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Earthbeam Natural Foods
Category: Food Specialty Food Health Markets Health Markets [Edit]
1399 BroadwayBurlingame, CA 94010
(650) 347-2058
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
48 reviews for Earthbeam Natural Foods
Review Highlights
48 reviews in English
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Review from Cassandra E.
San Mateo, CA
1/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love dropping in here (especially during the winter) to see what kind of hot, ready to eat soups are available. There is always a vegetarian option and, come to think of it, every time I've gone for this purpose alone, it's always been a very tasty soup.
This store is beginning to become another favorite grocery store of mine, solely because the owner is willing to carry almost anything that you request if it's reasonable and he can get it.
They have lots of raw food snacks, and accommodate to many health conscious markets. They also have a huge selection of natural beauty and hair products as well as vitamins and supplements. -
Review from Jina R.
Pacifica, CA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
EXTREMELY overpriced items. I thought paying $13 for MaraNatha's almond butter was expensive. They were selling the same product for $28.75!! Ridiculous.
Another example was their New Chapter Organics Every Woman Daily vitamins. They were charging full price at around $81.25, but you can buy it online at http://drugstore.com for about $47 or even better, http://amazon.com for less than $40!
1 star for having so many specialty, organic, and natural items. I guess if you're extremely desperate, it's worth the price? Nah.. -
Review from T K.
San Mateo, CA
12/11/2011
Product quality and variety are good. However, for the price point, I expect better attention to detail and service. The clerk tending the till is friendly enough, but the staff do not go out of their way to help you find things.
When I called to ask if they carried a product, they put me on hold and forgot about me. 17 minutes later, I had to hang up and call back. When I mentioned I'd been forgotten about, the person on the phone was unapologetic, became curt, and informed me in clipped tones that they didn't carry the product.
I want to love this place. In fact, I used to love this place several years ago, but now it's just okay, due to the declining level of service. -
Review from Anne H.
Burlingame, CA
1/12/2012
The thing for me that sets apart Earthbeam is the staff and owners. They are very attentive, almost to a fault. By this I mean when I'm the second person in line, it's not uncommon for them to use the intercom to get a second cashier. It's a place where they all pitch in. If ever I need an item they don't carry, they always ask if I want to special order it. And, they will also explain why they don't carry some items as well.
I also like their monthly specials on vitamins and supplements on the first of every month. They often bring in other vendors who have samples and will explain more about their products. There's also a weekly discount for seniors, but I can't recall which day...maybe Wednesdays. The discount is very good and can make a huge difference. I also find that there normal prices are in line with folks like Whole Foods and Mollie Stones.
As for parking, there is street parking but there is also a lot by the post office on Cappucino. -
Review from V H.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
This is a great little shop for natural and hard to find items for us health nuts. Prices are very fair. It might be pricey for the type of person that normally shops at Safeway but you know you are getting the highest quality of food/supplements. The quality of every item is of superb grade and it's comforting to know that you will get food that is GMO free, organic, etc.
The staff is friendly and very helpful. They even wen't above and beyond with our special orders. Thanks Earthbeam.
P.S. I went in there to purchase some bulk food, some soap and a couple of supplements. So this review is on that, I have not purchased any prepared food or produce. -
Review from Kat S.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2010
I love this friendly corner natural foods store!
Awesome things:
- Bins of delicious things that allow you to get as little or as much as you need.
- The BEST baby tomatoes I have ever had.
- Supports local growers.
- Has fresh bread available (except for Sundays).
- Lots of gluen-free items.
The singular thing lacking:
- I really really wish they had fresh/local/sustainable meats available for purchase. If they carried that, I would never have to go to another store again!
If your goal is cheap, processed foods - don't waste your time.
But if you are willing to spend a few extra dollars for really yummy and organic foods - do check this place out.
[Note: it is small. But it has just about everything you need to stay alive, barring meat]. -
Review from Annie T.
Burlingame, CA
9/13/2011
The fact that this place has my favorite scones, gluten-free products, and is close by, you can count me in.
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Review from Anne S.
Burlingame, CA
7/1/2011
It's funny how over the years, "health" food has become the same as "gourmet" or "foodie." I walk here from my house for the Acme bread, good cheeses like Cowgirl, French green lentils in bulk, Sconehenge scones. I also get the Sukhi's entrees (but they haven't had the tikka masala enough lately!). Staff is great.
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Review from Gabby M.
San Mateo, CA
6/20/2011
great sandwiches, fun products, helpful staff. i don't mind pay a pinch more for great customer service. Earthbeam Rocks!
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Review from Patti L.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011
Good little natural foods shop. Has all the typical homeopathic and vitamin assortments. Good selection. A little on the high priced side but about average for the selection. Nice to have just on the neighborhood corner.
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Review from Carrie J.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2010
Even though this place is overpriced, it still takes the cake for best organic food stop in Burlingame. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable. Even though it's a pretty small store, they can suggest substitutes for what you're looking for-- they have always worked out well for me. They also have an extensive collection of binned items that you can get as much of or as little of as you want. This is so useful for those times when you need flaked quinoa for one stupid recipe and you don't want to have this weird non-food-looking stuff sitting on your shelf for all eternity. If you make your own granola, come here. They can suggest alternatives to make it even healthier.
They also stock excellent vegan food. There is just no better place to find vegan options than this little corner (coupled with Que SeRAW down the way). When I was vegan, I always felt a little out of place no matter where I went. But as soon as I stepped into Earthbeam, I felt I'd found my way home. *TEAR*Listed in: Being Vegan in Boring-Game
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Review from Eric M.
San Bruno, CA
5/7/2011
Will scold your kids for you. My kids are organic market pros, but apparently this place only welcomes kidless adults who prefer the higher-than-whole-foods prices here. As soon as you walk in with ur kids, they are all over you like communist spies making sure you are "helped" and don't touch a lot of product. I abandoned my basket of high dollar personal care items I can get at Whole Foods after one of the staff scolded my little girl for lightly handling some of the soaps and little lotion bottles.
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Review from Ron J.
Burlingame, CA
7/30/2011
Where can you find a real Mom and Pop natural food store these days with megastore Whole Foods dominating the scene coast to coast like Starbucks? Starbucks killed all the cool little cafes, and Whole Foods killed all the groovey little health food stores. You got to give Earthbeam credit for hanging in there all these years through thick and thin, and still being there for us to this day- a lone survivor. I am sure it has not been all that easy! How many of those little advent garde cafes from back in the day do you know of that are still here after Starbucks came along? Talk about dedication! I believe Earthbeam has been there since the late 60's or early 70's. I first started going to Earthbeam in 1987, and I learned a wealth of knowledge from David Hinckle and his staff over the years. These days "Natural" foods stores carry all kinds of commercial and processed junk- Earthbeam has rufused to do so. Earthbeam has stayed true to it's roots, and is one of the only purist natural foods store left anywhere that I know of that can give you the experience of what a real original natural foods store was like- and what one should be like. Earthbeam hasn't sold out like everyone else!
Earthbeam was a pioneer, and Earthbeam played a major role in giving local organic growers and natural product wholesalers a leg up when the whole scene was in it's infancy. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, and their loyalty deserves my loyalty in return. Without places like Earthbeam who led the way- Whole Foods would not even exist.
I love the feeling of nastalgia that I feel when I walk into Earthbeam. I love it that the original owner is often right there up front to greet me, and knows me by name. I love it that I feel like family when I go there. I love it that the building that Earthbeam is in was an original Wells Fargo bank- their bulk storage in the old bank vault. The irony! Health is your greatest wealth after all!
I know the prices can be a little bit high sometimes- but do the math- a huge chain of stores can slash prices- this is not an option for the little guy. I am sure it must be a struggle to keep afloat in these hard economic times and keep serving us locally- giving us that sense of community and continuity. So people, please give your loyalty to those who deserve it. Don't let the Wallmart super-store sellout mentality kill everything. We all painfully see now how a shallow mentality has ruined our economy, how it has killed small Mom and Pop businesses and industries across this nation. Entire once-thriving cities and towns have become ghost towns because of this lack of loyalty.
I would give Earthbeam 50 stars if I could. Thank you, Earthbeam. Thank you for getting me interested in natural foods all those years ago- it changed my life- it saved my life. Thank you for being there when everyone thought health food was weird. Thank you for not selling out like everyone else. Bless you, and may people continue to support you for a long time to come. I would mourn if you had to close your doors- lets not let that happen. -
Review from Jennifer C P.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2009 1 Check-in Here
I love this natural food store.
Ask me why!
Ok, fine, I will tell you - don't twist my arm already!
I love this place because every single time i pop in, they have the entire Bach Flower Therapy line. THAT is impressive! When I get in that mixologist mode and whip up something for anxiety, forgetfulness, tension, indecision, cramps - whatever. . . I can count on Earthbeam to have the individual essences I need so that I can make my custom mix on the fly.
I also love the abundance of organic teas and snacks cos I am not giving up my afternoon delights! I am not so fond of shopping here for other things because I can get them at my local mom and pop - but what i can say is they get my bucks for Bach Flower Therapy products every time because they are the only store I know of that carries all of them at a great price!
They are strategically located in an area that has a LOT of action going on, which makes my jaunts here an effortless task!
Well done Earthbeam! -
Review from Stephanie W.
Oakland, CA
12/23/2007
I really want to be a fan of this market since it's so convenient and close to home.
However, every time I've been here to shop for a few odds and ends, I've come home with either expired milk, thawed out frozen yogurt, or moldy bread.
I really respect the fact that it's a neighborhood natural foods store that is doing good things for the community, believes and promotes a sustainable, organic lifestyle, and overall has an impressive selection of goods.
BUT, I just can't get past the fact that everything is way overpriced (some things are more than Whole Foods prices) and that the perishables are generally perished by the time I take them home.
No bueno. -
Review from Simone E.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2011
Service:
Decent. It's a quiet store with a single checker. They take plastic.
Ambiance:
It doesn't smell sickeningly medicinal as some health food stores do. It's tidy and clean.
Accessibility:
There's parking within a block.
Products:
They have a range of herbal remedies, expensive produce, and a selection of fresh Acme breads.
I'm not usually into herbal remedies courtesy of my mom's enthusiasm for disgusting tasting powders and tinctures when I was growing up, but they have echinacea in multiple forms, including without goldenseal. (Sometimes I'll resort to it.)
The prices are high enough on produce that I buy most of mine elsewhere and come here if I've forgotten an ingredient or run out last minute.
Quality on the produce is variable. A $3 avocado should be pristine, with no brown spots inside.
Acme, yay! It's expensive everywhere, but worth the price. -
Review from Pimms H.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2011
This store is way too expensive. Nowadays health food is much more readily available. Maybe it was ok in the 90's when my vegetarian aunt would get tofu here, but now this store is no longer needed. They need to stop with the inflated prices and then locals would actually shop there. This would provide more shelf turn over and result in fresher products.
Every time I buy something out of an emergency I pay the overprice and then that product is ALWAYS expired or not as fresh as other stores.
I remember most recently in December I bought TWO bottles of Columbia Gorge carrot/beet/celery juice only to find that it was fermenting in the both bottles. At 3.50 each that is unacceptable/unfair to be selling expired products. And they know that they are expired! They try to put the expired milks in front so grab the ones in back if you resort to buying milk here. Anyway, so I drank the juice anyway and that was really stupid of me because I had a performance that day and it gave me bad diarrhea. That makes me mad! And their bread is always stale.
Writing this out made me realize that there is actually nothing worth buying here at all. Luckily now we have Broadway Farmers Market store which has decent prices and a non intrusive staff that tires to be overly friendly to compensate for their embarrassingly high prices. And there is on person here who is soooo slow at the register and messes up ringing you up quite frequently. Ugh, I could write a whole essay on the employees but that wouldn't be very nice. -
Review from Afshin m.
Foster City, CA
12/25/2009
This place has been here for quite a while I think. As far as smaller size health food stores, there's two things that really stand out for me here: good, friendly service, and great hot soup.
They usually have two soups/stews going and I believe two sizes of cups/bowl. Most often, there's also the option to also purchase an inexpensive single ital dinner bun that goes great with soup. The best part of this organic soup? Its inexpensive too.
Soups and stews are great food. Its crucial to know where you can get your fix if you have to eat out. In my fantasies these guys learn how to make jook/congee and have that as well!
Now for a while I was going here a lot for my fix. I'm not often in that area at this point though but still, I remember. I went there so much I got used to their selections and started wanting more variety. Hey that gives me an idea... if they provided more hot food, they could attract a lot more of the locals!
Like I also said, I appreciate the service, they're always very conscious & diligent in opening a second register so you dont have to wait.
They're a health food store in Burlingame, not Berkeley, so you're not gonna get all the bulk bins; you're more gonna get the packaged health food store marketed products. I'm not gonna ding them on that. They do have a bunch of stuff in bulk though. All in all everything you'd want in a smaller store. -
Review from Jennifer F.
Arcata, CA
7/22/2007
There are many things I really like about Earthbeam. One is the people, and the other is that they carry items that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Occasionally I like to drink raw milk. If you've ever tried looking for raw milk, you know it's difficult to find - but Earthbeam carries it. Similarly, they give you the option of glass bottles for your milk.
Also, I was in charge of the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. I wanted a turkey that was not given hormones, one that was not bred to be so large it couldn't support itself, one that had lots of room to run around, and one that was organic (fed organic foods). Having never cooked a turkey before, I had a lot of questions. The Earthbeam staff was helpful and I placed my order no problem. It was also the best turkey our family ever had.
Earthbeam carries various herbal remedies and pills for just about everything. There is a small but focused book section that I enjoy leafing through.
Most of the staff are also very educated about their products and happy to share that knowledge with you. Everyone is friendly, and the owner is often seen bagging and working alongside everyone else.
The down side is that their produce section is small and limited. The store itself is not very big, and they don't stock much of the basic foods. I think that's a smart move, because most of those staples can be found in other stores. I think Earthbeam is very good at being that neighborhood organic store with the special items you want...and some basics to tide you over. -
Review from Jeff C.
Burlingame, CA
4/15/2009
This is a store that I want to root for, but... I've bought too many things that were DOA. I purchased some lamb chops, and arrived at home 10 minutes later. I unpack the chops and the odor made it clear that either the date on the packing was off, or the storage conditions were not proper. And then it happened again.
I'm sorry, but the prices are way too high. Local organic foods can be purchased for cheaper elsewhere.
On the upside, if you need some biodynamic uppity hippie granola item stat, Earthbeam may very well serve your requirements.
I just always feel like I am voluntarily pickpocketed when I go, so I have decided to forgo my Stolkholm syndrome and not return to the scene of the crime.
Sorry Earthbeam, I wanted it to be a better review. -
Review from Olma M.
Burlingame, CA
Nice. small. clean. organized. This is my local neighborhood natural food store, so I come here when I don't feel like driving out to Whole Foods in San Mateo.
They have most of my staples - sea salt, whole grain bread, small fruits/veggie section, and they have cheeses - yummy. I didn't have a chance to peruse thru the first aisle as you enter the store, but it appeared to be stocked with supplements galore.
Looking forward to trying their hot, fresh soups some day soon...Listed in: My 'hood - BTown
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Review from Lauren S.
Burlingame, CA
1/3/2008
This is the jewel of Broadway, Burlingame. Reduce your carbon foot print by walking to the grocery store, stocked with your reusable grocery bags!
It's well reviewed by other yelpers, so I'll just add a few personal highlights:
1) Not everything is expensive. Local, in season, produce is very reasonably priced (when compared to other organics). E.g., onions at Earthbeam are 99 cents/lb versus $1.49 at Whole Foods. Dairy is comparable (or just a few cents more) than bigger high-end markets. I agree that canned goods are VERY expensive compared to bigger stores' private labels (like Trader Joe's and WF 365 brand)
2) They have an amazing selection of bulk grains, flours and spices.
3) They carry "bio bags" - plastic bags made without PVC and plasticizers
4) The first day of the month all skin care/vitamins are 20% off and they give out yummy samples -
Review from Nicole S.
Belmont, CA
9/30/2008
After hitting Que SeRaw SeRaw, I decided to pick up a drink at Earthbeam. The store is very small, and so the selection of products isn't horribly large, but it's a nice layout.
They have a fairly complete prepared foods section, along with refrigerators for meats and drinks, and aisles of snacks, vitamins, etc.. I just bought a water and a kombucha here, but they have nice outdoor seating, friendly (helpful!) staff, and a big-enough selection. I'm definitely going to come back to do a little shopping :) -
Review from Annika L.
2/7/2010
I live walking distance from here, and Earthbeam is the closest health food store in downtown Burlingame.
One star ding for prices. Especially on produce and CPGs. The produce usually looks good, and is usually local to CA. However it is expensive. I have found better deals at Mollie's on produce (also expensive).
The bulk section has saved me money on most herbs, including the glass shaky bottle. Buying anything from marjoram, to curry powder, to rice flour has been a better deal then ever buying it as a packaged good.
The service is great. It really feels as if the staff learn what they can about everything, and answer all your questions. The nutritionist or herbalist or whomever was beyond helpful. She seemed trustworthy when she talked me down from buying Co Q10 on impulse. Then I had questions on improving circulation and gave me text on how to improve it, and walked out with a lower priced bottle of Ginger Wonder. I'll be back for more of that stuff.
They pack in a lot of food in the smallish building. It feels like an old standing and important part of the community, which helps me when I'm patting my back about supporting local agriculture and business.
Also, their soups are delicious. -
Review from Maggie K.
Burlingame, CA
6/17/2007
Independently owned. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
I stop in for supplements and organic food (they're just around the corner from where I live). However, for fresh produce, I head for the local Farmers Markets.
The have a fair selection of fair trade and organic chocolates...yum. -
Review from pauly d.
Burlingame, CA
7/10/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Organic is not my main thing, but Earthbeam is a great little store. I live fairly close and drop in regularly for some fresh produce and other random items.
No they won't have everything, cause it's all organic duh, but they are super friendly, and the stuff they do carry is quality. -
Review from Amy A.
Burlingame, CA
6/12/2007
Parents. Do your shopping in less than 20 minutes!
Get the healthy basics (organic food, natural food, paraben-free person care items), and some essoteric ingredients (e.g. coconut flour) at this independently owned and operated neighborhood store.
The prices are higher than some other places, but you pay for convenience, distilled selection, and a great shopping environment. Support your local merchants before we get "chained"! -
Review from Ramon E.
Berkeley, CA
7/20/2009
So so far we've only been here once, but it left us with a favorable impression. I suppose that was largely because of the selection, though--having just moved to Millbrae from Berkeley, I haven't found local stores to supply me with vegan products and organic foods yet (except the farmers' markets which, yes, are great).
Lots of soy products, many flavors of soy ice cream, all flavors of rice dream bars; vegan sour cream; all kinds of organic sweeteners; live, sprouted breads...the list goes on. Impressive.
Notes:
-The bulk goods and produce are EXPENSIVE. In some cases ridiculously so.
-I can't speak to the staff's knowledge, because we didn't need their help. They were friendly, though: they all said hello and offered their help. -
Review from roger a.
Burlingame, CA
11/11/2009
I went there just bekuz of the health food. Like many healthy food spots.. price is steep... but I like what they have there.
people are great.
first time I've seen Boca chicken nuggets. -
Review from Ms. C.
CA
8/22/2011
Love this place. Love the staff and I like supporting local, healthy and organic food.
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Review from travis b.
Wailuku, HI
2/3/2007
As far as independent Natural Foods Stores in the Peninsula, Earthbeam keeps it the realest. There's a few reasons they've made it and made it well for 30 years.
They always have delicious natural soups made fresh and ready
The produce looks like a work of art, an explosion of colors and wonderfully ripe organic goodness.
If you need healthy convenience food in a pinch, earthbeam delivers. They have plenty of pre-made meal options, from raw foods to sandwiches.
And plus, the staff is helpful and friendly -
Review from Greg C.
Irvine, CA
10/6/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Decent selection of health foods...sort of expensive. Parking is easy here. Not a great selection of soups if that's what you're into. Alot of vitamins for sale here. Sort of tiny....
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Review from G M.
Millbrae, CA
11/29/2010
I haven't yet set foot in the store (I'm sure it'll be 5 stars once that happens). 4 stars for providing special order on items they didn't carry full stock of *and* supremely knowledgeable and helpful staff for suggesting this option in the first place!
I'm thinking this will be my new go-to place as I'm a newbie at all of this newer heath food stuff. Wow, they have essential oils too?! Can't wait! -
Review from Anita L.
7/23/2005
A small store offering natural vitamins and some natural foods such as grains in bulk format, drinks, packaged items. They don't have an extensive selection of things so if you're looking for specialized items, I would recommend driving to SF to Rainbow Grocery.
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Review from Grace W.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2006
Earthbeam is a small but sufficient neighborhood natural food store. I mostly go there for bulk foods (cereal, nuts, dried fruits, etc.) and hot soups (made fresh daily). As others have mentioned, their overall selection is limited, but I still think that they stock more natural foods and goods than Safeway or Mollie Stone's (believe it or not, it's cheaper than Mollie Stone's, too).
Listed in: My Former Neighborhood
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Review from Monera M.
2/4/2008
I love this store. I don't know why because it is small and can't stock everything, but it stocks the best. It is the people who make the place, everyone is really cool and if you are confused by the big bins of eye of newt and golden seal then someone pops up with a "can I help you?" They don't care if you are a true believer, but they like it if you are. Anyhow if you are into the crunchy granola side of life they are your store. If you want to relive your '60s youth then come on in. Anyhow I love Broadway's vibe and I think Earth Beam has a lot to do with it.
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Review from cindee l.
Burlingame, CA
2/2/2009 1 Check-in Here
It baffles me how I've lived in Burlingame for 10+ years and just started going to Earthbeam last year. This review is way over due. ;) I enjoy my shopping experience and certainly appreciate the organic food presence in the neighborhood.
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Review from Brittney D.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2007
I love this place! The people that work there are very friendly and are willing to answer any questions that you might have. I found everything I was looking for at that store...plus its located right next to Que seRaw seRaw and lots of other shops to browse.
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Review from Terry F.
Seattle, WA
3/9/2008
I go to Earthbeam to buy supplements and nutritional yeast (to put on popcorn, yum!). I live with my Mom and she does all the cooking, so I don't have to do normal grocery shopping. Every time I go to Earthbeam I'm scared it won't be there anymore, because it seems that small, independently owned places like this are doomed. Other reviewers have written about what a great guy David, the owner, is, and from the couple of interactions I've had with him, I have to agree. I had a small problem at the store last week and wrote him a letter -- two days later I receivd a handwritten response. The employees do seem happy. And they will open another register if any line has more than one person in it.
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Review from Devin S.
Santa Clara, CA
4/21/2009
Great bulk food selection. There isn't much produce, but this place feels more like a natural foods convince store.
