I only give 3 stars because it's so close to my apartment and it is NEVER crowded. Being able to run over there for an ingredient or when you run out of milk or something is amazing. If it weren't for the close proximity, I would probably never set foot here. The prices are the same as Shaw's, which, on average, are at least 30-40% higher than Market Basket. It smells kind of funky and I'm not a fan of the staff. The selection is ok, but the items are never as fresh as MB because there's not as much turnover. read more

Dudes, I'm sorry to be a downer here but this place is creepy. I go here only when I am too lazy to go elsewhere, for emergency purchases. I had the gall once to buy deli meat... never again. I had to wait 5 minutes for someone to notice I was back there, another couple minutes while the girl searched for gloves and gossiped with her friend... and that meat tasted funny. I'm serious. Also, the produce section is tiny for such a big store. Prices are the same as Shaws, so nothing to write home about in that department... read more

5 stars for Lydia! I'll wait 5 people deep in line when all the other registers are open just to be served by Lydia. She checks my strawberries to make sure they are fresh, she folds my receipt to best showcase my Shaw's Card savings, and she calls across the store to make sure you don't miss the opportunity to get in her line. She's the best! read more

If you don't mind overpaying for expired groceries, that's the place to go. It's always empty, which adds to the whole surreal experience.

This place gets great points for convenience. It's easier for me to get to, and far less crowded that the Shaw's in Porter Sq. I always get good deals on meat, bakery and some produce because they are constantly having to mark down prices because the store is empty. I find that the prices on shelf items are not to bad, and generally comparable to the nearby Market Basket though there is less selection. Be Warned: I will never buy produce here unless I am using it the next day, it never stays good! Tip- If you go here often, do the survey on the bottom of the receipt. If you comment about out of stock items, bad service, ect. you will get a personal email from the store manager and they will work with you! Obviously this is in lieu of dealing with it in person, we are all busy people! read more

This grocery store is a little better then stop and shop. I really like their bakery, they have a pretty delicious chocolate chip cookie and one of the best muffins I've tasted for the longest time. Plain chocolate chips and chocolate with chocolate chips, makes my mouth water writing about it. One can find lots of specials through out the store. The parking lot is large with lots of parking space. The cashiers and the baggers were my only issue here. They were extremely unfriendly with a blank look on their face. read more

This is the most ghetto Star Market that I've been to. Not nearly as nice as the Star Markets in Central and Porter Squares, and it isn't open late either. Plus, it seems a bit run down. However, it has pretty good selection, and the prices aren't bad. At least the floors aren't carpeted (like the nearby Foodmaster). read more

I was debating whether to give this Star two or three stars, but they do try here... I wanted a brisket once, which they didn't have. Had to go to the big Shaw's in Porter. I wanted a whole chicken to make chicken soup with (not cooked), and I called ahead. They put one on hold for me. I got the sense they might have only had one or two in the store. I needed crystallized ginger, which I assumed they wouldn't have. I asked a checkout person, who asked another girl. She immediately pointed me in the ginger's direction. No paper bags with handles :-( The people who work here are kind of weird, seems like a bunch of them are high school students. But they get the job done, and that's fine with me. The only reason I go here is because it's around the corner from my apartment, but I'd really prefer the big Shaw's. Sometimes this Star won't have certain fresh herbs (thyme), etc, but I can usually find what I need. read more

Star Market and Shaw's are pretty much supermarkets of last resort for me, since everything is much cheaper at Market Basket and even Johnnie's Foodmaster a half mile from here. But this store is the closest major supermarket to me, and it works ok in a pinch. Smaller than even the Porter Square Star, its out-of-the way location means not a lot of people shop there. This means that it's quick getting what you need and getting out, even if you have to pay the higher prices. Plus its small size means people are a little more familiar and friendly than at the bigger stores. read more

I love this grocery store. Going here is like taking an international trip--everyone is different and interesting, and you might learn a few words of a foreign language or two. It's crowded, but fun. But the two clear best reasons to go here: 1) Price. I walk out spending less (for the same products) than I ever do anywhere else in Somerville or Cambridge. Every time. 2) Selection. The produce section here is the best I've seen outside of Whole Foods ... and (see #1) it's about half the price. It's well stocked with a wonderful variety of fruits and veggies and clearly sees a lot of turnover, since everything's always fresh and delicious-looking. Also, cheapest herbs in Boston, hands down. But don't go here if you're a snob or can't handle crowds or kids or (gasp) people who don't look like you. As far as I'm concerned it's the best-kept secret this side of the river. read more

Everyone knows this Star gets the job done. If you want super-fresh produce, people-watching, and lots of selection, drive the extra three minutes to Porter Square. The real reason we all shop at this place is because it's easy. That parking lot never has more than 10 cars, the store is never ever crowded, (and it's next to Petsi Pies, so you can always sneak in a scone as a reward for finishing your shopping). I swear, you can be in and out of this place in ten minutes flat. So what the produce isn't that fresh? So what it isn't a particularly exciting selection? (Last time I was there, they were all out of red peppers!) If you need a quick pint of Ben and Jerry's, or you are all out of flour, this place is the best. read more

I love how someone called me out for being "from Brookline." Right! That's where I'm "from." What up, reading comprehension!

We usually go to the Shaw's in Porter Square, but this Star Market is significantly closer (we're about two blocks away) so it's perfect for quick runs to pick up supplies (read: mixers). It's not as nice as the Shaw's but it's got the old-school charm of the grocery stores we went to with our moms when we were kids. Plus their international food aisle has a 'soul food' section. How do you beat that? read more

I love this Star Market. I lived across from it for about 6 months, and I loved that it was never, ever crowded no matter the time. It was easy to zip in and zip out all the time. Everything was fine, including the produce and never had any complaints. This is such a better place than the Porter Square Star which is always crowded. read more

This star market is less crowded than the porter sq Shaw's. It's more convenient for me to walk here and buy a few items that I need than drive to porter sq and look for parking. read more

I like this Star. It's never busy. I don't wait in line and the prices are decent. They have good bread selection.

When I went to this Star I thought I had gone back in time. It is extremely low key and like small town markets. The great thing is that it's rarely packed so it's a nice change of pace from the Porter Shaws. I feel like their selection of stuff, though, is not as extensive. If you're looking for more unusual items than I would bet more on the Porter Shaws than this Star. read more

There selection was decent. It isn't fancy at all. But it had everything I needed and was great. I would go back again for sure.

Quick stop on the red line at Porter square for groceries. Wish they had self checkout but their 15 items or less lines move quickly when fully staffed. read more

Sure the selection is a little limited, but you can't put a price on being able to shop in peace and be in and out of the store in 10 minutes. Much less of a hassle than shopping at the over-crowded Market Basket outside of Union. Also, the Deli counter staff are very friendly! read more

This place is okay if you are buying things on sale, 'cause that means items will cost roughly what they regularly go for at market basket.

I just signed up in order to review this store. I don't usually review on yelp but I felt it was necessary in the case of this particular Star Market. I give this store 4 stars. Why? It's extremely convenient for me, the people seem like a kind of unique little "store family", it's rarely crowded (though there are times when there are bursts of business) it has all the basics and then some. The produce isn't great but sometimes one gets lucky. It's essentially the ultimate convenience store. In addition, as of me writing this, they will swipe their own cards. I never ask it but they will do this on their own accord. And then, as others have mentioned, there is Lydia. I haven't really been able to figure Lydia out. She is the ultimate employee and will attend to every little detail of your purchase. Sometimes i think she gets miffed when I refuse her gestures of asking the person in back of me for their Star Card to use on my purchase (I'm not into the whole star card thing as i don't like giving out personal info just to get 1.20 off of my bill - but that's me). Otherwise she is quick and attentive and will get you out of there with well packed bags. Nice Job Lydia. In any case this is pretty much the only place I shop other than going to whole foods for produce. It's a nice, worn down, little store filled with people who I've seen, in some cases, grow up before my eyes. May it always be there to serve the people in the neighborhood. read more

First, I want to say that Lydia is definitely awesome. She's a 10-star kind of woman, and this review is NOT about her. This review is about the store itself. Other reviewers have said that it is never crowded. That's true. It is also smaller, which is nice for most people including me. However, it smells very strangely and that is worrisome around food, especially in the produce section. Also, the produce section is usually not particularly fresh. I think they don't get the fabled "first pick" but that might be because the majority of the business goes to Porter. I'd be very happy with this place if the quality of fresh food went up. read more

A very good supermarket. The slightly lower prices at Market Basket are not worth the walk or the lines, in my opinion. Helpful staff, and a good selection. But please bring back the frozen berries! read more

Ahhh the old "Death Star" on Beacon. Redundant to the one just blocks away. Plenty of parking and no crowds, this place hasn't changed in 30 years. Still slightly overpriced and the produce occasionally had fruit flies, but Lydia the checkout woman is the most helpful and efficient grocery store employee I've ever met, a stark contrast to some of the other layabout employees. read more

Watch the expiration dates on your food. Things like canned goods with longer times should not expire in a month after buying. We have also found expired items on their shelves. It's never too busy here and if you hate crowds, this should enjoyable. read more

Five stars. All for Lydia. And maybe a little for Ruth, just because she looks like she may have been a member of Hell's Angels in a past life. In order to meet Lydia, fill your basket and walk casually by the cash register on the far end. You will hear Lydia beckon, "I can help you here!" Follow her commands. read more

A nice little grocery store. It's not a super Wal-Mart or anything, but it has everything you need. It has a nice little selection of toiletries and miscellaneous things up front (I noticed packing materials last time I was there) and some basic gift items (balloons, flowers). It's in a nice neighborhood and easy for me to walk to. It also offers self-check out lanes which I enjoy. So far everyone has been very friendly and I didn't get any guff from the bagger for bringing my own bags. Definitely my neighborhood grocery! read more

I like it better than shopping at Shaws because the parking lot is less crammed! Otherwise it's just another Shaws - for some reason I thought the prices would be cheaper but they were the same as Shaws. Nothing special about the store. read more

There isn't much competition in this area of Porter Square. The selection is decent and their prices are reasonable. The market is pretty crowded in the evenings and the people aren't particularly helpful. The cashiers aren't very engaged and look like they want to be anywhere but there. They do have a decent deli but their sushi is crazy expensive. It's like $15 for a California roll. I'm not sure what justifies such a high price. If the cashier doesn't spit on me I consider it a successful customer service experience. It's also open 24 hours. I go here because it's convenient and they offer a decent selection of items. Expect absolutely nothing more. read more

This is close to my house, so it's good for last minute emergencies or staples. but other than that, it's disappointing. The produce is terrible and overall, the store has a feeling that things have been there for a long time. read more

I lived across the street from this supermarket for 3 years. When I first went there, it was pretty bad. Since then, they have changed their whole layout and added a fresh fish counter. But the best thing about this supermarket? It's always empty! You could go at prime grocery shopping times on the weekends, and there was never more than one person in front of you in line! read more

It is worth a visit just for Lydia. Everything about the store is generally adequate. The food is not seem as sketchy as the appearance of the place might suggest and the lack of lines is very welcome... but the real reason to go is to check out Lydia, a true Somerville institution. She creeps me out and yet we should all find inspiration in her attention to detail and love for her job. read more

The employees at this place represent a murderers' row of aspergers. They have cleaned it up a bit in recent years but I have still seen mice in the pet food aisle. read more

Ohhh man! This place is one of a kind. This Star Market is fantastic. Why u ask? For the size of the store, it has pretty much everything you could ask for in a supermarket, and if they don't have it they will do what they can to get a product in for you. For the most part all the employees here are helpful and nice....Of course there are the select few that can get on your nerves but that happens anywhere. For example Mike, lil guy rosey cheeks, is horrendous. I don't think anyone is more annoying. If he is on a register, run because his line never moves. The man doesn't stop talking to every customer. Just keeps going and going like the energizer bunny of words. Another thing that I find interest is a lot of people on here seem to love Lydia, I don't get it. If I wanted a robot to scan my groceries I'd go down to Twin City and go through the self-scan registers. I also find it annoying that before you're even done shopping if you walk by her register she screams I can help you! Like lady relax I can see your light is on, when I'm done shopping I'll get in a line. Those two people really stand out to me. On the other side of things I notice that most of the employees seem to really get along with each other and are having a good time at work, which rarely happens in life so I find that to be a good aspect of the store. If the employees are happy, in return they tend to be in a good mood, and therefore treat the customers kindly. Definitely the number 1 supermarket on my list! read more