If you want to see what grocery price gouging looks like in its natural habitat, go visit the Publix Super Market at WaterColor Crossings that serves Seaside and Seagrove. Walking into that store feels less like grocery shopping and more like accidentally wandering into a tourist-trap convenience store wearing a Publix costume. Everything is pristine. Everything is organized. Everything is friendly. And everything costs an absolutely absurd amount of money. A quick trip for a few basics turns into a receipt that looks like you accidentally bought groceries for a small wedding. You grab a few staples such as milk, eggs, sandwich meat, maybe a jar of mayo and suddenly you're staring at a total that makes you wonder if the cashier slipped a Rolex and a beach condo deposit into your bag. And the worst part is that nothing about the experience justifies it. This isn't some boutique organic market. It's just a normal Publix that realized it sits between Seaside vacation rentals and Highway 30A tourists with sunburns and no other options. The pricing feels less like inflation and more like a calculated shakedown of anyone within five miles who needs groceries. And this isn't just imagination. Publix has been getting hammered by shoppers across Florida for prices that can run 30-50% higher than competitors on basic items. People are literally posting receipts online because they can't believe how much they paid for ordinary groceries. That's exactly how this store feels. You walk in thinking: "Publix -- where shopping is a pleasure." You walk out thinking: "Publix -- where shopping is a financial mugging with fluorescent lighting." Sure, the employees are nice. Sure, the floors are clean. But none of that makes it easier to swallow paying vacation-town ransom prices for groceries that cost dramatically less literally anywhere else. The Seagrove/Seaside Publix isn't a grocery store. It's a well-lit toll booth for people who ran out of food on 30A. read more

Had everything we were looking for. It has a great deli, produce and meat department. read more

My first time seeing this Publix and was really excited to see it and buy a few things! I was so disappointed. Looking at the food they had to serve such as the chicken, potato logs,mac & chz. Soups looked crusty on top, Didn't look very fresh. Pub Subs are the best! Continued to the fresh fruit, either the fruit wasn't ready to be picked or was over ripe! Went upstairs to eat, tables needed wiping but no napkins! Trash left on some tables. And the bathrooms were kinda gross and not like I'm use to at Publix. 5/10 for this over hyped Publix! read more

Clean, cute and everything you need. Cashier and baggers very friendly. I almost fell over when I saw the toilet paper we buy back home is $21 here for 8 rolls. Other good deals on things in this store but don't expect to save $ when you come to tourist destinations like this. read more

DISCLAIMER: This review is very similar to my review of Publix Super Market in Panama City Beach, FL. We were staying at a friend's condo in Seagrove Beach, FL for a weeklong family vacation to include my parents, my sister and her family as well as my family. Once we arrived at the condo, we needed to go to the grocery store to fill up our refrigerator with food & drink for the week. A quick Yelp search revealed that Publix was one of the closer stores to our location. As I do not have a Publix near my house, I decided to try them out. I mean, a grocery store is a grocery store......right? Wrong! As soon as I pulled up, I noticed, that although the parking lot was crowded, there were no stray grocery carts littering the parking lot. And even though it was fairly crowded on the inside, the shelves were still well stocked and there were plenty of employees replenishing the supplies. The employees were also very friendly and willing to help if a certain item could not be located. I feel the prices are slightly higher than my local Louisiana (New Orleans) grocery store, but I was willing to pay a little more to shop in a store where I found everything I needed. If I am ever back vacationing in the area, this Publix will be my grocery of choice. read more

The subs and chicken at this Publix makes for a quick lunch (possibly dinner) for the out of town visitors renting a home for the week. Popcorn chicken is a deal, so are the fried chicken, shrimp, wings, ribs, etc. Also , the deli subs are awesome! Don't go when it is super busy (like Saturday night when everyone is moving in) otherwise the service is not great. They are overwhelmed at that point. Also, it is crazy because the tourists/out of towners are in a frenzy and lose any sense of politeness. If you can wait to shop when it first opens at 0700, not only is the store empty, but it is stocked pretty well. And you don't have to deal with rude tourists/visitors. read more

Publix Super Market - Macaroni salad is a hit - Grocery Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

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This is a super busy Publix since it's right next to the beach and right off of 30A. The aisles either appear more narrow because there are so many people trying to go in and out or they actually are more narrow because it's a smaller store. There weren't too many grocery carts when we went but we were lucky enough to snag someone's who was done loading their car. The main call for concern for me was the parking lot. Not sure if I should blame it on the Floridians or if they were mainly tourists, but the driving was scary and we almost got run over by cars backing out or going way too fast. Overall, it's a Publix and has all the grocery needs and then some. read more

pricing strategy/policy has gaps. A 36 count Caesar's wet dog food at Walmart and Amazon is 29.99, Publix is 49.99. How can no one not know this in Mgt., and if they do certainly a change should be made read more

I found this store's pricing out of this world. It is in a tourist location, however double and tripling normal prices is really not acceptable. We went in for breakfast and lunch items for the week, and spent a fortune on everyday items. Comparing the pricing to where we live in Northern Jersey, I was astonished at Publix's pricing. If there had been an alternative, I would have gladly shopped somewhere else. read more

If you just need to get your groceries and go, come here. To have a great Publix experience, it won't happen here. It's possible it could be that this Publix is right by 30A so it's busy, but because it's a Publix in the 30A area, I expected more. We were not greeted on our way in or by anyone else we passed by in the aisles even though they looked at us! At the register, we were not greeted or even acknowledged by the cashier, Vikki! She made us just stand by her register while SHE waited for her manager to collect the cash from her register and talking to other cashiers. She even mentioned she was getting off in 20 to her manager. So, she was probably already checked out!!! Thankfully the bagger was so nice & asked us how we were doing. She even told us to have good day! Sweet girl! I'm only giving this Publix a 3 star because it was sort of clean, the young girl I have mentioned, and the young man working so hard in the deli. He was beyond helpful and very attentive. read more

Another vacation in Seaside. We went to Publix to get everything for our seafood boil. Edward at the seafood counter helped us. He was great with suggestions, his professionalism, his knowledge, and he was friendly and polite. He is an asset to the market. Thank you publix read more

Apparently this is the only grocery store in the vicinity (or at least the sole Publix I located in the area), and it can get slammed. I'd try going at an off time if at all possible. The employees are patient and seem to stay sane despite all the swarms of vacationers. Speaking of vacations, there are lots of beach supplies for sale, including chairs, towels, and inexpensive postcards (20¢). Try a custom sub sandwich and a side from the refrigerated case for a portable, low-cost meal. Not the biggest Publix ever, but it probably has what you need. There's a lot of parking but be aware about one-ways. read more

Only one check out line! Ridiculous 11:30 on Monday! We have been waiting for 15 minutes. Ugh... lots of workers just no cashiers. read more

Am I writing this review to partially brag that I am enjoying a nice vacay in Seaside, FL? Sure. Did this Publix fulfill all of my hunger pains and have a nice supply or organic, vegan. and health foods? For sure. Did they also have a healthy liquor department? Mos def! Prices were fair especially considering that it is smack dab in the middle of tourist central. The employees were super helpful and even the store manager offered up customer service and assistance during our visit. Did it help that we were a young gang of girls? Probably. read more

Publix Super Market - Grocery Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Not the biggest fan of this Publix. It is always busy and crowded and seems to be understaffed. They also dont have the greatest selection of products; other Publix in the area have a very diverse selection. Service is consistently good, i cannot lay any blame on the customer service staff. It is just too overwhelming of a shopping experience for me. read more

Keith is the best worker he is so kind and nice to everyone he is our new bestie and he definitely needs a raise. Thanks for making my friends bday great read more

I wish we had Publix in Dallas , the location in Santa Rosa beach is clean and always seems well stocked . Always friendly staff and the outside of this location is always clean and never any trash laying around . Looking forward for this location to be one local shopping places when we move there next year . read more

I have been a Publix patron since 1974 as a young professional in Miami, my home town. I have been a customer of Publix at Watercolor Crossing for well over a decade. I went in the store last year (June 2018) and visited the Customer Service desk to buy a brand of cigarettes I had found there before, a brand that is sold only in Florida. I learned that, although Publix # does still carry the brand (Dosal 305's, made in Miami by the Dosal tobacco Company) it no longer stocks their non-filter kings because the customer base for non-filter cigarettes is too small. The lady at the desk told me I would have to special order the non-filters. I told her I was heading back home to Birmingham but I would contact the store a month ahead of my next visit to Watercolor in 2019 to place the special order and I did exactly that. I sent a detailed letter explaining exactly what I want. I even included photographs of the brand box and label just to be sure. I also enclosed a postal money order for $240 which would cover 95% of the total tab for six cartons. I prominently included my email address in the unlikely event that there was a problem because if there was, I needed to contact another retailer in the area before I ran out of time. I presented my self at the Customer Service desk on 7 June. With an anticipatory smile I identified myself and cited my special order. All I got from the old guy behind the desk was "Huh?" He summoned another employee who told me that he knew nothing of a special order and the Manager wasn't there. I telephoned the next day and talked to Arsenio in Customer Service. Me: I'm calling about the special order I placed by mail about a month ago for Dosal 305 non-filter kings. Arsenio: We're not allowed to order those. Me: You can order any brand from the Dosal Company except the non-filter kings? Arsenio: Yes. Me: I hope you'll forgive me for finding that impossible to believe but even if it's true, I included my email address for a reason; why didn't you use it to let me know so I could contact another retailer in the area before I ran out of time? WARNING! Arsenio's answer to that last question is so utterly preposterous it might send you spiraling into a cognitive dissonance whirlpool and put your sanity at risk. Arsenio: We're not allowed to send emails from the store. No apology, no offer to make it up to me (say, by contacting some other stores in the area) no nothing. In case you're wondering, the answer is no, no sensible merchant would leave a customer like that. It has to be some major league CYA action on the part of, or in behalf of, some level(s) of management. So ends my half-century business relationship with Publix Markets at the bumbling hands of a dolt named Arsenio. read more

Publix does a great job in Florida pan handle of meeting your grocery needs. The stores are clean and the staff is friendly. Great experience read more

Thanks for being the love of my life. You're always there when i am down and I know i can always depend on you, xoxo

Very nice grocery store. Had everything we needed and more! Staff was very helpful and friendly also!

The store was clean and fully stocked. It had everything we needed for vacation. Parking is a bit tight.

As with any grocery store located near the beach, they are sooooo busy. But, the staff is super friendly. You couldn't ask for a nicer group of people. Prices are beach prices - as to be expected. We went early on Saturday to stock up and ended back on Sunday night. No bread to be found - none. A little thing like hydrogen peroxide - none. I get it. They get totally wiped out, especially after a check in day like Saturday. It would be nice to have some competition around. But, I seriously can't complain about such a nice local store. read more

The staff and management at this location go above and beyond great customer service! It seems to consistently be buzzing with customers yet the staff is always friendly and welcoming. Love the sandwich section and the build your own 6 pack option! read more

Thankful for grocery store! Great selection given location, super busy and expect pricing to be 20-30% more for convenience.

Super cute. Super busy. Super expensive. Next time we are in town we will go for emergency items but we will try to bring more from home.

Why would you offer call ahead pick ups and then fail. This Publix is the new Winn Dixie. Just stop offering what you can't do. So unusual for Publix. read more

Publix key lime pie is life. It's honestly what dreams are made of. I think of it often...more often than I care to admit between beach trips. It's the perfect sweet tart like ratio, fairly thick graham cracker crust and to top it all off the edge is lined in slivered almonds. Other than the pie (which you need to get, thank me later) it's a great store. Prices are great (even for a beach location ) and often times I find it many items cheaper than our Kroger at home. Bottom line is I would love to have this available as my "home grocery store." In the meantime, I'll settle to be a publix shopper on my weeks away from home at the beach. read more

They say, "Location, location, location!" I mean, yeahhhh! From the on point, super friendly sweet staff to the superb fresh organic foods to the out of this world selection, this Publix should be the flagship store and the training location for all newbie employees! I'm in 30A for business and this grocery store is literally 5 minutes away so it's perfection to get in and out in a timely fashion for EVERYTHING your little heart desires! The best time to go is early morning when they open at 7am and it's relaxed and chillin to get what you need without feeling like a sardine during the high volume time- just a tip. Honestly, I found the best vegan shampoo there, got flowers for my client and found my organic items without breaking my bank account- SUCCESS! Thank you to all the employees, like Ruby, that make this store the best grocery experience because they make it happen, Captain! Lol! read more

My measure of a grocery store at a vacation destination will differ slightly from what I expect at home, but not by much. I prefer a clean environment, stocked shelves, reasonable assortment, and helpful employees. You can put a check mark next to each of those at this location. We went on the Saturday we arrived, the store was jammed, the line extended all the way to the back of the store, but they handled it perfectly. You are instructed to shop for the items in the aisle where the line runs WHEN you're in line, get everything else before. The line went fast, they had people directing you to which line to go to (never more than one person checking out ahead of you), the staff was super friendly, and despite the massive crowd they still offered to help us out to our car (we declined but appreciated the gesture). read more

The customer service at this Publix is outstanding! Every time I have shopped there it has always been a positive experience!

This store is wonderful..but as previous reviewers commented rockin' BUSY!! Let Coastal Concierge take care of the shopping so you can hit the beach. Well worth the small extra expense! read more

The closest publix to our crib. We have been coming here for a few years now, grab a bottle of wine, a tiramisu and some napkins and paper cups and head on down to the beach to watch the sun go down. Always friendly and clean with people offering help at every turn. read more

Super friendly staff and always easy to find when you have questions. Great fried wings and fried chicken. read more

This store is extremely busy, but the people working the deli, seafood dept, and cashiers are pleasant and take their time. I never felt like I was being rushed thru. They live their motto, "where shopping is always a pleasure." read more

This is a great, clean, shiny Publix as you would expect for Watercolor. Prices are quite good. The bakery is excellent, and the employees have always been very nice with samples and letting you know what the really good stuff is. Last trip we got a piece of chocolate-dipped cheesecake and it was amazing. They also have a large selection of beach stuff, and the medicine section is better than most groceries. I found the produce section to be a bit small, but maybe this is how it is everywhere in the south. read more

Been shopping here for years. Always friendly, always well stocked. And they have wine! ;)

The publix is a little smaller than you would expect in such a busy area. It was about a block away from my vacation home and I rode my bike up there a bunch while I stayed in the area. The people don't seem to know much about the food and aren't really sure where much is. They have the basics and did my family well so I can't really complain! read more

This store has a great assortment. The quality is very good as you would expect at Publix. The prices are a bit high.

Tiny store, would be upset if I was still a local to have a store this small. Staff is nice but there are items that just aren't there/minimal selection. Looks like hurricane season during tourist season - will drive further next time. Oh and it closes at 10??? Whaaaat??? read more