love love love. I never leave empty handed. I generally find what I need and then some at china fair. I know target might be easy but china fair is quirky and fun and has so much a person might need for their first apartment..... party plates/napkins/utensils....random thing I might not have known existed....canning jars to fill and decorate a table....pyrex everything you might want.... spices.....the list goes on. please just check it out. it's always so quiet in there I worry it might not be able to stay open without people choosing to #shoplocal read more

Should be your first stop for kitchen essentials and possibly only stop for specialty/unnecessary but wonderful items. The prices are generally low and products lean heavily towards function over form. China Fair cannot be beat for things like tongs, pastry brushes, food service style pots/pans/bakeware, plastic cutting boards, etc. Most of these products cost about 50% of what you'd pay in a big box retailer. Dining ware is comprehensive and perhaps less competitive in terms of pricing but still at or slightly below standard retail. Customer service is occasionally lacking but that is to be expected with the outlet/warehouse retail model. Staff are generally friendly and helpful. Accept it for what it is and you'll never be disappointed (or almost never). read more

I've bought tons of stuff here, plates and whatnot, but I have to agree about the help. Very sour, and it seems to come from the top, the man with red hair, who I assume to be the owner, maybe not. Just called to see if they were open, the day after Christmas, right? Not an unusal thing. "China Fair." "Are you open?" "I wouldn't be here if we're not." Bite me! LOL read more

If you're in need of cheap kitchen implements, this is the place to go. Complete sets of china that are not always incredibly hideous, and everything from 40 gallon braziers to pyrex dishware in every size imaginable. They have paper goods for Superbowl parties, wicker baskets for tacky centerpieces, tons of Tupperware for every need, and much much more. Don't expect the staff to be very helpful; they barely looked up as we walked around, clearly looking for specific items. read more

Great place to get simple china and glassware on the cheap. I especially love the "Czechoslovakian Crystal" wine glasses I picked up. Lots of gadgets and unitaskers, commercial strength pots and pans, canning jars. There's not a lot of help, but I wouldn't expect that from their bargain basement (oh yes, don't forget to check the basement too) prices. read more

Ok, this place is amazing. Lots of inexpensive housewares and pots large enough to fit small adults in! and just when you think you've seen everything, there's more downstairs. read more

Nice selection of all sorts of kitchen ware and party supplies - but frankly the prices aren't that great. You can find most of the things available for a lower price elsewhere. Considering the layout/ decor of the store it gives the indication of a discount store. I was a bit disappointed by the cost. read more

Yes, it's dusty but for the price cuts, I'll take it home and put it in the dishwasher (Haha, just kidding, I dont have a dishwasher. But I will gladly handwash it). My favoriteee thing is the old cook books by the door for like $2. You can find anything you need for your kitchen here and the prices are great! read more

China Fair is a solid place to get random kitchen supplies. If you want a cheap potato masher to use once a year on Thanksgiving, or those little paper crowns to put on a roast...whatever. Not sure how good a place to buy actual China it is, but the basement, while a bit spooky, has a good selection of tupperware and pyrex baking dishes. read more

This place is neat, but not really what I would call an amazing bargain house. They have alllllll kinds of kitchen tools, and it's really easy to get to from davis or porter, but the prices are kinda standard. if you're driving, parking is street (maybe meters? I don't drive) and don't expect much interaction with the staff. they do carry brand stuff, but you might get better deals online. So if you need something in a pinch and can't wait for shipping, this place is a good go - to. read more

I LOVE this place. I accidentally wandered in one day and Boom, I found myself there for almost an hour walking out with a bag full of things. The prices are great and the staff is super helpful - in a cluttered wonderland they knew where everything was and had GREAT recommendations. Go to there now. read more

I am very unhappy with this store, and I can't see myself ever going here again. I bought an electric tea kettle, and found out at home that it didn't work. The very next day when I tried to return it, they told me that I couldn't return a broken item and would have to contact the maker. Okay, I saw on that 2nd trip a sign that says "buyer beware," and I would have been okay with the no returns policy if it had been pointed out to me when I bought the item. I could have tested them in the store to find one that worked. But I didn't see the sign because I wasn't looking for it, because every legitimate store I have ever been to allows returns. After a lot of calls and emails, the manufacturer is sending me a new kettle. But why did this store make me go through that? Part of the service a store gives is to provide customers with merchandise that works, and if this store won't do that, I would rather shop at Amazon than ever go here again. I hope that the owners and employees read this review. Please at least let your customers know verbally at the time of purchase about your unusual policy. That will save them undue stress and aggravation, and show that you respect and value them. read more

I have to give it a single star because I made the mistake of purchasing a coffee grinder there. It plain didn't work --I tried to return it 5 days later and was told it was "used" and that I had to contact the maker. Ridiculous! Of course it was used how would you find out it didn't work if I had not tried it -- perhaps my X-ray vision should have alerted me to its failings... So much for the bargain...Very disappointing to be treated so poorly -- stick to buying their cheap glasses. read more

OK, I have been going to China Fair off and on for about 10 years. Yes, it is a quirky shop and it has some nice stuff, but honestly, there are other places to buy china, junky housewares and party supplies. Other places that don't have cranky staff who pick fights with their customers. Today I tried to return some blinds that I had bought and was told that two of them couldn't be taken back because the cheap, brittle plastic packaging was slightly torn at one end. When I told him that the packaging had been in that condition when I had bought it (and pointed out that there was clearly no way that the package had been opened) he told me that I shouldn't have bought it like that then. When I accused him of giving me a hard time, he said "Yeah, I am. So what." Honestly people, who needs that kind of crap in their day? Go somewhere else! read more

I love China Fair because when I'm looking for something to add to my kitchen, I know that they're probably going to have it and it's going to be cheap. That being said, you have to approach this place with the correct mind set. People, it's not Crate & Barrel or Williams-Sonoma but it is a great place to find CHEAP large pots/pans, steamers, salad spinners, glasses, mugs, plates, PYREX(!). They have a large assortment of party supplies (napkins, streamers, cards, etc) and random baskets as well. I bought a 27 quart stainless steel stock pot for $26, seriously!!! Today, I came home with two different tea and herb balls ($2.49-$2.99) and two balls of twine ($1.99 each). You can't beat that!! If you're in the area, it's worth a stop, just keep an open mind and remember, even though the item may be dusty in the store, a little soap and water goes a long way especially when you're paying rock bottom prices!!! read more

Not fancy, in a good way. Clearly catering more to those supplying a professional kitchen/catering business/party planning. A strong emphasis on functional and cheap tools and tableware. Also the odd gadgets and gifts for those browsing through with an eye for that sort of thing. read more

most of the stuff there is crap. i just bought two metal scoops to use in flour/sugar bins and when i washed them, the coating came off. also, the staff is not super friendly. and the downstairs is super sketchy. read more

Great place for all baking and party needs. Went there yesterday and got everything I was looking for. Warehouse setup with tons of things so of course it's going to be dusty. Nothing some soap and water can't fix. read more

I ordered a knife online from this company for my aunt. The box showed up empty. I emailed their company to advise and they said they shipped a knife in the box and could prove it by the weight. I then drove to the store and spoke with the owner. I told him I had been shopping at his store for 30 years, that I own and have bought for family member many of his knives and he still did not replace the knife. I am out $70 fleeced by this company. Beware. read more

Quality, selection, variety, service, and prices were all lacking. You can find much nicer items at far better prices at other shops (check out city housewares in coolidge corner.) For restaurant quality items I'd be more apt to check out the restaurant supply stores which tend to offer a way better selection and better prices. read more