This market is a neighborhood gem. It is clean, well maintained and well stocked. The management…read moreworks hard to keep the store stocked. The staff is friendly and hard working. I always see employees and managers stocking and cleaning during EVERY visit that I make; especially in produce, which is a welcome sight you don't see in many bigger stores.
Even during the height of the DC Shut Down at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response, this store kept up with demand. Bleach, detergents, ammonia, cleaning supplies and other "newly" in-demand staples remained in good supply, even when the large chain stores were sold out for weeks.
The produce department is VERY good, and their prices on produce cannot be beat, even when considering the convenience of the store might lead you to think they would be tempted to over charge like CVs or 7/11. They don't.
In fact, we specifically buy our potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and just about every Caribbean and Asian spice you might want, from this store. I have become an addict to Serrano and jalapeño peppers and cook them in almost everything now. Seriously, we will never again put up with spoiled produce from Amazon and Giant/PeaPod deliveries when this store is 1 block from home.
They sell almost every imaginable type of fresh and hard cheeses for Central American cuisine. Seriously, there's 10 types and brands of queso fresco, crema, and frying cheese--it's all there and well represented.
They also have good household items. I buy the large outdoor incense sticks here (3 for $1)--our front porch stays fragrant and crisp, which is very pleasant in the summer!
Need a mini molcajete to make guacamole? They've got you covered. Looking for fresh caught, whole fish (red snapper, whiting, trout) that they will cut and clean on demand? Done. Do you love getting live blue crabs--they frequently have those during the summer.
Of course, like any store, everything isn't perfect. I am a bit underwhelmed about the deli cases (lunch meat and sausage), but that's just a personal issue because I am extremely picky about selection and freshness. However, it is all suitable if you're in a pinch.
If you want a HUGE selection of dried beans, rice, corn meals, corn flours, and canned goods--you're in luck!
Over all, I'm a huge fan of this store. Very happy it's just around the corner in my neighborhood!