Wow, what a fun time! If you've never been to a Stew Leonard's (like me), check it out when you…read morehave a spare hour or so. Preferably, if you like lobster, go when they offer their $15.99 lobster rolls!!!
Stew Leonard's felt like a cross between a Fairway and the It's a Small World ride, all while you're funneled through the store IKEA-style.
Farm fresh produce, the smell of amazing donuts when you first walk in... literally made before your eyes, then endless aisles of food, prepared foods, unique products (like the cannoli chipwich--cream pressed between two chocolate chip cookies), meat, seafood, breads, olive oils, cheeses, soft serve ice cream, those lobster rolls and too much to even mention.
Then there's the animatronics throughout (hence the Small World reference). Bears, chickens, cows, avocados, dogs... The first one is cute, and then they get bigger and more extravagant throughout the store. Some are continuously in action while others activate with the press of a button. Great fun for kids! Very cute...
Near checkout, you'll see a station that has soft serve ice cream with 6-8 flavors that are all excellent! Prices are quite reasonable too.
About those lobster rolls: Cold prepared (mayo-style) lobster rolls are available in the store all the time. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, you can get the hot buttery lobster rolls prepared fresh outside for $15.99! Amazing price and a wonderful portion. For an additional $4, you can get a 3-ounce tail added to the top.
I advise against this.
While the price for that tail is reasonable, we all found our tails to be dry and not as sweet and juicy as the bulk lobster meat added to the main roll.
They douse these things with tons of butter and garlic butter, which you can control, but it's all so delicious.
Fantastic place to visit for fresh goods, that soft serve ice cream, lobster rolls and, by the way... the center of the store is a giant liquor, beer and wine section!
I'll most certainly be back!