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AJ's Fine Foods
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Sitha I. said: "I feel like this place goes unnoticed yet they are pretty busy during lunch. Its not raved about like most restaurant in this area plus you really don't notice it when driving by. If it wasn't for my job being right across the street I…" read more »
67 reviews for AJ's Fine Foods
Review Highlights
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"The sushi bar offers fresh fish." In 7 reviews -
"...of everything and many foods you won't find anywhere else." In 4 reviews -
"Located in the La Encantada shopping center, this is a..." In 5 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Cherie D.
Tucson, AZ
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I stopped in for lunch after a trip to the Apple store. He ate from the sushi bar and I grabbed a slice of pizza. I don't care for sushi at all BUT I will say this was the best tasting sushi I've ever had. No fishy taste at all. The girl making the sushi was super friendly and taught us a few secrets on how to make our own. My pizza was homemade and yummy! Oh, one slice filled me up!
Even better is the dessert section! I plan on trying a sandwich the next time I come in.
The flower section was absolutely amazing. I felt like I was In a San Diego shop!
Ladies bring a jacket. It's always freezing in there. -
Review from Raymond R.
Tucson, AZ
5/17/2012
Oh, AJ's how I love thee. I could spend the whole afternoon shopping at AJ's. What? A grown man is waxing poetic and yearning to go grocery shopping? Surely I must be high, right? No sir, this store is certainly worth every bit of my goofy enthusiasm.
AJ's is not your typical grocery store, it's an experience. Every department has a vast array of unique and obscure items of the highest quality. Even the wine section is manned by a Sommelier for any of your wine queries. Every aisle is a discovery of wonderment, "What? they have that here?" or "Wow, look at that nifty thing-a-ma-gig, that's cool."
One afternoon I found myself a little bit hungry, and what did I find to remedy my hunger pangs? A mini Sushi-bar in the middle of the store. No, not for take out, but with seats and a Sushi chef preparing our requests to order. It's a mini-restaurant (that is better than nearby RA Sushi, see my review) amidst the loaves of bread and jars of olives. I sat down and had a delicious sushi lunch in the middle of our grocery shopping.
Coupled with excellent & friendly service AJ's is one of our favorite grocery stores anywhere. Of course being the best doesn't come cheaply and AJ's certainly is a bit on the pricey side. But what the heck, have some fun and splurge a little! I think you'll like it.
SUPER BONUS: No screaming children. Maybe it's a socio-economic thing but the few children that are present are well mannered. -
Review from Isabella J.
Tucson, AZ
4/10/2012
I'm one lucky cat that AJs is literally a 5 minute walk from my house. AJs is so fabulous that I'm pretty sure people just cruise in there for an "escape" into all that is gourmet, specialty, delicious and downright picture perfect. It's hard to go to AJs with out making some unnecessary purchases. The flower displays alone bring out the "Martha Stewart" in me. If you make it passed the flower shop make sure to check out the fresh fish and phenomenal beef counters. Here you can definitely buy high quality choice and prime beef that will never disappoint. They even have grass-fed beef!
Don't be discouraged by the high prices, because AJs has crazy good sales on the reg. For example, you can buy PRIME New York Steak for like $12.00/lb on sale versus the normal $28.00.
TIP: Sales usually fall on holiday weekends.
Beyond the beef counter is their delectable cheese section (my personal heaven), which has more than just your average triple cream bries and Manchego Cheeses. I've been lucky enough to score a truffled Pecorino!
Hungry while shopping? No Prob! You can munch on all kinds of house-made goodies like grilled veggies, grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, potato salad, pasta salad, Orzo salad and more.
or
Stop in an eat some fresh Sushi at the Sushi Bar. You know you're getting #1 sushi grade fish, with out a doubt!
Like Pizza? check out the Pizza and Deli counter where you can order a custom sandwich or grab a slice. Then cruise over for some Illy coffee and sweets.
AJs even has an outdoor grill, open daily until 3pm. They make a GOOD hot dog (with Brats) YUM!
It's best to go to AJs when you are not starving or without a game plan, because it can do a number on your wallet!
Love you AJs! -
Review from Allison M.
Palo Alto, CA
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Damn, these foods are fine!
They have everything here. Absolutely everything. Free shankbones at Passover, a talented chef/caterer, fresh flowers... There's a sushi bar, a deli, amazing prepared foods, free samples... Most grocery stores, it would be weird to plan to go to lunch there. Not so with AJ's. It's a destination.
But it is an expensive destination, so as with any travel, make sure you've budgeted wisely! -
Review from Melisa R.
Tucson, AZ
4/15/2012
I must say this is the finest grocery store in Tucson, bar none. I could detail the prime steaks, gorgeous produce and fantastic wine selection but if you've been there, you know. If you haven't, please go! Whenever we want to have steak at home, we shop at AJ's. Sometimes, though, we don't feel like cooking or eating out so we go there and wing it. We raid the deli and bakery and have a feast at home. Another stellar attraction are the employees. Helpful but never pushy or intrusive. My daughters always get free cookies as they leave which endears AJ's to them as well. It's not really expensive when you consider the quality. We see this as a specialty store more than a grocery store. Not for everyday staples but necessary for luxury ones.
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Review from Sarah L.
Situated at the southwest corner of the La Encantada shopping center, AJ's is a gourmet market like none other in Tucson... From an amazing array of fine wines to fresh fish, quality meats, delectable bakery items, and a great coffee bar- AJ's is sure to satisfy all of your cravings for the finer foods in life!
My husband and I have lunch here at least once a week. They have a wonderful salad bar with your choice of spinach, romaine, or mixed greens, lots of veggie toppings, cheeses, etc. and two different soups are featured daily. The sandwiches are made fresh to order, and they are HUGE. We always split one. They also make great burgers at the outdoor cafe', and have a sushi bar, as well as delicious wood fired pizza (if you don't feel like a salad or a sandwich). There is plenty of seating: one smaller indoor area & a large outdoor patio with a seasonal fireplace.
Thursday night, they have an awesome pasta night from 5 till 7, with many different pastas prepared to order while you wait. The pasta chef really knows his stuff, and could quite well carry his own show on Food Network. It is entertaining to watch him prepare all the different types of pasta, and makes the wait time go fast. If you get there early, you can possibly beat the crowd. If it's Thursday night & you don't feel like cooking, you can feed your whole family at AJ's past night with two to three different & delicious pastas for under $20. IT'S A GREAT DEAL!
I've been a regular at AJ's since they opened, and I haven't had any negative experiences here. I don't give 5 stars very often,and would honestly give AJ's 6 stars if that were an option... If you are in the area, you must give AJ's a try. You won't be disappointed!Listed in: Foothills Hot Spots
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Review from Jane K.
Fort Worth, TX
2/19/2012
Nice gourmet market place, large wine selection.
Being from Texas expectation of a Central Market Concept fell short in the breads and fruit department. -
Review from Tommy S.
Tucson, AZ
9/6/2011 23 Check-ins Here
Since I work real close to this location I have the (unfortunate) opportunity to eat at AJ's several times a week. I personally think this place looks amazing inside, they keep it clean, they offer great products, but all this pizzaz doesn't come without a price tag. I understand that its the La Encantada mall which caters to people with deeper pockets than most, so I can't complain too much. However with all the shops inside the mall that are staffed with employees, making penny's on the dollar, not to mention the 110 employees at the Apple store you would think that they would offer some sort of discount, especially since I see these people in here buying daily.
Well boo hoo, this won't change so I am going to talk about what is good there for a quick lunch that will not break the bank and it is certainly not salad that is not always that fresh for a whopping 7.99 per pound including dressing weight. (There is the potential to include the cost of a small bottle of dressing in your salad at that rate.)
So what are those goodies that I speak of? First off, the brick oven pizzas are usually pretty good. Starting at $2.49 for a cheese slice, and moving up to the specialty pizzas for only $3.49 a slice, the person that cuts these usually throws you a bone by cutting nice large slices, in most cases they barely fit into the box they sell them in. They have peppers, and parmesan cheese as well. The best pizza I have found there is when they do the chicken alfredo specialty. OMG this one is a super tasty pizza, I get it every time I see it. The chefs there actually make these from scratch so I can enjoy the variation to them each time as well.
Another semi good buy is the soups. I have probably tried ALL the soups they make here(which are from scratch), and I have to say some of them are pretty damn good. They probably have one of the best tasting tomato bisque soups made in bulk that I have ever had. The smalls clock a price tag of $2.99 which is not so bad, I usually couple this with a $.99 baguette from the La Brea bakery and I have a nice lil lunch.
Lastly for a good lunch try "The Grill" outside on the patio, when its a cool day in Tucson this is a great place to eat and the grill offers an amazing pulled pork sandwich packed to the gills for only $5.99 If your nice to the guy making them he'll add some flame roasted green chilies to it for you too! Bon A-Petite! -
Review from William B.
Tucson, AZ
8/25/2011
AJs products are incredible. Fresh, clean, super. Just look at the labels and realize what you are getting. You pay more, but you pay for what you get, and that's a lot. Want organics and quality? Incredible fruit and veggies section. Amazing beer and wine (my mouth watered at the $450 bottle of Dom Perignon!) There is amazing looking sushi prepared fresh. I bought a tiny baguette that is the freshest and tastiest bread I have ever eaten. The selection is amazing, you will find things from all over the world. They get rare and unusual items so it costs more.
I don't think AJs is snobby. I did get some weird looks from the employees when I showed up in my ratty shirt and shoes, but I know what I want there and get great quality things that go into my body. And there are better and better deals the more you show up, just like any other grocery store. I'd rather get some things here than anywhere else in town. AJ's is a place to explore more. And there are no homeless people or ghetto customers in line , which I love!
I probably can't or won't shop here too often since, you know, I like to pay rent and bills and stuff. But for specialty items and rarer beers and things, this is the place. It's also fun to browse. Totally good times. -
Review from Nicholas S.
Tucson, AZ
1/29/2012
My company had lunch catered from here and the food was DELICIOUS. Everything was made with the finest ingredients one can buy... I kinda felt like a professional chef had made our lunch... it was really that good. They have everything from fruits and veggies to pre-packaged meals, cheese and wine, seafood, all kinds of meat and desserts. My only concern is that is very expensive here. However, in order to enjoy such fine food, you must have the highest quality ingredients, so it is worth it.
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Review from Maria L.
Tucson, AZ
3/24/2012
They always have the ingredients I may need for my recipes! Their specialty meats always so fresh. Do not go hungry, you'll want to buy everything!
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Review from Michael F.
Tucson, AZ
10/27/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I really think when I walked into this store a choir of foody angels hovered above me and sang HALLELUJAH...This place is a mecca of gourmet foods and unique ingridients that home or seasoned chefs would use. You could literally build a basket for an episode of chopped in this store with minimal effort.
I came on a saturday and it was like walking through costco or sams club except instead of frozen crap it was gourmet goodness showcased for your tasting pleasure. Cured meats, nectars, baked goods, cheesecakes, chips, wine tastings, deli items, seafood dips, and all the stuff you can't find anywhere else in tucson lines the aisles of this store.
I have never been so awestruck by a grocer it was heavenly and I will gladly drive back again next time my culinary needs exceed the chops of safeway or fry's.Listed in: Best of Tucson
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Review from Kelly T.
11/2/2011
I love this store. It is the one grocery store that I have ever been to that actually puts me in a better mood (as much as I love food I usually hate grocery shopping). When I go there I feel the urge to buy everything. I go for the meat, the produce and the cheese and can usually be tempted by the wine as well. It is a place full of marvels and wonder. I take in all the sites and smells. I love that I can get a variety of mushrooms, that all carrots are not the same, that they have gooseberries when they are in season (gooseberry cobbler is one of my favorite desserts). I love that a lot of their produce is seasonal and fresh.
I think I have said I love way too many times and I don't think it adequately expresses the joy that I feel as I walk in and take a deep breath. -
Review from Lauren K.
9/28/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Let me start by saying that I wish an AJ's would open on the east side of Tucson! We absolutely love this store! They stock items and brands that you just can't find anywhere else in town. They have lots of specialty, high quality foods. Want to cook like a real chef? Shop at AJ's for the finest of ingredients! They have all kinds of produce to choose from, and it is always fresh. The meats always look fantastic.
Their prepared foods are also phenomenal. Their pizza is a huge slice, that is delicious and fresh, and one of the best slices I've found in Tucson. The bagels are decent, and they use whipped cream cheese, which is awesome! Their desserts are what we usually stop in for. They have so much to choose from. I love the cheesecakes, and my husband likes the cupcakes and other small bite items. Their scones and chocolate croissants are also yummy. I've also purchased the pre-packaged cookies of various flavors, and they've always been soft and yummy.
Their flower department is beautiful, with species of flowers that I haven't seen at a grocery store before. I love picking up flowers here!
The store is always very clean. The employees are kind and helpful. I love AJ's, and my only complaint is that there are none closer to my house! -
Review from Ariella L.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/16/2011
AJ's is not exactly right around the corner from my apartment, but I pretend that it is so that I don't feel awful about making the trip frequently just for their tea and their pastry section.
Their iced tea is phenomenal. I get it all the time when I'm in Scottsdale and it's so reasonably priced for a HUGE cup. The price is not exactly reasonable when you factor in the amount of gas I use to get the tea in Tucson, but I try and forget that little detail because I just can't give it up!!! It's a little indulgence for my roommate and myself in Tucson.
The one thing that we wish this one had is the black and white cookies that they carry in Scottsdale, but we manage to get by with some of the other goodies we find. -
Review from Sitha I.
Tucson, AZ
2/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I love this place for lunch! I work across the street and everyday that I work, I always call for their bistro menu and soup of the day. Actually, all my coworkers do it too. They got a salad bar and a sushi bar, with a sushi chef! If I dont like anything from the bistro, I'll grab a sandwich. The Arizonian (salmon, cream cheese and capers) is my fave. The pizzas are huge and they're only 3 bucks! This is a fine food market so you know you're getting quality food. And their desserts... are so heavenly (angels ahh-ing).
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Review from Yolanda G.
Tucson, AZ
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is expensive, but it is worth every penny. The produce is fresh and fantastic. They have a HUGE pasta selection. Their bakery is AMAZING!!!
The meat is the best in town. Love the place! -
Review from Britannia R.
Tucson, AZ
8/11/2011
This deli is hit/miss depending on the day and what you order.
The coffee is always well-made, though they're a little light-handed with their syrup and you usually have to wait a while. Their croissants are sinfully delicious; I love the spinach and feta croissant. It's a REAL croissant, though, so I don't have them often... if you heat it up, the grease from the butter practically coats the entire thing. I don't suggest asking for it to be reheated, since the croissant will collapse.
At least the people working the breakfast area are all knowledgeable about the full range of coffee choices as well as the food. Beware, though, of the 9 am rush... you might end up waiting 10 minutes to order.
Also beware the 2-3 pm rush... if you're looking to get one of the deli's entree deals (like pork tenderloins or their stuffed shells, in a to-go box with two sides available) and you show up at about 2:30 pm, you very well may get the very last serving, or may be out of luck. Get there a little earlier! Also, the grill outside who does a good burger sometimes stays open past 2, sometimes closes earlier. It's best not to count on their grill being open unless you're there around noon.
The sushi deli/bar/whatever is wonderful! Much better than RA, in my opinion. The prices are fair, the fish is fresh, the service is quick, and the portions are generous. Whenever I forget to bring a lunch to work, this is where I end up. Their "spicy" roll, which is 6 jumbo sized pieces and has the options of yellowtail, tuna, salmon, crab, etc for $5.99, is very yummy! If you eat at their bar, you also get free edamame and miso soup. The girl working was very friendly and talkative, and expertly and quickly made my roll for me. Their eel sauce is quite good, too, so make sure to ask for some! -
Review from Farren H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Never been here before and was so glad I came. So many options for fresh food, italian sushi sandwiches salads and more. A wonderful market for the Tucson area and if you are into fresh foods and fine foods this is a great
Place to come -
Review from Jennifer D.
Tucson, AZ
Updated - 11/30/2011 13 Check-ins Here
What can I say about AJ's that hasn't been said. Great out door View! Great Food! and always friendly staff! It's a must to stop by and hang out during the winter and have a seat if you are one of the lucky ones to get a seat of by the huge fireplace!
Listed in: 5 Stars in my life, Breakfast, I Like to Shop
1 Previous Review:
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3/14/2010
LOVE AJ'S, I love getting a cup of coffee and sitting in the patio.
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Review from Cheryl M.
5/31/2011 23 Check-ins Here
I had to save AJ's for a milestone review! 75 baby!!! I LOVE AJ's. I love everything about it. Not one thing I've bought, tried, eaten, cooked, talked to or walked through would I complain about. Oh...maybe the prices. But you get where you shop! Don't want to pay high prices? Don't shop at the most expensive, upscale grocery store in the Foothills. The best part about AJ's? Their coffee. Their Italian sodas. Their oven-fired pizza slices for 2.99. Their sushi bar. Their pastry choices. The salad and olive bar. Their Kobe beef burgers at the outdoor grill. Their outdoor fireplace and seating area. Their location....and more.
Most Tucsonan's don't know is that it's local. It's Bashas owned!! I didn't figure that one out for a while but it makes me want to shop there more often. Like I said though, I wouldn't necessarily shop there for groceries unless you're willing to pay the price and looking for some "not so typical" brands. Next time you feel the need for a Saturday afternoon get away, go grab a slice or a cup and sit outside before you get up enough energy to stroll around La Encantada. You will not be dissatisfied!Listed in: Foothills Frenzy, Beer:30, coffEEEEEE placeZZZZZ!!, Great Grocery Finds
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Review from Logie Z.
Tempe, AZ
7/8/2011
AJs to the rescue!
I'm not a big fan of resort food, so wee decided to have breakfast here. I was looking for the omelette bar like they have in Phoenix, but no dice. We had the breakfast chorizo burrito ($3.99) and small cup of coffees for my hubby and me. My cutie pie wanted the cherry turnovers ($1.99) and coconut water. I've never been a big fan of cherry pastries and he loves them. Weird.
We also bought some bread, snacks, beer, juice and wine to take back to The Westin.
We're a big fan of their boulangeries-pâtisseries!!! -
Review from Corey D.
Updated - 12/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So I finally decided to grab a sweet treat from the bakery, it's the end of 2011 after-all, I need to cram in all my vices in the next couple of days before I pledge to swear off sweets! Wonder if elves make resolutions too... If you read my last review you'll remember that java pushin' barista who couldn't stop telling me about these vegan cookies... well they we're all right! My only complaint is that they were a touch dry, but nothing 5 secs in the microwave couldn't solve. What excited me most about the whole thing was that these particular discs come from Highland Park, Illinois, about 40 minutes from my hometown. It's cool to me that AJ's scours the US and stocks a mix of house-baked treats and stuff they have shipped. It creates for an incredible variety and gave me the desire to go home and research this little midwest cookie company. So next time you're their grabbing a cuppa, looking around their baked goods. There are oodles of options and if you look at the packages you'll see what I'm talking about re: have sweets will travel.
Listed in: Standout Service, ???, Sweet Tooth, Foothills Finds, Fruits & Veggies
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/12/2011
I love you AJs, for realz... with a "Z".
I've recently found that prices are pretty on par with the… Read more »
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Review from Julia H.
Tucson, AZ
10/11/2010
I'm so happy I found this place!
They have such a good selection of flowers (for bouquet arrangements). Its about $1 a stem but they've got gerbera daises, sunflowers, hygrangeas, tulips, so pretty.
I was shocked at all the different things they have in there. They have a section of cool recipe books, papyrus cards, neat little gadgets for your home.
Seafood section has Ahi steak for $22/lb. Any place that has ahi steak (wholefoods is the other) is a winner in my book since I wanna make my own spicy tuna hand rolls without mashed up ahi.
OH be careful if you decide to buy exotic fruits. The rambutans they were selling were $10/lb which is understandable since they may be difficult to find out here in Tucson....but the selection they had were ALL..i repeat ALL brown and DRIED up..the kind that my mother would forbid us to eat as children. Normally rambutans are red on outside...brown is not a good sign.
They have a huuuuuge wine section and the clerk is so very helpful. I was looking for a lambrusco and since they were out of that she helped me find a different italian sweet red wine (the adessa) that was deeeelish.
The prices of goods here are about 50 cents to a dollar more than other places (for the same item, if u could find it elsewhere) but i still love it.
Oh and their desserts look so good!
I love dark, organic looking supermarkets :)....especially ones that have designated parking for expecting mothers. haha. (THEY DO!) -
Review from Lisa P.
Boulder, CO
8/5/2011
After multiple deli purchases in the past 45 days, I cannot stay silent any longer. While AJ's usually delivers, buyer beware at the deli. This week we purchased stuffed artichokes, which looked quite attractive & delicious.
What we got were 2 artichokes that had 95% of the heart meat removed, all the "meaty" leaves removed, leaving a shell with a couple layers of rough, meatless outer leaves, the hair of the heart and a bunch of breadcrumbs - there was no "artichoke" left! Plus, to discover this, one had to remove about a cup of breadcrumbs hiding the thorny leaves covering the heart hair, which we dug thru, only to find 95% of the heart meat removed! Needless to say, this dish was removed from the table pronto. How AJ's let that make it to the vegetable dinner offerings is beyond me.
Last week we purchased several Bacon & Egg Breakfast Burritos. The bacon had so much gristle in the few pieces we could find, that everyone was closely examining the meat before eating. It should have been labeled "lots of egg wrapped in a tortilla with bacon gristle." Not the quality I expect from AJs. Even the kids, who will eat just about anything, complained.
If you want first-class deli offerings, go across the street to Schlomo & Vito's.
Love the produce section and for the most part, this is as good as it gets in Tucson for high-end grocery stores. -
Review from Bleep s.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
A world class shopping experience. Honestly, this place is one of the best things about Tucson. Go for the fish and steaks when $ is not an issue. I've actually made a special trip just for a large hunk of salmon that they smoke in house and the bear claw from the bakery....this is the world's best bear claw...not kidding. They offer a decent bagel as well and strangely the bakery prices are not at all high. The bagel and bear claw are what we would pay at Safeway only the quality is 100 times better. Great employees up here..very friendly and helpful.
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Review from Chris S.
Las Cruces, NM
1/10/2011
Anyone who walks into an AJ's should know they aren't walking out without taking a significant hit to the wallet, but even with that said, I think there is a bit of "buyer beware" to be mindful of here. My wife and I stopped here to check out their specialty selections and found it to be a very mixed bag. The sushi bar was an excellent find (love the dragon roll) but the Bistro was a total disappointment. Their website said "five-star quality" and while of course that was a bit of an exaggeration, the selection of hot entrees we found didn't even approach two-star quality level.
On the plus side though, the dessert and coffee bar was outstanding. The selection is simply amazing... from chocolates, to pastries, to fruits, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, you name it. We should have just stuck to sushi and dessert. Those were definitely the highlights.
As a grocery store, I would only see myself shopping here to take advantage of their butcher and seafood selections. There were some cuts and items here that you simply can't find at your typical grocery store. But outside of that, you're just paying for marked up Cheerios.
So if you stick to those specialties AJ's does well, you will feel like you got your money's worth. -
Review from Matt B.
Tucson, AZ
11/14/2010
As a former Safeway Alumni, it's very hard for me to admit, but I love AJ's. From the upscale decor, the feel good ambient lighting, the fresh sushi bar, the pizza and my favorite...the SALAD BAR!
Their Deli and Bakery are the best! Huge selection of salads and the best (grocery store) shaved meats in town. Their wine selection is extensive and I'm a huge fan of their wine cellar. It's a great place to buy a nice bottle of wine as a gift for friends/family. If you ask nicely, the florist will even wrap a bow around the bottle of wine for you at no charge!
Their floral department is great - impressive variety of flowers and arrangements!
I love that they have events going on just about every weekend. There always seems to be a buzz about the store which makes it a fun shopping experience. AJ's is always busy and the patio is a perfect place for business meetings or casual lunch with friends.
Did I mention they sell my favorite childhood beverage...faygo? Ok...so it's not so tasty as an adult, but still, brings back memories! The place is a bit pricey, but epitomizes "you get what you pay for." I highly recommend shopping here for your perishables/fresh foods, but would stick with your regular grocer for the basics. -
Review from Liz R.
8/14/2011
AJ's is a beautiful grocery store. The alcohol selection is amazing, so many unique choices. I love how you are not bothered by annoying employees when shopping. I wish there were more AJ's Fine Foods around Tucson.
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Review from Ivette O.
10/11/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Great entrees for lunch or dinner, excellent sushi specials, but the groceries are over priced. The deli and butcher have excellent selections-worth every penny!
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Review from Jen W.
12/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
AJ's is a specialty store, and it rocks! They have over 50 different kinds of flowers, and you can purchase them individually. I have never bought any meat or seafood here though. I came here a lot this summer to sit down and eat sushi, salad, or pizza and write inside the patio.
Their salad bar includes spinach and mixed greens plus other toppings like seasoned chicken, marinated mushrooms, and the regular toppings. Their sushi is not bad - I think the Boston roll and the spicy tuna roll are pretty good. The sushi display runs close to empty in the evenings, but you can easily request one of the happy hour specials. Their pizza is $3. I think their sandwiches are extremely expensive, so I have never bought one. The deli also sells crushed ice drinks, and they have different flavored teas and Coca-Cola products.
AJ's has a great bakery if you need a tarte, cheesecake, or little pastries. It is one of the busiest departments. They also have decent coffee drinks. Love AJ's! (No, I don't buy groceries here - I just stare at the aprons and buy a quick snack!) -
Review from Susan O.
Tucson, AZ
3/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Yes, some of this store's content is pricey. However, when I buy from here, I know that the quality is excellent. If it isn't, the management stands behind its products and makes good either by replacement or reimbursement.
* Sushi bar! This is my favorite sushi bar in Tucson, and sushi bar is all it is. The prices are reasonable; the service, quick; the staff, accommodating; and the selection, good. It's on the west side of the store where all the prepared food is located, at the back. Happy hour is between 2:30 and 4:30 pm, and there's a different special every day. It closes at 8 pm every evening.
* Patisserie! Yes, the pastries are lovely to look at as well as yummy, but my favorite beverage here is an iced latte with whole milk, and this is my favorite place for getting one. I think the pastries are a little more expensive than they need to be but definitely a treat. All in all, I can recommend any of the baked goods as well as the beverages.
In summary, I go to AJ's for sushi and an iced latte and may pick up a few other things, too. -
Review from Amanda B.
11/29/2010
I went to AJ's the day before Thanksgiving to get all my goodies for a nice meat/cheese tray to snack on before the big meal.
The service here is phenomenal. The lady behind the deli counter was super helpful, let me try pieces of meat before deciding and had great suggestions. They were so busy and she didn't get annoyed with me needing variety of 1/4lb thinly sliced meats.
The selection is great for the deli meats and assorted artisan cheeses, and the service cannot be beat. -
Review from F N.
Phoenix, AZ
7/30/2009
Aj's! Ah, I love you so. You are snobbish but at the same time, welcoming and friendly. You always have what I love. The things I love, the cheese I love, ohhh and the flowers! How gorgeous are thee!!!
How dark it is when I enter your walls...as if I am in a little story...maybe Alice in wonderland... You are just beautiful inside. Every turn I take, there is something else to admire and ogle. I loved the cheese samples you had out this past weekend... especially the Farmstead cheese. But ah, you had to break my heart with the $10.50 a quarter pound price... Aj's, I love you so but not your prices my dear friend.
Hey, but your tuna sandwich was good...although I would have preferred my portobello mushroom sandwich but you were out. Your mango italian soda is the bomb...ah, I love you so. Stop putting out so many good lookin' pastries my dear...it makes me hungry and then I gain 5 pounds from just looking. I love the views of Tucson from your little seating area outside...the flowers and the fountain greeting me as I step into the store..and everything else about you Aj's! I will be back dear. Soon I hope. -
Review from Ingrid T.
12/28/2010
Hmmm...cakes, chocolates, sandwhiches, coffee, salad, pizza, and lets not forget the sushi!
What a great concept of a place! I only had carrot cake and it was divine! I am excited to go back and hopefully try other things but I was all about the ambiance.
The only downside is the wait was long because the place is so popular! However, the cake was worth the wait! I would have to say I enjoyed this place quite a bit! :) -
Review from Jennifer E.
Tucson, AZ
9/30/2009
Aj's is so great but it's too bad that it's just so damn far from me! Decided to eat lunch there because my bff and I were shopping. We had the sushi and I was impressed. The rolls were great and the fish was fresh. I am not a die hard fan of sushi, but I would definitely go back. The sushi chefs were nice.
We looked around at the wine and we were immediately asked if we wanted help.
Got a coffee to go and were treated very well.
I must say Mr. Basha, AJ's is terrific!
Expensive, FYI.Listed in: 5 stars baby!, My northside faves, Grocery List, Sushi!
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Review from MiYong E.
Ewa Beach, HI
8/13/2007
This market is fabulous.
They have a great selection throughout. Even have a sommelier and cigar room.
Staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. -
Review from Steve R.
7/2/2007
Think upper end Trader Joes. Bristol Farms (the Albertson's upper-end chain) comes to mind as a California equivalent.
Very dark, mood setting lighting inside. Higher prices than Safeway but a larger selection of specialty or imported items.
Not too bad. Friendly staff. Wide liquor assortment. -
Review from Kirstin B.
Tucson, AZ
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't make it up here too often (its a bit out of my way for average grocery shopping). That said if I want to do something special, their butcher block always has great ready to cook meats that will knock your socks off. Last night we had the "Mexican -Style Stuffed Chicken" After 35 minutes we were eating a wonderful blend of chicken, chile and cheese with just the perfect amount of spice. While looking for a nice wine to accompany it, their wine stewards were able to get me set up with a great, not too expensive bottle. Thanks guys! Dinner was great!
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Review from Nalinee M.
Tucson, AZ
6/17/2011 4 Check-ins Here
aj's fine foods is officially my favorite fine grocery establishment in all of tucson!
i have been here a couple of times in the last week to grab lunch on my way to work and the service i have received on both occasions has been impeccable.
the staff is very friendly, which is very, very important, in my opinion. they will go out of their way to see if you've been assisted yet, and help you find what you need if you can't see it for yourself.
aj's has a great variety of anything and everything you could ever think of.
need to pick up an elegant desert to take to a dinner party at your friend's place? aj's has a wonderful bakery!
going on a picnic and don't want to make lunch? check out their gourmet sandwiches and pizza.
if you love sushi, they've even got their own sushi bar in the back!
they have a wine selection that boasts the finest wines you will find.
if you're a beer connoisseur, you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll find something that will satisfy your taste buds on one of their shelves.
check out aj's fine foods! you won't be disappointed.Listed in: eha: no ka `oi: tucson
