The Best Local Grocery Store In Every State

When you think about the best grocery stores in the US, you will probably default to regional or nationwide chains like Trader Joe's or Costco. If you're really keyed into the national supermarket scene, you might even think of Texas's beloved H-E-B, a company so adored by its customers around that state that even shoppers who have never been to the Lone Star State are aware of it.

But there are so many other independent supermarkets around the country that capture the spirit of their communities and cater to their needs. This roundup focuses on those stores, from an adored co-op in Idaho to a dazzling Mediterranean supermarket in Iowa. There are Amish markets and Central American markets, Asian grocers and an employee-owned chain with a never-ending cheese selection. Local grocery stores can tell you a lot about a place, and all of the ones we've included here are a credit to their communities.

Renfroe's Market has been locally owned and family operated since it first opened its doors in 1997. Now, it has nine locations in the central part of the state and is a grocery store staple for many Alabamians. It's a no-frills shopping experience that offers everything you need, from hot deli options and a bakery to clean stores and friendly service. It also carries its own brand of jams and candied pecans.

https://renfroesmarket.com/

Multiple locations

Groceries in Alaska cost more than in the rest of the United States, and even by those standards, New Sagaya Market is above average, but shoppers say that this specialty market is worth the cost. With two locations in Anchorage, New Sagaya offers a wide range of Asian products, freshly made sushi, international items, and top quality produce. Customers frequently cite the freshness of the produce, the extensive seafood department, and delicious lunch options.

https://newsagaya.com/

Multiple locations

Visitors to the Phoenix area should add Los Altos Ranch Market to their to-do list. This isn't just a Mexican grocer. Its seven locations also house taquerias, cremerias, and homemade bread, tortillas, and salsas. You can even purchase freshly made agua fresca in the food court to cool off from the Arizona heat. Despite all the bounty, the pricing falls squarely in the realm of an average grocery store chain, not a specialty grocer.

https://www.cardenasmarkets.com/

Multiple locations

In Arkansas, Edwards Food Giant is the alternative to big chains like Kroger and the more regional chain Harps. It's been around since 1959 and boasts eight locations around Little Rock and near the Tennessee border. Its extensive deli and made-to-order cakes are particularly popular, and its staff are consistently praised for their friendliness and care.

https://www.edwardsfoodgiant.com/

Multiple locations

It's nearly impossible to choose the best grocery store in a state that produces half of the country's produce, but among the famous and the infamous homegrown supermarkets (looking at you, Erewhon), San Francisco's Rainbow Grocery Cooperative stands out. Known for its staggeringly large bulk section and vast array of novelty products, it's a food lover's paradise. Reviewers call it the best health food store n the country and the best grocery store, period, so while the prices are higher than at Trader Joe's, it's more than worth it.

https://rainbow.coop/

(415) 863-0620

1745 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Leevers Locavore is an upscale specialty grocery in Denver that offers seemingly endless niche and local products. You can get craft beer on tap, barista-made lattes, in-house prepared foods, and even live music on certain days. Think of it like Whole Foods but with a more local and less corporate feel. The prices can be steep, but they almost always are at specialty stores.

https://leeverslocavore.com/

(303) 433-4405 

2630 W 38th Ave.Denver, CO 80211

Caraluzzi's is a specialty grocery store with four locations and five additional wine stores around Connecticut. It's been owned by the Caraluzzis since it first opened in 1949 and prides itself on its family feel. Its prices are slightly higher than other grocery chains, but many loyal shoppers note that the expense is justified by the quality. Its meat, produce, and bakery consistently earn rave reviews for freshness.

https://caraluzzis.com/

Multiple locations

Visit Harvest Market in Hockessin and you'll find a selection of organic and fair trade products, friendly staff, an organized layout, and freshly-made food. It falls into the small but mighty category, just like Delaware itself, and it's been a cornerstone of the local food community for 30 years. It averages around 530 shoppers per day in the peak summer season, and some of its customers drive out of their way just to shop there.

https://www.harvestmarketde.com/

(302) 234-6779

7417 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707

There is no shortage of grocery stores — independent and national — in Florida, but Detwiler's Farm Market, a chain with six locations in and around Sarasota, stands out. Founded and run by Henry Detwiler, the stores offer a bounty of produce, a bakery using recipes from Detwiler's mother and operated by one of his daughters, and an Amish-style deli. In addition to all these selling points, customers note its competitive pricing and (arguably just as important) heavenly milkshakes.

https://detwilermarket.com/

Multiple locations

Like California, Georgia stocks a sizeable proportion of the country's produce, and it has countless grocery stores and farmer's markets to prove it. But even with those high standards, Sevananda Natural Foods Market in Atlanta sets itself apart. From the time it opened in 1974, it has gone above and beyond what most shoppers expect from a health food store, stocking products that are tough to find anywhere else. From the vegan hot food bar to the dizzyingly comprehensive bulk section, you'll need to set aside extra time to get lost among the shelves.

https://www.sevananda.coop/

(404) 681-2831

467 Moreland Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30307

Where Texas has H-E-B, Hawaii has Foodland, a statewide chain with 32 locations including sister stores Foodland Farms and Sack 'N Save. You can get everything you need for your weekly shop, but you can also get freshly made poké bowls at their poké bar, famously delicious musubi, tropical fruits that are difficult to find on the mainland, and a large selection of local products.

https://foodland.com/

Multiple locations

Boise Co-op Market doesn't just have two health food stores (with another on the way) ; it also boasts a wine store and a pet shop. What began as a small collective in 1973 now boasts more than 40,000 members, which is pretty impressive for a city that only has a population of 239,000. There, you'll find local and organic produce, high-quality meat and seafood, and promotions for local vendors on the first and third Friday of every month.

https://www.boisecoop.com/

Multiple locations

Illinois is much more than Chicago, but we can't help but single out Fresh Farms as the best grocery store the state has to offer. Family-owned and featuring four locations in and around the city, the chain focuses on international food. In the '90s, it boasted one of the most diverse product ranges in the Midwest, providing products catered to a wide range of ethnicities, religions, and nationalities. These days, it is every bit as international, and also boasts some of the freshest produce you can find.

https://www.freshfarms.com/

Multiple locations

You won't find any fancy social media marketing for the Amish-owned Fountain Acres Foods in Fountain City. What you will find is a store full of seasonal produce, a large bulk section, and a full-service deli. The bakery and sandwiches are not to be missed. From pies and donuts to bread and homemade ice cream, everything here is top-notch. Be prepared to pay in cash. They do not accept credit cards.

https://justplainbusiness.com/fountain-acres-foods/

(765) 847-1897

1140 Whitewater Rd, Fountain City, IN 47341

If you're lucky enough to visit Vytyl in Cedar Rapids, you'll get one of the best selections of Mediterranean groceries in the country. Customers rave about the fresh baklava, variety of local and international products (one reviewer even called it the best place in the state to buy English chocolate and biscuits), and the friendliness of the staff and owner, who is often on hand chatting to shoppers. They even make their own Dubai chocolate.

https://vytylstores.com/

(319) 449-4022

365 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

Despite having one of its 10 locations over the state line in Missouri, Hen House Market likes to think of itself as "your Kansas City neighborhood grocer." Whether you need to pop in for a quick lunch from its salad bar or do a full weekly shop, Hen House has what you need. It's been family-owned since its founding in 1923, and it has a large produce section full of fresh products and an extensive meat department.

https://henhouse.com/

Multiple locations

Kentucky's Rainbow Blossom Natural Food Market has six locations around Louisville, where customers can expect reasonably priced health foods, organic produce, and wellbeing products. They also provide a salad bar, famously delicious smoothies and juices, and a vast array of supplements, essential oils, and incense.

https://www.rainbowblossom.com/

Multiple locations

There are several family-owned grocery stores in New Orleans, but Dorignac's is a true classic. Since opening its first location in 1947, it has become a local staple, selling all the essentials that you'd expect from a major supermarket but with plenty of Cajun items, a vast liquor department, and a beloved cheese selection as well. No visit is complete without some freshly made doughnuts, though they sell out quickly.

https://dorignacs.com/

(504) 834-8216

710 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005

Maine has no shortage of independent grocers, but Bow Street Market is worth a special visit. Located in Freeport, about 30 minutes outside Portland, it offers local produce and products as well as liquor and plenty of ready-to-eat meals from the deli. If you're planning to purchase meat (and even if you aren't), the butcher shop is not to be missed.

https://www.bowstreetmarket.com/

(207) 865-6631

79 Bow Street, Freeport, ME 04032

Graul's Market in Maryland is a fourth-generation family-owned chain with five locations around the state and two wine stores. It falls into both the generic grocery store category and the specialty market category, offering all the essentials at a reasonable price alongside products that could easily fit in at a gourmet grocer's.

https://www.graulsmarket.com/

Multiple locations

Roche Bros. has been a mainstay in the Boston area since 1952, providing shoppers with all their supermarket staples alongside specialty produce and organic and natural foods. Friendly and available staff put it head and shoulders above the competition, as do its mouthwatering bakery items and prepared meals. Upscale without being snooty, the chain is a one-stop shop for all your food needs, gourmet or otherwise.

https://www.rochebros.com/

Multiple locations

In Lansing, Horrocks Farm Market is a tourist destination that even locals love visiting. Full of Michigan produce, artisanal products, wine, plants, and freshly baked bread, it wows its customers with its variety and quality. Whether you're doing your weekly shop or hunting for novelty stocking stuffers, you'll be able to marvel at the international decor while sampling craft beer and wine or sipping free coffee.

https://www.shophorrocks.com/

(517) 323-3782

7420 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917

If you're in the Twin Cities area, doing a shop at Kowalski's is a no-brainer. With 11 locations in and around Minneapolis and Saint Paul, it offers high-quality meat, produce, and specialty products with the best customer service you'll find anywhere. As if that weren't enough enticement, it also has a delicious salad bar, free samples galore, and a rotisserie chicken you won't want to share.

https://www.kowalskis.com/

Multiple locations

With locations in Picayune and Waveland, Claiborne Hill Supermarket offers shoppers a mixture of obscure and everyday products, though many customers frequent it just for the homemade po'boys. Though slightly higher priced than other stores in the area, Claiborne Hill has a popular app that keeps customers up to date on sales and discounts.

https://www.claibornehillsupermarket.com/

Multiple locations

For anyone looking for an upscale supermarket experience in St. Louis, Straub's has you covered. With three locations around the city, this fifth-generation family-owned chain offers not just specialty grocery items for anyone wanting to splurge on their weekly shop, but also an outstanding array of ready-to-eat items (including the to-die-for chicken salad) and a wine section to rival even the best liquor store.

https://straubs.com/

Multiple locations

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman might not be a place you'd expect to find a first-class natural foods co-op, but this one has been there since the 1970s. It has two locations in this town of just 58,000 and boasts 30,000 members. It earned its passionate following not just for the high-quality produce, enormous bulk section, and specialty foods, but also for its locally-sourced meat, smoothie shop, and a ready-to-eat section that has everything from mushroom curry to a mouthwatering vegan chocolate cake.

https://bozo.coop/

Multiple locations

If you're on the hunt for the best gelato in Lincoln, Nebraska, look no further than this specialty grocery store. Leon's Gourmet Grocer has been serving the community since 1933, and it's distinguished itself as the most beloved supermarket in the area. Not only does its gelato win over shoppers (one reviewer even calls it the best in the Midwest), but its meat department is second to none, thanks to its in-house butchers who have their expertise down to a science and an art.

https://leonsgourmetgrocer.com/

(402) 488-2307

2200 Winthrop Rd, Lincoln, NE 68502

Most people aren't going to Las Vegas to shop for groceries, but it's worth going to Japan Creek Market anyway. This small but well-stocked Asian market has everything from sushi-grade fish and mochi to bento boxes and produce. It's a bit pricey, no doubt due to the cost of importing all that bounty overseas, but repeat customers are rewarded with generous discounts.

https://japan-creek-market.eniplaces.com/

(702) 538-9857

9310 S Eastern Ave #115, Las Vegas, NV 89123

Despite its modest size, New Hampshire has a decent number of food co-ops, but Monadnock Food Co-op has the edge. Having opened its doors in 2013, it feels modern and clean the minute you step inside. You'll find organic produce, local craft beer, a large bulk section, and friendly staff on hand to answer questions. You can even grab a coffee from the espresso bar and lunch from the hot food or salad bar.

https://monadnockfood.coop/

(603) 355-8008

34 Cypress St, Keene, NH 03431

At 60,000 square feet, Delicious Orchards is not your average specialty grocer. That colossal footprint is just the beginning. What started out as an apple orchard has blossomed into a supermarket and tourist attraction that draws 2.5 million shoppers annually with its local produce, famous cider, and freshly made pies and donuts. It's a magical place to be in autumn, but loyal customers can attest that it's worth shopping there year-round.

https://www.deliciousorchardsnj.com/

(732) 462-1989

320 NJ-34, Colts Neck, NJ 07722

Albuquerque's Silver Street Market has everything you could wish for in a specialty market, despite its relatively small footprint — from organic products and fresh produce to snacks and fresh-cut meat. It also offers local brands and products, and has a deli that customers can't stop raving about. Don't skip the fried chicken.

https://www.silverstreetmarket.com/

(505) 924-2800

205 Silver Ave SW A, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Zabar's is iconic for a reason. The Manhattan deli is crammed floor to ceiling with delicacies both humble and gourmet, from an unbeatable cheese selection and beloved soups to caviar, smoked fish, and a traditional Jewish bakery. Despite taking up nearly an entire block of the Upper West Side, it is so stuffed with deliciousness that it can feel like a cramped maze. It's foodie heaven.

http://www.zabars.com/

(212) 787-2000

2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024

Weaver Street Market is a co-op chain with four locations spread around Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. It offers the freshest produce, local products, a mouthwatering bakery, and a deli full of ready-to-eat options, hot and cold. An extensive wine and craft beer selection make it an excellent place to stop for party essentials, too.

http://www.weaverstreetmarket.coop/

(191) 992-90010

101 E Weaver St, Carrboro, NC 27510

Hornbacher's is a grocery chain with seven locations around Fargo (including two just over the border in Minnesota) that has been in operation since 1951. It's a worthy competitor to regional and national chains, offering a wide selection of products, fresh produce, and friendly staff. You'll find all the essentials there, including a bakery that makes meticulously custom-decorated cakes.

Multiple locations

https://hornbachers.com/

No description can do justice to the utterly unique and truly mind-blowing experience of Jungle Jim's. It's a theme park and a supermarket all in one, and it's easy to wander the aisles for hours in sheer wonderment. The flagship location in Fairfield is a whopping 200,000 square feet, replete with animatronics, internationally-themed sections, a Tiki bar, and a hot sauce aisle presided over by a model fire engine.

http://www.junglejims.com/

Multiple locations

In central Oklahoma, Crest is the go-to supermarket. With 10 locations and competitive pricing, it's a no-brainer for many shoppers, and it makes itself even more accessible by being open 24/7. It has all you'd expect from a major chain, including prepared foods, a made-to-order bakery, and a meat counter. One customer put it succinctly when they described it as "Classy feeling like Whole Foods, but prices closer to Walmart." 

http://www.crestfoodsok.com/

Multiple locations

Oregon has no shortage of natural food stores, but Eugene's The Kiva is particularly beloved by its clientele. After beginning life as a bookstore in 1970, it has developed a loyal following for its wide range of specialty products, freshly-made sandwiches, extensive cheese selection, fresh produce, olive bar, and bulk section. It's a pillar of the community for good reason.

http://www.kivagrocery.com/

(541) 342-8666

125 W 11th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401

The Keystone State is fortunate to have a large Amish community, and Wesstown Amish Market is one of the best ways to appreciate their approach to food. You'll find a wide collection of vendors selling grocery essentials as well as fresh donuts, local produce, flowers, crab cakes, and even pet food. There's something for everyone.

https://westchesteramishmarket.com/

(610) 492-5700

1165 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

Founded in 1969, Dave's Fresh Marketplace has 10 locations around Rhode Island and offers customers a premium grocery shopping experience for only slightly higher prices. Friendly staff, clean stores, top quality products, and some delicious house-made pizza make it, according to one reviewer, the best grocery store on Earth.

Multiple locations

https://www.davesmarketplace.com/

Boulineau's opened its doors in 1948 and has been a cornerstone of Myrtle Beach grocery shopping ever since. The vast food selection that includes everything you could need for a beach getaway, including readymade sandwiches, fresh seafood, a large beer and wine selection, and plenty of ice cream. Anyone headed out for some swimming and sunbathing will also benefit from the range of non-edible beach supplies, such as towels, swimwear, hats, boards, and mats.

https://boulineaus.com/

(843) 249-3556

212 Sea Mountain Hwy, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Timmons Market in Rapid City is a locally owned supermarket that offers specialty items and everyday essentials. Although it can compete with the best national chains, it retains a local feel and friendly staff that make it a favorite for locals. Its liquor department is famously vast, and it makes sure to include regional staples like kuchen and bratwurst.

https://www.timmonsmarket.com/

(605) 393-3018

747 Timmons Blvd., Rapid City, SD 57703

If you find yourself in Northern Tennessee, about an hour West of Nashville, make sure to stop by Country View Market, an Amish-style grocery that earns rave reviews from thousands of shoppers. It has a bulk section, locally made jams and jellies, baked goods, cheese, produce, and gifts. The freshly fried hand pies are a particular highlight.

https://countryviewmarket.com/

(615) 789-5000

3368 Hwy 48 N, Charlotte, TN 37036

The quintessential statewide grocery store, H-E-B is more than just a place to buy food. For those who grew up shopping there only to move out of state as an adult, the longing and nostalgia for the brand is on par with how you feel about family. Every H-E-B location caters to its specific community, but you can always expect to find friendly staff, excellent produce, well-stocked shelves, and affordable, high-quality HEB-brand alternatives.

https://www.heb.com/

Multiple locations

Harmons is Utah's answer to H-E-B, a locally-owned chain with more than 20 locations around the state. It leans more towards the specialty foods rather than everyday groceries, but if you're willing to pay extra, you won't need to shop anywhere else for essentials. Customers highlight the friendly staff, delicious ready-to-eat options, and freshness of the meat and seafood.

https://shop.harmonsgrocery.com/

Multiple locations

Burlington's City Market Co-op is the gold standard of natural food stores. Spacious and packed with organic and natural products, a bulk section, a deli, and bath and body products, it stocks tons of niche and trendy items to discover. It also carries local products and offerings for customers with various dietary requirements. 

https://citymarket.coop/

(802) 861-9700

82 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401

In Virginia Beach, Grand Mart offers a wide range of specialty foods, including premium meat, fresh seafood, and Korean-style fried chicken. Although it focuses on Asian food, you'll find a range of Caribbean and Central American goods as well. You won't find your average Kroger or Walmart items here. Think soursop, mamey, and cushin in the produce aisle instead of bananas, apples, and oranges.

https://grandmartva.com/

(757) 490-7901

649 Newtown Rd Ste 105, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Since opening its flagship Seattle store all the way back in 1928, Uwajimaya has become a one-stop shop for Asian groceries, with locations in Bellevue, Renton, and over the state line in Beaverton, Oregon. You could spend all day browsing the products, which range from fresh produce and sake to Japanese skincare. Customers rave that it doesn't just have the best Asian food in the area, but also the best chocolate, seafood, and even plant-based meat, too.

Multiple locations

https://www.uwajimaya.com/

It's not every day that you get to do your grocery shopping in a turn-of-the-century railway depot, but Charleston's Capitol Market is no ordinary store. In addition to the brick interior, there's an outdoor market section as well. Its stunning location offers fresh local produce, seafood, and meat, as well as extensive cheese and chocolate sections.

https://capitolmarket.net/

(304) 344-1905

800 Smith St Ste 900, Charleston, WV 25301

Woodman's is a Wisconsin-owned grocery chain with locations around the state and into northern Illinois. It boasts a legendary cheese aisle (as is appropriate for the state) and an enormous liquor section alongside standard grocery store fare. More than a century of serving the state, Woodman's supports local vendors and has been employee-owned since 1998.

https://www.woodmans-food.com/

Multiple locations

Big Hollow is a small-town food co-op that offers an oasis for those looking for natural and organic foods in Laramie. It provides top-notch produce, friendly staff, and a wide variety of high-quality local and specialty products. You can even get local eggs, milk, and meat there. One thing you'll struggle to find is a single bad review.

http://www.laramiecoop.com/

(307) 745-3586

112 S 2nd St, Laramie, WY 82070

To assess the relative merits of local grocery stores, we first created a list of stores that were either exclusive to their state or predominantly based in that state. From there, we surveyed customer reviews on Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, among others, as well as commentary on forums such as Reddit to compile a list of stores that received the highest overall praise from shoppers. Where relevant, personal experience was also used.

Our aim was to find the best overall stores in each state, meaning that we took not just food into consideration but also the shopping experience, including employee interactions and the cleanliness of the environment. Affordability was not used as a deciding factor, leaving many higher-end and specialty stores in contention.