West Berkeley
around university avenue and san pablo avenue. this area is the commercial hub of the local mexican and south asian community. there are two mexican groceries, several halal markets, numerous indian and pakistani restaurants including vik's, and many others thai, turkish, jamaican, etc..
Telegraph
The five-block stretch of telegraph avenue just south of uc berkeley's sproul plaza is perhaps one of the city's most well-known and most-visited landmarks, with its independent stores, kooky sidewalk vendors and the unforgettable dynamic streetlife that is the amalgam of students, hippies and sometimes hostile hobos. besides its restaurants see the eat section telegraph is the site of many bookstores, music shops, smoke shops, and used clothing exchanges. moe's books, , a four-story bookstore with a large selection of half-price used books. they sometimes have in-store readings. shakespeare & company books, a treasure trove of used books since 1964. rasputin music, . well known independent music store with a large selection of used music and lps. amoeba music, , lowest prices and a huge selection of new and used cds and dvds, with that one rare album you've been looking for. berkeley hat, , a wide variety of normal and eclectic hats.
Rasputin Music
(http://www.rasputinmusic.com/). well known independent music store with a large selection of used music and lps.
Amoeba Music
(http://www.amoebamusic.com), lowest prices and a huge selection of new and used cds and dvds, with that one rare album you've been looking for.
Downtown Berkeley
around shattuck avenue at center street. the city's efficient administrative center is also a popular shopping hub. the berkeley bart station is located right here. getting here by public transportation is recommended as parking tends to be difficult to find.
Games of Berkeley
2151 shattuck ave., located across from the downtown berkeley bart station, this quirky game shop is worth checking out for its eclectic selection of board games, kites, puzzles, figurines, and trading card games. the staff is distinctively "berkeley": approachable and enthusiastic in a somewhat funky way.
Half Price Books
2036 shattuck ave., (http://www.halfpricebooks.com). hpb has recently moved in next to comic relief, on shattuck at addison.
Ashby Flea Market
Saturdays and sundays, 7am-6pm in the west parking lot of the ashby bart station, there is a lively flea market, as well as food trucks and drumming circles.
Solano Avenue
Albany and north berkeley between the alameda and san pablo avenue (http://www.solanoave.org/...). more interesting stores and restaurants.
Bombay Music
2000 san pablo ave., (http://www.bombaymusic.com/). this is one of the best bollywood / indian music stores in the bay area. you can find indian classical music cds to bollywood latest dvds and cds. prices are discounted. the staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Fourth Street
Interesting upscale retail center with boutiques. good food at bette's diner american. east bay vivarium, 1827-c 5th street, +1 510 841-1400, . one of the best reptile specialty stores in the nation. also has a large selection of amphibians and invertebrates. staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
East Bay Vivarium
1827-c 5th street, +1 510 841-1400, (http://www.eastbayvivariu...). one of the best reptile specialty stores in the nation. also has a large selection of amphibians and invertebrates. staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Berkeley Farmer's Market
Derby and milvia tuesday afternoons, north berkeley thursdays, and center and milvia saturday mornings. an excellent produce market also featuring certain prepared foods, cheeses, oils, and performers and booths by many local organizations.
Elmwood
District college avenue at ashby avenue. many interesting stores abound along this corridor.
Bombay Music, 2000 San Pablo Ave., . This is one of the best Bollywood / Indian music stores in the bay area. You can find Indian classical music CDs to Bollywood latest DVDs and CDs. Prices are discounted. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
Moe's Books
(http://www.moesbooks.com), a four-story bookstore with a large selection of half-price used books. they sometimes have in-store readings.