As this grocery store is in a nondescript shopping mall in a relatively low-income neighborhood, my initial expectations were pretty low. But in truth it is one of the more sophisticated operations in the Altoona area. If you're after higher-quality food and are ready to spend just a little more for it, this Martin's location is your best bet. Better in many respects, I'd say, than other Martins locations around the area. That's why it now gets at least 90% of our business.
For one thing, Martins is the only store in the area that makes a consistent effort to stock certified organic foods at affordable prices. Its in-house brand, Nature's Promise, appears on a variety of good-value organic products. The steel-cut oats, for example, are excellent and sell at just $3.19 a carton. The cheapest counterpart at Wegmans (State College) is nearly $7. A gallon of organic whole milk at Martins is now $6.29. Yes, that's nearly $1 more than Trader Joe's in Pittsburgh, where almost everything is cheaper. But you cannot even find a gallon of organic milk anywhere else in Altoona, and half a gallon at Giant Eagle is over $5.
The produce section at this location is excellent. Like most local groceries, the premium on the organic stuff is often unrealistically high, but on many organic products -- parsley, mushrooms, berries and other seasonal fruits -- Martins prices aggressively. The displays are robust and very well maintained. The produce staff know their apples, and during the warm seasons there is a very impressive variety available at very low prices. Prices for whichever variety is in season --- Gala, Pink Lady, etc -- can drop to $1.49 a pound. And every once and awhile the organic varieties are marked down when they are still fresh.
The meat & fish section is surprisingly good, though one must be careful to inquire about the arrival dates for seafood, especially shellfish. This is central Pennsylvania, after all. The packaged meat selection is very good compared to other local groceries. There's reasonably priced fresh US and Australian lamb, which is generally unavailable elsewhere. A few more exotic things like duck bacon, buffalo, etc. A package of six organic chicken legs is only about $4. Amid the over-processed chemical meats In the cold-cut section, you'll find three varieties of thick-cut, uncured turkey bacon priced the same as you'll find them in Pittsburgh.
The deli is friendly, efficient and much lower-stress than the delis at other Martin's locations in Altoona. At the Martins on Logan Blvd, there is always a long wait. Not here.
There's a very good selection of teas & coffees, though not much in the way of organics. Martins stocks Starbucks & Peets coffees. A good variety of whole bean options. The better coffees found here aren't available anywhere else in Altoona. Coffee is priced higher than it is in the big cities, but it often goes on sale.
The packaged organic section compares poorly to Wegman's, of course, but it's impressive that they maintain it at all given the low demand around here. The organic juices displayed are sometimes heavily marked down. In the organic freezer you can find some gluten free breads & waffles. The organic frozen entrees are too expensive unless they are on sale. In the cooler are soy products, with a good selection of tofu. Remember that there are Nature's Promise branded organics scattered throughout the store that are generally a much better deal.
If you want very cheap groceries, try Aldi next to Lowes. Selection is limited and the food quality is generally poor but they have the lowest prices in the area. Weiss is also a little cheaper across the board compared to Martins, though not for everything. Giant Eagle in Logan Town Center still has the largest international section, but there are problems with this location (see my review). Avoid Wal-Mart for anything but the most basic packaged food. read more
