They don't have plastic bags to purchase or give out anymore. Also they don't sell reusable bags…read moreanymore. The last few times I went here they don't have enough shopping carts. They have a whole bunch that you have to use two plastic shopping baskets to mimic a two basket mini shopping cart but they don't have any plastic shopping baskets to use. What is wrong with management here? This store has gone downhill.

This Goodwill is on the smaller side and can be hit or miss. Sometimes it is organized, but other…read moretimes like today it feels pretty chaotic. A lot of items look worn out or incomplete, and it is unclear why some are even on the shelves. That said, I have still scored a few good finds here, and prices are generally fair. There's a small parking lot, but it is also not too difficult to find a street spot since the area is not very busy. There is also a large thrift and antique store next door called Urban Ore that I plan to check out. It might offer a wider selection or better deals. The staff here seem friendly, and despite the clutter, I usually leave with at least one item. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this place might be worth a browse. Just do not expect to find anything specific, and be prepared to dig a little.

They POSITIVELY need to Double Bag " Beadable Items " !!!…read more I love this li'l THRIFT STORE, and Especially the " Charitable Causes ' they Support ' !!! Have been shopping wiith them since the Mid '90's in SF !!! Also am not too crazy about the Goodwill in El Cerrito which leaves this Store to browse, Re-use & Re-Cycle !!!!!! Luckily the Cashier warned me to be Extra Careful as I exited the Store having bought 2 Ceramic Plates and 2 Bowls... Maybe Taller Grocery type Handled " Paper Bagd would be Ideal.... From what I've been hearing from merchants locally ' Berkeley has Banned PLASTIC Shopping Bags !!! Their Wares and the Selection are Awesome although ' QUITE STEEP PRICES ' on Used Crockery I thought. Selections are Always Quite Charming & I do hope the Store remains in Business !!!!!! Am a Senior with a DISABILITY, and arriving home the Paper Bag Tore Badly even as I went to retrieve it from the Floorboard of My Car !!! Was a Chore tryin' to " Ascend a Flight of about 12 wooden risers and Guarding the Contents !!! He was kind and thoughtful enough to ask if I'd like the " Crockery " wrapped in Newspaper !!! The 10% Senior Discount helps a lot !!!!! Five Stars for "" SELECTION & 3 for Packagong Breakables = 4 STARS !!! Workers are " Always Polite " !!!!!!

I was in the area and wanted to thrift a bit, I looked up open stores near me and found this spot…read more We were greeted upon entering which I appreciate and there were several people working around the store available for questions. We got there maybe 20 minutes before closing so I didn't get to explore the way I would like, but I really dug the book section. Hard covers are two dollars and soft covers are one dollar. They're arranged by color which I thought was very visually appealing. It was easier to look through the titles that way. I'll be going back soon to check out the store a bit more and I'll update my review accordingly. I'm totally happy with my book purchases.

Over the weekend I had quite the luck. I tend to luck up here often, though not all of the time and…read moreit's definitely been a while. First up, the find of the day was the Kate Spade leather purse. It was untagged and sold to me for $10. It doesn't need much TLC, so I'll call that a come up. The second is the animal print bag by Anthropologie. Calf hair on the outside and though there's some wear, it is so minimal. It was a good find especially because I prefer smaller bags. The tan bag might not be leather, but it was cute and reminded me of simpler times so I got it. It's an easy book bag or something to throw a kindle/iPad in and head out. Lastly is the Abbott Vintage leatherwork bag. Practically new and $6.99. I've come here over the years and have lucked up on bags, sometimes shoes, and usually coats or blazers. I'll continue to come back as long as they're here, though I lucked up so good that it might be a while. Oh wait... all clothing is $2.99 January 23 & 24. I just might be back sooner than later!

Eekkkkk I'm so sorry to have to post this but this thrift store feels dirty. The streets feel…read moredirty, the entrance is dirty, inside it's like you're in a dirty basement. In all fairness, there was an employee vigorously wiping down all the shelves. Won't be coming back.

A well-curated charity shop in an upscale neighborhood, supporting a cause close to my heart. Since…read moreit opened I've invested in a some nice vintage pieces priced somewhere between thrift stores and Etsy. Something that happened on my last visit left me unsettled. It was a Sunday, and the manager I usually have a nice chat with wasn't there. I browsed around and found a good older Lands End barn jacket for $55. Unfortunately it was missing one of its logo buttons in the back flap, making the $55 seem kind of high. I took it to the counter to discuss. The staff member present that day pointed to the "no negotiations" sign next to the counter, and said that damaged goods like the coat would have been put in the garbage. I begged to buy it for $55 just to rescue the poor thing, just like I did with my shelter dog. Seriously brought up the stories of the Great Depression when big corporate farms dumped good produce and milk into the ground, rather than feed the hungry, in a move to fix pricing. Also, my 81 year old mum resigned from her volunteer position at a local church-run charity shop because they were throwing away perfectly good vintage clothing just because of some small flaw. Truly, if the manager of this shop wants to reassure me that this ISN'T store policy, it would make me more comfortable to come back and shop again.

Help fund a much-needed new building for Berkeley Humane (5/5 Green Stars)…read moreIn early November, the Berkeley Humane opened a second thrift store - right here in the Elmwood! I was already a fan of the Solano store - I think it's one of the nicest thrift shops in Berkeley. This branch is smaller but it's really focused on the nicest things, arranged beautifully. If you've never wandered into a thrift store and have reservations about going in, then start right here. Many items are brand new, with tags still attached, and I think the prices are reasonable, considering this. A large portion of the clothes are women's (although that hasn't stopped me shopping for a winter jacket) but there is also a small men's section behind the changing room. Check out the cool collection of Christmas ornaments, right now! 100% of proceeds benefit the Berkeley Humane nonprofit - particularly to help fund a new building that they need after a fire in 2010 destroyed a large part of their building on 9th and Carlton. As you may know, back in the 1970s, the BH made a commitment that no healthy or treatable shelter animals in the Society's care would be euthanized. It's amazing that the BH got started almost 120 years ago - in 1905, the Berkeley branch of the SPCA was set up with a mission to improve conditions at the "pound" (which were reportedly not good at the time). The current facility on 9th and Carlton was acquired all the way back in 1933. The new building will be named the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC), and will include a veterinary medical hospital and adoption center and will include more services for people with pets who might be in need of a little extra support. It will feature significantly enlarged space for cat adoptions, including several "catios" that will provide felines with natural light and fresh air. Berkeley Humane is a private non-profit organization that does not receive government funding, so community support is essential to its mission. I'm giving the Berkeley Humane Thrift shop 5/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. This takes very little explaining. Buying clothes and other items from thrift shops is one of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint and improve your social impact. You are avoiding the production of new materials, with all problems of the fast-fashion-driven textile industry. At the same time you are supporting a nonprofit that has taken care of local neglected or abandoned animals for more than a century. This year, Berkeley Humane will have over $400,000 in expenses to medically prepare over 1,000 animals for adoption. Your support will save lives.

their breakfast usually suck, but their lunches are top notch. Thank you for everything!read more

Likely best free Bay area breakfast oatmeal/grits…read more Likely best free Bay area macaroni and cheese. Though likely dependant of cook. You may complain garbage bins everywhere but, there is recycling and compost. IMPORTANT. Right outside, Farmer's Market.

The only problem I have about El Cerrito Recycling Center is the parking spaces. I am horrible on…read morereversing my car and aligning with the space. Am I going to give El Cerrito Recycling Center a bad review...NO! I was able to recycle used motor oil, regular AA/AAA batteries, Bluetooth Speakers, Computer monitors, Computer towers, printers, scanners, perhaps anything I am allowed to recycle at this location. I have been going to the El Cerrito Recycling Center since 1998. This place has gone through a lot of changes especially the parking spaces (yes I will continuing mention that). Thankfully nobody has DARE to trash this location and it is a good thing that they manage to keep the area in great condition. Keep the great work!

I am very happy that the local community has the El Cerrito Recycling Center present. The center is…read morewell managed and it has a method or means of disposing almost (emphasis on 'almost') anything one can think of. On top of that you may be able to find something you'd like too, like a good book to read. The last star is missing for two reasons. The center is located in a dead end location. That works in the sense of it not being a potential eyesore or traffic mess if located on a main street. But it doesn't quite work so well being there is only one way in and one way out; sometimes you can find yourself waiting a bit to do something. And the other reason is it is kinda small for all that it offers. Traffic flow can be challenging. But that's only one star split among two or more reasons. Instead focus on the other four stars that I'm dropping here

Any business that supports the health care, education welfare and safety of animals is a go to for…read moreme. Not only do I shop here...all my donations go directly to this Animal Charity Shop as well. As I am told...the thrift store in Albany and (the Elmwood, Berkeley store) are run by a few paid staff members and the rest of the work is by an incredible team of volunteers. The stores always look great, are very well organized, and the staff and volunteers are all very nice! Thank you all who support these stores for helping the animals.

My husband had a few bags of men's dress shirt, casual button down shirts, jackets, and slacks…read more They were very appreciative to receive the donation and said they were in need of more men's clothing. In the meantime, I was able to look at the women's clothing. I have purchased women's tops from this business before. They have a limited but great selection of women's clothing.

Walked in was greeted right away! Now those that know! That is an Aplus!…read more The same lady that was working her bins off! Complimented my daughter on her dress! Now that makes a persons day. Off to the cashier! She was the most funniest, sweetest lady ever! We will be back. My baby girl found a million good finds!

This is a strange Goodwill--very expensive and also extremely messy/chaotic inside…read more I give them points for having an outlet so you can test your electronics before purchase. I was overcharged for an item I did not buy, or something was scanned incorrectly, but I'll have to return either way to settle it. There is a parking lot but the spaces are tiny and the setup is weird.