**July 2026: Saturday Late Afternoon Visit** When I'm on vacation, I'm always on the hunt for local Arizona products at grocery stores, and AJ's Fine Foods did not disappoint. I was excited to find Prickly Pear Lemonade by AZ Lemonade, which was exactly the kind of local gem I was hoping to discover. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is definitely a really nice grocery store and gives off a bit of a Pavilions/Whole Foods vibe, but in a more quaint, slightly more mom-and-pop kind of way.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The produce looked super fresh, and they had a really good assortment of Arizona products like BBQ sauce, honey, and other local items. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, it feels like a more upscale shopping experience, and if you're looking for a grocery store with local finds and a nicer atmosphere, this is a great stop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I have not been in this area for at least two and a half years because of a move but I used to be an extremely good customer. Many, many moons ago, while working a high stress, low paying government position in the area,; I used to come here for lunch every nearly every day with coworkers and my supervisor. It was a little pricey, but you couldn't beat those big slices of warm pizza and the salad bar to go, not to mention the dessert. Not only was a a customer during their lunch hour, but I was also a customer that shopped for groceries there. The bakery was my favorite with the iced sugar cookies winning hands-down. The last time I was here was with my son in 2014 to get those sugar cookies mentioned above. So imagine my surprise when I am aggressively approached by two men, who I've never seen before in my life, but clearly work there, telling me that I've been trespassed from that store before and that I need to leave. I am utterly flabbergasted, floored, speechless. At this point, I had a basket full of groceries and I was waiting to be served at the bakery. Just like every other law abiding citizen, I ask what is going on and what are they talking about. Now, I am a relatively young female, unaccompanied in the store with a pretty severe case of CPTSD. Now, of course I do not expect these men to know this but grabbing my purse and other bagged items that I previously purchased, shoving them aggressively into the sides of my arms and shoulders all while saying things like " you know who you are" that I "have been trespassed here before" (untrue) they "have a right to refuse service and don't have to tell me anything" and I "know what I have done" and they "know what I am up to." while literally surrounding me and physically grabbing my car and shoving my things at me. Needless to say, I was severely triggered. In fact, they didn't even give me all of my stuff from my basket actually, maybe they did; I'm so traumatized by the whole thing that I don't even know. What I do know is that I've never stolen anything from AJ's in my entire life. I'm not a thief. In fact I won't even steal refills from Circle K because I feel like they will know. I have no idea who they have mistaken me for, perhaps no one . It would not surprise me if they just made some kind of judgment based off of my appearance. Never have I ever been in a situation like this before but I wanted to let everyone know how they treat people with zero explanation. H de my body tr free have a basket full of and I'm waiting to be served at the bakery. Two gentlemen aggressively approached me and tell me that I'm trespassed from their store and that I need to leave. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Been here prob 40 times over the years, great location and cool other restaurants surrounding it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great spot to eat out and get great groceries. Goodies from the deli is my favorite. Today was mushroom Marsala chicken. And I got tuna cranberry salad and a few shrimps. I ate all up but I'll take pics of the shrimp tomorrow- they're huge. I'm putting them on a croissant. read more

AJ's Fine Foods - These crackers website - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Great food here but, at this point I'm getting very frustrated that the pizza lady never has pizza ready by lunch, always out of tea's either dirty soda or what ever the monthly drink is. read more

I've been coming here lately as I've been going to Sweatshop on Central a lot these few weeks and stop in after yoga class. AJ's exist throughout the Valley and considered high end groceries for me. So, if you wanna be fancy, definitely coming here is an option as the prices are much higher than Trader Joe's or Sprouts, and can be even higher than Whole Foods too. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They are also known for their outdoor patio space and I do enjoy sitting outside when the weather is nice. This patio isn't as nice as some of the other AJ's but it gets the job done.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Like today, I was just checking out their drinks and came across a coffee cold brew (750mL) for $39.99? Like what the eff man? You are gonna be breaking a lot of piggy banks when you shop here lol. I like coming here specifically for their prepared sushi and tonight I got a spicy tuna poke bowl and a can of Kona iced coffee. Both were excellent! I also like some of their seafood dips that they make in house and will occasionally get their crab or tuna spreads, so yummy. This is also the only place I can find in the Valley that carry Lakrid's licorice. I love Scandinavian licorice and happy to know that AJ's carry this foreign brand! They also had Ibiza potato chips when I was in here today which reminded of Ibiza. You can definitely find a few authentic European items, so definitely come here if you're looking for something specific. Great selection of wines too, local wines from AZ can be found here. Also some great Hawaiian coffees, but the prices are gonna make your eyes pop out haha. But good Hawaiian coffee should cost you a kidney. I do some of my shopping here especially for items I can't find elsewhere and love that they have a unique selection of imported products. Lets just hope the impending tariffs don't make this place an impossible possibility to shop at... read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Cold brew coffee (750mL) for $39.99 - would you buy it? - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I rarely go to AJ's, but decided to pop over to find some fancy cheeses and snacks for a party. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This AJ's was really nice, clean and full of friendly workers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I think I came by around 10-11a, and it wasn't very busy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had outdoor seating available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They offer SOOOO many deli meats and sides, soups and sandwiches. One of these days I'll come back for lunch and try out some of the hot to-go food they offer. Lots of cheese options and some interesting flavored popcorn was on display (watermelon lemonade?). It was good though, and so were all the cheeses I bought! They also had these really interesting looking plants for sale (Bromeliads?) and I might get one next time I'm in, as they don't require much sunlight. I would definitely shop at this AJ's again. read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a nice experience (atmosphere, cleanliness, employees, location, etc.).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their onsite made meals, breads, etc. are excellent. Worth the higher prices, but many of their items are priced unnecessarily high. read more

That's the last straw for me unfortunately. It's a damn shame because all the people who work at Aj's are so nice. But I've talked in the past about how disappointing the major starbucks-ification has been going on with the pricing of coffee and food/pastries at this location. But now , pairing with their consistently raised prices, they are outsourcing their infamous AJS coffee/cold brew to another brewing company. Absolutely unnacceptable. AJ's unique blend has been a staple of uptown for the better part of the decade I've been here. They were second ONLY to Mama's cold brew, which I think you can only get at farmer's markets nowadays. But now they are just ditching that to save money by outsourcing? Are yall not making enough money already? come on guys. Pathetic. Well, at least I have a reason to not buy your overpriced coffee anymore. read more

Why is the Coke machine always broken?? And, if it is always broken why don't they put a sign on the counter indicating that the machine doesn't work. It would be really helpful to not stand in line for ten minutes to be told that Coke is not available. But really, WHY do they never have fountain Coke??? read more

Family says, let's grab some sushi from the grocery store! Me, can we go somewhere else! Family then successfully twists my arm into going! I have come to this AJ's for sushi several times. The above played out the very first time and am now a believer in this grocery store sushi!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]You are able to sit at the sushi bar and dine in versus having to haul it home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The sushi bar is always clean, but it can be very busy at times.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The personnel who service the sushi bar are always very accommodating. Prices are middle of the road, but the quality of the sushi makes you believe you are getting a deal. Pro tip: grab an edamame from the cooler next to the sushi bar and ask them to steam them for you. read more

See all

A must go to stop when in the area. Always fun to look around at how the other half lives with high quality groceries and better than average quick deli meals. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great outdoor seating considering it is a grocery store.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very clean & well maintained, both inside & out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The day I was there a lot of students were milling around, but did not interfere with our late lunch stop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had a slice of pizza & lemonade and both were very good. The service deli was quick to help and we sampled a pasta salad that I'll buy upon next visit. Just bring a cooler bag, because it is Phoenix. Still hopeful AJ's will open on the west side, but definitely worth the drive. read more

I stopped at AJs for a taste of dessert and more drink. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As always I had to stop and see their fall/Halloween display. It did not disappoint![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bakery was packed with dessert lovers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good cookie and drink! Shared parking lot and WiFi. read more

See all

I came in here just to browse, but ended up getting a bottle of Torani syrup for my coffee at home. It was on sale, so I couldn't just let it sit on the shelf! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bakery was really busy, as kids and teens had just gotten out of school for the day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I just wanted a cup of ice for the iced teas we got from a different AJ's location about an hour before. The AZ heat melted what little I've we had, lol. It took a while, and then the girl I asked for the ice kind of forgot about me. She was really nice though, and apologized when she gave me the cup of ice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This AJ's Fine Foods location is really clean inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The employees are professional and helpful. I would come back again to try some of their bakery stuff! I was good this time around and fought temptation, lol! read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Storefront - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

I came in here with some friends to get a cute, lil' fun drink at the counter on the side of the store, where the bakery items are. The way the counter is set up, it's like a deli; you take a number slip and they'll eventually call you up to place your order. That being said, it took us a really long time before our numbers were called...I think we were waiting for like 20 minutes? They have a pretty extensive menu of different drink options to choose from. Not just lattes and coffees, but teas too. Do note that they seem to switch around some of the fresh tea options on a day-to-day basis. The display case also featured a dazzling array of sweet treats, which I wish to come back to just to try! I ordered the decaf passionfruit tea, which came unsweetened. On one of the side counters, they have a little bar where you can get straws and sugar packets. I added a sugar packet to my drink until it perfectly sweet, so I like that it was adjustable. My drink was okay, nothing super special that I think I would wait in line for again. The drinks were served very quickly, and they also offer Apple Pay! Very easy experience, it's just that waiting time that makes me question if I will return. That being said the drinks were very affordable...I was shocked! My drink came out to be less than $2. But then again, perhaps that's just because I'm from California and everything is so expensive!! read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Passionfruit tea - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The cost of the decorated sugar cookies is out of control three years ago. These cookies were $6.99 then they went up to &8.99 and then &11.90 now and now they're 13.35. What in the heck is going on here you can't tell me that you need that much mark up in those cookies. Yet another rip off of the consumers by greedy people. I'm done shopping there. read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Cookies - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I am a big AJ's fan and I stop at this store on occasions because it is near my work. It is located in the Uptown Plaza which is one of my favorites areas in the Valley. This part of Phoenix is like a mini foodie paradise with all of the great restaurants around here. AJ's has been around since the 80's and is the anchor store of this plaza. My favorite thing about AJ's is grabbing a cup of coffee or tea and sitting out on the patio and reading a book or catching up with the news. I have had many relaxing mornings chilling out on this patio. At the bakery counter, AJ's has delicious pasties, baked goods and desserts. They also have beverage service that includes coffee, espresso drinks and iced tea. What brings me back here is their souvenir Yeti mugs. They offer $1 regular coffee or iced tea refills with them. I like to stop by the bistro area because they offer many chef-prepared meals to take home or eat on the patio. There are a variety of meats, sandwiches and salads to choose from. There is also a build-your-own salad and soup bar. If you like pizza, AJ's makes hand-tossed pizza that is baked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to food, they sell home décor, gift items and flowers in the floral section. read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]When i first walked up to the entrance, I really liked the mist feature it has at the front.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When I was walking around seeing what they have I saw a sushi bar and I went to go see a menu for what kinds of sushi they have. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The counter was clean, neat, and easy to reach menus, tissues, and chopstick from either side[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. When I walked up I was greeted by a very kind woman and she was very welcoming telling me what there was and pointing me to an area where you can look at packages that are cold and easy to grab. The sushi was excellent and amazing, the sauce was delicious and different variations as well as the sushi. Overall the experience was amazing and workers were very kind and helpful. read more

Why don't the drink boards listing drinks sold in the Bakery area, include fountain sodas under cold drinks, especially when some locations still offer soda and some do not. Central and Camelback does...thank you! Please update the board to items available to order. [[HIGHLIGHT]]PS...Bistro Department at Central and Camelback looks great now!!!!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I only went to AJ's for the vanilla cold brew but the recent switch in in coffee vendors is a disaster. Probably won't be back.

I like to occasionally come for their desserts in the bakery. I think they are the best. This last time for the 4th holiday I picked up a huge slice of carrot cake to share with a friend. It was the best I've had. They also have an extensive amount of other desserts behind the counter. This is the only time I go to AJs as I find the store over priced. Service is nice, until the next dessert visit thanks AJS read more

When I make a trip out to Lather, I always stop in this location for a watermelon iced tea. The service at the bakery counter is always friendly even if busy and you need to take a number to wait until called. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The store is small compared to the Mesa location, but still overall nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I wish they had a patio like Dana Dark to be more cozy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The store is amazing and carries lots of items we can't find elsewhere. The deli and the bakery are phenomenal.

When I heard that AJ's has iced coffee for less than $5, I had to see it for myself. It's true! You have to get a ticket to be called to order. I ordered a medium iced mocha with almond milk and two pastries. The pastries are okay. It's the iced tea and coffee is what you want to get and you are going to wait a bit. The service is fast and employees are friendly. For those who want to save money on their coffee or tea, come to this place. read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Iced Mocha(Medium) - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

I love this place. They always have a large soup selection (like 6 to choose from daily) and their pizza is really good. Although it's a bit expensive, the salad bar has a large selection of good items, and the ranch is really good too. Employees are always super friendly and chatty. I'm giving 4 stars just because I think the prices on some things are a bit overpriced, but overall has good quality items, lots of variety, and super nice staff! read more

Don't get me wrong I love AJ's but this location seemed average compared to other locations. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Perhaps because it is older? Anyway, the store looks outdated to me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Friend and I stopped here to grab drinks and pastries. My raisin custard didn't taste fresh. Tasted old. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Decent outdoor seating so will give it 3 stars.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Do you want to wait 22 mins for an Ice tea? Come here! Never enough staff for the register or the bakery. NEVER. I go to Arcadia, never a wait. Pretty efficient. Here I think they need a new manager. This clearly brings in revenue. read more

This place has gone down hill so much since we moved here 5 years ago. It is very sad.......prices skyrocketing, smaller inventory, no specialty prepared foods that are good....I bought a prepared sandwich and the lettuce was wilted, bread was wet.....very unfortunate as I truly loved this place when we moved here. read more

Great place to shop for unique food and drinks. Top quality. I love it here. Definitely recommend you try the fresh food. read more

See all

Elena gets a major thank you! I requested a bouquet the day of the event. I was on my way to a Celebration of Life event for a friend & coworker. The community wore blue to honor him, so I wanted a bouquet of blue flowers. Elena happily and promptly helped me. She asked what my budget was for the bouquet, and then said it would take only 10 minutes. And in 10 minutes she made a beautiful bouquet on the spot and met my budget. Lovely! Only thing is I didn't see a little card, I forgot to ask for one so make sure you do when you request them to make you a bouquet. read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Shout out to Elena in the floral dept for making this beautiful arrangement for me! I gave her the budget of $40 + must have blue flowers. - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The deli is great for la quick and reasonably priced unch, either takeout or sit at the nice outside tables. I had three sides: kale and quinoa salad, bean salad and cranberry tuna salad, a perfect healthy lunch. read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Cranberry tuna salad, bean salad, and kale quinoa. All very fresh and excellent - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I had family visiting for Thanksgiving and didn't want to spend time cooking the big meal, so I ordered a holiday meal from AJ's. I expected a nice meal, but what I received was beyond. All the food was packaged and ready for reheating, instructions included. The food was delicious. I will definitely recommend AJ's to all my friends. read more

We have been going to AJ's for about 3 weeks now and we really enjoy the experience. We first went to try their awesome iced tea selections. All through August they have had their iced tea on sale for a $1.00. We also love their produce selection. Staff all are very helpful and friendly. We have been buying prickly pear for Saphira our tortoise. Great place!!! read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Trying the Iced Tea!! - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Once again top notch service even at its busiest - the lady at the bakery counter was so sweet and helpful. Always satisfies my munchies bagels delicious read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Jalapeño cheese bagel, cookies & gluten free treats. - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Wedding cakes...the Central and Camelback baker is amazing. Marissa is her name. She didn't our daughter's wedding and the cakes were gorgeous. We did 3 tiered ones and she did them exactly how we asked. They delivered them exactly on time and they were delicious. They were a fraction of the cost of most other bakeries. read more

See all

Came here for the sushi best grocery store bought sushi ever and very good quality :))

This AJ's still seems to have friendly staff even if they do stand blocking the aisle. Val Vista sometimes the staff is friendly sometimes not so I'm assuming it's a management thing. Love the selection and looking at all the different things they have that other places don't carry, they have quite alot of local offerings I bought Noble Bread for my chicken salad sandwiches. read more

Waited 15 min in the queue with other customers while 1 guy helped a customer. Finally they recognized how everyone was waiting so we were happy to get service. But, the guy that helped us did my know how to cut the fish. We just paid $34 for these two pieces of fish. How are we supposed to cook these? We work long hours and decided to treat ourselves. AJs is. Of the same and we can't afford to spend our hard earned money on some fish like this..... read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Halibut - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Ugh I just love the ladies in the bakery/beverages section, so sweet! So welcoming and always remember me whenever I come in! Also recommend me a caramel ice latte and it was so delissss, I love them! (: read more

AJ's Fine Foods - Specialty Food Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Called this AJ's with a question for the butcher. They immediately answered and transferred me. Jesse from the Butcher's corner answered all my questions and was very helpful! He was quick and had wonderful customer service. Thank you, Jesse! read more

This place is great for...greeting cards. Seriously: they carry a superior selection of cards for all occasions + my favorite brand Quotables, who make magnets, coffee mugs & other upbeat swag w/ famous quotes. Occasionally I'll meet someone here for a coffee & a cookie or piece of cake. They have outdoor seating in front of the store, which is not like any other grocery store. So props for that! Generally speaking, I don't shop here b/c everything is overpriced... read more

See all