Colusa Market

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: $9.99Fuji Apples (non-organic) $3.89 a lb. Safeway: $1.99Tate's Bakeshop Cookies: $8.49. Safeway: $4.99Perhaps they serve some folks nearby, but you'd have to be crazy to pay these prices when there is competition near here.

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.

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.

** 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

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!

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.

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 :)

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!

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

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.