We took a look at the grocery stores that get the most traffic. Will this change with competitors like peapod and instacart on the rise?
#1 Jewel-Osco • 424 W Division St
Right off Division Street, wedged between Clybourn and Sedgwick, this Jewel-Osco is one of the finest in the city. You’ll spot incomparable clearance sections throughout the store, and with the new Saturday Morning Samplers, you’ll never have to worry about them running out as the service desk is more than delighted to offer you a substitute or a rain check.
#2 Mariano’s New City • 1500 N Clybourn Ave
A new edition to Lincoln Park, on a corner of the New City project, this large, two-story Mariano’s is full of midday free samples and “Free Friday” downloads. Free Parking is readily available, and you can always expect fresh foods. It doesn’t hurt that the cashiers are some of the nicest, and most helpful cashiers around town.
#3 Old World Market • 5129 North Broadway Street
Get your fresh meat, fish, poultry, you name it, all at a low cost to you. On the fringe of Uptown, the World Market has been featured on ABC 7 Chicago and has been a staple in the community for a while now. Lines are long at the meat counter, but the lines move fast, and the butchers are charming.
#4 Treasure Island Foods • 75 W Elm St
Calling all veggie lovers—fresh veggies, a zesty salad bar, and a hot food bar is all at your disposal if you stop by for visit. This Treasure Islands is in the heart of the Gold Coast located on Elm street off Clark street. In the winter time, you can even pick up a Christmas tree or two found outside in the front of the store.
#5 Trader Joe’s • 1840 N Clybourn Ave
Who knew all your healthy-conscious and natural eats could be so affordable? Free parking comes as a plus for this already optimal-choice grocery store. Buy a large bag of sweet potato tortilla chips for less than $2, and bring your recyclable bag to make the most of your trip to this Clybourn stop.
#6 Whole Food’s Market (AMAZON) • 1550 N Kingsbury St
Granted, Whole Food’s is a bit pricey, but with Amazon’s recent buy, its future looks a whole lot cheaper. Besides, there’s much to enjoy about the overall ambiance of this super-large location. From trickling across a plethora of free samples to grabbing lunch and a beverage at one of the exquisite eats, one could easily spend a few hours here. There’s also free parking and friendly, (sometimes hippie,) staffers.
#7 Stanley’s Fresh Fruits and Vegetables • 1558 N Elston Ave
This grocer has got to have some of the best deals on high quality fruits and vegetables in the city. Picture two containers of strawberries for just $0.98, and red bell peppers at $0.39/lb. The store is neatly organized and their customer service is efficient as it is bilingual.
#8 Devon Market • 1440 W Devon Ave
Shopping at this market feels like hopping on a light aircraft and travelling around Eastern Europe, while playing your favorite radio station. There’s a great selection of fresh fruits and veggies, regular discounts on sushi and alcohol, and if you happen to be a current member of Loyola University, you’re in for a student discount.
#9 Jewel-Osco • 550 N State St
#10 ALDI • 1836 N Clybourn Ave
