I love AJ's market. This is The only place I can always find new Gose beers, order a delicious burger, and get fantastic produce and local artisan foods. My go-to market, for sure. The employees are always friendly and helpful and make me want to come back again and again. Five stars read more

I just wrote a horrible review for an awful place elsewhere, so I thought I should balance it with a review for a place that I would obviously be able to rate well, so here it is. I am suspicious that the quality of this market is so good that I am giving a lot of my income to a business man who really doesn't have my personal interests in mind, but the business is a great business, and that's what I have to base my purchasing on for now. I come here about once per day to get various food items. They have a lot of stuff to get: food, drink, confection, grill, sit down places inside and outside, gasoline for old gasoline cars, touchless car wash (for any type of car) and vacuum, propane. There are half a dozen isles packed with a large variety of foods and drink. They have standard fare and specialized local business fare. About a quarter of the products are from local organic growers. About a quarter are various local candies and cakes. About a quarter are prepackaged items from the country's most popular brands. And about a quarter I never really venture in a whole isle of wine. This place gets so much business that they staff it very well. Even if a line forms, they will recognize that and have someone there within a minute to make the line go down (this is no east side Safeway with 15 person long lines and managers who can't care); I've never been in a line with more than 3 people without another cashier showing up to help make the lines shorter. The other customers are from the local area, so pretty well heeled; it keeps the average quality of customer quite high. Don't be fooled by the mix, however, since they have staffing needs and do sell the entertainment liquids (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.), they do also get all of the new low income housing renters coming in too (most of whom have been employees at one point or another); they do not cause trouble in this area. Treat everyone well because you have no idea who you might be talking to, and may meet them many more times in life. I don't think they sell lottery tickets, so you never find yourself behind a cigarette smoking drunk who wants to validate their low life with gambling. However, it is a pretty nice gemstone in a long day of crap for a lot of people, so you do get quite a lot of people who want to linger at the cash register, and that's just something you have to accept and be patient with. Be aware that this place is so popular that you have to be very careful, patient and creative with parking. When there are not a lot of people getting gas, I use a gas filling spot to park. When the whole parking lot is jammed, I park on the side street up the little slope a block away and walk in. It's a fairly nice area, so that's fine. I never park right in front of the market unless that is the safest and easiest place to park, since it is usually used up. But beware: if looking for a far away place to park, you can't use the vacuum, air, or propane locations since someone else might need them. If I am going to use the car wash, I park in the driveway to the car wash (as long as I don't plan to block it for long), which means one less car in the rest of the lot. I like using the car wash, since it is touchless, and about half the time I own or rent a luxury car that needs specialized care. The other car wash location I use is AJ's Auto Detail in San Jose (I don't know if they're related -- I think they are not), and I usually plan to spend $80-$300 at the detail location, so whenever I'm in for a car wash here at AJ's Market, I'm not expecting much more than a dust off (it's cheap -- less than $20), and that's what I usually end up getting: some of the extra dirt and grime rinsed away, and some of it stays. It's a good way to quickly reduce the amount of effort necessary to wash your car if you want to hand-wash it or send it in for detailing somewhere later that day. Also, in a pinch, it can mostly clean up a very dirty car, and if you pre-rinse problem spots and post-hand-spot-clean problem spots, it can turn out to be a fairly complete quick wash if you just don't park too close to your new boss's car. Since it's touchless, it does extremely little damage to your car; you won't leave with lots of new brush scratches like from those brush locations. Be sure to get the full service rinse chemicals, and go slow through the dryer, and park under shade and wipe off wet spots afterward, for a black car, just in case. read more

Everything about this store is awesome!! Great produce, meats, fish and organic products!! It's a little pricey though, but they have a great selection. read more

Crazy surpised to find this hidden jem in what I had thought was just a quickie mart attached to a gas station. Boy was I wrong. Specialty grocery, fresh veggies, meat and a deli. I had their gyro and it was good and I will be back. I ordered spicy and it was (YES) but the tortilla rather than the traditional flat bread really threw me off. The flavor profile was off there and then the meat being chunked or cubed rather than thin and sliced also threw off my palate. I think I will get the gyro salad or plate next time as a gyro is not a gyro in a tortilla. read more

I never thought I'd be a regular shopper at a gas station! This place is clean, reasonably priced and has some rockin' hamburgers. My usual purchases range from the freshlly made dolmas, milk, mochi, bread, fresh strawberries from the Cabrillo Farm to gyros and fresh meats. Service is friendly and efficient. Highly recommend AJ's for its meat market and other fresh goodies. They even have Starz cupcakes. read more

What can I say, homeboy made an insane $5 breakfast burrito with jalapeño chorizo straight out of the deli.. it was proper. The burgers here are solid. The slightly overpriced groceries work if you are in a pinch. They have produce here that can kick ass... there were some whiskey hill cherry tomatoes here for $2 per box that were ridiculously delicious. Decent selection of local beer and wine. AJ's is doing a solid to this side of town while no doubt making his bottom line, which is hard to hate on. read more

After being told about the fabulous burgers at AJ's I finally stopped by to have one. I ordered the burger medium rare - it was gray inside. Approximately 1/4 inch thick and 4 inches around.Little to no flavor, dry as dust. This was on October 7. Maybe all the regular cooks called in sick? The fries were room temperature after sitting around for 20 minutes with the hamburger. The store is amazing. read more

This is a GREAT market! They have a huge variety of different foods & produce, including local. Their food is also really amazing if you haven't checked it out yet-- really good for the price. The falafel wrap and cheeseburger are my favorites. The cooks are always very friendly too! read more

We love AJ's food mart and shop here almost every day. It's walking distance from our house in Aptos and they have such great variety of food items that we drop in here often to get a little this or that when cooking at home, which we do most of the time. This place carries local organic produce, specialty items, and grass fed milk & cheese among other things. They also have a huge selection of specialty beer and wine. I give the market itself 5 stars. The reason for the 4 star review is the few times we've eaten at the market have been lacking in both customer service and quality control. The rest of the staff at the market is very friendly and engaging, but the guys behind the meat/food counter are just not engaging - based on the three times we've ordered. #1 I order three cheeseburgers to take to my family who is at the beach. I approach the counter, am (barely) greeted, and I place my order. I clearly say I want two burgers with 'just cheese and meat' (for the kids), and one burger with everything (for the fiance). The order was never repeated back to me (this is a key QC control restaurants should always use - repeat the order back to avoid errors). I paid up at the front counter, and then returned to wait about 15 minutes for my order. I was presented with a bag of burgers (that I clearly should have checked for accuracy) and then shot out the door to return to the beach where my family was waiting. What did I get? Two burgers with everything, and one with everything but no cheese....my kids didn't eat the two burgers with everything, and my fiance was not impressed with her burger (which was missing cheese). I tried all three, and they were just 'ok', they weren't juicy, and I simply wasn't impressed, but I didn't give up after only one try. #2 I order two burgers with meat and cheese, order took about 10 minutes, and they both came out as expected. Boys ate both burgers, but said they didn't want to eat there again (the ones you cook at home are better daddy). #3 I tried the chicken shwarma plate, and my fiance had the fish and chips. Both were quite delicious and I would eat both of these dishes again. Only minor complaint is the same one I have with nearly all fish & chips plates - there is never enough tartar sauce (like one little side is enough for several large pieces of fish). Anyway, we still love AJ's market. I wish there was a separate review for the meat counter because it would get 2.5-3 stars, especially when it comes to lack of communication and quality control (QC). read more

Surprsingly good burgers for a gas station. They also have good shakes and sell lots of other items.

AJ's is straight up the best "gas station" I have seen, anywhere. They have an amazing selection of food from around the world, and a lot of the produce especially is local. They have a great deli too - featuring halal meats, and get this, fresh local swordfish and salmon? At a gas station? And of course, they have a great selection of beer and wine too. Friendly staff. The cleanest bathrooms you'll probably ever find in a gas station. And, there's a quick and convenient car wash. If there's one quibble with AJ's its that the gas ain't cheap, but then, it never is at Chevron. read more

My husband and I had called in to place an order and was asked to hold for 2 seconds we were on HOLD for 10-15min so my husband ended up going to a j's to place our order and when he placed the order he asked them to cut the burger they said ok. They DID NOT cut burger in half and when my husband mentioned to the owner about being put on hold for so long he did not seem to care. We all work in some form of customer service and with that kind of horrible customer service that is how we lose BUSINESS. The two snot nosed kids behind the counter were very unprofessional and rude. Have had problems in the past with a j's not following directions on our orders will not be shopping or eating their again no matter how hungry we are and will be sure to share this review with all my friends. read more

A decent market, but the rudeness of a male cashier the other day lost me for life. He tried to make me feel like an idiot because I misunderstood THEIR labeling mistake!! Sorry, one bout of shaming and you're out. I'll go to markets that stress service, like Shopper's Corner. read more

Cute market! Has a good selection of food and snacks. It even has a meat department. I would definitely come back.

Best gas station market ever. Gyros are pretty damn good. Meats, fish, and produce all look very fresh. Great beer selection (for a corner store). read more

I love this market, they have such fresh produce and a great selection of organic foods. The also have the greatest variety of treats! They carry Mariannes ice cream and gellato. The also have Ritter Sport chocolate, it is the best! One of the great things about this place would have to be about the food, they make the best Philly cheese steak sandwiches! They also have Amy's frozen food, I love Amy's food, it is organic and tastes amazing! The staff is so friendly and they get to know you. read more

Great small healthy market with produce and a halal meat counter!! I live close by and if I'm ever in a pinch they have everything my gourmet, foodie, low carb, paleo weirdo shopping list needs! Amazing beer selection especially IPAs, like someone there is extremely obsessed with IPA. It's really fun to try new exotic (and sometimes really expensive) beers. They have a Great selection of Mariannes ice cream, a few bulk bins and really nice people working. It's not the cheapest gas but the car wash is convenient as well as the location. Very glad to have this little gem in the neighborhood. read more

A must if you're just in the area and need some gas. Great beer selection, deli, and even produce!

AJ's doesn't really need one more 5-star review, but it is such a great market that I can't help posting. What's amazing is that for a small corner market they seem to always have whatever esoteric thing we're looking for. Great natural food selection, and great wine selection including all the best local wines. And love the instant wine chiller! I will say the brushless car wash does not do a great job cleaning a car, but that's not the point of this review. read more

This is the antithesis of quick stop markets at gas stations: Walked in and the first thing I saw was fresh produce, much of it from Cabrillo College's organic garden. In addition to local produce, they carry local honey, many organic and healthier boxed grains, teas, rice and other dry goods. They have a carefully chosen wine selection with an overall moderate price point (not the same ol' same ol' wines - some unique choices). Not a beer drinker, but my friends who are have nothing but praise for their brews. Deli food is good and made to order, fish and meat selection is fresh. Staff has always been nice and will try and get products for you if they don't have them in stock. I'd certainly recommend this to travelers and locals seem to be dropping in quite frequently already. read more

I was pleasantly surprised to find delicious burgers at AJs. I was skeptical buying a burger from a gas station but they're so delicious and the French fries are phenomenal. The staff is super friendly too! read more

Yeah - this is as good as it gets! Gas - car wash - amazing menu of delicious foods, from burgers to gyros, salads and wraps... AND, the market is.... full of organic produce, fresh meats and fish at a VERY reasonable price! This place is immaculate and the family that runs it is gracious and funny, always ready to help you. I wanted to keep this a secret... but it just isn't fair! Go there- now! read more

Best burger in sc and under $6. Best onion rings I've ever had. The gyro is amazing and monstrous (comes wrapped in tortilla instead of pita but that just means it can be bigger than standard gyro). Shawarma is also very good. The Beef salad is on point. Very friendly service. Kenny is the best. read more

The food shopping here is fun! Plenty of Marianne's ice cream!? However, the car wash is AT YOUR OWN RISK. I went through, thinking, "no line!? That's worth a few extra $$!" But I ended up with a barely rinsed car, which was ok, but when I arrived home, I noticed my new front windshield wiper was toast. Luckily., it was so visually torn to shreds, it caught my eye before a rainy day. The end cost with a new wiper was $30. I told the staff the next time I was in (for food, NOT a car wash), they shrugged (no accountability , so they probably aren't management) They are an awesome staff, but they obviously KNOW the car wash is a problem (body language). Just AVOID the car wash and ENJOY THE WONDERFUL selection. Pricey, so don't plan on leaving with money, BUT, you will have found lovely food treats not available in one place - most anywhere else. They should throw out the car wash and expand the store (and parking). I would if I owned such a special store. They do it right, MINUS that "come hither" CAR WASH. Don't fall for the temptation ;) Happy shopping! read more

Simply the best burger anywhere in the county. Get the mushroom Swiss and have them put some lemon pepper on it.

This is a great place for groceries with great employees to help you and the prices are better than safeway! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

The gas going up and up ,that said the deli and store is one of akind ,very tastey and unique, specifically items ,a bit busy at times , and thats a good thing. read more

Great market. Fantastic meat selection and deli. Highly recommend the Schwarma salad. Everyone is very friendly. They have an excellent beer and wine selection. Their gasoline prices are a little on the high side. But be fresh produce and deli make up for it. I go there just for the food. It's a local hangout for burgers. read more

Falafel at a gas station??? YES PLEASE!!! Always my first choice for lunch when we are in the area!

I love the Mexican salad in the deli case when you first walk in. Big enough for two.... Bummed that they stopped having Tri-Tip sandwiches during the week, now only served on Saturday's, starting at noon. read more

Best gas station store ever. Super nice staff too. And the chicken schwarma is yummmmm!

Kept hearing how good the burgers were. Finally got there and ordered four burgers for the fam - medium rare. Got the burgers and they were charred beyond belief - inedible. I was still there so I went and told the guy how burned they were. He mumbled something about how "someone was sick and they were down a guy" - nothing about replacing the burgers, refund, nothing. Bad burgers and very poor customer service - Will never go again! read more

I work next door and before this market arrived there was nothing to eat within walking distance. Now, I am happily fed with good food from my wonderful neighbors. I appreciate their ability to offer high quality food in a convenience store. I feel incredibly lucky to have this place right next door to me. read more

Stopped into AJ's Market to use the restrooms after traveling many hours from LA. Noticed the deli counter and decided to get lunch. What a great surprise! They had hot grilled sandwiches in a little market. I ordered a chicken teriyaki sandwich and it was very good. The prices were really reasonable considering what you were getting. The guy behind the counter was super friendly too. What a great welcome into town! read more

After reading the reviews, I decided to check this place out. I ordered the chicken sharwarma wrap, with spicy sauce. The chicken was OK, but nothing special, and the wrap was a bit burnt. I still prefer Sunnyvale Cafe's sharwarma. But there is an amazing selection of specialty foods here if you need to stock up. read more

This place has a little bit of everything. You can fill your tank and get a car wash. If there's something you need, the store itself has everything from fresh produce to firewood to flowers to diapers to ice cream. And from the food counter, the burgers are fresh and delicious (especially the jalapeno burger) and the gyros wrap is very tasty too. You can even take your meal outside to a nice little patio area and eat it in the sunshine or the shade. read more

I got a sandwich here and was very disappointed. For the price it should have been a lot better. They're all served on cheap hot dog type buns and over all it was just very unappetizing. When I got home I made a real sandwich...Other than that, the people at the register are always nice and I like the stores selection. I also like how they sell those little individual bites of cheese. Yum. read more

Love this place! Great service and selection. Get my car washed here and it's a great price and does a good job.

Just moved to Rio Del Mar and wifey and I were looking for a good burger place....So I found AJ's had high ratings and glowing reviews so we checked it out....She had a Jalapeno burger and I decided to try a chicken gyro and we shared a clam prawn chowder......Wife's burger was excellent and my gyro was huge and it was wrapped like a burrito. Loved it! The chowder was tasty too! What a find AJ's was.....Plus the prices are so reasonable.....You'd pay WAY more if you had the same thing at a restaurant and it wouldn't be as tasty......We are definitely going back to try the other goodies on the menu. read more

Love this place! Great selection, great employees! My favorite is to get a Cajun chicken sandwich and a beer, then go through the car wash!