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99 Ranch Market
Categories: Food Grocery Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Grocery, Ethnic Food [Edit]
1795 Willow Pass RdConcord, CA 94520
(925) 798-8899
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
111 reviews for 99 Ranch Market
Review Highlights
111 reviews in English
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Review from Jeffrey S.
San Leandro, CA
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm a little upset that this 99 Ranch was built right after I moved out of Concord! Otherwise, I'm OK with this.
If you've never been to an Asian market, you'll be in for a treat. Walking into a 99 Ranch is like stepping into another world. Sure, there are signs in English, but most of the items won't be found in your regular American supermarket!
When you're shopping at a 99 Ranch, you need to stop by these areas:
* Dim sum (hot food) area: Can't go wrong with freshly made Asian food!
* Bakery: love the sweet treats.
* Fresh meat & seafood areas: better selection than all the American supermarkets combined! They will even fry the fish for you! -
Review from Clarissa R.
Pleasant Hill, CA
5/4/2012
Clean, fairly large, and easy to get around. The parking in the back is, as someone noted, less crazed.
Smaller selection of Japanese and Korean items than my local 99 Ranch Market or Lion Market. Japanese items are overpriced, but they don't have much competition for Japanese stuff in this area (Seafood City carries very little). Japanese items are spread out throughout the store, so do look in more than one place if that's what you want.
There's a mini Sheng Kee bakery inside, and a hot deli.
Steam table lunch combo is $7.50, which is a lot more than my local place, too. It seems fresh, though. The dim sum is a good price at 3 pieces for $2.30 ($2.50 with tax), but it wasn't very fresh (one item was dry on the bottom and falling-apart gooey wet on top, though the filling was good). Both the steam table and the dim sum items are completely unlabeled in either Chinese or English, which I think is a big drawback. I can't eat shrimp and it can be hard to tell with dim sum items if there's no label.
Bubble tea is $3 now; didn't seem worth it for the mix-based kind when I can get handmade bubble tea elsewhere for a similar or better price. In this area, you don't have many choices, though.
I got some Pearl soymilk for $1.61. Pretty good! Check the sales.
(And other reviewers: Don't blame the STORE because you bought something in ignorance and didn't like it. Good grief.) -
Review from Didie U.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/8/2012 7 Check-ins Here
I like shopping here, it's inexpensive ( especially the produce ) and you can pick up sushi ingredients as well as hot served dim sum and even cute little desserts!
The variety and affordability is really what gets me though.
I don't speak whatever language the workers speak, so it's hard for me to ask for help. Luckily I can navigate around an Asian market for the most part. -
Review from Mark Z.
Concord, CA
5/23/2012
Quick and easy, sticky dirty tables. Food is fresh and yammy, dim sum is a killer there!
I get some japaneese tea there, good quality. Great prices on produce, pork and seafood. -
Review from Rachel B.
Pleasant Hill, CA
4/14/2012
This place is kind of a nightmare, but only because of the other shoppers and parking lot.
That aside, I do love that I am able to find everything for my Asian recipes at reasonable prices. Also great prices on produce, pork and seafood. -
Review from K P.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/28/2012
Convenient location, wasn't as crowded as I expected on a Saturday morning. Fresh crab, much better quality than what was available at Concrod produce for the same price.
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Review from Moua L.
Updated - 1/5/2012
This review is about the DURIAN Ice Cream I bought. Until today, I didn't know that Durian was the stinkiest fruit out there.
You're probably wondering, why doesn't this Asian girl know what Durian is? Well, for one, I was born in the US and never encountered this fruit here in the states. And I am not a twinkie either.
When I picked up this light yellow ice cream, I never thought anything of it. I mean I had the Ube (purple yam) and Lycee ice cream flavors before and really enjoyed them.
So when I saw this new flavor, I was excited to try it. But as I opened it up in the house, I was wondering who left the dead fish lying around. And why do I smell the New York subway station again?
The smell was so atrocious, that my sister and husband couldn't even eat it. They told me to toss it away. Since I spent $7.99 on this 1.5 qt bucket, I refused to toss it and ate my share, with my nose closed. Surprisingly, it didn't taste as bad as it smelled.
On the other hand, I brought the smell from my mouth to the gym with me, even after brushing my teeth, eating brownies, and eating 3 mints. It was horrible. Every 15 minutes I would burp and my sister and I would have to smell it all over again.
The smell didn't escape my mouth until 2 days and every time I opened the refrigerator, you can still smell it through the bucket.
My advice is to stay away from this exotic fruit or eat it outside of your house, as I learned they do it in Southeast Asia.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/1/2011
Love it and hate it. They used to give out $1 -- 99 Ranch Market money for every $20 you spend for… Read more »
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Review from DJ Guan Yu M.
Pittsburg, CA
5/12/2012
I have seen many friends and acquaintances here. There is a lot of food, pastries, desserts, and drinks to choose from. The place is usually crowded with many shoppers, and shopping in the aisles can sometimes be a traffic jam, but usually it is decent. There is a mini restaurant and a mini bakery there. For being an Asian-themed store, they do not play Asian music, and I wished they played Asian music. Some of the workers can be shy, but they are friendly. They have fruit and vegetables. As much as I like this place, I still miss County Square Market and wish they had some of what County Square Market had.
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Review from Emily S.
Concord, CA
2/24/2012
As you can see,i pay attention on customer service and never go back if customer service was bad. Workers here are overall good. There is only one cashier who kept trowing my food on the counter and i'm never waiting in his line so all is good. Food is fresh,the only thing i don't really like is how they keep their fresh fish in their tanks. When waiting in the line to get some fresh fish you can find fish swimming around dead one and workers don't pay attention to it. The other thing,its too cold in there. Even on a hot summer day,a person can freeze inside of the store.
LOVE their bakery,very nice cakes, completely different than the ones in other stores,and always fresh too! -
Review from Kristine D.
Fairfield, CA
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
same ole ranch 99. this place is nice. nothing special.
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Review from Stephanie F.
Concord, CA
4/9/2012
5 stars because the DUCK is flavorful and the best!
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Review from Hannah A.
10/24/2011
You Fancy, huh? Asian Costco, Hello.
Samples too? Ding, Ding, Ding!
God, I sound like my pops.
I've never been a big fan of confrontational shopping. I tend to be too polite for the elderly women speaking rapid chinese and grabbing fruits from in front of my face without saying excuse me. I highly insist that for a stress free shopping experience at this market , do weeknights.
I've avoided this brand of shopping for years primarily because imports are expensive PERIOD. I argue with myself over buying the good junks. Yan Yan, lychee jello cups, mochi , Goldilocks ensaymada or spicy nori. These are all delicious, but way too expensive for a fleeting moment of pleasure.
Instead ,I make the responsible choice and head towards produce and meats. I am amazed that I bought all the ingredients to make a HUGE pot of Sinigang for less than $9.
$ 2.70 for thinly sliced rib eye ( 5 Portions)
$0.99 for a huge head of broccoli
$1.19 for a bushel of spinach
$1.29 for a pound of chinese string beans
$ 1.09 for 3 roma tomatoes
$ 0.79 for tamarind soup mix
For good measure
$ 3.70 for 6 chicken breasts
$ 2.48 for a bag of Fuji Apples
Thrifty shopping like this is virtually unheard without having to brave questionable discounted perishables .
Hot food served in the store ...another revelation!
Am I the only one who thinks that pork buns are kinda cute?
P.S. Parking is a cluster kcuf , be prepared. -
Review from Wanugee N.
Pleasant Hill, CA
9/10/2011 17 Check-ins Here
Since County Square Market in Pleasant Hill a few blocks from where I lived closed down months ago, I don't shop Chinese grocery stores as much as before, but when I do, I come here.
99 Ranch is part of a 20+ store chain up and down the west coast, with most locations in California. I have been to the one in Cupertino, El Cerrito, San Jose (Hostetter Road) and this one near Fry's in Concord.
In fact, finding a 99 Ranch near a Fry's isn't that uncommon, because there are three things most Asians like with this combination:
1. Food
2. Electronics
3, Cheap Prices
If there was a BMW dealer nearby, it would be a Trifecta!
(Actually, there is Concord of BMW just a couple of blocks away! No wonder I see so many Asians around here!)
Actually, this strip mall has a Mexican grocery, too. But more and more, I see Hispanics shopping at 99 Ranch, because they realized the prices are even cheaper on some items!
Well, 99 Ranch used to be cheap. Now, they are more about selection. This store has a pretty good selection, especially if you are Chinese. For all the other Asian cultures, not as much. You would still have to go to a Japanese Market like Tokyo Fish Market in Berkeley to get the real Japanese stuff, or a Korean mom and pop to get the real Korean variety. And a Seafood City to get the real Filipino variety.
Wait, there is a Seafood City (and Jollibee's) nearby in Concord! No wonder I see so many Asians around here!
There must be a karaoke bar nearby, too?Listed in: Wanugee! CoCo County, Wanugee! Groceries
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Review from Kat C.
8/23/2011
Note to self: Don't buy fresh produce at Safeway anymore..
This Ranch 99 is so fancy! They package all their produce and it's a lot cheaper than the Safeway I go to near work.
They also have a really nice selection of cakes in the bakery section. I always get cakes from Ranch for special family events (the strawberry mousse is my favorite). They don't run out of the good flavors like the one in El Cerrito
LIKE -
Review from Raina S.
8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This branch of 99 Ranch Market is much like the others, but perhaps since it's newer, it's also cleaner. Located in the sloooooowly improving Concord Park-N-Shop center, there's a good amount of parking, but the lot is dangerously chaotic.
The store carries so much wonderful stuff. I could spend hours here, if not for the fact that I am frequently jostled by aggressive shoppers.
99 Ranch is one of my all-time favorite places to buy unusual produce (hello, dragonfruit!!), seafood, spices, and frozen goodies. The prices are decent, though the staff members are often unfriendly. -
Review from Theresa S.
Martinez, CA
8/8/2011
I know people complain about the parking here, but for me, it is not an issue because of the secret place I park. Perhaps I will reveal it before the end of my review.
99 Ranch is a perfect addition to Concord. I was so excited when it opened that we were finally getting a large Asian market. There were things I just could not get without a trip into Oakland Chinatown which is always a horrible place to find parking (but of course, I have a secret for parking there too!).
So other than the parking at 99 Ranch, why am I a fan? Let me count the ways:
1) For Concord a pretty good seafood department where they will also steam (or fry) the fish (or crab) you are buying (and for free). My almost 16 year old daughter still likes to play with the clams there.
2) Ducks. At 2.99 a pound, they are a great deal and always fresh. I once bought 12 ducks over a period of a month and did everything I could think of with ducks. (Now I have a freezer full of rendered duck fat to roast potatoes in.)
3) Cheap onions (although not as cheap as the Mexican markets). I hate paying $1.49 a pound for yellow onions and at this place they are often less than 50 cents a pound.
4) And while we are in the produce section, another reason I am a fan of 99 is the produce section. Sure they miss a 5 star rating because they bag a lot of stuff into quantities too large but overall the selection is decent and fairly priced.
5) The sauce aisle and the noodle aisle rock. Some days I have no clue what I am going to make so I just stand and look at sauces until my culinary adventure for the night is decided. Also, there are so many types of noodles I could go a month and eat noodles each day and not repeat them, I think.
6) Tofu and tofu products. If you want fried, dried, pressed, chicken like, diced, sheets or just plain old tofu they have it here.
7) The hot counter (sometimes). If it is hot and fresh it is ok. If not, then pass. Today I had the most perfect piece of fried shrimp and potato dim sum. It was hot and the potato was so crunchy. Unfortunately this is not the norm as things often sit for some time.
8) Orchids! Yes orchids. For under $20 they have these beautiful flowers (two colours) in a pot. I love to put them all around where I work and at home. Plus, they last and last.
9) Human touch. OK so this might actually not be a part of 99 ranch per se, however, it is unavoidable to go there and not have someone push me out of the way (especially where the ducks are, but I usually stand my ground while choosing the perfect couple of ducks). I just smile and remember it is a cultural thing as opposed to someone being rude to me. You know the saying, when in Rome...(or China...)!
And finally, the 10th reason I am a fan of 99 Ranch market.
10) Free parking in abundance. Just park in back and walk between 99 Ranch and the auto parts store. Don't bother even doing the front of Park and Shop. Learn how to best access from the back near the Frys and you will never have to deal with the horror of the front of Park and Shop. -
Review from Serra S.
I think driving in Mexico City and parking in Hong Kong is a cake walk compared to this parking lot.
Love those prices and Chinese deli. -
Review from Nora S.
7/25/2011
It's a typical Ranch 99. I'm always nervous about buying my proteins here, but love the prices on the produce. With the produce you have to be careful as well. I've run into quality issues, but they have a wonderful selection of specialty Asian vegetables and fruits. I love trying them out! The other thing I always get here is dim sum and dessert items. It's not the greatest dim sum in the world, but it is so convenient and so cheap.
I do love coming to Ranch 99 on occasion. I wish it were closer. At the times, I have gone (afternoon weekday), this location is not crowded at all and I can actually find parking in the parking lot! A much better experience than most of the Ranch 99 stores I've been to. -
Review from Michael C.
Concord, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I thank gawd there is a Ranch99 option in the Concord area now. Typical Ranch99 setup but it's like the only large asian grocery chain in the area.
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Review from Adam S.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/30/2011
My Mom (who lives in Walnut Creek) kept telling me about this place Ranch Market, while I was living in Roanoke VA (Roanoke, not a hot spot for ethnic markets) and I thought she was was just talking about just another asian market!
Well, I get home to Bay Area and take my first trip to the 99 Ranch Market, and all I could do was call my Mom and ask her is she was kidding me about this place. I was floored.
99 Ranch Market is the Asian home adventure chef's dream come true! The availability of the obscure and rare is here! Mushrooms of rare variety for 20% the cost of more expensive grocers, cuts of meat you can't find in a non specialty grocer (Goat cuts anyone?) Sushi grade fish logs, whole fish, whole LARGE squid, live fish in tanks, and everthing else I could possibly imagine needing. I have yet to really dedicate time to study all that is a available! The back corner with the fish is not for the faint of stomach as it does have a strong fish odor, but nothing rotten, just strong. This store is awesome.
FYI, for people into molecular gastronomy, you can find a lot of the things you need to manipulate textures in this market, in non traditional forms....for pennies of what the powders will cost you! -
Review from Kathy V.
11/30/2010
By golly this was the cleanest & most modern Ranch 99 Markets I've ever been too,(comparison to Richmond and Daly City's location), this one kicks butt! Just the fact its clean, it's eye catching. When I ever go to the Ranch in Richmond, I kind of feel dirty. In Concord, everything was organized and looked more fresh. Luckily I remembered there was a Ranch in Concord so I can do some grocery shopping. Glad I finally got to check this location out.
*Satisfied Customer* -
Review from Claire L.
Benicia, CA
3/23/2011
This 99 Ranch is so clean that I feel like I'm in a Safeway or something. That's nice and all, but it does take away from the whole Asian market experience, and makes me question the legitness. But nonetheless, a very nice 99 Ranch to come to - nice deli, really nice bakery, and pretty much nice everything. The dim sum is pretty decent too.
But the bakery, oh my, the bakery is amazing. So much variety in baked goods and all the cakes look DELECTABLE. My mom purchased a fruit cake here for my grandmother's birthday and it was so delicious. It was gorgeous, it tasted amazing, and the price was perfect. I will definitely return here if I need a nice cake for a low-key occasion.
Be warned, parking is awful. -
Review from Q L.
Richmond, VA
4/1/2011
I'm giving it 5 stars because they will fry or steam the seafood for you! I'm staying at a hotel and got my dungeness crab craving taken care of.
Came back the next day for the plain congee, dim sum and half roast duck. I wish the fruit section was larger. I really wanted some champagne mangoes but didn't want to buy the whole box. -
Review from Mike S.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't do much shopping here in terms of groceries. However, every time I need get myself a seafood fix, this is my spot to go. the seafood there is fresh, and reasonably priced.
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Review from Rebecca G.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/26/2010
This store was greatly needed in the area! I used to go to Country Square Market, but this store is much closer to my house. I love Asian food, and now I can buy the ingredients I need to cook all the foods I miss from when I lived in Japan. As far as Japanese ingredients go, it's lacking compared to Nijiya Market or other Japanese markets, but it's got an alright variety of various Asian ingredients.
I always buy the mix seafood combo from the fish department! It's a great price! It comes with mussels, shrimp, octopus, squid, and clams. I also like the $1 off coupon you get for spending $20 or more. It's good at the bakery and hot bar. I usually shop, get my coupon, and head to the hot bar. Sometimes I get the 3 piece dim sum (but it's pretty greasy), but lately I've been getting a small noodle dish. With the coupon, the noodles only cost me like 70 cents. -
Review from Jolene M.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Don't get dim sum near the end of the day. God knows how long they've been there and very little selection. Boo. I wanted my hot dog in a bun!
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Review from Cassy H.
12/5/2010
Is it Ranch 99 or 99 Ranch Market?
Anyway, regardless of how you refer to this place, it's a must-go grocery store for me. I've been to many 99 Ranch (that's what I call it) both in Nor Cal and So Cal. I think this probably the cleanest, most organized, least smelly out of all of them. I can find things easily (might also be due to the fact that I go quite often) and appreciate the short check out lines. I don't think I've waited more than 5 minutes before the cashier starts scanning my stuff. Also, I know this Concord location gives out a $1off coupon if you spend at least $20 or something.. The coupon is good for the hot deli section (I believe it's $1). Anyway my only compliant is the parking situation (which isn't even a big deal really and definitely not related to 99 ranch), I think the Concord Park and Shop plaza is just always busy and so parking can be challenging at times, but not too big of a problem. -
Review from Michael F.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/18/2011
So I am a white guy from Utah.
What am I doing at ranch 99 ?
It has excellent asian stuff, love using buckwheat soba noodles
Excellent veggies and there all cheap and it does not have that funky smell.
ItS super crowded and the parking lot is well nuts.
But you can get anything you want in asian foods. -
Review from Sylwia A.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/22/2010
A white girl excited about having a Ranch 99 in the neighborhood?
You better believe it!!
I was absolutely ecstatic that I have a Ranch 99 in my backyard.I love fresh meat, produce, but I mean, who doesn't? Fish, ALWAYS fresh, MEAT, always fresh, produce, almost always fresh and prices are reasonable.
Win/Win in my book! -
Review from J T.
3/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's a smaller store but I'm usually able to find what I need.
The gals at the hot foods area are nicer then some of the other stores. -
Review from Christina T.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I normally come here for lunch take out and buying ingredients for hot pot. Wide range of choices for cooked food take out, I prefer the Chinese BBQ because you can't really go wrong with that. The buffet part is just too salty or oily or saucy for me, trying to stay away from that. I get an tangerine every time when I pick up lunch, it comes out to ~$0.33 everytime. 3 star for the taste of food, it's ok, but not many quick Chinese food choice around my work, so 1 more star for the convenience and the range of stuff they carry in the market.
It has a parking lot around it, but it's always packed like the zoo, people walking, crossing, cars waiting to park, backing out, seriously "people mountain people sea" -
Review from Paula G.
Concord, CA
4/16/2011
Concord Ranch 99 you say?!
I've never been happier. :)
I frequent this place about once a week. I'm either going grocery shopping with my parents or I'm grabbing some dimsum or congee for lunch. The ladies at the hot food section are friendly as well.
I'm also a fan of their bakery. I'm completely hooked on their panda shaped shortbread cookies, their mango mousse cake and tiramisu.
The roast duck is a must-try here. It's a tad bit greasy, but still delicious all the same.
Overall, I'm very happy with this Ranch 99. It's clean and well kept. I'm also happy that I don't need to drive all the way out to Milpitas anymore to get my Ranch 99 fix! -
Review from Vicky L.
Fairfield, CA
9/24/2011
Great place for my oriental needs, always different sales going on every week & their Milk tea with pearl is BOMB.COM, for $2.18.. how fabu is that?? but they were out of big straws, so that takes away 1 star :p
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Review from Kris T.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMFG.. dim sum.
Yes, this place makes it fresh, and its very delicious. Be careful, you might get addicted.
The self-service set is pretty cool. They do more than just dim sum, its like a whole take out chinese buffet!
As for the market itself, its pretty damn cool. Live seafood section was pretty awesome.
If you need oriental ingredients... seafood, or dim sum, here is your spot! -
Review from Ruth R.
Vallejo, CA
8/8/2011
Love the fact that they made one for this side of the bay! It's about 15 mins or so from my house and faaabulous. The only downside is that the parking structure is small and crowded w/ other stores and I feel that there's something missing that I can't quite put my finger on (besides the lack of a major asian uprising). I have found that the bakery isn't the same as the 99 ranch in el cerrito. I know that 99 ranch shouldn't be docked points for things it has no control over, but I love that the other 99 ranch had adjoining asian stores.... this one doesn't :(
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Review from Joanne G.
9/19/2009
I think only those who grew up in white-bread Walnut Creek/Concord can really understand how momentous it is to now have a Ranch 99 in our very own neighborhood. Seriously, in the old days we'd have to scour the meager "asian section" at Safeway, or make the long trek to Chinatown for authentic goods. Oh, how times have changed. Even now, County Square or the smaller markets just can't compare to a real, full service Asian supermarket. To have roasted duck or char siu, fish sauce or shrimp paste at such easy access and cheap prices, it's just too exciting!
My mom and I (and every single other Asian person in the county, apparently) made it over to Ranch 99 today, grand opening weekend, and the place was rightly packed.
Bright and clean new store serving up all of the offerings as their other locations, including:
- Huge fresh seafood counter in the back that will scale, cut, and fry up fish and crab for you
- Sogo bakery up front (now we can get our birthday cakes here! My mom was ecstatic)
- A huge amount of asian produce
- Deli section with dim sum and other cooked foods, bbq and roasted meats, smoothies, etc.
- An entire aisle full of red bean or corn flavored ice cream (cause who doesn't love corn ice cream)
- A full aisle catering to my Southeast Asian food necessities
-Even both fresh and frozen durian too. The latter at $0.89/lb was the best $4 I've spent in a long time...
Logistics: In Park 'N Shop, in the old Office Max location, and they did an amazing job with the remodel. Go for the parking in the back, definitely, because the front is super crowded. Spend over $30 and you'll get coupon bucks for use in the deli section. Expect a ton of people right now, but with the number of cashiers available, the wait isn't actually too long.
Minus one star because in a perfect world, they'd offer organic veggies as well and maybe even some free range meats. One can hope.
A warm welcome to the neighborhood, Ranch 99, we've been waiting a long time for you.Listed in: Over the bridge and through…, Park 'N Shop
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Review from Cara B.
Concord, CA
1/17/2010
I love this place! I used to go to County Square Market on Contra Costa but I was really not a fan. Many of their items were old and expired and the staff really couldn't communicate well with it's diverse group of customers.
99 Ranch has a far larger selection of produce, meats and fish as well as carrying additional foods besides Asian items. I would not purchase those things here though as their prices for non-Asian items was inflated to the point where I actually said aloud, "WTF?" Their cooked chinese foods and dim sum are crazy good and fresh but be prepared to wait in a line because that place is ALWAYS packed.
I feel bad for Safeway because they have definitely lost my money when it comes to produce, meats, seafood and Asian condiments. I think they have noticed too because they recently limited their Asian isle and now hardly have anything there. -
Review from Ivette K.
Concord, CA
11/1/2011
I absolutely love that there is an Asian market 5 min away from my home. I love the roast duck and the steam chicken with garlic ginger sauce it's my favorite. The dim sum is ok and is sold at a good price for being on this side of the bridge after growing up in sf one can say they know good dim sum. Over all It's a clean convenient place to grab a bite to eat or pick up some Asian groceries. Oh I almost forgot can't forget about their Chinese cake from the bakery now that is delicious!
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Review from Bonnie Z.
1/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
The only other 99 Ranch Market I've been to is in El Cerrito.
I am SO GLAD that we have one in Contra Costa, even though I don't live at home as often since I live in Berkeley now.
Produce section: This is the ultimate place to stock up on hot pot goodies. My family likes to put in chunks of taro into the soup, and they usually have a fresh selection. According to my mom, you have to pick the ones that feel the lightest so they are more "fluffy" when cooked. I honestly don't know if this is a legit method, but most of the time we get a good one. I also like to get packs of jumbo udon (I believe it was around $2.19 for a pack of 3) to throw into the soup. The variety seems bigger compared to the County Square Market in Antioch (although some things are a bit more pricey at 99)
Fish: the fish is always fresh! My mom usually gets a catfish to bring home and steam w/ soy sauce and ginger and green onion. But if you go there too late in the evening (especially on weekends), they will most likely be out of the live ones.
Dim sum / Self-Serve: The dim sum pretty decent, considering this location is out of the Bay Area. We always got the siu mai for my grandfather because he is too old to make the car journey out to Oakland Chinatown. The steamed buns are usually good--warm and fluffy with tasty filling. Their roast duck is nice and crispy and has enough meat on the bones. The BBQ pork is also good--good mix of meat and fat (which is important for BBQ pork!). The only thing we got from the self-serve was the small box of eggplant (I think it was $3.95), and I liked it because the eggplant looked fresh and it had a yummy sweet chili sauce. A tad on the oily side though, but it worked out when mixed with white rice. There was enough to feed my brother, mom, and myself for dinner along with the BBQ pork and veggies my mom made.
Bakery: Got 2 loaves of house bread for $5--one was coconut and the other was shredded pork (a personal favorite of mine). My mom didn't like the bread because she said it was too soft and chewy. But I liked it because I felt that Sheng Kee Bakery made their bread a bit too hard sometimes. I also liked the fluffiness of their bread. Also, the shredded pork bread had bits of green onion in the top, which I did not mind (but my mom did not like). Both breads tasted great after putting it in the toaster too.
Parking: The one thing we had issue with, especially since we were driving our Toyota van. Since 99 Ranch is situated in a big shopping mall, the number of parking spots directly in front of the store are limited. It also tends to get crowded in the afternoon/evening, probably because people stop by to grab groceries on their way home from work. We had to swing around in a couple circles before finding a spot.
In conclusion, very happy to have this 99 Ranch open up! My family will be patrons there for quite some time. -
Review from Jules S.
This Ranch 99 gets thumbs up from me. I like their huge selection of bakery goods and their cool little Chinese food area. The place is a lot cleaner than some other Ranch 99's. It kinda has the same vibe as the Dublin Ranch 99. The only thing I didn't like about this particular Ranch 99 is that their seafood area is pretty small. C'mon we're Asian...pack loads of fish in the store! Some prices are still not as competitive as other Asian markets, but they do offer some hard to find items that allow me to cook (on very rare occasions) something memorable.
