I love the Central Market. I know that when you first go in, it has the look of ""expensive specialty market."" I consider it my personal mission to convince people otherwise.
You can, of course, spend more money than you make on fancy cheeses, olives, and wine. But you could do that at Randall's if you really tried too.
For local produce and local/natural meats, Central Market has the best prices I've found. When price comparing the pre-packaged stuff I buy (salsa, cake mix, tea bags, noodles, blah blah blah), CM beats the bigger chains every time.
To be fair, I will not shop at Walmart, so it's possible they're cheaper. I don't know, and I really don't care.
They have the most amazing produce department I've ever seen, with fresh herbs always priced at $1 per large bunch and exotic fruits and veggies to sample as well. Trying a new recipe? They've probably got the ingredients. Need a recommendation? You're bound to find someone excited to talk about food with you.
Mind, this is not the place to stock up on cheap frozen pizzas, Kraft Mac&cheese, or even Coke, 'cause you won't find it (least not cheap, non-organic or non-wheat-free non-vegetarian pizzas). But butter at $2/lb and $2/dozen free range eggs are standard.
It takes willpower to bypass the dessert counter, but it's there if you need a quick sugar fix. The prepared meals are cheaper than eating out. The bakery is superb. And the iced coffees are $1.62, which, I believe, beats Starbucks by a long shot.
Even fresh flowers are occasionally on sale near the check-out counter, ready for impulse buys to brighten your day.
I love this place.
Pros: Great selection and prices
Cons: I could get stuck in the cheese aisle all day.
more