Forget about big supermarket chains; local grocery stores and independent shops are the places to seek out to make food shopping that bit more enjoyable. So support your neighbors and check out one of these brilliant independent stores, from community-owned co-ops to family-run farm shops.
Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.
You’ll find everything you need at this rustic farm shop, from home-grown produce and goods like sirloin steaks, smoked sausage, cheese, veg and pickles to household products, plants and clothes. It gets the highest praise from customers, who particularly adore the homemade ice cream.
At this highly valued health-food store in Juneau you can pick up all your grocery needs – organic milk, pasture-raised eggs, fruit and veg, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, grains and vegan sandwiches – plus extra bits like kombucha, probiotic drinks, flowers and magazines. There's a strong focus on organic produce here, and the hot entrees and soups are well worth sampling, too.
This food co-op, started in 1971 and is quite rightly adored by the residents of Tucson to this day. You can get 100% organic dairy and fresh produce, prepackaged flour and grains, prepared soups and salads, and alcohol here.
It might be called a Meat Market, but there’s so much more you can buy here. The family-owned shop sells baked goods, dairy, vegetables, condiments and ready meals, plus a huge variety of meat and fish, from beef tenderloin and Italian sausage to crawfish. Customers reckon that, if they don’t have it, it doesn’t exist. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday.
This family-owned grocery has been around since the 1940s and is still extremely popular today. In the store you’ll find rare wines and spirits, imported European products like Branston pickle and Tiptree jelly, a meat and seafood counter, and a deli with famously good sandwiches, moreish lamb samosas and phenomenal curries.
A fourth-generation family business, Edwards Right Price Market is loved by all. The shop has a fantastic meat counter with ready-to-cook options such as bacon-wrapped chicken and marinated pork, a deli, bakery, locally grown fruit and vegetables, and a fabulous florist. Handily, the store is open seven days a week.
Fusaro’s Italian Deli & Market is open seven days a week and stocks all the essentials (fresh produce, milk, bread and eggs), as well as Italian specialties including fresh pasta, ricotta, olives, cured meats, cheese, panettone and cookies. There’s a deli section selling ready-to-eat meatballs, chicken cutlets and sandwiches, too.
From flour to furniture, Byler’s has everything you need under one roof. Expect shelves of herbs and spices, cheese, bread, snacks, beauty products, house supplies like toilet paper and decorations, all at low prices. In short, this is a brilliant one-stop shop.
Customers love this small, quirky grocery store for its cute size and the many handy products it stocks. You can get pet food, fresh produce, dry and canned goods, alcohol, cold drinks, ready-to-eat food and delicious gourmet chocolates here.
Brighter Day Natural Foods is all about healthy living, sustainability and community. As such, it's a great spot for health-food items you might struggle to find elsewhere, and sells the likes of goats’ milk and vegan products, organic produce, and vitamins and supplements all at reasonable prices. The freshly prepared takeout salads and juices are fab, too.
This mom-and-pop shop has been in Waipahu for over 100 years and is now run by fourth-generation son Stephen Nii. Customers call it a one-stop shop, selling an eclectic mix of things from chicken feed and pet food to slushies and soft-serve ice cream (it even offers slush floats). You can get essential groceries, frozen foods, snacks and household products too. It’s also been said to have the best craft beer selection in Waipahu.
A local favorite since 1957, Nel’s Bi-Lo is known for having the best meat around. In addition, this place stocks baked goods like cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and veg, pantry supplies, alcohol and flower baskets, making it a great alternative to the big supermarkets. It even sells Meals in a Box (such as all the ingredients to make chicken pot pie) for when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort.
If you’re in Chicago, family-run Gene’s Sausage Shop is a must-visit for high-quality groceries, gourmet ingredients and Polish food like smoked sausage, schnitzel, goulash, stuffed duck, rustic bread and imported brands such as Milka, Lindt and Kinder. The much-loved rooftop beer and wine garden opens to much fanfare on Memorial Day weekend and stays that way for the rest of the summer season.
This family-owned grocery has been around since 1973 and you can get everything you need here including organic produce, free-range meat, fish and poultry. It’s particularly famed for its café and smoothie bar and you can find sandwiches, salads and juices in the Grab-N-Go Deli Case. The supermarket offers home delivery too.
Customers say Bread Garden Market is a great place to shop – it has friendly staff, easy parking, fresh food and competitive prices. You can peruse offerings from the cheesemonger, bakery, fresh produce area, or the meat and seafood section. Or you could take away a salad from the grab-and-go spot, a burrito from the Market Fresh Kitchen (made-to-order food), or a smoothie from the coffee bar.
Pak Halal International Food is often tipped as the best grocery store in this Midwestern state. It has a butcher offering locally sourced lamb, beef and chicken and a bakery that makes pita breads, plus fresh produce, cheese, and pantry essentials like lentils, spices, rice, olive oil, beans and tea. But what really makes the difference is the friendly staff.
This Louisville grocery store has been around since the 1970s. You can get all your meat here (including filet mignon, rump, baby back ribs and beef patties), as well as fresh produce, much of it sourced locally. Or why not pick up a hot dog or fried bologna sandwich for lunch? It's well worth noting that they also offer catering services, too.
Avoid the lines at national chains and head to The Best Stop Supermarket in Scott. It's a family-owned Cajun grocery store that sells award-winning boudin (pork, rice and spices in a sausage case), cracklins (pork skin), smoked sausage, jerky, hog head cheese (like spiced pork pâté), crawfish tails and other local favorites. You'll also find plenty of fresh produce and tinned goods here too.
This natural grocery store focuses on stocking food from local farms and producers. You’ll find meat, seafood, poultry, fruit and veg, plus more unusual things like organic seedlings, craft beer, kombucha and guinea fowl eggs. The kitchenware sold here is seriously covetable and the freshly baked bread is raved about for good reason.
A fourth generation Italian grocer, Di Pasquale’s stores (it has two more) stock all your regular groceries, including pasta, sauces and imported treats. What customers really love about the award-winning spots are its carry-out options; crab soup, spicy penne pasta, eggplant parmigiana sandwiches, fried dough stuffed with Nutella, and tiramisu are all on the menu.
This family-owned, Armenian grocer has sat on the corner of Mount Auburn Street and Melendy Avenue since 1974. It’s the place to stock up on fruit and veg and browse a huge range of baklava, chocolate, cheese, hummus, falafels, prepared foods and pickles.
.A wholesome family-owned grocery that stocks local produce in Grand Rapids, Kingma’s Market is loved by all who visit. It has a wide alcohol selection with over 500 beers and 800 wines on offer, plus health foods such as tempeh (a meat substitute made from soy), sausages, kombucha and miso paste, baking supplies and a large selection of beautiful plants.
Often referred to as a neighbourhood gem, this wonderful grocery store stocks everything you need, plus the things you didn’t know you needed, from Cheddar and beer bratwurst to tomato plants. It also has super handy ready-to-bake dishes such as chicken pot pie, cornbread and cinnamon rolls, which you can put straight in the oven.
This family-owned general store has been serving the folk of Philadelphia since 1907. It’s full of hidden surprises, from grocery items such as bacon, self-rising flour, watermelon and potato pecan pies to clothes including running shoes and Crocs. The garden center section at the front is also always fun to look around.
A St. Louis favourite, Urzi’s Italian Market is an old-school Italian deli and grocery store. Its shelves are fully stocked with pasta, olive oil, canned tomatoes, wine, cheese, fresh bread, olives, sausages, cannoli and more – plus it has some nice surprises like strawberry ice and lemon ice (slushies made from fresh fruit). Visitors praise the customer service and made-to-order sandwiches in equal measure.
Since 1975, Real Food Market & Deli has been the locals’ favorite health food store, winning fans for its friendly staff, variety of products and focus on local ingredients. The store stocks 100% organic fruit and veg, Montana-raised meat, fresh bread, herbs and spices, and supplements, as well as boasting an award-winning deli.
Jacobo’s Grocery is a family-owned store, deli and tortilleria that stocks everything you need, from fresh produce to meat and hot-out-the-oven baked goods. They make their enchiladas, flautas, beans, salsa and pork tamales daily here, and you can taste the difference.
If you’re looking to fill your refrigerator with fruit and veggies, Great Basin Community Food Co-op is the place to go. It has a huge variety of organic, local produce, from heirloom tomatoes and cherry bomb peppers to garlic scapes (the stem and flower), as well as fresh juices, a bakery, salads, meat and alcohol. A commitment to local ingredients and community spirit is the priority here, and customers say those credentials make the food taste even better.
A trip to family-owned Ralph’s Supermarket in the little town of Charlestown will fill your cupboard with all the essentials (and more). Customers comment on the excellent meat and produce, and love the bakery section where you’ll find amazing breads such as sweet pepper and Cheddar, Kalamata olive and rosemary, flaxseed and whole wheat.
This adorable garden center and farmers’ market in Belmar is open every day and is a delight to shop at. You’ll find tons of wonderful, fresh produce, from zucchini, peppers and squash to pineapple, mangos, strawberries and pears. It also has other essentials such as fresh bread, eggs and pickles. Check out the hanging baskets and plant pots for sale too.
On University Avenue, Toucan Market is an independent grocery store that sells local products including salsa, eggs, tortillas, spices, tomato, chilies, bread and fruit and veg. It has a loyal fan base too; in 2018 when it was at risk of closure, customers flocked to help it stay in business and thankfully, they succeeded.
Brooklyn’s favorite organic and natural food store since 1976 is loved by customers young and old. Open 8am–10pm every day, it restocks its shelves with fresh produce six days per week. Fill your trolley with wholesome pastries, fresh items, grains and the like and then stop by the juice bar for a healthy pick-me-up.
Despite its name, The Butcher's Market stocks all kinds of groceries including cheese, fresh fruit and veg, bread, mac 'n' cheese, beer and wine, as well as an array of meats including sirloin, slab bacon and baby back ribs, buffalo, alligator and boar. Those in the know suggest selecting your choice of meat, then adding pre-prepared sides and a homemade dessert to complete the meal.
This little grocery store and café is loved by residents in Wimbledon. It stocks canned goods, local produce like onions and potatoes, ground beef, bread, donuts, caramel rolls, and ice cream (which would melt on the drive back from the nearest chain). The dining room serves daily specials such as patty melts and steak and ale chowder.
Head to Huffman’s Market if you like to shop local. It’s known for its meat and fish department, which stocks Ohio-raised pork, prime beef, free-range turkey, bratwurst, salmon and cod – and customers say you can taste the difference. It also has fresh produce including lettuce, carrots and strawberries, prepared foods such as crab salad, stromboli (a turnover) and soup, plus wines and beer.
At family-owned Eley’s Foods you’ll find everything you need, from fresh produce to meat and dairy, plus more. Some customers have been visiting for over 30 years: they say it has everything under one roof, excellent customer service, and is always clean and tidy. It’s also less busy than bigger stores, so there’s rarely a queue for the checkout.
Locals call this delightful organic shop a dream and praise the calm, friendly service here. You can find fresh produce and artisan products such as Oshala Farm herbs, Radiant Coffee Roasters coffee, Deck Farm lamb sausages, sourdough bread, wine and Oregonic Tonic kombucha.
It might be best known for its amazing cheese, but family-owned Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. – which has been around for over a century – can sort your entire shopping list. Fresh produce? Check. Dried pasta and sauces? Check. Baking supplies? Check. It’s also open every day of the week.
Fans of A Market in Newport describe it as “the definition of a fantastic neighborhood grocery store”. Opened in the 1970s, the independent outlet has one other branch in Manchester, New Hampshire, and many loyal customers. It stocks eggs, meat, greens and honey from local farms and is open seven days a week.
This quaint family-run grocer has served the people of Charleston since 1946. It has baking supplies such as 00 flour and yeast, fresh fruit and veg, and everything you need for a barbecue including Italian sausages, pulled pork, buns, condiments, popsicles, crisps, beer and wine. You can also get prepared foods such as lasagna and tomato pie for when you don't want to cook.
Pomegranate Market is locally-owned and well known for its healthy, prepared salads and smoothies from its grab-and-go section. It also stocks a range of regional produce, meat, cheese, health, beauty and household products. To add to the appeal, there's also a smoothie bar, bistro, soup and salad bar.
The people of Nashville love The Turnip Truck, which champions sustainable produce from local farms. Most customers’ favorite branch is The Gulch, which has no crowds and plentiful parking, but there are also two other stores. Stock up on essentials such as baking supplies, barbecue meats and cleaning products, then head to the hot bar for a vegan lasagna or the deli for a panini.
Customers regularly comment that they discovered products they never knew existed at this well-loved vegan store. Come inside to browse a range of meat-free 'meat' options, vegan jerky, non-dairy ice cream, cinnamon rolls and other baked treats, and of course, plenty of fresh produce.
This little, local store full of artisan products is the kind of place customers feel good about shopping at. You can get cheese such as four-month-aged Provolone, local fruit and veg including romanesco broccoli, quince and pequin chilies, freshly baked treats like apple cider donut muffins and apple pie, organic meat, wine and ice cream. Options such as duck, rabbit and game fowl are available on special order.
A family-run healthy supermarket with a second store in New York, Healthy Living Market & Café is the place for amazing, colorful produce, bulk items such as nuts, grains and dried fruit, gluten-free goods, non-dairy ice cream, and health and beauty products. You can place an order online or sign up for one of its organic fruit and veg boxes, too.
This tiny neighborhood market dates back to the 1950s and is a haven for food-loving grocery shoppers. It has fresh produce, dairy, beer and wine, as well as prepared foods such as tortellini salad, meatloaf, Cheddar biscuits, and toffee and oatmeal craisin cookies. It’s open all day Monday through to Saturday.
The Mill Plain Boulevard branch of family-owned grocer Chuck’s Produce & Street Market is the customer favorite (it has one other outlet). They comment on the amazing produce – saying the veggies last longer than elsewhere – and the decent prices too. Anything else you need, you can get it here: it has a bakery, dairy, deli, bulk, and health and beauty department.
This teensy general store is the ideal place for essentials. Open 7am–5pm Monday to Friday, It has toilet paper, milk, bread, coffee, fresh fruit, craft beer and wine – or if you’re looking for lunch, check out the grab-and-go items, such as pepperoni rolls, soup and nachos. Need a last-minute gift? It’s got pottery and souvenirs too.
The shelves at quaint grocery and deli Larry’s Market’s are stocked with pasta, sauces, flour, cheese, jelly, meat, bake-at-home pot pies, and wine, or you can get hearty freshly-prepared lunches (such as chili dogs and lobster rolls) and dinners (like beef tenderloin enchiladas) to take away.
Aside from the usual big chains, good grocery stores can be hard to come by in Wyoming, but the historic Grant Street Grocery is an exception. On its shelves are pantry supplies such as flour, jam, pasta, sauce and cereal. Then there’s the beer bratwurst, the ready-meals such as chicken mole with cheesy chilli mashed potatoes, and the glazed donuts.