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42 reviews for City Market Onion River
Review Highlights
"I loved that little co-op and shopped there all the time."
(in 14 reviews)
"The hot food bar always has something delicious."
(in 5 reviews)
"...shop for top quality local and organic food in Burlington."
(in 3 reviews)
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Alicia D.
Burlington, VT
8/23/2011
I would give it three stars because it rivals Whole Foods(whole paycheck) with its prices, but it gets an extra star for having cheap, delicious sushi rolls starting around $4- great quick lunch!
It certainly has a smaller selection than a regular grocery store, but some of the prepared food is really quite great and inexpensive. I know I can always stop in and get something fresh and delicious, but if I'm trying to shop for kitchen staples or keep the wallet full between paychecks, I'd probably head to Hannaford. -
Review from Chris C.
Updated - 1/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I want to like this store, but every time I go I seem to like it less which is not a good sign.
Its always overcrowded (both inside and in the parking lot) and the selection is really amazing in some areas, but downright bad in others. So other than the great produce, dry goods, bakery and cheese sections I don't think this store is worth shopping in.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/30/2011
So my first impression of this place was awesome. Now that I've been back a handful times I'm a… Read more »
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Review from Nick K.
Burlington, VT
9/28/2011 52 Check-ins Here
I shop at City Market a lot and I do like it. the reason for the 3 stars is that it is just way too expensive. If it was a little cheaper, I'd give 4 stars because on quality and selection I think that's what City Market deserves.
This is my favorite place for lunch or dinner on the go. The deli makes really great sandwiches and they're not too expensive. There is also a great hot and cold buffet/salad bar that is always really good. Just make sure to get there before 8pm because they start packing that stuff up at 7.59!
Also really great are the vegan dumplings in the cooler near the ready-to-go wraps. They're really yummy and surprisingly cheap :) -
Review from Kaaren D.
Newbury Park, CA
6/22/2011
The set up of this store made me and my companion claustrophobic. The aisles are so close together, you can't comfortably look at the shelves, or search for what you want to buy. That said, we were able to find some wonderful Artisan cheeses very locally produced, but that was in spite of the person trying to help us out. She even suggested that if the cheese wasn't marked as to milk source (cow, goat or sheep), we should assume it was cow. What???
One of our best finds was Morello Cherry conserve from Canada that was on sale. And I got a piece of gluten free carrot cake that was awesome. In addition, I got some gluten free English muffins I would love to find locally. They were light, and so good with the Cherry preserves. I'm getting hungry all over again thinking about all the good food. -
Review from Kimberlee M.
Burlington, VT
6/23/2011
I love shopping here and wish for two things:
a. Prices would be a bit lower
b. The parking wouldn't near kill me
For real tho' as someone who has had a membership at a co-op for over a decade both here and in Madison, WI the prices are reasonable for what you are getting i.e. local/organic. However, the parking lot is a mess and really...I feel like a champion every time I get out with out a scratch or dent...or just being afraid!!!
Hint: the have the best breakfast sandwiches and they are like 3.99. I love mine with a Montreal Spice Myers bagel...yum!
Hint: shop the sales! -
Review from K. Brooke Z.
Boston, MA
10/27/2011
When I lived in Burlington I couldn't imagine a week without city market. Ever time I visit VT I have to stop in and stock up! I wasn't used to a market with prepared food ready to eat. It took me a few months to warm up to the idea-but now I'm addicted. I get to pick up my groceries AND lunch grub at the same time. The hot food bar always has something delicious. When they had the BBQ Seitan, my face melted with how good it tasted. Baglewiches always make my day their with the kick@$$ pesto. Definitely a place to eat.
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Review from tamera f.
Plainfield, VT
9/28/2011
Have noticed that my regular lunch of a Chef's Salad has been getting more and more un-fresh, but today, when I found not one but -3- bugs among the slimy wilted lettuce - well, let's just say my regular lunch will be going elsewhere. Yikes.
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Review from Sarah M.
Burlington, VT
6/6/2011
The best damn chicken pesto sammie in town-- I live for those things! It is really cool that City Market has a complete prepared foods section full of delicious options like sandwiches, salads, and hot/cold buffet items. I work a half-block away, and City Market makes my lunch break fun, inexpensive, and healthy.
The grocery market is somewhat pricey, but that's what you get when you shop at a co-op where the overwhelming majority of items are organic/all-natural/local/the like. In exchange for the slightly steeper pricetag, you get an insane selection of healthy foods and an AMAZING bulk section filled with snacks, pasta, spices, and baking needs.
I do most of my grocery shopping at Hannaford, but I come to City Market for their amazing sandwiches, outstanding produce selection, and bulk items (I especially like to stock up on granola here). The only people who do heavy-duty grocery shopping here are the college kids who can't get to/don't yet know of anywhere else to shop, and the wealthy suburbanites who can actually afford to do ALL of their shopping here. I envy them!
City Market is in many ways the center of Burlington. Even if you're just coming to town for a day or two, I recommend stopping in-- you'll have fun here. -
Review from Colleen M.
Somerville, MA
8/24/2011 1 photo
City Market is like Burlington's version of a Whole Foods, except a whole lot better. The produce always looks insanely fresh, and the local items are always out on display. I usually go for the prepared food, which is generally pretty delicious. The great thing is that you can actual sample the dishes before you buy, something Whole Foods should seriously consider! The sushi is actually pretty good for grocery store sushi. It is also VERY vegan-friendly, almost a little too much for me, but it certainly fits the area. And yea, the crowds are annoying, but I think it's worth fighting crowds for fresh, delicious, and healthy food.
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Review from angie c.
10/28/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I like City Market, and love how it's only about a 5 minute walk or 1 minute drive from my apartment.
Pluses: Hot food and made to order sandwich bar- the blue plate special which is a meatloaf sandwich is amaaaaazing.
Minuses: pricey, crowded and sometimes disorganized. I often find myself having to hit another grocery store for what feels like a basic product, which is frustrating. -
Review from Andrew R.
Burlington, VT
5/1/2011
Great selection of natural/local/organic foods, but often the prices aren't the best in town (one product I like is 5 dollars a box here, while the EXACT SAME PRODUCT, brand and all, is 3 dollars at Hannafords). Best to shop around for frequent purchases.
Also, unresponsive customer service. -
Review from Aimee D.
Burlington, VT
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
We've shopped here for years but didn't become members until only a few years ago..... don't know why as being a member definitely has its perks. Although I do wish we had a Whole Foods in VT (shame on me, I know), this is the next-best-thing. I know a lot of people complain about them being pricey, but they're much better than Healthy Living in SB and for being a co-op the prices aren't that bad. We get all of our water from them as they have reverse-osmosis water which is free to members. Their hot foods bar is excellent and fresh. They also serve the best fresh pickles!
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Review from Stavros M.
Miami Beach, FL
8/20/2011 17 Check-ins Here
This place drives me crazy every time I go inside; it's ridiculously small and awkward with very little selection. The only reason I ever go is because the deli has great sandwiches and wraps for $6, compared to any other sandwich in downtown Burlington, it's a bargain. As car as a grocery store goes, Healthy Living is vastly superior. Now if only we could get Trader Dukes to open in VT :(
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Review from JuJu S.
Washington, DC
7/7/2011
Wow, this place was awesome, like a playground for health food addicts or wannabes. It definitely wasn't cheap but it was fun to explore the aisles. I was surpised how large it was considering it's a co-op. I loved the bulk area, which not only included the many options of grains, nuts, candies, etc, but also honey, maple syrup and nut butters. Their produce section was vibrant and was having a food orgy in my mouth with their hot and cold salad bar. Definitely not as big as Whole Foods, but thought the selection and recipes they used to make some of the dishes were delicious. Hello, how do I make tofu and broccoli salad like that? Next time I'm in town I would pick up some goods from here, including stuff from their salad bar, and take it down by the lake and have a picnic.
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Review from Brian C.
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best sandwiches in the area. Hand made with seemingly fresh ingredients that I imagine are good quality. I like that they have a lot of organic, local, and off the beaten path foods there. If you get some food there, they have a seating area with utensils etc. Pro tip: They have free water and cups in the seating area.
Parking can be a little sketchy as it is the only grocery store downtown and is super popular.
Would go again and recommend to others. -
Review from Nancy K.
7/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
I flew into Burlington Tuesday around 3:30 and was picked up by a good friend of mine who lives in Bennington. I was only there for a short time and my friend decided it was high time I visit City Market. I haven't been to Burlington in years, but whenever I've visited I've only ever eaten on Church Street.
CM reminds me a great deal of the type of places I shop in Ann Arbor - lots of local, organic, socially aware products. There were some corporate brands (I was kind of surprised to see Coke) but the number of local products made it better. Also, the huge selection of ready-made meals, the hot bar, and the sandwiches make this a fantastic stop.
Because we were looking for a quiet night in, just chilling at our hotel, we picked up some things to go. My friend got a vegetable sandwich - large, and while she intended to eat only half she couldn't stop (so good!) and ate nearly the whole thing. She also got a vegetable samosa. I picked up a ready-made meal by Samosa man (African Chick Peas and rice) and spicy samosa. Delicious!
The staff was courteous and helpful and the location can't be better. A little cramped, but I imagine real estate is a tad pricey in the neighborhood. Will definitely be back the next time I'm in town! -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jacksonville, FL
6/28/2011 1 photo
Stopped by with my sister who is a member here. We don't have co-ops in Florida, so I was intrigued with the idea. The store was clean and had a great selection. We got some cheese and veggies for dinner that were all phenomenal. I did notice that the price were kind of high (six dollars for a box of cereal?) but I don't know if that's because it was a co-op or because it was in "the city". All in all, if I lived here, I would shop here.
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Review from Brian H.
South Hero, VT
11/28/2010 4 Check-ins Here
The food/deli/bakery counters along with the great produce are the reasons to really come here. Otherwise, it tends to be a crowded aisle bouncer that just takes a lot of money out of your pocket for groceries. I almost always feel claustrophobic when I try to actually shop in here. I think, most of the time, the staff and patrons are friendly. But I do agree there is an undertone of stuffy, higher-than-all, co-op hippie/hipster attitude going on here from time to time. I don't let it get in my way of getting great hot food, sandwiches, fresh veggies and produce. Worth it, try it.
Also, their home-grown coffee is not all that great. I'll stick with Green Mountain. -
Review from Kelly G.
Somerville, MA
6/3/2008
I used to live literally behind the city market. I spent that year going to the CM almost every day.
I love that I always run into people I know, it's full of hotties (and I'm talking about the ladies), they have the best cider donuts in the fall, the produce selection is rad (they even carry weird things like lemongrass), they have lava lamps indicating which aisle is open, the floor plan makes sense, they carry both conventional and organic goods, the pricing isn't too too high, you can usually find parking, you can charge your electric car, they have an enormous bike rack, they have tables outside, they have big gardens (rather than over manicured landscape beds), they do food festivals, the deli has neat little snacks, the hot food in the bar is always soooo good, they carry lots of good beer, they're always open until 11 and it's clean and bright inside.
Things that leave something to be desired-- the wine selection....and the number of ex girlfriends I invariably run into while there.Listed in: Best of Burlington
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Review from Quinn S.
12/2/2006
The lone dissenter, but I pretty much hate this place.
I shop there regularly, but it's an exercise in self-loathing. Let me tell you why.
When the price chopper across the street went out of business and the police station moved to North Ave, there was a public discussion about what sort of grocery store should move in. The options were a big corporate chain store or the little co-op down the road that was looking to expand. I loved that little co-op and shopped there all the time. I was excited to see them grow.
The major argument against it was that the price of gourmet and organic foods exclude the majority of people living in the downtown area from shopping there. In order to get the bid, the co-op promised to have all of the common foods that any chain store would have at comparable prices. Bullshit! The items that they do carry are still more expensive and always out of stock. Go in looking for a $.99 can of frozen orange juice. I've never seen one, although there is usually an empty space reserved in the freezer section. Maybe that is a meaningless example, but I think it's indicative of bigger issues.
I love that this place exists, but when it is the only store within walking distance of a huge section of the population who can't afford a car to drive to Hannafords, I just feel like it's a hypocritical statement from a place that claims to be so socially conscious. -
Review from Paul H.
Nashville, TN
12/9/2008
I have to imagine that this is much like the first Whole Foods (in Austin) was back in the day. Interesting set up of both organic and traditional groceries. Even better is the selection of Vermont products. Yum - good beer, cheese, and chocolate.
Maybe this isn't the perfect store for locals (as the prices are on the higher side) but if you're looking for high-end items, organics, or locally produced, small-batch items...or if you're just an out of towner looking for a good snack...this is a great place to check out. -
Review from Christian H.
Philadelphia, PA
6/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
I like City Market based upon what it has, but understand that City Market is pretty much the same thing as a Whole Foods with a few minor adjustments,
Prepared sandwiches are always delicious, the soups are good, and I am always blown away by how robust the produce is. As someone who has their beer held hostage by Pennsylvania's ludicrous liquor laws, I absolutely love that I can go to a place like this and purchase beer to go with my fresh sandwich.
I always make a stop at City Market when in Burlington, it's worth the visit if you're an out-of-towner like myself. -
Review from Audrey T.
Evanston, IL
7/3/2006
Blissfully Sailing Down the Onion River
The friendly staff, abundant restrooms, and easy access to old newspaper make this store truly a "one-stop" shopping experience. The house-made pizza dough is truly a marvel and the mushroom selection simply can't be beat--at least without a staff or large cudgel!
On a side note, this co-op stocks both organic and traditional veggies so each consumer can weigh her own health against the weight of the paper in her pocket and decide which she prefers to keep.
Bear in mind, I was born on a boat, so I always feel at home sailing the crowded aisles of City Market Onion River Co-Op. -
Review from Joseph P.
Royal City, WA
9/7/2008
Got to luv City Mark-up.
If you are looking for the only Co-op in B-Town, go, if you are in a crunch and have a budget. Don't. They rip you off. But if you need some ultra organic crunchy love the earth experience. Shop there. -
Review from Jack R.
Burlington, VT
Updated - 6/13/2011 12 Check-ins Here
This is an updated review. Since my first review about a year ago, things seem to have greatly improved at the City Market Onion River Co-Op. The Deli counter, which used to be run by a rather grump group of people is now quite a nice experience. I'm not sure what caused the change, but what I do know is that the group of young, 20- to 30-year-old guys who work there now are great! The produce section seems to have fewer problems with spoiled products too. Big improvements!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2010
This is a tough review, because I shop at the City Market on a regular basis. Sometimes I go in… Read more »
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Review from kitten C.
Burnt Hills, NY
9/20/2010
I would give this place 5 stars hands down if it wasn't for a few little glitches, which I will mention near the end. But 5 stars for what's amazing about this place. So I guess 4.5 stars in general if that was an option!
~GREAT STUFF~
1) The hot and cold buffet, oh my! The most amazingly tasty dishes ever. I eat meat, and a few meat options are always available, but their veggie dishes are some of the most tasty and unique I've ever had!
2) The made-to-order sandwich counter, yeah! Amazing bread choices, amazing meat and veggies choices and amazing condiment choices. Not your typical ham/turkey/mayo/mustard kind of stuff.
3) The Cheese counter....WOW! They have raw and locally made and hard to find cheese. I LOvE cheese and they have a great selection.
4) The fresh local bread....perfect for that cheese, And they have the delivery schedule posted from each local bakery. They have one of the most amazing olive oil and rosemary foccias I've ever had!
5) The prepared food cooler stocked with endless ethnic treats from local eateries, as well as from their own kitchen. Oh, and buckets of home made cornichons, my absolute favorite!!!!!
6) The fresh, locally grown organic produce. The best selection of locally grown heirloom tomatoes I've ever seen when in season.
7) Organic meat and seafood counter. Need I say more? it's like going to the local butcher but everything is organic.
~EEKS...NOT SO GREAT STUFF~
a- The grocery isles are stocked with many standard grocery store brands such as Kraft Mac-n-cheese, for example.
I don't see the point. Who goes to an organic co-op grocery store for crap like that?!
b-The prices are high. I'm willing to pay their prices for their unique fresh food selections but when it comes to the basics, such as Amy's Organics, just for example, the same items can be found in all local grocery stores for much less $.
c) No separate line for buffet/food purchases. So, if you want to get fresh amazing food to eat, you have to wait in the same line as grocery shoppers to pay for it. And sometimes the wait is long. Then the hot food is no longer hot by the time it's paid for. It would be nice if they had a place to pay for food to be consumed on premise right at the food section of the store -
Review from Carrie M.
Arlington, MA
10/31/2007
Do co-op markets have their own air freshener that they rest of the grocery industry doesn't have access to? Every time I walk into a co-op market it smells the same. I don't know how they do it.
This was a cute place and I went during my trip to Vermont after reading some reviews on here. My boyfriend and I had a cheese tasting as part of our meal the night before, and I was determined to head home with some of the cheeses we loved. At first we had a hard time finding one if them, but the older man near the counter was super helpful and we managed to find it hidden behind others.
If I lived in the area, I'm sure I would frequent this place often. The prepared foods area looked great and it was tempting to get something for the road. That said, prices seemed a bit steep, so just like Whole Foods it would be the place that I'd just buy a few things at while doing the bulk of my shopping elsewhere.
Now maybe I'm just crazy, but this store tries to be all earthy crunchy but on the shelves were Coke products, and chemically cleaners such as 409. They just seemed so out of place given the feel of the rest of the store.Listed in: Burlington, VT = Good Food.
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Review from Steve M.
Burlington, VT
5/10/2009 43 Check-ins Here
The best place to shop for top quality local and organic food in Burlington.
I've been shopping here and stopping in almost on a daily basis because of their freshness and selection. They really cannot be beat.
The prepared foods are always delicious and prepared well and their soups are worth a visit in itself. -
Review from Kel S.
3/14/2011
This place rocks! From the homemade peanut butter (made by me!) and loose organic dog food I brought home to my pup, to the green, yes, I said green eggs which came from free range hens named Eunice (there were also white and brown eggs for the more traditional consumer). The wine and beer selection was great -- and there were so many local options, including some fantastic goat cheese and a french baguette... and many other goodies too plentiful to name. I felt like I had entered another country where organically grown is not an option and the prices were quite reasonable. The staff was very friendly. Wish we had a coop this cool near me!
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Review from C m.
Burlington, VT
4/10/2009
Pricy-gourmet grocery store. Great for finding the herbs and spices you need to make that exotic dish.
Yummy prepared foods bar. -
Review from Matt P.
Burlington, VT
8/24/2011
While City Market is on the small side and doesn't have much selection, it is a great place downtown to keep you supplied in between trips to larger grocery stores. The prepared foods, especially the sandwiches at the deli, are fantastic. The staff is always pleasant and will begin to recognize you if you are a regular. The only draw back is the parking lot, but I'm not sure there's much that can be done about that. The lot is tight and a lot of people park like jerks, plus pedestrians have a very tough time darting between cars on the way out of the store.
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Review from j l.
Boston, MA
2/19/2011
I love food co-ops. i try to find them in every city I visit and this is one of my favorites. Perhaps it's because VT has so many amazing locally made products... I spent nearly two hours browsing. Unfortunately I was traveling and we already had dinner plans so couldn't buy much but I did spring for a few organic chocolate bars and a couple prepared food items.
I would love to do my regular grocery shopping here... except that would entail moving to VT and I don't see that happening. So I'll content myself with semi-annual visits. -
Review from Tim F.
7/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Quite a cool concept. Much like a Whole Foods, this place offers organic goods, but with a better integration of local growers into the process. Quality of the food products are terrific. The prepared food bar is a real treat. I have read some reviews indicating that the prices are higher,but I did not necessarily find this to be true.
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Review from Cara D.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2009
A great market that provides fresh, healthy and local produce. I really enjoy just coming to stroll around this market. Their bulk food items are plentiful and there is so much to choose from! The hot food bar is also great! Vegetarian friendly for sure- many tofu items. Even better, they have sample cups so you are allowed to try before eating. How wonderful!
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Review from Kim K.
Very much like Whole Foods. This place is vast, they have a grocery, deli, and hot food bar. The staff is nice and the prices are right. Conveniently located, we grabbed some fruit and sandwich stuff and had ourselves a little picnic on the shores of Lake Champlain. Awesome.
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Review from John S.
7/26/2009 1 Check-in Here
Think of this place as a beefed up version of a Whole Foods, with slightly better prices. The store's philosophies on what honest food is and what it should cost is very clearly spelled out on the shelves and in the cases. If I lived in Burlington, I'd do all my shopping there.
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Review from Gaia K.
Burlington, VT
11/13/2007
This place is fantastic - hosts a wide selection of local products. I come here for groceries or to get a bite with a friend. everything you love is here. and its local. buy locally to keep big businesses away.
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Review from cherie c.
10/16/2006
Is there anything they don't have? Go in with a plan. Otherwise. you will be overcome with the selections. There's so much good stuff in one place! When visiting friends, I stop in for my maple syrup to bring home. We also find something interesting to bring hom and try. Recently, it was block wine and delicious fresh coffee.
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Review from Eric B.
Burlington, VT
9/1/2009
I guess you could compare this to Whole Foods, one of their smaller stores. I have to echo Quinn's sentiments though, it's hard to stomach this place given the opportunity cost to City taxpayers in the form of the free lease on the property. Factor in the "this is what a city dweller acts like, probably" attitude of the employees and I'll stick to Healthy Living - and the real Whole Foods, when it opens.
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Review from VBF F.
New York, NY
8/4/2009
The selection of food is fine. The prices are a bit high, but it is a co-op so the price premium can be expected. The low rating is due solely to the clientele that this place attracts: self-absorbed hippies. Self-absorbed hippies shopping for granola, self-absorbed hippies shopping for organic cheese, and self-absorbed hippies shopping for organic bananas. The place is like the parking lot of a Phish concert.
