Encinal Market

Total small town grocery store, totally reminds me of stores when I take road trips and pass through small towns. Now Alameda is not a small town but I think this store has been around for a while and they just don't want to get rid of it. In my town, they've unfortunately got rid of any small or independent markets, all swallowed up by big corporate grocery stores. I frown upon that big time. Now even though I love the charm of this indy market, there are some things that aren't as ideal as I'm used to. I'll give some pros and cons here on some of my observations. PRO: They have a rack of Semifreddi Bread. And since that bakery is in the same town, it is pretty darn fresh. Small fresh produce section with decent organic offerings. CON: almost nothing in the produce section is labeled or has prices. I've never seen that before.PRO: They have a full time butcher's case with actual employees manning it. So nothing is prewrapped in styrofoam trays. And I'm sure you can get butcher's service like requesting a prime rib for the holidays, getting certain hard to find cuts that maybe they can order etc. They even make their own Italian sausage which I've already tried and is legit. CON: Some of the product can look a bit tired/dated, I'm just not sure if the traffic can support their inventory. I went once and was able to pick up a few things, then I went another time and I passed as many things did not look up to par. PRO: Pretty good gourmet offerings like cheese and condiments. Much more gourmet than Safeway and about on par with Whole Foods. CON: Pretty much same price as Whole Foods, maybe even more. I've only been in 3 times and not sure if there is a good enough pull for me. But I work somewhat near, so I may pop in here and there and see what they got. 3 stars = coin flip.

My favorite grocery store! Everyone is super helpful and friendly. They have everything you could need and while it's not the cheapest option in town, it's not crazy either. It's never too crowded, no matter what time of day you go. Just love shopping here!

Just started shopping here after moving to the neighborhood and i couldn't be more excited about it! They have so many great items including small businesses treats and goodies. And lots of vegan/plant based and dairy free options! 10/10

I love that Encinal Market carries a plethora of locally sourced products, inclusive of baked goods. They also have specialty items (hello, English clotted cream!!) that you can generally see in places like Whole Foods, which is nice as it allows me to avoid a trip off the island! I just love the small market vibe, friendly service, and the effort to carry plenty of sustainable, fresh, specialty and organic items.

My local favorite family owned(last I knew) grocery store....easy in and out and the best meat counter in town....Scalise...The stuffed chicken legs and breasts are excellent. Service is always good and the beer selection is excellent for a independent market.

I've been coming here for years because of the excellent customer service and great meats. I order the leg of lamb yearly, and it's local high-quality meat.

Great selection, friendly staff and reasonable prices for a local owned market. The meat counter has a good selection of fresh cuts and a very helpful staff. The decor style is timeless cozy and comfortable.

Love this little corner store! It may be small but it is packed with everything you need and more. The meat and deli department are exceptional as are all the amazingly helpful and kind employees. It's the quality atmosphere and all around good character you want from your neighborhood market.

Know how to tell if seafood is fresh. I learned the hard way buying fresh Halibut from the butcher counter at Encinal Market in May 2024. It was a tad yellow and dry and the taste was off when I cooked it the same day it was purchased. A full service butcher counter should NOT be selling spoiled fish. I have found that buying quality fresh seafood in Alameda is just not possible and now shop for fresh seafood in Berkeley at the fish market near Monterey Market. The Berkeley shop has the best prices, freshness and selection by far.

It's really great to have this market in our community. I don't go there for the big shopping but all the time for good cheese,produce fill ins, and specialty items that other stores don't carry. All of our holiday turkey is bought here .Customer service is so much better than the big stores and I can easily park and dash in without waiting in a long lineReally appreciate this store. Thank you