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Thumbs Up!
I vouch for a fresh turkey sandwich behind the deli counter, and trying a different side other than the potato salad.
A screw.
Ya know, the assortment that comes in an eyeglass repair kit.
(And a good eyeglass repair kit is so hard to find!)
Last ditch, DIY Ray Ban save.
Had staff and manager, Richard looking for this sundry item last week. Richard took my contact info, assuring me they carried the kits.
Voila! Lafayette called today, the kits had arrived!
I bought three, cause ya never know, especially when incognito is crucial!
Thanks Richard and Lafayette!
I needed a really quick lunch for guests so, I ultra-expressed my usual, fast track Chinese Chicken… Read more »
This is a standard mom-n-pop store. Well, maybe bigger than the regular mom n pop store, but just walking around, you picture an older couple, the husband called Bob (i assume), and you feel like you are in the 1970s, shopping in the hippest store in a small town usa. I think Bob's is an Ocean Park landmark. there is no other store in the 10th-30 something stretch of the boulevard, unless you want to drive down to lincoln, to Albertsons. The items sold are what you would expect, general stuff. Their deli items though, is my fave. the sandwiches are good, reasonably priced and big. I like to get their salads too (Potato is yum) and potato wedges.
It's a convenient one stop shop. and its always nice supporting local businesses, so thats good enough reason for me.
I just discovered Bob's has a deli that makes great sandwiches! Boars head meats, really good pickles, and peppercinis. The sandwiches are a lot bigger than whole foods and I haven't found another place locally that's does it better. about 7-8 bucks for a sandwich peppercinis, pickles slices and mac salad or coleslaw, very reasonable considering even subway would run about that much and the quality doesn't even compare. Also the guy behind the counter was really friendly and accommodating! The steaks in the deli case looked great too. I'll probably try them out for my next bbq. Only improvement could be another dark whole wheat bread option, or whole wheat pita, that would be perfect.
Bob's, my new go to sandwich favorite!
Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, it is official. Yesterday at approximately 8:50 am, I acquired a deli man.
Did I journey back in time to an era when stockings were worn under dresses and bras made women's bits conical/comical? No. I simply drove over to Bob's Market in Santa Monica, siddled up to the deli counter, and finally learned the name of the man (Domingo) who always slices my Boar's Head Maple Honey Turkey and provolone to perfection.
There aren't many grocery stores left in LA that maintain that Cheers "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" quality, but Bob's has still managed to hold on to its old school 1950's style charm. I love buying my sandwich meat there at the beginning of the week -- not only because it is cheaper than my local Gelson's and I never have to provide instructions about slice thickness (it's always just right), but because it's nice to be a regular somewhere. It's nice to have someone ask about my weekend and my life. And it's nice to be welcomed with a smile rather than with a screaming man touting the promo on aisle 95.
Bob's Market takes the annoyance (and loud noises) out of grocery shopping. It is pleasant to be there -- for the quality turkey, the reasonably-priced produce and, perhaps even more importantly, the robust wine aisle.
Bob's is everything a market should be. It's packed with a variety of specialized goods for both fussy eaters and foodies alike. It's calm (unlike TJ's) and parking is easy. The staff is extraordinarily friendly - the deli guys! - making the store truly a neighborhood joint.
I was there the other day looking for a sulfate-free red wine like the one's I've seen at Whole Foods. The wine guy said he's never heard of "sulfite-free", only "reduced sulfites". While I browsed he actually went online to research the issue and printed documentation about how sulfite-free wine doesn't exist because sulfites are a naturally-occurring part of the winemaking process. He told me to bring in a bottle that said "sulfite-free" and he'd research it - or at least order some. If I didn't have the worst ADD ever I would have totally take him up on that!
Anyway, Bob's is a great market with decent prices that actually makes food shopping a bearable experience.
The best deli in the best neighborhood market, in all of Los Angeles. This place only sells fresh produce. You can buy a real soda here, the kind you may have heard about in bedtime stories, they're made with sugar, not fructose corn syrup, although you'll find that there too. The deli men will make your sandwich exactly how you like it. Did I mention it's fresh and something out of a children's story book?
I just discovered Bob's after moving down the street from it. I feel like I have been missing out for the past 6 years of living in LA. Bob's is a small market with everything you could possibly want. Best deli meat, great produce, and even my favorite Kind Bars. It's like a mini-Whole Foods. I might never go back to Albertson's!
Bob's is always a great place to shop, and the store is managed like a Family owned store should be. They try to listen to what their customers want, and If possible, they stock the food that we want to buy.
Over the past ten years, Bob's has expanded their selection of organic foods, due to customer demand. They try to keep the prices reasonable, too. Love the Deli counter, try the Greek Salad!
The wine selection is amazing, and prices are usually within a dollar or two of Traders and others.
Produce is fresh and always well stocked, too.
Oh Bob's... so many memories... good times, good times.
I grew up walking distance from Bob's and even went to middle school right across the street. I have fond memories of racing in to buy sour licorice bites after school with friends. I also remember getting discarded bones from the butcher back when I had my first dog. Practically everyone who worked there from 1995-2003 was someone I went to school with. This place is the epitome of neighborhood market and I'm glad it is still alive and kicking in Santa Monica.
That being said, it has some fierce competition. Trader Joe's opened within even closer walking distance from my house a few years ago. A mega Whole Foods just opened a two minute car ride from my place as well. These days, if I don't mind paying a little more, I can get a bigger and better selection at these places. Also, those places don't have that lingering smell of hot meat, which, as a vegan, is something I've lost the stomach for. That's just me, though.
What bigger supermarket chains cannot replicate is the feeling of stepping into a time-warp every time I realize I'm out of a certain seasoning or what have you. Bob's has come in handy many a time when I need to make a quick dash out the store and I don't want to deal with crazy lines or terrible parking situations.
Bob's, I salute you.
Bob's is one of those 'finds' you're reluctant to review on Yelp, for fear of it becoming so damn popular it's a pain to shop at. But I digress...
Bob's has the most amazing selection of reasonably priced wines in Los Angeles. WAAAAY better than TJ's. And their wine buyer (the owner's son) KNOWS his wines. If you're someone who reads the review cards, pay attention to the vintages, as he sometimes uses the ratings for a year other than what's on the shelf, but that happens at all the best wine shops, too. It's your job to read the "fine print."
Great deli selections, though I'm not such a big fan of their cooked offerings, they sell amazing empanadas from Casino (?) bakery. Fantastic beef cuts, but you'll pay a premium for them (compared to Ralph's et al).
I also love the fact that I can buy PG Tips (English tea), fresh organic produce, and organic chocolate, if I'm in the mood.
This is a neighborhood market that delivers so much more.
Bob's is a long-standing establishment in my Ocean Park hood.
this place rocks
it's one of the places i come to when i don't wanna cook dinner (which is pretty much every nite). They have really good fried chicken and make a wonderful chicken salad that I like to have in the house to take to work.
The staff is totally ole school (like me)
They have everything too (even doggy food)
So if you are like me and hate going to Ralphs or Vons (pffft)
this cute neighborhood market is always a safe bet :)
Dude...deli styles for sure. The sandwiches here are big, tasty, and diverse. You basically build yours from the ground up. Pick your meat, cheese, bread, toppings, and side dish. Its either fruit, macaroni or potato salad, french fries, or cole slaw.
I don't think you can wrong with this place if you are even the slightest bit into sandwiches. They have a hot pastrami special on sourdough with a drink, fries, and choice of side dish for around 8 bucks. I highly recommend this spot if you're in the neighborhood. Say what up to Bob for me too.
Bobs has good meat.
I go to Bobs for two things: Steak and alcohol. Their steaks are from Chicago and are fantastic. I usually get the filet mignon and ask the butchers to season season them. At $24/lb, it might be cheaper to eat out, but they do do on sale every so often for $20/lb. Woohoo! The Spencer cut is another favorite. Nicely marbled and so good.
I love just looking at the wine selection they have. It changes weekly and you can find pretty obscure wineries. They also have a nice selection of sake and vodka. The last bottle of vodka I got there was called Soyus Victan and came in a bottle with glass so thick, and frosted, t was like artwork. The vodka itself was smooth and turned me back on to Russian vodka. They don't sell it anymore, but I keep my eye out for it now.
Once in a while, I'll buy some ice cream (peanut butter and chocolate anything) and their chicken salad is really good.
A little pricey, but a great place and I love supporting independent stores instead of chains.
Great deli with great service,
The only reason I don't give Bob's FIVE stars is the lazy teenagers working the registers. I cannot count the gaffes these kids have done because they seem so bored and disinterested.
Everything else about Bob's is good though.
I came here with my friends for a big shop because they were preparing a dinner party. This market reminds me of one located in Twin Peaks in San Francisco (don't remember the name of it) -- same layout and same sort of groceries.
I loved the granola selection and all the cereals I'd never seen before. Naturally I picked some up (non-perishables heaven!) along with other jarred items which you wouldn't find at other grocers -- sun dried tomatoes et al.
The meats are of top quality and if you aren't a great cook, they have marinated meats you can just bring home and either put on the grill or in the oven and voila, there's your dinner. On the downside, the fresh produce section is rather small.
A neighborhood grocer where locals are greeted by their first name. However, along with the mom and pop experience also comes the price tag which, I guess, if you can afford to live in Santa Monica, you wouldn't mind shelling out the extra bucks to buy the same stuff you could find elsewhere.
The manager Richard is just super and I wish there were more people who valued customer service as much as he does. The cashiers leave a lot to be desired. They could take some lessons in customer service.
The Deli counter staff seem to be a jovial bunch in general.
The prices are far too high, but you pay for the convenience of having a local market. The one thing I really like about Bob's is their stock of continental items.
OK, you know what?
Fuck these guys.
I just went there to get some cash because my wife is out of town and needed my ATM card, so I wrote a check for cash back, and they treated me like a fuckin' criminal. I've written a check for cash back there before, which is why I thought to go there again, only this time:
Me: Can I write a check for cash back?
Clerk: Let me get the manager.
Manager: Don't you have an ATM card?
Me: Yes, but...(I explain the above).
Manager: Don't you have a credit card?
Me: Yes, right here, but I need cash, and I don't have my ATM.
Manager: This is an out-of-state check.
Me: No, it's not, look, it's got my address, I live five minutes away, right down the hill.
Manager: I don't like this check.
Me: Why not?
Manager: I just don't.
Remember all the things I said about the "old-fashioned grocery store experience"? Forget I said any of it. They are expensive jerks.
+++
How much extra would you pay for that old-fashioned grocery store experience? You know, a place big enough to have pretty much everything you need, but small enough that you can FIND everything you need without going into sensory overload. A place where the butcher'll give you good advice about what cut to get and how to cook it and what's especially good today AND get you a big-ass bone for your dog (wait...did that sound dirty or am I just a pre-vert?)
Now, imagine that same old-fashioned place, and add super-fresh, nice-looking produce, and the best ground turkey in town. What are we talking about? Wild Oats? Whole Foods? Gelson's? Bristol Farms? No, my trendy friend, we're talking about modest old Bob's Market on Ocean Park Boulevard. By old-fashioned, I'm not talking cracker barrels and guys in overalls, chewing on a piece of straw, I'm talking a place that probably looked pretty durn mo-dern in 1959.
Bob's, as befits its name, is a pretty modest place, and it's the last place you'd expect to find really good food at a price waaay cheaper and just as good as its far hipper and more expensive Westside neighbors.
Bob's. A modest, well-kept secret.
$1.99 for a 2 piece roasted chicken (leg and thigh) and a big ass basket of Jojos -- that's potato wedges for you laymen folk. That's the lunch special at Bob's, but you can get that all day long til closing at 9 PM.
I'm pretty much a big fan of anything with the name Bob -- Bob's Market, Bob's Big Boy Restaurants, What About Bob, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Bob Barker, Bob Saget, you get the picture. If you're working with a Bob as opposed to a Robert or even a Bobby, it ain't going to be fancy or glamorous, but it's going to done right. And here at Bob's Market in Santa Monica, that's exactly what they do. They may not know your name, but they know your face and they return your smile with a smile. It's a slice of ole Americana you don't get at Albertsons or Ralphs, and is certainly worthy of a visit.
I came here for the sausages. I read an article in Fine Cooking about how they make fresh sausages everyday. I ended up buying a prime rib roast for xmas dinner and returning a couple of days later to pick up some Italian sausages for xmas eve dinner.
Well, I found the store be a good little neighbor market with friendly butchers I could get to know if I lived near by. But unfortunately, I wasn't all that impressed with the sausages. They were huge and looked impressive but the mlid Italians lacked flavor and the hot ones were spicy but also lacked that nice fennel flavor. They did have an Italian make with pecarino that sounded good. But, they only had one left, so I didn't get any.
I am glad to not be the first person to write a review because I almost didn't want anyone else to know about it.
I grew up in this place so I can vouch for the fact that it hasn't changed in over 20 years. I love, love, love that about it.
Get a sandwich, you will not be disappointed. They use Boar's Head which is an automatic plus but they make each sandwich with love. It took me years to figure out why exactly they taste so much better than sandwiches from other places but it must be that. The love.
For a small store, they also have a nice wine section, and some yummy cheeses from the deli to go with it.
The employees add an extra plus because they really seem to enjoy their jobs and are very helpful. And they make a mean sandwich.
It is a little expensive for the same type of stuff. Actually I surprise myself every time i go by learning what they don't have. Which is alot. But I understand that its not a huge chain and cant necessarily compete with the Goliaths of the industry.
And plus they have the best hot food there. Perfect for going and picking up a cooked lunch or dinner. And they are always nice. I cant say the same for the cashiers, but they're just kids.
It's the place you go when you don't want to go to the overcrowded Albertson's down the road. I'd definitely pick Bob's over Albertson's anyday. Plus, i can walk there!
Being the extremely picky shopper that I am, I do appreciate that they have a mix of traditional and organic items to satisfy everyone. It seems like Bob has got it goin' on! He knows what his customers need. I love the community feel of the place. I know I'm seeing my neighbors and I love that.
And the guys at the deli counter are very sweet to the ladies!
Best Chicken Salad sandwich EVER. Go here. Try it. You will love it!
Plus you can get either regular Havarti or dill Havarti on your sandwich. Havarti is best for Chicken Salad, trust me, the guys in the deli at Bob's told me so. Go for the regular.
I love this place for lunch. Pick up a sandwich (or other hot food already mentioned) and eat it at Clover Park down the street. ENJOY!
Bob's Market is, above all, a neighborhood store
Back in the days when I was a little guy there was a neighborhood store. It wasn't as small as a 7/11, but wasn't nearly as large as a supermarket which really didn't come into existence in our vicinity until the early 1960's. It was called the Narbonne Market - named, like the street it was on and the local high school, after Nathaniel Narbonne a man of posy-brief consequence - and it is still there, or at least was there the last time I checked. The owner/proprietor was a wheezing fat man whose few remaining strands of hair were oiled across the top of his perpetually sweaty head. His shirt was always rumpled and askew; it parted a couple of inches above his taut waistband so a clutch of belly hairs could peek out and say "howdy". He was a Jew, the owner, which was only significant in that it meant the Market would be open on Sundays and Christmas Day when everywhere else was shut up tight. My mom used to....
But I digress. Bob's Market is just that kind of place, and a visit there can be a kind of time-traveling experience for an older dude like myself.
Chances are that if it is a staple, Bob's Market has it. You know, the basic necessities like bananas, onions, crackers, canned peaches, toilet paper, wooden spoons, dog food, wine, beer, soft drinks, taco shells, bread...that kind of thing. You won't find a wide selection and you probably won't find generic store brands, but unless you're after something exotic like ghee, lox, kim-chee, sushi rice, fava beans or rabbit you'll probably find what you are looking for. They have a real butcher on the premises, something of a rarity in smaller markets, and they'll gladly cut or grind something up for you if you wish. Oh, and a better than average wine selection, too.
The employees are friendly and seem to stick round for quite a while. They finally got rid of the creepy, wraith-like checker who always looked like he was on day five of a six-day toot. Y tambien, se hablan espanol (por lo menos, un empleo).
The owner/manager/operator is a very clean-looking man who isn't above getting his hands dirty helping out his workers.
The store is across the street from John Adams Middle School, so mornings and afternoons bring throngs of tweeners looking for gum, candy and each other. You can see how twitchy the manager gets at these times knowing that for every four things he sells at least one more goes out the door unaccounted-for.
The parking lot isn't big, but it isn't cramped either. Spaces are unusually wide and there almost always seem to be enough for the customers who rarely hang around for long. It's a quick in-and-out kind of place. I've never known anyone who did serious grocery shopping there, but if you had to you probably could.
I don't expect that the Market itself deserves a visit from someone who lives in Rotterdam, Beijing or Culver City, but it is a real piece of local history and an important part of Santa Monica culture.
Bob's... how I love thee... let me count the ways. First stop: hot foods, deli, and meat counter... you know you're getting top-notch high-quality service. They couldn't be nicer. I can give my order to one of the guys up front and come back for the stuff when done with first circuit of store and they always have the order waiting. When was the last time you tried that at Ralph's? Me at Ralph's: "I'd like a quarter pound of turkey breast." Counter staff: "Turkey?" Me: "yes, turkey breast." Him: "turkey breast... a pound?" Me: "no, not a pound, a quarter pound." Him: (getting glove on) "what was it you wanted?" At Bob's they know what they are doing. They'll butterfly the chicken breasts for you... and pound them! When was the last time you saw -anyone- working the meat counter at the other supermarkets? They'll cut up the soup chicken. Do you want the neck and giblets? They know what giblets are! Moving along to the produce, I get my daughter her Armenian cucumbers here, not at the farmers' market, they're that good. All the produce is good. Better than at yuppie Co-opportunity. The milk has amazingly good due-by dates. WAY better than Co-opportunity which has milk set to expire six hours after leaving the store. But back to Bob's... nirvana. Rounding the bend to the milk aisle lays open a long expanse of soda by the can or bottle. You must try the Stewart's Ginger Beer. Wow is that good! There is always a great new condiment to try in the salad dressing and mayo aisle. I'm currently in love with "Jamaica Mistake" salad dressing. Can't get that anywhere else near as I can tell. Not at Ho Foods:-) Also, in the baking section, try the Billington's Light Brown Muscovado sugar... perfect sprinkled over oatmeal. My family doesn't drink but the wines look great... a lot of hard work must go into the selection and presentation. My daughter and I and my daughter's service dog are regulars. We go several times each week and all the staff know us and are kind to us. If we don't bring the dog they ask after her. Great staff. What a great store!
For the first five years I lived in Santa Monica, I walked by Bob's at least once a week and never stopped in. What a mistake! Bob's is the kind of neighborhood market everyone should have nearby. I'll grant you that everything costs a tad more than the big chains, but the selection is dependable - and the wine choices are plenteous.
The little yellow horse outside gets a lot of attention from the kids, and if you have a pup with you when you arrive, count on the store manager to offer treats while you get your grocery shopping done.
Bob's Market rules. Wow, I'd drive by this place so many times and figured the inside was what the outside made you think the inside would look like. Well, NOT! Old world service, new world selection, albeit a selective selection. There are like 4 butchers behind the counter cranking out house-made Gilroy Garlic Turkey Sausage and cutting 2 inch thick steaks. 6 cooks make some of the the best prepared foods around. Pay $6.00 for the biggest, freshest Greek salad or Chicken Caesar you'll ever find. Lots of organic produce and wonderful little niche products. My kids love going there and sampling every meat at the deli counter and you know what,.. they do, every time. I can't say enough about Bob's but be careful,... if we tell too many people then they'll close to remodel and double their size. That would ruin everything. Try Bob's, you won;t be disappointed.
I went here today. I was at the deli looking at sandwiches to buy. So I see a Cobb sandwich. Thats what the sign said. So I ask for one. The man behind the counter was like what are you talking about? I said read the sign. He was like thats a salad. I said read the sign it says sandwich. I thought he was rude. I wont be going back there.
This gem of supermarket is nestled in the quaint neighborhood Sunset Park. The staff is friendly and highly motivated to keep the checkout lines moving. The meat and seafood is prime grade and always fresh. The produce is displayed like beautiful semi-precious stones, polished and gleaming. The prices can be high on some of the other items, but you can't go wrong with the meats, seafood and produce.
My friend and I came here on his suggestion prior to us playing some golf at nearby Penmar. I ordered a tuna sandwich and he ordered a beef sandwich. Both were awesome and the dill pickle that came with it was cold and crunchy! YUMMM! Along with few cans of beers that we neatly tucked away in our golf bags, we were in and out super fast. Only bad thing about this place is that the parking is SUPER SMALL.
This is friendly neighborhood market. We walk there almost every afternoon for groceries. We get the weekly mailer so we are armed with what's on special. It's a very Mr. Roger's experience. Only it's Bob's. I was reading the review on the sausage. Y'all have got to give the pizza sausage is a go. Not to spicy and FULL of flavor. The deli's turkey sandwich on pumpernickel with avocado...need I say more about that? We often get the fresh scallops and shrimp for pasta. So fresh. The conversation at the meat counter is always pleasant. I love the bottled soda water for $1 and I can't get enough of that coconut water. And Rick's alcohol selection is out of this world. I love to read his reviews on the wines. And they happen to carry my fav of all sparkling wines, Crystalino. We also got him to carry Baronjager. Y'all need to try this stuff too. It can be a cordial. You can also take it in shots, followed by a crisp clean beer. We keep our shopping simple and I do clip coupons. We manage to get out of there without having to shell out too much cash. It can be as moderate to as pricey as you make it. I'm sorry to hear about the check cashing incident, or lack there of. We cash checks there, but I, alone, have not. I had a feeling there could be a situation. Thank you for the heads up.
Forget that it's a market. This is the heart of the neighborhood. Every time I go I see someone I know. The staff are super friendly and Richard always gives my son quarters for the little kid rides out front. This place is what a market should be like. It isn't the cheapest place and it doesn't have everything, but it comes close.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Category: Health Markets
Culver City, CA
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Culver City
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Palms
Category: Meat Shops
Neighborhood: Venice
Category: Grocery
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