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28 reviews for AJ's Purveyor of Fine Foods
Review Highlights
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"Great beer and wine selection for AJ's, and very helpful..." In 3 reviews -
"I love love their salad bar." In 3 reviews -
"And the produce always looks picture perfect." In 7 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from J.D. L.
Phoenix, AZ
Stopped in to this AJ's for Lunch. Ordered up a dish of Mongolian beef $17 a lb. This store is a little better maintained than the one in my hood, offering more choices. I walk over to the beer garden and the shelves are stocked quite nicely. So I grab a beer for later. I purchased a bottle of water and sat outside on their little patio. The thick cuts of flank beef with stir-fried vegetables in a savory brown soy sauce were excellent. I purchased a half a pound meal.
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Review from Stephen B.
Phoenix, AZ
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's a neighborhood store for me. However, I don't often visit because it is difficult to get into and out of the parking lot. There's a front lot and a back lot and they both seem to be filled all the time. The building orientation is a bit odd, it does not face either lot, but instead you walk up a breezeway to get inside the store. This gives it more of a market feel and definitely sets it apart.
There is an extensive Deli/Prepared food area that includes a sushi bar and salad bar. Lunch time can be busy, however, the Deli crew is often surly, slow and unwilling to actually help customers. The food is just okay, but the service kinda ruins it. On the plus side, the China Mist iced tea is always fresh.
the Bakery has some awesome baked goods, with an extensive selection of pastries. They often put fresh-baked goods out so the aroma will draw you in and make you spend. When you get outside, you're like "what just happened there, and where did this napoleon come from?" But then you eat it and you forget all about your problems.
For actual groceries, this is an upscale store, so expect upscale items and prices that go with it. The layout is very nice and the cashiers are always nice and helpful. -
Review from Anne H.
Phoenix, AZ
4/11/2012
AJ's is just fine.
On the pro side, the produce is fantastic. The salad bar is wonderful. The staff is usually helpful. They sometimes stock products from great local businesses. They have Jeni's ice cream. YUM!
On the con side, they tend to drop local businesses. Simply Bread? Nope, replaced by La Brea (waaaaay before Simply Bread closed down). Village Roasters? Gone. The products in the desert case are stale as often as not. The 3 times I've ordered something special from the floral dept, they messed it up. And they are REALLY expensive. Hobe (http://www.hobemeats.com) is better for meats.
So why not just 2 stars? The things they do well, they do very very well. They are always friendly. Good hours. I have my complaints, but I still find myself shopping at AJ's fairly often. -
Review from adrian f.
Phoenix, AZ
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Shopping at AJ's always gives me a sense of entitlement, a feeling that I'm cooler than everyone that shops at Fry's or Safeway. Then I get to the checkout.
It's amazing how quickly you can spend your money here. When I do shop at AJ's it's always with a purpose. Typically when I need some quality meat to grill or some fresh seafood. You know, something I can cook medium rare and feel safe eating it! And you can always find something good on "sale". Yesterday I got ground Kobe beef for $6.99/lb! KA-CHING!
The beer and wine selection is amazing, but you're still better off finding a Total Wine, because they'll have the same thing for almost half the price! -
Review from Alison B.
11/15/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Regular lunch spot. Good pizza by the slice. Nice deli options. Soups. Sushi. Well stocked salad bar. Awesome raspberry hibiscus tea and green tea. Sinful bakery (chunky monkey bar - omg). Pricey though for a lunch spot. I can't seem to ever get out for less than $10. It's a good place to go with a group because of all the options. Gets really crowded during lunch rush and there are very few tables. Sometimes I have waited 20 minutes in the sandwich line....rage. But overall it's one of the best places in the area to grab a tasty, fresh lunch. When I have spare time, I love browsing the kitchen & decor section in the back. Lots of unique gift ideas. I really wish there was an AJ's in Tempe!
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Review from Lindsay J.
Phoenix, AZ
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wish I could shop here all the time because they have my favorite types of food and the quality of their food selection is second to none. They have the best liquor and wine selection! I love their meat and seafood selection because they have the premium cuts and freshest seafood...i once got these enormous prawns and I could have never got them anywhere else. They have an amazing produce area too...they have sushi prepared by a sushi chef and its all fresh...they have awesome pizza and prepared meals...they have fabulous pastries that I would die for lol...and of course they have all those little things and specialty items like fig spread and this special artichoke dressing that you cannot find anywhere else. They also have a huge selection of expensive bottled fancy water in cool bottles...i wish it werent as expensive but then it wouldnt be as fabulous...
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Review from Jessica A.
Minneapolis, MN
2/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Sadly I forget how close I live to this AJ's. Typically I'll pick up groceries at Whole Foods, Costco, or even the Safeway that's close to us.
But for the Super Bowl, I wanted to get some smaller portioned appetizers and deli foods without sacrificing quality. (Lightbulb moment -- I remembered AJ's.)
They had quite a spread of various choices perfect for game day. The meatballs... oh my god. Picked up a palmier for me in the bakery - - which was delicioso and perfect in every way (sans the calories and sugar content).
Turned back around to the deli and got some sliced salami..... wonderful pepper jack cheese. Up now to the dairy area to find some dips, and went with an awesome local made Tzatziki. Went over to the produce and got some carrots and celery. But... made a last pit stop in the wine section.
Wow. How awesome -- they had a sommelier on hand, helping me select the exact wine, taste, quality, price range that I was looking for. I soooo appreciated that! He confirmed my choice and really helped me. That was awesome.
Off to the check-out experience - - and wow, what a friendly check-out lady!! Clearly she loves working here, and it was such a treat to be respected as a customer. (Whether she knows she did that or not -- I believe that is just how she treats all customers. But it really did affirm why it was alright to spend maybe, just a wee bit more.)
Customer service is everything these days. I think I'll find another time, very soon, to shop here again. -
Review from Sarah L.
12/27/2010
Need fig preserves? They've got it. Fennel? It's beautifully packed on ice and extremely fresh in the produce department. Need boneless pork loin roast from the blade end? The butcher has your back. Duck fat? Just take a peek in the freezer section. Sometimes, it's the little things that normally go unnoticed that gets you five stars...
AJ's closed early the other night in lieu of the holidays and I ran around to FOUR different stores looking for something as simple as whole grain mustard and fennel. I came up empty handed on both items. I say "simple" items - but it's amazing when you rely on a grocer like this as much as I do and realize that most items are out of reach otherwise. AJ's carries practically anything my culinary desires could ask for!
Although I had to wait a day to go shopping again and to make the recipe i was wanted, it was during my adventures to the 4 stores that I realized how much I truly appreciate this grocer. How is it I can get wireless internet via laptop on the I-10 freeway courtesy of my phone company, but can't find fennel within a 10 mile radius?
This my friends, is why I love AJ's. And as someone who watches America's Test Kitchen as though it were food porn, I can say that any other grocer doesn't stand a chance against Eddie Bashas' high end store.
You truly do get what you pay for. For all the employees at AJ's I say "THANK YOU!!" for the great service you provide and the products you offer.Listed in: Places I Couldn't Live Without
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Review from Erica O.
1/3/2011
I'm clearly more of a Food City consumer than an AJ's gal, but this place succeeds in making me feel like I not only can, but should splurge on a five dollar loaf of bread to go with the homemade soup I just whipped up for pennies. I can deal with the prices because this place is perfect for the occasional uber-specialty ingredients that I can't get anywhere else. Edible flowers for crystallizing, espresso powder for my meat rubs, fancy pants mushrooms, high quality chocolate, duck fat, mangosteens outside of an Asian grocer, the works.
It's also really great for picking up a couple of super fancy high end shots of liquor in the airplane bottles. Perfect for a cheapazoid like me that wants the occasional dash of St. Germain or Chambord but sure as hell isn't going to buy the whole bottle!
I've never encountered any sass here from any of the staff either, even when I show up looking like a barely thrown together trash person. -
Review from Nicholas C.
Phoenix, AZ
2/25/2012
I have been a customer since they opened in this strip mall. Generally I am impressed by a couple of the cashiers who have gotten to know me and my wife over the years. There is one I dont care fore ----- Last summer --- I forgot my discount card -- they use for the summer - and she refused to help me ----- I found someone who would and they helped.
However, my big issue is with the soup stand and the quality of the food meals in the deli area - for several years I hAVE ADDRESSED MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE uncleanliness of the soup stand and the lack of keeping the soups fresh. I took picture on a couple of occasions to show management but they were not happy with me. There is no way with the prices they charge that the soup are should be in this condition. Furthermore since they brought in a new chef ---- the quality of meals they sell at the deli area has really gone down hill. I use to go once a week and purchase my wife -- a meal the last two have been not very good and one fish dish I brought back for a refund. I spoke to the new chef manager ---- I dont recall his name - but he is quite tall. His attitude to me has been one of non caring --- and responded I have not heard other complaints. I have gotten word that sales are down in that area of the store -------- now I know why ----- Uncle Eddy Basha this AJ's is very weak ---- except for a few of the cashiers that are always nice.
I have had it with the soup bar ------ and wont be back --- my 50 usd or sometimes 100 usd a week ------ is going somewhere else ------ I tried to work with your management but they have not stepped up to the plate ----------------
They forgot who I am ------- actually Eddy I am more important then you are ----- I am the customer. -
Review from Heather C.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/1/2008
All I can say is don't think you're going to pop in and out because all you need is an onion. And don't bother coming unless you just got paid. Because if you're anything like me, that onion will cost you about $80 by the time you leave.
Because AJ's is so pricey, you won't see my buying paper towels and cat litter here. But you will find an assortment of cheeses, pastries, or whatever else I can't live without in my basket. Their meat department is far superior to any supermarket I've been in. And the produce always looks picture perfect.
The staff is always exceptionally friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for many of the snotty patrons you may encounter. Don't let that deter you from the experience. And, oh yea, don't forget the onion. -
Review from John P.
Dallas, TX
12/31/2010
Its my neighborhood 7-11 where I just want to leave the car running so I can run in and run out.
Grab the sushi, cookies, rib eye, China Mist ice tea and 1/2 pound of the buffalo breast tenders for my salad.
Meat counter is always awesome and so is the brick oven pizza by the slice. Some of the best pizza in town.
Selected $$ because it really depends on what you get.
John -
Review from Michelle A.
Phoenix, AZ
3/7/2008
Coming here, I'm reminded of the feeling I would get in elementary school when I would excitedly look at the lunch menu and find out that it's chicken fried steak day.
It can be a little pricey but you can't beat the selection. Albonidgas soup? Fish tacos? LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE?? Hell yes!
I've never had a problem with the staff, the sandwich-maker dude is always super friendly and patient. In fact, I feel more sorry for them for having to do deal with the demanding yuppie scum that the place is crawling with. I was here this morning grabbing some coffee and the line seemed to consist entirely of crabby old ladies.
Despite the crowd, I love AJ's! If only they served chicken fried steak... -
Review from John H.
Phoenix, AZ
3/1/2010
This location is perfect for so many reasons: great salad/soup bar, fresh sushi counter, outdoor seating, helpful employees, great variety of everything. Wondering about the 5th star? Competitive pricing is not one of their strong suits.
After Harmony's yoga class today at the Village, I walked over to get a bite to eat. Had the Chicken Noodle soup, delish! And I met a yogi from the class, Lori (I swear, I wasn't following her.) They carry only high quality foods, alcohol and well, everything.Listed in: Ditch the car for a day,…
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Review from Norma R.
Durango, CO
7/20/2007
This is probably the most awful AJ's ever, strictly because of the awful Boulangerie manager and staff. They're the least genuine counter staff ever. I get being nickel-and-dimed about things, that never really bothers me. But the attitude, oh god the attitude. The incompetence is just as bad. I get the same thing, all the time. Iced honey soy latte. I give them the packets of honey, and it doesn't matter who, every. single. time, they tell me that the honey won't melt in the ice.
Think about that.
Go ahead.
I bet if we all put our thinking caps on, we could find a really wonderful solution to this problem. LIKE ADD HOT LIQUID TO MELT IT? Duh? This place is retarded. So I tell them what to do and sometimes they do it. Or sometimes they take on an air and just leave the honey solidly and complacently cemented to the bottom of the damn cup.
Oh, and they add corn syrup to the seaweed at the sushi bar. That's bad juju. -
Review from Nathan M.
Phoenix, AZ
5/5/2010
4 - Stars for the salad bar, beer and wine selection, and decent sushi, but I am deducting a star because I have to walk through the baked goods to get my salad and squeeze by the tennis moms lunching. OK, the last one not AJ's fault, but that first one is.
I am a salad bar snob, in fact check out my review of Whole Foods on Tatum if you don't believe me. This salad bar passes the test. Good selection, 3 types of lettuce, healthy looking chickpeas, and nice variety. They are missing tofu, but I can live. My average salad runs about $8. Yes, I know I can make it at home for $4 or less, but are you going to go grocery shopping for me and wash and cut my vegetables?
AJ's also has a great selection of wine, beer, and alcohol. More things I can't have (at lunch at least). Also has a good coffee and tea aisle and tasty soups (for those 3 "cold" months). Can't say it's great for daily shopping, I'd stick to Safeway for that, but it has some hard to find higher end items.
It's great to have a place within reach of work where I can actually get something healthy and good for lunch, as opposed to the "5 extra pounds in your gut, but oh so tasty" Paradise Bakery. But even PB places the cookies at the end of the line. Why must I walk by the cookies on my way to the salad bar and then back again when I go to the register? Damn you AJ's! It's not my fault I don't have any will power.
But today, I didn't get a cookie...so there!Listed in: I need a beer Phoenix...
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Review from Roland W.
5/16/2008
I love AJ's! You may think, why, their prices are so high. Yes some things are more expensive than other stores, but then again I don't do my weekly grocery shopping here.
AJ's is great for freshly brewed coffee (cheaper than the big name chain), muffins, desserts, pastries, fresh meat, sandwiches, sushi and cheeses. If you need a 12-pack of Coke go to Basha's instead.
Everyone here is very friendly and the location is great right at Camelback and 44th.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Hilary P.
Scottsdale, AZ
8/22/2007
I love AJ's and have never encountered attitude from the people who work there...the patrons, yes. Having just moved here from Los Angeles I have to laugh at Scottsdale attitude...but I digress.
My favorite purchase at AJ's is a box of chocolate truffles. A close second is their version of a devil dog...holy cow, this is a great place for foodies. AJ's is also a nice place to go for breakfast pastries...can you see where I spend too much time.
Another thing, this is a great place to go if you are having a dinner party on any night and didn't have time to cook. And you can pick up an exotic bunch of flowers for your table.
Check it out! -
Review from Kristin C.
Phoenix, AZ
4/10/2007
This is the hidden AJ's. Not just anyone can come here. You can't even see the sign from the street unless you're going really slowly and/or not paying attention to the road. And even then it's further back enough that you can't tell exactly where to turn in or where the entrance is located.
Once you've found it, the side entrance and the low ceilings just add to the mystique. I swear this location is actually darker than other locations as well.
And I will say - not even the one in Paradise Valley has quite the same feeling as this location. There is something extra special here. It's not just me. Folks I used to work with felt the same way.
Best meat quality in the valley will always be found at AJ's. Bar none. And it's right at the top of the list for produce as well. For everything in their aisles that's non-alcoholic you'll find a great selection of new and different fare right next to the mundane. But the mundane is at FULL price like you've never even seen at normal stores. And don't expect to see a sale any time soon. Oh yea, they get ya. Because while you're in there to get your 2-3 things for a special dinner, you end up also remembering to get mustard, Wheat Thins and a 2 liter of soda and that's an extra $10 here whereas at another store it might be $5.
So bring a list to only get what you came for - and don't forget to wear your dark sunglasses so you too can be oh-so-cool in the super exclusive AJ's. -
Review from Albert H.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great beer and wine selection for AJ's, and very helpful staff with beer and wine. Parking is decent too as long as the Village dbags don't park in the AJ's lot, like they're not supposed to do. Lots of cougars here.
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Review from Aimee H.
7/14/2010
AJs Fine Food is a place where I only go if I have a specific need. My need is usually a gigantic iced tea on my way to work when it's 147 degrees outside in this Arizona summer. They usually have several different flavors to wet your pallet and I recommend them all.
Other times I will go for a delicious sandwich from their deli department. The chunky chicken salad is amazing! It has to be the chunky one though, the regular one isn't so much. They offer a choice of side that can be chips, or anything from their deli case like bow tie pasta salad, Greek salad, couscous, cottage cheese and so on. They have all kinds of fun imported beer, lots of wine and usually someone that can help you pick out the perfect bottle to pare with your meal.
The last time I was in this store was for Mother's Day and I needed to grab some flowers for my grandmother, aunt and of coarse Mom. I wandered around the cooler for a few minutes and then emerged with a few selections. The florist there was so helpful and even offered to re-wrap them for me to give them an extra touch. Everyone loved them.
Note, park in the back lot at this one, behind Wally's and MomBomb, not off of Camelback, less crowded and easier to get in and out of the parking lot off of 44th. -
Review from Anette H.
Chandler, AZ
8/22/2007
My friend kept telling me how good their lunches are... I tried it, but it didn't do anything for me. The sandwich tasted like something you can get at Safeway, but twice the price. For being called a Purveyor of Fine Foods, I expected the food to taste like not just any ordinary sandwich.
What I had:
Ham, cheese with portobello mushrooms on a panini with 2 sides of pasta, one was parmesan and the other was macaroni. Maybe it was the panini bread. I think the parmesan pasta was made there, but I know for sure the macaroni was not made there, it tasted like something I had at a picnic which was in a carton. It wasn't anything to brag home about.
I found out the head chef made my sandwich... keep him in the kitchen and away from the customers, no personality whatsoever. I asked for his suggestion, and his reaction was "anythings good."
Normally, when I go to AJ's, I go for their desserts. Their desserts are fabulous and you can get individual servings at a reasonable price. I can take an assortment home and have them for later.
Our company does use them for their catering and I've had many compliments on their dishes, but pass on the lunches. -
Review from Reed N.
3/8/2010
Really nice produce and specialty items entice you to spend your nest egg here and blow you college savings fund before Johnny is eligible to attend the state school.
This place is like Whole Foods, with a emphasis on local specialty items and some global foods. I saw some nice sakes, beers, and liquors from afar on the shelf. You could put together a gourmet meal here, no problem. Just bring your wallet and don't tell Johnny he is going to have to work through college. : ) -
Review from Fred M.
Phoenix, AZ
10/13/2008 1 Check-in Here
Yo, this is my favorite AJ's here. If you gots a beef with the prices then go somewhere else. Actually, the prices aren't any higher than Safeway, they just carry better, and more expensive for them to buy, products.
They have been great to me as far as ordering Rambutans when I have a whim or a craving. The sandwich counter is awesome, and I love the slices of pizza that are as big as my head. The drink counter is stellar and they brew China Mist iced teas. Every once in a while the Prickly Pear flavor comes up and I'm so so so happy.
This store is much larger than the Scottsdale/Lincoln location, and the service here is friendlier than that location as well. Shot out to Gerri at the floral counter, she is teriffic, as well as the produce manager who takes care of me every time. You guys rock! -
Review from Lauren S.
Scottsdale, AZ
2/25/2010 1 photo
So I have always had an addiction to salad bars but never trusted the quality nor the people at all-you-can-eat salad bars... talk about scary.
This is why I have come to be addicted to AJs. I love love their salad bar. There are a nice variety of salad toppings and it is very reasonably priced. I can yaer on cottage cheese, bacon, noodles, and even some imitation crab meat too while I'm at it! I also love their fresh soups too.
I have been a loyal customer to AJ's seafood grotto, which always has the exact fresh fish I need for my cooking experiments but now I'm realizing just how great the rest of the AJ's store is as well.
This location is a little bit hidden but it is well worth it. They employees are beyond helpful and rarely will you ever have to wait in line! -
Review from Andrew E.
Phoenix, AZ
2/28/2009
I must admit, I'm more of a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market guy (due to the economy), but I had a great time shopping at AJ's. Every single item on the shelves is of the highest quality. For Valentines day, because I'm so bad at picking out girly gifts, I let my girlfriend go on a shopping spree at the chocolate counter (among other things)...I'd go back once in a while, but did grimace at the checkout counter when I forked over $125 for three bags of crap...I guess it's back to mayonnaise sandwiches at Neighborhood Market.
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Review from Calder G.
Phoenix, AZ
8/29/2010
Awesome sushi bar with great happy hour specials after 2:30.
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Review from Michael J.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am frequently at this location because of their $4.99 Lunch sandwich special. It appears to be location exclusive as Thompson Peak and FLW, Central & Camelback to name a few do not have such special. Oh yeah, and a drink included and your choice of side? I think so!
