- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot, Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Stong's Markets
Review Highlights
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"good produce and fresh meats from the butcher." In 6 reviews -
"...use Stong's grocery delivery service--their online site is..." In 3 reviews -
"Stong's has a great selection of local foods." In 3 reviews
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18 reviews in English
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Review from Dave C.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2011
Stong's is about service, good quality, and neighbourliness. It is rare that you need to wait long in line as they try to have enough people working to take care of the rush periods.
As long as you shop the sales prices are good. Try their specialty Turkey sausages. -
Review from Upset C.
Vancouver, BC
5/11/2012
This company does not appreciate the business we have given them to the extent of thousand dollars a month over the years. The problems with the order are ongoing and manyfold.
The online order arrives in atrocious condition.
The fact that raw meat products are not to be thrown in with the lettice without bags eclipses them each month. A dirty and heavy celery root should not be rolling over the delicate cilantro, both without a bag, is a lesson they cannot learn.
The current manager, Dean, unlike Mr. Lim in the past, is unfortunately too busy, thus is unable and unwilling to rectify a complaint constructively, while he agrees that the online order preparation is indeed very awful, giving the explanation that it is borderline retarded people who work there.
Leaving an item note is almost useless, as the opposite of the request happens. Dean's explanation makes this no surprise, as the people probably cannot read there.
My complaint was not even marginally handled.
It would be best to close this business.
STAY AWAY from this so-called 'high end' food sore, any food store is better. -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't know why I still enjoy coming here, despite no fresh bakery to buy lemon meringue pies or croissants. Just something I like to throw in when buying groceries. It's a bit small, and a bit nostalgic, guess it's the Dunbar air ;)
Prices aren't cheap but produce is fresh, and also an organic section. Especially that 4 litre organic milk for $9.99! ouch...
But the nice thing about this small location is less people which means not long lineups. -
Review from Joshua R.
3/14/2012
I don't get why people love Stongs.
I went to school down the road so occasionally would pop in with my mother for groceries -- I recall it being a bit grungy even then.
Fast forward 12 years and my parents have moved closeby to Southlands -- it's either IGA on 41st or Stongs. Stongs is still as grimy as ever, has narrow aisles, a seemingly understocked and poorly organized meat department (though as I found out you can ask for anything and ye shall receive, though it still irks me that each type of meat is spread over the whole fridge), and to reiterate, not enough space to actually enjoy a shop.
The selection is good, as are the prices, but there is no joy to be found in any of the narrow aisles. I love supermarkets and often show up at the supermarket without a list and just buy whatever looks good. Well, such a feat is practically impossible at Stongs because there are too many people for the allotted space, and too much product on the shelves to actually see anything.
As for the service -- don't give a shit really, its a supermarket not a whorehouse. -
Review from Lynne P.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 11/2/2011
An update to my earlier review:
I often use Stong's grocery delivery service--their online site is easy to use and the time saved in running around can be a godsend--but they truly went above and beyond in helping me out and getting a delivery to me today. I have been stuck at home sick for 3+ days, and even though they technically only do next day delivery and most of their drivers were gone for the day, they actually shopped and delivered an order to me in under an hour. It was awesome--the ginger, juice and Emergen-C they brought over was sorely needed.
I love Stong's--their prices are great and they are the very definition of great, small town-style customer service. Even though you're ordering online, you get better service than you would shopping in-person at most stores.
And hey, another benefit of online grocery shopping? You tend to eat healthier. There is far less opportunity to snag those bad for you impulse items when you're not cruising around with your cart--and having fresh food on hand prevents you from turning to take out.
That said: Stong's also delivers beer and wine :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/8/2011
I love Stong's, it is hands down one of the best supermarkets in the country, let alone Vancouver.
I… Read more »
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Review from Kimberley B.
Vancouver, BC
9/15/2010
As a child I used to loathe coming here with my mother as she'd invariably run into 14 people she knew and have the dreaded "stop and chat". Now as a semi adult, I cherish this. Stongs is an independently owned and run grocer, a huge contributor to the community and a fairly well kept secret as far as premiere grocers go. It carries many of the same brands and treats as Meinhardt and Capers but is less expensive (generally) and friendlier. Oh and puts effort into supplying local products whenever possible.
The deli alone is a reason to shop there. As a (somewhat closeted) non cook, I've faked my way through countless dinner parties thanks to this deli. They have unique and delicious salads, pastas and a huge variety of meats and cheeses.
Even though I live in Kits, when I confront my empty condiment jar filled fridge, Stong's is my go to. Plus: they have the most amazing plant sales every year with healthy, inexpensive plants, flowers and herbs etc that only the blackest (mine) thumb can kill.Listed in: local treasures, My life would suck without:
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Review from Trish R.
3/19/2011
Easy parking, great selection, fair prices and friendly staff... What more can you ask for?
It's a bit off my beaten path and quite a detour to stop here on my way home, but I do it because my other stops are gnarly time-suckers mostly around the parking thing.
What I love about Stong's is the ease and service. I'd be thrilled to have a Stong's in my neighbourhood! -
Review from Ido R.
Vancouver, BC
3/3/2010
Shall I compare thee to a Save-on or a Safe-off?
No, I shall not.
Stongs is our favorite supermarket. First, it is independent, locally owned.
Second, they have the best staff, and they actually care.
But mainly, they have a great variety of... well, everything. The choice and organic meat are the cheapest we found in town (correct me if I am wrong), their veggies are always fresh, and the deli is yummy and creative.
Love it! -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
8/27/2008
I hate grocery shopping..I love cooking..I just hate the entire process of getting the food into my kitchen..so I was super happy to discover a local grocery store that does on-line orders AND delivers it right to your door for an only $10 delivery fee...and when you become a regular it drops down to $5...
Stong's has a great selection of local foods..good produce and fresh meats from the butcher....
I hop on-line and within minutes my grocery shopping is done..no searching for parking..no squeaky carts and best of all no screaming kids in the candy aisle!! -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2008 1 photo
Stong's is very much a community market. When I was fund-raising for charity 18 months ago, Stong's came through with letting us raffle off a grocery gift certificate from the store. The manager on duty also helped us set up, checked in with us throughout the day, and just all-around wanted to help.
I've purchased the odd load of groceries here as well (it's a little far to be my normal spot) and find the produce and baked goods in particular to be excellent. And while you'd expect their prices to be the boutique version of Safeway, here's a comparison: Safeway coffee is $2.86/100g. Saltspring, organic coffee just $2.50/100g.
Oh, and it also offers valet parking for customers! Now that's service. -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
8/27/2008 2 photos
A few years ago, I attended a national conference for grocery store owners in Toronto (don't ask; it's a long story). In any case, I when that year's winner for best store in Canada was announced, I was tickled pink to discover that, not only did the winner hail from my hometown, but it also happened to be the only grocery store located in the neighbourhood where I grew up.
That store is Stong's.
If you've ever lived or spent any significant amount of time in the Dunbar area, you know about Stong's Market. Sure, it seems to be a bit pricier than other Vancouver grocery staples, but what it does, it does well. And it doesn't really need an award to prove that. Taking extra time and care to ensure quality products are kept stocked in every department. Stong's believes it offers the best quality and choice available when it comes to meat, deli, and produce. And, having sampled their fresh-baked cinnamon buns more often than I care to count, this is a claim I can most certainly vouch for. -
Review from Stephen Y.
Vancouver, BC
1/2/2009
My local market for the past seven years... Slightly more expensive than other places but definitely worth it. Almost Trader Joe'ish- w/o the store brands- in that the place has quite a diverse and eclectic selection of goods. The deli is pretty decent and the store does sell Savary Island pies !!! (yay !)
The meat selection and pretty good as well.
The cashiers have been there for years and one usually don't see the revolving door thing with other places. It's nice to see familiar and friendly faces in dreary sunday mornings when one has to go grocery shopping....
The parking lot is fairly spacious and one is usually able to find a space quickly. However, beware of people turning left into the lot which can totally slow down South- going traffic on Dunbar.
It's nice to have a locally- owned grocery store (there used to be a Stongo in WV as well- on Dundarave) instead of patronizing big national chains that sell crap.
Stongo is pretty much a Dunbar institution. -
Review from Reena M.
3/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really hate when grocery stores have the price of another product (usually cheaper) in front of the product I want to buy and head to the checkout stand and find out it's more expensive. That's what happened to me today when I went to buy a 4 pack of Butter's homemade oreo's here and the sign said $8.40 but they rang up as $11.99. But when I went back to check, $8.40 was the lemon loaf.
Anyway, that's my only gripe. It deserves 4 stars though because 1) they carry Butter baked goods!! And 2) they carry 2 Canadian sources of Buffalo mozzarella!! And I'm sure more of other good stuff. That's just what I noticed today. I will come back for that Mozzarella di buffala. -
Review from Ken Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/16/2009
Excellent local grocer. Staff is extremely helpful and friendly. It makes the most out of its space and does a good job providing a solid selection in each department.
Surprisingly, the cost is comparable to any of the large chains and cheaper than the Whole Foods/Capers of the world.
Nice touches...
- Bags are biodegradable
- Lean towards eco-friendly products without being self-righteous
- Staff is extremely helpful and nice (hardly ever see employee turnover which is a testament to how well it is run.)
- Turkey dollars
- Delivery
- mmmm... Cheese Sticks.... -
Review from Tim L.
9/20/2009
Stong's is by far the best grocery store you could go to in the Lower Mainland. They are everything to everyone.
Whether you're the health conscious, eco-aware, or even both, they are that type of store to you. That super hero Stong's bear in the parking lot isn't just a cute show piece, it is representative of their service and dedication to grocery goods.
This hyper-local grocery store not only offers top notch products, earth friendly bags, healthy alternatives, fresh produce and meats they do it all in that true blue understated way.
They're not like the big guys who do it for show and flash up the giant "Organic" or "Biodegradable" hoopla all over the store. These guys live it and walk the walk instead of just being full of talk.
Although you might not live in this neighborhood their delivery service is amazing in the fact that it isn't just restricted to just the surrounding area. They'll deliver as far off as Bowen Island! That's right these guys will take the friggen ferry over and deliver your food!
I'm not sure if there's a different delivery charge, it doesn't appear to be but that's pretty darned amazing!
Granted I'm too far to reach this place regularly, given the fact that I still come here when I can and that I'm not alone in doing so says a lot about this place. -
Review from Kevin G.
Vancouver, BC
12/23/2009
Stong's is just great! It stocks everything from the UK that we enjoy and can't get elsewhere. Where else can you get mulled wine sachets at Xmas (tried a lot of other places - most had never heard of this)? And they deliver exactly to the minute you've arranged.
A chain-supermarket's range and prices, with an independant 'local' feel.
Keep it up! -
Review from Lynn H.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2010
10 Things I Love About Stongs:
1) Community grocery store that really feels like part of the community.
2) Fresh produce with lots of variety and seasonal awareness (unlike some ... cough*safeway*cough
3) Two Words: Roast Chicken. Enough said!
4) Burgoo stew stocked in the freezer section (see my Burgoo review for the story behind this discovery). This brings be to...
5) Stongs makes an effort to offer food from local restaurants and local farms in every section of the store.
6) Lamb-Mango sausages that make me drool.
7) Great selection of food and prep-materials from every culture including our own. (see 5)
8) The store changes with every season. My hands down favourite is winter when there are great stocking stuffers and treats for even the sweetest of tooths.
9) The staff is friendly and always willing to help. They will approach you if they see you wandering aimlessly though the aisles and on more than one occasion they have helped me find a rare recipe ingredient or pointed me towards a store that could.
10) I did much of my growing up just down the street from Stongs and Roast Chickens, great sausages, fresh produce, and deli delights were often on the menu. People here will make an effort to remember your name and I rarely go in without running into someone I grew up with, played sports with or went to school with. Simply the Best! -
Review from Jenny G.
Richmond, BC
2/28/2011
The place to buy groceries in this area.
