Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Local style |
6025 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 595 0837 |
Walking into this lushly filled store at any given day may feel like walking into an import boutique; the colors are bright and cheerful, the clothing definitely has an ethnic bent. However, the items are designed and made by local designers whose colorful creations and flashy imaginations catch the eye of Claudette the owner. Here you will find fun and funky sundresses, blouses, sweaters, and even cocktail dresses sure to catch an eye or two. Add a little Berkeley flair to your wardrobe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Let them bewitch you |
5358 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 595 0889 |
Some of the best in traditional American wood can be found at this small shop where the furniture is literally stacked up to the ceiling. Aunt Bill and Emma (yes, real people) stock wingback chairs, an abundance of tables and vanities, chests, rockers and much more. Depending on what has come and gone that week, much of it literally spills out on the sidewalk. For reasons of which they are not entirely sure, they carry a large selection of china items. They also buy and appraise any piece that you are willing to part with, and offer free delivery on any purchase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Get your Berkeleystocks here |
6012 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 658 9742 |
Despite being manufactured in Germany since the late 19th century, Birkenstocks are synonymous with Berkeley style, and are very much apart of the city as its coffee houses, bookstores, and subversiveness, you would be hardpressed to find a local who does not own at least one pair. And they get them in this personable store, where the staff knows your foot like the back of theirs. Birkenstocks have come a long way from the corky earth shoe of the 60s and 70s, and you will find a variety of men's, women's and children's styles for work, nightlife, hiking, and everyday wear. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Christensen Heller Gallery |
5829 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 655 5952 |
Jan Christensen-Heller fills this elegant boutique with wonderful, though pricey, objets d'art and jewelry, with everything from the practical to the practically strange. She features work mainly by local artists and craftspeople, but includes many others from around the world as well. On any given day, you might find fairy dolls, gorgeous spiral wine racks, handpainted dinner plates, mugs and bowls, and a wonderful collection of silver, gold, and platinum jewelry, all handcrafted and original. The postmodern ice cream scoop is a favorite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 New, used, fantastic |
5433 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 653 9965 http://www.dieselbookstore.com |
High ceilings atop brick walls allow for tall bookcases filled with both new and used (80 percent new) selections. You will find everything from hardbacks to paper, from current bestsellers to the classics, all at your fingertips and all nicely spread out. After choosing a book, head for one of the comfortable couches in the back and peruse your selections by the fireplace. Weekly events include author readings and signings, and book groups and discussions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Echa Schneider  |
 A little village in Berkeley |
College Avenue (from Prince Street to Dwight Way) Berkeley, CA 94705 United States |
On the eastern edge of Berkeley, nestled at the foothills, you will find this small shopping and restaurant area centered near College Avenue and Ashby. Somewhat of a younger sibling to the Rockridge Shopping District a few blocks to the south, and seemingly a village to the castle of the Claremont Hotel that looms above, Elmwood features everything you need for a relaxing day of strolling and shopping. Begin your day over coffee and pastries at the famous Espresso Roma with a thriving student and artist clientele. Find several quaint shops and romantic restaurants abound, like Voulez-Vous, which features the best in French cuisine and live entertainment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paula |
|
Vintage mahogany furnishings |
5533 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 658 1414 |
The Parkers run this family-owned business, and they offer the finest in old furniture. Shiny black mahogany chairs, tables, china hutches, chests and bed frames fill this large space and gleam throughout. The owners specialize in early 20th-century American furniture, mostly from the 20s and 30s, purchased mainly from estate sales and auctions back East. The staff does stripping, repairs and refinishing, thereby making the finished piece practically new. It offers immediate delivery and a 30-day money back guarantee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Make a groovy pad |
5332 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 420 1950 |
If you long to add groovy, swingin' touches to your home a la Austin Powers, then look no further. This small store is crammed with high-end vintage and retro furniture from the 1930s through the 1970s. On any given day you might find Scandinavian office chairs from the 60s, Deco dining sets from the 30s, minibars from the 50s, swivel egg chairs, boomerang coffee-tables, chrome vanities and just about anything colorful, cool and crazy. Owner Joe Kunis will keep an eye out for a specific piece. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Award-winning bakery |
5655 College Avenue (Rockridge Market Hall) Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 428 2662 |
This popular gourmet bakery makes cakes, cookies, creative pastries and healthy breads daily, with the finest ingredients. It has won numerous awards from publications like the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Sunset magazine and Modern Baking magazine. Challah, oregano-pesto French bread, multigrain sandwich bread, potato bread, currant-bran muffins, croissants and focaccia are just a sample of what is sold fresh out of the oven. It is located in a prime North Oakland European market, Rockridge Market Hall, where you will find a variety of gourmet specialty shops selling fresh pasta, seafood, meats, flowers, coffee, tea and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Fresh bread, free samples |
5800 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 655 4442 |
When you walk into this small corner bakery, you are immediately offered a slice of one of the day's featured breads from the whimsical selection of loaves, rolls and pies. The menu changes often, and throughout the year they might make over a hundred different types. Sweet breads include Cinnamon Chip, Pumpkin Spice and various Chocolate Breads. Savory breads include Cheddar Garlic, Oregon Herb, Spinach Feta, along with the traditional Nine-Grain, Honey White and Honey Whole Wheat. It offers other sweets throughout the week like chocolate chip cookies, vegan-gingersnaps and cinnamon rolls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Strung out on beads |
5461 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 923 9482 http://www.highstrungbeads.com/ |
In 1997, Carole McAboy and Marilee Wood decided to turn their bead-stringing hobby into this amazing little shop. You will find strings, clasps and everything necessary to create fantastic beaded jewelry and accessories, as well as every bead imaginable (sorted and easy to find). In addition, they offer beading classes, repairs, custom restringing and an area available for bead parties. If you do not have the patience to make your own, they sell a huge selection of finished jewelry and gifts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
From the globe to you |
5520 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 428 1651 |
Owner Shun Yang brings the world's gifts to you in this quaint store. Find a little bit of everything from everywhere, with the bulk from the Far East. There are quality, quirky items that you will not find anywhere else in the area. The jewelry selection includes handmade rings, bracelets, pins and earrings in gold and silver, decorated with all types of precious and semiprecious stones. Other items include blankets from Indonesia, tea pots from China and Japan, belts, calligraphy sets and supplies, and Buddha statues. The stock changes frequently depending on Shun's whims and travel itinerary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 News from around the world |
3167 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 United States +1 510 601 8602 |
Away from home and need to catch up on local events? Curious about the goings-on a hemisphere away? Or just across the Bay? No other newsstand in the Rockridge or Elmwood area has as larger a selection of foreign papers. Just about every time zone is covered, as you can tell by the several clocks on the wall indicating the time in major world cities. It also sells a large selection of local papers and lots of magazines, from glossies, art, specialty, trade, comic and literary. It even sells gum and candy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A little continental flavor |
6323 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 654 0338 |
Come in the morning when the freshly baked odors of sugar, cinnamon, and sour dough litterally draw in passersby and form lines out the door. Baguettes, loaves, cookies and croissants, cakes and tortes, all have a slightly French accent and are delicious. Mornings draw a loyal following of locals eager for the first croissants and cinnamon buns out of the oven. There are only a few chairs and one table, so come in a robe and slippers and take your treats back home. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonas Lerman |
 Photo: Dave Monk |
|
Poodle skirts and penguin shirts |
5474 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 653 1525 |
Although a small shop, its racks are bursting with fantastic items like poodle skirts from the 50s, vintage and red line Levi's, maxi coats, ball gowns and even a few vintage bridal gowns. It carries a fair amount of cool accessories like tiaras, rhinestones, lovebeads, tooled-leather bags and more. Whether you want to look like Edie Sedgwick or Rhoda Morgenstern, are looking for a bowling shirt, a butterfly-sleeved blouse or an Izod from the 80s, you will either find it here or find something else to hold you over till you do. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Kosher in the East Bay? |
5640 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 653 8902 |
Kosher grocery stores are far and few in Berkeley, much less the East Bay in general. But for those looking for a little taste of the Old Country (Brooklyn or Poland, take your pic), this is the spot. You will find lots of imported groceries like matzoh, canned beans, egg noodles, macaroons, and even He'Brew the Chosen Beer. It offers a selection of prepared foods like roast chicken, potato and noodle kugels, smoked fish, bagels, tabouli, and an assortment of made-to-order sandwiches like pastrami, turkey, and chopped liver. The staff is friendly and quick. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rusty Blazenhoff |
 Photo: Rusty Blazenhoff |
|
Fine used books and CDs |
5560 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 652 6259 |
This independent bookstore, which has been around since the 1970s, has expanded considerably. Even though the shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, there is an open and airy feel to the place. Although originally a used-only store, it stocks many bestsellers and current releases. The genre section is impressive, and includes sci-fi and fantasy, art, cinema, metaphysics and a great section for children. The magazine rack is also well stocked with glossies, literary journals and local papers. The store buys mostly books in good condition, but it now buys and sells CDs as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Old fashioned cobbler, sans elves |
5479 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 658 5220 |
Step into this old-fashioned cobbler shop and feel transported to a small cottage store from days gone by. Traditional equipment graces the windows, and piles of worn leather shoes on the floors and counters await the cobblers' tender care. Have a seat in one of the wooden chairs while someone quickly repairs your shoes. Broken heels, resoling, polishing and quick fixes can be done while you wait. You will also find a large selection of shoe accessories from laces to air pillow pads to polish. Need a key made? That can be done, too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Rare oak |
5601 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 652 7115 http://www.rockridgeshop.com/ |
This large and airy showroom features furniture, as well as craft items and home accessories from the early 1900s through the 1970s. The knowledgeable staff can steer you through the store's wide and varied selection of antique chairs, rolltop desks, buffets, chests, dining room tables and chairs that are mostly American Oak, in which they specialize. You will find a nice array of china, beautiful stained glass lamps scattered throughout the store, and even see some rare pieces (sadly, not for sale) like a child's barber chair from the turn of the 20th century. Worldwide shipping is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Kids 101 |
5511 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 601 5437 http://www.rockridgeshop.com/ |
This store is a veritable playground of puzzles, dolls, trucks, kites, stuffed animals, Duplo, Lego, Playmobil, Eloise and just about every toy you can fathom. There is even a book corner with chairs for the less rambunctious. The kids are invited to dive in. More than just a toy store, you will find everything from infant accessories like first dishes, strollers, car seats, teething toys and pacifiers, to infant and children's clothing and books on parenting. It also features children's toys for adults, including a beautiful collection of dollhouses. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and willing to giftwrap! Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Luggage, bags and backpacks |
5816 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 428 2247 |
Looking for luggage, handbags, backpacks, totes, briefcases or any accessories or maintenance items for said gear? Check out this store. You will find a huge selection of some of the most famous and high-end brands like Tumi, Boyt, Samsonite, Kipling, Timberland and TravelPro. There is outdoor gear as well. The selection is overwhelming, with bags cluttering the aisles and hanging from the walls and ceilings. The staff is made up of experts in all things luggage and are happy to be of assistance. They can also do minor repairs, or will send your things out for repair. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
The world on the corner |
5655 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 652 4680 / +1 888 952 4005 http://www.rockridgemarkethall... |
Just across the street from the Rockridge BART station, you'll find this great little shopping center that feels like a bit of Manhattan's Upper West Side all rolled into a corner. You will find the best in gourmet delights, flowers, coffees and tea, and everything you need for a romantic meal at home. Market Hall offers restaurants, cafes, bakeries and florists as well as fishmongers and some of the finest produce available in the Bay Area. However, credit card acceptance varies by store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Diane Tani |
|
European-style market |
5655 College Avenue (between Ocean View Drive and Lawton Avenue) Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 655 7748 http://www.rockridgemarkethall... |
The Bay Area's only European-style market resides in North Oakland near the Rockridge Bart Station. Charming architecture holds a marketplace that features a variety of upscale shops for you to enjoy. You will find a row of shops selling fresh, high quality flowers, produce, seafood, meats, coffee, tea, baked goods, homemade pasta, imported and domestic cheese, olive oils and more. There is even first class catering and for fine dining, an Italian restaurant. If you like gourmet foods, you will adore this place. Credit card acceptance varies by store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Shopping, dining, people-watching |
College Avenue (from Woolsey Street to Broadway) Berkeley, CA 94618 United States |
With its own BART station, Rockridge's main artery is College Avenue. Half in Oakland and half in Berkeley, Rockridge nevertheless feels like its own little town. Locals, as well as those in-the-know throughout the Bay Area, know this is the perfect place to wile away a sunny weekend afternoon shopping for antiques, gourmet groceries, and the best in locally made clothing and crafts, or to just enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of the many fine restaurants. Whether you are visiting for a short while or are new to the area, a day in Rockridge is not to be missed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Vinyl lover's dream |
5488 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 654 0335 http://www.saturnrecords.com/c... |
Spend hours flipping through bin upon bin of albums looking for that rare Bessie Smith or original Beatles Rubber Soul, this shop is your Heaven. Although it buys and sells CDs, vinyl is its passion, particularly the rare stuff. Some albums date back to the 1920s and 30s. Nevertheless, you will find a huge selection in just about every category, and maybe even a few categories you've never heard of. You could spend days just staring at the walls that are literally papered with records, from David Bowie to Baby Washington. A nice selection of music magazines and books, too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
More soaps than daytime TV |
5405 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 595 8004 |
Owners Lucy and Jasmin have created a store filled with an eclectic assortment of soaps, comfortable clothing, and both locally made and antique furniture, all the sorts of things they liked. You are bound to find something to please either yourself or someone else, because these ladies have broad and interesting tastes. Find a fantastic array of soaps made with honey, rose, mimosa and lavender, many from a soapmaker in France who has been in business since the 18th century. You will also find furniture from local artisans and anything else that has caught Lucy and Jasmin's fancy! Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Travel, environment, nature |
6014 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 658 7470 http://www.sierraclub.org/ |
Since 1892, the Sierra Club has worked to preserve our natural resources, and to change our attitude towards the environment. The Sierra Club aimes to show us that the natural habitat is something precious that we should respect and cherish for future generations to enjoy. Find a large selection of books relating to world and local travel with a focus on nature, like hiking, boating, camping and mountain trips. In addition, there is information on local events sponsored by the Club, like river touring, rock climbing, and monthly dinners and slide shows. Sierra Club members receive a ten percent discount. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Wearable art |
5407 College Avenue (at the corner of Hudson Street) Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 601 5822 |
Own a piece of ready-to-wear art. When Kathleen Clancy and Deborah Starks opened this place, they wanted to create an "artful boutique with an elegant sensibility," and that they have. Once you enter this small, two-story shop, you will find yourself surrounded by hand-crafted apparel and accessories you thought only existed in European boutiques of yesteryear. There are hats, dresses, belts and jewelry, all made by local artists, milliners and designers. You can find unique bridal gowns and accessories, too, as well as rare finds like handmade flower clips by Kate Bishop, the costume designer for the movie Titanic. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John |
|
Talismans indeed |
6007 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 653 7998 |
Few know antiques in the East Bay like Kingsley Moore. Locals know that he is the guy to talk to when looking for something in particular, or an appraisal is needed. New stock arrives weekly at this small store. On any given day, find beautiful antique American woodcraft like chests, tables, armoires and chairs. Kingsley also stocks fine artwork and estate jewelry. He is always willing to take a look at something you would like to sell, and appraisals are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Cottage industry |
Telegraph Avenue (from Bancroft Avenue to Dwight Way) Berkeley, CA 94704 United States |
Since the 1960s, the street vendors of Telegraph Avenue have been fixtures here. It began as a few students and artists trying to earn a buck selling their handmade wares and has turned into a thriving and colorful open-air market. You can purchase jewelry, crockery, clothing, books, incense, pipes, bags, etc. Follow the Deadhead music to the Russell's amazing display of pottery. He can tell you stories about the late 60s, when he slept in the trees and chained his goods to the street-poles to keep the police from confiscating them. Note: Credit card acceptance varies by vendor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Justin Cram |
 Photo: The Redwood Sherpa |
|
Sam the butcher |
6321 College Avenue Berkeley, CA 94618 United States +1 510 658 6854 |
Locals looking for something a cut above flat, plastic-wrapped random cuts of meats at the big supermarkets come here for impeccable service from the knowledgeable guys behind the counter. They are a friendly group, willing to tailor your order any way you'd like. They will trim fat, break bones, season, and offer preparation and cooking advice. You will find just about every cut under the sun, as well as fish, poultry, pork, seasonings and sauces. They have a few prepared items like smoked ham, sausages, and cooked shrimp as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |