I support local markets and grew quite fond of the deli and salad bar area to grab lunch on the go. It's the employees that make it so difficult and unpleasant to shop here. The words 'thank' and 'you' are rarely uttered and everyone seems to have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I find it difficult to spend the typically higher local market prices when there is such neglect inside these doors for basic customer service. Shame on the team members, but double shame on the management for allowing it to take place. It could be such a great store. read more

I see Potash's weekly ads and have compared them to Jewel and Dominicks, but never felt like it was really worth it to stop in. I have a Jewel less than 2 blocks away, and I'll be damned if I'll pay higher prices when I have the most economical store that conveniently located. I do go to Trader Joe's for special items and have gone to Whole Foods on occasion. But Jewel is my go-to store, and that will not change. I'd be stupid not to shop at Jewel with this kind of proximity. If you're on a budget, Potash is not the store for all your grocery shopping. But if you need an emergency item or check the ads, it's worth it to stop in. It is better than a convenience store, because they have so much - and their deli items look mighty tasty. I received a "welcome to the neighborhood" coupon offer in the mail for a dozen eggs, orange juice, bacon, and bread, the "worth" of which was said to be $15.96. The items were specifically listed by name brand and size. I also needed some greens and a sourdough baguette, so decided I'd get that while I was in there so I didn't look too cheap! I checked the coupon carefully to ensure that I got exactly what was on it. They no longer carried the egg brand, according to a stocker. I bought all the name brands listed and checked to see that the sizes of each item was accurate. When there were multiple choices, I noticed that all were at the same price. I got the coupon around a month ago, and it was good thru March (it's just the start of March now). When I got to the counter, the woman at the register goes "Oh, this item (bacon) is gonna put you over. You need to get the smaller size bacon." Now she is pointing at the package size, telling me I have to get 1/2 the size. The coupon clearly said "1lb Oscar Meyer bacon," and that was exactly what it was. The varieties of said bacon were all the same price. I politely said "The coupon says 1lb of bacon, which is what that is." She doesn't even look at the coupon, and repeats that I am going to go "over budget." I repeated that I got what is on the coupon. The bread and orange juice managed to pass muster, but she made a comment about the whole price, "See, you're gonna go over budget." Let me just say I didn't know I had a budget. I resist the urge to say "Listen, I got what was on the coupon and it isn't my fault if you raised your prices before the coupon expired." I would have been happy to choose $15.96 worth of food; but the coupon specifically said it was for certain items. So that is what I got. Now it was time to argue about the friggin' eggs. "This is gonna put you over," the lady goes. I answered: "I was told that your egg distributor has changed. You don't carry the other brand anymore, so I chose the same size eggs that the coupon said." Then there was a long winded discussion about the size of the eggs. Back and forth, back and forth. I calmly said "The coupon specifies extra large eggs." She continued to argue, saying that it was gonna "put me over my budget." Again with that phantom budget. The manager bagging said "It's okay, just give it to her." He was friendly and cheerful, but I still felt like I was somehow getting away with something, when I was simply following what was on THEIR coupon. I can't stand this sort of thing. I resisted the temptation to say "That's okay," and just walk out, deciding that they should honor their coupon, and I really didn't care what the cashier thought. As I said, he was very friendly and nice. But it would have been better if he had actually corrected the cashier about THEIR coupon - instead of making it look like he was just being "nice." Basically, she fought with me over 2 of the items repeatedly. I felt like I was being scolded and almost just walked out. But I wasn't gonna let her treat me that way, so I stood by what I knew was right. They'd sent me a coupon listing certain items. It did not say "food totaling $15.96;" the price was a part of the description to let you know that the store was giving away food that was approximately worth that total. I'm sure it wasn't meant to be strictly adhered to. Otherwise, they wouldn't have listed specific items at specific sizes and said it was all "free." I cannot stand establishments that offer coupons and then try to treat you like crap for using them. Why bother? I know that in this case, the cashier was ignorant. To try to charge a customer more because their prices went up before the expiration of their own coupon is just tacky. But I realize she didn't get that. She was taking the amount literally and basically insisting that I adhere to a "budget." Moral of the story is that if you plan to use a generous Potash coupon, be prepared for a possible argument if you get a certain cashier. But don't take any nonsense. The manager will probably back you up. In reality, I don't feel I saved anything, because I paid for it with my dignity. That's what folks living on a budget confront every day. Nothing is EVER totally free. read more

Went here to try out a special cookie dough they carry. Their hours weren't updated and I didn't get any notice on their phone system about them being closed. They weren't open when I arrived. Don't wanna leave a bad review, but please look into ways to prevent this in the future. Wasted a lyft ride here and back. read more

The only grocery store in the city where I consistently need to bag my own groceries because the staff is too busy talking to one another (or ignoring the customers, it's usually a toss-up). 3 stars for the location and their selection of a few items that are hard to find elsewhere. read more

I wonder why anyone would shop at Potash on State. The employees are at best indifferent and at worse dour and unpleasant. I have never seen anyone smile. Is it because it's not a pleasant place to work? When I first came to the neighborhood Potash was very convenient. But after several years I realize it is simply not a business I want to support. I will have to be really in need to ever go again. Shape up!! read more

Was a nice little market in down town Chicago. It was a bit pricey but they have a little bit of everything you could need. We got paper plates and some cookies here. Cashier was very friendly. Get the "bullseyes" at the front register. Chocolate on outside and peanut butter on inside 99 cents. read more

It's the perfect neighborhood grocery if you need to get it and get out. The store is large enough to carry almost all of your cooking and baking needs. They are starting to carry more organic products which is great for me if I need to purchase something quick. read more

Even before this was my closest grocery store, I used to go all the time just for the salad bar. Pricier than Jewel but I can get most of the things I need and skip the 10 minute walk, which can make a big difference if you're carrying heavy grocery bags. read more

'Hadn't been inside in something like ten years, but ran in last night to grab some cakes and pastries for 20 people, and remembered how great it was to have Potash around the corner. Perhaps a bit pricey, but quality and service were uniformly high, and the store only looks more modern since i had last been inside. Before Peapod, you could fax in your list of groceries (eg when sick), and they would pick n pack, and deliver! The woman at checkout told me they still do that! read more

I really can't complain that I live across the street from a grocery store but I can complain about the store, more specifically the employees. I realize space is such a commodity in the city, and the lack of it at the store is not something to complain about, it is the rude gold coast women who think they own the place. They do not move their carts, but think you should move yours and even one time I was looking for a certain spice and a women just stood right in front of me, like i didn't exist. In the produce section which really isn't bad (im quite the picky produce eater) there are always at least two employees with carts blocking at least 1/2 of the section. I know their doing their 'job,' but most of the time they are talking about their girlfriend's or sneakers. Next to the deli..no complaints about the meat or cheese and the have good specials often, but don't go there if you are in a hurry. Even when there is not someone in front of you, expect to be there for at least 10 mins. They aren't chatting or anything, just move really slow. Finally after dodging the employees, head on collisions with other carts and the snobs and you are ready to pay, don't expect anything more then, 'plastic ok?' They are efficient, but often act like they are hanging out at someone's apt then working, yelling from station to station, gossiping, etc. Overall: couldn't be happier that i live so close, but the employees really damper my experience there. But they have the most wonderful white wine called vinho verde, so i keep on going back, even with their higher prices. read more

Excellent market. Great wine selection. Perfect shopping for produce and other essentials. We are from out of town and it was nice to have a market to pick up fresh food b read more

This place is OK. They have a decent deli, but overall, too high priced, too small. It really is cramped, and tough to find anything. The only reason I go here is because it's close and to grab one or two things. read more

I just ordered 3 Italian sandwiches from the deli. One for me, my wife and her boss. it was a horrible sandwich. The first thing I noticed is that the bread was not fresh, it was dry also the skin was still on the salami and when I bit into it, it pulled everything out onto my desk. The people in charge should teach the staff behind the counter making the sandwiches about deli meats and the general quality of what they are putting out. I won't be going back there for a sandwich anyway. I grew up in Chicago and I guess I expected a little more from an $8 sandwich. read more

This is a cutesy little gold coast grocery store. I usually pop in to get some water or snacks on my way to work. The prices seem reasonable for the area and the help is always nice. The deli bakery area always smells nice and meaty. In a good way, naturally! read more

Surly cashiers who will regularly rip you off. I.e. one cucumber purchased, four charged. $6.76 for one cucumber. And no they will not email you back when asked what their policy is to remedy. The people working the aisles are very nice, very helpful. Sadly I don't think they work the registers. read more

Potash has an OK selection of produce that is generally over-priced but fine if you shop only the sales. The non-produce section of the store is grossly over-priced, we're talking 2 to 3 times the price of Trader Joe's. The selection is also pretty minimal but this place works if you live right near by and just need to run in for an item or two. The staff isn't very knowledgable about the products and have never really been helpful when I'm looking for a specific item. I probably wouldn't shop here if I didn't live right across the street, but it works if I'm just buying one or two things, or shopping purely the weekly sales. read more

Not much to this place. Produce was a bit sad, seafood looked ok, generally speaking Whole Foods or Mariano's would be better choices.

The deli offers great custom-made sandwiches for under $5 (unless you get cheese which is about $0.50 more). Their chicken salad is spot on and they carry a lot of different types of Boar's Head meats and cheeses. Their produce is much better than Whole Foods and Jewel although it is a bit more expensive. This location is right by Washington Square Park which makes for a great lunch spot when the weather is nice! read more

I live nearby, so I do a lot of my grocery shopping here. It's such a nice place to shop, to be honest, and feels high-quality. The employees are generally efficient and helpful! Plus using Belly and paying with LevelUp can save you money and make your checkouts easier! The only downsides are small and relatively unimportant, but they are sometimes irritating. The prices are overall higher, and the cheese selection isn't great either. read more

Great deli, somewhat over-priced, and I would have given it 4 stars if the lotto machine ever worked - 1x out of 4x playing here it accepted my bet ticket. In my cranky old man voice, get a new machine or get it cleaned / serviced. Oh thank heaven for 7-11's functional equipment and great execution. read more

this is an awesome grocery store! they've got a full salad bar you can pick from and weigh at the register and they've got some of their own brand name stuff thats really good read more

Potash Markets - Grocery Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Since repition is a key to memory: great salad bar. One of the best and best-priced in Chicago (I think Treasure Island's salad bar gets overall best). This grocery is not one-stop shopping and better for picking up specialty items or impulse buys. read more

I come to this market every time I am in the Chicago area since I stay in a hotel around the corner. There are always great grab and go options, fresh cut fruit and it is a great place to pick up snacks. There is also a big assortment of cold drinks which is great! read more

I only really use Potash for the salad bar. I LOVE that salad bar!! It has everything you could ask for and is not that expensive. I eat there at least 3 times a week. read more

This is on my route from school to home so I frequent this location. They have everything packed in there. Good selection of produce. It has some limitations as far as the depth of the merchandise, but it is a really small location so you can't fault them for that. I have never had to wait in line here, and the cashiers are always pleasant. read more

Nice enough little grocery with a good selection of products. Sure it is not a whole foods, etc but it has everything you need to cook a meal. read more

I work and go to school in the area, and love popping in to Potash for everything from groceries to lunch and or dinner, baked goods, ect. Its super convenient, and their white bean chicken chili is awesome for lunch. The salad bar is great - always fresh, and I am a total germaphobe but their handling practices (gloves at all times, salad bar stuff always on ice) passes my "germ test". I would be lost without Potash! read more

So small that when you cross paths with someone down an isle its nearly impossible to shop. It's annoying that the isles are so small, but for being such a small location they do have a great selection. Of course it is not a jewel, but a local market close to my condo. I shop here, I shop local. end of story. read more

This is a good option for picking up one or two things, but you'd be broke if you shopped here all the time. The fruit and veggies are particularly expensive (um ... $3 per avocado, how can they justify that?), and the selection is limited. The best part is the deli, and the prices seem more reasonable there. I do like the fact that this place has been around forever, and that there are employees who have been working there for 50 years. Nice to support a local business. read more

This little gem is tucked away, and a welcome place to pop in and get something to go...... very clean, and lots of deli selections.....

This is a small local grocery with a surprisingly good selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Prices tend to run a little higher than, say, Jewel-Osco, but they're pretty close. Very convenient for anyone in the 4 or 5 blocks around this store. read more

This market is right around the corner from our hotel, the Talbott. We went here one day to get a morning danish, and peanuts for the baseball game, and then another day to get deli sandwiches for the day. This market reminds me of the boutique markets back in California; a place where price would keep this place from being my weekly grocery store, but a really good go-to market for daily and specialty items. Big deli counter and small but fresh looking meat counter. Big wine selection. Friendly staff, especially Joy, who made our sandwiches in the deli. read more

Rennovations look great. Nice wine selection, always good deli, ...I love this store and the staff. Relaxed, quality items and a pleasant shopping experience. Worth it! read more

After seeing a bottle of juice for $8.99, saltine crackers for $5.99 and cheese that's never under 5 bucks, I am vowing never to go here again for groceries. I know you don't have to buy the most expensive items they offer, but with top prices like this you can imagine nothing here is reasonably priced- and it's not. These were just the items that made me almost laugh out loud. I want so badly to support this cute small business, but it is just too much. The salad bar is phenomenal however and the Potash's Own deli meat is good, and fairly ok priced. I'll give it two stars for that alone. read more

I love Potash for a few reasons! If I need to grab produce for dinner - everything is always SO fresh and of great quality! They have a many tasty deli salad options and great quality meat as well. Decent salad bar. I love going for a few things now and then as a treat and to break up the mundane shopping selection of a Jewel/Dominick's. Like most of the smaller finer food stores in Chicago, avoid for your everyday basics or large shopping trips because it could add up fast! It's also very clean and in a nice little area in the Gold Coast. read more

I've been going to this and the on Clark for years. It's the owners' presence that make this place so special. It makes such a difference.

Don't bother trying to shop here if you are in a wheelchair or pushing someone in one. I had to leave without buying anything because every single aisle was blocked with a display or a large carton or cart. I realize that narrow aisles in a downtown store are the norm, but there were so many obstacles it would make it difficult to shop with just a cart. read more

You know, I sometimes support smaller markets even though the bigger guys are very convenient. Well Potash you definitely showed me why mismanaged smaller places aren't the first choice. I always try to make it in when I get out of work early. So I walked in around 8:50 to get dinner. Every station deli, meat, and seafood was closed. When I asked to get steak the girl behind the counter told me they had to close the station because the guy left at 7pm (this is in no way against either ladies back there, they both let me get the cut I needed and let me know why) My issue is with the management staff. I saw over 7 people get turned away because things weren't open. 10pm is your closing time and this isn't the first time I've come in to it completely closed down. I get you are short staffed, but you either cross train or you are back there helping these ladies out. At this point you are turning away money. The other issue, the produce stock is old. It took several minutes to find product that wasn't bruised or starting to turn. I'll keep my shopping to a store that actually wants to stay open read more

The absolute worst. Rude and downright mean underage cashiers who delight in asking for your ID but can't handle the product themselves so you stand there while they track down a manager to scan the alcohol. You have to watch the price of everything scanned as the prices don't match what's on the shelve. No selection of food at all, it's basically a convience store with lots of wine, they enlarged the alcohol section at the expense of the food leaving aisles so close together you have to leave your cart at the end of the aisle. Nasty and stale salad bar with dried up product. Produce is the worst I've ever seen anywhere in the US. Avoid at all cost if possible. Overpriced beyond belief and horrible horrible personnel. There is a Walmart Express on Chicago Ave, I can't believe I'm saying this but, Walmart is a step up from this crappy little rip-off of a store. read more

The other night, I went in there to buy a couple of items for a recipe I wanted to make. Usually, in the morning there's always a manager or supervisor making sure the lanes move fast and is very attentive. But, at night I realized that while there was only up to 3 cashiers, the lines were busy than usual and I tried looking for a manger to see if he could open up one of the registers but he was no where to be found. I looked around and just found two of the employees, one is an Asian man wearing a hat with glasses....and a young man with a beard wearing a red shirt by the liquor department having drinks and talking to each other. I never knew it was allowed for employees to be drinking and socializing during their shifts. The store in the front is a mess, the carts are not moved, the seating area is not cleaned, the carpet looks nasty and old filled with dust and you can see the registers are filthy. It's a shame that they have everything well organized but the front...have employees drinking....the only good thing was being attended by the cashiers. I will not be stopping by during the night time. read more