Looking for incredibly fresh produce, including organic? How about a nice selection of high quality meat, poultry, and chicken? Or the kind of upscale food you just can't find at Safeway, but without paying Andronico's prices? Then head over to Farmer Joe's, which is tucked into a small lot on MacArthur Blvd. and 35th Street. This may be the best-kept secret in Oakland. The quality of the produce is better than just about anywhere else in the East Bay. They have a great bulk selection and a wide variety of packaged food items as well. The customer service is phenomenal--most of the staff will know everything about you, and I've been called at home when I forgot a bag of groceries on the counter.
There are a few drawbacks--it's a pretty small space for the number of people who come here, and sometimes parking can be tight. However, it's well worth these minor inconveniences. Farmer Joe's is a neighborhood institution. One trip here and you'll see why.
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