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Avenue B Grocery
Categories: Food Grocery Restaurants Sandwiches Grocery, Sandwiches [Edit]
4403 Ave BAustin, TX 78751
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
(512) 453-3921
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
56 reviews for Avenue B Grocery
Review Highlights
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"Bonus: they have picnic tables and A/C, but you'll pay for..." In 9 reviews -
"He has all the classics, like candy cigarettes." In 4 reviews -
"The potato bread is insanely good, the owner is extremely..." In 4 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Samantha W.
Austin, TX
4/24/2012
Avenue B is the sweetest little grocery store that has ever existed. I'm not sure how I went for so long not knowing about it, but I'm a happy clam now that I do. Every time I order a sandwich (gluten free bread for me) I feel like I'm in a movie scene. The owner has a delightful 5 minute conversation with me while he's piling extra avocado with a side of dill pickle on my plate. This place is magical and family owned.
The Deli is amazing- if you are a health freak like me or a meat lover like most, you will have your socks blown off by Ave. B's tasty sandwiches. The quality of their bread, variety of cheese and consistent ripeness of their avocado's keeps me comin' back for more. I have done my grocery shopping here as well a few times and love their selection of coffee.
Even if this place is out of your way, you owe it to yourself to visit Avenue B for an afternoon. It will bring a smile to your face and make your tastebuds skip. The word adorable did not exist until they built Avenue B in the 1920's.
Try: anything with avocado- seriously, the owner is a perfectionist and he prides himself on his quality. -
Review from Ian T.
Austin, TX
4/1/2012
This place is an absolute must-try, and if you live in the neighborhood I guarantee you'll be back. The interior is a throwback, not much seems to have changed in the past fifty years. The shelves are good for an emergency grocery item or an obscure plastic figurine, but the real draw is a sandwich made to order by the owner (Ross) or one of his handful of employees. I always get whatever the special is and have NEVER been disappointed. The soups are also typically delicious, and if you're feeling froggy top it off with a Dublin Dr. Pepper or a Maine Root soda.
I would give the place five stars, but the 9-5 schedule (occasionally more erratic) lead to me living across the street from the place for a year without patronizing due to work. With all quirks taken in good humor, it's the type of place every neighborhood wishes they had. -
Review from Rick A.
Austin, TX
2/11/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Pimento cheese on dark rye with avocado! Need I say more?
I'm going to anyway. Nice little piece of Old Austin very close to where I work. They are generally fairly quick to get your food out, even when they're busy. Good soups; great sandwiches. -
Review from Q B.
Sunset Valley, TX
4/3/2012
When I came in I was rushed by the owner and he griped about how he just mopped and people kept on coming in. Tip, don't mop during business hours!
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Review from beth m.
Austin, TX
9/4/2011
I've only been here a couple of times, but anytime I've been I've received helpful service (even when busy), and a delicious sandwich.
While they made my sandwich, I took a moment to look around the store which was small but charming.
I don't really have any complaints. -
Review from Amanda P.
Austin, TX
3/31/2012
I've heard about this place from several people and they were all vague about the location and told me the wrong street but I finally found it! It's within walking distance of my apartment. They're special was a turkey and ham sandwich on sourdough bread and it was heavenly! The staff is really nice and they were quick too. The prices are good too. I got a mexican coca-cola and chips with the sandwich for just under ten dollars.
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Review from Cody R.
Austin, TX
5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my first review in a while. I have no excuse for my absence other to say I've become Yelp lazy.... but I'm going to turn it around with a review of my new favorite sandwich place in Austin.
Avenue B rocks my world. I love it. The potato bread is insanely good, the owner is extremely nice, and the atmosphere is wicked adorable. That's right... adorable.
If you're on the hunt for a sandwich in the Austin area than this is your new place.
5 star! FTW! -
Review from Mike S.
Austin, TX
1/11/2011
I have been eating at this place for years. The store is a neat little pocket of history in a quiet neighborhood near 45th street. They have researched the business's history and have some presentation of historical documents and artifacts about the building/business and the neighborhood, if you're the sort that enjoys that kind of thing.
The sandwiches are, in my opinion, the best that can be had in Austin. The regular menu is excellent and the specials (soup in winter time, deviled eggs, cookies/brownies/pie/ etc) are great. I cannot recommend the food enough. The sandwiches come extremely well prepared and hand-packaged, perfect if you want to travel with them.
I do agree, though, that the owner has some personal/logistic issues to contend with. He seems to have some anger-management issues that bubble out toward customers that don't follow store rules and toward his employees when the business is in a rush. I always feel sorry for folks when the owner is under pressure because he does not know how to handle it gracefully and he gets visibly/audibly upset with people without just cause. (On the other hand, when he's not too busy or stressed, he turns up the charm and can really champion your day!)
Still, I'm willing to put up with that downside for the best sandwiches Austin has to offer, plus the nice collection of sundry items and comfortable picnic area. Oh yeah, boo on having painted the picnic tables, they are much less friendly to me now.
Highly recommended with a caution. -
Review from Susan H.
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have met the Nazi soup man in NYC and now I have met the Nazi sandwich dude in Austin. Ok ok... he isn't as bad as the guy in NYC, but he is an interesting character. His sense of humor can leave some baffled or send you to the floor laughing. He has owned the place for around 24 years and doesn't look like he is that old. (note: "he" means owner)
Store is a historical landmark or at least should be. I didn't notice the sign but when you walk in the doors you will be thrown back into that era and the building has been there for at least 70 years.
His staff is friendly and they know how to make a pretty good sandwich. Menu is pick a meat, pick your dressing/spead, pick your bread, and pick your extra's. They run daily specials and have soups of the day. Prices are very reasonable and portions are great.
Now that I work in the area I see this being a regular stop in point over lunch. -
Review from Joe H.
Austin, TX
11/20/2011
Fantastic Austin landmark. Ross makes incredible sandwiches with a great attitude. Keep in mind people, this is a business but it is also a home and the few rules laid out are simple enough to comply with. Keep up the great work, Ross!
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Review from Anna G.
Austin, TX
6/22/2011
I hate to write a bad review for a small, local place. But when my experience is so against what something should be, I just can't let it slide.
With kids in tow, my family stopped here for sandwiches on Saturday afternoon, hoping to bask in the warm fuzzy of this tiny grocery's charming setting. We walked up to the sandwich counter and stood there. A man worked furiously behind the counter. After a few minutes, I asked "How should we order? Do we write it down?" because, well, seeing a notepad and knowing that is the policy at People's and various other places, it seemed possible. And also, I'd never set foot in the place. I didn't ask it rudely, nor was I attempting to rush anyone. The man, clearly annoyed with me, rudely erupted from behind the counter and motioned to a sign below it that contained instructions on the process (I didn't see the sign, obviously). He barked, pointing and tapping at every single word and reading it aloud to me, as though I were incredibly stupid, its words. I was so taken aback and upset, I turned and walked away. I have never been so rudely addressed at ANY store or restaurant in town.
My husband hesitated, and then as the kiddos started to voice their preferences, ordered...they were hungry and cranky already. We both regretted not just walking out. The place was not busy but the man seemed overwhelmed. To add insult to injury, the sandwiches were not very good and really expensive. Never again will we return. My advice to Avenue B -- if you want your small business to be competitive, try not being a total jerk to your customers. -
Review from Don P.
Austin, TX
9/3/2008
In the words of the late great GREAT Chris Farley, "This. Is. AWESOME"
My first ever experience inside Ave B was yesterday with the to-be-yelp-worshipped Michelle C. There were three of us in the store and I'm no sandwich shop owner, but I'm thinking that the only thing more intimidating than having Elite yelpers be 2/3 of your current patrons would be having the other one be the Health Inspector.
Yup. True story. We were there for the inspection.
Honestly, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The three people working there were super cool, nice, and helpful. The sandwich was a little pricey, but I the bottled water from the store was only $0.40... so $7ish for my meal was fine by me. I had the Mock Italian... very tasty.
But really what I loved was shopping in what felt like an old school house or feed store from the late 1800's then dining outside on picnic tables under huge oak trees.
I had a great experience and I'll be back soon... what could be better than lunch with a legend at a legend?
Oh, and they didn't do as well on their health inspection as last time. They only got a 93 (got 100 last time). -
Review from Voodoo D.
Austin, TX
9/3/2008
I admit that the atmosphere is what made me stop at this place. Set in an old-fashioned southern grocery it kinda tickled my yuppie-bone. I figured I'd get a halfway-passable sandwich and kick it on the cute little tree-lined patio. They might even have Big Red.
But then the pimento cheese happened. As I recall it was on sourdough with a little avocado. No lettuce, no tomato, no funny stuff. Have you ever eaten real pimento cheese? I mean, not the stuff in a tub from HEB that judgement-impaired people smear on saltines. I mean...made from scratch..with festive little chunks of Gouda nestled in a creamy cheddar medley of happiness. That's what they make here. It's like..every good thing your grandma ever fed you. It's like puppies and rainbows and the star spangled banner. It's a goddamned hollywood musical in your mouth.
I have no idea what else Avenue B grocery has to offer and I don't care. As long as they have my pimento-flavored smack this junky will be coming back for more. Pimento cheese on sourdough, Zapps chips and a sweet tea: Now I finally have my death row meal. -
Review from Amber s.
Austin, TX
7/2/2008
I don't like sandwiches. I don't like cold food. If you offer me a sandwich I will frown and turn up my nose at you.
And then I'll offer to go have lunch at Avenue B.
So, there's sandwiches and then there's sandwiches. And on days that need to be picnicked, like on the days your daughter sang a solo in the school play, or your son just fell of his first bike, a really great sandwich is in order and that's when we make the trek to Avenue B.
We often forget about it (probably because I don't like sandwiches!) But when we remember, we remember gleefully. We each order a custom sandwich built just the way we like it (mine is potato bread, ham, swiss, tomato, lettuce, and avocado. Oh, I'm hungry just thinking about it.) My son always gets peanut butter and jelly ("With bananas, young man?" the fellow in the apron asks. "Can I get that?" my son asks, eyes wide. "You sure can, and it's the BEST." "OK!") and it's damn good. We stock up on various different sodas--in bottles, the way a soda should be--and take our food to go.
Our preference is to eat our sandwiches at Shipe Park under a tree. We gobble the sandwiches (or as much of them as we can), swill our cokes, and then swing as high as we can until our thighs ache. (Or maybe it's just my thighs that ache. I'm getting old. But not too old for the swing.)
And then we spend the rest of the afternoon rubbing our bellies and gabbing about how yummy our sandwiches were.Listed in: Family Time -- Great Stuff To…
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Review from Skip H.
Austin, TX
7/22/2010
Old time charm. What else should be expected from a 101 year old grocery store?
Hadn't been here in years, but running late to meet someone, we decided Ave B would be a place to grab a quick sandwich to go. Great decision.
There are very few places where I will pay for a sandwich. Its just too easy to make your own really great sandwich. Ave B is an exception to the rule. Try your King Combo on Potato Bread for a real treat.
They also sell all kinds of normal convenience store wares, and some great candy. I love candy. Not enough places like this where you can swing in to get a Ring Pop these days. Guy at the counter was just as friendly and chatty as I remember. I'll be coming back more often. -
Review from erik w.
9/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
I stumbled on this gem a month ago. I had my mom and sister in from out of town and they were staying at a B&B down the street. I drove by this place, that basically looks like a small shack with a huge sign advertising their sandwiches on the front and a few picnic tables hanging out.
Anyhoo, I knew this place must be amazing because of it's dilapidated appearance, so one afternoon we decided to stop in and check it out. I spoke with a guy, who I presume is the owner of the place. He let me know its been open for 100+ years (insane!).
We ordered up a couple of sandwiches, a brownie, and a couple of organic sodies. The sandwiches were delicious - nothing fancy at all, but very good. The brownie was AMAZING. I'm fairly certain I dreamed about it on more then one occasion.
Check it out, a place that has been in business for over 100 years must be doing something right! -
Review from Jackson M.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2008
Okay. So the guy that runs this place is a little eccentric and sometimes-temperamental. It might be closed when it's supposed to be open. The sandwiches are a little expensive and traditional, but not by more than a dollar.
But ... on a good day, he might come outside with a tray of complimentary brownie squares for the patrons at picnic tables while they listen to a jazz combo piping from hidden speakers (happened). The place is an experience with a nice outside patio, not an adventure into the culinary applications of sliced bread and bottled soda.
Semi-useful info: handmade sandwiches range from $6 to $8. No alcohol available. V8 is 85 cents. Longest continually running grocery store in Texas. -
Review from Michelle C.
Austin, TX
9/21/2008
If you ever tire of your Crackberry-checkin', fast-drivin', overtime-workin' life and yearn for a few moments in a simpler, more peaceful, friendlier era, just stop by the Avenue B Grocery.
This tiny little grocery has been gracing Hyde Park since 1906, and I suspect it has not changed a whole lot since then. As I approached the tiny, wood-framed building, I could practically see 1940's-era black-and-white images of little kids wearing hats and suspenders riding their bikes to the grocery for a soda. However, since it's no longer the 1940's, I instead saw my lunch partner, Don P., sitting in his SUV talking on his cell phone (Don, next time I suggest you wear a hat and suspenders).
These days, Avenue B offers a smattering of grocery staples along with freshly-made sandwiches from the window in the back. I tried the special of the day, a pulled pork sandwich ($5.50), and asked for banana peppers on it. They offered to add fresh sliced peaches, as well, but I wasn't in a sweet mood, so I declined - although I appreciated the fact that even in the context of this simple sandwich counter, they were thinking outside the culinary box.
We took our sandwiches and dined at the picnic benches outside. My sandwich was OK - very saucey and sweet, and I only spotted a couple of slices of the peppers - but I suspect after reading the other reviews here that my experience was a bit of an anomaly, and that I need to try a King sandwich next time.
However, the atmosphere and the ultra-friendly service (even in the face of a health inspection, which Don's review mentions was going on at the time) were so wonderful that I couldn't help but fall in love with the place anyway. If you ever have the need to feel like you're amongst friends, even if you arrive alone - you will love it, too. -
Review from Kim R.
Austin, TX
11/16/2008
I don't go to Avenue B looking for a fancy foo-foo "Stuff White People Like" sandwich with truffles sticking out of it. I go to Avenue B because I want to indulge in a salami sandwich with mayo and red onion and a little spicy mustard.
Play your cards right, get the system down and Ave. B will give you the sandwich you spent grade school wishing for. Storebought bread, good quality meat, simple condiments - your lunchbox would swoon.
I wouldn't even trade an Ave. B sandwich for a Hey Cupcake cupcake. That's a damn good sandwich. -
Review from Shani S.
5/23/2007
Today I walked amid the humidity
(MAN! My hair!!!)
to grab the fabulous King Sandwich
Ordered and asked that it be warmed
Oh
my
goodness
This was just the bestest sammich ever, mmmk?
yeah
good stuff.
I even got a cool put it together little airplane for my boy.
Hooray for me!
Fabulous sandwich AND
Fabulous Mommy!
Oh - and they DO take debit cards, but it costs $1.
P.S. Thanks, Larry! Maybe I'll venture into the sloppy joe realm one day soon.
oooo - and they have candy cigarettes! Am I showing my age?Listed in: Five Stars
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Review from Jackie A.
8/16/2007
Best BLT I've ever had. A double decker tasty! Put some honey mustard and avocado and it's heaven.
The staff is really friendly, just don't eat or drink inside the store and you'll be ok. Lots of different meats, lots of different breads, everything really fresh and delicious.
Not much more to say, just really excellent sandwiches. -
Review from Paul G.
Austin, TX
8/29/2009
Avenue B Grocery is a unique, one-of-a-kind sole proprietor store. I support that! All these students who bitch about 'over-priced' items must have never taken econ 101. You support a local establishment because it is LOCAL, not cheap. If you want cheap (and crappy) go to Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Walgreen's, etc. etc. ad nauseum.
I like the place, I like the location and I like the quirky ambience of the place. Where else can you find candy cigarettes!?
Go, try it for yourself, especially if you live in Hyde Park...Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Kelly A.
Austin, TX
5/4/2010
Underwhelmed.
Man and woman running the place were overly friendly in that way that people only are when they are actively having to restrain themselves from ripping your face off out of anger/frustration/I don't know what.
Went in around noon but it wasn't super full - empty tables outside and only one person waiting on a sandwich inside. And yet as soon as we approached the ordering counter the two working pounced on us with demands for an order. After asking for a few moments to look at the menu, we were begrudgingly left alone for a bit.
The menu: you can end up with a ridiculously expensive sandwich without realizing it. Things like cheese, special mustard or mayo (which, ok, the garlic habanero mayo was the best part), olives, and cracked black pepper (I am really hoping I hallucinated that this was 25 cents extra) cost extra money.
After a painstaking ordering process that should have been relatively simple, we still ended up with weird mutated combinations of our orders. Meh.
One star experience with sandwiches you could make at home for half the price.
Two stars for the building and the history in it, even if now it is sort of sad, with the shelves covered in coke and candy bars instead of the more interesting items of olden times. -
Review from Jay R.
Austin, TX
8/31/2011
Great sandwiches, cool people. The first time we went I had a hard time locating this place, luckily enough after 20 min of searching we found it. When we entered we were instantly greeted by the owner and after a bit of sightseeing we followed our stomachs to the back deli window. Their menu is huge. We admitted we had never been before and the employee came from out behind the counter and gave us the heads up. They are always slinging sandwich from the time they open until the doors shut for the night and they are willing to make the sandwich any way you want. We made our order and grabbed a couple of deviled eggs for the road. The food was great and I recommend you purchase the eggs. I enjoyed eating at this place and will be back.
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Review from Lauren M.
Austin, TX
1/18/2008
Wow, this place looks cool, sounds cool, and wow what a great location!
But wait....................is it ever open? I came by here before Christmas and a neighbor told me it had been closed for 2 months?
I'm really looking forward to a sandwhich here, maybe sometime around say, Spring? Keep tuned...............I'll edit then.
*******I wrote the above review in haste. Why? I wanted nothing more than to eat one of their sandwiches after reading the reviews and I was upset that I didn't see them open. Well I have opened my eyes now. I noticed that they were open today, so I grabbed my honey and off we went. We were greeted with a smile by the owner who was very lively and kept us entertained the whole time while continuing to make our sandwiches. He said that after being open for 21 years and constantly, he just needed a break. I can understand that. I am glad he is back and I will never take my sandwich for granted again.
So, we had the king ranch with mounds of meat and cheese. According to my date, it was quite good. Not much talking going on while eating which is a sign that he is into the food. I had the single layer blt with onion (red) and avacado on potato bread with a side of fritos and the chocolate chip brownie. Wow, I was very happy with my blt, not greasy at all considering the four pieces of bacon. The brownie was all that and more, very cakelike with sprinkled choco chips in every bite. The day was so beautiful today, and we enjoyed our lunch outside, another perk of this place.
I am looking forward to my next visit here. You can't deny the authenticity of this place. love it. -
Review from Larry M.
Austin, TX
3/5/2007 1 photo
Austin's oldest operating grocery store is unfortunately easy to forget with its tucked-away location between 44th and 45th on Avenue B (duh).
But what a pleasure to remember.
Much like my Great Uncle Hubert's general store in Flippin, TN, this beautiful and uber-cozy pier-and-beam store is packed to the gills with every essential imaginable and few items of whimsy, like the toy airplanes you can assemble.
It's a totally different era once inside.
People have been smackin' their granny for years as a result of the sandwiches they make - the staff are VERY proud of what's created in the back kitchen, and treat sanwiches like an art form (as they should).
I prefer the King sandwich, not just 'cause it sounds cool as shit, but it's so good, roast beef and cheese, and heated ("for a totally different kind of sandwich," they tell me) and also their Rueben specials can't be beat if they're serving them.
Being true to form, they offer co-cola in a bottle, as well as other classic bottled beverages from root beer to cream soda, etc., etc.
Outside there are several places to sit, but oftentimes the flies and bees are among you, so we usually just take our sandwiches for a walk down Avenue B to check out one of, sorry, THE most beautiful neighborhood in Austin. -
Review from Jay B S.
Austin, TX
8/12/2008
I haven't reviewed this place yet? Whaaa?!
I have been going here for like 5 years which by all accounts is a flash in the pan considering how long its been around. The sandwiches here play second fiddle to none. I always get a kick out of Jason's Deli claiming "Homemade in our kitchen" because there's nothing more homemade than an actual old school kitchen.
The folks who work here are great and will bring the sandwich out to you if you're fancy'in a seat out on the patio. Me and my friends like to take long lunches here finishing out the meal with a ride on the porch swing for dessert.
There are a ton of cool knickknacks to purchase in there, including my all-time favorite, Balsa Wood Airplanes. There are a ton of cool stories to be had and there's occasionally some good James Brown on the radio.
Stop by, buy a few groceries, grab a sandwich, and leave in a good mood. It's that easy. -
Review from Lisa J.
Austin, TX
11/23/2009
My boyfriend and I walked into Avenue B Grocery looking for beer, and we walked out a little happier about life.
They don't actually sell beer, so I decided to stock up for our beer journey with a brownie. The owner (the friendliest guy I've met in a loooong time) cut me a fresh brownie from the back that was still warm. Yummm. Then he offered me a container of homemade corn chowder. He was just about to close and had some extra soup, so he said it was on the house. That soup, oh my goodness, that delicious heavenly soup was so good and not just cause it was free! It had so much flavor and just the right amount of spice. I can't believe I've lived down the street so long without making this place a weekly routine. I can't wait to go back and have a sandwich and some soup and sit on their picnic tables outside.
Oh, and did I mention that they received a 100 on their health inspection? Cause the owner did, twice. -
Review from Brian L.
Austin, TX
8/1/2008
I went here one day, after my friend had told me about how awesome the sandwiches are. I was so excited. I ordered a sandwich and got some chips and a drink, and at about this point in time, I found that I totally did not have my debit card in my wallet. It was on my desk at home. I offered to go home and get it, and asked what time they closed - oh, about 10 minutes.
So not only did I come in right before they closed, but I also didn't have any cash and my debit card was sitting on my desk at home. Not even skipping a beat, the man offered to take down my phone number, and just have me come by and pay for it some other time, in the next couple days or whatever. Not only was the sandwich awesome, but they were so nice when I was being such a hassle. -
Review from April R.
Austin, TX
4/6/2010
I freaking love Ave B! The owner is super nice and never forgets to ask if I want banana on my PBJ (the best PBJ in town by far). Great place to grab a sandwhich and a Mexican coke and chill.
Good selection of snacks and treats as well as some decent produce for quick stop shop. He has all the classics, like candy cigarettes.
If you are hungry, thirsty or just looking for good conversation with an Austin local, stop by. Keep Avenue B alive forever!
Only drawback: he closes shop at 6pm. But everyone needs some time to party, right? -
Review from Khuyen P.
10/29/2008
Charming little mom n pop store that apparently has been around for 100 years. I tried the tuna salad sandwich on a wheat hoagie and it was really good. There's no celery (yay!), instead it's relish and it was the perfect amount of mayo-i-ness. Get it on toasted bread...so delicious.
I love how off-beat this place is...yet very nostalgic in a time when stores are all master planned to be streamlined and predictable. -
Review from Nelson H.
Austin, TX
4/29/2010
If you like jail food you'll love the sandwiches here.
If you like food prices in Hawaii you'll love the sales.
If you like angry/crazy store owners, you have reached the holy land.
Bonus: they have picnic tables and A/C, but you'll pay for it.... -
Review from Jaye V.
6/3/2008
When I went here, the sandwiches were good but nothing spectacular. It was mostly about the feel of this historic old grocery store in Hyde Park. It's just plain NEAT, old-time, and Southern. Hence, the 4 star rating.
It's definitely worth a visit to witness this piece of still-surviving Americana all for yourself, but I never really had a reason to go back. If I had lived in the neighborhood, maybe it'd be a different story. -
Review from Brian B.
11/23/2009 3 Check-ins Here
A quirky little place in Hyde Park that is a serious piece of Austin history. I'm not sure how long this place has been here, but I would guess 75+ years.
As a grocery store, they have a small selection of basic staples, which you might pick up while waiting for your sandwich, or if you lived in the neighborhood. Otherwise, probably not worth the trip.
As a sandwich shop, they have a menu of various meat, bread, veggie and cheese options. You go to the back of the store, get in line, and order when it is your turn. Sandwiches are made fresh to order, so they can take a few minutes, more if busy. The owner is typically there, and he is a very nice guy, so chat him up a bit. They have an absolutely fantastic BLT, which is what I almost always get. They will also have daily specials and soups, which are very good as well. They just recently changed their standard sandwich to a single decker, which is a bit cheaper, but you can still get the double decker for a bit more money. Note that sandwiches are a bit on the pricey side - for two people with chips and drinks you are looking at around $20.
Order a sandwich and then wander the store, grab a beverage and some chips. Be sure you don't open anything until after you have paid - a big house no-no.
On nice days, they have a patio to the side of the building where you can enjoy your sandwich.
They can have some unusual closing days, so during holidays you should call ahead if it is a drive for you to avoid any frustration. -
Review from Samantha G.
Austin, TX
12/21/2009
I would actually give them 5 stars but I think I need to go back again before I can just gush over this place.
I went here because I'd seen it a few times and there were always people sitting at the picnic tables outside, so I figure there were at least some people who liked it. I had some time to wait while I was getting my car fixed at a shop down the street. So I walked over (what a lovely day!) and it was all very old-timey and nice.
I've never been to a real general store or whatever, but I think this is the place to go to get as close to that as possible, in Austin, in 2009. There was even a display of an old City of Austin directory from 100 years ago, showing a listing for this place! There are decorative displays of old glass soda bottles and old-fashioned candies for sale, like those little candy cigarettes (what are we teaching the children?!?!) and red hots and boston baked beans, plus a few other basic grocery items. I probably wouldn't go there to get actual groceries (plus it's only open til 6p), but BOY HOWDY was my sandwich good!
The deli menu was pretty compact, in a good way. There were about 3 sandwich specials and everything else was mix-and-match. I asked the cashier/sandwich-maker what he recommended and he said the BLT was good, but then he said "YOU would probably like the Queen B (a sandwich with cheese, avocado, mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions)." I don't know what about me looked like I wanted that sandwich...but whatever. I took the suggestion, but subbed turkey for mushrooms and put it all on oat-wheat bread.
That was one mean sandwich. I don't know where they found such a good avocado at this time of year, but I'm not asking questions. The onions were sliced paper thin, perfect for a sandwich and not too overwhelming. The cheese tasted real (no subway or Jimmy John's tasteless American/Provolone junk) and the turkey tasted fresh and non-slimy, which is very important to me. There was a good sandwich stuffing to bread ratio, and the bread was really yummy, with actual oats in the dough.
I also got some "Poteet Strawberry White Tea," made by Texas Tea. I've never seen that brand anywhere else, if anyone has, I'd love to know where! It looked like they had a few other flavors but I'm a sucker for strawberry-flavored things.
My sandwich and tea ended up being about $8.50, but I thought it was worth it - only a bit more than a comparable amount of food at a chain sandwich joint. The line got a bit hectic after I came in so the cashier/sandwich maker seemed rushed because he was doing everything by himself, and the space was tight. However, I think that kind of contributed to the atmosphere.
Nice place, I can't wait to go back and try some more sandwiches! One last thing: bring cash or check! They don't take plasticListed in: The Grand Grocery Tour of…
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Review from Lucy M.
Austin, TX
8/17/2010
Great Sandwiches. Local. Small. Cheap. Friendly. In a great neighborhood (and close to my house). Shaded. Outdoor seating. Unpretentious (love it!).
What did I eat? Those peanut butter on orange cheese crackers-- who invented those effing things? They're delicious but why the hell someone tried that flavor combo blows my mind. Great mistake those crackers. anyway, also had a turkey/avocado on light rye with the works: Made me very happy after a long day of work.
Reminds me of something one might find in the Whitaker neighborhood of Eugene, OR.
Love supporting those obscure local shops. -
Review from Charles G.
Austin, TX
7/13/2010
Tried the King Combo sandwich, hot on sourdough with habanero mayo. 3 kinds of meat and 4 kinds of cheese is all kinds of good.
Washed it all down with a real imperial sugar Dr. Pepper.
Excellent sandwich, will certainly go back. -
Review from Esther S.
2/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
My new favorite place!
Ordered a Turkey Queen B with the habanero garlic mayo. Excellent! Fresh quality ingredients. Huge! Next time i'll be sure to make my own sandwich combination so its not so much food.
Also tried a cup of seafood gumbo. Soup was still piping hot when i got it home and was pretty hearty for a cup. Nicely flavored .. very traditional with no weirdo frills. Wished it was a just a tad spicier.
This place is super cute. I cannot wait to go back! -
Review from samuel c.
Austin, TX
10/28/2011
if prairie home companion was a restaurant, it would be avenue b grocery.
they serve nothing they would not serve in lake wobegon.
the sandwiches, the sides and (when available) the banana pudding are all "decent through and through".
the store is a "time-warp" return to the day of real neighborhood stores that sold real groceries.
and they sell many old strange things as well ...
a careful perusal of the shelf yields interesting surprises - along with the cans of soup and the potatoes.
the sandwiches here are completely traditional with no surprises.
and they are wholesome, solid, respectable and tasty.
you DO have to eat outside - something that east coast effete snob me generally abhors.
(too hot, too cold, too windy, too buggy, too this, too that)
but the food you eat outside is fine, and the store scores 10 on a scale of 1 to 10 for charm. -
Review from P M.
Austin, TX
12/14/2009
Interesting little place. I was driving south on Avenue B coming back from running an errand and saw this place on my left-- wasn't real sure what I saw as I drove by it. Later, someone recommended their sandwiches to me and so I made a point to go by there one weekday around lunchtime.
I ordered their "King Combo" sandwich, which included 3 different meats. For $6.75, it seemed pretty plain to me. I had a choice of a variety of toppings, etc. but in the end it was something I could have easily and very inexpensively made at home. Also, it did not accept credit cards, at least on the day I was there. I'm not sure if that was a temporary condition, or what, but seeing that I was out of cash I was forced to write a check for $7.58 including tax. I was lucky to have a check with me but it was an unusual payment experience to be sure.
I'm really glad this place is there- it's neat to see a business that's lasted 70 or 80 years, but seemed too expensive to me. From the food alone I would give it 4 stars, but the cost causes me to lower my rating to 3 stars.
As an actual grocery store, it has only the most, most basic items. The whole building can't be much larger than 1000 sq ft, anyhow.
