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Berkeley Farmers' Market
Category: Food Farmers Market Farmers Market [Edit]
Center St and Martin Luther King Jr WayBerkeley, CA 94702
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
(510) 548-3333
- Hours:
Sat 10 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
89 reviews for Berkeley Farmers' Market
Review Highlights
"Drip coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Company."
(in 15 reviews)
"Three Twins Ice cream by the bucket and ice cream..."
(in 4 reviews)
"Phoenix, fatted calf, cider guy, mushroom lady etc."
(in 8 reviews)
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89 reviews in English
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Review from Em L.
Cupertino, CA
1/11/2012
SO CUTE! Love the local vendors. Very nice and personable people. Love the banjo-playing girl, the kids running around, lots of fresh and locally grown fruits, and more!
I especially LOVE the Thai food vendor. Oh my god. I never thought I'd taste homemade freshness & goodness in college, but I did. Ordered a chicken plate (forgot what it's called). SOOO GOOD. Steamy, perfect rice, good not-too-oily/sweet sauce for the chicken, just a piece of heaven on my plate. They give you a lot too! Will never go back to Thai Basil after eating here... just sucks that they're only here on Saturdays :( -
Review from Krystal H.
Berkeley, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
YUM! Veggies! Vital Vittles bread! Fruit! It's a hell of a lot more pleasant to shop here than your local Berkeley Bowl. It might be a little more expensive, but you're paying for quality, the experience... and the free samples!
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Review from Jenn C.
1/8/2012
I love this Saturday market - it's got such a great variety of vendors - in the summer, you can't walk two steps without being assaulted by samples of peaches and strawberries (try them ALL!). Enjoy this farmer's market after a nice lunch at Saul's where you'll have a great view for people watching.
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Review from Cat H.
8/11/2011 3 photos
Despite not being super large, this farmer's market has lots of wonderful things to offer. Just walking through the market itself, the air smelled fresh with the scent of produce and other goods.
We spent a good amount of time walking around and visiting all the different vendors. I picked up a fresh blueberry pastry to snack on, and another friend got some fresh coffee. I got to try so many things like beef jerky, the sweetest pluots I have ever tasted, and some amazing strawberries. I ended up buying a few baskets of the strawberries to take home. My friends enjoyed some fresh oysters and another vendor had organic ice cream.
If I lived closer, I know I would frequent this farmer's market a lot more. If you stop by, don't forget your reusable bag to bring home all the goodies you buy! -
Review from Amy G.
Berkeley, CA
11/22/2011
Again, a purely Berkeley establishment. The hippie-esque sound of banjos, whistling, and folk singing draws you in to the block-long paradise of fresh fruits and food products. I don't really think that there's much point in reviewing this place in detail, since most people who know about farmers markets are the type to go to them. I always come to get my olive bread from Phoenix Pastificio--shoutout to their wonderful bakery! Octoberfeast pretzel croissants are tasty too. I've seen people bring their coffee mugs to get fresh brewed drinks from Blue Bottle Coffee--yay for ecofriendliness.
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Review from Karen S.
7/19/2011
100TH REVIEW! WOOHOO!
OK now that that's out of the way, on to the review.
It was a gorgeous Saturday so the boy & I decided to take full advantage of the weather & go out to get some sun, some exercise, & some delicious food. I had only been to this farmers' market once before & I don't remember there being this many variety of vendors as there were this day. The 1 thing I learned when there are so many stalls was to browse & sample before putting down your money.
Of all the vendors that were there, Hog Island Oysters stood out for us. For $2.00, you could get yourself a freshly shucked oyster. yeah it is a bit pricey but I love raw oysters & I got to see the boy have his very first oyster on the half shell.
This farmers' market is not as large as some of the other farmers' markets in the area but it is a really good way to enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning. -
Review from Gina H.
Oakland, CA
7/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
My FAVORITE FARMER's MARKET!!!
Customers and Sellers develop relationships and its nice to be recognized and remembered for the good foods you like! Worth paying a few bucks more for the highly personable service! -
Review from Rita C.
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley's Saturday morning Farmers' Market truly embodies the life and vibrancy that is Berkeley. The community comes here to celebrate life, living green, and seizing the day while also being eco-conscious and care-free. The whole vibe makes me want to smell all the flowers, taste all the fresh organic produce, and dance with the street musicians.
Aside from the bounty of organic fruits and vegetables, please don't miss:
* Lou Lou Garden's Rose Petal Jam, very rare because roses are temperamental even when in season, but it's the closest thing to pure ambrosia, delicious on fresh slices of baguette http://www.loulousgard...
* Organic Fuji Apples from Smit Ranch, a bag of them barely lasts a couple days they're so crisp and full of juice like honey
* Blue Bottle Coffee, ignore the flat stares of the "barrista" and grab a cup of hot drip coffee or New Orleans iced coffee before strolling down the food stalls
* Three Twins Ice cream by the bucket and ice cream sandwiches
* Tofu pate from some tofu vendor, great with crackers and toast
* Roasted garlic asiago bread and gorgonzola walnut loaf from some great bakery stall, I can eat a whole loaf while walking home
Living walking distance from a Berkeley Farmers' Market every other day is probably the biggest reason why I can never move anywhere else.Listed in: Feel Good Favorites
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Review from madeleine t.
Berkeley, CA
5/18/2011
The first time I went to the Berkeley Farmers Market I inadvertently wandered into a pagan festival going on at the same time right next to it, got confused and thought to myself: Well, this is a little different, there's way less produce.
Once I got sorted and realized I was in the wrong place entirely, I headed for the asparagus and was pleased to see a nice variety of seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables. It's a bit hectic, I think because it opens later than Grand Lake, so it was a little dizzying for me even though it's smaller overall.
So while this market cannot eclipse Grand Lake in my heart, I am glad to know that if I ever find myself moving back to Berkeley I can still get my grabby little hands on giant bunches of organic kale, 3 for $5. -
Review from Diana C.
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
First time here today and i shall for sure be coming back! I originally only came here to talk to a Peace Corps representative, but ended up buying a whole bunch of goods here. The farmers also have samples of fruits/veggies/nuts/olive oil here. They even have samples of organic ice cream! Not only do they sell things that would grow on a farm, but they also sell food. People sell organic food cooked right in front of you. Today I saw people selling Thai, Indian, Mexican, Crepes, and other ethnic food. The prices are a little pricy but I'm sure they are worth it. I bought a variety of fruits which I had samples of before buying them. The people here are very friendly as well. I even got to use my Spanish skills here since some people selling fruit spoke Spanish.
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Review from Jennille S.
Emeryville, CA
5/30/2011
Not bad. A bit on the small side, but still a ton more produce and artisan foods than you'll find at your local grocer. The homeless guy selling papers aggressively gets annoying, but that's probably my problem for feeling offended. I'm actually quite impressed that he manages to get me every single time I enter. With those skills, he should be living large. I love the prepared foods at this farmer's market even more than at some of the larger markets. The best hot food vendors come here. This past weekend I compared the prices with those at Berkeley Bowl West and Andronicos and realized that it's a lot less expensive to shop here than in the grocery store. The place is packed, the vibe is casual. There is always some live music. Park on the street in front of the high school along MLK for free or better yet, take BART - it's right there.
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Review from Lawrence B.
Orinda, CA
7/31/2011
You cannot beat the River Dog's Farm stand for fresh produce!
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Review from Allister D.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/18/2011
The farmers market here is pretty cool. It's not as good as Sunnyvale's. This farmers in Berkeley was very green. They serve vegetarian and vegan style food here. Theres not that much to see because its literally a 3 minute walk from the beginning to the end of the street.
I was excited to try their New Orleans coffee but it was kinda nasty and plain tasting. NOT my cup of coffee. What I dooo LOVE is their pecan cookies! OMG they are crispy, chewy, nutty, everything I love about how a cookies made. The vegan tamales were pretty good even though it was gluten free? Spicy as hell I know that!
I like coming here still so I dont care. -
Review from Melisa C.
Belmont, CA
8/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is one of my all-time favorite farmer's markets. I used to go here regularly when I was in college, but now I try to stop by anytime I'm in Berkeley on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. The great thing about this farmer's market is that it's open all year round!
Some of my favorites include the following:
- Honey lavender ice cream from Three Twins
- Drip coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee Company
- Pretzel Croissants from OctoberFeast Bakery
- Fruit from all the fruit stands (especially the strawberry guavas when they're in season) -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2009 1 Check-in Here
One look around this market at the earth's gorgeous splendor, one thing is clear: us Californians are spoiled rotten. Offering a cornucopia of organic produce, lightly processed kitchen goodies, plants and ready-to-eat treats every Saturday morning, the block provides ample temptation for your canvas sack.
Some exotics:
green eggs, that's right. (http://news.nationalge...)
black chanterelles (gritty as all heck, be sure to brush out every crevice)
six apple lespalier tree for the planting
an entire stand devoted to goats milk products
luscious dates
an enthusiastic and creative jam/jelly lady
Of course, you can get your fix of greens, tubers, berries (in season), breads, cheese, and even meats from The Fatted Calf, all while sipping a fresh Blue Bottle Coffee or a fresh smoothie. Park it in the neighboring park and enjoy your purchases.
I usually drop in with a $20 and come out with an amazing technicolor spread when sticking to the fresh stuff. The cupboard products will generally eat more pennies, but its going straight into the pockets of the folks who make it, and I'm more than happy to cut out the middle man.
Even when it's cloudy, somehow it always feels sunny in Berkeley. Wait, what's that I smell? -
Review from Matt G.
1/31/2010 3 photos
I love going to Farmer's Market because of locally-owned businesses displaying their products to admirers like myself.
I know many of you prefer me to buy my meals and foods at a Farmer's Market than a unhealthy Taquerias. I'll think about it.
Berkeley's Farmers Market is operated all year round on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I went to the one on Saturday on Center St. which is only one long block away from the Downtown Berkeley Bart Station. The first vendor I saw on the left was the Blue Bottle Coffee Company. For $2.00, the drip coffee is my needed battery to wake my ass up and walk around to check out local vendors. Among the vendors I saw were:
-Many produce vendors from various parts of Northern California
-Three Twins Ice Cream
-Hog Island Oyster Company
-Alive Vegan Food Company
-Vital Vittles Breads
-Prima Salsas and Tamales
-Moonlite Bakery
-Juniper Ridge (specialize in Health and Beauty products)
-Happy Nut Farm (I'm not one of them, either)
I also bought some fresh Apple Juice and six organic Fuji Apples from the Smit Ranch Company. The Organic Fuji Apple is currently in season and the most popular fruit right now. One bite of the fruit, I was amazed on how tasty and crunchy it was.
Like they say, "An apple a day, helps keep the doctors away!"
I'm already beginning to feel the "love" in Berkeley. If I'm in the East Bay city, expect me to come to this Farmer's Market for an healthy alternative.Listed in: Approaching my 1,300th review
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Review from Kenneth R.
Berkeley, CA
For a long time, I couldn't see the point: why spend $2.39 for a pound of organic Moro blood oranges when you can get the same oranges for 59 cents/lb at the Monterey Market? Sure, this market has great ambience and wonderful smells, but shopping here didn't seem like a good practical choice to me.
Now I stop by most Saturdays. Here are a few reasons:
1. Blue Bottle coffee (apologies if I've got the spacing and capitalization wrong). The people at the stand are sometimes clueless about the beans that they're selling, but the beans are great. So's the coffee that they sell by the cup.
2. Fresh salad greens. These are much better than the industrial organic greens that you see typically at the Monterey Market or the Berkeley Bowl.
3. The Fatted Calf. Right there, in a nutshell, is why I'm not a vegetarian.
4. Berries. I like the Swanton strawberries right now, but your berries will vary (with the season).
5. Coming here makes up for not owning a hybrid car. Doesn't it?
6. Samples!Listed in: Berkeley-area farmers' market…
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Review from Nic B.
Oakland, CA
7/12/2007
I really try not to write scathing reviews on yelp (unless it's Jazz at Pearls), but seriously, this place is full of assholes. I was there last Satuday, and have to say, I ran into so many rude vendors--there are so many stories to relay, but it's late in the day, so for now I will just concentrate on one asshole that really stuck out to me.
So, walking through, I paused to take a look at sushi rolls being sold at a stand selling raw/live/whatever food and picked up a sushi roll filled with what appeared to be nothing. I was just about to put down the astronomically priced raw log when some chic shouts (And when I say "shouts", I mean a Berkeley shout, which isn't really shouting, but more of a passive aggressive "request" laced with neurosis and anxiety leftover from too many mushrooms at last year's Burning Man, but still retains the same degree of irritation as the guy who says, "Move your fucking car, bitch!" when you stall at a red light.) at me, "Could you puh-leaze give us a few minutes? If you don't mind?!?!? We are still setting up here, okay!?! Okay?!? Thanks! THANKS!!!"
Okay, wtf? First off, it 9:52 am--what kind of lazy ass farmers work here that no one is set up yet? And don't tell me they were out working the fields in Watsonville this morning, because most of these "farmers" have a lazy morning with Blue Bottle coffee and the New York Times written all over them. And second, why all tension and aggression? It's not like I asked her stop what she was doing and give me a foot rub or anything, I merely picked up an item from the table.
It's not rocket science honey, it's a sushi roll, and you didn't even have to cook it, so chill out... -
Review from Luis C.
10/7/2008
I love farmers' markets. And it's no different with Berkeley's Farmers Market, although smaller (one block) than San Francisco's Saturday farmers market at the Ferry building.
I came here to show this farmers' markets to my classmate Tomo, an international student from Japan, along with other friends who live in the area.
As expected prices for produce are expensive. But I just buy what I'm gonna eat that same day (fruit, pastries, or a cookie) so the expense is not too high. Some of the vendors are the same as in SF, so I have no urgency to buy something to carry home. Naturally, sampling the different seasonal varieties of fruit available is one of the benefits I enjoy the most. In general, a wonderful place to stroll around on sunny days.
The address posted in Yelp for this Berkeley's Farmers Market is incorrect. That address is for the Ecology Center (San Pablo Ave) office which organizes the markets, not the location of the actual farmers' market. The Saturday Farmers Market is located on Center street at Milvia st. If you get off at the BART Downtown Berkeley station, walk left on Center street, just one block to Milvia st. That's it.
The same farmers' market is available on Tuesdays but located on Derby street at Martin Luther King Way (south of Berkeley's Downtown), and on Thursdays, on Shattuck Ave. at Rose street (one block north of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto area).Listed in: Bay Area Farmers Markets
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Review from Peg S.
1/28/2009
I love the lederhosen guy, the brown croissants from octoberfeast, the flower-like organic salad mixes, the happy squashes and cauliflowers, olive loaf lady, the exorbitantly priced pears, the orchid stand, the free music, the fresh hot and cold apple cider, the crepes dude, the want to eat worms? guy, the blue bottle coffee, the himalyan food stand, the whole berkeley vibe.
The stuff can be pricey, but it's a lovely way to spend a late sunny Saturday morning. -
Review from Angela N.
11/30/2006
Truly the best way to sustain yourself in-season. And what's nicer than an outdoor market?
Here you'll find fresh ripe fruits and vegetables, as well as assortments of baked breads, pastries, local honey (good for allergies!) and chutneys made from Asian pear.
The growers and vendors are good people, ready with a sample slice of melt-in-your-mouth persimmon or a tip for how best to cook leeks. Bring a basket or a big, big bag. You will need it.
A tip - watch out for the pickpockets. It just adds to the European-ness of the experience, doesn't it? -
Review from Emily F.
Brooklyn, NY
6/2/2007
I work in downtown Berkeley, so it takes a lot to get me across town on the weekends. This weekend's Strawberry Family Fun Fest was the first in a string of four 20th anniversary seasonal celebrations for the Berkeley Farmer's Market, and if it's good enough for Bakesale Betty, it's good enough for me!
There appeared to be only four famers selling strawberries, but we picked up some peaches and pluots too... and of couse, Betty's famous strawberry shortcake.
The bottom line: See you Tuesday, July 17 at Derby and MLK for peach cobbler by Frog Hollow!
ERF -
Review from Lauren S.
10/29/2007
This is my new favourite market- perfect for the working person, still it essentially stays open til 7:15 pm - and has a really mellow, Berkeley vibe to it.
Always live music and bubbling characters around, delicious ready-made food stands such as the Mexican vendor, authentic (spicey!) Thai food, fresh-brewed (and utterly heavenly) Coffee, and the Three Twins ice cream stands.
The produce is superb- I work for Dirty Girl, so of course, our organic dry-farmed Early Girl tomatoes are the only ones to buy. Our beans, radishes, basil, onions, chard, carrots, and greens are simply the best... but runners-up are definitely Swanton Farms' Strawberries and cauliflower, preserves and broccoli.
Stop by Blue Heron farms - of you're nice to Sirai and Jesus they might give you a good deal on fresh cut flowers, spinach, squash, beets, or their DELICIOUS carrots.
Frog Hollow farms are a delectable addition to the market, with Warren pears that melt in your mouth, and pastries that you could only dream of in fairytales. Seriously dank stuff.
Phoenix Pastaficio features Mickey, the sweet vendor, and every cookie, fresh pasta, and olive bread you could ever want. oh, and Aram will let you try as many dates as your curious little heart desires, so don't be scared to pick around.
JUST GO. youll love it.Listed in: EAT ME!
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Review from maiko h.
El Cerrito, CA
5/16/2005
If you live in the East Bay, why pay $6 roundtrip BART fare and elbow through the massive crowd at the Ferry Building on a gorgeous Saturday if you can go to the Berkeley Farmer's Market? While the BFM doesn't match the sheer scale of the Ferry Building, it makes up for the size with a laid-back atmosphere and sense of a tight-knight community: the vendors seem less commerce-driven and more interested in showcasing beautiful, local produce and educating people about sustainable agriculture. The usual line-up includes various produce vendors (organic and conventional), bakeries, and food stands featuring crepes as well as Mexican, Indian, etc. cuisines. Naturally, there is more variety in the summer than in the winter, but there are a lot of vendors who come to the market throughout the year.
Bring cash, and bring more than you think you'll need; there are many great things to tempt you (fresh salmon, cheese, sausages...) and the prices do add up and you can easily spend $30-40. But remember, you are voting with your wallet for sustainable farming and treating farm workers fairly, and you are getting produce on the day it will taste the best (most sellers will let you sample).
My most favorite non-produce vendor is the Fatted Calf (http://fattedcalf.com), a charcuterie selling sausages, bacon, pate, rillettes, and weekly specials such as quail stuffed with sausage or pork shoulder stuffed with greens. Sign up for their newsletter to find out what they'll be bringing to the market; you can also tell them what you want to buy by e-mail or phone and they'll set them aside for you, which is the best way to guarantee you'll get what you crave as some items do sell out. The Saturday Farmer's Market goes from 10am-3pm; there is also a Tuesday market and a smaller but all organic Thursday market at different locations. For more info and a schedule of special events, go to: http://www.ecologycent...Listed in: Don't get lost in the…
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Review from Chiquita y.
Emeryville, CA
6/27/2007
This is a review of the Berkeley Farmer's Market at its Tuesday location, at Derby and MLK. I find this market to have more selection and better prices than the Saturday edition at MLK and Center.
It's easy for me to spend upwards of $75 at this famer's market, unless I shop carefully. Our family loves fresh organic berries, carrots, fennel, avocados, cherries, collard greens, as well as the cheese, bread, and meats that are sold here. Not to mention the Blue Bottle Coffee stand near the entry way, with iced New Orleans style coffee.
Here is a meal made from Berkeley Farmer's Market ingredients (continued from the 1 chicken/4 meals for a family of 3 theme in my TJ's E-ville review):
Chicken Vegetable Soup:
5 cups homemade chicken stock
fat reserved from making chicken stock ("Schmaltz")
One yellow onion, sliced thin
assorted vegetables from the Farmers Market, chopped
(in our case, we used fennel, collards, carrots, shitake mushroom)
Small amount of leftover cooked chicken, preferably breast, shredded
Kosher salt
Olive oil
Heat chicken fat and some olive oil in heavy pan (we use the cast iron frying pan). Brown the onion in the chicken fat (thanks, Yelp Talk for your suggestions for what to do with Schmaltz!) Then add the other chopped vegetables and saute until soft. Add a couple of ladles of chicken stock, reduce heat,. and cover. As the stock reduces, replace with new ladles of stock. When you get to your last ladle, the soup should be ready. Put the shredded chicken on for this last bit of cooking so it doesn't get tough. Salt to taste (I don't think we used any salt, the broth was so flavorful). Garnish with chopped reserved fennel greens or cilantro and serve with good bread from the Berkeley Farmer's Market. Be ready to fight for seconds.Listed in: I shop, Recipe Reviews
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Review from Daniel B.
Albany, NY
7/26/2007
My top two things at the market have nothing to do with fresh or local produce. And as far as I am concerned they are the best things, hands down.
Flying Disc Ranch sells bio-dynamic dried dates. The Barhi's are incredible. They will let you try one. Food of the gods, seriously.
The Fatted Calf sells all kinds of incredible meat treats. Do yourself a favor, and buy a dried sausage to snack on as a palate cleanser for the Frog Hollow samples.
Beyond that, though, I found that I never bought too much food here. I could always get better prices on equally good stuff from MM & BB. -
Review from CJ Y.
Berkeley, CA
9/19/2006
Sometimes I see Yelp reviews that just suck - let's dissect this one.
A Yelper said -
"I saw the most beautiful vegetables I've ever seen here. Just dreamy. I also like all the farmer's market boys with their glowing skin and guerrilla-organic chic. Just my style. "
I say-
Love this line. So Berkeley. Glowing skin - it's called manual labor. She should try it! And what is guerilla-organic chic?!?! I guess a ripped Che T-shirt, a too-cool-for-school attitude and dirt-under-my -fingernails....and the ladies would be on me like flies.
The Yelper continues-
"Too bad they all live on some farm somewhere picking fruit all summer, studying CCOF certification practices, and generally being too cool for dirty hipster cities."
I say-
LOVE THIS LINE TOO. Does she just like guys she cannot have? I bet when they are horny in Fresno, they will settle for a dirty hipster chick....
The crazy Yelper keeps typing-
" Sigh. "Welcome, this is our farmhouse, with the cluster flies, alas, at this time of year there is little we can do, but swat them..." I bet it's just like that, where they live."
I say-
This chick needs to go hang out on a farm in the Central Valley. She would love it. Living in squalor. Picking organic veggies all day long with her glowing skin men. Sleeping with the flies at night. Living her dirty hipster world behind. I pray her dreams come true one day. And she knows Spanish. Is she delusional? -
Review from Kavya M.
Berkeley, CA
2/11/2009
The Saturday market is wonderful. Check out Redwood Hills farm goat cheese, milk, yogurt and kefir. Delicious and humanely farmed. (The goats get vacation).
Oktoberfeast for the best gluten-free bread. Blossom Bluff Orchards for fruit, Bernie's Best for everything apple, Mr. Davis for eggs, potatoes and pecans, Riverdog for produce. Also the raw food guy who has wraps and smoothies. Loulou makes wonderful jams - some with very little sugar. Andy & Cindy's Thai for fish curry. Flaco's for roasted corn in season. Gabriels for Asian Pear/Apple Juice. There's more, come check it out.
It is a real treat to give money directly to the farmer, and to buy produce that has been picked within a day or two of coming to market. I have become spoiled now so that even local produce bought through local stores does not taste as good to me. -
Review from jen n.
Long Beach, CA
5/20/2008
Awesome farmer's market. It's got mostly organic or pesticide free produce, and plenty of it. I bought all kinds of produce for under 20 bucks, which would have cost me much more had I gone to Whole Foods or something of the like. They have other things like fresh coffee, breads, cheeses, plants, candles, and food stands. I will definitely be going back.
Oh yeah, and hotties galore. ;) -
Review from Jen L.
11/23/2008
Mellow yellow, man.
Much more mellow than the few farmer's markets I frequent, vegetarian Primavera tamales & orange cherry tomatoes made passes at me, found their way into my basket, and eventually landed in my tummy. And no crazy hippie sitar music.
Peace. -
Review from Eva V.
11/8/2009
It is a total Berkeley experience when you visit this farmer's market-- if only for the people-watching. If you want a super-duper Berkeley experience, go on Halloween and sit back with a gourmet organic coffee and take it all in.
One of my favorite farmer's markets that I've been to in a while. A great variety of vendors, awesome food carts, vegan/vegetarian options, and a great sense of the community.Listed in: Best Veg*n Bay Area Eateries
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Review from Lizz E.
Berkeley, CA
6/27/2009 3 photos
I was more pleased than a pickle to find that there was a Farmer's Market near my house when I moved to Downtown Berkeley--I moved from Grand Lake, where I had been spoiled with being practically next door to the Grand Lake Farmer's Market (Yelp it--it's worth traveling to), and it was quite comforting to know I wouldn't have to go far to find another.
I merrily hopped, skipped & jumped down the street to find...what? Ugh. A bunch of homeless peeps, and very, very few booths. DEVASTATION, TRAGEDY, ANGER. Even when the weather is crappy, the Grand Lake Farmer's Market had people, food, yummy food...come on, Downtown Berkeley!! How could you be so disappointing?!?
Well, when the weather turned to sunny days (and in turn, transformed my apartment into an oven...seriously, on a side note, why is my apartment always 25 degrees hotter than it is outside? wtf?), I was forced to trek out to enjoy the blue skies. Come to find myself back at this very Farmer's Market, which was swimming with people (most noteworthy: chubby cheeked babies in sunhats! SQUEE!), food, music...everything I was looking for.
This place has completely redeemed itself. It's still not quite as expansive as the Grand Lake FM, but very worthy.
Notes: Track down the white Arctic Star (I believe? Arctic something) nectarines--they are, in my humble opinion, the most scrumptious to be found.
Also, the bread guy: i bought a loaf of sesame bread, and it is DELICIOUS. I should've gotten two, darn it.Listed in: The EB
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Review from Miriam W.
10/18/2005
At this block-long farmers market, you will quickly understand why people call it Biz-erkeley. You will find everything from vegan snacks to musicians and fresh juice. Often on Saturdays there's some event going on in the adjacent park.
There is a venerable sense of community at this market, and always a patch of grass to sit down and tuck in to whatever you've purchased at the market that day. -
Review from Ann L.
2/16/2008
Berkeley Farmers Market is convenient. It's a few blocks from Downtown Berkeley Bart which is very easy to get to.
Since we were there almost closing time and too full to buy anything I'm just going to list what I saw.
Flacos - vegetarian Mexican food
Cafe Zambala - organic Himalayian food catering
Andy & Cindy Thai Cuisine
Curry Leaf Cuisine-vegetarian/vegan
rosemary plants to buy, plant, & grow
lemon thyme to buy, plant & grow
orchids
Hodo soy
Blue Bottle Coffee Co.
Madjool dates $7/lb
Solano mushroom
cauliflower: white & or purple $2/lb
brussel sprouts $4/lb
Highland Hills Farm-pork sausages
Blossom Bluff Orchards
Fatted Calf Charcuterie
Three Twins Organic ice cream
Phoenix Pastifico-meyer lemon bucatini, crab ravioli, vegan ravioli, almond macaroon $3; chocolate pecan chewie cookie $2. I gotta try the Olive Bread next time!
Hudsonfish
nuts
Bariani olive oil -love it!
fresh popcorn
Crepe Maker
Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery-goat cheese & goat milk yogurt
some live musicians
Saturdays, 10a-3p, sign says 10-2..guess they don't mind staying an extra hr.Listed in: Farmers' Markets
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Review from Andrew K.
Austin, TX
2/23/2009
Pretty interesting farmer's market. Unsurprisingly all organic (read: expensive.) Other markets (Temescal) are better for produce, but this market is pretty diverse. Phoenix, fatted calf, cider guy, mushroom lady etc. Also, a few booths to grab lunch. Everyone seems to love Flacos, but I was not too impressed.
Overall, not a bad way to kill a few hours if you didn't happen to go out the night before.
Overall: If you are a foodie or want to be, check it out at least.
Value: Again, everything is organic so its of course pricey, but if that is your thing then I guess its worth it. -
Review from jesa d.
Los Angeles, CA
3/16/2009
i was between 3-4 stars but went for 3 b/c of a certain issue i had... (see below)
The market had a beautiful looking produce selection along with other items. Definitely on the expensive side (since usually you hope you'll be getting fresher produce for a bit less as the overhead is reduced) but not by too much, at least for the fruits and veggies, and everything looked really good. The Blue Bottle Coffee (the reason we went) was very good.
My main wtf moment was that several (perhaps all, i didn't look to see) the produce stands were charging for eco-plastic bags. that in itself didn't bother me. i am fine with paying 10-25 cents for a bag since i should have brought my own anyway. BUT--the vendors kept issuing warnings that when you get home, you need to replace that bag with a regular plastic bag b/c it's too porous to use.
ummm, i might be wrong but doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a GREEN bag?? now i am not only using 1 regular iraq-war-bag, but a green (useless) bag as well.
does not add up! -
Review from Rachel W.
Mountain View, CA
6/20/2010 2 photos
I love farmer's markets. And this is the biggest farmer's market in Berkeley (other other smaller ones are the Tuesday market at Derby & MLK, and the Thursday market at Shattuck & Rose). It gets CROWDED since it's a Saturday market, but it's still great nonetheless. Good selection of food and it's a FUN way to spend a Saturday morning!
I like these farmers and the vendors. These are the same people who plant the vegetables, toil the soil, till the land, pluck them when it's fully ripe, and basically has seen the food from seed to full-grown crop. I love to ask them about where their farm is, which crop they are most proud of, and the recipe for the produce.
The farmer's life is hard work. Especially so if you consider the effort necessary to bring you fresh produce from farms to your table. OF COURSE farmer's market produce are pricey!!! The certification of organic produce is taxing in cost, effort, and time to the farmers. It's unfair if you gauge their products with the commercial farm that produces by the thousands of acres with copious of insecticide, fungicide, pesticide, fertilizer necessary to support unnaturally large-scale productions.
Think about it. Small local farms tend to practice more diversity, and plant a variety of crops in a much smaller land. And this goes a long way in the ecological balance and sustainability of the land.
We may get the idea that all the produce you see in a farmer's stand / stall come from just one single farm, but the truth is in order to produce the excellent quality of vegetables and fruits, it is necessary for these farmers to grow their produce in farms in different areas where the microclimates and soil best suit the crops. Such dedication and attention to detail to bring you the best crops comes at a great cost!
Therefore, know that the food is grown with love. By people who love their jobs, love the farm, despite the great risks that they face as farmers. 5 stars for Berkeley Farmer's Market! :) I seriously think that Berkeley residents (and Bay Area residents in general) are really lucky people because there are so many easily accessible farmer's markets around here. -
Review from Tanya S.
El Cerrito, CA
9/25/2010
I actually think this is a really great market, lots of yummy organic produce and cooked dishes. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is due to the deception of one of the vendors - Frog Hollow Farms.
They had some samples put out of their peaches, I sampled 3-4 bites, all delicious. So I bought $20 worth of the same variety they had there. Got home only to find them mealy, dry and flavorless. One good one in the whole batch.
This is dishonest advertising on their part. They obviously sifted thru and only put out samples of the good peaches. THIS SUCKS.
Will not buy from Frog Hollow Farms again, anywhere. .. -
Review from Esther Y.
2/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very small farmer's market, but has some great vendors. Like the apple cider guy! And honey! Jams! Fresh and colorful organic produce! Prices typical of a farmer's market...slightly higher but sometimes worth it.
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Review from Ciara S.
Oakland, CA
5/21/2008
I like to get my produce from local farms, and this market has been pretty much a weekly stop for me for a while now. It's nowhere near as big or as crowded as the SF Ferry Plaza market that also happens on Saturday morning/afternoon, but I can find just about everything that I would want here, and it's nice to be able to just walk there.
Since I tend to sleep in on weekend mornings, my day is often just getting started when the market opens at 10, so I like to get a late breakfast of a scone from Eduardo of Morell's Breads and one of the little fegatelli or petit sec from Fatted Calf. One of my favorite farms is Riverdog, which is the market mainstay with a great selection of just about all of the vegetables and herbs that are in season; I get my staples like onions and potatoes from Avalos, whose farmer is very friendly and sometimes brings his kids to the market. Some other farms here that I tend to like are Terra Firma, Swanton, Blossom Bluff, and Lucero.
Usually I walk the length of the market one way to see what all is there, then buy things on the way back, but if something looks like it might sell out (like strawberries in their first few weeks of the season) I'll buy it the first time I see it. It might be wiser to come with a shopping list than to just buy whatever looks irresistible (as I tend to), since there's such an abundance of it here...
