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Miscellaneous
Berkeley’s Best
miscellaneous + shops
Berkeley’s best souvenirs
Berkeley’s best tours
Berkeley’s best unique shops
Berkeley’s best souvenirs
●Berkeley Bowl shopping bag
Get it at Berkeley Bowl.
●Boichik Bagels stuffed bagel dog toy
Get it at Boichik Bagels, which has its factory in Berkeley.
●kitchen towel with Berkeley hot spots
Get it at apriori.
●Peet’s coffee mug
Get it at original Peet’s.
●TCHO chocolate bar
Get it on the TCHO factory tour.
●The North Face logo beanie or clothing item
Get it at The North Face Outlet Berkeley.
Berkeley’s best tours
ARTICLE–Take a Tour in Berkeley
TCHO Chocolate
3100 San Pablo Ave., (enter factory at 1222 67th St.).
Tour $15, includes a 25% discount in chocolate store. Must be age 7+. No animals.
Everything I always wanted to know about chocolate was explained–from bean to bar–by the enthusiastic guide on the 90-minute TCHO chocolate-tasting and factory tour. It was an especially nice way to spend a dreary day. More description and images.
Berkeley’s best unique shops
Berkeley Flea Market
Ashby Ave./Adeline St., in BART parking lot. Free.
Now just a fraction of what it once was, stalls are few and far between. Merchandise is mostly Asian and African imports, music and movies, costume jewelry, new and used clothing, some incense and body products, but little food.
The shops below are all one of a kind. More shops are found sprinkled throughout this section, with a large concentration on Telegraph Avenue and Fourth Street.
ACCI Gallery
1652 Shattuck Ave.
Representing the work of more than 100 artists, this is the oldest arts and crafts co-op west of the Mississippi. It displays ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and more, and it is the go-to place to find the perfect gift.
Eastern Classics
1330 10th St.
This shop is filled with antique and new Asian furniture–a lot of which is made in Shanghai–as well as books on origami and sweet potholders made of classic blue fabric
Hida Tool & Hardware
1333 San Pablo Ave./Gilman Ave.
This small specialty shop stocks exquisite Japanese tools for woodwork, gardens, Bonsai, and kitchens–everything from long-reach pruners to teapots.
Lacis
2982 Adeline St./Ashby Ave.
My jaw dropped when I entered this immense emporium and saw the racks of ribbon, wall of scissors, and assortment of thimbles—to name just a few items. The shop is literally filled to the rafters with antique lace clothing as well as contemporary tools and materials. You will want some time to browse.
●Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles is adjacent, but it is not always open. Displays include an extensive collection that focuses on lace, textiles, and costume, and it includes more than 12,000 items. A non-profit, it is not always open. Free.
Laura & Kiran
1425 Fourth St./Page St.
Lovely fabrics are available by the yard as well as already made up into pillows and table linens. Indian textiles include recycled sarees made into quilts, scarves, and pillows. Cute stuffed animals also make beautiful gifts for children.
Lhasa Karnak herb company
2506 San Pablo Ave./Dwight.
This unusual shop opened on Earth Day, 1970, when they shared a small space with long-gone Shambhala Books. After several moves, it has now taken over the entire space. This shop offers “the largest selection and the highest quality herbs, essential oils, and other natural products to be found anywhere. We specialize in Western medicinal herbs and culinary spices, but we have a nice collection of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs as well.”
Sports Basement–Berkeley
2727 Milvia St./Derby St.
Operating within a gigantic, open indoor space that was once the Iceland ice skating rink, Sports Basement–Berkeley offers a huge selection of HOKA shoes, a massive selection of bikes, and way, way more sports-related gear. More description and images.
The North Face Outlet Berkeley
1238 5th St.
Founded in San Francisco in 1966, this outdoor equipment company shop has been in Berkeley since the 1990s. In 1993, The North Face moved its headquarters and manufacturing to San Leandro. However, discounted merchandise with the popular North Face logo is still available at this busy outlet store.
The Potters’ Studio Gallery
1221 8th St.
Artists work in the studios here and display their items for sale in this gallery. Semi-Annual Seconds Sales are held in August and December.
Urban Ore
900 Murray St.
This huge warehouse shop sells everything used, from books to recycled building materials. More description and images.
Your Basic Bird
2940 College Ave./Ashby Ave., Elmwood.
Even if you’re not in the market for a bird, this sweet shop offers a wonderful interactive browse. A few other small animals are also sometimes available, including floppy-ear rabbits–my personal favorite
(www.berkeleyandbeyond2.com; copyright Carole Terwilliger Meyers)