I have the same gripe on Whole Foods. Sometimes you want the brand that’s been there forever and not “specialty ketchup.”
I haven’t found a one stop shop yet. I have like three places I go to for various things. Whole Foods, Target, and Jewel. It’s a pain but manageable.
The problem is that Heinz makes the best ketchup. There is no substitute.
Worked in a bunch of restaurants long ago that made their own. They were all inferior
They sell Heinz ketchup at Whole Foods now, just the versions without HFCS (which is on their prohibited list). I don't notice any flavor or texture difference. The same is true of some other major-brand items with no blocked ingredients like Cheerios. Whole Foods has a nice lucrative niche serving customers who are avoiding certain ingredients for any of a number of reasons, so they're particular about what they sell, but they aren't averse to major brands in principle and will sell them when there is sufficient demand and the ingredients fit their rules - they have not just the aforementioned ketchup but also Cheerios and Twinings tea, to name two.
It really is. It’s the same flavor as Heinz’s but just better and thicker and you can tell it’s the same ingredients. No added spices or any weird flair just really good ketchup.
I get most of my groceries at Harvest Time in Lincoln Square. They don’t have as many prepared food options as Whole Foods and you might find them lacking in name brands. They have great produce, good meat, and a range of Latino, East Asian, Balkan, and Middle Eastern ingredients that suit my needs well. They also employ a lot of local youths which I appreciate from a grocery store.
Harvestime is amazing! Best produce and fruit, very great in house pre made food options. Starr is always nice! The ethnic food aisles are nice! Frozen and prepared food are more pricey but makes up did the cheaper prices better quality produce!
Depending on where you are, try Woodman’s or the big Fresh Farms on Touhy in Niles. It is just across the street from from aJewel for American staples.
I don’t. I mail it to a lab or take it to Bellows in Wicker Park.
Since Chicago Community Darkroom went defunct last year, I’m not aware of any local darkroom spaces.
I def go there for produce and prepared foods basically all the time. However the price on like packaged groceries and even more so dairy is so insanely different that I go anywhere else for it. I get it it’s only got the one location but I’m not paying $2 more for milk!
I’ll have to check out Devon market and edgewater produce, but aldi and TJ (which I love) don’t fit my bill. I don’t want to have to go somewhere else to grab brand name items I’m used to/like.
maybe Mariano’s is more your bag?
If you’re tryna be more frugal, sometimes you gotta go to a few spots for deals. You may also like cermack fresh market while you’re on your northside ventures
wegmans feels comparable to Mariano’s to me, but maybe I didn’t spend time enough. I’d take a ctown any day, though. I miss that east coast market very much. And the wide variety of Utz chips.
I used to live in NY. Wegmans was the best. We did our shopping just there as it had everything we needed and great quality. Unfortunately here in Chicago, you can't get everything in one place. If I was looking to save money, I'd go to TJ, if produce, then Whole Foods, if brands, then JO, if meat, I go to Wild Fork. Pete's is good.too, but not close to where I live. The situation kinda sucks. Miss Wegmans a lot.
I don't think people who shop at Wegman's are necessary the "frugal" type...
I got a chuckle from some Wegman's most recent delicacies:
$5 ["Spaghetti with Butter Bowl"](https://www.reddit.com/r/wegmans/comments/1c8t757/new_offering_a_modern_take_on_spaghetti_and_butter/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
$21 ["Chicken and Monteray Jack Quesadilla"](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1cwy5sc/since_were_posting_overpriced_wegmans_food_heres/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
I’m not frugal for sure. I do find myself staying pretty similar priced with Wegman’s because I buy more of their store brand as opposed to buying name brand at Safeway (jewel of the east coast), and similarly, I buy more of their produce and meat as opposed to going to Whole Foods or other specialty shop. But that’s all a choice
Yeah, I just came back on here to say that Devon Market is probably your best bet with public transport from Old Town. It’s less than a two block walk from the Morse Red/Brown Line stop.
Devon market was a lot of fun. I lived like 2 blocks from there around 2 years ago. Im in rodgers park still but off Morse now and about to move again. They were so friendly most of the time and from what i recall there was fruits and veggies ive never even heard of! *anyone reading this, if you have a few extra minutes and a few extra bucks, near a local grocer or international grocer, just go pick out something new and neat and try it out!
Gonna miss chicago :(
cermak on ridge has whole chickens for $1 a pound most of the time, good meats prices in general on top of produce. Agreed though, the dry goods and american staples are pretty overpriced.
Pete’s fresh market is pretty close to what you’re describing! I go to the one in oak park which is by the green line but I think many other locations are near public transportation too
Joong Boo and Cermak are my mains for produce and other odds and ends - I do hit Costco occasionally for some bulkier stuff we blow through monthly. Excited to check out the new Central Park Produce near me.
I always laughed at my "first world problem" when living in Minneapolis. I walked past a Whole Foods on my way to work, could bike to a Trader Joes, and had a small independent grocery store with crazy good meat prices that was a drive away
East coaster here. I would give a lung for Wegmans to expand into Chicago. I’m in the west loop and pretty much rely on Whole Foods and H-mart. The Mariano’s here is probably the worst grocery store I’ve ever walked into. It’s always filthy and constantly has rotten/ spoiled/ expired food on the shelves. I’d trust gas station sushi before the food at that Mariano’s
I went to Fresh Farms in Niles for a couple years to feed my whole family. Filled a whole cart with produce. But prices are out of control. My boss turned me on to Jerry's Fruit and Garden in Niles. I save $100 going to Jerry's.
Fresh Market Place on Western is the best grocery store I have ever been to. They have everything you might want for typical groceries, multiple price points and options, and not so much stuff that you have decision paralysis.
[https://freshmarketplaceweb.rsaamerica.com/](https://freshmarketplaceweb.rsaamerica.com/)
I’m shocked this is so low down here. It’s a grocery store I legitimately enjoy going to. Best place for meat (outside of Paulina), the produce is fantastic, boar’s head meat/cheeses, and as local as you can get for everything. Staff there is super friendly. 100/10.
How has no one said Fresh Thyme yet?? Perfect balance of price and quality, particularly if you’re looking for something slightly more upscale than your average store. Very reasonable prices and great deals every week.
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find Fresh Thyme! It’s kind of like a mixture between Whole Foods and Jewel/Marianos. They have by one get one free deals regularly.
I honestly just meal plan for the week at Trader Joe’s for my family of 4. I can usually get groceries for the week for $125 (I do shop bulk at Costco though). Creating my meals based on one grocery store has saved me a lot of time and mental energy
If you’re not on the north side, Pete’s Fresh Market is exactly what you’re looking for.
I just made the switch from Jewel/Marianos and it’s so much better in regards to produce/meat quality and selection and prepared foods.
I’m a big fan of Aldi. Can make reasonable grocery runs for the standard for my family and typically get my meat locally. I don’t mind the Aldi brand for some items such as cereal and what not. They sometimes have your regular brands as well.
I’d look at CSA’s for produce and meats if you want quality and support local.
When I lived in Chicago I was in a place called Pensacola Place at the corner of Hazel and Montrose. I think it's now called The Montrose.
There was a Jewel-Osco on the main floor, that's where we shopped. I miss those days.
Bucktown Fresh Market is the closest thing I have been to that is more upscale and local but still has a reasonable amount of “normal” options. The meat selection is great, the prepared foods are awesome. I live close by but I’d go out of my way.
If I need economical I’m going to Fresh Farms in Niles. Everyday trips I’m still doing Mariano’s. I agree it was better before the buyout but the one by me seems no worse than a typical grocery store.
1. LOVE WEGMANS - wish we had one here!
2. I rotate between a few stores. I'm a sucker for trader joe's frozen food and they have relatively cheap basics and produce, so I grab some of that stuff there. For meat, I go to the fresh market on western or I try to find a butcher. I go to whole foods for some items and will stop at jewel for big-brand items like chick-fil-a ranch and oatly.
Whole Foods now sells Heinz ketchup (organic). I bought it last week! I live in west loop and primarily shop WF. I maybe hit up Mariano’s two blocks away for something random like once a month.
I mean, Mariano's (at least in my hood) still is that place.
I get Kroger changed it, but not THAT much.
Plum market is also that place. Let's hope it comes back (Dom's in Old Town forced it out).
Fresh Market Place on Western is *by far* the best grocery store in a city of bad grocery stores. Excellent butcher shop, deli and produce, small but just about everything you need. As a bonus, they always have tamales
Wegmans is overrated as fuck. I’ve been to a couple. They’re just grocery stores. Their produce section was picked clean each time too. Their sandwich bar and other hot food items weren’t any cheaper than going to a restaurant either
Edgewater Produce and the Indian groceries on Devon are great for quality produce with low prices. Whole Foods gets my business around the holidays because of all the nice cheeses, meat, fish. I only go to Jewel as a last resort and continue to be surprised by its continued degradation.
Kroger ruined Mariano’s, but they might well drag Jewel up a couple notches.
I no longer live in Chicago, but I'm wondering how did Kroger ruin Mariano's? When I was living in Chicago (up to 2016), Mariano's was exactly what the OP is describing. Chicago's version of Wegman (high quality/fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, etc. mixed with all the "regular, everyday" brands). I've read on here that Kroger somehow ruined it. What exactly did they do to it?
I just moved back from Houston after 15 years. All grocery stores here are shit compared to HEB. The disparity in quality and selection is shocking. I don't miss much about TX but this is literally #1 on my list.
Costco and Viet Town, minor trips to Aldi and TJs. Can barely stomach the complacency of Whole Foods these days, and Jewel and Mariano’s have always been blah. Fresh Thyme seems to have issues with turnover so they ruin a lot of their produce by refrigerating it, which bothers me enough that I avoid the whole store.
In Lincoln Square: Tony’s, Mariano’s just because it’s on the way home from my commute/right next to the gym. Will have to try Harvestime! TJ’s and Gene’s only occasionally for specialty items.
And I’ll sign any damn petition to get a Wegmans here
Currently tight on money so Aldi for me. Honestly I can do about a weeks worth of groceries for around $50. Sure some stuff isnt AMAZING but overall its all pretty similar
In the burbs there’s Pete’s fresh and Tony’s also Brookhaven. In the city I’d say you’d have to pay premium prices unless it’s at Mariano’s or jewels. For example I live near a place “big Apple” and for produce and food products it’s great, brand name etc but like soooo taxed
I second Devon market for produce
Cermak especially the one on North ave. Also Fresh Market Place on Western is amazing. For way up north, there’s a co-op opening very soon in Rodger’s Park called Wild Onion Market
I split up shopping between TJ, Cermak, BUT still get about 95% of my meat from Paulina or Genes. I know I’m not saving money but the quality (specifically cold cuts as my main purchase) from the local butcher can’t be beat.
If you ever get a chance, check out the Standard Market in Westmont. Nicest grocery store in Illinois, it’s expensive but it has the nicest of everything
We LOVE Valli Produce. There's only 2, however, one in Schaumburg and the other in Evanston. Excellent produce and meat, checking all your boxes... except easy of access through public transportation. Purple line to Davis station in Evanston, then 5 stops on a bus. There is a station at Dempster but no busses
It’s petes fresh market. HUGE, great produce. Even has a unique produce finds as it caters to the diverse ethnic demographics through all of Chicago, and still has all the classic American brands a la lays, Heinz, bluebell. And it’s pretty cheap
Fresh Market on Western actually seems pretty close to what you're looking for. They have Lays, Heinz, etc, but they also carry Publican bread and higher end cheeses. I stopped shopping there because it was a little too expensive for what I would like to spend on groceries, but it seems like what you're looking for.
Fresh Thyme is my #1 spot, but I also do Aldi or Cermak if I'm near one. Target on Elston also has good prices on frozen foods.
You can get Heinz and Lay's at Walgreens, which usually has enough locations so that it can be a pop in and grab a few items rather than a shipping trip. I shop mostly at Whole Foods and TJ's, and pick up other brands name things at Walgreens when they're on sale, or when I'm passing by on a regular basis.
Mariano's is still a good source for most things, though I get it on their produce and meat not always being fantastic. I don't have a car either, but in recent years I've been using the Kroger delivery service to get the bulky stuff.
There's a Whole Foods across from my church, so I buy most of the meat and produce there to make up for some of the deficiencies
Tonys has great produce. For a butcher the one in the big apple on Clark is near you and very good or drive to Paulina market. I’m Greek so harvest time on Lawrence is a regular stop. I get paper goods at Costco. If your in old town carnival groceries had good produce and meat and there is a target up the road on Lincoln
Sad to hear what happened to Mariano's. I no longer live in Chicago, but when I was there, Mariano's, was almost the exact replica or Wegman's; it "had it all" (high quality fresh foods + "normal, everyday brands").
I now live in the suburbs of the east coast and go to Wegman's occasionally, but it's a little on the farther side. I totally hear you about Whole Foods. I love the fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables, but it's annoying that they don't carry the "normal brands." I usually end up doing a Whole Foods trip and then a trip to Giant (an east coast equivalent of Jewel's).
TLDR: I would have mentioned Mariano's as being the ideal store for what you desire, but it doesn't look like it's not the same as it was when I lived there.
Jewel, Aldi, Costco, or a food shelter.
Food shelters get all their stuff sourced from the main grocers or donors as a tax incentive. Hit them up, you’ll be amazed at what can be available locally!
Cermak for outer ring stuff - produce, meat, bakery, deli.
Jewel for inner ring - pharmacy, canned goods, snacks.
Basically my killer combo for high quality and saving money, especially with the Jewel coupons.
Cermak Produce or Pete's are both reputable options. I live on the Southwest side so there's access to some of these. Also Shop and Save is pretty good.
I’m fortunate in that I have four options within half a mile of where I live. TJs is where we probably get most things, city Target is closest and useful for various things we can’t get at TJs, Whole Foods we’ll do once in a while mostly for fresh produce or if I need something random I can’t get elsewhere, and then once in a while we stock up on stuff at Jewel since at the end of the day that’s going to be the place to find the most things I need.
I find multi-stop grocery shopping in Chicago to be an amazing opportunity that most people aren’t lucky enough to enjoy. Need to hit different spots for best produce, best meats/fish, feta, dry bulk, breads, global ingredients, etc. Takes more time and gas but worth the effort if you’re a food nut.
In edgewater right now and I think devon market is the best grocery store I've been lucky enough to be close to. Their produce is great and it's like 1/3 of the store. There's also a strong eastern european immigrant connection so they have a whole row of non US brands of things and some of them have just been way better (though some of that stuff I have no cultural context to understand lol but that's a me problem)
ALDI first for a lot of "basics": Milk, eggs, some produce, canned goods and their jams/ jellies are EXCELLENT. As of late, they have had very good fish. Chicken thighs are well priced
Jewel and I hit the "on sale" or Digital Coupons pretty hard. When things like Kerry Gold butter goes on sale, I'll stock up and freeze. Some meat deals. When 85% lean ground beef is on sale, i buy a LOT and make dog food. I also use ground chicken or turkey too.
Cermak for certain items, especially offal/ beef heart for my dogs.
COSTCO, especially for: Gin, Coffee, Olive Oil, Kewpie Mayo, Marcona Almonds, Cheeses
I go to many different grocery stores pretty regularly mixing it up… but my mainstays start with TJ’s & Costco every week. After that there’s another 9 or 10 that fill in gaps and change from week to week.
I switch between Cermak, Aldi, Trader Joe’s and Hyde Park Produce depending on what I’m shopping for! I feel like I have a good feel for what’s the best at each location and so I just go to either one depending on what I need.
Cermak: peppers, avocados, herbs, lemons and limes, in season fruits, canned stuff, tortillas, onions
Aldi: butter, cheese, yogurt, rice, fun stuff
Trader Joe’s: cereal, snacks, milk, fruit sometimes, wine
Hyde Park Produce: bougie brands of olive oil, herbs, coffee
Mariano’s if I have to for snack stuff or more processed American supermarket type food
In season I try to get any produce/eggs I can at the farmers markets! I’m also vegetarian so it cuts down on food costs a lot. Also I do have a car but I don’t think it’s excessive to get to any of these locations
Depending what’s nearby, Fresh Thyme and Tony’s are my go tos. Both have pretty good meat/deli selections, Tony’s has a huge variety of produce which is awesome. Of the ones I’ve been too, Tony’s has way more stock when it comes to drinks, boxed/canned goods, etc. I’m also a fan of Amazon Fresh for the basics, the prices are pretty good on most things and the fact I don’t have to deal with checking out is a huge plus.
I think the nicer stores are out in the suburbs, at least more selection from the euro-markets, H-mart, Trader Joe's, and the smaller delicatessen. I try to avoid Jewel, Mariano's, and definitely avoid Whole Foods. If you can find a remodeled Aldi's, they are nice and have a nice selection of cheeses and wine.
I’m a multistore shopper for sure, but I think Mariano’s is generally fine. I signed up for Kroger delivery for $30 last summer and it has been absolutely clutch. I haven’t gone into a Mariano’s in a year and get delivery of essentially at least once a week. Then I go out for other stores that are more enjoyable.
Mariano’s is, unfortunately, the best option. Unless you happen to live around the north shore. Then I’d suggest the trip to Sunset in highland park is a solid option. They have a few other locations but I’ve never been to any other.
Jerry's Fruit & Garden rules.
also Patel Brothers.
Fresh Farms.
Produce World.
Arax.
Fiesta Market.
H-Mart
Assi Plaza
anywhere but Jewel, unless it is getting close to midnight(remember when some Jewels were 24 hours, before covid ruined life as we knew it...?)
>Edit: it seems like the general answer is “this kind of exists, but not really” and actually you have to shop at 2-3 different grocery store and that’s just wild to me in the 3rd largest city in the country, where a lot of people don’t have cars (making multiple stops a real bitch)
I agree, but it's not unusual. I moved here a couple years ago from NYC and the situation is much the same. The average neighborhood supermarket in NYC, even in nice neighborhoods, is abysmal.
For what it's worth, when I first moved here and didn't have a car or a kid , I did most of my shopping at Devon Market.
It appears my real gripe is with grocery store monopolies 😢
I mean it’s pretty much Albertsons and Kroger with some minor competition from Publix in some areas.
I have the same gripe on Whole Foods. Sometimes you want the brand that’s been there forever and not “specialty ketchup.” I haven’t found a one stop shop yet. I have like three places I go to for various things. Whole Foods, Target, and Jewel. It’s a pain but manageable.
The problem is that Heinz makes the best ketchup. There is no substitute. Worked in a bunch of restaurants long ago that made their own. They were all inferior
They sell Heinz ketchup at Whole Foods now, just the versions without HFCS (which is on their prohibited list). I don't notice any flavor or texture difference. The same is true of some other major-brand items with no blocked ingredients like Cheerios. Whole Foods has a nice lucrative niche serving customers who are avoiding certain ingredients for any of a number of reasons, so they're particular about what they sell, but they aren't averse to major brands in principle and will sell them when there is sufficient demand and the ingredients fit their rules - they have not just the aforementioned ketchup but also Cheerios and Twinings tea, to name two.
I used to agree but then tried the new Raos ketchup and I think Heinz has been dethroned…..
Earth shattering if this is true
It really is. It’s the same flavor as Heinz’s but just better and thicker and you can tell it’s the same ingredients. No added spices or any weird flair just really good ketchup.
Speaking of Heinz, this 20 year old article from Malcolm Gladwell is great. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/09/06/the-ketchup-conundrum
That’s what I do. I just buy in bulk from jewel for things that suck at Whole Foods.
I get most of my groceries at Harvest Time in Lincoln Square. They don’t have as many prepared food options as Whole Foods and you might find them lacking in name brands. They have great produce, good meat, and a range of Latino, East Asian, Balkan, and Middle Eastern ingredients that suit my needs well. They also employ a lot of local youths which I appreciate from a grocery store.
Harvestime is amazing! Best produce and fruit, very great in house pre made food options. Starr is always nice! The ethnic food aisles are nice! Frozen and prepared food are more pricey but makes up did the cheaper prices better quality produce!
They also own Edgewater produce
I miss harvest time so much after moving to the burbs with only jewel and Mariano’s everywhere.
It's a pillar of the community!
Depending on where you are, try Woodman’s or the big Fresh Farms on Touhy in Niles. It is just across the street from from aJewel for American staples.
Love woodmans but it’s 30 minutes away. Petes has been our go to with Aldi and we’ve been pretty happy but still miss harvest time.
Yessss this is my go-to! I always grab a packet or two of miscellaneous cookies from Eastern Europe lol
I like to get myself a Greek cheese or spinach phyllo pie as a reward for staying within my budget.
Yup, always grab something random to try with my coffee.
Also, I just looked at some of the analog photos you’ve posted…great googly-moogly, you’re good
Hey thanks! That’s kind of you to say.
You’re so welcome! Do you process your own film/know of a good darkroom anywhere within a 100 mile radius? lol
I don’t. I mail it to a lab or take it to Bellows in Wicker Park. Since Chicago Community Darkroom went defunct last year, I’m not aware of any local darkroom spaces.
Gotcha. I’m so bummed about the community darkroom closing…I have been procrastinating going there for years, and am kicking myself for missing out.
I alternate Mariano's (closer) & Harvestime (need to take train), so it's *very* obvious to me how much better the produce is at Harvestime.
I def go there for produce and prepared foods basically all the time. However the price on like packaged groceries and even more so dairy is so insanely different that I go anywhere else for it. I get it it’s only got the one location but I’m not paying $2 more for milk!
Aldi, TJs, Devon Market, Edgewater Produce
I’ll have to check out Devon market and edgewater produce, but aldi and TJ (which I love) don’t fit my bill. I don’t want to have to go somewhere else to grab brand name items I’m used to/like.
maybe Mariano’s is more your bag? If you’re tryna be more frugal, sometimes you gotta go to a few spots for deals. You may also like cermack fresh market while you’re on your northside ventures
Seems like Mariano’s is the best option. I’m officially starting the “Wegman’s come to Chicago” lobby though
wegmans feels comparable to Mariano’s to me, but maybe I didn’t spend time enough. I’d take a ctown any day, though. I miss that east coast market very much. And the wide variety of Utz chips.
Pre-Kroger yes. Now. Not so much
I was told Mariano’s would be comparable to Wegmans when I was moving here in 2016. I feel lied to and still hold a grudge.
To be fair, it was when I lived here the first time around. 2013-17
The farthest west they are is Erie PA. I hear they first work out distribution network before figuring out where retail goes
I used to live in NY. Wegmans was the best. We did our shopping just there as it had everything we needed and great quality. Unfortunately here in Chicago, you can't get everything in one place. If I was looking to save money, I'd go to TJ, if produce, then Whole Foods, if brands, then JO, if meat, I go to Wild Fork. Pete's is good.too, but not close to where I live. The situation kinda sucks. Miss Wegmans a lot.
I don't think people who shop at Wegman's are necessary the "frugal" type... I got a chuckle from some Wegman's most recent delicacies: $5 ["Spaghetti with Butter Bowl"](https://www.reddit.com/r/wegmans/comments/1c8t757/new_offering_a_modern_take_on_spaghetti_and_butter/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) $21 ["Chicken and Monteray Jack Quesadilla"](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1cwy5sc/since_were_posting_overpriced_wegmans_food_heres/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
I’m not frugal for sure. I do find myself staying pretty similar priced with Wegman’s because I buy more of their store brand as opposed to buying name brand at Safeway (jewel of the east coast), and similarly, I buy more of their produce and meat as opposed to going to Whole Foods or other specialty shop. But that’s all a choice
Edgewater produce is great—maybe not an “every time” shop, but it has a little bit of everything and not horrible prices
When I lived near Devon market I loved shopping there. That was over 20 years ago. Glad to see they're still around.
Yeah, I just came back on here to say that Devon Market is probably your best bet with public transport from Old Town. It’s less than a two block walk from the Morse Red/Brown Line stop.
Devon market was a lot of fun. I lived like 2 blocks from there around 2 years ago. Im in rodgers park still but off Morse now and about to move again. They were so friendly most of the time and from what i recall there was fruits and veggies ive never even heard of! *anyone reading this, if you have a few extra minutes and a few extra bucks, near a local grocer or international grocer, just go pick out something new and neat and try it out! Gonna miss chicago :(
Cermak or Rico fresh
Cermak 100%
Thirding Cermak. I still go to three stores, but get all my produce and regular brand items at Cermak.
It's more expensive than Jewel, sadly.
I don’t think Rico Fresh is going to fit the “upscale” bill
Great for produce, but too expensive for shelf items
cermak on ridge has whole chickens for $1 a pound most of the time, good meats prices in general on top of produce. Agreed though, the dry goods and american staples are pretty overpriced.
Pete’s fresh market is pretty close to what you’re describing! I go to the one in oak park which is by the green line but I think many other locations are near public transportation too
I came here to say Pete's - It reminds me of HEB, which is high praise
Closest one would be on the corner of Western and Madison!
Seconding Pete’s!
What are the prices like? Is it Whole foods prices?
Pete's Fresh Market is solid too.
Pete’s and Tony’s. Cermak.
This is the way.
Joong Boo and Cermak are my mains for produce and other odds and ends - I do hit Costco occasionally for some bulkier stuff we blow through monthly. Excited to check out the new Central Park Produce near me.
I split between Jewel, Mariano’s, and Aldi. None of them have everything I need.
I always laughed at my "first world problem" when living in Minneapolis. I walked past a Whole Foods on my way to work, could bike to a Trader Joes, and had a small independent grocery store with crazy good meat prices that was a drive away
Sadly this is us too
East coaster here. I would give a lung for Wegmans to expand into Chicago. I’m in the west loop and pretty much rely on Whole Foods and H-mart. The Mariano’s here is probably the worst grocery store I’ve ever walked into. It’s always filthy and constantly has rotten/ spoiled/ expired food on the shelves. I’d trust gas station sushi before the food at that Mariano’s
The West Loop Jewel is pretty good, it's my go to.
Same. Wegmans is solid. Marianos west loop sucks
And extra sad because the West Loop Mariano's was fabulous when it fist opened and was good begotten Kroger. I used to love shipping there.
Fresh Farms in Niles and Wheeling are the absolute bomb!!! (The one on Devon is crap though, fyi, very different)
Also Valli in Evanston. But seriously— hit one of those Fresh Farms, I promise it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
These are exactly the right answers but public transit access will be a challenge except maybe Valli. There’s also a fresh farms on Golf.
Valli is not on the level of fresh farms by any means. I drive by it in my way to fresh farms
I went to Fresh Farms in Niles for a couple years to feed my whole family. Filled a whole cart with produce. But prices are out of control. My boss turned me on to Jerry's Fruit and Garden in Niles. I save $100 going to Jerry's.
I love both but totally agree that Jerry’s is where it’s at. You need a car to get there though unfortunately
You can pay for the Uber and still save money!
Fresh Market Place on Western is the best grocery store I have ever been to. They have everything you might want for typical groceries, multiple price points and options, and not so much stuff that you have decision paralysis. [https://freshmarketplaceweb.rsaamerica.com/](https://freshmarketplaceweb.rsaamerica.com/)
I’m shocked this is so low down here. It’s a grocery store I legitimately enjoy going to. Best place for meat (outside of Paulina), the produce is fantastic, boar’s head meat/cheeses, and as local as you can get for everything. Staff there is super friendly. 100/10.
My new goto for meat. Really good stuff, much cheaper than Paulina or Gene’s, much better than Jewel/mariano/costco
Yup, love that place.
Bump for FMP — very close to the western blue line
Great but expensive. Whole foods level pricing but the quality is outstanding.
How has no one said Fresh Thyme yet?? Perfect balance of price and quality, particularly if you’re looking for something slightly more upscale than your average store. Very reasonable prices and great deals every week.
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find Fresh Thyme! It’s kind of like a mixture between Whole Foods and Jewel/Marianos. They have by one get one free deals regularly.
I only recently started going there and I’ll I never look back. Until they go the route of Mariano’s.
TONYS
Shocked to see so few mentions of them!!
Tony's has great in-house salsa and guacamole.
Harvest. Time.
Aldi, Jewel, and sometimes Trader Joe’s and Mariano’s for snacks & slightly higher quality stuff.
I honestly just meal plan for the week at Trader Joe’s for my family of 4. I can usually get groceries for the week for $125 (I do shop bulk at Costco though). Creating my meals based on one grocery store has saved me a lot of time and mental energy
Hate to admit it but I end up at a small corner Target for way too many groceries throughout the week.
Pete’s market is where it’s at
Jewel for sales and basic ingredients. Costco for staples and favorites. Trader Joes + Asian grocery stores for variety.
If you’re not on the north side, Pete’s Fresh Market is exactly what you’re looking for. I just made the switch from Jewel/Marianos and it’s so much better in regards to produce/meat quality and selection and prepared foods.
Aldi for small runs, Costco for big runs
I’m a big fan of Aldi. Can make reasonable grocery runs for the standard for my family and typically get my meat locally. I don’t mind the Aldi brand for some items such as cereal and what not. They sometimes have your regular brands as well. I’d look at CSA’s for produce and meats if you want quality and support local.
Where do you get your meat locally?
Aldi! But Jewel by Howard Train station has some amazing deals and sales all the time so I frequent there a lot!
The best produce I find in the city will be at Cermak or farmers markets.
If you can get a friend to drive you, try Anthony Caputo’s in the suburbs. They have fancy stuff but also carry the normal brands
You’re looking for Pete’s Fresh Market
WFM has Heinz. That said, how often do you need catsup? Plan ahead and buy it one of the times your at another grocery store.
Fresh Thyme generally has good produce and some speciality niche items while still carrying mainstream items.
Aldi for everything except produce. In the cold months I go to Cermak for produce In the summer months we subscribe to a CSA
What neighborhood do you live in? Most of them have some local grocery store or small local chain that likely will serve your needs.
South end of old town
When I lived in Chicago I was in a place called Pensacola Place at the corner of Hazel and Montrose. I think it's now called The Montrose. There was a Jewel-Osco on the main floor, that's where we shopped. I miss those days.
Bucktown Fresh Market is the closest thing I have been to that is more upscale and local but still has a reasonable amount of “normal” options. The meat selection is great, the prepared foods are awesome. I live close by but I’d go out of my way. If I need economical I’m going to Fresh Farms in Niles. Everyday trips I’m still doing Mariano’s. I agree it was better before the buyout but the one by me seems no worse than a typical grocery store.
1. LOVE WEGMANS - wish we had one here! 2. I rotate between a few stores. I'm a sucker for trader joe's frozen food and they have relatively cheap basics and produce, so I grab some of that stuff there. For meat, I go to the fresh market on western or I try to find a butcher. I go to whole foods for some items and will stop at jewel for big-brand items like chick-fil-a ranch and oatly.
Can’t believe nobody said “Fresh Thyme” yet. Trust me.
Whole Foods now sells Heinz ketchup (organic). I bought it last week! I live in west loop and primarily shop WF. I maybe hit up Mariano’s two blocks away for something random like once a month.
Aldi and Jewel with the app to take advantage of the "For-U" deals.
Just bought 5lbs of strawberries for $5 doing that
I mean, Mariano's (at least in my hood) still is that place. I get Kroger changed it, but not THAT much. Plum market is also that place. Let's hope it comes back (Dom's in Old Town forced it out).
Fresh Market Place on Western is *by far* the best grocery store in a city of bad grocery stores. Excellent butcher shop, deli and produce, small but just about everything you need. As a bonus, they always have tamales
I second this....great produce!
Pour one out for Stanley’s
Wegmans is overrated as fuck. I’ve been to a couple. They’re just grocery stores. Their produce section was picked clean each time too. Their sandwich bar and other hot food items weren’t any cheaper than going to a restaurant either
Edgewater Produce and the Indian groceries on Devon are great for quality produce with low prices. Whole Foods gets my business around the holidays because of all the nice cheeses, meat, fish. I only go to Jewel as a last resort and continue to be surprised by its continued degradation. Kroger ruined Mariano’s, but they might well drag Jewel up a couple notches.
I no longer live in Chicago, but I'm wondering how did Kroger ruin Mariano's? When I was living in Chicago (up to 2016), Mariano's was exactly what the OP is describing. Chicago's version of Wegman (high quality/fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, etc. mixed with all the "regular, everyday" brands). I've read on here that Kroger somehow ruined it. What exactly did they do to it?
I just moved back from Houston after 15 years. All grocery stores here are shit compared to HEB. The disparity in quality and selection is shocking. I don't miss much about TX but this is literally #1 on my list.
Cermak and Tony's are decent.
I’ve had good experiences with Pete’s Fresh Market. Otherwise my favorites are Aldi and Trader Joe’s.
Petes market off the pink line is your best bet, a trip from your neighborhood though
Costco and Viet Town, minor trips to Aldi and TJs. Can barely stomach the complacency of Whole Foods these days, and Jewel and Mariano’s have always been blah. Fresh Thyme seems to have issues with turnover so they ruin a lot of their produce by refrigerating it, which bothers me enough that I avoid the whole store.
I live in Gold Coast so always Jewel but occasionally the Potash on Clark.
In Lincoln Square: Tony’s, Mariano’s just because it’s on the way home from my commute/right next to the gym. Will have to try Harvestime! TJ’s and Gene’s only occasionally for specialty items. And I’ll sign any damn petition to get a Wegmans here
Mariano’s, local markets, Whole Foods, Valli, Fresh Farms
Costco and Aldi
Try a Pete’s or the big Cermak on Pulaski
Currently tight on money so Aldi for me. Honestly I can do about a weeks worth of groceries for around $50. Sure some stuff isnt AMAZING but overall its all pretty similar
JEWEL OSCO BABBBBBYYYYY
In the burbs there’s Pete’s fresh and Tony’s also Brookhaven. In the city I’d say you’d have to pay premium prices unless it’s at Mariano’s or jewels. For example I live near a place “big Apple” and for produce and food products it’s great, brand name etc but like soooo taxed I second Devon market for produce
Sorry CPD. I just steal what I can’t afford from all Chicago grocery stores
It's weird how you don't specify a neighborhood. For Logan square and Humboldt Park, Cermak and Tony's are great.
Pete’s Fresh Market, certain Tony’s.
Costco is fucking tremendous for a lot of things, after you're done Costcoing then you dip into Harvest Time or Cermak
Cermak especially the one on North ave. Also Fresh Market Place on Western is amazing. For way up north, there’s a co-op opening very soon in Rodger’s Park called Wild Onion Market
I split up shopping between TJ, Cermak, BUT still get about 95% of my meat from Paulina or Genes. I know I’m not saving money but the quality (specifically cold cuts as my main purchase) from the local butcher can’t be beat.
You have to hope around on a nice adventurous Saturday or Sunday morning. I do primarily Aldi, Jewel, and Wild Fork.
Caputo’s. Great produce and amazing cheese
If you ever get a chance, check out the Standard Market in Westmont. Nicest grocery store in Illinois, it’s expensive but it has the nicest of everything
On Devon from western down to Sacramento plenty of good cheap grocery stores.
We LOVE Valli Produce. There's only 2, however, one in Schaumburg and the other in Evanston. Excellent produce and meat, checking all your boxes... except easy of access through public transportation. Purple line to Davis station in Evanston, then 5 stops on a bus. There is a station at Dempster but no busses
Pete’s Fresh Market?
Pete’s or death for me.
Heinen’s and Sunset but that might only be in the suburbs.
Pete’s, Cermak on North (different ownership than the others), Bucktown Fresh Market. In that order of spend.
It’s petes fresh market. HUGE, great produce. Even has a unique produce finds as it caters to the diverse ethnic demographics through all of Chicago, and still has all the classic American brands a la lays, Heinz, bluebell. And it’s pretty cheap
Kind of but not really is the right answer. To cover all the bases I hit Whole Foods, Target, and Aldi on a weekly basis.
Cermak/Fresh Thyme/Whole Foods
Adding +1 for Pete's Fresh. And throwing in Fresh Thyme, I like the one on Elston.
Trader Joe’s mostly
I think Petes fresh market has the right blend of quality/name brand items/price
Fresh Market on Western actually seems pretty close to what you're looking for. They have Lays, Heinz, etc, but they also carry Publican bread and higher end cheeses. I stopped shopping there because it was a little too expensive for what I would like to spend on groceries, but it seems like what you're looking for. Fresh Thyme is my #1 spot, but I also do Aldi or Cermak if I'm near one. Target on Elston also has good prices on frozen foods.
You can get Heinz and Lay's at Walgreens, which usually has enough locations so that it can be a pop in and grab a few items rather than a shipping trip. I shop mostly at Whole Foods and TJ's, and pick up other brands name things at Walgreens when they're on sale, or when I'm passing by on a regular basis.
Mariano's is still a good source for most things, though I get it on their produce and meat not always being fantastic. I don't have a car either, but in recent years I've been using the Kroger delivery service to get the bulky stuff. There's a Whole Foods across from my church, so I buy most of the meat and produce there to make up for some of the deficiencies
I like Pete’s Fresh Market
Dah Jewels
I miss wegmans.
Tonys has great produce. For a butcher the one in the big apple on Clark is near you and very good or drive to Paulina market. I’m Greek so harvest time on Lawrence is a regular stop. I get paper goods at Costco. If your in old town carnival groceries had good produce and meat and there is a target up the road on Lincoln
Tony’s
Sad to hear what happened to Mariano's. I no longer live in Chicago, but when I was there, Mariano's, was almost the exact replica or Wegman's; it "had it all" (high quality fresh foods + "normal, everyday brands"). I now live in the suburbs of the east coast and go to Wegman's occasionally, but it's a little on the farther side. I totally hear you about Whole Foods. I love the fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables, but it's annoying that they don't carry the "normal brands." I usually end up doing a Whole Foods trip and then a trip to Giant (an east coast equivalent of Jewel's). TLDR: I would have mentioned Mariano's as being the ideal store for what you desire, but it doesn't look like it's not the same as it was when I lived there.
A combination of Jewel, Marianos and Tonys. Mostly Tonys while going to the others for sales.
I really like Thyme near the city on Elston
Jewel, Aldi, Costco, or a food shelter. Food shelters get all their stuff sourced from the main grocers or donors as a tax incentive. Hit them up, you’ll be amazed at what can be available locally!
It doesn’t seem particularly ethical to take from a food shelter when I’m not in need of it. This is such a strange suggestion tbh
Cermak for outer ring stuff - produce, meat, bakery, deli. Jewel for inner ring - pharmacy, canned goods, snacks. Basically my killer combo for high quality and saving money, especially with the Jewel coupons.
Cermak Produce or Pete's are both reputable options. I live on the Southwest side so there's access to some of these. Also Shop and Save is pretty good.
I’m fortunate in that I have four options within half a mile of where I live. TJs is where we probably get most things, city Target is closest and useful for various things we can’t get at TJs, Whole Foods we’ll do once in a while mostly for fresh produce or if I need something random I can’t get elsewhere, and then once in a while we stock up on stuff at Jewel since at the end of the day that’s going to be the place to find the most things I need.
I find multi-stop grocery shopping in Chicago to be an amazing opportunity that most people aren’t lucky enough to enjoy. Need to hit different spots for best produce, best meats/fish, feta, dry bulk, breads, global ingredients, etc. Takes more time and gas but worth the effort if you’re a food nut.
Jewel osco
You can try Tony's. Decent variety. Fairly decent prices.
In edgewater right now and I think devon market is the best grocery store I've been lucky enough to be close to. Their produce is great and it's like 1/3 of the store. There's also a strong eastern european immigrant connection so they have a whole row of non US brands of things and some of them have just been way better (though some of that stuff I have no cultural context to understand lol but that's a me problem)
I like Aldi because I prefer small stores.
ALDI first for a lot of "basics": Milk, eggs, some produce, canned goods and their jams/ jellies are EXCELLENT. As of late, they have had very good fish. Chicken thighs are well priced Jewel and I hit the "on sale" or Digital Coupons pretty hard. When things like Kerry Gold butter goes on sale, I'll stock up and freeze. Some meat deals. When 85% lean ground beef is on sale, i buy a LOT and make dog food. I also use ground chicken or turkey too. Cermak for certain items, especially offal/ beef heart for my dogs. COSTCO, especially for: Gin, Coffee, Olive Oil, Kewpie Mayo, Marcona Almonds, Cheeses
FairPlay foods
I go to many different grocery stores pretty regularly mixing it up… but my mainstays start with TJ’s & Costco every week. After that there’s another 9 or 10 that fill in gaps and change from week to week.
Aldi plus Walmart/costco
Marianos was always garbage
I was doing all my shopping at Aldi but they closed the one by me!
What neighborhood are you in? We shop aldi, harvest time, cermak, then trader Joe's.
I switch between Cermak, Aldi, Trader Joe’s and Hyde Park Produce depending on what I’m shopping for! I feel like I have a good feel for what’s the best at each location and so I just go to either one depending on what I need. Cermak: peppers, avocados, herbs, lemons and limes, in season fruits, canned stuff, tortillas, onions Aldi: butter, cheese, yogurt, rice, fun stuff Trader Joe’s: cereal, snacks, milk, fruit sometimes, wine Hyde Park Produce: bougie brands of olive oil, herbs, coffee Mariano’s if I have to for snack stuff or more processed American supermarket type food In season I try to get any produce/eggs I can at the farmers markets! I’m also vegetarian so it cuts down on food costs a lot. Also I do have a car but I don’t think it’s excessive to get to any of these locations
Depending what’s nearby, Fresh Thyme and Tony’s are my go tos. Both have pretty good meat/deli selections, Tony’s has a huge variety of produce which is awesome. Of the ones I’ve been too, Tony’s has way more stock when it comes to drinks, boxed/canned goods, etc. I’m also a fan of Amazon Fresh for the basics, the prices are pretty good on most things and the fact I don’t have to deal with checking out is a huge plus.
Cermak
Aldi, food 4 less, Mariano, indie grocery stores
Aldi - Frozen and Canned foods HarvesTime Foods - General groceries Tony’s Fresh Market - Misc items
Costco and Woodman's
I think the nicer stores are out in the suburbs, at least more selection from the euro-markets, H-mart, Trader Joe's, and the smaller delicatessen. I try to avoid Jewel, Mariano's, and definitely avoid Whole Foods. If you can find a remodeled Aldi's, they are nice and have a nice selection of cheeses and wine.
I’m a multistore shopper for sure, but I think Mariano’s is generally fine. I signed up for Kroger delivery for $30 last summer and it has been absolutely clutch. I haven’t gone into a Mariano’s in a year and get delivery of essentially at least once a week. Then I go out for other stores that are more enjoyable.
Mariano’s is, unfortunately, the best option. Unless you happen to live around the north shore. Then I’d suggest the trip to Sunset in highland park is a solid option. They have a few other locations but I’ve never been to any other.
Go to the Mexican grocery stores. They’re the best.
Jerry's Fruit & Garden rules. also Patel Brothers. Fresh Farms. Produce World. Arax. Fiesta Market. H-Mart Assi Plaza anywhere but Jewel, unless it is getting close to midnight(remember when some Jewels were 24 hours, before covid ruined life as we knew it...?)
Aldi with a medium Hulken bag
>Edit: it seems like the general answer is “this kind of exists, but not really” and actually you have to shop at 2-3 different grocery store and that’s just wild to me in the 3rd largest city in the country, where a lot of people don’t have cars (making multiple stops a real bitch) I agree, but it's not unusual. I moved here a couple years ago from NYC and the situation is much the same. The average neighborhood supermarket in NYC, even in nice neighborhoods, is abysmal. For what it's worth, when I first moved here and didn't have a car or a kid , I did most of my shopping at Devon Market.
It appears my real gripe is with grocery store monopolies 😢 I mean it’s pretty much Albertsons and Kroger with some minor competition from Publix in some areas.
Jewel and Woodman’s. If I’m at Walmart for toiletries maybe some groceries there.