A real Italian deli in Boca! authentic all the way, and so many delicious dishes to choose from I will be back and try many different items on the menu Expertly done and a true treasure read more

If you ever imagined what a friendly urban NY do-it-all local market with deli, butcher, coffee station, and ethnic selection would look like, then AJ's Market at the Chevron gas station in Soquel will completely change how you think about convenience stores. Yes, they have gas and a car wash, but that is just the beginning. Inside, there is a gourmet kitchen serving up locally harvested seafood and Harris Ranch meats. The burger here is hands down one of the best in the county. It is technically fast food, but nothing like what you would expect from that term. AJ's goes way beyond typical gas station fare. You will find organic produce and treats from around the world like English biscuits, real maple syrup, and a Southeast Asian spice rack. They also offer an impressive selection of local wines, baked goods, ice creams, and coffees. Owner Akhtar Javed, originally from Pakistan, opened the market in 1987 after falling in love with Santa Cruz. He became a local legend after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake when he let customers take what they needed and pay later during the power outage. AJ's Market is a true gem and worth the stop whether you need gas or not. P.S. AJ also carries dried cuttlefish so you don't have to travel to San Jose or find a Ranch 99. P.P.S. In addition to the coffee station, they also had a full cooler of Marianne's Ice Cream! read more

Aj's Market - Car wash menu - discount on gas with car wash, no gallon minimum purchase. - Grocery Near Me - Soquel, California

This was the most wonderful place when we stopped to get gas in our car. We went inside and found a very gourmet store and deli. Very fresh veggies of all kinds. Every kind of beer & wines ever made! A ton of great cookies, candies, and treats! But the best is their freshest meats and fishe. It is a "butcher shop" and they have salads and sandwiches that are the best ever at such great prices. You can get a fabulous salad with tomatoes, hard boiled egg, cucumbers with a piece of great fish like mahi mahi on the top, soooooo good! We alway go back! read more

Rockin Burger during burger week recommend the onion rings instead of fries Great variety of sandwiches will be back for the TUE & Thurs specials read more

A hidden gem! I've found items here that are hard to find elsewhere. Great sandwiches and burgers!

This was historically a solid outfit imv --- unfortunately, ownership / mgmt was bizarrely adolescent, unprofessional and untrustworthy re their approach to car wash vehicle damage. Super underdeveloped folks... Buyer beware read more

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AJ's Market is a Hidden Gem in the Neighborhood I love AJ's for so many reasons. They have an amazing assortment of excellent, healthy food- dried fruit, produce and wholesome snacks to delicious chocolate. Their mocktail and ice cream selection is great, and the Halal meat is always cut perfectly. The burgers are some of my favorites anywhere, and they also serve a delicious breakfast with a cozy place to sit and enjoy your meal, which is really nice. They have frozen ramen. But more than that, it's the people who make AJ's special. The friendliness of the owners & the rest of the staff and the welcoming, family-run atmosphere make you feel right at home every time you walk in. read more

*Note: This is a review of the hot food service at the back of the market. The store itself is convenient, and the workers at the register are pleasant and helpful.* Because I am a traveling performer, over the past 10 years, I have found myself back here at one time or another because it is my favorite place to eat and is close to where I am rehearsing/ performing. For the $, the food here is great, and I have never experienced anything but quality eats when picking up food here. This is not why I am writing/rating this. I am writing this because for years I have ignored something about this place because the food is so good. Nearly every time I order food here, if the other staff isn't present, I am subject to the unprofessional behavior of the older gentleman who works behind the counter. I don't know if he runs that part, but he always seems to be there. He is and always has been particular about the people he wants to serve and take orders from. He has a propensity to ignore you if you are a person of color. Specifically, Black. I told myself a myriad of things: He's busy, it's a rough job, etc. but I am writing this today not for myself. I bought food with my wife here today ( She is Latina), and he treated me the same way he always does. focusing on her exclusively when I am the one speaking. Refusing to look me in the eye or outright turning his back on me when he sees I am the next one in line. Sadly, I am used to this. But today, I watched him do it to someone else. a young white man, through no fault of his own, showed up just after I ordered with my wife and sparked up an animated conversation with this individual that I previously thought would have been impossible. He was jovial, smiling as if he'd known this kid for years. Maybe he did. The point was, as the young white man's Black friend came around the corner, exchanged pleasantries with him, and moved to order, I saw the older gentleman again completely make a 180 metaphorically and literally and turn his back on the young black man walking up to place his order. This forced the young man working there who had just entered to begin taking his order. I looked. I could not see any work reason for him to turn his back on a potential customer. He simply felt as if he didn't matter. At that moment, I knew the problem was deeper. It wasn't just me--this guy had a problem. It breaks my heart to say that it's the last time I will be getting food here. (The Cajun Chicken Sandwich was amazing, like it always is.) But I simply can't spend my money somewhere I don't feel wanted. And today Watching the young guy get treated like that finally broke me. The gas station and the store are fine, and the food in the back is great for the price. I'm just tired of feeling like 2025 is 1968. I am not telling anybody to fire anyone. I am saying someone needs to ask him why he thinks he can treat SOME customers like they are undeserving of his time. He did this to me many times in public. So I am making it public. read more

Shouldn't even tell all ya'll tourists and busters about this place, but saw some reviews doing AJ's dirty, so enforcement is coming in. This is literally the BEST gas station. I talk with the owner every time about his selection of Organic fruit. Also got a million different ways to get caffeinated. They also have nice deli sandwiches and bagels in their to go section. They have tons of local sweets and treats as well and their selection is top notch. The deli/meat department is where this place really shines. Got lamb/beef gyro on the spit, chicken as well, and they have a VERY extensive menu and all of it is fricking delicious. They also have lots of Halal meats and fish marinated and non marinated in small packs, so it is perfect for the single person who likes to cook for themselves. Quality per sq ft, this place blows any grocery store or other gas station to bits. Haters on here are probably just terrible people to deal with. Love AJs and I love the Gyro Wrap I'm smacking right now. read more

Aj's Market - Beef/lamb gyro wrap - Grocery Near Me - Soquel, California

Perfect lil quaint market to grab almost everything we needed for a quick glamping trip. Didn't have the meat selection desired but everything else was great. Employees were nice too! read more

Been coming here for years, used to live down the street on McGlenn and even remember it when it was basically just a gas station, long before they remodeled and added the car wash, hot food and market. I've bought groceries here, used the car wash, picked up beer and have eaten the hot food like burgers, chicken shawarma wraps and more. More times than I can count. But after tonight's food, I can't go back. It was not edible, and seems like they intentionally messed it up perhaps. I ordered two chicken shawarma wraps for my wife and I to go, I took the food home on the other side of town otherwise I would have complained for a refund if I had noticed earlier how bad it was. I asked for light spice, but they put a TON of their spicey red sauce and there was barely any chicken. It was drenched in that spicey sauce. If this is "light" then I can't imagine was extra spicy is. My wife and I eat spicey food, this was ridiculous. In the past I've asked for more of the white sauce (similar to tzatziki) in their wraps and they usually just put it in a container. At one point I stopped ordering any of the red sauce because they can't do just a little bit for the life of them. Tonight seemed malicious though, like just cause I asked for light they put a ton in it. Should have taken a picture cause it was basically all just red sauce with lettuce and a tiny bit of meat, but it's all in the trash now. On top of this experience over the last year a lot of the guys working the hot food/butcher area have been pretty lame with bad attitudes. The prices have gone up and the quality down. Tonight was the nail in the coffin, I'm done after wasting my money for inedible food. Not coming back. This place use to be great read more

If I could give it 0 stars I would. But I'm gonna leave a one star review because there was a nice gentle man in the front, always dressed nicely and always welcomes me in. Usually works in the mornings. Nice Latino boy. The owners seem like typical business owners don't say hi to anyone. I usually stop by there to get my coffee for the morning maybe some kombucha and a sandwich. Tell me why the sandwiches tasted like they had been sitting in the sun over the weekend. They were stale and the meat was slimy, maybe even gone bad. I guess it's true what they say, don't buy food at a gas station. They should change their name from Ajs Market to Ajs gasoline because that's the only thing I can rely on is the gas on my way to work. read more

My brother worked here at this location and he saw that they change the bread on the sandwiches after a few days and put the old meat back on the bread. They usually let the sandwiches in there for over a week. And then replace them , kitchen staff don't wash their hands and the owners tell the staff to change the bread and use the same meat from a week ago . I don't recommend eating from here ! Yoire better off at MCdonalds read more

I have to say this is such a unique place! Great customer service and delicious takeout. Love going there.

The people who own this must be racists! (I'm black) They never greet me and I know who they are. They look at me just as a dollar sign walking into the store. Very rude and condescending , the son (Isaac) is even worst when I had a problem w the car wash. Didn't offer to reissue my ticket and just said sorry. That's it. Never shopping here again ! read more

This place is a true gem!!! BEST BURGERS IN SANTA CRUZ!!! You can not go wrong with Harris Ranch beef! Super friendly staff too! I can't believe there are some crappy reviews on this place! Do not pass this place up! read more

This place is amazing! We had the seared tuna. The portions were large and very delicious and fresh. Their desserts are homemade and very tasty with a cup of hot coffee. You can get anything to eat here hamburgers, sandwiches, salads etc love this place and the owner and kids who sometimes work there are very nice! It's a combo gas station, fancy market and deli. There is a nice side patio to eat whatever you order. love it. We have been here several times when we are in the Aptos area. Gas up, eat and drink and go. There are lots of items for a quick picnic on the beach too! read more

I love this market. The perfect spot to stop for fresh produce amazing meats and a great lunch stop. The burgers are off the chart! read more

Breakfast burrito. Aren't there supposed to be eggs in it? We ordered the burrito each picked a type of meat sausage to have in it and they went to prepare them. We got it about 10 minutes later went to the car and opened it up and there's sausage and some potatoes And not much else wrapped in a tortilla. Maybe we ordered it wrong but I'm not sure how you can order a breakfast burrito wrong? Maybe the person making it forgot the eggs? I find that hard to believe they were sitting right next to her on the counter. Anyway, I won't go there for breakfast burritos anymore.. read more

Unfortunately their restaurant has not been as good the past year. The first photo is a burger we got a few months ago when we asked for well done. It was raw potentially dangerous to eat. I never returned it considering I decided I was not going to go there again. Today just got another burger ( the last 2 photos ) and decided to try it again. Got it well done and it was definitely nothing of the sort. External temperature was hot but internal temperature was cool. My family members also got a well done cheeseburger from there a few days ago that was rare as well. The first photo is just raw meat. The second photo is not what we asked for. Unfortunately this changed my 5 star review to a 1 star. read more

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Was needing food pretty late tonight and was really craving falafel. Got to AJs with about 12 minutes to spare before the kitchen closes and they graciously made my falafel wrap quickly and with very generous portions. Making it spicy with extra white sauce on side, this the best thing you can get for $8. The falafel burrito is forearm sized with hot and crispy falafel balls that burst with flavor, perfect mix of crispy lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes that all pair perfectly with their spicy sauce and addicting white sauce (get some get extra in the side). The tortilla is perfectly chewy and really beings the whole thing together. This meal really made my night read more

The Philly cheese steak is back in season. The whole thing is ~95% of what you'd get in Philly. Just missing the sliced cherry peppers. But it's there in its whole delish sandwich. Including American cheese. BTW, get lots of nappies. Additionally, the market is a hidden gem with fresh veggies and lots of ethnic condiments. Hey, they sell Marianne's Ice Cream. Yum Yum! I'm not a beer drinker but they appear to have LOTS of tasty brews. I'll chase down the wine section the next time I'm in. Not so often now that we drive a Tesla. But we do purchase propane there. You gotta try this place!! read more

AJ's is great. They are super helpful. The beer dude loves to accommodate customers. He's got a great manner about him. Additionally, I called to ask if they had semolina and they took the time to check the shelves. I drove down to support them and bought a couple great beers as well. Excellent selection. Glad they're in our neighborhood. Go AJ's! read more

At first I liked AJ's now I love AJ's. This is our go-to local market. Everything is great here. The friendly people, the selection. Always a quick place to stop and get a cold drink. read more

If you are a single parent or student, this store is for those who have lots of money, TV dinner now 10 dollars.

What a shame. AJS had such great propared food for years. They must have c changed staff because the quality has gone way, way down. The Gyro now is not thinly sliced. It is checks, often dry and cured on the edges. Worse is the person behind the counter. We called well in advance ignorer to save everyone time and trouble, They put us in hold for nearly twenty minutes. When they did pick up, they were rude. When I went to the counter to get my tag so could pay, they clearly had not started the order and the guy had an attitude like he wanted to fight. My friends had gone there a few days before and got sick from the food. Sadly, our AJs days are over. read more

I do not know how this place isn't full of 5 stars!!! Yes, this is a gas station but it is SO MUCH MORE. Lived down the street about 8 years ago (HOW HAS IT BEEN SO LONG) and stop in every time I'm back in the area. Used to stop in to pick up some produce or a bite before or after running to my classes at Cabrillo. Now I usually stop coming to or from the beach. Used to always order the gyro wrap but this time I tried the falafel wrap (equally delicious). These wraps are HUGE, made fresh to order, and are full of flavor. Be careful if you order spicy! I like hot food and one time ordered it too spicy. I was able to eat it but I was sweating! A good option which I did this time since I was sharing with my mom was order the spicy sauce on the side. The cooks are so kind. While you wait for your food you can pay at the front check out or shop around for other items. They have a decent grocery section with a beautiful and fresh produce selection, an assortment beer + wine, and other local and health food items that you cannot find at most fuel stations. Seriously miss this place so much and dying for Denver to get something similar. This is definitely a gas station you can and should trust to feed you!!! Price: reasonable, some stuff is pricier than others. Food made to order is very fair for what you get. Great value. Food: fresh, and delicious Drinks: a large assortment including some beer and wine Service: fast and friendly Good for: a quick and delicious (and healthier) nite on the go! read more

Aj's Market - Falafel wrap (HUGE) - Grocery Near Me - Soquel, California

My friend and I came here today and got their chicken shawarma to share to go.I got it non spicy.The shawarma was very delicious.I also got a diet Pepsi.I recommend this place read more

Aj's Market - a pita filled with vegetables and meat - Grocery Near Me - Soquel, California

went into ajs today like I usually do I go often. I ordered 3 sandwiches for my family and all of us were cold and soggy with zero flavor. I called and they said to bring the food back with a receipt which I did and when I arrived they refused to do anything about it. the owner got involved after a while of me insisting that the food was unacceptable and said that he would issue my refund but I was to never return to the store. i usually do not make big deals about things like this and HATE giving cooks and food service workers a hard time but I spend over 50 dollars and really was disappointed. anyways the way the owner handled it was crazy and not anything I have ever experienced before read more

Everything about my philly cheesesteak sucked. First it was burnt, which I could taste in every single bite. Then the chef didn't break up the thinly sliced meat, so it was just basically a clump in the middle of the bread. So I ate a lot of plain bread. They also put mayo, which I dislike, and have never heard of one with mayo. Usually the cheesesteak get's the creamyness from the cheese. The only thing that was just ok was the bread, and I probably say that because it was the only thing not burnt. It was not toasted, it was just warm, so I was happy to at least get something to absorb all that bad tasting char. Finally, it took forever to make this tiny sandwich which had no weight to it, which is probably why it was burnt. It's like they forgot it was on the grill or something, burnt it to a black crisp, and still served it. read more

I don't believe I have ever left a review but you should know that you will be patronized and harassed for not knowing the process of having a propane tank filled. On a positive note, thank you to all the other employees who work there that practice kindness-you are very much appreciated. read more

Chicken pesto .. inedible, unfortunately not the first time this has happened to me here. read more

Aj's Market - uncooked chicken - Grocery Near Me - Soquel, California

It's a gas station, yes. But that aside, this one stop shop is also a car wash, deli, grocery store, produce market, wine/beer specialty store and more! I can't comment on all of it, but will instead focus on the made-to-order burritos. Yesterday, David prepared a sausage breakfast burrito for me and, wow, i can't say enough about the freshness of the ingredients (including your choice of multiple fresh ground sausages) and the quality of the food - so i went back again today and ordered a fajita chicken burrito with spicy salsa. If this were a mexican restaurant i would still consider 5 stars, but IT IS SO MUCH MORE. Hard not to love this place and the service is fast and friendly! read more

The food here is usually okay, but a recent Gyros Wrap was so disappointing, I'm not sure I'll return. The Gyros was dry and tasteless. Also, a Middle Eastern wrap shouldn't use a tortilla. Traditionally Lavash is used. I doubt the owner, Mr. AJ, would eat such a thing. read more

This little "pit stop" is a surprising and amazing GEM! Gas. Good. Car wash. Good. The best part? An amazing offering of delicious, international food plus local wines! My fave? Ordering a Salad at with local fresh fish. So good! No one else in our area offers this delicious and healthy option. And yeah... their burgers, gyros, and fries are good. read more

I will no longer support this business until an employee's employment ends there. The owner is a wonderful person as is the manager but a few of their staff are absolutely terrible! One in particular harassed Me to a point she continued to get in my face while also violating the 6' distance protocol. This employee (Nancy) is out of control and if she were my employee I would terminate her immediately for her actions of blatant harassment of customers. I love the ownership and management but will discontinue my support of this business until this lady is fired. I now know of 6 others who have stopped shopping her because of her and another lady. Sad one employee is driving customers away. read more

It's a good store. They have everything you need and it's small and convenient. Also they have good snacks

I ordered the Philly cheesesteak. It was the best I've had in years. My wife ordered a cheeseburger,, she called it a good solid burger that tasted great. Perfect quick food on a Saturday night! read more

Probably the cheapest and best drive thru car wash I have ever been through. More than just a gas station and car wash but a nice little produce stand and more. read more

The prices are unacceptable! They don't put prices on everything, which make things harder! Very annoying. No transparency. read more