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    Aj's Market

    4.1 (218 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Aj's Market Photos

    AJ'S MARKET ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Aj's Market

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    Car wash menu - discount on gas with car wash, no gallon minimum purchase.
    Tom L.

    If you ever imagined what a friendly urban NY do-it-all local market with deli, butcher, coffee station, and ethnic selection would look like, then AJ's Market at the Chevron gas station in Soquel will completely change how you think about convenience stores. Yes, they have gas and a car wash, but that is just the beginning. Inside, there is a gourmet kitchen serving up locally harvested seafood and Harris Ranch meats. The burger here is hands down one of the best in the county. It is technically fast food, but nothing like what you would expect from that term. AJ's goes way beyond typical gas station fare. You will find organic produce and treats from around the world like English biscuits, real maple syrup, and a Southeast Asian spice rack. They also offer an impressive selection of local wines, baked goods, ice creams, and coffees. Owner Akhtar Javed, originally from Pakistan, opened the market in 1987 after falling in love with Santa Cruz. He became a local legend after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake when he let customers take what they needed and pay later during the power outage. AJ's Market is a true gem and worth the stop whether you need gas or not. P.S. AJ also carries dried cuttlefish so you don't have to travel to San Jose or find a Ranch 99. P.P.S. In addition to the coffee station, they also had a full cooler of Marianne's Ice Cream!

    Scratches along the entirety of the passenger side of the vehicle
    Midge S.

    This was historically a solid outfit imv --- unfortunately, ownership / mgmt was bizarrely adolescent, unprofessional and untrustworthy re their approach to car wash vehicle damage. Super underdeveloped folks... Buyer beware

    Beef/lamb gyro wrap
    Andrew K.

    Shouldn't even tell all ya'll tourists and busters about this place, but saw some reviews doing AJ's dirty, so enforcement is coming in. This is literally the BEST gas station. I talk with the owner every time about his selection of Organic fruit. Also got a million different ways to get caffeinated. They also have nice deli sandwiches and bagels in their to go section. They have tons of local sweets and treats as well and their selection is top notch. The deli/meat department is where this place really shines. Got lamb/beef gyro on the spit, chicken as well, and they have a VERY extensive menu and all of it is fricking delicious. They also have lots of Halal meats and fish marinated and non marinated in small packs, so it is perfect for the single person who likes to cook for themselves. Quality per sq ft, this place blows any grocery store or other gas station to bits. Haters on here are probably just terrible people to deal with. Love AJs and I love the Gyro Wrap I'm smacking right now.

    Burger

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    22 days ago

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    A hidden gem! I've found items here that are hard to find elsewhere. Great sandwiches and burgers!

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    I have to say this is such a unique place! Great customer service and delicious takeout. Love going there.

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

    If you are a single parent or student, this store is for those who have lots of money, TV dinner now 10 dollars.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    It's a good store. They have everything you need and it's small and convenient. Also they have good snacks

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    5 years ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Aj's Market

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    Capitola Village Produce Market

    Capitola Village Produce Market

    4.3(63 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $

    IMHO Such a…read morebeautiful produce market! We had just finished having breakfast at The Cook House and my friend needed to buy a bunch of green onions, so across the street we go! The first thing I noticed before entering the market, was the freezer compartment chock full of Marianne's Ice Cream! Unfortunately, we didn't have a cooler in our trunk to keep any frozen goods cold, so we had to forgo buying Marianne's. The market is bright, clean, and full of beautiful produce and other staples. Cashier was friendly.

    I've been to Sunnyside Produce many times over the years and honestly I would've been happy to…read moreleave a positive review in the past, but it never felt necessary until now. This recent visit was disappointing enough that I feel it needs to be shared. Customer service was noticeably lacking. When we got to the front of the line and realized we forgot something, the woman at the register rolled her eyes and let out an audible sigh, even though no one else was in line. It felt unnecessarily rude. Throughout the store, employees were unhelpful and unapproachable. We tried to ask a question to a young tall man who clearly worked there, but he completely ignored us and just kept walking. Later, we asked a Hispanic man working in the back for help, and instead of answering, he gave us an annoyed look and walked away. It was uncomfortable and made us feel like we were a bother just for asking. To top it off, one of the two avocados we bought was completely rotten inside. The store itself didn't feel clean. Shelves had layers of dust, and we wandered around without a single person offering to help. Prices were shockingly high, especially considering the poor experience. Nob Hill is just down the road and offers better service, better prices, and a cleaner environment. I usually don't leave reviews unless something is exceptionally good or clearly disappointing. Unfortunately, this was the latter. I hope they get their act together, because this used to be a decent spot. But right now, I can't recommend it to anyone.

    Photos
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    Capitola Village Produce Market
    Capitola Village Produce Market - Marianne's Ice cream

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    Marianne's Ice cream

    Sunnyside Produce - MelRoc organic LOCAL berries

    Sunnyside Produce

    4.5(40 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    I recently left a pretty scathing review of Capitola Produce Market near Gayles Bakery because the…read moreexperience there was genuinely disappointing. But right afterward we came to Sunnyside Produce and the difference was night and day. That contrast made me realize how important it is to give credit where it's due, especially after calling out bad service somewhere else. Sunnyside absolutely deserves praise. From the moment we walked in we were met with kind helpful people who were actually attentive and happy to assist. There was no attitude or indifference, just friendly efficient service. The team here clearly cares about what they do and about the customers walking through the door. The produce is fresh vibrant and well-organized, with a great mix of organic and local options that are thoughtfully stocked. Everything looked clean and cared for from the shelves to the displays, and it made shopping here feel relaxed and enjoyable. The prices are solid too, better than most other local places when you factor in the quality. It does not feel overpriced, and you actually leave with the sense that you got value for your money. What stood out the most to me is the atmosphere. This place has a soul. You are not just shopping, you are being welcomed. That is rare. After our visit I felt like this review needed to be written not just to balance out a negative one, but because Sunnyside Produce genuinely deserves recognition for doing things right. If you are looking for a place with real service, real food, and real people, this is it.

    The food here is super fresh and locally sourced. The staff are super nice and fast. Love this…read moreplace!!!!

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    Sunnyside Produce
    Sunnyside Produce
    Sunnyside Produce

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    Aj's Market - grocery - Updated May 2026

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