<p>Where do you guys typically go grocery shopping on a budget? Preferably close to campus, but if the place is really great and doable by bus, I wouldn't be averse to checking it out. Thanks!</p>
<p>Safeway and Trader Joe’s. Take the 51. Bus stop is on College Ave. between Units 1 and 2. And the bus takes you right to the stores, which are about 10-15min away.</p>
<p>How’s the Berkeley Bowl on Oregon Street?</p>
<p>Expensive?</p>
<p>IDK if there’s a bus that goes there, but the Target in Albany is cheap and closer than I thought.</p>
<p>Berkeley Bowl is more expensive than Safeway and Trader Joe’s. It doesn’t stock a lot of “bargain” brands, though – so if what you’re looking for is quality or specialty, it will probably be your best bet, but you always need to pay a premium for such things.</p>
<p>That said, they overwhelmingly have the best fresh stuff, so if you like to buy a lot of fresh produce or fish, I highly recommend them.</p>
<p>Otherwise, yep: Safeway and Trader Joe’s.</p>
<p>the 52 takes you to the target in albany, though it does take a good 30 minutes to get there.</p>
<p>When did they sell groceries at Target? :o</p>
<p>the 52L also takes you to the 99 ranch market, for all you asian folk.</p>
<p>yea baby asian folks.</p>
<p>i dunno what you guys are talking about… i’ve never thought trader joes or safeway were good deals.</p>
<p>@castel: yeah, actually the target in albany sells groceries. there’s shelf-stable stuff (canned-food, paper products, chocolate, etc) and freezer stuff (ice cream, frozen dinners).</p>
<p>@Equiether: grocery outlet is on the corner of university ave and the I-80. they are a bargain store (accessible directly from the 51 bus), so don’t expect a nice-looking floor or the BEST service… however, they are super cheap. sometimes a product’s price might match a regular grocery store, but most of the time the stuff there is over-stock from other places. my only warning would be to save your produce purchases for some place like the berkeley bowl (where fruits/veggies are very well priced, unlike the rest of the store), only because grocery outlet doesn’t always have the freshest or much variety.</p>
<p>Target always sells “groceries,” it just doesn’t sell much in the way of produce or fresh foods. </p>
<p>Grocery Outlet is acceptable, and if that’s the store you’re using for comparison then Safeway and Trader Joe’s don’t have a chance. Personally, I don’t like them, and I am much more comfortable with the selection and service at Safeway and Trader Joe’s. </p>
<p>Then again, I am picky about my food. If you’re not, they’re probably just fine.</p>
<p>only super targer has groceries.</p>
<p>For produce (fruits+veggies), berkeley bowl is surprisingly affordable–I was expecting Whole Foods-like gouging. The main thing to note is the huge selection. Also of note is how crowded it gets and the long checkout lines.</p>
<p>Much thanks guys. I went to safeway today and next time I’ll check out grocery outlet.</p>
<p>Berkeley Bowl is much closer to farmers’ market style pricing. It has a little mark-up for being in the grocery store, but you sure can’t beat its convenience. Farmers’ markets are usually once a week, after all.</p>
<p>Speaking of, if you’re a fresh foods kind of person, I HIGHLY recommend going to one of Berkeley’s farmers’ markets. It has two: one downtown on Saturdays, one in North Berkeley (across from the Safeway, near the Long’s) on Thursdays. There’s also a weekly farmers’ market Sundays at Jack London Square, but that’s a bit difficult to get to. Might be worth it if you’re willing to take the time because it’s bigger and has some awesome food.</p>
<p>Monterey Market is a really good place to go for groceries. Prof Feldman raves about it whenever he talks about fruits/veggies during lecture. Everything they sell is really fresh and cheap. They also have a good selection of asian-oriented produce. Plus, Monterey Market won’t ban you for life for tasting their fruit (unlike Berkeley Bowl).</p>
<p>However, the parking lot is a nightmare, but there’s plenty of street parking. AC line #9 gets you there too.</p>
<p>For those who have cars in Berkeley, Costco in Richmond is great for groceries and gas. You can take the bus there… but it’s a real pain since the 52L stop is located ~1 mile away.</p>
<p>^ That, and getting to Costco without a car means carrying all you bought (Is that even doable, considering most stuff at Costco is sold in bulk?).</p>
<p>If you live on the northwest side andronicos and safeway are both in walking distance down shattuck</p>
<p>Chinatown has really cheappppp produce.</p>