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Alta Vista Foods
- Nearest Transit:
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Sheridan (Red Line)
Addison-red (Red Line)
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
32 reviews for Alta Vista Foods
Review Highlights
32 reviews in English
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Review from Lori W.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
This place is great. I've lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years and have passed by this place about a million times. I was googling Mexican grocery stores in the neighborhood looking for a specific kind of spice. They didn't have it, but were so helpful and nice.
Since I found the location on Yelp, I read the reviews first. I have to agree. It is crammed in their with very small aisles. That being said, they pack a heck of a lot of food in there. I had just gone grocery shopping the day before, so I was familiar with a lot of produce prices (which I don't usually pay attention to). Their prices are WAY cheaper. Grapes were $2.00 per pound less than at Dominicks the day before. They have small depth in produce, but all prices were great. I will be back for that.
I don't take the "L" very often, but if I did, it would be even more convenient. I talked to two of the people working there and they were so helpful and friendly.
This is a great find for Wrigleyville. You do have to pay for parking if you park on the street and drive.
I gave it a 5 star for what it is. I would not expect a huge, perfectly organized store. It is cluttered, but neat. It's not Jewel or Dominick in size. It is a perfect corner store. -
Review from Amy H.
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not sure that I like Alta Vista Foods. I don't hate it. If I need to pick something up on the way home, I'll check Alta Vista.
My issue with Alta Vista is that it has some type of odor that I can't quite put my finger on. It's not horrible, yet not pleasant. I'm not too keen to buy my food at a place with a strange odor, but that's just me.
First world problems...Listed in: First World Problems
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Review from Erin S.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2011
This place is great. They have pretty much anything you need. Tonight I was making cake and needed more heavy whipping cream, and I went there knowing they probably had it, and they did!
Also, prices are comparable to Jewel or Dominicks. -
Review from Alex M.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011
1- Great location, access from the red line
2- Fresh produce (and great too!)
3- Cheaper than Jewel. For a lot of things. Especially the produce. One mini watermelon here was 2.99 and at Jewel? 4.99. That is about the same with every produce item.
4-Everything is always in code and fresh
5-Staff is very friendly.
Watch out though because there is a credit card minimum of 5 dollars i think.
Overall, highly recommended. -
Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
3/4/2008
Perfect little stop off for a thing or two on the way outta the Sheridan red line station.
I was in need of produce, and just couldn't face the crazy Jewel. I didn't want to fight anyone with a cart or be assaulted by wine vendors. I just wanted some veggies. Cheap.
Alta Vista for the win. Some seriously cheap (albiet short-lived) produce. Best to use it up within a few days.
Great little locally-owned shop with just about anything on earth you could possibly need in a pinch. Conveniently located and friendly family.Listed in: IndieGrocery.
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Review from Nico M.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2008
I have been going to this little store since I moved to lakeview 4 years ago. My ex gf and I always, and still do call it the "Sheridan Store". Neither of us actually knew the name of it till one day I finally noticed the sign above which I didn't remember being there before.
I like this place because they have a nice fruit and vegetable selection as well as other things to prevent me from actually going to jewel when I am too lazy to go, which will tide me over till I actually need to do real grocery shopping.
Plus whenever I take the train to work I stop in and grab some apricots or some other fruit for a protein shake that I mix while at work.
Actually I really like their Macaroni salad, as random as that is.
It's just a nice little store for odds and ends between major grocery shopping with friendly faces and anything else that you may need..pero no booze though..not that I wanted any, But I'm just saying.... -
Review from Sasha R.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2009
I'm not quite as impressed as most of the other Yelpers who have reviewed Alta Vista, but it gets its 3 because..
1 star for a lot of fresh looking produce.
1 star for being right by the el.
1 star for thriftiness.
For one or two items, and if you're getting off at Sheridan, this is a good place to stop in.
But.. even though I like to support small businesses, if I need more than three items, I'm going to Whole Foods (which is only a slightly longer walk for me). I just get really grossed out when I feel like stuff on the shelves is ancient and dusty. Also, consistently buying most of your groceries here can't be good for you. Most of the packaged food is really processed and full of preservatives. For instance, I love the huuuge pack of tortillas for $1.69, but the ingredients list is way too long and full of words I can't pronounce.
Finally, this is not affecting my rating at all, but it weird-ed me out nonetheless.. While I was checking out, I noticed one of my items was partially opened already, so I said this to the cashier and went to put it back (just a couple of feet away). When I got back I told her I decided not to replace the item and was ready to check out. She then yelled, "your Spanish is messing me up, can you talk in English PLEASE!" Since I wasn't speaking in Spanish, I found this strange. I've come to the conclusion she must have had a bluetooth on.. but still weird, especially since those were the only words I heard her say, and she was looking right at me.Listed in: Around the way..
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
Updated - 10/5/2008
If you like coffee, and you are watching your coin because our economy sucks and inflation is rampant, you've noticed that coffee at the Jewels, Dominicks, Starbucks and elsewhere has been getting really expensive.
Alta Vista Foods peddles the best coffee deal I've seen anywhere:
if you like dark roast for espresso, cappuccino or just plain old strong coffee, try Cafe Bustelo. It's 3.79 for a 10 oz. can or vacuum packed brick. That's pennies over $6.00/lb., and this stuff is so strong it lasts a very long time.
And, if you love this Cafe Bustelo brand like I do, you can buy it for $4.95/lb online at http://www.javacabana.com
I love beating the big groceries and big brand coffee sellers at their own game.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/26/2008
Handy if you live nearby and don't mind looking around for parking. I had no mojo for the Jewel… Read more »
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Review from Erika G.
2/23/2009
Rapidly becoming my go-to destination for cheap groceries. The selection is pretty amazing for the small size of this store. The produce is surprisingly good - I discovered that I love Brussels Sprouts at this place (well, also 'cos of Ellen M's cooking suggestion - saute in garlic and lotsa butter).
Minus a star 'cos it gets a leeeeetle claustrophobic at times, it's a really tiny shop. -
Review from Matt m.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
It's super cool you can buy your apples at a popular search engine from the late 90s. Alta Vista.
Who knew that Alta Vista is now a little food store underneath the Sheridan red line stop in Chicago?
Fresh apples. And cheap. Even though apples aren't in season right now and other produce stores are selling them for $1.99/lb, Alta Vista sells them for $1.39/lb.
Even though Google and Apple don't get along very well right now, Alta Vista and apples are doing just great together. I'll always buy my apples from Alta Vista.
One of these days I'm gonna get the courage to ask one of the attendants if they can look up -
Review from Robert S.
Chicago, IL
7/18/2007 1 photo
This place has EVERYTHING! Sure, the shelves are packed tightly with a variety of goods, but I can usually find what I'm looking for. The only exception is a limited meat selection. Also, the produce here is not very fresh. I have gotten some bad vegetables accidentally. The Alta Vista does carry a lot of Mexican products, so it's convenient when I decide it's Fajita night. Oh, and they have this macaroni salad that I'm addicted to.
They actually have a door that goes directly in the Sheridan red line station, so it's very convenient. I'm so glad that this place is open- it beats walking to Jewel for sure! And I feel better about supporting local business. The staff is very friendly.Listed in: Wrigleyville? Uptown? Buena…
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Review from Lori L.
8/20/2007
So convienant! They just about have everything you could possibly need or want.
A pair of socks: check
Umbrella: check
Chorizo: check
The best piece of chocolate cake wrapped in celophane: check.
Also, I don't find their prices to be anymore unreasonable than the major grocery chains. I'd rather give my money to the local guy anyway.
Would I shop here if I was cooking for a party of 10? No, unless the menu consisted of mac & cheese and beans.
I can also find unusual foods there. The other day, they were carrying bags of plantain chips. Who knew?!?! -
Review from Jeanette D.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2008
Located under the red line, this very deep and diverse store has everything you need in an emergency, or when you don't feel like trudging out of your way to the big grocery stores
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it actually reminds me of Mary Poppin's carpet bag. , deceivingly small, you pop in there and exactly what you need that day seems to appear. I've never gone in there and not come out with exactly what I needed to pull off the dish of the day, or make up for a bad day, or get me home faster.
The staff never fail to be friendly, and I think I will continue to go there as -
Review from Richie D.
1/24/2010 11 Check-ins Here
Without Alta Vista, I'd have a potassium and V-B6 deficiency. Practically every day I get off the Sheridan stop on my way to work, easily step through the beeping door of this "hole in the wall" grocery/produce mart (since it's directly connected to the Sheridan Red line station), and finger out the most perfect banana--not too bright yellow still with a hint of tye-dye green and not too thick nor skimpy. The prices are average but I feel like I save even more with their flashy, star-bursting sale signs. I usually drop an average of .34 cents there each morning. What can you still get for under a buck?! I gotta have my banana accompanying my instant oatmeal to get through my morning. Better yet, I'm always happy to see the lovely Mexican cashier who now knows me well by now: No black bag or receipt with the banana.
Alta Vista will surprise anyone who steps in their door for the first time. It's deeper than it seems from the facade with a labyrinth of thing aisles. Moreover, behind the cash registers they have every little home trinket and necessity: lighters, cigs, shavers, travel OTC meds, super glue, scissors. The trick is to just close your eyes, concentrate for 3 seconds on the item you're seeking out, open your eyes, it'll be right there in front of your eye--once you're done finding it, in addition to Waldo.
AV is the perfect place to grab a random snack, maybe even a nutritional one. In other words, they must unknowingly be at fault for people eating and leaving their trash on the el trains... -
Review from Adam R.
Chicago, IL
7/22/2009
I used to live just north on Sheridan from this store, and used to take the red line to/from work, so shopping here was a slam dunk for me.
The produce is cheap, abundant, and I could usually find most of what I needed (even plain yogurt.)
What I subtracted the star for is the meat. I used to get steak from Alta Vista Foods (cheap too!) to make tacos at home (when I was single, and continuing after I moved in with my wife at her apartment on Clarendon). What I found after a few trips was that some of the meat was frozen. I began to wonder if things were being re-frozen, or just frozen once and then marked down. Re-freezing ruins the quality of the meat and kills the flavor as well.
I've talked briefly with the owner and he's checked out my purchases many times. The workers can be a bit strange (blocking aisles at 5:30pm to restock - hello? It's rush hour?) but overall are very friendly and helpful if you need something.
If it's on your way home, give it a try. Otherwise, for produce, try Stanley's - it's better and cheaper, and try Paulina Market or Whole Foods or Jewel for your meat. -
Review from E H.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2010
This place is awesome for grabbing produce on your way home from work. Sure, it's not farmer's-market-fresh, but it is always in good shape and tasty. If this place wasn't here, I definitely wouldn't eat as many fruits and veggies.
Stores like this are why I love the city. Everything I might need in a pinch within a 5 minute walk from home and RIGHT off the El. -
Review from Bryan H.
Mahomet, IL
9/29/2008
The fresh fruits and vegetables here are great! They are usually cheaper than Jewel/Dominic's as well.
The boxed food is expensive and the selection is lacking, but for a few simple things this place is great! -
Review from Lindsay A.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2010
This place packs as much stuff into one tiny space that you get amazing variety! It really is like a mini grocery store. For almost any food they have, you can choose from many different brands. I love this place for that fact alone. Also, its pretty cheap for a small food store!
fun fact: their baby items in the back are from 1999! -
Review from Mara A.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2011 17 Check-ins Here
I come here all the time since i live right by here. The guys who work here are great! We chat it up with them all the time. There is a $6 minimum for credit cards. Things here are kinda over priced but we go there for the convience. If i wanted to buy cheaper things, I would hop in my car and go to jewel. simple as that.
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Review from Shannon S.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2011
Lived off their food for a year when I lived nearby! They are extremely friendly and always remembered me when I came in. They even set aside boxes for me when I was moving. The produce has a short shelf life but it tastes good and is very affordable. They have A LOT of good stuff in there. Don't underestimate them. A local gem
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Review from Amanda H.
Chicago, IL
7/10/2010
They don't have everything, but for me, they are the closest grocery store and usually the prices are cheaper than Whole Foods, the next closest grocery store.
It's a little annoying when the place is packed, and it's a little annoying to find that one thing sometimes because the place has things from floor to ceiling.
I like the cheap pears and Muenster cheese. Two bucks for a decent little hunk of cheese. Yum. -
Review from Yvette B.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2011
Although this is a tiny grocery store. The aisles are a bit cramped. That being said however, the store is literally located at the bottom of the Sheridan Red Line EL stop. The only problem is that they tend to often decide to restock shelves in "prime time" instead of waiting for less-busy times of the early morning and late (or after closing time). Being that the two aisles that exist to access their groceries this can make for a very congested situation at times. However, for prices and helpfulness they are everything you could hope for in a small convenient grocery stop.
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Review from Liz P.
8/5/2010
This place is great, mainly because it's around the corner from my apartment. Anytime I need a last minute ingredient for a recipe or a snack or something, I always swing by here. They pack a TON of stuff into that tiny store. As far as pricing goes, the meat and produce are super cheap (just be sure to carefully inspect which fruit you take). Other things are not so cheap, such as cereal and crackers and things along those lines. The employees are all very nice and are even starting to recognize me. I have a quasi-Cheers moment whenever I walk in there.
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Review from james j.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2010
Its ok but nothing to write home to mom about, some ok priced things, but mostly overpriced. Big selection, tiny isles, and decent location. Prefer to go further away for a better selection and prices,and more friendly cashiers. Better than most bodegas.
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Review from Lara M.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2008
I always feel like they know me here, but that could be because I am constantly popping in to buy a pack of cigarettes and something else. I always find that when I step in there I always leave with a good deal more than cigarettes to my delight.
Listed in: Irving Park- My Ex…
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Review from Frances E.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2010
Good little convenience store to buy something last minute. Store is a little uncomfortable, only one person may go through the aisles...if not, you WILL knock over something. Some things are a little bit overpriced but not everything. They have a good selection of fruits and veggies. I only go here if it's something I really really need and don't want to walk over to the Jewel or Dominick's.
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Review from A.J. M.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2010
It's right near me, and it's pretty cheap. So yea, I come here a lot. I sometimes grab some chicken every once in a while from here, but I am weary of buying read meat from this place for some reason. I just prefer to get it from a place that has a butcher in sight. I'll gladly buy everything else, though.
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Review from Joseph A. H.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2010
Alta Vista is a concentrated mini food store with an amazing variety of products and price ranges. They also carry ethnic foods. Most people stick to fresh or frozen at the going rates, but management also creates fruit salads from stuff nearing shelf-life expiration dates at greatly reduced prices. This gives the elderly or budget minded a chance to still get their tasty vitamins. The meat products move fast and are very reasonable. Did I mention that they are super friendly in spite of always being packed with last-minute shoppers? There are two similar stores nearby which usually appear empty! Alta Vista is obviously doing something right.
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Review from Louis A.
Manhattan, NY
9/2/2007
Nice little grocer right by the Sheridan Red Line. I frequented this place often when I lived in the area --- especially when I couldn't make it to Jewel or Trader Joe's. They always seemed to have what I wanted --- and the ladies at the register always seem very happy. Things are a little expensive, though...
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Review from Alec M.
Chicago, IL
6/13/2011
Alta Vista is great. If you live near the Sheridan stop it provides a legitimate alternative to walking to the Jewel. There prices are a bit high for some things like cereal or crackers. Meats and produce are reasonably priced and quite good. I'm a fan of their thin cut boneless pork chops. This place is tiny but I don't feel like i have ever walked out disappointed about not finding something I wanted. It can get hectic during rush our or right after school gets out but the girls running the register are seasoned pros. They move people in and out super quick despite the tiny amount of counter space they have to work with. I have lived in the neighborhood for a couple months and have manged to don most of my shopping at Alta Vista. It may cost a little more but its well worth it to save myself the time and trouble of shlepping groceries back from one of the bigger super markets.
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Review from Brendan C.
New York, NY
10/31/2009
Alta Vista is the best corner store I've found in Chicago -- so good, actually, that it was a factor during my last move. I wanted a locally-owned grocer from which to pick up fresh foodstuffs on my way home from work, and this place shares a door with the L station. They have everything you could need, including really good, freshly-made pico and a great selection of produce that stays fresh longer (and costs less) than the garbage at Jewel. Alta Vista also has a great selection of odds and ends. Need a nail clipper? Deck of cards? Cat toy? AV can do that for ya. And, on top of all of that, the women who work the counter are all super-friendly and efficient.
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Review from Kristin B.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2009
I don't know how I feel about this place. It's tiny! It is connected to the Sheridan el stop, which I have to say, is awesome for snowy/rainy days. Besides that I think people are giving it a little bit too much hype. It is basically a 7-11 with twice as many products (same prices), a little more produce in about a quarter of the size of a typical storefront. I'm just not a fan of tripping over uneven floors, while boxes are falling on my head. I'm not sure how often they are able to clean this space, which grosses me out. I give them credit for cramming all that stuff into a tiny space and the prime location but besides that I would rather trek over to Jewel for a decent sized grocery trip. This is the place to go if you just want convenient and cheap produce, too expensive for the boxed stuff though!
