Temescal Farmer's Market — Local services in Oakland

It had the feel of a farmer's market minus the 'roam as you please' portion at certain booths due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Understandably so, there were structured lines at most of the booths so you had to stand in front of items that you did not want until you reached your desired item then that same line lead you directly to the checkout stand. Some booths offered full service where you tell the clerk what you want and they would get it for you. Maybe 2 or 3 booths had 'grab and go option.' Some booths offered hand sanitizer and/or hand washing stations. It's held in the Claremont DMV parking lot so there is lots of room to physically distance yourself from others and plenty of places to sit and chit-chat, including the area where you'd pull up to take your drive test. Not all of the vendors were warm and fuzzy though. I actually felt a bit uncomfortable at one of the stands where I was ignored while others were greeted and had the line process explained to them. Overall, I would revisit this Farmer's...

I love farmers markets (when i remember they’re happening) and this is one of my frequent stops. Parking can be iffy, so be patient and try not to be a jerk to everyone around you.

The stalls are pretty well spaced, which makes me prefer this location over the one at Lake Merritt. I don’t like feeling that i’m running into everyone.

I can get my basics, but don’t find many thrills. Cholita Linda usually does a pop-up and i love a morning taco. I generally get: mushrooms, potatoes, onions, leafy greens, berries/citrus, $5 bouquets, and coffee. The large bags of rice are a nice splurge.

💵 I almost always forget to bring cash and one stall in particular won’t accept anything else so be warned. Prices are okay but shop around. $-$$

🚽 are across the street and free, but please be respectful to the space

🐶 sadly no pets and i was asked to leave the last time i brought my senior pup. i put him in a backpack after and no one...

Perhaps I have not been initiated properly to the farmers market culture, so take this review with a pinch of (organic, locally sourced) salt; unless you are also a newcomer to the mystical world of farmers markets.

I was baffled at the absurd prices of the stands, the hectic and arrogant customer base, and the small choice of products. I was under the impression that cutting the middle man would make prices lower, and was incredibly flabbergasted at seeing average looking vegetables selling for absurdly high prices. I can't help but be put off by the greed and 'holier-than-thou' attitude...