Chefworks

I’m not a chef. I don’t even cook but I LOVE Chefworks. They carry just about every kitchen item you can think plus in every color imaginable. The prices on items aren’t bad either, considering I don’t know what other store might carry such and such items. I could spend hours in Chefworks.

Westside local here who usually loves to shop here with my daughter. Always two thumbs up for product quality. Two thumbs down yesterday for service. Two male employees were working the front without even a «hello» to me (must have been my bad hair day… lol) but were more than cordial to those who LOOKED like they had money to spend. Remember, don’t judge a book by its cover folks, especially here in Santa Cruz. I was ready to spend some $$$$ but decided to spend my money elsewhere…

Incredible section of cooking things. Helpful staff and even complimentary gift wrapping!

Went into this store to get info and purchase a $ 200 knife sharpening system. After finding the product I wanted I had to drag an employee away from the dusting of merchandise that we was deeply involved with. To start, she looked down at me over her glasses. Minus points. Hey, I’m heavily tattooed and I may not look like I can give Gordon Ramsey a run for your money but rest assured I can out cook most of the patrons that wasted their money in this store. After a few polite question about this knife sharpener it was clear that she had no idea what she was talking about. So she goes into the back office to get more info. She comes back out with a insert from another completely different sharpening. Meanwhile I have some sweaty knife geek grilling me about the knives I’m sharpening like he works there. After a hesitant aloof semi insult from him I make it clear that his «Fan Boy» knife boner knowledge isn’t necessary. Most of my knives in the two sets I have at home have more kitchen time than any porno mouse clicking by this sweaty unkempt «Self /​Internet Schooled» knife guy. GO AWAY!!!’ After this the snooty sales associate is still not out from the back with the necessary info. I’m out. Chef Works — Please educate your snooty contemptuous sales associates or corral them to the high end napkin section and let them loose you money there. Your in knowledgeable staff just cost you a $ 200 + sale

Since Sur la Table is too far to go for cooking gear Chefworks is a great substitute. They have most of the same things at great prices. I was able to find items that I needed and didn’t know I needed. Its a fun place to browse. I def will be back for all of my culinary needs.

They have some really neat stuff, I was stoked to find this store. There were so many things I wanted but nobody ever talked to me…
However they had plenty of free time to follow me around…

Good selection but they do not back what they sell. After purchasing a very expensive knife that dulled immediately, they refused to sharpen it without additional charges. Their manager/​owner was extremely rude. We will never do business with them again.

I purchased a lemon juicer and it broke after the first time I used it. I took it back and they said that they have never sold one like that before. The acted like I was trying to be dishonest or something. It was a very inexpensive item that I bought at their sidewalk sale. I even had a conversation with the salesman before I bought it and he said that they had sold a lot of them and that it was a great juicer. They have lost my business forever.

I had the absolute BEST service here! They have switched owners and their employees are sweet, caring, and are willing to help!
You can taste test their spices and try out their knives.
My boyfriend and I went and he, being a chef, was extremely impressed with their products and service.
What an amazing place to shop! We won’t go anywhere else now for our kitchen products.

Oh Chefworks, you confuse me so!
I’m always griping and getting my panties in a bunch about poor customer service… however, what do you do when you are paid TOO much attention to?
Well, I will agree with another reviewer that staff can come off as rude… at first. During my last visit, I think that they thought I was going to steal something since I kept touching the coffee and espresso-​makers. But, seriously, I am an espresso connoisseur, so I before I purchase a machine I am hopefully going to be using for many years to come, I want to, well, handle it.
The woman who approached me seemed annoyed at first, until she asked me if I needed help… when she found out that I did and that I knew my espresso makers she was nearly ecstatic to help me. This is where the trouble began. She proceeded to only show me the espresso machines that brewed pods. I am sure that they are a lovely choice for many people, but they’re just not my schtick… not that the saleslady cared, I think she must love the sound of her voice, either that or the sales pitch. I ended up feeling BAD for her and let myself be sucked in to a half hour monologue detailing the glories of an espresso maker that I knew I wasn’t going to purchase after 5 minutes of listening to her spiel.
Needless to say, my friend PRETENDED we were going to be late for a movie so we could get out of there.
I’ve always wanted to leisurely browse the aisles at Chefworks, but every time I’ve tried it seems I am either approached by overzealous sales people (do they get commission?) or treated like a potential theif… so…*sigh*

A Sur la Table and Sonoma Williams. A candy store for me, if you will. I have many spring form pans, cookie trays, cupcake trays, and whatever a bake-​a-​holic might need but when I moved, I am certain I left my bundt cake pan and bread pan behind.
Two weeks past Thanksgiving, we were due to have Thanksgiving. Finally. He told me what we’ll be having. He told me that I will be responsible for the desserts. Besides from the usual cookies and cakes, I opted to make chocolate and Nutella Semifreddo and chocolate éclair cake. At first I wanted to mold the Semifreddo in a bread pan but in the end I stuffed it into ramekins. But yes, I came for the bread pan. I got the bread pan and a Christmas tree cookie cutter for the kids.
Service was friendly and I wish I could buy every single item that they have. I did not see a clearance rack but there were some items on sale but I refrained from making impulse buys. Unfortunately for my wallet, I shall be back!
P. S. The éclair cake and Semifreddo was delicious!

Oh, the joys of a store that carried it all.

I can’t express enough how wonderful this place is. Being from San Jose, there isn’t very many local kitchen good stores. I’m all about supporting local when I can. Came in here looking for one thing brand specific and while they did have it one of the ladies working there suggested a different brand of the same item and it was even cheaper. I didn’t get the vibe they were selling items to you just to make money but really giving their own expertise. While I can’t say I’d drive over the hill to shop here, I’d come by when I’m in the area and looking for something in particular. After all it did take me a month to find the perfect cheese grater and Chefworks didn’t fail me.

Great selection, incredible for such a small town as ‘cruz. They have things that I have never seen at Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma over the hill. They are also very helpful here, good service.
However, returns are much harder at Chefworks than at Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma; corporate America allows you to return items even if you have used them and are not happy. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE AT CHEFWORKS! If you use something bought here – it’s yours, NO returns on anything used.
They are also bad about restocking things. If you see something you like, and it gets sold, you may never see it again in the shop. It’s hit or miss. Unlike at Sur La Table or Williams Sonoma where it will be automatically restocked in a short time.
They have a good buyer with a great eye, but many of their purchases seem like one time buys, and I wish I knew where to get them after Chefworks is sold out (internet searches usually ensue for me).

They have excellent selection for anything that you might need in the kitchen, and usually have most items in stock. I would say that their prices are fair, but definitely don’t go here expecting the 99 cent store. Service is normally decent if you seek it out, though you are unlikely to be approached by anyone without asking for help.
Located at the upper end of Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz, parking is a downfall of this location. You will have to park in either a metered space, or there is a small free lot within walking distance.

Chefworks always takes excellent care of us. They know me, they know my puppy, too. Great selection of high end kitchen supplies (pots, pans, small appliances).

I’m ashamed. Reviewing ANOTHER cooking supply store. Its official… I’m obsessed.
Last friday (black friday… bad idea) was my third (?) time in Chefworks.
Yes it is expensive. Yes it is disorganized. Yes it is quite cramped. Yes they sell things you can buy at other ritzy cooking supply stores.
But you know what? I don’t really give a hoot. I like perusing around inside places like this, amazed at all the gizmos that I wish I could own.
I did buy a pastry tip, one that I couldn’t find anywhere else, I might add.
4 stars. Will update to 5 when I receive my All-​Clad Copper Core pan set free of charge. A girl can dream, right?

This is the kind of place that kitchen gadget freaks drool over. Highly specialized culinary tools of all types fill shelves or dangle on wall after wall, just begging you to take them home, for (in some cases) a hefty price.
A banana slicer: that’s right a slicer that you absolutely need to take home to perfectly slice that lonely banana that you simply won’t touch unless you have the perfect slicing implement.
Onion goggles! To provide Ironman-​like protection from the onslaught of the tear-​producing propanethiol S-​oxide that launches itself straight at your baby-​blues to turn on those tear-​ducts.
But wait, there’s more! Thermometers, spatulas, timers, mashers, measuring thingies and pots and books and things that you didn’t even know needed inventing are all there waiting for you to examine and gawk or wonder at, «Hey why didn’t I think of that?»
Yeah I’m a sucker for these doo-​dads and I’m so glad that I don’t live too this place. But I do love places like this.

If you’re looking for a place to stock up on basic kitchenware, Chefworks is not the place – go to Target, Macy’s, or another department store. Chefworks is for people who really know kitchens, or a place for you to get a gift certificate or small something for a friend who really knows kitchens.
There are lots of specialty items for bakers and chefs alike, very high-​quality cookware, cookbooks, aprons and linens, knives, ceramics, and other fancy accessories. There are cookie cutters in every imaginable shape, and there are plenty of brands of most items to choose from. Everything I’ve bought from the store has held up quite well and done their jobs very nicely, so no complaints there.