I order three OZ today from Starbuds. I did not look up the state law, I assumed they would not accept the order if I could not buy it. I come in and they said I had to remove just one strain. So I tell her which one to remove...and she KEEPS CHANGING IT. They at NO POINT offer a reduced gram option for any of these strains so I can get all the terpenes I need and the girl you could tell did not think it was a big deal. I told her it matters because it's medicinal. I would like to affirm that YES, I did ask a lot of questions and did not mean to overwhelm the bud tender...after she started seeming overwhelmed I could not tell if she was purposely confusing me back. At one point she says that my partner can buy one, I can buy one and we have to delete one. This is where she kept making things confusing and going back and forth. I told her she was overwhelming me. I left crying and apologizing. I took time and research putting this approx. $400 order and was very stressed that I took all this time at home to make pick up easy and I am not being offered what I ACTUALLY NEED. It's not about it being the person's fault that the app allowed an illegal order.... I'm assuming that's the issue.... It's the fact that she did not have good options ready for the person picking up and at points was shrugging her shoulders. My partner goes back in to buy JUST ONE of the strains I just bought....they said they deleted the order immediately and need to check if the items are even available. When the order was already ready for pick up supposedly. They told him they would have to check and make an order/account for him. I was waiting outside in the cold snow for him, just to find out they would not help him quickly and adequately. If they do not believe me because I do not have a medical card...I still having finished legally changing my gender, my medical card is one of A THOUSAND stresses I have with my health regarding paperwork. I would like to volunteer the information that I am wearing a snapback, with a bandana underneath and have piercings and tattoos, my partner had a bookbag as our eco friendly bag.... If we were profiled for this I would be more than happy to provide legal statements from my place of profession stating that I have borderline personality disorder. This is important information because THATS WHAT THE MEDICATION IS FOR AND WHY THE TERPENES MATTER. I experience extreme mood swings and pain when I am not medicated and need specific terpenes for specific symptoms. Myrcene for my insomnia, Limonene for my anxiety and Carypholene for my depression. I have to use these strains at certain times of the day and keep the medication in my system. These terpenes if not balanced right can be harmful to me and do not affect me like it does everyone else. It should not have been this hard. I am also happy to offer the information that I am a trans male who is still legally changing my name (AGAIN) and am in the process of changing my gender ...my medical card is NOT my number one priority as far as my paperwork is concerned. Being "born women" the world is making life hard enough and tells me no everywhere I go. My partner was upset and tried discussing the issue and felt rejected so they asked for a manager. They told us the manager would be in at 2pm. I didn't want to ask a manager, I wanted to resolve this. I spend a lot of money at this location and average of $400-$800 here a month and this is the second time I was given a hard time.The girl who helped me today had beautiful fluffy hair, thin face, African American, no visual piercings that I can remember.The last time someone gave me a hard time here is was an older Latina lady with thick eyeliner and bleached blonde hair, she's a good worker with regular guests (I shop here a lot and have seen her sell) and she was very rude about my name not matching my ID. I am not a criminal, I am a trans male. This place is advertised on Google as LBGTQ+ friendly. I have been buying bud here for years and am sad to say I will now shop in Oak Park. As a POC I preferred to shop here.
Ratings and reviews of Star Buds - Riverside
It was so easy to order online. My order was ready for pickup in 10 minutes!
I’ve been coming here since they opened, everyone is always so nice and personable. They’re very knowledgeable and always have specials! One of my favorites spots :)
Erica the security guard greeted me today. She is so nice and really made me feel welcomed. Coco was my budtender. She is always so friendly and kind. She is patient and always has solid suggestions. Awesome daily deals and great rewards program too. Highly recommend. 5 Stars!
Devin and Chris greeted me today and made me feel very welcome. Jessica served me today and was very helpful and kind. Nick is always very pleasant and always makes me feel like i matter. Best buying experience overall. thank you STARBUDS! super daily deals and awesome rewards program too! 5 stars!
Friendly and knowledgeable people, fast service, and pretty store. Miguel was great! We'll be going back soon.
Mark was a great bud tender love coming to this location very friendly environment
Jess was awesome, gave my pup some treats. Great deals great people
Awsome experience. Mark is always willing to assist and educate
Everyone here is cool for the most part and the products are great. The only thing I really don’t enjoy is when I place an order at this location and the budtenders insist that I ordered it elsewhere. I have also gotten incorrect orders and they do not allow returns. I will not be coming back here sadly.
Today Saturday April 12, 2025 I went to the dispensary starbuds I bought 1 gram of live resin Cresco 3 prerolls I use my reward points every thing was Kool till I got home I open my gram of oil it was a gram but it was ONLY FILL half way only so it only came out to be have a gram
Coco was a pleasure to work with
Good customer service thanks to Diego for recommending me Rythm REMIX Single ( infused). Did not disappoint at all .
Miguel & Vicky are my fave budtenders 😊
Love coming here ! Service is always great ! Miguel was able to help me out on my last order and did great !
Associate Mark Nino was very knowledgeable and helpful. Very smooth transaction
Love this place and the loyalty system is amazing!
I didn’t receive the product I ordered . The North Riverside location didn’t have product in stock. They also didn’t receive the on line order I submitted to Leafly. I probably won’t order from Leafly to pick up product at location near me.
I have only been to this dispensary once, and I purchased a single unit of product. I went in because Star Buds was open later than my usual dispensary, and because they had attractive discounts. I came by bicycle from about three miles away, having posted an internet order. My visit lasted about three minutes. I seemed to be the only customer in the shop, which was getting ready to close. The interior is bright and inviting, and the shop area is efficient and clean. The hip hop on the sound system lent the place a "prepare to party" atmosphere instead of the "find healing" ambiance some dispensaries conjure up. The employees were fast, polite and kind. I did not have an opportunity to seek employees' knowledge because I was in and out quickly, and I came without any questions. However, I would return again, especially if the place continues to sell particular eighths at a massive discount. Star Buds seems to feature certain brands like Kaviar, which are not available in other dispensaries. It's worth looking at their website to investigate their discounts, which are often substantial. What's most notable is that, despite it being the end of the day, the employees provided me with courteous, speedy service without making me feel rushed or like I was annoying them. That's a tip other dispensaries in the near-west burbs might be keen to take. One tip for Starbuds: I know I'm in the minority, but a bike rack out front would be nice. I had to lock up on a street sign.
Bernardo was such a big help really made the process easy for me
Staff is friendly, helpful and informed on products. There are lots of great options to pick from. Overall, I am very happy to have them in our community. Thanks Mark for your help.
Shoutout to Miguel. Great customer service. Always coming back to this place
Alex was very courteous and informative.
This Team seems to Always be busting it out for the Customers. Always trying to accommodate us all.