We've stopped by The Garlic Shoppe a handful of times during road trips between northern and southern California and it is a quaint little shop with a nice owner. Lots of local offerings and of course garlic flavored offerings, as that is what the area is famous for. My favorite is the farm animals kept in the adjacent parking lot. Yesterday as the owner closed up shop he told me I could feed the animals some hay before we left and I was elated despite being allergic to hay, I couldn't resist because they were so cute. 2 horses, 3 cows, a donkey, and a chicken in the tree. Just charming! read more

See all

It helps if the person actually greets you. She never bothered looking up from her computer to even acknowledge us. We went down the road to Garlic World and spent $105 at the other shop. They were polite and helpful. The owner of the Garlic Shoppe is losing money while his staff is so uninterested and rude. I asked when I went down the road if they hear that a lot and they said they CONSTANTLY hear how rude the are. Go to the next shop just down the road, Garlic World. Plenty of parking and helpful staff. Better selection of garlic items for sure. read more

This place is tucked away a bit, but the staff was helpful and the samples were delicious. We walked out having purchased seasoning, hot sauce, garlic butter & horse radish that we can't wait to open when we get home to MN! Also very cool that they supply the garlic ice cream to the Stinking Rose restaurant in San Fran. Visited again Memorial Day 2018, even better then remembered! Staff is helpful, samples are plentiful & bonus- take your receipt to the winery next store & get a free tasting! Great place for anyone who likes garlic, heaven for those of us who love it! read more

This place is awesome. I love getting hot sauce here. But today, I came in and the bathroom line was so long. A woman cut in line or was in an employee area (not sure which) and the owner asked that she leave because it wasn't fair to other customers. I appreciate that. So many people make it all about them and many shopkeepers would have shrugged it off because the customer is always right. So it was nice to have someone say enough and be fair. It's a little thing, but meant a lot. read more

I (poc) visited this place with my white friend. We were looking at the spices and the lady working the register (her photo is posted by another reviewer) offered my friend samples but didn't look to me or ask if I wanted any. They walked over to the sample station and I stood there to see which ones I could also try. Still, no offer if I wanted any. I finally asked if I could try one but they didn't have what I wanted so I walked away to browse. I purchased a few items and waited for my friend by the door. She also made a purchase and I overheard the lady say that if my friend showed her receipt next door, she could get discounted wine. I did not have the same level of customer service. I was not offered a receipt or told about this perk. My friend remarked that she noticed this too. Not saying this lady is racist or maybe I am overly sensitive, but being a minority, this is reminiscent of situations I've experienced of blatant unfairness. I will not be coming back. read more

I have never encountered such HORRIBLE customer service in my life - and I've traveled to multiple countries! Today on the way home from Santa Cruz, my husband and I decided to stop in this shop right off Highways 101 and 25. We had passed by many times but had never stopped in. Ice cream sounded perfect on this warm summer afternoon. As we entered the business, I immediately felt uninvited. However, I didn't let the woman's attitude damage my spirit - I realize not everyone in this world is warm and fuzzy and I'm ok with that. I proceeded to ask about the ice cream and the woman at the counter rudely pointed toward a small chest freezer at the back of the store. I peered in but decided to use the restroom before making my selection. Upon returning from the restroom, I asked again about the different selections. She started to say something but then said, "here I'll just show you". I followed her to the freezer where she handed me a chocolate ice cream bar and said, "We only have one bar. This one is four dollars. Do you still want it?" "Sure, I'll take it," I said. "Do you want anything else?" I noticed nut covered bars (why hadn't she offered me one?) and reached for one. As I did, I accidentally knocked over the small tubs of garlic ice cream which had been stacked neatly in the freezer. I apologized for this accident (easily fixable!) but the lady screamed, "See! This is why I said I'd rather show you!" Startled and slightly offended, I put the chocolate ice cream bar back in the freezer and said "Never mind. I won't be buying this." She yelled, "Well, you used my restroom which is for paying customers only so you have to buy it." "No, I'm not buying anything because I don't appreciate the way you're treating me", I retorted. She started screaming at me, pointed towards the door, kicked me out, and started complaining about how rude my husband was because he had been on his cell phone conducting business while I shopped. She continued verbally attacking us even after my husband tried to calm her down. We couldn't get a word past her, so yes, I gave her the middle finger as I walked out. There was nobody else in the store at this time, and I can see why! I've never been treated so poorly by any business ever. It was clear to me that this woman had already made up her mind about us from the moment we entered the store. Perhaps it was the color of our eyes, our hair, skin color, maybe even the way we were dressed. She probably already came to a conclusion about our education and financial status, too, based on her comment about the $4. There were clear messages sent in her tone, facial expressions, and body language that cannot be articulated in writing. I, too, am a business owner and I would NEVER EVER treat any of my customers this way. I will NEVER go back to this business and I'll be sure that none of my friends, family, colleagues and clients do either. These pictures are of her screaming at us. read more

See all

I drive by here every time I get on the 101, and I thought I would stop in and check it out. Prices were OK, not great. They have two yapping dogs behind the counter made for a very annoying experience. Gentleman behind the counter was more interested in looking at his phone then ringing up my purchase. Will not visit again! Avoid! read more

I went in to check all the garlic products . I was so excited to buy all my favorite garlic products . Instead of a warm welcome the lady(reddish brown curly hair ) greeted me with you cannot bring dogs in here . I explained politely that this a service dog ( her leash also stated that fact as well ) . I showed her my service dog ID and still she attacked me with such rudeness. I told her that it is illegal to refuse a service dog and only after I indicated it ( I served in the army and this is why I have a service dog ) she said fine you can go in shaking her head Like how dare I even coming in with a service dog. Needless to say I left this store without purchasing anything and I promising myself I will warn everyone not to shop there and take my advice go straight to Garlic World just a mile away. I entered Garlic world all shaken and I told them what happened and they stated all dogs are welcomed here we love dogs. They continued offering my garlic ice cream and the lady snd her granddaughter were simply amazing . Go straight to Garlic world and skip this shop if you want the best experience and the best products . read more

Been a long time. Stopped here on the way back home from the central coast. What I wanted mostly was some Rappazini sparkling wine and some Pica-pepper sauces. Sadly they didn't have any of my fav sauce, but of course do offer Rappazini wines for the same price as the winery next door. I asked for a deal on a 1/2 case since I couldn't really afford a full on this day. The young man/manager? cashier behind the counter gave me an acceptable offer. The wife spied some game meat sticks, there was a deal on those as well, 10/$20. We miscounted and ended up with 21, but he threw in the extra with no charge. I enjoyed snapping pics of the vintage ovens. I vaguely remember my grandmothers having similar models. I also found strawberry rhubarb jam. Never seen that, grabbed a jar. If it's any good I will be having that shipped. If one of my brothers enjoys it still like he used to, he will be having a nice birthday. Because I checked and the nice counter person said they do ship and should have plenty of pica-pepper sauce for the Garlic Festival, so I will be giving them a call. Something else I don't remember from 10 years ago (or so, I said it's been a while...) they have some animals in the back. I assume it's a petting zoo, but I didn't ask. As per usual the enclosure is far too small for 4 full grown cows, 2 full grown horses, 2 sheep and a chicken. But it did seem clean and the animals looked well fed. On our way out of the parking lot I spotted a hen on the outside of the enclosure. I tried to snap a pic but couldn't get the zoom on. There is a part of the fence that is pulled up, just enough for her to get in and out. I hope they fix that...otherwise she might get smushed. read more

See all

Their customer Service is outstanding! I ordered a garlic rope with expedited shipping and when I hadn't heard back I sent a message to the company. I received a response right away from the president of the company. He explained that I should have been notified by the shipping department that the product I ordered was not up to their standards and they were brining in some from their cold storage. I told him it was for an arrangement to be featured in a home and garden tour and it was time sensitive. He not only upgraded my order to a larger product, he expedited the shipping. It arrived today and it is wonderful! I couldn't be more pleased with not only the product but their quick response and their customer service was exceptional. I will recommend this company to my family and friends. A special thanks to Alex Larson! read more

Have shopped at this store for about 30 years. Steady decline in their product availability. Most of the items they have in stock can be purchased many other convenient places. Excuses are plentiful. Only positive was the store appeared cleaner than a year ago. Still walked out with nothing. read more

This my 3rd year to order garlic braids from the Garlic Shoppe and I am so pleased with the products. My braids have lasted 9+ months hanging in my kitchen on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They also make great gifts during the holidays for family and adds additional protection for our home during Halloween. read more

I come here almost often, but it's 34 miles from my house! They sell products that are exclusive to the annual Garlic Festival. It's like my favorite place to buy garlicky products. Need to support a small local business away from the busy Silicon Valley! I'd wish they open a "mini" stand at one if the farmers markets in Santa Clara. read more

The garlic shop in the front stop when traveling up the 101 Freeway. The reason I say when you're traveling up the freeway is it's on the east side of the freeway and traffic can be sticky. So we stopped on the Way North and shopped a little bit. I have to say if you want something with garlic in it they got it. From small garlic braids to bigger garlic braids two garlic stuffed olives to garlic this that and the other and a selection of jams and jellies and all those little touristy things what can be fun to bring along for housewarming gifts, for Christmas gifts, or just simple little gifts that are just plain fun. Anyway we find a stop to be nice and the people were very nice, and the selection met our needs, but we had two people with this who were garlic addicts, and that says it all. I encourage you to give it a stop see what you think read more

Came in to check out this place off the 101 fwy. Big mistake...these people did not greet us, didn't offer to help, and tgey had taste testing and we were not offered any; however, other customers were offered a taste of their products. Even after we were the only people in the store we still weren't offered any. Needless to say they were not very friendly. Didn't feel welcomed read more

I return here every year and load up on everything garlic. I usually ship it home for convenience. Too many great products to list. Friendly staff, a clean store and good eats. read more

I used to go to this place every time I passed across 152. Today was no different, I wanted to take my girl there for the first time. When we got there some guy in a Mercedes nearly hit us pulling in. Turns out he was there to try to turn the power back on. It was dark I understand his frustration. But he turned his frustration on me and my girl from a mild not devastating joke about the power being out. He started say oh the power is out everybody needs to get out, we need to lock the doors. Our Insurance doesn't allow people in with no power. My girl and I leave while others entered and he locks the door. Apparently it was just us. If he was the owner he needed to relax and have better bed side manners. I'm on the fence on whether to ever go back. Not a great first impression for my girl. read more

I'm sorry, if you have "garlic" in your name, you should make sure you sell garlic that isn't spoiled. I tried to convince my parents to buy the loose garlic for 99¢ each rather than the fuzzy math 10 in a braid for $11 bundle. It wasn't until we drove all the way back to LA did my mother discover that more than half of the garlic was spoiled. WTF, Garlic Shoppe? Get your act together. Avoid this shithole like the plague. read more

I'm a little confused by this place. I was looking for Garlic World, but it seems that even with a smart phone, I couldn't figure out where the hell it was. So because I couldn't get to the Garlic I wanted, I had to settle for the Garlic i needed. And needed it I did. It seems like a tradition of mine to stop by Gilroy every time I pass on through and pick up some garlic. You sort of half to considering how this is Garlic city and what not. While I've driven past this Shoppe for as long as I could remember taking trips up and down the coast, I always seem to miss it and glimpse it far too late to stop in or get off the highway. But like I said, I was looking for Garlic World and ended up here. What a dump of a place. Half the store was in darkness as the place didn't have many lights on. The coffee/snack area was closed and the customer service here was just some lady sitting down watching television in a manner that suggested that she didn't give a fuck of my presence in the room - but to call her when I was ready to give them my money. Now a lot of the items seemed a bit more pricey than I recall them to be anywhere else. I don't know if I should chalk that up to the economic times we live in or just that this place seemed like a huge tourist trap. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot of garlic items. A slew of braided garlic heads or garlic grilling powder and what not. Pickled garlic, garlic this and that. Garlic Ice cream -- sadly, I didn't see the Garlic wine that I was looking for. Again, it could have just been in the dark shadows area for all I know. I mean, i don't even know why I want some garlic wine. That stuff sounds appalling, truth be told, but it sounds like my type of appalling worth trying once. They have signs suggesting free samples of items, but I never seen anything more about it in the shop. So it's your classic bait and switch. I felt like the service was pretty shitty and the prices were a bit more than I expected them to be. The lay out of the shop is a nightmare to consumers and most of all, the place just feels like it's pandering for the quick buck. Walked away with some elephant garlic and some heads of it spending a little less than a ten spot, but still feeling like there was better options out there for my Garlic enjoying self. Especially out here in Gilroy - Garlic city! read more

That guy at the register is mean... I asked him about the stuffing in the olives. He snaps back at me and gives me a dirty look. I asked him how to cook with strawberry jalapeno jelly. He snaps back at me again with a "I don't know.". When I say snap back, I mean a dirty look like do you think I give a rats a. and I'll respond back with "how should I know". So when I picked up some goodies, dried garlic flakes, jar of habernero and garlic stuffed olives...never have seen these before and went to pay. He gave me my change, which was 10 cents because I paid with dollars and some cents.. So he gave me a dime, instead of a nickle and four pennies. Then he then proceeded to asked for a penny. I had no pennies. There was a large bowl of pennies right next to the register. I pointed to the jar and asked him about the pennies. He shook his head. I said just give me real change, the nickle and four pennies while my mom searched thru the bottom of her purse for a penny. When she finds one, he drops it in the bowl of pennies. What the heck? Is that supposed to be his tip jar? If so, a bowl of pennies suits him. What a dimwad. If you decide to visit this very nice elegant establishment, please do bring a handful of pennies. read more

Horrible customer service. I placed a rather large order online (I live in Virginia) for 6 of their "Medium Sized Garlic Braids" - which are supposed to have 19 heads on each braid... The braids arrived with only 16 heads on each one, and 2 of the 6 were damaged with broken heads from poor packing material/shipping and they were all dried out already. I called, talked to the owner Alex who asked me to email photos and said he would review them and get back to me. That was over a week ago. Follow up emails have been ignored. A follow up phone call from my husband resulted in Alex hanging up on him. He was an awful business owner to deal with, and now I am resolved to file a dispute with my credit card over the charges. Disappointed doesn't even come close to describing my experience. Stay away -- at least from any online orders. read more

Do not stop here!! Go 1/2 mile further north to Garlic World. We stopped at The Garlic Shoppe on a January afternoon. Half the shop was dark---all the lights were turned off in one side of the poorly organized store. The one employee could have cared less that we were there. Nothing special in the store. Basic kitchen items in one half of the building and very few unique items associated with garlic. We were so disappointed, especially after going out of the way to visit. BTW: The bathroom was hideous. Penn Station in 1977 was cleaner. Lastly, there are barnyard animals 100' from the store. Piles and piles of manure and a cow with a line of feces hanging out of its backside reaching to the ground...nice sights and smells from the parking lot of your business. I have absolutely no idea how this business survives. read more

This is not the Garlic Shoppe I remember from stops years ago. I have to agree with other reviewers that the store is dingy and somewhat dark. It appeared half the store was used as storage or perhaps some construction was in the works. I planned on buying something because I didn't want to use the porta-pot outside and the indoor bathroom was marked very clearly for paying customers only. In retrospect, the porta-pot may have been the better option as the indoor bathroom was disgustingly filthy. I will say they have a good selection of garlicky items and a great selection of hot sauces. Some of the hot sauces were insanely expensive (over $50 for a small bottle) and apparently had to be diluted before using. That was a little over the top for me but we did pick up a bottle of ghost pepper sauce for a reasonable price. They also carry some gifts and kitchen wares. The employee working was friendly and helpful when we were asking about the hot sauces. I didn't see the samples that used to be offered (olives, spreads, garlic, etc), but to be honest after visiting that bathroom, the last thing I wanted was to eat anything out of this store. I love garlic, but I would be more apt to stop in Garlic World next time through unless someone does some serious cleaning at The Garlic Shoppe! read more

I've never been in here to shop, but I am a huge fan of their service. I was driving up to San Francisco about a month or so ago. It was the evening, it was dark, and it was going to be a long ride from Tres Pinos. I had a bit of a medical issue and I could not continue driving. I pulled into the parking lot, and noticed they were just about to close up. I went into the store, and told them that I was having car issues (the last thing I wanted was for someone to call an ambulance for a small, but inconvenient problem). I wanted them to know that I'd be in the parking lot while I waited for the tow truck, and didn't want them to think I was scoping out the place. I went back to my truck and waited. At this point, I am guessing the manager was leaving. He stopped by my truck and offered to wait with me until the tow arrived. I declined, and then he made sure to note that the lights were going to be on for another hour. After he left, the other employee that was there came out with two bottles of water for me for my wait. He as well offered to wait with me until my tow arrived. I wasn't a customer. They didn't have to really do anything for me. They certainly didn't need to go out of their way to make my wait as painless as it was. I really, really appreciate the concern and attitudes of the two employees there that night. read more

This place is a dump. Feels like the zombie apocalypse took hold here, and walkers inhabited the location. Very dark inside with only half of the building lit and the remaining unlit part was just random scattered boxes and dusty pieces of wood. The cashier had his feet up, and was watching TV as you walk in. The assorted items seemed old and unattractive. There was a bar area but was unsure if it was serving anything as no one was behind it and the cashier never left his location or moved his eyes off the tv screen. Go to Garlic World down the street, open, bright, airy, free samples and friendly people when you walk in. This place just screams "leave us alone - the dead now inhabit this place." read more

Eh, it's a place to stop on the long trek of 101 if you're hankering for some jars of garlic infused anything. The owner was very kind and provided samples of most items he sold with the Garlic Shoppe name on it, which was very helpful in my selections. Loved the garlic aioli!! Their garlic tortilla chips were a huge letdown though. The guy that owns this owns the winery next door..but it was late and we were all wined out for the day so maybe next time. I kinda feel this place will make money no matter how mediocre it is based on the location..and ya know what? Good for them! read more

Tween you order online they do not tell you when you will get your items nor do they email you the status and if you try to call them they do not answer the phone read more

Loved shopping in this big store. I got to sample all of the stuffed olives. BTW, the garlic stuffed olives are F'N yummy. I wish we could've sampled the hot sauces, too. But, we did find little tiny sample bottles at the register so, we got a couple to take home. They have more of a selection here and we will definitely shop here again. read more

Located just outside Gilroy, next to Rapazzini Winery, is the Garlic Shoppe (with free bathrooms). After a traffic jam traffic on 101, this is a nice place to stop for a respite. Samples of many of the shop's products are available for tasting and many of these are fantastic, all are good. I recommend the garlic barbecue sauce, and all of the mustards. Save your receipt and present it at Rapazzini Winery for free wine tasting. Enjoy! read more

This is a nice little shop at the junction of highway. 25 and 101 (the exit for hollister). They have a lot of garlic foods, some of it good and some of it is really weird. I like the minced garlic in the tiny jar. I add it to my cooking creations when I'm out of fresh garlic . They are a little pricy on all their items and the items are always dusty..,, not much turn over in sales I would guess. The bathroom is a porta potty..,, it's yucky! Still if ur looking for that very different garlic gift.... This is the place to find it . read more

Don't bother. It's way overpriced and staff is less than friendly. I wish I could say more but we left within minutes

This place is highway robbery selling snake oil!!!!!!! At the garlic festival, their sign says "free tastings". They wanted $1 for one chip "tastings". We bought the garlic chocolate...which tasted like a repackaged reese's peanut butter cup. False advertising and a fake product? Talk about shady. read more

I stopped in here and bought some garlic ice cream to try, seasoning, and spinach dip. My cash register receipt says $17.96. My bank statement says I was charged $27.96. I called and left a message and a man named, Alex, called me back. He said that he needed my credit card information to refund me the $10 and he would get it back to me. It's been 11 days since the initial charge and 9 days since his phone call..... no refund. After reading other Yelp reviews... I realized I was helped by the same kid who can only give out one wooden spoon per customer, is known to be very rude, and has a history of having trouble with the credit card machine. Why is this person still working there? Relative? Also, I agree that the indoor bathrooms were really gross. I had to hover. I wish I would have used the out-houses outside. I will not be back and will let people know to go somewhere else. I just have to refer them to Yelp!. Read the reviews. I will give Garlic World a try. read more

I placed an online order that was never filled. I stopped at the shop to inquire about this, and was told I would receive a call. My card was never charged, but nobody ever contacted me. I sent an email, and that also went unanswered. Terrible customer service. I won't ever be back. read more

They've got a large array of nuts and dried fruits; I wish I picked up some of the dried apricots and apple rings because they were super soft and yum looking. Overall, everything is a little overpriced, so I picked up the things I thought may be worth it...some fried garlic bits and garlic sea salt; looks good to sprinkle on congee or other soups and/or maybe use in salad dressings. They've got quite a few garlic braids, but they were a bit pricy...$15 for a large braid of garlic. There's another section of the store full of different jams, syrups, oils, and sauces. This shop is right next to a little barn and some barn animals. Tried the garlic - loved it! Would drop by again on our way down to Monterey for the dried fruits and fried garlic. read more

The Garlic Shoppe - Elephant garlic - Specialty Food Near Me - Gilroy, California

See all

Quit driving by this place and stop in! Come on you know you've been passing it up for years on your way somewhere, I have! My family and I finally stepped into the place, breathed in the garlic scented magnificence, chatted it up with the nice guy behind the counter and walked away with garlic pistachios, hot garlic Dijon mustard, garlic and jalapeno stuffed olives and garlic steak sauce. Next stop, breath mints! Reasonably priced, filled with many locally produced products and just plain garlicky great smelling, the Garlic Shoppe is Gilroy awesomeness! read more

After a long day in Big Sur, I saw this place on the highway and wanted to stop. Went inside and was greeted with tons of samples of almost every product. I was also given recipe suggestions since I mentioned I wanted to make a dip. Everything tasted amazing. Once I purchased my items the man who was so lovely let me feed the animals outside! Great experience and will be back next time I drive by! read more

I just purchased several braids of garlic from this shop over the fourth of July weekend. I went to use it last night and most of the garlic is mildewed and rotten inside. This is the start of garlic season so these braids must have been from last year. Also the young sales person could not figure out how to run my credit card through the machine so I had to pay cash. Skip this store and move on to Garlic World. I have been to both and you will see the difference. read more

Fun to stop on the way somewhere but man oh man are the prices crazy. My wife bought some garlic olive oil. When we arrived at our destination I checked the receipt. 20 dollars for some olive oil! Whaaaaat?!? Shame on me for not checking but come on. That's insane. read more

The friendly sales lady is so welcoming and gave me tastings of everything under the sun. I love her! The pickled garlic is a must try! I bought the Psycho Habanero Pickled GARLIC, the GARLIC flavored tortilla chips. and their own bbq GARLIC sauce No vampires allowed here, Only GARLIC vampires like moi! read more