Star Meats

This place is all you could ask for in an all-​American sort of butcher. Love, LOVE Joe! He makes the BEST mac and cheese to take home as a yummy side or small main dish. I love getting a scoop of tuna salad for lunch to eat with some jalapeño chips – excellent!
Now, for the sandwiches… Two tiny complaints: they just got smaller (?) and the sandwich hours are only 11 – 2. I think they would do a slammin’ business if their sandwiches were available all day. Would love to have those Brian Allens for din din!
Lastly, the meat. Omg, the meat. Had the prime rib for Christmas. It was righteous. See picture!!!
Now, this is not Grocery Outlet prices. But if you’re shopping at Star Grocery, you already know that. Totally worth every cent! Love it!

Great sandwiches, the price was reasonable, and the service was fast. Definitely a nice place to stop in to for a quick lunch if you’re craving sandwiches.

I love Star Meats sandwiches. I love the local grocery/​deli vibe I get when I walk into the store. I feel like I’m getting transported back in time to the 60’s or 70’s when I walk into this grocery store.
My favorites are the Goodfella and the Godfather. Everything is cold. The meats are so good… The flavors are earthy and rustic. I always end up sitting on one of the two benches out in front, people watching and catching up with a friend. Be sure to grab a bottle of pop from their wide-​assortment of sodas to pair with your delicious sandwich, ranging from beef jerky flavor soda (I’m not making this up) to spicy ginger ale!
The ONLY thing I feel slightly critical about is their bread. I’ve been here multiple times, and I feel like the quality of their bread is a hit-​or-​miss. A few times, I felt the bread was slightly stale… but the sandwich was still delicious! It’s just way more awesome when the bread is fresh :) My favorite local deli shop in Berkeley though for sure!

Finally came here based on recommendations from friends. Definitely worth the trip from San Francisco. Had the Raging Bull, and it was an extremely quality sandwich. Most places like Montague’s and cheese ‘n’ stuff pack their sandwiches with fluff ingredients like lettuce. Star Meats sandwiches definitely only put quality ingredients rather than wasting your time and tastebuds. This is a simple sandwich that executes perfectly.

The classic is probably the best single sandwich the east bay and maybe the entire Bay Area has to offer.

Sandwiches are great! Call in to order, pick up 20 minutes later. Make sure they get your oder though, as sometimes when you call, they dont get your name, and then the order gets picked up by someone else. But the sandwiches are around $ 9 and are amazing!

You’re not going to find a better sandwich spot. Period. Stop reading. Go get a sandwich. Start with The Classic. Work your way up to the Goodfella or the Godfather. You’re welcome.

A REAL Italian market in the East Bay. Amazing sandwiches, incredible meatballs, and really great service. Only been there once, but — as an east coast «deliphile» transplant — could NOT have left with a better impression.

These sandwiches never disappoint. Great ingredients, service and very timely! I walked out of my house, phoned in my order and by the time I got to the cashier they had my food ready. Highly recommend calling in ahead if your SOLE TARGET is the sandwich. :)
Have to wait? No worries. Grab a tasty beverage and chips at the Star Grocery (And YES it is a separate store with a separate cashier. Get over yourself and walk the 10 yards make this purchase). :)
Oh, and great meat to boot! From the things that swim to the things that walk, probably the freshest meat/​seafood in the neighborhood. Big fan of their house made sausage and bacon. Don’t even get me started on their meatballs.

Some of the reviews here have said that Starmeats changes people’s lives. I am one of those people.
The Goodfella is hands down the best sandwich I have had at Starmeats and very likely the best I have had in my life. I love sandwiches and I can’t think of another sandwich I’d rather eat. The sandwich is filled with hot coppa, salami, mozzarella, arugula, and sun dried tomatoes — and I say filled, because they aren’t stingy (especially with the meat!). There’s also oil and vinegar, which is absolutely delicious with the french baguette that they use. I’ve also had the My Cousin Vinny, which tasted a little too ham-​my (but still good) IMO and the Raging Bull, which has a very distinct olive flavor.
For $ 9, you get a very decent sized (and cut in half) sandwich that packs a whole lotta flavors and punch. It is a must try if you live around or are visiting the area!

Everything about this place kicks a$$. Nice people and phenomenal sandwiches (best in Berkeley area, in my opinion). Top notch.

Oh my gosh-​golly bajeesus! What a sammy these guys make.
I stopped in for a quick bite before heading to the new Safeway to go grocery shopping. I had heard good things. And man oh man did this place live up to my expectations — and then some!
I was originally going to order the Brian Allen (turkey/​hot coppa etc), but after a suggestion from the person working here I decided to go with the Michael Henry. It was delicious. It has [rare] roast beef — basically steak — olive oil, arugula, thin provolone, balsamic. It was absolutely delicious. And I’ll tell ya, they definitely did not skimp on the meat! The roll was perfect too, not sure if they have options but it came on a sourdough style roll with the perfect soft-​to-​crunchy ratio.
I think it was around $ 9, but I only ate half and still have the second half saved for dinner (can’t freakin wait). Grabbed me a bag of oil and vinegar chips and called it a day. err. a meal. Anyways this place was definitely a great visit. I went around 2 PM so it wasn’t busy, but the service was fantastic — the guy behind the counter was extremely friendly and helpful.
Will definitely be back to try the turkey/​hot coppa!

I had the Raging Bull. I was quite disappointed because it was very salty with the olive tapenade. I did like the rest of the sandwich and the bread, but it was difficult to eat since it was so salty. Also, the bag of chips that I got was very pricey at more than two dollars.

YUM!!! Love the Godfather sandwich, and other meats I have taken home from the counter. Love this place

Star Meats is THE GODFATHER of all Italian Sandwiches as far as I’m concerned… I asked if they would combine the Godfather with some items from the Good Fella and Voila’ – this has been the BESTA SANDWICHA I’ve ever had! Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Coppa Salami, Sun Dried Tomatoes with a touch of Mayo and some of their Oil & Vinegar Dressing… top that with some Arrugala for that wonderful peppery taste, served on a Rustic La Farine Baguette and you’ll never want another sandwich from anywhere else again. While you’re waiting for your Sandwiches to be made, you can browse around the small yet fabulous Star Grocery Store for items you’ve been unable to locate for eons! They’re there. For top quality Meats, Star is the place to go. From the Best Standing Rib Roast and Rack of Lamb, look no further. Yummy Rotisserie Chickens are ready at 3. STAR is the STAR… Quality Crew gathers behind the Counter obviously enjoying every Sandwich they make and every piece of meat they Butcher. I only wish they could have been a little more flexible with their 11am-​2pm Sandwich making which I was unaware of. The Staff Member who I had never seen there before refused to make my three sandwiches at 2:15 after I begged him profusely and apologized for my lack of knowledge of their sandwich making hours. He declined. Which I kind of understood… but would have understood more had there been numerous people milling about waiting for their Meat Orders which there weren’t! But said Staffer very politely sliced up some Salami and Prociutto for me and I was able to purchase the other ingredients necessary for me to go home and duplicate the famous Godfather/​Goodfella Sandwich which was ALMOST as good as Star Meats’!
But not quite… STAR MEATS IS THE STAR!

You would think 15 minutes would be enough time to get a sandwich from a deli. If you’re trying to get one from Star Meats, you’d be wrong.
Wonderful for them that they are so popular but if you’re trying to squeeze lunch into your 30 minute «lunch hour» this is not the place for you.
I left 20 minutes after placing my order after learning they hadn’t even started on it yet. And I was late for my 1:00 meeting.
And now I’m hangry.

The sandwiches don’t come out quick but they sure do come out right. Mine had turkey, prosciutto, arugula, a cheese I can’t remember and chipotle mayo and is one of the better sandwiches I’ve had in the east bay. It’s a fine size too. You’ll be full but it won’t give you the itis, thus ending your afternoon.
If you can call ahead. The deli is a little slow, but it’s all made to order so that’s just how it’s gonna be.

Are you kidding!!! $ 9 lettuce cheese and tomato sandwich. I ordered a veggie sandwich asking for cheese lettuce tomato roasted peppers and extra pickles. Yes I get that it is a meat counter, but it is a simple sandwich. What did I get??? Lots and lots of onions, very few pickles, the tiniest thinest slice of cheese and lettuce. And $ 9!!! Seriously. When I questioned the price he just said that’s what all the sandwiches are. And fine over charge for a sandwich but at least be generous and get it right!
Never go there

An interesting spot on towards the North end of Claremont Avenue. Has an old-​fashioned market feel with an eclectic range of fresh produce, dry goods, meats and seafood, wine and beer, liquor, dairy and such. Pleasant and friendly staff and at least on a Sunday at noon not crowded.
There are some benches out front for lounging or sitting while you eat your deli sandwich, and I strongly recommend that you do not walk out the door without one in hand. They are really good. The special combos on the board are the way to go — I loved the Classic and will be back to try others (great to eat while watching football).
Cheers!

Star Meats is a wonderful butcher shop in the far back of Star Grocery. It definitely has a classic vibe to it and a humble but good quality selection. They stock all of your expected meat shop fare from Niman Ranch and Creekstone Farms as well as housemade sausages, pancetta, smoked bacon, wild caught fish, stocks, and more. If you’re in the area, take a peek. It’s worth your while.
While I love home cooking a fine piece of meat, this review is mostly complimenting their deli from heaven. They have a simple menu of 12 sandwiches. All the ones I’ve sampled have been incredibly scrumptious. Fresh produce, cured meats, tasty cheeses, classic seasonings all enveloped in a crusty rustic baguette from La Farine. I love the Godfather, which is a total monstrosity with hot coppa, salami, AND prosciutto. The Goodfella (genoa salami and hot coppa) and the Michael Henry (rare roast beef!) are also excellent.
If you’re a vegetarian, the Petit Sara is your perfect match with roasted peppers, portobello mushrooms, and eggplant. It’s still a hearty sandwich sans meat. Definitely some of the best sandwiches available in the area. They are all smartly paired with savory, acidic, sweet, and robust elements. Yes, yes, yes!
Their hours (11 am — 2 pm or whenever they run out of bread) slay my soul but I still manage to make it out every now and then to get my fix. You can call ahead and place your order if you want to drop in super quick.
Good lord, Star Meats. A+.