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41 reviews for Joe Caputo & Sons
Review Highlights
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"They have the best produce and for cheap." In 27 reviews -
"Best variety, best quality, best prices." In 4 reviews -
"Caputo's has an enormous cheese/deli section." In 16 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer L.
Vernon Hills, IL
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've tagged along with my dad who frequently shops here and I've been pretty impressed each time.
I like the ethnic vibe and the fact that it's family owned. The store is pretty big and offers a lot of selection. I really like their bakery and have gotten great breads at a good price.
I agree with another reviewer about how the wine selection is not the best.
But, the cafe, in my opinion with the awesome gelato makes up for it.
I wouldn't say I'm a regular, but perhaps I'll make more trips out here since I have enjoyed my experience every time I have been here. -
Review from Valerie W.
Arlington Heights, IL
3/1/2012
The only reason Caputo's gets 4 stars is because the parking lot is a mess and it's always super mega uber crowded. Just goes to show how amazing it is? I think so!
Firstly... produce! I love produce! I love Caputo's produce. It's fresh. It's VERY reasonably priced. It's easy to find. It's plentiful. There is always what I *need* and something new and interesting to try.
Protein... again, reasonable. Always what I'm looking for... always something to stock my freezer for later. Haven't ventured into any of the pre-marinated stuff yet, but it all looks very yummy!
Deli Counter... Always the busiest place in the store. Why? Boar's head my friends. Their fresh mozzarella is top notch (see my comment below on homemade pizzas)
Bakery... dangerous. I try to stay away for the sake of my waistline. I do, however, buy the par-frozen pizza dough balls to make my own pizzas at home.
Ethnic foods: Plentiful. My momma raised me to be an adventurous (and ambitious) eater. I guess that's the 1/2 Italian 1/2 Jewish thing. I love ethnic foods. And now I love that we have Caputo's, and can make ethnic foods at home.
The only things we don't really purchase at Caputo's are paper goods and household items, cleaners, etc. Everything else is fair game. -
Review from Laura N.
2/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I live less than a mile away from here and I always go elsewhere for my groceries. I guess that just goes to show you how much I [don't] love this place. It's not that I have anything to complain about -- I've been here a couple times to pick up some last minute items and bottles of wine -- but they've done nothing to really impress me. Plus, the employees usually seem bored and spend too much time talking to each other. Oh wait, I know what I hate about this location -- the parking! It's incredibly tiny and cramped!
I do have to say that this place definitely beats Jewel and Dominick's with their lower prices and unique selection of fresh fruit and food, especially international cuisine. But since I'm a health-food nut, you'll usually find me at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Mariano's. I recommend this place over Jewel or Dominick's if you're looking for regular groceries, but it's not really my scene. -
Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
If you asked me what my favorite store was from the time I was in my late teens through twenties I would've said Nordstrom. If you asked me what my favorite store is now, I'd tell you Caputo's.
The times they are a changin'.
I don't even cook and I love this store. The first time I ever walked in they had those little plastic crates of blackberries for under a dollar. Unheard of + I love friggin blackberries. The cause and effect of that bargain meant that I bought a crap ton of berries and then crapped berry colors for about a week. One very magical, delicious, and affordable week. Gave new (positive) meaning the 'word' craptacular (it's in my vernacular so I'm calling it a word).
The store has a cute Euro look to it, spacious, extremely well lit, and very organized. They don't always have all the produce you might need for a recipe, but that's only because they won't sell it if it's not the best quality. Their prices are anywhere from average to unbelievable (in a good way- revisit above excitement regarding blackberries) and they have a fantastic deli, prepared food, and bakery section. Truly outstanding there, but that's pretty obvious once you visit and walk up to see lines forming around the perimeter of all the viewing cases.
Their alcohol section could be better... there's really not much in terms of good beer here but they do have some of the fun (cheap) Euro beers I've seen in Polish bars and (sort of) remember from my one trip to Europa (Croatia!).
If there's anything I'm not too thrilled with it's some of the check out gals. A whole lotta attitude + a little bit of B Face doesn't thrill me. And I really don't appreciate an eye roll when I buy wine because they have to call someone over to check my ID... and talk ish in Spanish. This puta don't play that game.
And just to end on a good note, because I really do love this store (to the point that I will put up with mean muggin' cashiers), their cafe section is fantastic. Outstanding sorbet and gelato and their pizzas by the slice or whole (just get the whole- they're light and you'll finish it) were shockingly good and crazy cheap.
Final Thought: There are infinite uncertainties in life, but you can count on me NEVER turning down a trip to Caputo's. -
Review from Matthew S.
Palatine, IL
3/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I live quite close to this amusement park of tastes and smells. I moved recently and would dabble with groceries from my local Trader Joe's (they have a nice variety of vegetarian options). After trying out the local Dominick's and Jewel, I decided to see what Caputo's had to offer. FANTASTIC! The produce section is the first thing one sees upon entering; for Cook county, this place is very reasonable. Everything seems incredibly fresh and made daily (actually made daily, not just a label that says so). I went here again to buy gelato that my girlfriend and I were craving. I went out in the cold just for gelato.....yup! This has the best gelato for the price. Great vegetarian selection!
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Review from Gerry A.
Barrington, IL
Updated - 11/28/2011
Seasons Greetings! STILL no apology from "Charly" the Caputo's customer service, NOT, representative I met when returning some badly graded and artfully packaged veal chops I bought for my father. Just TRY and return bad product to Caputo's, like you don't have better things to do than teach them a customer service lesson.
DO NOT let your parents shop there, they won't push back on bad customer service and the only thing worse than driving in & parking at Caputo's is trying to get OUT in the Winter.
Check the ratings detail charts and Happy Holidays somewhere else.6 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/8/2011
Yes, still no customer satisfaction or follow up from Caputo's bad Veal Chops. I pass by that… Read more »
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Review from Rob W.
8/4/2011
If you've come to Caputo's to buy canned goods, cereal, soda pop and othet typical grocery store staples, you're in teh wrong place. They aren't really price competitive with Jewel, Dominick's, Target, Walmart, Meijer and the cast of wholesale club options in our area.
But, if you're looking for fresh produce, a good deli, decent bakery and some other specialty items, Caputo's is among the best in both price and quality. Great variety too. It's a wonderful place to shop for these items and the checkout lines are fairly reasonable. Staff is very nice as well.
Thumbs up! -
Review from Danielle S.
Elk Grove Village, IL
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Better than Jewel/Dominicks? By a looooooooong shot. Best place to go EVER for groceries? Nah. But I'll take it over the other rip-off joints. They have a great selection, and this location is particularly big. The prices on produce are much better than Jewel/Dominicks, but not so much on their other products. Their staff wasn't very friendly (the check-out girl didn't even say hi or thank you and looked at me like I was crazy when I asked a question). And their parking is RIDICULOUS. But, like I said, I would choose this place over some others. If they were a bit friendlier and had better parking it may be a five-starer.
Listed in: Grocery Shoppin'
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Review from m t.
Barrington, IL
12/3/2011
Produce selection and pricing is generally pretty reasonable. Other areas of the store are pricey. Service is very average.
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Review from Howard C.
4/30/2011 34 Check-ins Here
I just love Caputos. I brag about them to everyone I know, especially in Florida. Their produce prices are second to none and I know the family who is their meat provider so I know it's good quality choice.
They just expanded and it makes the experience that much better. The deli can get busy, but if you get a glimpse early you can decide whether to do the "pull a number, then shop, then go back to deli" move.
Can't recommend them enough. Try to avoid the busy hours for busy supermarkets. You could be stuck in line for a bit.
Grocery it up! -
Review from Alan M.
Schaumburg, IL
3/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is number four of the stores where I do most of our shopping. Can't beat them for mushrooms to stuff - big, select your own, great price. Also good for broccoli, prosciutto, some sale produce & deli items. Some gluten-free items grouped together, but Whole Foods is also just down the road.
Valli in Hoffman Estates is better for a lot of produce, deli & eggs; Costco is better for meat. Meijer is the big winner for most other groceries & also has good meat. -
Review from Sherwin C.
Palatine, IL
4/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Decent supermarket choice in the area. It has a pretty wide variety of produce and international foods although there are increasingly more competitors in the area who provide these items as well. Prices are pretty good with good selection of cooked items as well.
The big drawback is parking, this place is pretty much always busy any time of day you go, even if you're trying to go on a weekday afternoon. Fortunately, you don't really have to walk that far to get in no matter where you park (compared to say Costco or Meijers with giant parking lots). -
Review from Jay N.
Lombard, IL
1/11/2011
Compared to other similar grocery stores, I was a little disappointed. The store closes at 9. I went there last Saturday and they didn't have spinach or green onions. The aisles are a little tighter than other places so we left our cart at the end of the aisle.
Parking is decent. There is a back way to get out on to Hicks behind the car dealer. Overall, it's a decent place for groceries, but since there are plenty of similar places in this area, I would choose an alternative. -
Review from Jenn M.
Des Plaines, IL
8/27/2007
Heaven, I'm in heaven!
This place RAWKS! Amazing produce at great prices (although when I went the avocados were pricey. Go figure). I didn't really get to check out the deli section because a) I didn't need anything from there and b) there were seriously 50 people waiting around to get stuff. I'm assuming 50 people don't wait around for crap so I'm willing to bet that I'd pretty good stuff.
Warning: If you are on a diet, diabetic or fall victim to fits after consuming large amounts of sugar, do not, I repeat, DO NOT go anywhere near the bakery. First, they put out samples, which are evil, evil, evil. I defy you to taste something and not leave with a box of pastries. I purchased a canoli, a lemon roll and 6 pinch cookies and they were all amazing! There wasn't a single thing there that I wouldn't be willing to inhale in a PMS induced stupor.
Frozen items (like name brand stuff) aren't priced as nicely here but that tends to happen in a store like this. I love the tons of "Caputo" brand items, like pizza and pasta, etc.
It is a madhouse on the weekends. The staff is friendly and this being a new store, it's very clean and sparkly. Luckily, we have a smaller Caputo's nearby that I can stop at for everyday runs. -
Review from Rachel C.
Lake Zurich, IL
3/3/2007
Joe Caputo & Son's has by far the best selection of meats and produce for the best prices in the area. They have an awesome deli counter - the selection can't be beat. I don't believe I've seen cheaper prices for top quality product anywhere in the area. The butcher area has quite the selection and the staff is always more then willing to cut, trim or tenderize to your particular liking. The bakery section is pretty impressive, I ordered my daughter's birthday cake here in November and it was the best cannoli cake we've ever tasted and our entire family agreed.
This place gets pretty jammed up on the weekend's and finding parking, or room to shop, can be pretty tough. Sometimes the lines go as far back to the aisles, making it difficult to squeeze your cart through the crowd. I try to do most of my grocery shopping during the week if at all possible to avoid the hooplah. -
Review from Ling L.
9/1/2009
Joe Caputo is a grocery store that celebrates the wonder of cultural diversity, with its myriad fresh, unbruised produce to the various cuts of meat. Where can you find honeycomb tripe AND regular tripe (if you like that kinda delicacy)? AND ground beef, pork and veal in 1 package? Well, no more excuse for bad meatloaf, I guess.
Expect to find endless choices of European butter and bread at the other end of the grocery store. Unlike the usual Jewel and Dominick's, Caputo doesn't invest too much real estate to household supplies. Yes, paper plates, towels and dishwashing liquid are among the staples, but don't expect a big selection. This is a grocery store that stresses on edibles.
Miss your kinder eggs? Got it.
Need tapioca starch for that Southeast Asian dessert? No need for a Chinatown trip.
Want more coffee selection? Pick up your Illy here among others.
No time to prep the day's dinner? Stop by and pick up precooked food or marinated kebabs etc, and complete it with sweets at their confectionery.
The one negative is that shoppers can get too absorbed in their browsing, or wrapped up with their ethnic conversation that you have to detour. But if you stop and think about it, it's because of the diversity in Chicagoland that Caputo & Sons is able to deliver such a gem. -
Review from Vinifer D.
Palatine, IL
4/10/2009
Joe Caputos has a great selection of produce, meats, cheeses, fully prepared/raw marinated foods, and even a bakery section....among the already stocked grocery isles. Monday is my usual shopping day at Caputo's and I head straight to their prepared food section to see where or not they have something good. Every week there are different items to chooese from, so it always keeps me coming back.
Caputo's has an enormous cheese/deli section! I've never actually experienced it for myself because the lines are always soooo long. But, I'll get through it some day!
The baked good section is better than most bakeries I've been to...You must try a cannoli! It doesn't matter whether it's the traditional or chocolate covered one, but just try it! The mini pastries are excellent as well....plus they have freshly baked cookies!
I thing I didn't like about Joe Caputo's is their crab cake and arancini. I paid $2.99 for 1 crab cake (about 6 oz), and I found that it contained mostly fillers/breading and imitation crab meat!!!! Their arancini was not what I expected either....it contained, what tasted like, minute rice instead of arrborio.
Overall, Joe Caputo's is a great bang for your buck...You may find better deals at Jewel for grocery items, but won't find a better selection of meat, cheese, seafood and prepared items. -
Review from Samantha L.
Arlington Heights, IL
11/19/2009 2 Check-ins Here
They have very good selection of produce, it outshines that of any local Jewel or Dominick's in the area -- or even Whole Foods or Trader Joe's for that matter. Fantastic pricing, but if you can we would recommend Valli produce instead.
Many people flock to the elaborate deli area, which features twice as many cold cut/cheese options than any Jewel. Cheap, affordable prices and a selection that would dizzy any Dominick's shopper is what keeps people coming back
The downsides: sometimes the quality is not the best. We truly enjoy fresh green beans - and at $1.49 a pound, who wouldn't! At times, it can be difficult to find beans that are not broken or rotting. The other main downside is the entire meat department. The overall poor packaging often leads to leaky meat containers, which is something that can be difficult to handle (figuratively and literally). On occasion, they do have good deals on their meat, you just have to look for one that is packaged properly. -
Review from Cyrill K.
Palatine, IL
11/9/2010
As for the Joe Caputo's a and sons ion Palatine, it is a nice place. In the absence of other big names - this one stands out at the isle of low priced groceries (as compared to Whole Foods across the road) - but in comparison to other Caputo's stores..
The prices are on the higher side and the produce is not as fresh as you would like it to be. If you do not Spanish it may be hard to find help in the store (once I needed sour green apples - and guess how much time it took me to finally give up and say "whatever").
However meat selection is great and the kitchen ready goods are fantastic. So it is a good store - nothing outstanding, but a good one. -
Review from Tiffany L.
Wausau, WI
6/14/2010
As Do Mar Tuna. AS DO MAR TUNA! They have it. THEY have IT! Wahooooooo. It's not cheap, but I don't have to special order it online now. Hell YES.
Overall, I love wandering around Joe Captuo & Sons. I love the variety of stuff they have and they're very well priced. Their produce is usually quite good. I could spend hours wandering around and tossing exciting things I won't find at most other places in my cart. -
Review from Franklin D.
Arlington Heights, IL
1/3/2009
I stop in here because it is convenient for me to get to on my way to work.
This place has the best selection I've seen in the area. I've enjoyed wandering the aisles and finding new things to try, and have even found some new favorites. There are many international items that you will not find elsewhere, even places that have decent international selections. -
Review from Catherine S.
Lake Zurich, IL
PRODUCE! Best variety, best quality, best prices. Nothing comes close. Great bulk goods (baking, nuts, candies), too. And meat - I never buy Italian sausage anywhere else.
Pre-made Italian goods all the way at the far end of the deli are also fabulous, and that area is never as crazy busy as the deli itself.
Yes, the parking lot is usually crowded. Park a little further away and walk in, people. Problem solved. -
Review from beth a.
5/2/2011
not sure if the 'locatelli' pecorino romano is new or if the price of cheese just jumped along with gas...anyhow i passed and ill pick it up elsewhere this round
luv that i can grab all sorts of pasta here...ive never been the kid in the candy shop but the kid in the pasta aisle instead *sigh*
flowers bein sold the other day looked pretty unkempt but the cheap ass san pelligrino makes up for it -
Review from Ahren K.
Buffalo Grove, IL
4/29/2011
They have a great selection of produce and deli meats and cheese at very good prices. This is the main reason I come to Caputo's over Jewel or Dominicks. Their selection of other staples is limited but adequate. They have recently expanded this location, adding a lot more liquor and more dairy products.
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Review from Kathleen P.
Arlington Heights, IL
9/3/2009
I don't know what else I can add. The other reviewers have hit all the high notes. Except: Wow! This bright and cheerful store is large, clean and offers a mind boggling selection of produce, along with aisles of various ethnic goodies. Wonderful fresh meats, pastries & prepared food. And to top it all of, the prices are incredible!
Listed in: favorite grocery stores
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Review from Tina L.
Palatine, IL
2/15/2007
I shop here mostly for the deli meat b/c Boar's Head is so affordable here. I shop for most of my produce and herbs here as well, but it can be hit or miss. You really have to dig sometimes to find peppers or tomatoes that are unblemished. The produce is really cheap. I usually stick to veggies over fruit here.
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Review from Elaine N.
Arlington Heights, IL
11/11/2009
This place carries some items you won't find at other grocery stores near by, such as Boar's Head and Wright's Liquid Smoke. But parking is a real nightmare no matter when you go.
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Review from John F.
6/21/2006
This is a top notch grocery -- it's not just a "fruit market" at all! Besides great produce they have a nice meat selection, a very good deli, a bakery, take out foods (great lasagna when they have it), ethnic packaged goods and standard grocery items. As the name would suggest, emphasis is on Italian food (tons of varieites of pasta, for example), but other ethnic food is well represented too. Prices are very low. Drawbacks: parking lot is small (park away from store on shopping ceter side when crowded) and checkers are slow, even when not many people in the line. Also, note that the Des Plaines store is nothing like this one -- it's small, old, rather dirty and rest to avoid. Hopefully the Caputo's will see fit to tear it down and clone this one instead so we won't need to go so far to shop there.
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Review from Taylor M.
8/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoy shopping at Caputo's! They have the best produce and for cheap! I wouldn't come here for all my grocery shopping since thier pantry items can be a bit costly, I save that for the local Jewel sales. But, I come to Caputo's for my fresh fruits, veggies and meats. The employees are always friendly and helpful. I have never been disappointed!
Listed in: Bake for Me Baby!, Cooking at Home
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Review from Adele S.
Buffalo Grove, IL
5/8/2007
Good selection of produce, not always the freshest, depends when you go, I guess you have to meet the truck. Love the meat section, haven't gotten anythi8ng bad there yet...the only place I found that has stewing hens for soup (tho Garden Fresh in N'brook has fresh capons which are even better for soup) Meat is choice and usually a good buy, definitely cheaper than Jewel or Dominick's by a couple $ per lb on everything. If you don't see a cut of meat, ask the butcher. I wanted beef ribs and they got me like 10 lbs of meaty ribs for $10. Don't get fish here, I bought a whole red snapper and asked the fish guy to cut off the head and tail....didn't realize I had to ask him to gut the damn thing and scale it too...that's usually a given when you buy a whole fish, that it's scaled & gutted?
No experience with the bakery but I do love their focaccia when it's on sale...a half sheet for $7.99! Lots of ethnic products, small liquor selection. Tapioca and rice puddings are to die for, just loaded with heart-stopping heavy cream.
The store is fairly clean, no odd smells from the meat dept, a big thing with me...rotting meat doesn't please me.
As another reviewer said, parking lot is small, hard to maneuver. Park far away. -
Review from Leah B.
4/25/2009
I LOVE THIS PLACE. I drive past many other grocers quite a distance to get to this place and its well worth it. THe produce is fresher than most grocers at great prices. THe meat is really good quaility. I used to only buy meat from a butcher but the meat department at Caputo is awesome and cheaper that going to the butcher!! THey are helpful and will help you with what you need and the meat is teriffic. The fish is inexpensive and very fresh and the deli is like no other. THe people that work here are teriffic, helpful and very friendly. THeir ready made foods are really good and help this working mom make sure that we are eating healthy. This place is worth going the extra distance.
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Review from Yvonne Y.
5/10/2009
What a treasure as they have Asian eggplant, antipasto salad and all sorts of ethnic (eastern european) fresh produce. I even saw an aisle for Lithuanian and other eastern european food. If you're looking for organic produce, go somewhere else.
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Review from Grace L.
Glenview, IL
4/22/2010
This is a great market! I was a fan of the first one and am glad they have gotten closer to the northern burbs. They have great deals in the deli..the roast beef with au jus there is one of my favorite sandwich meats. Very convenient..plenty of produce, bakery, deli, meats, dairy products, great selection. Also, if you go to the far right side in the front they have discounted and slightly bruised produce. If there is anything there that you can use and you can be creative, it is a GREAT deal...e.g. we got a huge box of bananas for two bucks..my husband ate the nicer ones and the more damaged 'nas were made into banana bread and muffins.
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Review from Cindy S.
Palatine, IL
8/10/2007
I love Caputo's. They have the best prices and such a good selection of fruits & vegetables. They also have a great deli counter with a large selection of lunch meats, cheeses, & olives. The cashiers could be a little nicer and learn to say hello or thank you. I go there at least once a week.
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Review from jason a.
Wheeling, IL
6/14/2011
Fantastic produce. Prices change daily due to quality and availability of produce. If Chile has a bad season and they dont send good grapes, Caputos doesn't sell them. I love that. The deli counter is huge and they have a bunch of decent workers, but at busy times you wait. I suggest if the line is long grab a deli ticket and shop a little before you wait for the deli. All the Cuputo brand stuff is great and nicely priced. I almost want to give them a bad review so the store isn't so busy because I shop there at least twice a week. The meat counter is awesome. They have a bunch of stuff ready to go right on the grill.
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Review from Sandra L.
East Peoria, IL
5/13/2009
Was thrilled that we didn't have to drive to the city anymore when they opened the suburban location on Rand Road, Palatine. There is no better deli around and the assortment of salads, olives, pastries - I wondered if I really was in the suburbs! The atmosphere is great, very ethnic, European and we love the produce department with every kind of fresh veggie you could think of. Prices are so great and it's a fun place to shop.
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Review from Krystal W.
Gurnee, IL
4/26/2010
Love this place! Great produce, pretty good prices, great sales and lots of selection! I do wish the non produce items were cheaper tho!
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Review from Oleg K.
Buffalo Grove, IL
12/27/2009
This place where we shop every week is always really busy. So busy, that its hard to find parking outside, and just as hard to move your shopping cart around on the inside. But Its totally worth it - fresh, cheap, and friendly...
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Review from A. P.
Lake Zurich, IL
6/28/2006
A decent produce place to go to. Seems clean and organized at times. Produce and meat are hit or miss...sometimes fresh, sometimes not so much. I bought strawberries that were moldy the next day and chicken that smelled that same day. Watch the cashiers, sometimes you get overcharged. Instead of an apology, they get rather rude. Perhaps it's what day you go.
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Review from tracy s.
Barrington, IL
11/30/2007
4 1/2 stars if I could. This place is a great find after moving to the burbs from the City. Finally! I can cook all my international recipes without having to drive into Chicago to get an ingredient that can't be found in your local chain.
