Watching salt intake? With a prior day order, they made us a rotisserie chicken with no salt. I was notified when it was ready and picked it up hot out of the oven. Excellent, friendly service. read more

I drop by when I need to pick up something quick -- always find it and prices are comparable, sometimes better, than the big markets on Solano Avenue. And so convenient in terms of parking, friendly and efficient staff, and nice, clean layout. I need to find more reasons to stop in! read more

I was shocked today when I shopped at Colusa Market and saw the prices. Yes, it's a nice store. But the prices are exorbitant and exploitative. Rotisserie Chicken $13.99. Safeway: $9.99 Fuji Apples (non-organic) $3.89 a lb. Safeway: $1.99 Tate's Bakeshop Cookies: $8.49. Safeway: $4.99 Perhaps they serve some folks nearby, but you'd have to be crazy to pay these prices when there is competition near here. read more

I found everything I was looking for at Colusa Market. It is beautifully organized and the staff is helpful and friendly. I love the blackberry sodas! read more

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** This is the Tale of Two Markets. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch... well, you get the drift. Anyway, if you're familiar with the hillside hamlet of Kensington, you're likely aware that there are two small commercial areas. One is up on Arlington at Amherst where there are several stores and small businesses at the Berkeley border. The other is at Colusa Circle where the legendary Narsai's used to be and now the farmers market holds court on Sundays. Both feature all-purpose markets that provide the lifeblood for their local communities especially as we survive through shelter-in-place. The market on Arlington is Young's which is a bit more jam-packed but convivial. Colusa offers a bigger fresh produce selection prominently displayed as you walk in the store, while their deli counter sits in the back. Jamie W. and I come here less frequently than Young's simply because of geographic proximity, but thanks to the Kensington paths, it's pretty easy to get from one market to the other. RELATED - Exploring Kensington? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18 read more

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Weird. The main guy that works there asks invasive questions about purchases...and is generally overbearing and gives off inappropriate vibes. It's too bad bc the whole neighborhood misses German and Ash. It's rumored (and obvious) the owner can't keep good workers. So, the arrogant and inappropriate ones stick around these days. read more

The few one * ratings are either from people who have never shopped in the East Bay, and know nothing about the prices. The other 1* criticism is obviously from some racist guys, who understand nothing. oh, the store is spotless. and the workers are great. read more

I'm not sure what's going on here since the new owners have taken over. Everything is expired and the store is filthy. Before this was my go to... but three times the milk has been expired and sometimes the prices are more than TRIPLE other stores. Want to support but cannot anymore. read more

I miss the old owners and friendly vibe. IF I come back, it'll only be because things have improved, or I'm desperate. 2 stars are for location, ease and decent selection. This used to be a super convenient and lovely little neighborhood grocery store. The new owners have done some upgrades (floors, produce bins, etc.) but also added some tacky neon lights/signs in front. Just my subjective opinion, though. On a less subjective matter, I agree with the other reviewer that the lack of prices listed on the shelf or actual product make me suspicious (is it lazy or sneaky price gauging?) And seeing one of the guys (owners?) ogling the woman in front of me while she was making friendly banter made me uncomfortable for her and any woman who would shop there. It was something he did in plain view, which shows me that it's his normal. I'd like to support new small business owners, but this is not cool, and sadly not what I can support. read more

I love this place. Great whole bean coffee, great meat department, good produce, interesting snacks. Killer wine selection for a lil market with lil review cards and everything. The rotisserie chicken is king. King chicken of flavortown. I miss the flowers during Covid. read more

Not sure about the negative reviews...they always had everything I wanted and then some. Sure, prices are high, BUT WHERE AREN'T THEY? Very convenient, very friendly and very clean. I'll even go out of my way to come here. Give it a try :) read more

New owners have transformed the neighborhood market and really spruced it up. New floors, new and expanded merchandise, new cashier counters. An incredible wine selection. Fabulous meat choices. It is a work in progress, a labor of love. And a costly undertaking. It is clear that they are passionate about their store, they are working hard to attract customers with an every expanding inventory. I have talked to Henry, one of the sons of the family business, several times. They have been working hard to make the store attractive and fill it with items that go beyond the everyday necessities. The store is super clean, new signs hanging from the ceiling show the way to categories. An ATM machine near the entry is convenient for paying cash, the preferred method of payments. I am happy to have such a fabulous neighborhood store nearby and I wish them success! read more

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I was a very big fan of this store when it was under the former owner, a super nice and smart businessman who kept the prices reasonable, and had an amazing selection of fresh produce and pretty much everything else you might need. I went there tonight to find that the prices have jumped up $1-$3 per item!! OMG!!!The prices are higher than anywhere! I am not shopping here anymore. I really think the owner should be smart and realize that you don't get repeat neighborhood business, when you hike the prices this way. If you keep the prices reasonable, people will do ALL their shopping there. I used to spend $100-$150 a month here, and sometimes I would actually do the week's shopping ALL HERE. I won't be back. I am very disappointed that we no longer have a great small neighborhood market in lower Kensington. Trader Joe's all the way! read more

They have an excellent assortment of snacks!! Many of them WHEAT and gluten free which is a major plus plus plus for me. They're a really small neighborhood market equivalent to a downsized Andronicos but their veggies and fruits are fresh and they have a lot of organic products in stock. They've also got a nice selection of beer as well as chips and dips galore there. Ok I admit that the friendly neighborhood customer service could sometimes be lacking like some reviewers have mentioned (I once overheard the owner loudly complaining about prices to a merchandiser) but the fact that they carry some of The Best wheat and gluten free snacks Ever (ubis chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies or WOW is right lemon burst cookies) makes me a fan. And it's also great that they're right in my neighborhood so that if I run out of eggs I can just walk here and buy some! No worries about parking, traffic or long lines - it's great! read more

Colusa Market - My latest find for the gluten challenged.... Delish!! - Grocery Near Me - Kensington, California

I have been in this neighborhood for 30 years and love to support our local business. Colusa Market has been our go to place. During the pandemic, Ike maintained the stored and kept prices in check when others stores took advantage. We love the meat counter! wanted to give the new owners the benefit of the doubt, appreciate the store upgrade and looks but everything else is going in the opposite direction. The new layout feels like a convenience store next to a gas station with the right side replicating a liquor store. Pricing on the shelves are not existing or do not reflect what it is programmed in the cash registers, so check your receipts! We miss the love Ike put on the produce the quality and his knowledge of the neighborhood and it's needs. That was reflect on how the merchandise change through the year and celebrate significant traditions Did I say Passover is coming? Cinco de Mayo is next. read more

I had previously given the market 5 stars. But since it was taken over by new management last year, it has changed and not for the better. There is an employee who can regularly be seen inside the store without a mask or with the mask covering his mouth and not his nose. I spoke repeatedly with him and management about this but it has not changed -- this is not the place to shop if you're trying to avoid COVID. For some reason, none of the employees under this management are women, another change from the previous ownership. The selection is good but many products can be found at better prices elsewhere. I used to buy 80% of my groceries here but now shop here only when I can't find items somewhere else. read more

Loved loved the 'old' Colusa Market and it's employees. Live within close walking distance. Came by many times a week for many years going out of my way to give Ike and his team most of my grocery business. Was my favorite part of the neighborhood and a great asset. For all the reasons mentioned prior: diminishing quality of groceries, old produce, consistent rudeness of the staff and just a general cluelessness about how to run a neighborhood family market vs. what is increasingly feeling more and more like a grim cluttered harshly lit convenience store in a sketchy part of town ... I've stopped shopping there entirely. I just refuse to go there any longer and be bummed out each time so walk to all the many alternative but further spots instead. The prior owner, Ike, still owns the building btw so ... hopefully the current operators will eventually break lease / decamp and turn over the business to someone with a bigger heart and vision who is willing to invest in the place if enough neighborhood folks stop shopping there entirely. It does always seems much emptier than it used to be when I walk by which I'm sorry to say heartens me. p.s. i know it's small, but I miss the recently replaced old vintage signage and the hand written signs in the window ... was a pleasant and attractive reminder of the markets long heritage that would have been better left in place as it lent the store front and neighborhood character ... just another indication of the current operators lack of connection to the community ... read more

I've been a regular customer here for a decade. I live about 3 blocks away and walk here. While they don't have everything (e.g., pecorino), the food selection is diverse and of high quality. The owner is a superb produce buyer and he gets some of the best tasting fruit available. Everyone there is incredibly nice. And as I know the store like the back of my hand, it's always a quick stop. They do accept ApplePay btw. And have excellent homemade kimchi. read more

I really hope that with some suggestions the market we all loved can be just as good as it was. - the person behind the meat counter should know about meats. the previous one was great about suggesting how to cook different cuts. now you have to pint out to him which one is the tri-tip. - quality over quantity. I loved the fact that previously the owner was very passionate about food and created a good small selection of items. now it's a whole of of everything filling the shelves and making me feel claustrophobic. - the lovely people at the counter seem to always say the same thing, quite dispassionately: "how is your day so far?". - its crowded. too many shelves and too tall... I'll keep going to help a local business but would love to see it more lively, welcoming, simplified. read more

Nice market lots of variety. The staff is very friendly. Great chicken and deli. If you get a chance to stop by dont miss out. Thank you colusa market read more

Incredibly rude service. The cashier spent the entire transaction talking on their cell phone, acknowledging me only to tell me to bag the items myself. Pricing is also a problem. Other than meat and produce much--if not most--of their items don't have prices listed on the shelf or on the item, and that was before they started renovating. You find out the prices by watching the screen hawkishly at checkout as they scan each product, and the receipts aren't itemized either. This is especially important given that some of their items are quite expensive (e.g., almost $7 for a bag of chocolate chips. No joke.) Save yourself the frustration and go to Andronico's---they're just a 2-minute drive up the road, the service is friendlier and you'll actually know the prices of your items before you get to the checkout line. read more

I used to love this store and live close by. The workers there now are nice people but the store is changed dramatically for the worse. The first thing was to mark everything up dramatically. My first experience with the meat counter was the person knew nothing about any of the meat, next time I was there the person behind the counter did not speak English, I relied on sign language to select something. Higher prices, the produce yesterday was literally horrible I couldn't believe they left boxes of yellowed, arugula, lettuce, spring mix and other old shriveled vegetables on the shelf. The alcohol is now probably 25% of the store. It is unfortunate but I believe the same group has bought Young's in downtown Kensington. Try to shop elsewhere. read more

While this market has continued to be an occasional part of my regular shopping routine, during this time of COVID-19, it's become more primary. I haven't been to Berkeley Bowl West or Monterey Market since the shelter-in-place order has gone into effect. Instead I stop here for potatoes and onions and today, Granny Smith apples. I often buy seasonal fruit here. It was here that I discovered Coracao vegan chocolates. They carry two flavors and the one I like best is the dark chocolate sea salt caramel. It is simpler, w/ fewer ingredients. Until today I didn't know how expensive it was, Today I looked at the receipt and was shocked, then decided I'm worth it. It's a great little store w/ a friendly, helpful staff, which carries pretty much anything I need or want. read more

There are at least three independent markets near my house: the Colusa Market, Young's Market (up the hill from the Colusa Market), and a place at the corner of Richmond and Potrero in El Cerrito. All three have the appearance of Mom-and-Pop grocery stores out of the Twilight Zone. All three have meat counters. My impression is that the meat counter at the Colusa Market is part of the store. The meat counter at Young's is an independent business; the meat counter in El Cerrito used to be an independent place and probably still is. I go to Young's fairly often for staples. I've been in the Colusa Market only rarely. Each time, I leave with the impression that it's more expensive than Young's and that it's not as good in various ways. Shopping there is somehow a sad experience. When I was last at the Colusa Market (a couple of weeks ago), I bought a rotisserie chicken from the meat counter. It was sold as a whole bird, wrapped up in plastic -- there was no option to have it cut up. I was pretty disappointed in the taste. The whole Colusa Circle area (including the Kensington Circus Pub, the Kensington Bistro, Semifreddi's, the Colusa Market,...) could take off any time. The large vacant restaurant across the street, where there was once Narsai's and most recently Porto Brasil, is in need of a killer tenant. read more

Colusa Market - Grocery Near Me - Kensington, California

The new owners are doing a fabulous job listening to the community and giving us what we need in our neighborhood market. The staff is friendly and helpful. The owner was eager to talk and asked me what I'd like to see in the store. read more

Updating review to reflect new ownership from late 2021-present. Worse produce, less-friendly service, less transparent pricing, and significantly higher prices overall. Many items have no posted price at the shelf, almost nothing has a price sticker on it. I have had numerous items ring up at higher than the marked prices. The store layout is improved, and there is still a decent selection, but the produce has gone downhill and prices have gone way up, which you may not find out until you get to the register. read more

The new ownership has really built a beautiful neighborhood market with great produce, every day groceries and specialty items. The meat market is high quality as well. Easy in and out and friendly service. read more

I've been shopping here all through the pandemic for the past 6 months and I FIND EVERYTHING. It's a fabulous market. Great produce, fresh wild salmon, Acme bread, Strauss dairy- LOVE ALL OF THEIR TOP ARTISAN BRANDS. Plus the staff are helpful and friendly. Couldn't ask for more. Family owned means a lot to me. read more

I've lived in this neighborhood for 11 years and used to love this store. I've visited three times since the new owners took over and the treatment I received felt like sexism disguised as simple rude behavior. When I'm done with a long day of work and need to pick up a last-minute ingredient for dinner, I'm not going to pay someone to treat me poorly. And to the people here who say they were racially profiled, I'm not surprised. A successful business owner would have quickly responded to such comments made by customers, looked into the matter, and taken appropriate measures to make sure that no one felt like that again in their business. I hope people in this neighborhood vote with their wallets. We'll get what we're willing to accept. read more

Very disappointing start for the new owners of a store we loved for the previous 30 years. Really missing the quality organic produce (I know that was a source of pride for the previous owner who hand-picked items), and the mix of high quality goods at reasonable prices. I called in a special case order in June and never heard back. I could attribute that to just-opening weeks, but now seeing the claustrophobic aisles, the disappearance of multiple items I used to purchase regularly, shelves stocked with products of poor and uneven quality, and customer service that feels incredibly impersonal for a neighborhood store, I don't think we'll be going back at least til I start reading better reviews. read more

It is convenient, if you are walking. Otherwise it is a mess. No parking. Worse than that, it is overpriced. They have a minimum charge or they dock you $5 for using a credit card. And, most offensive, for most of the times I've gone there to pick something up, there is an obnoxious "manager" who hovers behind the checker, barking orders and barking at the customer. Rude and irritating. Not a good experience. read more

Nice market with fresh meats & Farmers Market produce & prices are reasonable. The cherries I bought were very sweet & I was surprise they had sweet Italian red onions, there are very hard to find..This market has everything a regular size market has just smaller space..They also make sandwiches for $5. read more

This market is a throwback to the days of the small neighborhood grocery store, but is SO much more. It has been remodeled recently and carries an amazing number of products including organic fresh vegetables, quality meats, a well chosen selection of wines as well as almost any specialty item one may need. I live close by and the only thing I found missing was postage stamps at the cash register. Their selection of breads could be greater, but otherwise this place is a gem. The difference between the old ownership and the present is profound. It's cleaner, much better organized, friendlier and it gives one pleasure to know that "mom and pop" stores are not a thing of the past and can thrive. read more

The new owners have a background in convenience stores, which does not translate in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood. The vibe is like a 7-Eleven in a high-crime area, with multi-screen security monitors, racial profiling (I was followed around) and blinking neon ATM and lottery signs. The produce and grocery items are still good but they changed things around a lot and devoted a whole aisle to wine. I hope they are more sensitive and responsive to their customer base read more

Be careful to check the expiration dates on your purchases. A few months ago I bought a bag of Tate's cookies which expired 3 months ago, today I inadvertently bought cheese which expired 2 months ago. When I do remember to check dates on their perishables, I've found other products on shelf that have long expired, including medication. This is really the only thing against this market - the staff is so friendly, the produce selection is great & affordable. They just need to be better with rotating shelf stock. read more

My favorite market: convenient, organic produce, fresh dairy, butcher and roasted chickens ...they don't have what you are looking for? just ask and they'll try to get it in. read more

Six months ago, I gave the new owners of this very fine old neighborhood organic market a bad rating, as they had decreased and downgraded inventory and added a huge collection of liquor. Today, I am upgrading my opinion. The owners have added a great deal of interesting new inventory, particularly ethnic foods. The produce has improved, and there is even a little hint of community returning to the store. We can hope they keep it up! read more

The cashier who served me today had his mask hanging below his chin as he rang me up. I'm used to seeing workers half-masked (nose uncovered) or masking hurriedly as a customer approaches, but his guy wasn't even trying to make a good impression. The wall of liquor behind him reminded me of my old neighborhood in the Richmond flats, where the local mom-and-pop shop was primarily a liquor store, and it made me sad. I did get some nice cilantro and the last pack of flour tortillas on the shelf, but this shop won't be my go-to anymore for convenience items. read more

I can't say enough about the new upgraded Colusa Market. They have done everything right! It's cleaner, we'll stocked with many new and interesting additions, and the management is friendly and accommodating. The produce is fresh and there are many organic options. There is no longer a need for me to go to the big box stores. Keep up the good work Colusa Market, the community appreciates you! read more

This is an extremely well-stocked neighborhood market and the prices are reasonable too (better than Andronico's, Safeway and Lucky on a lot of items). Since I can walk there from our house (a short 5-min walk - don't be jealous!), I just bring a basket or a bag, and as a result, I find that these days I finish all the food I buy because I don't over buy any more. I have the luxury of buying just what I need for the day or the next day - it's so refreshing! Last week I went to buy some ground beef, and the meat was ground fresh right in front of me! Wow! The staff is very friendly and helpful too. read more