Bougie grocery store prices without the quality. As a vegetarian, I'm constantly looking for the best veggies and other products to go along with them. As such, I hit up 3+ grocery stores every week, most of which are high end grocery stores and I travel in between Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma to get to them. I pass by Central Co-Op all the time, but I hadn't gone in until recently. First impressions? Really small produce department with truly awful quality. Skip! The store is overall small with a small selection of items with high price tags. I see zero reason to ever step into this store again and ended up walking out emtpy handed to drive to another store. There are a LOT of options for grocery stores, choose any other one. read more

They have talented cooks here. I really enjoyed their orzo salad. I'm also a fan of their raspberry bars in the bakery section, and their lunchtime taco bar is lovely. read more

Central Co-op - Their lunchtime taco bar is tasty with several kinds of veggies & beans, and other options like tequila chicken & more. - Grocery Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

We recently moved to Tacoma from Texas and I'm still trying to navigate the stores and what not. I've definitely found my weekly hit at this place! It's like a much more updated and nicer Sprouts. Or Wheatsville in Austin. Fabulous organic selection, healthy clean foods in every genre. They have it all. Bulk too! They even have the flax milk I hadn't been able to find anywhere else. They are super nice as well. So excited they are here!!! read more

I'm so proud to have this in our city. Welcome back, glad you can call this location your new home. It's definitely an upgrade from the former area on 6th ave. With a deli seating, huge assortment of beverages and skincare, and lots of parking. However, I do miss the old thrift store here and I thought it was supposed to locate to hilltop so that the community there would have access to more fresh veggies and fruits?! (Right?) Anyways, I'm glad they opened and members can now be happy. I'm happy that they have a burrito station. $7.99 for a huge happy baby burrito with fillings galore. And I love the beautiful plants/planters that are for sale, available outside! read more

Central Co-op - Grocery Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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I'm a fan of Coop groceries. So when a chance to review them visiting a new town avails itself, I will. This coop is on the route to Point Defiance Park. It is large with wide aisles. The produce was fresh and well stocked, at mid-pricing, some specialties and organic are higher. The bulk is fully working, in Oregon many bulk sections are closed by COVID. Some of the deli is on break. There is plenty of parking. The staff was present and cool. read more

We were in Tacoma for a few days earlier this month and I shopped here twice. It was easy to get to from our hotel or on the way back from Pt. Defiance. Parking was easy. We liked that the produce section while small was nearly all organic. For a smaller store, we felt they had a good selection of the basics plus some new items that we tried. Staff was helpful and easy to talk with. I would shop here if we lived nearby. read more

I shop at the co-op pretty regularly, since I live nearby, but this review is for the juice bar. I have been planning on getting a juice here since the co-op opened. I don't know what took me so long. You really can't beat the price. For $5 or the equivalent to a latte, you can get fresh squeezed juice and/or vegetables. I opted for carrot, beet, and ginger. It was delicious and healthy and I felt good afterward. A+. I will be back very soon for juice! read more

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The grand opening of Central Co-op has been a long time coming and I can say with certainty it's a huge asset to the North End as part of the recent growth explosion which is making Tacoma increasingly a more desirable place to call home (shhh, yeah I know, let's keep that quiet).... back to review specificity.... I've been twice now and couldn't be more pleased with the offerings, layout, and space. A huge bulk section of what you expect: grains, flours, beans, dried fruits and granolas, grind your own nut butters, and vats of varied honeys and spices & herbs, seasonings and teas. The produce section is vast for a natural foods store, including both typical and the less common, such as the wonderful turmeric root I grabbed to cold-press with carrots and clementines. Another joy to discover are the raw, grass-fed artisan cheeses from local farms (and California) and the genuinely cage-free eggs from four sources. The hot bar hasn't let me down as everything has tasted fresh and delicious for two dinners, even when the warming lamp made the tops appear somewhat dry, all was very fresh tasting. They have a taqueria I've yet to try, but am excited as beans to try! I was happy to see that all containers and "silver"ware for eat-in /take-out can be composted. Yay! They have their liquor license, so beers and wine are an option as well. I haven't perused yet, but I'm sure they must have some organic and gluten-free options, which is exciting. I loved the bread section...all natural, quality yumminess. Compared to nearby Safeway and Metropolitan Market's (which I ADORE) I would say Central Co-op doesn't compete, but complements, with the vast array of items not being available at either of those places. Their competitor would be Marlene's Natural Foods Market on 38th in south Tacoma. Other than Marlene's salad bar, I won't miss heading in that direction for my natural products as Central seems to have them beat on a variety and better prices. I'm glad about proximity to Ruston Point shopping area, Ruston Way waterfront, Point Defiance Park and the ferry terminal. What an awesome place to grab picnic foods and drinks which are good for you. Their large eat-in area is a great place to sit down and quick eat indoors, with plenty of tables. Welcome to the neighborhood Central Co-op! Glad you're here! read more

Central Co-op - Dispenser empty, two half used rolls on toilet tank. Unhygienic. - Grocery Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Finally a great grocery store in North Tacoma!! Unfortunately, it would happen to open after we moved from the area, but the area needed one and now they have a fantastic shop. I would compare this shop to the Met Market in Proctor, although we did not compare prices much, it is hard to imagine them costing as much as the Met. Inside you will find a surprisingly nice, modern store with a cornucopia of organic goods, fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, hot and cold food sections, and a nice selection of beers, wines, and spirits. I will definitely be going out of my way to visit these guys more often now. If you have not, well you should. You will be surprised at the goods and quality of the foods. If you live nearby, well all I can say is "Lucky!!" read more

Love the fact that the Central Co-op reopened in Tacoma! I like everything about their new location! They now have a taqueria deli, food bar , kombucha on tap and plenty of healthy ready to go items to eat. In that particular section there were some great looking salads and sandwiches! They have a nice inside seating area where you can enjoy all of these features as well as an outside one! Aside from the deli I found lots of great healthy snacks that I like that I purchased, like the Luna bars for example! In addition to that they have a lovely health and beauty section. I found some artisian soaps that I really liked! And of course the produce section is lovely! Great selection! Everything about this new Central Co-op location is bigger and better! I've only been here once or twice but I'm eager to become a regular! read more

Yay, they're finally open! I've been watching the development of this space with anticipation for the past two years or so. My child and I attended their Grand Opening today: what fun! They had a pygmy goat petting zoo set up in the parking lot, face painting, sample giveaways, and fresh grilled corn and sausages from Uli's Famous Sausages cooked up by Uli himself. It was hard to get a 'feel' for the shopping experience here inside the store since they were so crazy busy today, but the space is big, bright, and stocked with lots of fresh produce and other good stuff. We just picked up some fresh fruit on this trip, but I'm sure we'll be back soon (like, maybe later today even). So glad to welcome this business to the neighborhood! read more

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This is coming from an employee-perspective, not really a consumer- though I was both, and when I worked there, everyone did an amazing job- too good, considering how they were treated. I used to bake there and it was great, for as long as I was sheltered from the egomaniacal, callous, and unrealistic demands of the lady in charge, the CEO, Catherine. In the time I was there, she eliminated all salaries positions, either by sudden firings, or by making the demands on those positions so great that those people felt forced to leave, to take care of their own well-being. She also had managers do her dirty work, like approach other employees and tell them they could no longer work in the positions they had held for years, longer than she had even been a CEO. Because all those management positions sat empty, she filled them with whoever was willing to be there, without proper compensation. For the deli, it meant that someone completely unqualified was going to stand-in. Someone who worked hard but by self-admission, could not communicate when things start to hit the fan. The first thing that was done was that he upgraded his girlfriend to be an unofficial assistant manager- a position that didn't exist in reality, but was enforced by their own fantasy. It became so unbearable to go to work I had to leave- and rather than file a complaint, I bargained for a lay-off- which they were plotting for anyway behind my back- and shame on me for not getting it in writing, because the terms of my leaving were that I get severance pay- and what I got instead was $600- frankly a bullshit number, since the standard of severance is a week for every year worked, which I had 3. But even for two weeks, it should have been twice what they gave me. When i asked by email I didn't get a response. In summation, even though im reviewing as an employee, it matters, maybe more than a consumer review. Because consumers are supporting this environment to continue-- you would think a co-op would have much better practices. On the base level, until the last three months anyway, it did. But because she cut positions left and right, laid people off, sometimes purely out of spite (Jessica) and then others as collateral damage (Drew) , she made it impossible to have a healthy work environment- and im sure the cuts have continued- when the most obvious, overpaid and under productive position is her own read more

Dear Fellow Tacoma Co-Op Members, Why are we not receiving a financial statement for 'our' store? Anyone who has shopped at this store surely knows that management is running this, one fine store, into the ground. Please too, see employees' reviews at: Glassdoor.com read more

Two stars is because the employees have a staring problem and think everyone is stealing product even after spending about a thousand dollars a month. The employees not only have a problem with customers, but when they're not on their phones, you can hear them complaining about their jobs and managment/pay(for being on their phones?). Fortunately I only shop here because it's convenient and close by my house and I prefer to give my money to local providers rather than mega corporations like Walmart and Safeway. So I will continue to spend my money here because the food and product is excellent and the price is good. But I do not appreciate the hipster kids who glare at me and others (the kid with the beanie and painted nails always looks pissed off) whom thinks I'm stealing for whatever reason. They always have people watch me every time I go in-even after a year of spending over $300+ every single week which makes the experience uncomfortable, but I realize they're profiling certain customers who don't fit their expectations. (Example: Sweatpants + black hoodie = Shoplifter) Like I need to get dressed proper to go two blocks down the street? Overall I recommend shopping here for the quality of food and product. But expect the customer service to be fake and be prepared to be glared at and watched by the hipster brigade like your a criminal. Food/Product + Price = A+ Customer Service = D- (except on the days the mature people are working who make the experince more welcoming and warming.) Definitely some prejudice going on and it shows in some of their faces. I'm not the only one either, I have friends whom share the same experince... read more

Since the re-opening the product selection has changed slightly, and prices on many items have been lowered. There were several items we purchased that cost less than they do at our regular grocery store. They also asked if there were any changes they could make or items we would like added. It wasn't very busy for a Saturday. I hope more people check this place out. We don't want to see it shut down again. read more

Outstandingly friendly and warm staff. Clean and bright. Terrific selection of natural and local foods . Excellent taqueria bar and juice bar. We will be back! read more

Central Co-op - Grocery Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Today 4/13/24, the man answering the phone at 9am displayed the LAZIEST and ENTITLED and MOST SHAMELESSLY RUDE attitude for someone in a customer service role. I asked him to check the expiration date on the raw goal milk. Instead of obliging, he debated me about the uselessness of giving me that information, and his argument was that it doesn't matter because it's fresh. To all reading, I live far from any location that sells raw goat milk, so the stamped expiration date is important if I am to drive a long distance to buy it. I seek this milk for health purposes, and I wouldn't want to drive the distance just to find milk that won't last more than a few days. Any generation after X is usually a disappointment in customer service, because their narcissistic personalities keep them in a grandiose delusion rather than in reality that they are a servant, a customer servant in customer service. They usually don't deserve the job, and this man surely does not deserve it. I finally told him that I'm not here for a debate or an argument, and that he will either oblige my customer request to check the expiration date or he will refuse. Guess his response? ...... "I'll try." read more

I am so extremely grateful to have Central Coop in Tacoma and in the neighborhood I live in. It is a great addition to the neighborhood. The store is beautiful, the new construction looks great. The food selection is awesome. It is all the fun local/organicy stuff that is only in one aisle at most grocery stores. This whole store is that aisle! I feel the prices are fair, seems to be between The big chain grocery stores and the more expensive luxury grocery stores. I love the juice bar, the orange carrot ginger juice is my favorite. The bulk section is awesome, the cheese, the beer and wine. I am loving all of it. They even have a taco bar and kombucha on tap. Thank you for this new store, I hope you get a lot of community support. read more

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This place has gone downhill since they opened. They use to have healthy and interesting hot bar food. Now it's mostly pizza. Today I came in to get some mango slices. The section that they are normally in was empty so I asked the guy at the register if he could check the back. He decided to point out a coworker and say she's the manager she can help. So I ask her. She seemed annoyed and said "I'm not even clocked in yet" and walked away.. so I went back up to the guy and said well she wouldn't help me. He said "I'm sorry about that" with a smile. So I said okay I'm just gonna leave. I'm a customer and I feel like they didn't want my business nor cared. Nobody did anything to just check if they had freakin mango. I ended up going to Metropolitan Market. They are a little more expensive but definitely superior. read more

Wow!!! Found the best most reasonably priced lunch/dinner in Tacoma: Their Taqueria Bar is the place to eat. $7.99 for a heathy, multi choice, built your way meal. You gotta try it. I will be getting many meals there. read more

I am a regular shopper for multiple items at Fred Meyer, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. I only shop at Met Market for certain speciality items. I am a price shopper as well, and I was so pleasantly surprised with Central CoOp! Their prices for multiple speciality items were more reasonable than any of those stores I listed above! And I was able to find multiple speciality items I typically cannot. I can easily shop with kiddos here and still enjoy a really wide selection. So great! We will be back. read more

I like the Coop a lot. I have food issues and this is the only market that sells the bread I can eat without ingredients that upset my tummy. They don't have everything I like, but I still pick up what I need. Staff is friendly and helpful. It's nice and clean and makes shopping very pleasant. read more

Upgrading to three stars because they hired some new, knowledgeable, friendly staff and the food selection has improved. I still wish the co-op had seen fit to put in a real deli instead of a sad hot bar with no vegan selections. Some fresh soup and sandwich options would be really sweet. Maybe some fresh bakery items? Well, a girl can dream. read more

i am bummed to have to write this however i think it's important that people are aware... if you buy crackers or other dry/packaged edible goods, possibly canned foods as well, **check the expiration date.** we recently bought some chips (last week) and the printed "best by" (stamped on the bag) was Feb 2020... that was 9 months ago. now granted it's probably perfectly safe to eat, however no other grocery stores would do that. i get that it must be hard to just throw stuff out especially is business is slow, but this is just uncool and potentially unsafe. buyer beware.... read more

Clean and new. Pretty flowers! Nice produce. Great vegan and allergy friendly foods. Friendly, helpful staff. I'm a fan! Will be back! And don't have to be a member to shop there. Yeeeee! Hummus in different flavors and nut cheese for days. read more

Hoping I can change this to 4 or 5 stars in the future. I went about 2 weeks after opening - nicely stocked produce aisle, though considerably more expensive than other options in the area. Beer was stocked, primarily IPA and cider. I prefer dark beer and the only options were peanut butter porter or buying singles of a stout ($2.99 per can). Excited to see bulk spice area. Bagels out of the bakery section were great. Some of the food to go looked fantastic, but quite pricey - I suppose that's part of the whole local/organic/co-op thing, but I can usually buy local and organic for quite a bit less elsewhere so it just felt frustrating. I was also excited to see the big containers of Dr. Brommer's soap to do refills. I would have given 4 stars but the employee who checked me out seemed very unhappy and was kind of rude. I greeted her after she said nothing to me (busy chatting with another employee). I held my 1 year-old in one arm, so I expected she would at least slide my grocery bags within easy reach, but she didn't. I struggled to pull them close enough to pick up and place my cart while she continued chatting with a co-worker. When everyone is so friendly and helpful at Metropolitan Market and Safeway this left me with a bit of a bitter feeling as I left. I'll go back - anytime a business has just opened there are kinks to work out - hoping for at least a friendlier experience next time. read more

Have given multiple chances to be a great neighborhood store. Unfortunately rarely do they have things I am looking for and when they do it's very overpriced. I have however had one very friendly interaction with an employee when it first opened, I think the manager, since then everyone seems to be reclusive. Not sure if they're wanting me in their store since my looks don't align with their targeted demographic. Now I see too a bunch of political virtue signaling which is annoying at best. My opinion is if you don't fit their target patrons don't expect too much help or friendly service. read more

I love this place it has tons of cool natural products and a lot of stuff is locally made

This place is awesome! The prices are very reasonable, most items are actually cheaper than Safeway down the street and way cheaper than Met Market. They have tons of vegan/vegetarian options. The bulk sections is great--they have the usual bulk items, fresh ground butter and peanut butters, coffee, and even soap and detergent. It's really easy to bring your own jar, especially if you bring mason jars because they already have those tared. The burrito is a great deal at $8 for as many toppings as you want. read more

So happy the co-op is open again in Tacoma. The store is clean and options are all well chosen. Love the people who work there. The manager, Jim, is very friendly and wants to hear what you would like them to carry. The freshly ground cashew butter is my favorite snack. read more

Everything here is way to expensive. 10 dollars for a sandwich with just meat and cheese. No wonder the place is a ghost town

We stopped by here looking for some dinner later Sunday evening. I'd never been in this store (I live in Seattle) but was really pleased. It's got a whole lot of great things that other stores (even other stores like Whole Foods) don't have. It's also got a huge cafe area to sit and eat. We were thinking "take-out" but enjoyed having a nice spot to sit and eat instead of eating on the go. The hot bar was closed for the evening (as were most restaurants at that hour on a Sunday evening), but I was still able to find a nice, healthy reasonably priced dinner in their deli cooler. We enjoyed everything we got. They have a lot of local items (dairy and vegetables at least) which I really appreciate, and the employees were really nice and very helpful when I was looking for odd items (we grabbed a few other things while here). This is a nice, clean, well-stocked store with great employees. I will definitely stop here when I'm in the area. read more

Big and beautiful and an incredible selection. More gluten free foods than I could ever manage to eat and reasonable prices for that kind of stuff. (It's all relative.) Definitely cheaper than Met Market! Also, it's a co-op, and that makes me happy. Discounts for members. read more

We finally have a staple grocery store that we enjoy shopping at on regular basis. Excellent variety of local foods and local products.!Love saving on price and waste with bulk food as well as ability to fill your reusable containers with oils, detergent and hand soap plus more.Not bombarded by unhealthy foods like other grocery stores. Friendly and relaxing environment brings back the pleasure of shopping and allows us to make responsible choices on what products we buy. It is definitely worth our weekly drive from Puyallup. read more

Yay! Tacoma has our co-op back! Sure, they're still working things out and getting things stocked -- but the store has been open for less than two weeks. The selection of groceries and produce is good, and prices are slightly cheaper than I remember from the old TFC. The feel of the store is more like a very small Whole Foods than like Marlene's, which surprised me. I didn't look into tacos or other takeout, so can't comment on that. My one gripe is that I was hoping for a Quickie Too sandwich and there were none. In all: Yes, they're still getting up and running. Yes, it looks like a great place to shop. Yes, support the co-op! read more

Great spot! Almost everything's locally sourced, they pay they're employees well and it shows, tons of organic healthy options. I'm stoked for the north end, they needed a super market like this. I'll be coming here a lot more! read more