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Boss Robot Hobby
Category: Shopping Toy Stores Toy Stores [Edit]
2953 College Ave(between Russell St & Ashby Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhoods: Elmwood, Claremont
(510) 841-1680
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for Boss Robot Hobby
Review Highlights
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"Best toy shop in the bay for RC and Japanese collectables." In 11 reviews -
"...do not have a love for model kits and radio controlled cars." In 3 reviews -
"The owner Johnny was very knowledgeable and helpful." In 10 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Rick G.
Rodeo, CA
5/12/2012
This place ROCKS ..The store is a little small but Johnny has alot of stuff in there . Johnny has always been more the helpful to me and almost always has what i need . This is the small family type of place i like to spend my money .
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Review from Barry C.
Alameda, CA
3/29/2012
Johnny, the owner personally sold me a puffed lipo, a damaged rc helicopter battery. I asked him if the battery was the right one because it looked too fat to fit the holder, he replied that it's the same size. I didn't know what a puffed lipo was as I had just gotten into the hobby. It took me less than a month to learn about lipos. Did he see a sucker coming? Dunno. Should a guy who sells rc hellis and batteries know about this condition? Absolutely! Either way do I want this guy advising or selling me things concerning flying? Everyone was polite but, polite does not a good hobby shop make. I was politely told to contact the manufacturer.
I cannot recommend. -
Review from Felix K.
Berkeley, CA
9/11/2011
Although small, pretty awesome. Johnny and his wife are incredibly friendly, and they know their toys! I go here for Gundam and their prices are pretty competitive (especially when you factor in shipping). Some of their sale prices on their models are even cheaper than online prices before shipping!
The great thing about this store is if they don't have what you're looking for they will make the effort to call their supplier to order it for you. I try to stop in whenever I'm in the area, which is usually quite often. -
Review from Jonathan S.
Richmond, CA
7/31/2011
Short version-if you're looking for the best anime model selection on this side of the Bay Bridge, RC models of all sorts, and in general Neat Stuff, this the place you want. The staff is knowledgeable, they are very friendly, and they do a lot of good work.
Two words of warning-
1)It is a SMALL store. Don't expect you and your posse to hang out there, unless they're only you and two other pretty small people,
2)It's in a location of Berkeley where parking SUCKS and BART isn't nearby. Be patient for a place to park, take the bus, or have somebody drop you off. -
Review from Anne U.
Dublin, CA
11/3/2011
I came here on a recomendation from Derek at Comic Ink, and all I can say is AWESOME. The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is that I am always off work and able to do real shopping on Sundays and Mondays...the 2 days Boss Robot is closed. Looks amazing through the window though!
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Review from Mutant O.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 8/30/2010
The yelp daemon nagged me to update my review.
Heavens! It's been three years since I yelped, which probably means I've been obsessed with Boss Robot Hobby for at least seven years. This is where I was first infected with the Scary Girl blind box virus....
Boss Robot Hobby is still my main stop for office essentials. Everyone must have a desk robot buddy, or two, to watch one's back.Listed in: Absolute essentials !
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/10/2007
I adore this place. The inventory is delightful, the owners are fab folks, although the son is the… Read more »
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Review from Berna T.
7/10/2008
I tested out my nerdiness by walking into this little store....and realized that my level of Nerd has not quite gotten up to this level...I do not have a love for model kits and radio controlled cars. Just anime and manga and a little bit of Sci Fi and cosplay. (But if you ask me to my face, I will deny, deny, deny.)
However, the folks working (a man and a kid - seriously, I think he was like 13), were the sweetest. I spent a few minutes perusing the Tokidoki dolls and the collection of vintage figurines in the glass case, and ALMOST bought a couple of zipper pulls in blind boxes...I'm a sucker for those things, it's like hoping you get something cool in your box of Cracker Jacks.Listed in: N.E.R.D.
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Review from Matt G.
7/13/2008
This little Berkeley's Toy store is a paradise for kids strolling around the College Avenue strip. It's also an "seventh on heaven" for an old man like me to experiment the changes of toys and other child's playthings through the years.
This is not really a big store, but enough for this store to carry cute toys of all ages. They carry figurines, antiques, playsets and assorted stuffed-animals of kinds including "that popular Sanrio kitty with the BIG head."
I was checking out the action-figure collections and they carry the latest including Batman, Transformer, Incredible Hulk and Iron Man just to name a few. With Iron Man being one of the hottest recent movies, the store has his flashy hot rod car set. The $30.00 famous hot-rod is the same exact car in the movie and also comes with the Iron Man figurine as the driver. I don't plan to open the superhero's hot-rod and play and destroy that hopeful collector's item in the living room. I plan to put his toy hot rod on my mantel as a cool display.
Just like most toys store, the toy store accepted this old man's with a kid's heart credit card. -
Review from Byron N.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2012
I love this place, it's more for RC stuff, but you can find random thing's like ,vinyl kaiju figures, dunny's and tin toys, it's just great local shop, the owner is cool and helpful, just be cool with him and he'll be cool with you.
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Review from Suzanne F.
Portland, OR
1/19/2008
Boss Robot is where my sons will happily spend every last dime burning a hole in their pockets! I do not know much (actually, I know next to nothing) about robots, and with that said, Johnny and Doris could easily explain anything in their shop to me. Even I could understand!! They go out of their way to be accessible, helpful, and unfailingly friendly. Sad to say, but all my knowledge of robots basically boils down to my childhood fascination with that nemesis of Dr. Zachery Smith (boo, hiss) on" Lost In Space." You know the robot..."Danger!! Danger, Will Robinson!!" (arms flailing wildly...)...
The shop, as stated before is tiny and crammed to the rafters with all sorts of Japanese robots and remote-controlled items. It seems there is something for everyone from the novice to the experienced collector. They know their merchandise and what is appropriate for a small boy with a little to spend or a grown up who is serious. I like that they make the distinction in a fair way, and everyone seems so happy.
Each of my sons has a remote-controlled vehicle, a "Mini T" , and countless accidents have befallen these hardy roadsters, yet each time I fear we have a goner, a trip to Boss Robot revivifies them! This is a fun place to check out and see all the robotics you can imagine!
PS If there are any fellow Yelpers who actually DO remember "Lost In Space", then I won't feel so ancient and so out-of-touch with the world of robotics!! And...do any of you remember the name of any of the other characters??? Did they ever make it out of the treacherous planet they were relegated to??!! Stay tuned!! -
Review from alex o.
Castro Valley, CA
11/11/2008
i can't believe i haven't written a review for this place yet!
This is one heck of a Hobby and Japanimation shop on College. i think of them whenever i look at my nohohon zokus.
When i was working in the area, i'd stop by twice a week, it's amazing they didn't get tired of me. unfortunately, i don't work near Berkeley anymore, so my visits are fewer and far-between. but whenever i need parts, or a new RC Car, or Plane, Boss Robot is my first call.
FWIW, ignore whatever Johnny says, and just ask to talk to the son. -
Review from L C.
Berkeley, CA
6/20/2008
Very happy to have purchased a few Japanese robots here.
The robots are very reasonably priced, and you can even get great customer service if you're a novice, like I am.
The robots led to hours of quality time with my son, and now we have a favorite local store to visit together! -
Review from Ashley S.
Hayward, CA
7/7/2010
This place was sooooo neat. I went there because a friend of mine bought these weird zipper pulls from there and I had to see more.
The zipper pulls are bizarre and wonderful just like most of the other toys. They all come in boxes and you don't actually know what you're going to get until you open the box and take it out of the wrapper, the had larger toys like this as well; not just zipper pulls.
I love surprises, especially when they're offbeat and charming. -
Review from Callie K.
8/17/2009
This place is boss. Sorry... can't help myself.
Went in today looking for a remote control submarine for my nephew. Didn't find one but did find the cutest little store filled with windup robots, remote controlled cars, vintage model car kits, Japanese candy, etc.
Also found some amazing service. Totally sincere, kind, welcoming, not at all overly attentive but attentive just the same. A call was even made to try to hunt down a submarine for me.
I love this place. Go, visit, make a purchase, keep this store around.
It adds so much cuteness to Elmwood! :) -
Review from blah b.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2009
I do not know why people only give this place four stars?.?.? Whats up with that?
Johnny Is the best! Only carries the most fun stuff on the market! the prices are internet competitive and if you have any questions whatsoever, johnny will think for about 2 seconds and then give you the answer of just fix it! he is a toy whiz. I think he was one of Santa's elves in a past life...(that why the shop is small)
Best toy shop in the bay for RC and Japanese collectables. and educational. and ???... I dare you to find a better one.. I triple dog dare you... Check it out -
Review from Andrew D.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2008
Johnny, who owns Boss Robot Hobby, is the coolest! If you are in desperate need of rotors for your remote control helicopter at any time, Johnny and his staff are there to the rescue. Peter, my beloved, spends so much time in this store. When he is late coming home from work, I always assume he's made a trip to see Johnny at Boss Robot Hobby. Peter used to try to sneak those bright orange bags from Boss Robot into the house without me noticing. Oh, he can try to be so surreptitious, but I have a sixth sense about Peter's impulse buying. You live with someone for 13 years, you get to know them pretty well. Sneak as he may, I always catch him. So there.
I love all the Japanese toys at Boss Robot Hobby. My favorites right now are the "Cactus Love" figures from Strange Co.- they are prickly n' oh so cute. -
Review from Raoul K.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2007
We were walking along College Ave and this place caught my eye. As soon as we got to the front of the store I saw that they had a giagantic Mazinger Z super robot. I use to have all of them when I was a kid. They also had Voltes V, Great Mazinger and Aphrodite. Aphrodite was the robot that had torpedos for boobies. Pretty funny actually.
They had the small die cast metal ones and large plastic figures too. Nice little store and a very helpful staff. -
Review from Zeke S.
Oakland, CA
7/15/2007
Great people, good toys... worth the trip.
Could use a larger selection. -
Review from Shalom O.
San Rafael, CA
4/13/2011
Great store. The owner, Johnny, is super friendly and helpful. If I could change one thing about Boss Robot, I'd have them carry more high-end RC gear, but what they do carry is good for entry-level. And plus, it's just a fun place to go and feel like a kid again.
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Review from Wini C.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2009
I learned from the sales associate that Suge Knight probably killed Biggie Smalls.
-------* the more you know
Oh yeah, fantastic service and great selection of toys. I go here for my KidRobot fix. -
Review from Tom T.
Oakland, CA
9/26/2009
Very knowledgeable staff, and good competitive prices. Great stock as well granted the store is quite small (they had 5 of 6 parts I was looking for to fix up an electric buggy).
Only gripes are the hours - they can be a bit odd at time, but aside from that this is a great shop that's one of the only convenient options for RC/robotics parts in the oakland area. -
Review from antuan g.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2009
I don't usually write reviews but after a visit to Boss Robot, I've gotta share this place with my fellow geeks.
This place gets three stars off the top for being the only place in the East Bay that stocks Gundam model kits (you wouldn't believe how hard it is to track down a brick and mortar Gundam retailer), but then earns the other two for its reasonable prices and friendly staff. Besides plastic models of giant robots, Boss Robot also stocks RC parts and a varied selection of otaku bait.
Without a doubt, I can see myself becoming a regular in this nerdy little nook. -
Review from Joey K.
Berkeley, CA
7/12/2011
I love this place. Its the last one left standing in the east bay area for a dang reason! The tall owner was amaaazingly helpful and got me ordered whatever i needed for my losi. He even threw in some free nitro fuel. Thanks a bunch!
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Review from J H.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 2/8/2011
This place is bigger! Yay! I've never had a problem with this place or it's staff so I'm a bit surprised by some of the reviews but not everyone has the same experiences.
To some people who were looking for certain vinyls/collectable just to find out that Boss Robot stopped carrying them, the items are usually only for a limited time. The vinyl/collectable toy companies are always releasing new items so certain products get discontinued or "goes out of print."1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2008
Great staff, very helpful.
My only complaint about this place is that it's petite.
Other than that, I… Read more »
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Review from Mikes M.
Berkeley, CA
5/27/2011
I bought a miniature toy helicopter from this great little shop on College Avenue. Who could not love a store that specializes in such fun toys and robots. This is a shop worth supporting in an age of franchises and and fast foods. My son loves this place but I have to keep an eye on him as at this age he wants to touch everything! The owner tries to be helpful. There are some "good eats" across the street if you get hungry after playtime!
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Review from Dewey J.
San Jose, CA
1/24/2010
Well where do I start, this is my first ever review.
I would not normally go out of my way to write something like this, but I was truely impressed. This store is fantastic, it is not that big but I am sure that you could gather that from the other reviews. So what is the draw you ask, this is just it. First the owner is very helpful and friendly, as opposed to other hobby shops such as hobbytown usa in concord, those guys are real dicks, except the owner he is ok. The second great thing, although small all of the stuff they have in the store is great, they have all the top selections in stock and great prices.
I picked up a kyosho mini z for 69 plus tax, I wasnt even intending on picking the little guy up but the price was too good to say no. For those of you who dont know they would normally go for 125-180 depending on your options awd etc. Third and last, the owner really knows his stuff, I am very new to RC and he was patiend and walked me through everything, He even offered to help my build my rc crawler that I want when every where else would charge me an arm and a leg.
Well this is getting rather long so i will conclude it with this. If you are in the berkley area, and like rc make sure that you stop here. You wont go wrong and will be well taken care of. -
Review from Chris G.
Alameda, CA
5/21/2011
This is the best hobby shop in the bay area and Johnny is the most friendly, knowledgeable guy with the RC stuff!
I am really enjoying getting in to RC helis and he has given me great deals on two so far and I would not buy my next (very soon) from anyone else!!
Great shop, parking is difficult, but suck it up, its well worth it!!
I would go with more stars but they only give me 5...
Thanks Boss Robot!!! -
Review from Christ P.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2011
I have to say that my experience of Boss Robot was both satisfying and incredibly frustrating. The owner was ultimately able to meet my needs as a customer, yet he was rude and I would never buy anything from him again. At one point he made a comment about my ethnicity that was both offensive and inappropriate. He knows his toys better than anyone I ever met, but he is not socially gifted.
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Review from Michael T.
Berkeley, CA
10/21/2011
Johnny and his wife are incredibly helpful, kind, awesome people who seem to love the work that they do. I highly recommend Boss Robot.
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Review from Carl E.
West Sacramento, CA
2/12/2011
I'm a used to buying hobby parts from big brand name stores and was skeptical about buying a new truck from such a small shop. All I can say is WOW, this is the smallest, most convenient, friendliest, and perfect selection of cars and trucks, they also have a ton of planes just stacked to the ceilings. Part selection is very small compared to a major hobby store, but some how they have all the parts you need. The man at the counter was awesome and I'm assuming he's the owner, super friendly guy. They were also 10 dollars cheaper on the new truck I bought compared to other major hobby shops. In case ur wondering and I hope this is helpfull, they had almost the full line of traxxas, some hpi, and alot of Losi. Boss Robot Hobby you are my new favorite hobby shop when I'm in SF.
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Review from Irene S.
6/27/2006
i am clearly biased in my review of this place.
for the past five years, the family that owns this shop has paid me exhorbitant sums of money to play with their excellent, super smart and sweet kid, eat dinner, and sit around reading and snuggling their hyper boston terrier. if that's not a cushy job (and it is!), well...
the thing is, the store is also pretty amazing. robotic animals and godzilla toys and tiny hello kitty things and art deer series and tokidoki and pinky street, which i'm really a sucker for.
go there, look around for a million hours at all the things they've got crammed into that tiny place and then spend some money. you'll have no choice, really, cos every urge you ever had as a little kid will come flooding back to you and take over. -
Review from Totoro O.
Oakland, CA
10/21/2010
Come on now..it doesn't get much cooler than this. Toys that both adults and kids can love. From vinyl figures (almost works of art) to remote control planes, I can't contain the excitement! It's small, but they make up for it with truly original stuff. The owners (a family) are ready to help as needed; it's almost a learning experience as you explore your options among the endless menagerie of surprises contained there. Now, if I could only stop walking by the place with my son and conceding to buy something every time! OMG!
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Review from dave v.
Berkeley, CA
12/15/2010
I was surprised to find how much RC stuff Boss Robot has in stock. I then figured the pricing was going to be full retail... Surprised again!! What a great place and top service. Honest advice and really about the best hobbystore I have ever been to for RC's. Balanced with collectables, robots and things that are awesome and way too geeky for me, we always find what we are looking for or have it promptly ordered for us. Pricing is within the internet pricing, but you actually get SERVICE and ADVICE.
We have purchased 4 RC cars there and are very happy! -
Review from jared c.
Pleasanton, CA
12/31/2009
A tiny shop filled with awesome. I was looking for a Gundam model retailer in my area and they were it. I found a wall of model kits ranging from all grades and even found Tamiya modeling tools and paint products. The staff was super knowledgeable and very approachable. Being new to modeling they were very helpful and I actually got the feeling that they enjoyed answering my stupid questions. They also carry a bunch of different Japanese, robot, and RC toys but I have explored those areas.
I can't wait to go back, I only wish I lived closer. -
Review from Jackie D.
9/10/2008
i found this place online. i realized they had tokidoki figures and i had to come here. they have tons of little toys here. it's a small store but jam packed with little trinkets.
i've been here twice. i got the moofia figures here to help complete my collection. i also bought the til death do us part set and a mozzarella too. this i guess would only be knowledge to those who like tokidoki. the next time i came here was to buy tokidoki cactus pups since they had just come out and weren't in all the stores yet.
the guys who run the place are really nice. they alone make the store. support them. their conversation is good. if i ever get the chance to go to berkeley again, i'll be here looking for more tokidoki stuff. -
Review from RAy J.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2009
Small place packed with merchandise but in an organized fashion. Great variety items. Robots, R/C cars, helichopters, and many other items. The owner Johnny was very knowledgeable and helpful. I found exactly what i was looking for at a great price (triton EQ charger). There were these neat addictive little...zipper fobs? I ended up buying 3 of them. Pretty neat. Something your GF might like.
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Review from Angela K.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2007
The staff is endlessly helpful and willing to answer all sorts of novice collector questions. I picked up a really nice clear robot here.
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Review from Kelly C.
Oakland, CA
12/4/2008
Worst customer service. Yesterday I purchased two unique gifts for my kids, however I will never shop there again after the way I was treated today. In search of some help, I brought a broken toy (I admit, it had been purchased online, but is not a toy they sell) to see if they could fix it or suggest where it could be fixed. The man who appeared to be the owner scolded me with a lesson in "economics" and explained that his time wasn't worthy of helping out, since the toy wasn't purchased at his store. I offered to pay him to fix it, but he said his time wasn't worth it. Nine times out of ten, I will support local shops and in return I get good customer service. Next time, I will definitely purchase online.
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Review from susan a.
Oakland, CA
3/30/2010
My kids have an expensive KidRobot hobby and this is where I go to scratch their itch. Guy there super nice and helpful. Store small but packed with hobby goodness.
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Review from Neal A.
Alameda, CA
12/28/2007
Christmas shopping for my nephew was really easy this year, for once. My sister bought him a remote control airplane from Boss Robot Hobby and apparently nephew hangs out there quite a bit. After spending a few bucks in sis' store (Tail of the Yak), my son and I walked over to Boss Robot Hobby. The owner and staff there are very pleasant to deal with. I explained that I was shopping for my nephew's gift, told him his name and they immediately knew who I was talking about. He's not a shy kid and he will pepper you with questions. I was not surprised they remembered him. They put together some accessories for the plane that my sis bought him and we were almost out of there quickly. You see, the problem is that my son and I LOVE hobby shops and we found all kinds of ways to spend our money but we held off actually doing it. It looks like we will be back though. I saw this really cool RC car that would be fun to race....wait I'm 52 maybe I should buy it for Eric. No, he already has one. So, I should get one for ME and we could RACE! Right!? Then my nephew could fly his plane around while we race! This could get fun and expensive. I'm sure I'll come to my senses. No I won't. I see an RC car in my future. I'll buy it from Boss Robot Hobby too. Tiny shop with lots of fun stuff. I'm just a big ol' kid. Maybe my daughter would like one too? Hmmmmm.
