Genuine fresh produce and products that other markets couldnt compare. are there other than califon locations?

have gotten rotten produce from here more times than I can count. just the other day bought a steak an it's was putrid rotten all brown on the back. I love 5 minutes away so definitely wasn't from the ride home. will never set foot in this establishment again. convenience isn't worth it in this case... read more

Visiting my daughter in nearby Glen Gardner over the holiday (4th of July), we wanted to get away from traffic and shop locally, so this store is perfect. After living in Florida where the nearest store was a truck stop, with only various kinds of chewing tobacco, I appreciate this store for locals and it's variety. The entry near the deli greeted us with the yummy scent from the hot bar, serving various chicken and pork, and the food looked freshly made and presented. The next department was the produce, and it was stocked well with very fresh items that were meticulously stacked in bins. Prices were extremely good for the citrus, which, coming from Florida, I took special interest in viewing. The rest of the store was well stocked with wide variety in each aisles. I even found my granddaughters' favorite fruit roll-ups at a very comparable price, making them very happy on my return. If I lived in the area I would definitely be a regular customer, especially in the winter when traveling those hilly twisting roads! read more

Very nice options here. It's convenient, and I would shop here all the time if the prices weren't appalling. They must do well in spite of the gouging because they stay in business. But fair prices would probably quadruple the shoppers here. I do run in when I forgot something that I need, or run out of something between grocery trips. They have a lot of nice food options and plenty of organic choices too! But - it's the most expensive grocery store I've been to and I shop all of them. Checkout workers are always kind. Produce is fresh. There is a deli here as well. read more

This store has really gone down hill in the last few years. There is no longer any ropa vieja, the Hungarian mushroom soup is sloppily made with onion peel in it and Brian the chef is long gone. It's a shame. The rest of the store is very nice still. The prices are still on the outrageous side but you get what you pay for (usually). 2019 is just a memory of when this store was worth 5 stars. read more

#BoycottAquiMarket I normally don't do stuff like this because I just don't have enough time in my life for it, so trust me, I have to be very livid to take my time to create this post. Aqui Market which is located in Califon is a grocery store that likes to portray itself as a high-end Market in the same vein as Whole Foods, Balducci's, or other truly fine establishments. The only thing high-end about Aqui is their over-inflated price$$ This afternoon I went up to the deli and I asked for a quarter-pound of white cheese. One employee was wearing a mask the other one was not. I kindly asked the employee if they wouldn't mind putting a mask on before they served my food. I was immediately met with anger and I was told that they no longer have to wear masks. I said okay, I understand, but I'd like you to please wear one. She angrily replied that she had to go get one because they don't have any back there, and I mean she was extremely aggressive. I told her never mind. Again she yelled in a miserable voice as I was walking away from that she would go get a mask. I told her no thank you. Before I checked out I went to the manager who was wearing a mask and I explained the situation to her. I let her know that I'm a regular customer and that I'm in their store at least once a day. When I explained to her that I graciously asked one of her employees to wear a mask for me, it was met with hostility. As I stood there with groceries in hand explaining to her what happened she kept repeating to me that they don't have to wear masks. I said to her that's not the point. If a customer is making a request and a very simple one at that, it shouldn't be met with confrontation. I also said that same thing to the deli Clerk, and she told me no, she didn't have to put a mask on! Again, the manager kept repeatedly saying they don't have to wear masks. I said to her you got to be kidding me, now you're arguing with me, so I threw my groceries on the counter and stormed out. They just lost a customer who easily spends over $300.00 a month there. I told the manager that I had worked at a deli during my lifetime and if someone made a request I simply fulfilled the plea. The first thing she should have done was apologize to me and offer to make things right by at least paying for the cold cuts and making sure to let me know that she would talk to her staff. I cannot believe that this entire thing took place. I advise everyone in Califon to do their shopping while you're out of the area. Go to Shop-Right or King's. Even Kings is less expensive than Aqui! If I can just get one person to stop going to Aqui, this post will have been worth my time. I would call the Main number on Monday and report them, but it's a small family-run business and their main store is in Plainfields. I am sure that the family will stick together. Good riddance to Aqui and their HIGH prices. Before I go back to that place, I would eat stale bread for dinner. read more

The young teen cashiers generally get flummoxed by cash and coins, or making change in sensible denominations (groceries cost $25.49 so you give them 45.49 for a 20 back, etc). The store smells like sour milk on hot days. There is a lot they could do for this store but it's just kinda bleh. Inflation has hit it hard and it's even more overpriced now. read more

Nice market, nice selection, excellent produce. But the prices.....OUCH!! I emergency shop here, and that's it. read more

Everything here is very, very expensive. If you need one thing for a recipe, go ahead and get it here-- perfect. However, if you need more than one thing, go anywhere else. Even a gas station convenience store is better than this place. read more

Just when you thought you'd seen it all in the food business, along comes Aqui Market to shake things up. This small New Jersey chain of Latin-oriented supermarkets, situated in decidedly urban locations, has expanded its audience, and frankly, laid down the gauntlet, with the opening of this full service grocery store in a semi rural, country village just down the road from the last stop on the train line to Manhattan. Aqui is not your average supermarket. Think Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or Kings boutique-style store with Aqui's professional fish mongers and butchers, vast selection of organic products in every department, and esoteric and interesting offerings you didn't even know you wanted until you found them here -- like ginger yogurt and small batch French butter. But no worries, they also have all the usual brands you'd see in any Shoprite or Acme. And yes, true to their roots, they carry a healthy variety of Latin products which cannot be found in any standard suburban grocery store. As for design, this store occupies a former A&P. They cleaned up the original brick exterior and added chunky wood and stone accents, giving the place a classic design perfect for the neighborhood. Inside, they've installed a tree which overlooks a cafe area. The walls are modern. Again, it really looks like they're gunning to be another Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. This location has been dubbed the "Califon Outpost" which adds to the rustic appeal and, hopefully, means they are planning to add other Outposts in the future. read more

Aqui Market - a large display of donuts - Grocery Near Me - Califon, New Jersey

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Inviting, clean, and well laid out supermarket with a standard selection you would find in most supermarkets. The BIG problem is the prices - they are significantly higher than anything else in the area (Shoprite, Weis, even Wegmans). It is a shame because the location is fantastic and the area really needs a good supermarket, but with prices like that they will be out of business in a year or two. read more

I am someone who has never really looked at prices while shopping. Aqui changed that. I recently saw a frozen pizza for $11 and a two pack of Bounty double paper towels for $10 dollars. I went across the street to Walgreens (not Costco) and they had the same two products, six paper towels for $10 and $5.50 for the pizza. I don't mind paying extra for the convenience, but it shouldn't be 2x or 3x. And the word seems to have gotten around, because a store that should be bustling never has more than a handful of customers, which makes me concerned about the turnover in the prepared foods and meat and seafood. They have got to be throwing out a ton of stuff every night. I understand they started in come urban areas, and maybe overhead and lack of consumer options justified these prices. But they are killing themselves with the gouging. read more

After driving around yesterday we decided to stop into this grocery store in Califon, NJ. Upon entering, I was impressed with the organization of the store. The store's footprint is small, but the arrangement of the aisles seemed to optimize all available space neatly. The meat section was impressive, to say the least, although the prices seemed to tad bit high for this town. However, when you factored in the cost of gas to drive to a larger town, I guess it all balances out. read more

The best improvement in this area in the past 10 years. I'd like to see lower prices also, but I do realize this is a limited market. The former A&P was the worst grocery store for miles in my opinion, shopped there only because I had to in an emergency. Dirty, faulty checkout equipment, clueless staff, ..... read more

Clean, inviting, lighting is great, and decorated nicely. I shop here all the time and can't see myself ever going back to Shoprite. I stopped by Shoprite over Thanksgiving since I was passing by and needed something at the last minute. I had forgotten how dirty Shoprite looks. Ugh. Even though Acqui prices are a bit higher, I will shop here and support my local business. We need to keep this supermarket going. I don't want to have to go to Hackettstown or Flemington just for groceries. Give this place a chance, it's great. read more

I do love Aqui-it's clean, like the hot bar and can get stuff there if I don't want to take the voyage to shop rite. But what in the hell is up with such high prices!?! I unfortunately am the 99% here in town so I can understand that some people can afford it and will pay for the convenience. I hope it sticks around because it's a nice quick stop with good options but I'll never "go shopping" there- unless my salary suddenly doubles! (Ok, maybe triples). read more

Clean, friendly, excellent meats and produce! Highly recommend!

What a relief! I don't have to drive to Chester anymore for groceries! Whew! The area was much anticipating the opening of this small supermarket and the wait was worth it. I didn't know what to expect-we had heard that it was a Latin American oriented small supermarket chain, and I for one had never heard of it. While I guess it is indeed Latin "themed", PLEASE don't write this off as just an ethnic food market! You can and will be able to not only find all the brands and products you are looking for, but will be surprised to find even more. On my first visit a few days ago, I was pleased to find a much bigger space than I anticipated. It was very clean, very organized, and very well laid out. The folks who were managing the place clearly were very tuned in to making the place run smoothly. A lot of cashiers and stockers seemed to still be in training, but were being closely supervised and did a great job. I was warned by neighbors that they were still "getting up and running" and if this is their still getting up and running I can't wait to see what is in store! There was only one produce item I came for that seemed to be out of stock, but no big deal. Everything else I came for was there, and there are a lot of cool and different products and brands to choose from. There doesn't seem to be a very big or well stocked bakery, but they had what I needed. I did not utilize it but the meat and seafood counters were very well stocked and the products looks really fresh and high quality. The fresh food buffet is supped to be Cuban themed and is not yet open but OMG that is going to be amazing. I am going to anticipate that this place will get crowded as it has a small parking lot and is actually much smaller than Shop Rite or Wegmans. When the word gets out, I will be sure to come at slow times only. Until then-so excited to have this in our neighborhood. read more

We all need a supermarket and our town can only accommodate one. Really nice selection and great for when you are in a pinch. Unfortunately, prices are full-price and with a killer Shop Rite in Chester, it is going to be hard to make that the go-to supermarket. I love it for what it is, they did a great job outfitting it. Hoping the bakery and cuban market is solid. read more

Aqui is a welcome addition. It is a very clean store, with friendly employees, and nice fresh produce. Admittedly their price on some grocery items is higher than a big chain, but certainly not unreasonable for a quick run out to the store. They have an excellent selection. I have yet to stop in for something and not have them stock it. They also have a nice verity of different international products, and a lovely coffee bar. read more

Living in Califon has always required a drive to take care of your routine errands. This store has added a conveinent shopping experience when you need your bread, milk, and eggs right before the big storm. But realistically, it is not an economical shopping decision to do your routine grocery pick up here unless you can withstand an astronomical bill. I definitely do not make the income like the retirees around here do, but the prices of some of the goods are really high. I understand they may not have the buying power of shop rite and other stores to make their prices lower, but walking through the store looking at the prices made me laugh at loud. I can only imagine how much food this store must waste through expiration dates reaching their time. Good Luck to you Aqui. I know you will survive in Califon, wish I could shop there regularly, but it's not looking that way. P.S. The store looks great though. read more

Aqui Market is good supermarket has everything you are looking for, there stuff are little expensive but its in close area and they have parking area. read more

Aqui has good produce and meat sections, locally produced items, and a nice selection of things you don't normally find outside of exclusively Latin-American stores. The deli is solid, and there is an adjacent area serving hot food (mostly Cuban). We tried the ropa vieja and sauteed mixed veggies... Both were quite good. The service at Aqui is friendly as well, and there always seems to be enough people working checkout (a rarity at most grocery stores these days). It's great to find such a nice grocery store not far from our rural home. read more

This place used to be the old A&P. The old A&P was horrible. They are still kind a new so they're still working out the knots. It's nice to have someplace local to come shopping. The vegetable section is amazing and I love the fresh meats. I can't wait till they open the Cuban section. Nice addition to califon. read more

It's definitely convenient. The prices are actually higher than kings or Whole Foods, so I only shop here when it's a matter of convenience.

I purchased a section of spare ribs and a chicken breast on November 1st. It was so hard and dried out that I couldn't chew it. I was extremely disappointed in the lack of quality in the Aqui Market hot food section. My daughter lives an hour away and uses my car, so I was unable to return this dried out, hard excuse for meat until November 8th. I felt extremely offended that the manager of the store called me a liar, taking NO responsibility for the lack of quality in their food. Having an anti senior store "policy" that doesn't accommodate for a senior's inability to get out of the house more that once a week is unacceptable. They insulted me by insisting the only reason their meat was dried out was because it was in the refrigerator for one week. Since the Aqui Market opened I have spent well over $1,000 in their store. For their lack of respect and inability to take responsibility for their inferior hot meats, they have permanently lost a customer. read more

Aqui Market is nowhere to go for food! A friend of mine was consuming fish from Aqui Market and she was looking through and found a worm in the food. Of course it was dead after being in the oven, but what if it was alive and what if there was more. I am personally furious at the quality of Aqui's value in products. This Market doesn't even deserve a star. many worms are in their food? read more

I'm so thankful for this terrific store in Califon. The produce (much of it is organic) and the tremendous meats, sausages, and especially the fresh fish are so welcome to this neighborhood. Chris, the fishmonger, was so incredibly helpful with a selection of fish and most importantly only sold me what I needed for one portion. And the fact that he's a local fly fisherman made the conversation that much better! Shop local folks - this store is incredible - don't forget to try to fresh chorizo sausage. I personally will shop here instead of the Shop Rite in Chester from now on. read more

The meat and produce prices were around what you find at Shoprite and the produce was very fresh and looked good. They really improved on the old A&P - updated, cleaner, and remodeled. The staff was friendly and polite. If you need something for breakfast/dinner and do not want to travel to Washington, Clinton, or Chester, this is a good option. read more

Nice, clean with great produce and meat selections. Small, so limited on grocery brands. Prices are high, but good in a pinch. Hours aren't very convenient, now closing at 8pm. read more

Love Acqui!! It is clean, clean, clean and the staff is lovely!! Some things are a little expensive, but you cannot beat their produce and fish prices!! read more

I really like this store,If they don't have what you want they will get it for you. I miss Oscar, I thought he was a wonderful manager very friendly and helpful. The meat department is great also I love the fish department. I never buy seafood in a supermarket, now that's the only place I'll buy seafood, very fresh. I wish Chris was back he knew everything about all the fish, he was a wonderful fish monger and had a great personality. I miss him as well. read more

Went here once, the food was okay but not at all worth the price. Gave it a second chance, and the food was not any better, probably worse. The dough in the ready-made food had a weird plastic-like smell to it. The checkout machines had major problems, which is just so annoying to deal with when you're just trying to get a quick bite to eat. I appreciate the effort in the layout and decorations, but the the entrance area was dark and a little uninviting. read more

I am a local and was excited to see a new business venture come into our community. This business was sorely need after the demise of our local A & P. Although somewhat skeptical about its Latin roots (Not a big Spanish population in Califon area I believe) I have found it a joy to shop here. Store is neat and clean. Employees friendly and helpful. Fruits and vegetables are fresh and fairly priced. Yesterday I tried the fresh salmon from their fish department and found it to be as good as salmon i normally purchase from the Metropolitan fish market on Route 22 (and about eight dollars per pound less expensive). Other smaller daily grocery items i have purchased have of course been more expensive than Shop Rite in Clinton but the reality of the situation is that for convenience you will always pay more. Think it important that we support this new business and hope others agree and shop here more often. read more