, seaweed, imitation crab, kewpie mayo, ALL OF IT! Be prepared for a lot of maneuvering your cart! It takes a minute to find parking and the spots are tight. When you first enter the store, it's a little challenging to find a way to get into the store. Don't skip the outdoor area! The meat department is organized and while it feels like the wait will be very long, you just pick a number and it goes by pretty quickly. The checkers/ cashiers have been less than friendly both times, but they worked quickly. The first time they had samples of drinks. This time, I had to ask someone in the cheese department for a sample. I'd love to see some more samples at a massive location like this! Overall-- the options are too good not to go here, both when you need a big haul or if you're looking for speciality items. read more

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See my last review. This is generally a good store and all the details is in that one. However, they do have issues with taking returns and that is a problematic for me. And it makes me not want to try new things. But they have all the fruits and veg at a good price and the sales are pretty good too. Things are more expensive now, but they are not impossible. At some point, they will have sales on all the gluten-free flowers and stuff and that's when I can stack up on all of my baking goods and get ready for the holiday season. I do like coming here. I do respect their prices. And the people are generally nicer than they've been in a while. I will continue shopping here. The store is generally clean and I've never had a complaint about anything like that. Sometimes their products are a bit hard to find, but it's not a big deal. read more

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Produce and meats are generally both beautiful and tasty. The price seems a little high, but it is reasonable given the quality and variety of items stocked. read more

Great spot to get a cup of coffee or fresh juice before doing your shopping. Every thing is fresh and value priced. Lots of free parking in lot on across the street Nothing fancy but will satisfy your craving before doing your shopping for the best produce and bakery items. read more

Berkeley bowl West is amazing. There's a rumor circulating around the east Bay that it is the largest produce store west of the Mississippi. After seeing the avocado section, I believe it. They have four different types of avocados in the non-organic section and two types in the organic section. That is impressive. That is Berkeley bowl. Aside from being the defendant a place to buy fresh produce, it's also a fantastic place to buy meat. They butcher the meat in house and they offer several different grades of meat for each cut. For example, if you want a ribeye, there's four different grades. At the top is Wagyu. The price is here on anything but produce are high. If you need a chocolate bar or a jar of jam, expect to pay a premium for it. The parking lot is a nightmare. You have two choices. The first is to park upstairs, either in the front of the back of the store. Both of these parking lots are very busy and tight and stressful. The other option is to park in the garage. If you park in the garage, you have to take the elevators up, which are incredibly slow. Being a co-op none of the employees here wear uniforms. It's hard to distinguish the employees from the actual patron sometimes. They're not known for their customer service here. But I don't think that's why people go here. Go to Berkeley bowl for the produce. read more

Been shopping here for decades now, but thought I'd post something recent. These past weeks a new Tokyo Central has opened and I thought would give BBW a run for its money, but no. I went this am to BBW and they again had fresh strawberry mochi! JC did not - too funny! I'll stick to my BBW for my weekly items and even some of my fav "Japanese" items as well! Keep doing you, BBW, I'm here for it! read more

Berkeley Bowl West - Mango, Strawberry/Red Bean & Strawberry/Chocolate mochi - handmade treats! VERY GOOD!! - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

The finest while foods store in east bay. The produce section is beyond anything you can imagine! Every ingredient, herbs, supplements , great proteins are available at both locations. Way back in the day it started as a co-op and today's pricing still reflects this from the original business. It doesn't take my whole paycheck to eat well with clean food. Pictures will follow when I grab groceries ... read more

I come to Berkeley Bowl West once a week and always have a stellar experience. Yesterday, I was even more impressed by their teamwork and ability to work through high stress situations! It was crazy busy, as usual, and it was a Saturday, so the checkout lines were super long and all of the cashiers were going as fast as they could. All of the card readers went down while we were in line for checkout, we were next in line and were pretty bummed to either have to pay with cash or write our card down. It only took about 30 seconds before the leadership team came out and helped to direct everyone on next steps. None of the team members appeared to be phased by this situation which, to me, is a sign of great training and support! They pulled out their backup card readers where they had to manually input our totals and were ready to keep rolling. Thankfully the main card readers were back online before it was our turn and checkout resumed as normal for everyone. I'm always so impressed with how the Berkeley Bowl West team gets through their busy days in general, but this was the cherry on top. You all are the best! Also, if you've never been to Berkeley Bowl West make sure you set aside AT LEAST one hour, if not more, to explore the entire store. They always have bright and bountiful in season + local produce. And typically, each produce item has multiple suppliers so you can usually find one within your price point. I'm a pretty particular shopper and will seek out deals, so my weekly produce hauls at Berkeley Bowl West usually cost me about $25-$30. That's just on produce alone and for high quality local produce, you really can't beat that! They do also have a bargain produce section all the way in the back corner by the meat/seafood. This section has bags of produce for about $2/each and even whole cartons of berries for $1. Because it's the bargain section, you will definitely have to peel through the bags when you get home because they are older items. But you can, and I have, totally get your entire week's produce just in the bargain section for under $10. You do have to beware of narrow aisles just because of how crowded it gets, but the team does an amazing job at keeping aisles clear of hazards/trash as well as maintain a gorgeous farmer's market style aesthetic for the produce. read more

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Outside parking sucks. I like the other Berkeley Bowl better! Choices are a lot more, but shopping is more crowded (of course). I rather go with the other one - easier to navigate read more

Comprehensive, colorful, well used and newest grocery venture in east Berkeley. The best seasonal produce, fish and meats, bulk grains, starches and spices. This location has a bakery and deli for an assortment of prepared foods and a daily revolving "ghost" kitchen. This is the place to find that obscure organic baby vegetable you've been looking for. read more

When my wife lived in the East Bay, she frequently shopped here at Berkeley Bowl West. I've shopped here a handful of times. I love the sushi grade seafood and produce here! I mean there is so much variety and such a huge selection, it makes your head spin. In a good way of course. She stopped in to see what kind of fresh fruit she could find. She ended up only buying some bananas and cherries. read more

Berkeley Bowl West - Black Pearl Cherries - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Hands down this is the best grocery store that I've been in. Is it crowded with challenging parking? It sure is! Just breathe deep, be patient and kind and this grocery store will deliver a treat that will dazzle your taste buds. read more

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I suppose I'm as enthusiastic as some people are of Costco - which I can't understand. At Costco they always gave less: shorter shopping hours. Don't even bother to put your groceries in a bag. Fewer items and selection. Impossible to buy smaller quantities - which is odd for a person coming from Germany where you can even open any package of almost anything and just buy one - one soda can, open a 6 pack of bottles - just buy one... At Berkelely Bowl you get more: more customer service, more produce items, more shopping bags. And I like it. Whole Foods and trader Joes is probably still my normal spots but if I lived closer to here I'd leave those two in the dust. Especially around the holidays I'm looking for something a little better than normal. Something maybe where price is the last concern. Sure you will pay a little more but its worth it if it plays a part in your once a year holiday meal. read more

Berkeley Bowl West - Ohh - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

lines are 20+ people long even in express. I can't tell you what a corporate joke this place has become. I'm sure Amazon has its eyes set on this place and it's only a matter of time. Updating my review because I saw Berkeley Bowl highlighting plant-based and lab-grown meats. I still wish the lines moved faster, but I appreciate the support for alternatives. read more

BBW was beautiful this morning. Both my teriyaki salmon rice bowl and squash soup was waiting for me upon opening. I love soup in the morning! read more

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This place is very nice. The hardest thing is finding parking on the outside, which you can circumvent by parking in the garage downstairs or down below. And then there is an elevator to go upstairs. Everything is nice and organized and of course make sure you have your pocketbook ready and can afford everything. But they have everything in stock and are very nice and cordial. This is more of a upscale store that has the right products for what you need to make that dish pop. read more

Quality/Quantity - Got a quick snack. This was my go to place for a quick prepackaged snack. I think they do a good job in that department, and they do a fairly good job with their deli, etc. If you also want a good selection and fresh produce, this is the place to come. Well known for their produce selection. I just discovered they have a "bargain" produce department/section. See picture. I did not enter. In the past, they were known for their Asian beer selections. But we all now have Bev More, Total Wines, etc. Atmosphere - The newer and larger of the two locations. My favorite of the two. Easier and better parking; approximately 3 parking lots. Better drivers, etc. It is sad that they closed their hot food deli, see picture. They also closed their public bathroom. Now we have to go back up to the hidden 2nd floor bathroom. Open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm and on Sundays from 10am to 7pm. Service - Good, they almost always have all their registers open, thank you. I check out in the bakery which is even quicker. Price - Today only $8. Owner Comments - Congrats on your success since 1977. 1999 - Moved to the old Safeway location. 2009 - Opened this location. read more

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Omg! What is not to love about this place! I could spend a day just in the produce section alone. So much to choose from. This particular location has lots of garage and street parking because it is hopping on the weekends. Large arrangements of produce and flowers as you enter and walk right by the yummy bread section with fresh selections from acme and other local Bakeries. The staff is super nice always willing to help you choose the best fruit and produce for your needs. The meat area is loaded with all kinds of grass fed and organically grown. Today I not only filled My cart with produce but purchased some Lovely grass fed ribeyes for dinner. They have a large selection of craft beers from all around the world as well. If you want an incredible food shopping experience go to Berkeley bowl! read more

Basically a combination of Whole Foods and every ethnic grocery store. Within the commercially packaged sections, you can find almost anything, but most things are a bit overpriced just like Whole Foods. Berkeley Bowl does have its own brand for certain products like ice cream or nut butter. The produce section is very large and prices are competitive, so much so that if I find myself in Berkeley some weekend, I just buy my Asian vegetables here and don't bother going to the Asian supermarket. There are more varieties of tomatoes than I have ever seen in a supermarket: probably at least 5 varieties of large tomatoes and 5 varieties of mini tomatoes. There is a bargain section in the back, but it is not very useful as most of the produce there is rotten. This store is much bigger than Berkeley Bowl Downtown and is easier to navigate for those with a car, as they have a large parking garage downstairs. However, those arriving by public transit may prefer the downtown location. read more

I became a huge fan of Berkeley bowl after going to Cal. Their HUGE selection of fresh produce, dried foods, and specialty items is unmatched. Sometimes their produce prices are even cheaper than the local big box grocery stores too. I prefer the Oregon st location since I've been to the Heinz location multiple times and this place has been a mad house every time. Lines are ridiculously long, other shoppers are very pushy, and just trying to shop around the aisles is akin to being a salmon swimming upstream. I'd only stop here if I'm closer proximity wise driving, otherwise I'd choose the Oregon St location. read more

Berkeley Bowl West - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California

I really want to love this place but I just can't. Besides being almost impossible to park and super crowded, the prices are insane. Same shopping elsewhere costs literally half. In these days of prices going up that's just insane. I don't see how that is sustainable for BB or for its customers. Sorry, but I'll be avoiding BB as often as possible. 2 Stars because they do have an amazing amount of good food and huge produce department. Good variety and you can probably find everything you need or want here. But at what literal $ cost? read more

I'm usually happy with everything I get at BB West, but yesterday, Sunday, the "fresh" chicken noodle soup was so salty it was inedible, and I'd bought a big carton. The Hot & Sour soup was disgusting, thick, overly vinegary, the tofu in it tasted stale. Both soups seemed like Saturday's leftovers had been added to for Sunday. Not fresh or clear, but muddy and overly salty. I'm talking about the soup in the hot tubs, serve y'self. The Clam Chowder, which is my usual and fave, was OK. I don't think I'll ever buy the "fresh" soup again. read more

Love the variety. If you have a recipe with unfamiliar vegetables, fruits or other items - Berkeley Bowl is the place for all items. The staff is also knowledgeable! read more

Berkeley Bowl is honestly one of the most disappointing grocery stores I've been. The store is crowded, dirty, and chaotic the aisles are narrow, and parking is a nightmare. I've even seen many flies near the produce and meat section, and some of the meat looked old and unappealing. On top of that, the customer service is terrible. Staff are often rude or dismissive when you ask for help, and when I questioned a price that rang up higher than the shelf tag, I was treated like I was the problem. For a place that charges premium prices, this is unacceptable. Between the lack of cleanliness, poor quality control, and the expensive pricing, I won't be shopping here again. read more

They got the good shit, if you want a nice FRESH meal. Get this shit. Fuck. And don't trust the bums on the side of the store trying to get free shit, fuck em. read more

Do not underestimate The Berkeley Bowl, you will be overwhelmed,..BUT IN A GOOD WAY! ;) You can find a wide variety of produce and grocery items here. You can buy rice, grains, snacks, teas and so much more by the pound here. I was ecstatic when I found out they sell Ceylon Tea and Ground Ceylon Cinnamon here. This is also a great place to find plant based items, non dairy substitutes and lots of protein filled foods and snacks. It's a little bit on the pricier side but it is still affordable compared to some other high end grocery stores in the area. read more

The coolest place I've been to in a long time - beautiful, fresh produce, an amazing assortment of regular and high-end food items. Kombucha on tap! If I lived near here I'd need an extra job to support my shopping at Berkeley Bowl. I'm so glad I got the chance to experience this marketplace! Go here! read more

When I left the Boichik factory I headed over to 8th and Carleton, hoping to stop by Batter Bakery to pick up some pastries for the freezer but there was no table out, despite it being the right day and time so I headed over to the cafe at Berkeley Bowl West for chicken katsu curry from Dela Curo. Ed U and I had discussed it and agreed we liked it better than the place in El Cerrito. Jeanette had just taken over the register. I didn't remember her name, but I remembered her essence and her energy. I ordered a large ginger turmeric tea w/ oat milk and a chicken katsu lunch plate. Jeanette said she would bring my drink when it was ready and my lunch when it was ready so I didn't have to get up and I deeply appreciated her thoughtfulness. When the woman she had been replacing returned from her break I watched as Jeanette tirelessly cleaned tables and mentored younger workers. She is really a treasure. read more

This might be one of the most complete and reasonable price grocery stores I have even been. Pretty much it has a to z stuff. It is huge. Everything is organized nicely. Price is also reasonable. It also fresh dish section with variates of food. The meat section is also very nice. Veggie and fruit section are nicely organized. They also have some fruits and veggie outside if you just want to do quick shopping. They have so many cashier lines and are properly organized. Some are for less than 15 items. This will be my to go grocery store if I live nearby. If you want a break or just wait for your partner or wife to do the shopping, you can sit at the coffeshop across the store. There are plenty of parking spaces indoors and outside. read more

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I have been going here for awhile, for my ever changing dietary needs. For some reason they have it all. Precovid, I enjoyed the make your own salads, and hot foods. Now I enjoy going through their many nuts and grain section, and large selection of mushrooms. If one cannot find an item on one side of the store, there's always another side to explore and find it there. Good prices. They are a no plastic bag store so you may have to purchase a reusable bag. Services is cordial. The store is pretty big, and has a lot of foods focusing on good health. The cafe is finally back to where you can sit inside. They used to have so much more, but still have good food. There are some popups featured daily too. The schedule is online. The staff is really friendly, and do not expect a tip as well. read more

Fresh vegies and lots of selections name it and they have it.Love the chocolate cupcakes!!!

Today, for the second time, I went through the valley of the shadow of death in answering and being interacted with as if I were on the witness stand as to "why" I was returning food that was uneatable. Throughout the interaction, I was repeatedly interacted with as if my answers were not good enough given the standards the "manager" speaking with me was bound by. He actually wanted me to bear the cost of uneatable mangoes. The behavior of the manager was unacceptable and disrespectful. In fact, I told the manager whom was being "a certain way" that when they acted this way with their family, it drove their family crazy. The Asian lady overhearing this conversation was not happy at all with me and/or the interaction, although bring ZERO perspective to the solution of the situation. When I apologized to her for having to listen to this conversation she looked at me and in "a certain way" said, "Don't talk to me!" and turned away. This is an employee sitting right there watching and listening. OMG. All of this over about $6.00 worth of uneatable mangoes. REALLY?!?! All of that abuse over what?!?! I lost count of the number of time this guy repeated himself as if I were not listening the first time. UMMM ... for future reference it could be valuable for Berkeley Bowl to put a camera and microphone to pick up what's being said at the Customer Service desk. Just a thought, since the person really in charge is unable to see everything as it's happening. Camera's and microphones work. read more

We love the selection of produce here. You have to be careful about getting charged the correct price. We were charged the wrong price for a produce a few times. Recently, the cashier told us to make sure the granola we had during checkout had a barcode. Weird. Was it our job to make sure every product had a barcode? He sent someone to get one with a barcode. None of the other two had it. The staff member just had a picture of the shelf price. Look at the photo of the curry paste. Has it been in the store for two years? It will be expiring in less than a month. We will still come here when we're in the area. They have the best produce selection. read more

Berkeley Bowl West - Really? This curry paste expires in 19 days. - Cafes Near Me - Berkeley, California