On a recent trip to Berkeley, we made a stop at the best Bay Area grocery store, Berkeley Bowl. Let me count the ways why you need to stop by the next time you are in Berkeley.
As much as I love the local farmers’ markets, there is something really special about Berkeley Bowl. Most obviously, you don’t have to wait until Saturday or Sunday morning to get what you need. But it’s also a function of convenience. You have everything you could possibly need in one spot. Unique items you can’t find anywhere else. A huge selection of cheese. A great meat and seafood counter. And of course, the produce! I defy you to find a more enormous selection of produce. Perhaps in the world!
A few things to note: the prices are generally very good- even better than the farmers’ markets. And there’s a big selection of both organic and conventional produce- so you can pick and choose where you may want to focus your budget.
I also love how they feature a big selection of everything- with smaller brands I just can’t find in Lamorinda. Look at the coffee selection below. Sorry Diablo Foods, you just don’t have these many options. (Don’t get me wrong, I still love Diablo Foods!)
I love how Berkeley Bowl epitomizes everything that I love about the Bay Area. The wonderful weather allowing for so much product and a grocery store with a big outdoor area. An appreciation for small vendors. A love of food and the democratization of eating well for all budgets. It truly is the best Bay Area grocery store.
There are two Berkeley Bowl locations- the Marketplace, where we went, and the West location. We tend to get to the Marketplace more frequently due to proximity. But the parking situation at the West location is SO much better. I almost think it’s worth the extra drive to skip the hassles of parking on Oregon Street. But give them both a try and let me know if you agree with Berkeley Bowl as the best Bay Area grocery store.
Berkeley Bowl Marketplace, 2020 Oregon St, Berkeley, CA 94703
Berkeley Bowl West, 920 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710
