Rubiner's Cheesemongers

One of the most amazing shops anywhere! The store carries the most exquisite foods, selected with obvious attention, taste and care. Matt, the proprietor, is phenomenally knowledgeable and is always helpful and willing to share details of the wonderful delicacies you'll find featured there. The prices seem quite reasonable for such extraordinary pleasures collected from near and far! Rubi's, the cafe at the rear, is the best place within 100 miles to enjoy a fantastic breakfast or lunch with a glass of beautiful wine or great beer and unmatched espresso, cappuccino, or coffee. I always make a point of stopping at both store and cafe whenever near Great Barrington!

Posted 10/27/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

The cheeses are amazing, the owner's personality is gruff. It has prevented some from returning. Clearly, he is not interested in sharing the love so don't expect to be coddled. Makes it harder to educate yourself, but there are other places to get that if that's what you are looking for. Do expect to sample some great cheese. Do expect to spend $$$. Rubi's (the adjoining caf) is pretentious and the outdoor seating is in the middle of a parking lot but you'll be surrounded by the hipster crowd. Enjoy it for what it is.

Posted 06/23/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I grew up here, I made my career elsewhere and now live here again. I go to Rubiner's almost daily and without such a place there are times I would question my decision of returning. It is a place of taste, distinction, quality and honor to it's ingredients and preparation, products they sell and above all to the local, regional, and world-wide farmers and producers they represent. It is this that makes me want to return again and again as it is a standard of excellence I have grown to depend. Without such diligence and persistence Ruby's would not be special and only this can come from an owner with a keen attention to detail. If it comes at the price of reprimanding an employee or not tollerating the american behavior of "I am customer thus I am always right" motto, than I will more than defend, I will applaud. Thank you Mr. Rubiner for creating a supreme environment.

Posted 06/12/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Starting with the owner's abusive personality (obnoxious & unaccomodating to his clients, but worse to his employees), followed by outrageous prices (& trailed only by slim offerings.

Posted 12/10/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Parents should control their children while shopping. I would be embarrassed as hell if my child acted that way! I'm glad someone finally had the nuts to say something. I plan on shopping twice as often! It's a great store with an even better selection.

Posted 07/18/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

As a vacation home owner of the Berkshires, we shop Great Barrington, a lot! We will, however, never set foot in Rubiners cheese or coffee shop again. Matt Rubiner, owner, said most inappropriate things to a child, loud enough for others to hear. His actions were distasteful and quite disturbing. Shame on him.

Posted 07/07/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

this place has the feel of the old general grocery store in the center green of the small New England town. very charming, has good sandwiches and is convenient when you're strolling in downtown.

Posted 04/27/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

It is so nice that this cool old building was put to sucha good use. A well need specialty shop in GB, with a lot of really hard to find items gathered from all over the world. The cheese and meats section is really fun. Don't forget to pick up a coffee or sandwich in the back in the cafe.

Posted 10/22/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?