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Star Meats
Categories: Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Restaurants Delis Meat Shops, Delis [Edit]
3068 Claremont Ave(between Prince St & The Uplands)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhood: Claremont
(510) 652-7712
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
97 reviews for Star Meats
Review Highlights
"Goodfella: I LOVE SUN DRIED TOMATOES."
(in 7 reviews)
"The genoa salami and hot coppa were to DIE for; so good."
(in 7 reviews)
"Red wine vinegar with other spices make a GREAT supplement..."
(in 4 reviews)
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97 reviews in English
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Review from Harold W.
Berkeley, CA
1/29/2012
Maybe the best sandwiches I've had in the East Bay! The Goodfella is my favorite but everything I've tried has been excellent -- it's $8 even, which I think is pretty reasonable given the quality.
Note: The above hours are a bit misleading. You can buy meat and groceries all day, but THEY ONLY MAKE SANDWICHES FROM 11-2. I've shown up a few times after 2 and was in for a real disappointment... -
Review from Nate B.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Walk to the back of the store.... ENTER THE CREATION ZONE OF THE BEST SANDWICH YOU WILL HAVE IN THE EAST BAY!
One of their sandwiches actually resolved a fight with my girlfriend... They're that good...
Let me say that I am a fan of sandwiches. I have a rating system for them, and go all over to track down the best combinations and flavors. One of the best sandwiches in San Francisco was from DARWIN CAFE in SOMA.
For the past 8 months I've been trying to find a great sandwich shop in the east bay. My girlfriend found this place on Yelp and now I know what it means to have a sandwich from an epic deli. The guys at this place go through a lot of work to prepare their meat--(that's what she said)
So far we've tried:
The Dirty Bird(3/4) -- Good, but the curry mayo isn't my favorite.
Fat Albert(4/4) -- DELICIOUS, that is all.
Good Fella(3/4) -- Great taste if you like sun dried tomatoes but not my favorite.
Bryan Allen(5/4) -- I will order this over and over again! MY FAVORITE -
Review from Natalie M.
Oakland, CA
12/24/2011
I've been wanting to try Star Meats for years and finally last week I did. It's such a shame that I've lived this close to Star Meats for so long and have only just now tried it.
I ordered the Classic, figured it was a good way to start. I was BLOWN AWAY!
At first bite the only thought that ran into my head was I wish I never had this sandwich because if this sandwich ever went away my heart would truly break.
Best sandwich I've ever had. I agree with the reviewer that commented on how they believed Genova was the best place to pick up a great sandwich, and yes they are great, but nothing compares to what I consumed last week at Star Meats!!
Also - I swore looking at my giant sandwich that I would only eat half, save the other half for later ... but I had no choice, I had to eat the other half straight away. -
Review from Jefe R.
Fremont, CA
1/19/2012
Super friendly staff, better sandwiches! Will definitely be back for the Goodfella!
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Review from Demanding T.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
Was looking forward to trying their sandwiches. At 12:20 PM they said they ran out out bread. Definitely call ahead of time to see if they are well stocked. Funny shelves were well stocked with a variety of bread, and there's even a bread shop next door.
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Review from Amie R.
Emeryville, CA
10/23/2011
I had the Brian Allen, WOW. My friends and I sat on the bench out front and just about died of sandwich overload and moaning. I ate the entire sandwich (after wrapping up the second half and swearing I would save it), and even though I was completely stuffed, I am jonesing for another nary 4 hours later.
The Brian Allen is turkey, some sort of ham, cheddar cheese, arugula , tomato (I ordered without), and chipotle mayo. The bread is crusty and perfect, the cheese is that amazing cheddar cheese that I can't ever seem to find (smokey and non-crumbly), the meats were clearly top notch, the chipotle mayo was smokey and slightly hot. They're cut on an extreme bias, which we decided was to show off and better access the delishness.
We will be back. My only wish on this planet was that they had seating, indoor or outdoor, but they are also a grocery store (who gave awesome advice on selecting beers to my friends). -
Review from Josh C.
Pleasanton, CA
9/28/2011
I was a little disappointed when I could not get my first choice off the menu because they were out of prosciutto and then I learned they were also out of serrano ham, also a menu item. The guy behind the counter explained that the menu written on the wall was partially defunct due to a change in ownership. He said the old owner added the more "exotic" items to the menu and he lost money on the deal. I appreciated his candor so I ordered a Good Fella off the menu wall.
I was not disappointed about the sandwich! The salami and coppa were moist and excellent. The real mozzarella (still a bit wet...a good thing) just melted in your mouth and the bread was soft with just a bit of crunch, in other words, perfect. I usually hesitate to get sandwiches with sun-dried tomatoes as they sometimes overwhelm the rest of the sandwich. This sandwich was great in that the sun-dried tomatoes had a great flavor and were not overwhelming and indeed, were a perfect pairing with the fresh mozzarella. I also liked the arugula on the sandwich. This is not unique to Star Meats but I am finding rugula to be my prefered green on sandwiched lately so it was a welcome suprise.
My wife and I enjoyed people watching as we ate on the benches outside but will probably get our sandwiched to go next time. This is a sandwich counter at a meat market in a grocery store and not a restaurant. Not a bad thing, it is just good to know.
I look forward to an updated menu board the next time I grab a sandwich there. -
Review from Eugene B.
La Mirada, CA
8/11/2011
You how Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers?
Yeah he picked those fine peppers and put it in the dirty bird sandwich! The dirty bird has pickled peppers with this curry aioli or mayo that although may sound weird, it tastes delicious. This sandwich is so good, that I even have dreams about it. Perhaps star meats is incepting me, I DONT KNOW but i dont care. :)
I am not the biggest fan of sandwiches because I think sandwiches are so boring. Everyone has tasted a tuna melt, ham and swiss, and a cranberry turkey pesto sandwich. But star meats sandwiches aren't your ordinary sandwiches!
So far, I've had the tuna salad (which was not that bad, but I've also never met a tuna salad sandwich I didn't like!), the fat albert (which had loads of meat but not enough sauce, but still very delicious) and the dirty bird.
Note: I think all of the sandwiches are made on acme bread too! And if you don't want to wait, you should call the deli and put in your order when you're at home and by the time you arrive your sandwiches should be done! -
Review from Nathan C.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2011
The Good Fella is literally one of the best cold sandwiches that I've had. It doesn't get any better than fresh mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes and cured meats on a fresh Acme baguette. I always ask them to substitute fresh tomatoes instead of the sun-dried. Genova delicatessen's got nothing on Star Meats. No wonder Star Meats runs out of bread in the afternoons. The Classic is also solid, although its no Good Fella.
The black guy makes the best sandwiches. Hairy white guy is #2. Asian girl is sometimes skimpy with the meats.
They also have chicken and turkey sandwiches for white people. -
Review from Eunice J.
Torrance, CA
6/29/2011
HANGOVER SANDWICH (AL).
You eat half, and wake up super dehydrated with the biggest headache ever. This happened to all three of my friends that tried it with me. But........... it's probably one of the most delicious sandwiches I've had. Oh, Ike's is super good too, but Star Meat sandwiches are in a whole different category; the two can't be compared. Ike's sandwiches are really randomly unique; Star Meat's uhhh has a lot of meat. I tried the Classic, but I definitely want to try a different one the next time I go. My friends all got a different sandwich, and no one had complaints. Everyone loved his/hers.
So, I came here at least 4-5 times, but I was only able to get their sandwich once! What's up with that?? They're only open for lunch, and sometimes they're not even open for lunch. I suggest you call them to ask? That's why star meats gets 1 star taken away. Like all the other reviewers said, the management sucks? Anyways, don't let that steer you away; you definitely want to try a sandwich here. Star Meats isn't your ordinary deli. -
Review from Tyler B.
Vallejo, CA
8/9/2011
If you like to stuff your mouth with delicious meat (and who doesn't?), Star has you covered.
In the back of a small, independent, Berkeley Bowl-esque grocery store lies a stellar meat counter. With handmade sausages, meat that's been marinated in-house, great cuts of steak and delicious sandwiches, Star has it all.
There were 2 or 3 people working behind the counter when I entered so there was little to no wait and the service was impeccable.
I ordered 3 racks of ribs and 4 different types of sausage for a BBQ. The sausage types I chose were: Spicy Italian, Sweet Italian, Green Curry and Sicilian. All were excellent but I'd definitely go for the Spicy Italian if I had to choose.
The prices were slightly above average but they certainly have the quality, selection and service to back it up.
Star Meats is a sausage fest in the best possible way. -
Review from Dave S.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2011
I go to star just about every day, and to the deli counter three or four times a week. Service is always superb. It's my friendly neighborhood deli. The selection is much smaller than down the street at Ver Brugge, but it's better picked and higher quality. I've converted. For example, the chicken legs are smaller and taste much better. They're not the generic Rockys. And sometimes VB just gets swamped and Star is a breath of fresh air.
Pork leek sausages. Local eggs. Smoked salmon. My faves. Always helpful to explain a cut or suggest the best cooking method but go nice on them when there's only one person working. Sometimes free samples.
I only go after work, so I can't speak for the sandos, which are only during lunch hours. But they've recently redesigned the counter space and upped the sandwich promotion, so go get one. I know it would be good. They want to make it! -
Review from Juan R.
Oakland, CA
6/3/2011
Big fan. I absolutely love the Michael Henry and the Fat Albert. They don't specialize in letting you build your own sandy, but unlike other shops their premade selections are actually tasty.
Go to the back of Star Grocery to find the deli section.Listed in: Sandwich Shops
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Review from Mark K.
Berkeley, CA
5/1/2011
In terms of sandwich quality, this is as good as it gets. The Raging Bull is fabulous. The combination of salami, turkey, arugula and sun dried tomatos makes for a mouthwatering blend on sourdough rolls.
My wife loves the Fat Albert. No doubt it's one of the best delis in the East Bay. But here's the problem: The service leaves a lot to be desired. And I'm not sure I understand how they manage the deli. The past two days they've run out of bread and had to stop making sandwiches. I'm sorry, but what kind of deli does that -- other than a poorly managed one? They ran out of bread today at 12:30. They ran out of bread the day before as well. Is this part of some idiotic mystique they're trying to establish -- you know, we're so good we run out of stuff right in the middle of the lunch rush? Or is it just inept planning and management? I'm afraid it's the latter. I want to love this place, I really do, but you better call ahead because if you drive up the hill expecting to buy a sandwich at a sandwich deli, you might be in for a rude awakening.
Purely on sandwich quality, this is a 5-star place. Service and reliability is a 1 star.. Hence the 3-star overall rating. -
Review from Gina W.
3/31/2011
This review is purely about the meat market in the back.
We have been on a hunt for a good local butcher and ventured here based on some good yelp reviews. Boy do I regret it! Maybe it was because it was towards the end of the day (around 5pm) so most of the meat selection was already gone. We chose a tri tip to take home to cook for dinner that night and paid $18 for it. As soon as I got home I unwrapped it and I could immediately SMELL IT HAD GONE BAD! I was really disappointed that we paid for bad meat! And more disappointed in the butcher who sold it to us without noticing the dark spots underneath and the bad smell. Looks like we'll have to keep searching for another good butcher... -
Review from Laurence W.
Oakland, CA
5/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've somehow failed to review one of the better sandwiches in the 'hood -- nay, the best sandwich in the 'hood as long as I ignore my childhood infatuation with the sandwiches from the College Avenue Liquor Store, which still boasts the best sandwich ordering system in the world.
Star Meats doesn't favor the create-your-own sandwich (though I'm assuming you can), but pushes you toward one of about 10 creations up on the board. There's a definite emphasis on traditional italian meats (salami, coppa, etc.) but I have to recommend the Michael Henry, with rare roast beef, roasted bell pepper, provolone, arugula, and balsamic vinegar on a crusty baguette. I could go for some more salt and pepper, please, but this is otherwise a high class $8 sandwich.
Grab yourself a root beer and go crazy. -
Review from Nicole G.
Updated - 9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok so I finally had time to stop by and order a sammich for myself. I ordered the Goodfella and HOLY SH*T, it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in my life. The genoa salami and hot coppa were to DIE for; so good!!!! And that fresh mozzarella, OHMYGAWD. And the sun dried tomatoes?? And arugula?? Heaven. On. Earth. The balsamic gives it such a nice oomph that puts the sandwich over the top. Move over Genova, I've found my new go-to spot!!!!!
Listed in: Sammiches!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/30/2011
Er, I reviewed Star Grocery...and I guess I'll just copy and paste my review here since it's the… Read more »
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Review from Linda L.
2/8/2011
How on earth could one tiny deli convert a seafood hater? Seriously, how did they manage to do it? Folks - the tuna salad is to die for!
I didn't try a sandwich because Betty H. and I had just come from a wonderful lunch with John Z. at Bellanico. But, I badly wanted to stop by here to get an assortment of their meats to take home.
I perused and schmoozed with the deli dude. I got an assortment of their house cured meats: salami, hot coppa, peppered salami as well as some wonderful Niman Ranch pastrami. (IMHO, Niman Ranch makes the best pastrami I've ever had). The deli meats are solid! The salami's have a nice balance of fat to meat. Kind of mild in flavor. The coppa was strong and heavily cured. I do wish they would have had a finochinona salami.
I also purchased an onglet (hanger steak), that I grilled the next day, sliced thin and served atop a salad of soft greens, blue cheese, Basque dressing and poached egg. That onglet (from Niman Ranch) was amazing! I'm sold on that cut for salads!
Okay, okay - here's where the whole experience became life-changing, Universe out of alignment changing: Their tuna salad just looked sooooo good. I hate seafood. Save for a few safe favorites at Phil's Fish Market, I avoid seafood like the plague. Especially if it's fish. Something about that tuna salad just looked intriguing. I comment on it. Deli dude hands me a small spoonful. I freeze. I'm panicked with terror. I don't know how to respond. Betty suggests I try it. She encourages me. I try it. I am hooked! I buy a container. I have a tuna salad sandwich the next day for breakfast. I'm still thinking about how good it was. Can't wait to get back to buy more tuna salad.
Oh yeah folks, the Universe is definitely out of alignment!
Star Meats is an old school deli/meat counter in the back of a small neighborhood grocery store. If I lived in this neighborhood, they would be a regular visit for me. Parking can be dicey, but take your time to find it and then go in and have a wonderful deli experience.
Next time, I get a sandwich. -
Review from William T.
Oakland, CA
4/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My goodness i did have my doubts and all about the sandwich hear but once i took the first bite it was quite a treat the the most unique taste i ever taste thats for sure. Customer service is what people say woman get more attention but i can careless about that i was there for the sandwich.
I am actually thinking about going back and get another sandwich for dinner. Im going to say something very Oakland that ish is hella good. -
Review from John Z.
12/30/2010
Dear Genova Deli,
Did you ever see the movie "the Heartbreak Kid?" Charles Grodin weds a plain woman who seems like the best prospect for a comfortable marriage. On his Miami honeymoon, he meets and is dazzled by Cybil Shepherd, who he proceeds to woo, court and eventually wed after breaking the news to his honeymoon bride.
I share that for context, Genova, when I tell you: it's over between us. I've met my Cybill Shepherd. Or rather, the deli love of my life: Star Meats.
Genova, you sob "what did I do wrong?" It's not so much what you did wrong. It's what someone else does so much better than you. Artisan breads. Quality ingredients. House-cured meats piled on so thick, half of their sandwich has almost as much as you put into one. All parts crafted into a divine symphony of a sandwich. From my first bite to my last, I realized at last true sandwich love.
Genova, please don't cry. Take my hankie, and know that there's still others who love you. For now at least. Here, have a piece of key lime pie, you'll feel better.
P.S. To Betty H., for being Cupid/matchmaker. "Thank you" is woefully inadequate praise for your recommendation and review. -
Review from Remi C.
Berkeley, CA
6/21/2011
Geez, their sandwiches are good. May I personally recommend the My Cousin Vinny. Yummm. Also, the Raging Bull is good.
The service is not superb, but the guys are kind enough. My main complaint is that they don't work together with Star Grocery; meaning if you have an account at Star G, you can't use it for meat. So many times I've went without money, and remembered halfway there that I need some cash. But it's worth the mild hassle, because all the meats and fish and sandwiches there are really top notch. Oh, by the way, steer clear of the pot pies. For some reason, they just taste a bit off to me. I generally stay away from foods that don't really taste right. All in all, though: Star Meats is great. Give them a visit when you're in the neighborhood! You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Catherine R.
Oakland, CA
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Saaaandwiiiiiich, Saaaaaaannnnddddwiiiich!
When the sandwich call gets too loud to ignore, head to Star. I can't believe it took me this long to write a review, but Joe, Sarah and the crew have been taking care of my carnivorous needs for a good long while.
Since I care where my food comes from, I know that when Joe and the crew are making sausages they take the time and care to make them so well!!
Case in point: I forgot my sisters birthday and remembered after three conversations and was mortified... I apologized with Star Meats roast beef and beef jerky cuz that's how we do it in our fam- all was forgiven!!!
Joe's tutelage at some of the finer bay area restaurants serves him well, and will serve you too! -
Review from Jeanette S.
Berkeley, CA
12/15/2010
OMG YUM.
This is truly a Yelper's paradise. You will probably never find this place if you don't have any Yelper friends.
I've tried several sandwiches, and here are my favorite in order:
1. Goodfella: I LOVE SUN DRIED TOMATOES.
2. Raging Bull: NO CHEESE. (but I like it that way). And there's balsamic vinegar on the bread which made it so wonderfully tasty. And it's a LOT of ham/turkey/other deli meats. Probably an inch of it.
3. Classic: very strong salami flavors. I wouldn't recommend this if you don't like deli meat. And the lettucey thing they pack in this makes it seem a little like cole slaw.
4. Godfather: Way too much mozzarella for my liking, and I'm not really a cheese person.
Sandwiches are $8 each. But well worth it.Listed in: Berkeley Musts!
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Review from ian m.
Emeryville, CA
3/23/2011
First of all, Star Meats knows how to operate a slicer and they lay the deli meat correctly when packing to go orders. This makes a huge difference for those who know.
Their sandwiches are exceptionally great. They consistently top the best I've had from comparable deli's in SF, NY, and Chi. I'm in love. -
Review from Kevy V.
Alameda, CA
11/4/2010
Whenever my husband calls or texts me with "should I pick up a hangar steak from Star Meats while I'm over here?" my answer is always an enthusiastic "YES!" They also make the BEST beef jerky in house. Buy it by the pound and you'll never even look at the crap at the grocery store again.
There is a difference between corn and grass fed beef. And it is worth the extra cash for the grass fed. Plus you are supporting local independent business by shopping here. It is the all around feel good meal. -
Review from Michael B.
Albany, CA
2/17/2011
Summary: Go here for lunch as often as you can!
I've been to Star Meats twice now to buy a sandwich for lunch, and each time was exceptionally good. They have a small selection to choose from, but what they may lack in "volume" they make up for in taste ten-fold over. I also like how the sandwiches all have unique names. The quality of the meat is heavenly, and they give you a lot in the sandwich, so a single full size is enough for a very filling meal.
There is no place inside the store to sit down. There are a few benches outside facing the street (no tables) so you can watch traffic and chow down (not as bad as it sounds), but overall this is a grab-and-go kind of place.
Inside they have a full market so you can also get some groceries while you are there, and the prices seemed lower here than comparable stores so it was an all around good deal; lunch and light groceries all wrapped up in one beautifully delicious package.
Also, they have a lot of drinks to choose from that you can have with your sandwich. They even had some old-school drinks from the east coast that I have not seen in years. There is also beer, wine, soft drinks, and real sarsaparilla! The dude abides. -
Review from Johnson N.
Los Angeles, CA
8/6/2010
Betty H. and Victor G., you guys rock.
Ok folks.. I'm jumping on the Star Meats bandwagon! All aboard!
The grocery store to which the meat deli is attached has a very unsuspecting exterior in a rather charming part of Berkeley, hidden between lots of cute little shops and is a stone's throw away from The Claremont Hotel... an amazing sight.
Star Meats is in the very back of the grocery store, so feel free to follow your nose toward the back. We arrived a little before 1:30pm and they were just about to put up their "No More Sandwiches" bucket as we began to order. Lucky us! The sandwich artists were ready and very willing to take our orders and make our sandwiches with a smile.
The atmosphere back there is very upbeat. It's very obvious that everyone who works there LIKES to work there, which is always a good thing for the customer.
To Order:
The Classic
-Ham, salami, hot coppa, provolone, lettuce, onion, tomato, red wine vinegar, olive oil, spices, and a touch of mayonnaise
--All the flavors came together in perfect harmony to create a sandwich blasting with flavor. There was a perfect ratio of meat to bread to cheese to veggies. Right before each bite, the mixture of red wine vinegar, mayo, and olive oil oozes out to greet you with a "HELLO!" as you dive in for your prize. It doesn't really get any better than this...
The Godfather
-Salami, hot coppa, prosciutto, provolone, arugula, roasted peppers, olive oil, and black pepper
--Even though there wasn't the same juice factor as The Classic, it had its own amazing elements. You can taste all the cured meats mixed so deliciously with the olive oil. This sandwich makes for a much neater (less drippy) eating situation while providing your taste buds with a song and dance that makes your mouth tingle. Honestly, I can't decide if I enjoyed the Godfather more, or the Classic.
Even though there was a lot of hype going into this place, I wasn't expecting all too much. With the likes of Little Lucca over the pond, it had a lot to live up to.
Here's how the comparison breaks down.
Little Lucca
-Garlic Spread that is unrivaled
-Spicy Spread that, when mixed with the Garlic Spread, is impossible to match.
-HUGE portions for the value
Star Meats
-Meat freshness cannot be compared
-Red wine vinegar with other spices make a GREAT supplement to their sandwich creations
-Spectacular service
While I have to say that Little Lucca does, unfortunately, beat out Star Meats in overall taste, I have to mention that it does so ONLY because of the Garlic and Spicy spreads. Without them, Little Lucca would only be just another deli with HUGE sandwiches for the price.
Star Meats, now a local favorite of mine... great food, great service, great feeling.
5 Stars. -
Review from Michael N.
Emeryville, CA
6/6/2011
You know, this place really does have enough reviews and yes, the sandwiches are quite nice, but I had quite a nice experience there so I felt I should say something. A few reviews criticized the service, but I thought I was treated very, very well. I came in on a Sunday with five Salumi (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) salamis that I had received as a gift. Star Meats sliced them all beautifully and perfectly ($1/lb) and didn't even complain when they struggled with the casings. I also watched as they dealt with some rather whiny customers and they all looked like they were well cared for so while I don't completely discount the complaints of other reviewers regarding service, I have to say that my experience was far, far from those ones.
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Review from Ian F.
Eugene, OR
5/19/2010
Star Meats offers a straightforward, no nonsense sandwich experience. The butchers behind the counter are friendly but not chatty. They cut the Coppa and Sopressata salamis fresh and they use Acme baguettes to assemble what is close to the perfect sandwich. On the "Classic" they use shredded lettuce, which allows for optimal oil and vinegar distribution and retention, and it prevents soggy bread.
The negative review I read about the service was inaccurate. The service was not inadequate at all; it was everything it needs to be. Don't expect a therapist to make your sandwich.
Two of my friends accompanied me and had excellent experiences. One had the "Raging Bull"- next time she will add mayonnaise and pass on the sundried tomatoes. My other friend had the tuna salad and thought it was ideal. -
Review from Jason L.
Emeryville, CA
10/12/2010
Man o man that sandwich was good. And that's what i find my self saying every time I go there, which, makes me wonder, how come I don't go there more often.
And if you're looking for dry aged beef (getting harder and harder to find) you can pick up amazing dry aged cuts here. -
Review from Betty H.
1/11/2010 ROTD 8/27/2010
This is another one of those places where I think- maybe I should keep this to myself.
Sandwich lovers, this place is going to knock your socks off.
These sandwiches are made with their own cured meats. It DOES make a difference.
They also have this really cool way of putting the sandwich together. You don't notice it until your eating it. But you do notice that the sandwich is cut at an extreme angel. It makes for easy eating.
But most importantly, THIS IS THE BEST TASTING SANDWICH in the bay area.
Here is a sample menu,
The Classic
Ham, salami, hot coppa, provolone, lettuce, onion, tomato, red wine vinegar, olive oil, spices, and a touch of mayonnaise
Raging Bull
Turkey, pepper salami, provolone, olive spread, arugula, sun dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil
Brian Allen
Turkey, cheddar, hot coppa, arugula, tomato and chipotle mayo
Michael Henry
Roast beef, provolone, roasted peppers, arugula, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and a touch of mayonnaise
Fat Albert
Roast beef, cheddar, chipotle mayo, tomato, and red onion
Goodfella
Genoa salami, hot coppa, fresh mozzarella, arugula, sun dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of mayo
Petit Sara
Portobello mushrooms, eggplant, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, arugula, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil
My cousin Vinny
Ham, fresh mozzarella, bruschetta, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil
Godfather
Salami, hot coppa, prosciutto, provolone, arugula, roasted peppers, olive oil, and black pepper
Soprano
Bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, arugula, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil
Tuna
Tuna salad, provolone, arugula, tomatoes, and olive oil
Breads delivered daily by La Farine
I had the classic, served on a baguette.
Star meats is located in the back of Star Grocery on Claremont.
Do yourself a favor and visit this deli, It will not disappoint.
Visit some of the other businesses in this little, "secret town" that you've probably past a million times, and didn't notice.
It's such a sweet place to be.
FREE PARKING
Dog Friendly -
Review from Mortiche W.
Oakland, CA
Star Meats is truly the Alba Truffle of Oakland. They do so many things, and they do it right. It appears most of the reviews here are for their sandwiches, which I must also say are a gutbuster of a deal, chock full of the best ingredients, but let's remember that they are a BUTCHER SHOP. They specialize in all things off the bone (as well as the bones, and fat, and well, you get the picture).
Here's my not so short list:
-Star sells locally raised meat from Marin Sun Farms (Know your carbon footprint, people, and I'm not just talking about the methane from bovine farts either). I'm not going to praise or preach the gospel on this, if you're reading my review you have access to a computer and the intarwebs- you can learn yourself a thing or two about grass fed vs. grain fed cattle.
-they cure their own meats and it runs the gamut of salumi and charcuterie. Charcuterie and salumi making has taken off in the last several years, and places like Boccalone in the Ferry Building prove that people have gotten over the stigma for lard. Being a typical bacon fiend, I am a big fan of their house smoked bacon, and their pancetta is amazing. I got to try a nice sized hunk of the wine-soaked pancetta one time and the flavors that come out of every porky morsel was divine, and their regular pancetta is excellent.
Last month, Jesse, the head honcho made rillette, a properly salted, porky, fatty dollop of deliciousness. I bought a decent amount of it at a ridiculously cheap price and proceeded to make out with it for a week. Almost every other day, my heart would skip a few beats thinking about slathering a crusty, fresh hunk of rustic baguette from La Farine with it and eating with abandon. Then again, I don't know if my heart skipped a beat because I was suffering a coronary, but at that point I would have died a happy woman.
I haven't tried their house made sausages, nor their duck leg confits I have occasionally been tempted by, with their siren call of slow cooked tenderness wafting their aroma all over the entire store, but it's just a matter of time. I come from a do-it-yourself family (we made our own sausages as well as a plethora of other goods) and the thought of buying premade things, even duck confit, doesn't really appeal to me. But the stuff here does. Joe let me try a goat stew he had been cooking all day. The cinnamon and paprika, and other spices all melding with the meat and simmering sauce made me want to forget about my duck ragu I had on the home menu and just buy a quart of it to eat over some rice or grits.
Joe and Jesse, and Sarah are efficient, friendly, and if they don't have what you need out in the case already, they will fetch it from their walk-in and cut it off the animal for you. It's that level of service, and the quality of what they provide that keeps me a returning customer. These folks know their way around a skeleton and offer great tips when your weeknight meals start to become blah. Joe bangs out some fantastic soups and stew, and I recommend their butternut squash soup if you're lucky enough to get some before it sells out (or before winter is over). Jesse is really in touch with his customers and will routinely ask questions like what people's opinions on certain salts for curing are, or if anyone is interested in a butchering class.
I am not a huge carnivore, but you wouldn't know it from what I write; I actually eat vegetarian half the week. Premade, semi-made, or do-it-yourself, Star Meats is definitely my go-to place for the freshest, best cuts of meat when it's what's for dinner. P.S.- you can call ahead for your order! -
Review from Che D.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 2/23/2010 1 photo
Damn I love this place, they take care of you like family.
It occurred to me today that I am probably one of the most annoying kinds of customers for a food service type establishment. In my defense, when I get that hungry I just cant make decisions. Long story short, I ordered a "something good without mayo" sandwich and left it up to them. They took my indecisive request in stride and they did not disappoint. Looks like I got ham, turkey, cheese, balsamic, tomato, lettuce, red peppers, stone ground mustard.... Delicious and fresh as always, and big enough to induce a food coma.Listed in: joie de vivre
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/10/2008
Good thing Jesse took this place over.
Having experienced the previous 3 or 4 operators, from Pagni… Read more »
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Review from Karen B.
Sacramento, CA
3/4/2010
I'm not yet at the level of boldness where I can eat food from another establishment a restaurant/cafe without any kind of shame. Having said that, there do happen to be a select few food establishments that can deflect any kind of protest against this form gastronomic invasion - an Obi-Wan Kenobi in a paper bag.
That's right; this sandwich was so good, I pulled out a Star Wars reference. I don't even think Alec Guinness would mind.
BF and I went to Cole Coffee with our introductory Star Meats sandwiches, $20 poorer but full of anticipation. We sat at an outdoor table and unfolded our respective sandwiches: he had the tuna glorious with its fresh tuna salad and luscious tomatoes, and I with my Goodfella: salami, coppa, provolone, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and and mayo. The sun-dried tomatoes , olive oil, and vinegar added dimension with its tart and sweetness. The tuna was enchanting - probably the best non-tuna melt tuna sandwich I've ever had.
But the killer, the thing that convinced me that it was all worth it, was the constant barrage of magical words: "Where did you get that sandwich?" Over and over, people would walk by, those neighboring us would turn our way, and ask where those damn good-looking sandwiches came from. And, even though the staff at Cole Coffee acted a little stuffy about it, you can feel confident cruising into the Death Star itself when you have the Jedi of sandwiches in your lunch sack.
Oh yeah, I went there. -
Review from annalea r.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Oh Star Meats... at long last we meat. I mean, meet. I stopped in here last weekend to pick up some Marin Sun Farms beef and left with a whole lot more! I've read of the wonders of their sandwiches so I had to do that too. First off, when I stepped up to the counter, the ground beef I wanted was nearly gone. I asked if there was more and the butcher working the back counter said that he had to grind it fresh and that it would be 10-15 minutes. No prob - for local, organic, grass fed beef that is ALSO freshly ground. Ummm... yes please. The chap at the counter also recommended these great pork chops which I also bought and made for dinner. So far, they are batting 1.000.
Fast forward a little while... I get home and open up the Classic sandwich I ordered which was stuffed with all types of meats and cheese and veggies and on the freshest bread ever. I'm still craving more of it three days later. omg... amazing!
The front of the store grocery is also really legit. They carry lots of super products and have an excellent selection. Good wine choices too! All around, a true gem. This shouldn't be missed if you need high quality meats and/or a friendly butcher. And really, who doesn't need one of those? -
Review from Jeff D.
Oakland, CA
10/26/2008
I've known Jesse S for over five years, when he went out of his way to teach me a thing or seven about cheese care and presentation prior to opening my shop, Farmstead Cheeses and Wines, in Alameda.
His generosity of spirit and deed has stuck with me throughout the years, and I have always been in awe of his deep and pervasive knowledge of food and culture.
Since that time, Jesse and I have maintained a very friendly relationship while he was working at my main cheese supplier, and he stopped by Farmstead to pick up a case of wine at least once a quarter.
I was overjoyed when I heard that he was taking over the counter at Star, and Mrs Cheesemonger and I have promised ourselves to buy meat from him whenever possible.
He has populated the cases with a well-curated (albeit small) cheese counter (this is a meat shop and not a cheese shop, so it's about the size and selection that you'd expect), top flight artisan cured meats, prepared foods and the usual humanely raised, artisan meats and poultry items that we expect in the east bay.
His staff is exemplary - foodies with communication skills. In fact if I didn't love Jesse so much, I'd try to woo them from his employ.
All in all, a great place to buy meats.
Welcome to retail, Jesse. I won't wish you luck, because you're doing all of the right things already, and success will rain undoubtedly upon you like... like hot dogs....
Thanks for payin' it forward those many years ago...
yer pal,
Cheesemonger Jeff -
Review from lane h.
Alameda, CA
12/10/2008
I love Star Meats. Jesse and staff know their meat and cheese, so if you are looking for something less styro and cling wrap packagy and something more resembling the butcher shop your grandparents probably grew up with, this is the place.
Aside from meats and cheeses, they also make a mean sammich, and I have a special fondness for their chicken pies...the chicken and mushroom one in particular.
All this and it's in the back of a cute as a button-for-real-retro grocery with neon and cool signs. Can't go wrong at Star.Listed in: All time faves.
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Review from MICHELLE D.
Fremont, CA
1/22/2010
Yummm-mmmy. This place is good. I like that their menu is simple too. The Goodfella is the ish. Everything on the sandwich was VERY fresh and extra tasty. I would have never thought balsamic vinegar would add such a lovely touch to a sandwich. The price was $8, tax is included . Also there is no where to sit down and eat.
Just a tip:
Be sure to call in orders ahead of time, especially large ones. When we picked our order up today at noon they were already sold out of sandwiches for the day! -
Review from Hac P.
Berkeley, CA
6/11/2011 8 Check-ins Here
So I've tried almost every sandwich on the menu before writing this and I've visited this place almost five times now. In a tl;dr version: it's good, it's very good. The place is a four mile bike ride away from me, but I will only go here for sandwiches. I gave it 4/5 because the bread could be better.
My favorite sandwiches, in no particular order: the classic, brian allen, fat albert, godfather. I especially love the cheddar the put into the brian allen and fat albert.
The classic is good if you want some greens in your sandwich. You can't go wrong with it, basically.
The brian allen and fat albert is good for specific meats (turkey and roast beef, respectively) and it's cheddar.
The godfather is great if you just want lots of different meats.
I don't especially like the raging bull, but if you are blessed with the ability to enjoy olives, I think you should definitely make that your go-to sandwich. The other sandwiches didn't really jump out at me, probably because of the liberal usage of the balsamic vinegar, which overpowers the flavor of the meats used therein.
In all: it's worth the trek to have good sandwiches. The 10 sandwich selections means there's probably at least one thing for everyone. I just wish they would use hot out-of-the-over bread. -
Review from A. P.
Berkeley, CA
2/8/2010
Update: Somehow I'd never tired their sandwiches... best deli sandwich around - though if you want a true Italian hero (not my thing) Genova may be your place. The Brian Allen is my fav... great chipotle mayo...
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original:
Maybe 3.5 stars.
Great old-school vibe. Most of the guys here definitely know their meat, and the quality of their meat is generally very high. The meat is also very fresh and (though I'm not sure if it's exclusively organic) it seems to mostly by humanely produced.
Positives:
They turned me on to Nueskie's bacon, they try (and often succeed) in making thier own interesting proucts: Pot pies and some of the pasta salads are amazing while the sausages and salumi are hit-or-miss - but extra points for trying head cheese.
Negatives:
Selection is fairly small - particularly in poultry. With a fish selection this small, why bother. Surprisingly pricey.
Biggest Annoyance:
If you're a woman they give you a totally different level of service. A very flirtatious level of service. And when there are women anywhere around, they often aren't interested in taking the extra 60 seconds to discuss the best cooking techniques for (or background of) a piece of meat, etc - which is the main reason to go to a butcher like this.
Now I don't blame them, I love women too and I'm a flirt myself, but they aren't getting the extra star from me that most other reviewers seem to give them (85% women reviewers - if you look closely).
If you're a married man you might want to send your wife instead for the best service - just make sure she doesn't come back with TOO big a smile.
