A trip to Penzey's is like traveling around the world on a magic carpet. You are whisked from the US to France to Greece to India to China and back to Mexico and every place in between. They have fabulous sample jars that you can stick your nose in and breathe in another way of life. (After a while you may start to develop a headache however, so sniff with caution.) They have every spice I've ever intended to buy and hundreds that I've never heard of. They also have very reasonable prices. We've stopped buying spices at the grocery store all together. The store has a great layout that encourages wandering through their wares. The employees are very helpful and friendly, and the free catalog always has awesome recipes. Their gift boxes make unique classy gifts for any food lover. I'm always more than happy to drive the 45 minutes it takes me to get there. read more

Great spices, reasonably priced for the quality. I've been very pleased over the years with not only the individual spices but also the blends they offer. read more

The type of person that wanders into a spice shop, is usually also the person who has a heightened sense of smell and a good palate. If you can cook...if you are a good/fantastic cook....you will like this shop. There jars big enough for you to put most of your face into so that you can fully smell each spice before you decide to buy it. I like that there are also suggestions about what spice compliments which food. Growing up in rural Minnesota, I wasn't taught much beyond salt, pepper and garlic salt and cinnamon....so I am still learning about them. I picked up their catalog too..which also is full of fantastic looking recipes. I would like to see more whole spices that I could grind myself. It makes me sad that people use spices that have been in their cupboard for 10 years...buy some fresh spices at Penzeys !!! read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! When I moved out of the Midwest I thought I was going to have to place all my orders through their catalog. I am so happy them here in Colorado. They are so helpful in the store. They even give you tips on how to use the spices, like beer can chicken with Fox Point Seasoning. The Wedding Crate gift sets are wonderful. Inside there are cute little extras that talk about marriage and why the spice ties into that. ALSO, BIG thumbs up to all their pepper choices!!!! read more

Despite this being a chain, I still liked it. I do have some spice shops I frequent in the Bay Area (Oaktown!), but this was a unique experience for me. I guess I like the idea that the company hails from the Midwest and isn't something I could so readily get in CA (although they have a few locations in CA). The store was HUGE, so well labeled, and nicely laid out. I love that there are smell jars for everything and suggestions for use on each description. I spent a while browsing and came away with the Maharajah curry powder, which seemed more unique and like something I couldn't get elsewhere, a small bag of Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder, and a Zatar for my auntie. I wasn't really going to waste my time with everyday cooking spices because I know I can get those easily elsewhere, so I opted for the more unique blends. Since the Zatar is a gift, I can't say how it's cooked, but the Maharajah turned some salmon into a beautiful gold color with a subtle and interesting flavor. The cocoa powder is also a gift, so I can't speak to that either. My dad's friend grew up in Arvada and is a great cook knows of Penzey's, but doesn't think highly of them. She actually said she prefers spices from King Sooper's or Walmart because Penzey's is just overpriced. I might agree with the everyday spices (but I can't really say because I haven't tried them) but for more unique spice mixtures or harder to find spices, this place is a pretty solid bet. read more

I have become obsessed with Penzeys. Walking into this store just makes you want to cook up a storm. I really enjoy the ladies that work at Penzeys as well, they are always so nice and heplful and never try to push sales on you. I don't think I have walked out of this place without a purchase, their extracts are amazing and the hot cocoa you can buy is just delicious and not overwhelmingly sweet. I also would recommend the arizona dreaming spice, it is delicious on meat as well as on salads. read more

I was a Penzy's fan until the CEO started sending political emails. A business should not use their mailing list for preaching. I'm done! Research the meaning of some of the names of his blends - yikes! It's Savory Spice Shop for me from now on - better prices, too. I will spend my money where they don't tell me how to vote. read more

Love this place! Quality spices are a must and make any dish taste better. "Allspices" are not created equal. Penzey's spices are amazing. The staff is so friendly and well informed too. Situated in cute old town Arvada. No parking lot though. You will need to find off street parking. My parallel parking skills aren't great either. read more

I got turned on to Penzey Spices about 10 years ago when my brother sent me a gift box for Christmas. I have exclusively used Penzey's Spices ever since. Luckily, I have always lived near the brick and mortar stores to stock up, but they also have a great catalog business. The store in Olde Town is convenient for me to run in and restock. You can purchase the gourmet herbs and spices in jars or bags (to refill jars). The bags are cheaper. I love this place, and if you love to cook, you should love it too. read more

I love everything in this store! Excellent quality spices. Amazing selection. Super friendly and helpful staff. I stand behind Penzeys!

I actually went to the location in Boulder. Looks like it just opened so maybe that's why the location isn't listed. Anyway, the earlier review that said this is like a candy store for a grown up was so right! It was sensory heaven! They are more expensive than the regular stuff at the grocery store, but open that first jar of any spice in the store and you will know why. The fragrance is out of this world. I bought whole chilis, cumin and cinnamon. The recipe cards scattered around the store help with new ideas for these spices and many others. I will be back soon! read more

Love this store since I was a kid in Wisconsin shopping with my grandma. Very friendly staff & amazing cooking ideas all over store & online. The kids coloring space I always enjoy seeing the upcoming artists. Be sure you get on the email list for monthly coupons of your favorite spices. Fantastic place in downtown Arvada. However they are opening new places all the time, Boulder & I think Littleton CO last year. read more

Beautiful store, lots of inventory and helpful employees. High prices.

Awesome experience. I had never been until today. The staff is so nice. I will be back whether I need spices or not.

I love shops like this and I almost never buy anything, but the prices are very reasonable here and are great quality. I have both the vanilla and almond extracts from here, and I had no idea that you had to put almond extract in the fridge until the very nice cashier told me! Also have herbs and spices, my favorite being the curries, ALL of them. My husband and I couldn't resist and bought a small jar of each and they've all been wonderful. Only complaint would be how slow the cashiers can be. Last time, it seemed to take about 10 minutes for us to get fully checked out. But still 5 stars :) read more

Love this place! Get on their mailing list and you will receive free stuff often. They have a great selection and have great deals each week. I love Penney's! read more

Love this place, fun to shop here. Yes, the spices seem expensive but worth it as it is good quality. They also run promos and specials that are fun. The Chicago steak and fox point are my favorite. The CEO does send out emails occasionally ... promoting love and tolerance which is much needed in this country. I support that this company has anti bigotry stance. You do get plenty of emails on sales/promotions when you sign up for the mailing list. read more

Nice location, the staff is friendly but not the most knowledgeable. Some of the spices in the jars are a bit old. Great place for hard to find and unique spice blends. Where else can you buy saffron in Arvada? read more

A great shop, easy to find things. With all the spices you feel like you can cook. They even have a little kiddie area where my son can sit and color while I pick out spices. read more

Fun for cooking novices (that's me); I can only imagine what it's like for cooking pros! So many spices, jars to smell and sample all of them. Best smelling store this side of the Mississippi. Whether you know what you're looking for or not, the staff is helpful. I recommend grabbing one of the free catalogs they offer so you can browse the spices later at your leisure, as well. (Catalogs also have recipes.) read more

I ordered from this shop, waited almost 2 weeks for the spices because they came from a state back east - they were not local at all. The portions are tiny, one was totally old/dried out. Then - the owner began emailing me with extreme political views stating he decided to spread his [extreme] political views and people liked them. I'm okay with all views but receiving a lunatic's rantings and ravings is not what I asked for - I just wanted some spices that were fresh and local. This is NOT that place. read more

I love this place! My husband and I will go in here with something specific to replenish, and then end up sniffing so many amazing spices that we come home with way more little jars than we anticipated. The staff provided us with a really long list of salt-free spices (I prefer these), and they have always been super friendly and helpful. Love having this little shop in Old Town Arvada! read more

Penzeys, I love you! You have saved me from the listless, flavorless, expensive herbs and spices of yore. Your shelves are teeming with everything one needs to keep a happy cook in a happy kitchen. There are many unique varieties of even the simplest things like salt and pepper. Anyone who has 20+ types of salt gets a WIN in my book. But you go above and beyond with combinations and flavors. Just reading all of the names on the bottles and bags makes me want to spend the next 12 months chained to my kitchen whipping up dishes inspired from countries near and far. Really love the cheap dried chiles, shallot salt, smoked salt and rosemary powder. Amounts = large, prices = low. Even the shipping on your website is inexpensive. I will never stop at a dollar store for a shaker of spices again, not that I ever did that. read more

I love their roasted garlic, shallot salt, and Fox Point Seasoning. I haven't tried much else but I love that the last time I went in the lady guessed that I'm a Fox Point addict (guilty as charged). The customer service has been great when I've gone, I don't really like being bothered, I prefer to browse on my own. I maybe get asked if I need help once (if that) per trip. I don't mind. I can't wait to try some of their dressing mixes and hot chocolate! read more

Store is laid out really nicely and it's easy to find things. Staff is accommodating and friendly. They have a lot of spices and blends you don't see every day. read more

Penzeys is another great place to purchases fresh spices and spice blends for all your cooking and baking needs. I'm very happy they finally opened a store in Old Towne Arvada (with another on its way in Littleton, I'm told), so now I don't have to pay shipping fees. I've been ordering from Penzeys for years and my cooking has definitely improved using them. (Also check out Savory Spice Shop, a wonderful, local place that grinds spices and makes blends). read more

I love this place SO much it hurts. Impossible to walk in and not buy something and their gift boxes make the perfect way to mark any special occasion, whether it be birthdays, Christmas, graduation, Tuesday, whatever! read more

As someone who loves cooking from scratch, I definitely spend time searching for good quality of spices and signature blend. This store is one of my favorite. Besides it's close to me, I actually enjoy their help and suggestion when it comes to blend. This store is big enough, so you don't feel claustrophobic if you spend more than 5 mins searching. I tried almost every single blend with shallots, no complaint! We use almost daily Fox Point Seasoning, pinch on eggs, salads, marinate, etc. I think their Indian dishes section is great, both curry and sate. Garlic blend selection is very good, and roasted garlic is a must. Penzey's is a chain story, so I cannot say about other stores, but this one definitely one of my favorite places to shop for spices. read more

The first time I walked into Penzeys I decided that I was in heaven. I love to cook and so this place is my go-to spot for spices and seasonings. They suggested the raspberry enlightenment to us. They gave us a page with several recipes (including using it on veggies and salmon, and to make a salad dressing) and it was AMAZING! The employees are so helpful and kind as well. I love this place! read more

Best spices I have ever purchased and always fantastic customer service. I will go no where else.

You can't beat the experience of shopping in the brick and mortar store because of the smell of all those spices in one place. It's a great place for both staples and hard to find seasonings and some of their signature blends are amazing. We love their curries and mulling spices, cinnamon varieties, and vanillas especially. Employees here have always been friendly to us and made the experience of shopping in the Arvada store a good one. We moved to an area without a Penzeys recently and I didn't realize how much I would miss it. Fortunately I can still order my spices online, but I miss coming in to shop for teacher gifts and stock up on spices for the holidays. I love supporting a company that shares my values too, but I'd keep shopping for my spices here even if I didn't - some of their products would be too hard to replace! read more

Very good selection. I've only been to one spice shop I like more- down off of Platte. Too far away though- this one has always had everything we've needed whenever we go...so...2 thumbs up! read more

Penzey's is just the greatest! Not only do they have wonderful spices, but you can wander around the store, smell all the spices, and get recipe ideas as well. If you get their catalogs, you'll get wonderful coupons. read more

I was in Old Town Arvada yesterday and almost fell over with delight when I saw Penzeys Spices, I have used the on line store for years but never thought to look for one locally. Just opening the door takes you to a happy place. I love to cook and no cook can say no to those fresh smelling dried delights. Someone else mentioned one had gone in at Littleton near another shop selling spices. It is the American way competition is good for all. I shop Sunflower, Whole Foods, King Soopers and Target for my groceries, each have things that I feel are superior in quality, I can't get what I really want at just one store. I care too deeply about my ingredients. I would hate to only have one shop to buy spices at, Whole foods and Sunflower have some bulk spices, but the ones are Penzeys are what I really crave. Sometimes ordering on line just isn't fast enough. I'll be back to the Old Town Arvada location and I might just venture further to comparison shop in Littleton. Who knew there was so much choice around? read more

Update: The forward spice is GREAT.. I use it on steak before grilling or on shrimp. It is Awesome!!!

Great prices and a great selection of spices!! Friendly knowledgable staff. You will spend a little more than your super market brands, but if you love to cook, Penzey's is well worth it. read more

Fun store to visit. Staff is friendly and the store inviting. They feature recipes for the different products which include food items most people have in their home. Prices are reasonable and spices fresh. The store in Boulder on Pearl Street has similar layout and inviting atmosphere. Prices are reasonable as compared to grocery store. Nice online product lines for those looking for convenience. read more

this place is great! they have every you need and don't need, which i tend to buy anyway. who knew there were so many variations of cardamom pods. read more

So glad they opened a store in Arvada - used to stock up while traveling. Love their spices. Vanilla is great too. The store always smells inviting - which is why I always buy more than I intended when I walked in.... read more

The gals who were at the store we very helpful and able to answer all my questions. I was able to buy two spices that it is difficult to find in the grocer. read more