On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Mon-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
"I was very excited to go here, as my great grandmother frequented the Food Mill a majority of her life and I had heard family rumors of…" read more »
Loading...
Love it
Bulk dry foods
Great produce selection and quality not to mention good prices
Lots of specialty stuff I cant find anywhere else in my neighborhood
BULK TOFU RIGHT OUT OF THE WATER!!!!!! YES!!!!
Love this place!
fresh fruits. This place motivates to eat healthier :) It is crowded at times, but I suggest going in the morning if you have the time.
I love this grocery store--started shopping at the little one about nine years ago, and was delighted when the big one opened a couple of years back. No, it's not the Berkeley Bowl, but they're likely to have just about any produce item you might need, and it's all fresh, too. I love that a good number of the organics cost the same as conventional produce. Right now, for example, they're offering seedless organic red grapes for $2.69 per pound. Conventional grapes are priced the same.
I also love the variety of bulk items, though I've been dismayed at how the cost of the "naughty" things like raspberry fruit bars (like fig newtons) and chocolate almonds has skyrocketed. It's just as well, I don't need the extra crap in my diet, but still....
The big store's design was inspired by Whole Foods, and it shows. I really enjoy shopping at this attractive, family-owned outfit. Many of the employees have been with the store for years, which indicates that Joe and Diane Tam are good to work for. The neighborhood is better with the store around. It's good for Oakland!
This is the original, small Farmer Joe's. Before the big new one opened on Fruitvale this one served a real need in the community. Now it is a nice alternative to the big one, especially when it is super-crowded.
In the past I have had some complaints with the meat counter here. Namely that they would handle raw meats and then cooked ones without washing up or changing gloves. They would handle a bunch of raw chicken and then proceed to slice some deli smoked turkey. Also they have had some problems with flies in the meat department. These seem to have gotten substantially better.
Love this store, I used to live down the street, but now I live in Berkeley. I go here once in a while and head straight to the salad bar. Today I went for the sushi, BEST SUSHI I have had in a long time, even tops Joshu-ya's and borderline Mijori in my book. Though I haven't tried NAMA yet, I will have to hit that place up b4 I leave the E.B. I passed by the soups and they were serving Crab corn chowder, OMFG if it wasn't so hott today I would have poured me a cup, hopefully they will have it some other time.
Oh ya the rainbow roll sushi was $6.59 for 6 fat fresh pieces. Note that the wasabi is in the sushi container and that you do not have to buy it separately. I wish they would have fresh poke like bristol farms, oh well. They also sell Zola Acai, which I have been drinking for over 3 years and it is hard to find in the East Bay and was immediately in love with this place when I found that they carried it. Though I am thoroughly disappointed with Zola now, such sell outs.... , but that's another story. Love this place, could definitely use one in Berkeley to replace that crappy Andronico's store.
Okay, this is no mini Berkeley Bowl as many folks here say. I do like the store, but it is definitely a small local market, very unlike the megalopolis produce and grocery supergrocery that is the heaven we have in the East Bay called the Berkeley Bowl.
I do shop here regularly as it is in my hood, and I am usually happy as I know what to expect. They do not have everything I might need or be looking for, but what they do have is quality. Also, they are nice, and that goes along way for me.
I hate to buck the trend of total veneration of Farmer Joe's but the fact is that they do not have the best produce. ;They often buy produce that is on its way out. Their fruits are less than developed and the meat counter is usually in deplorable condition. Ever Kept one of those chicken breasts for more than one day.?
Yes they are local so I support them and they get a 4 star for that reason only. If you want good produce go to Market hall. or to one of the LOCAL farmers market in Berkeley.Bottom line is farmer Joe's is good for its location not be cause it is good.
For all you naysayers before you castrate me ,go in and look at the onions and the mushrooms at any given day.... Just not up to par..
Oh, feels SO good to support a local business and feed your desire for the best darn produce at bargain prices. I try to go there with an open mind and no shopping list, so I'll get what's freshest and cheapest. You don't want to be a slave to your pre-concieved lists. And the rewards are manifold. You will be pleased to find goodies from dried goods to top-notch meats and organic cheeses. There are always little sales on basics, so I stock up when I can get a little price break.
Okay, honestly...the crowd is a little proud of themselves and I guess all that pride means that you have to take up a LOT of room in the tiny aisles. I take it organic-fed egos need a wide berth. So, I can get a little frustrated navigating with my crew of two. At times, we are the only ones ever "excuse me"-ing and I tire easily around "every important" people.
But you can't fault the establishment for being so damn special it makes folks feel like they have the keys to the kingdom. I choose to share the wealth. Definitely drop by and find a treasure shaped just like a perfect sweet potato!
This is a great neighborhood store in the Laurel District. They carry superb produce, all sorts of odds and ends of culinary delight, and are always open to suggestions about things they might carry in the future.
There is something quintessentially "East Bay" about this place, a mix of practicality and dreams. It's owned by a local family who have built it from a vegetable stand, it is responsive and responsible and a gem in the neighborhood.
Right off 580, and worth a bit of a drive.
This place is really a find because of quality, price and organics! And yes, you don't feel like a total yuppie buying the stuff because the atmosphere is humble and not ostentatious (Whole foods-founded in Texas-where they know all about being showy)
I got organic stuff for my holiday dinner and didn't break the bank. The way it should be.
I stopped here once on the way to class at Holy Names University in search of something quick and easy I could pick up for dinner. Surprisingly, this little place had pretty tasty sushi ready to go. They have a great produce section but the prices are a little on the expensive side. Small parking lot, but easy to in and out of.
I was so excited to discover what seemed to be Berkeley Bowl lite, but without the mob and closer to my house... but after a few visits here, it's just not what I'd hoped. For dry goods it's fine, but the produce is mediocre. And the women's bathroom is also unspeakably disgusting. And I bought some ice cream that was manufactured less than 2 months ago was entirely freezerburned. I called in to ask if I could return it without a receipt - they indeed said I could, but I found the people otherwise unfriendly, and it was strange that the first person who answered the phone spoke hardly any English.
Anyhoo... I still might go here in case of emergency, but I guess it's back to the Bowl for me.
FARMER JOE'S ROCKS MY WORLD.
As a life long Berkeley Bowl fan I never thought I'd find an alternative locally. Sure the selection is nothing like the Bowl.
But the freshness and prices on certain items I've bought lately like spring lettuce mix, cherries, and a canteloupe have won out over the Bowl. Never thought I'd say that!
I've resisted the bakery but boy does it look good. Tons of bins. Very nice. Small market feel with a good selection of everything you'd want.
NOW I see why the real estate listings say "convenient to Farmer Joe's." It really is a destination.
Yeeeehah!!! I've got a mini Berkeley Bowl right around the corner from my house!!! Prather Ranch Meats, Rocky Range Chickens, Straus Family Dairy and more produce than you can shake a stick at!!!! They opened on Saturday so it's still kind of a mad house in there but it is fabulous. I am so happy about this addition to my neighborhood I could just die. They have bulk food, a bakery, a burrito stand, a sushi stand and a grill (it's not open yet but will be soon). Gorgeous produce. . .they had these little pints of boysenberries that were so gorgeous I made the decision to make a pie . .. then went and got the Plugra to make the crust. This is a dream come true. . .no more hauling my ass to Berkeley to go to the Bowl! RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!!! I am doing a happy dance right now!
Welcome to the 'hood, Farmer Joe!
Farmer Joe's was such a happy discovery after my recent move to Redwood Heights... I'd been a loyal Trader Joe's shopper in my old 'hood, and find shopping at Farmer Joe's even better! The produce selection (and prices) can't be beat... and I have encountered the friendliest shoppers at both Farmer Joe's locations. One shopper recommended his fave hummus, another offered help grabbing a high-shelf item.
The owners of Farmer Joe's (Tam family) also came to my RH community meeting to discuss the positive resolution of their labor dispute issues -- and it was evident how highly they regard the community and value its patronage. After meeting them, I feel even stronger about the need to support our local businesses and will remain a proud, loyal shopper of FJ's!
I appreciate Farmer Joe's for what it is -- a small local grocery that has good essential bulk items, Clover brand dairy products (they make the BEST large curd cottage cheese), some hard to find organic brands, a variety of alternative grains, and all at a price that isn't totally inflated.
And around Halloween and Thanksgiving, they have pumpkins and gourds for cheap!
I TRIED to shop here. But was thwarted because
A) it doesn't open till 9 a.m., unlike their Dimond District store; and
B) I saw at 8:30 that all the employees on duty had parked in the prime spots closest to the entrance.
That is my pet peeve and I hope the management takes note that their employees shouldn't be taking the best parking spaces. Very bad practice.
By far the best place to buy groceries. Maybe you need some bizarre ,corner case item that's only found at Berkeley Bowl. Or maybe you like the maddening game of "steal the parking spot" one has to play to shop there? Fine. Maybe you like the veneer of concern you're force fed at Whole Paycheck? Or you don't mind the outrageous markups or lackluster service? Fine. Don't bother shopping at Farmer Joe's - it's charm would be lost on you.
If the above is not the case, you should go out of your way to check out this gem of a market. It's owned by hard working locals, it's short on flash and long on sincerity, and they have everything a health conscious shopper needs. Word is their new location on Fruitvale is in the final stages of preparation, which I'm sure will be just as down to earth.
Great produce at reasonable prices in a low key, super friendly environment. Now, this is the joy of shopping local!
Farmer Joe's is also a great alternative to battling the parking lot mess and angry hippies at Berkeley Bowl or the feeling of conspicuous consumption at Whole Foods...
What a happy medium from both ends of the spectrum!
I love that I can walk to get some of the best fresh produce around. It's more of a small market, not to be confused with the new big Farmer Joe's on Fruitvale (which I also like).
It's usually kind of crowded after work, but it's a nice crowd, the checkers are super efficient and again, the food! This is the best place in the neighborhood to get seasonal fruit, vegetables, dairy and eggs. They also have a pretty good meat counter, with the good stuff. They have a pretty good cheese selection, and lots of different organic/natural cereals, cookies, pastas, and more. They have a frozen food section where we usually just buy what's on sale, and there are lots of different organic/natural soaps, lotions and products like that. I also love the wall of bins. They have all kinds of granola, nuts, dried fruit and candy all along the back wall. It's fun to browse through.
I love this place, I can't recommend it enough!
This little market has a lot more going on than you would expect from the outside!
I had passed it by for almost a year on my commute up the hill to HNU, but when I popped in looking for a yogurt and a granola bar, I was so happily suprised!
At the time when I frequented it the most I was balancing my grocery needs between Berkeley Bowl, Trader Joe's, and the farmers market on Lakeshore/Grand. Farmer Joe's is a great hybrid between those stores! Great price and quality for those incidental ingredients you forgot to get elsewhere. The produce is entirely sufficient for that need, and is of much higher quality than the Safeway up the street. The fish/meat market does have a worrisome amount of stench on a warm day- I never bought more than a steak or some ground beef there, so unfortunately I think that might be a good rule of thumb.
"Do not go to Whole Foods ever again! I visted the new Farmer Joe's on Frutivale in Oakland today, and it is really great. Their smaller store on MacArthur is nice, but the new one has beer, wine, and a huge deli and bulk food section. Great prices on produce, organic and pesticide-style, and a super friendly staff.
Support the little guy!"
This is a great alternative to shopping at Berkeley Bowl. It is less crowded and the product selection is pretty good. Moreover, the line is a lot shorter as well.
Dear Farmer Joe,
Thank you for carrying the freshest, finest, supple, produce this side of the bridge. You sure did rock my world while shopping for my 7 day cleanse. Your little cuties, carrots, greens, tomatoes were all above par. I'll be back to caress your goods again soon.
Yours truly,
on.a.veggie.hunt
Way better than Whole Foods or the constant hippie clusterfudge called Berkeley Bowl, this place has got the goods.
I went on a Saturday morning and it wasn't very crowded at all. This was really good as the skinny aisles would make for difficult shopping with a bunch of people crammed in.
GREAT produce. Super fresh.
GREAT meat department. Excellent selection and super friendly service.
Check out was a breeze.
My new favorite grocery store.
How come all the health nut people look really unhealthy?
The best natural meat/poultry section in the bay area, fine selection of cheeses including the hard to find Norwegian Gjetost.
Sometimes a crazy chinese lady will yell at her son(?) who replaces the bread rack.
A long haired pony tail cashier always looks really stoned.
I completely 2nd Sue U.'s review. Farmer Joe's is fabulous and every time I go there for "just one thing" - it ends up as the something like the following: Niman ranch bacon, Vital Vittles bread, eggs, Strauss family non-fat milk, a half-flat of strawberries, organic tomatoes, soap, Tazo tea, etc. etc.etc. And I end up getting a basket.
Another great thing: the chicken wings there (I get them for my dogs) are $1.99/lb -the same price as Safeway, but organic and hormone-free! Nice!
I'm in love with Farmer Joe's. Friendly staff in almost every aisle happy to help with every question, inexpensive and organic produce, as well as vegan alternatives to every craving I have:) Forget all chain grocery stores.... Farmer Joe's has it all!
I mistaken this location for the bigger one down the street. When you are driving by on MacArthur, the grocery store seems really small. I always go to the one on Fruitvale because it is bigger.
Although it is smaller, they carry most of the things you might need. Farmer Joe's is my store for produce.
There is parking in the back which I suggest you take advantage of because the front door is always locked.
It's big. It's cool. It's cheaper than most --- but it lacks the charm of Berkeley Bowl...
You'll find plenty of produce stacked Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) / Wild Oats style --- though the prices won't give you as much of an epileptic shock.
Tons of products to choose from --- yet... I'd still pick Berkeley Bowl over this joint in a heartbeat.
This is the first FJ I've been to. I love the variety they have in there. So much of everything cramped into a small store! Plenty of produce!! Plenty of cheeses! I haven't purchased from the meat department.
Since the new store opened it's a bit more convenient for me.
haig's spicy hummus and reed's ginger ice cream. [but not together]
that's all you really need to know, but i'll tell you more anyway. farmer joe's has a good selection of fresh, affordable produce. they have lots of non-generic munchies and a fairly wide range of products considering how small this place is. the employees are very friendly and helpful and it's not as chaotic as berkeley bowl.
did i mention reed's ginger ice cream? seriously.
FINE-AH-LEE!!!!!! dammit.
The sad thing is I'm moving this month. sigh.
Well at least for the next few weeks I can get fresh produce and good quality items. I been going to this crappy-ass S@#3wei by my house and it's how can I say it, it's...CRAPPY.
I always have to go out of my way to some other grocery store and never been completely happy unless it was Koreana Plaza on 23rd/ Telegraph or Ranch 99 in Richmond/ Albany.
I finally had a chance to go to Farmer Joe's this past Tuesday (after all the hype died down for their GRAND OPENING.) , and I was content to just walk around a bit more, rather than rushing through the place. I didn't even mind waiting in line after getting what I needed. It was relaxing there, not to mention clean and un-ghetto. Save that for the other place.
I love sea food. They have it. I hate frozen seafood. That's all the other place had. Their produce is fresh and clean. Not with SW.
I haven't been excited about cooking at home for a while because I always had to make a long trip to get what I wanted or I couldn't get what I wanted at SW.
I look forward to my next trip To Farmer Joe's.
This is my neighborhood grocery store. I love it. Especially since there's always drama at the albertson's down the street. I can run in after work and just grab 1 or 2 things for dinner. It's too expensive for me to buy everything there. But for produce for little, ol' me (hello, pint of strawberries for $1.49) or a loaf of acme sweet batard, it's perfect
I just moved to the neighborhood and was so happy to find this place. The prices are good and I can still get all my hippy dippy crap without having to trek over to Berkeley Bowl.
Farmer Joes is my go-to place for natural foods in my neighborhood. I am certainly bummed that they do not stock organic beef in either the little store or the big store. The selection of organic fruit is also fairly small, but I tend to buy produce at the Farmer's Market anyways.
I used to live across the street from farmer Joe's back in the day when the laurel district was pretty much undeveloped. For the area this is a pretty good store with good prices. Now they opened another in the Dimond district down the way it's a big step up from the shady ass Lucky's which later turned to Alberstson's that used to be there..Can you say Filthy...
Even though they are not related, Farmer Joes is much better than Trader Joes. Unlike the Trader, the Farmer presents fresh and non-prepackaged fruit at affordable prices. Yes...you can hand pick your own fruit AND you don't have to get multiples of four! They have a wide array of other groceries and household supplies...made me wish the city was filled with more Farmers than Traders.
I used to frequent their original smaller store on Macarthur a couple years back. THey are so nice there! I miss them, but will give them 5 stars!
I am so psyched to be living close to this little gem of a grocery store. I love that it's big enough to be reasonably-priced, but small enough not to feel like a crazy yuppie health-food "culture" zone. It's just a small, laid-back store that offers a good assortment of healthy and "normal" foods.
Neighborhood: Dimond District
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Lower Hills
Category: Health Markets
Berkeley, CA
Category: Health Markets
El Cerrito, CA
Category: Health Markets
Neighborhood: Lake Merritt
Category: Grocery
Not really Fruitvale, not really Maxwell Park, not…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Don't be such a snob about "The City." The East…
Where is it? It's the in heart of Oakland, of…
I left my heart in ... Oakland. Here is a list of…
So once I figured everything out int he Grand/Lake…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
