Noriega Produce
Category: Fruits & Veggies [Edit]
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset3821 Noriega St
(between 45th Ave & 46th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 564-0370
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
55 reviews
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights
"I really dig this spot because it reminds me of that little market I used to go to as a kid: run by a family, small enough to have really…" read more »
38 Reviews for Noriega Produce
Ever heard of Soy taco? Well if you haven't, you haven't lived. I can only find it here at Noriega Produce. It's like a Rainbow tied up in shiny little package with a bow on top. When I make a salad with garbanzo beans in it I won't have to worry about having to many beans now, because here I can find the small cans, perfect! They have wide selection of all the "strange" things you can't find at Lucky's or Safeway, in fact I'd say that's all they have. OH, and their produce are like gold. A bit more pricey than your generic grocer but worth their weight.
Dimitri will carry your bags out if you need him to. The folks here are very nice. Grab a snack on your way to the beach. Or drive way out of your way to get the thing you most desire, soy taco... you won't regret it.
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Forget Safeway, Lucky's, Foods Co, Andronico's, and all of those stupid chains out there - this place is the bomb.
Fresh organic produce, yummy selections of snacks (many of which are impossible to find elsewhere) and EXTREMELY helpful and friendly staff?! How can you NOT go here?!
But ok I get that organic foods don't come cheap, but hey, for the taste of an extremely sweet, soft-skinned, waxless princess apple, how can I not spend those extra few cents?
I come here for their selections of chocolates, as its pretty hard to find these brands at your local chain-store market.
The ambiance is obviously of a produce market, but I get this easy breezy, it's all good vibe about this place.
These guys make living at the edge of the world a little more convenient. I know I can always find a perfectly ripe avocado (unlike the rocks they try to sell you at Safeway), they carry my favorite chocolate bars (Ritter-Sport and my new fave Seeds of Change dark chocolate with dried mango and cashews...mmmm), and the Ro-Sham-Bo Sav. Blanc is always cold. Plus they carry a decent selection of gluten free products for my Celiac suffering boyfriend. The most awesome part is that after a few visits they totally know me now. Apparently the same family owns the produce market on upper Haight, and as I was walking by last week Dimitri recognized me and was high five ready by the time I approached. Sweet.
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This is why you live in the city. The folks who work there are super cool cats. It is a neighborhood joint that has everything you need packed into an incredibly small space. They have some kick-ass wines there. The guys who work there once gave me some tips on where to get flowers for my girl. There is a great laundromat up the street, so you can multitask instead of drooling on yourself as you zone out on the dryers (anyone else do that?). I'd so much rather go Noriega Produce and support a local business than go to safeway or some other hack megamarket. It deserves more than five stars.
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I like this place because they have pretty veggies and fruits. It's a bit pricey because they are organic, but their quiality is good. I love the pita chips they have, they are not oily but flavorful. Guys are friendly here, and it's kinda funny that we don't find any asians shopping here even though it's in the sunset lol.
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I love Noriega produce; local foods, sustainable foods, and yummy foods.
Seasonal products, sold by local farms. Even the peanut butter is made local - on premises!
Who could ask for more?
Two wishes for the store though:
- first - sell more locally based, grass-fed, healthy, free range, happy beef (the currently offered Estancia Beef is delicious, well raised, but is trekked all the way from New York...there's got to be some good local Marin/Petaluma stuff that is just as good...at least I hope!)
- Second - find an equal quality chicken product. Rosie the Petaluma chicken just doesn't cut it (for anyone who's read the Omnivore's Dilemma, you know what I'm talking about). I'd love a truly local, honest to goodness free-range grass-fed chicken (not one that is allowed out in its last week of life), that is tasty and healthy. Petaluma farms isn't it. Too bad...
Grass fed is healthier, albeit more expensive, but much tastier. I'll pay extra for that!
If I could give "the store", as we call it, 10 stars, I would. Is D. ever in a bad mood? They have everything here. A little pricey sometimes but worth not fighting the crowds at Trader Joes.
Everyone has said everything needed about this place. So, I keep it short. They will literally learn your name when you go in here. When's the last time that has happened to you.
It just rules. You go anywhere else in the outer sunset for produce/snacks/booze/etc. you hate puppy dogs, sunshine and small children.
Just... don't be that guy.
I'd give them more stars if I could. If I ever leave the sunset, I'll miss this place.
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I always liked this place. I use to live right there on Noriega and 44th. This place was a produce haven for this foggy and dank part of town. Plus, it was so close, there was almost no excuse for picking up fresh stuff everyday for your dinner that night.
Always a great place to try a new wine selection. The produce is always fresh and they know everyones name... Expect to have a conversation once entering and before leaving... Love it!!!
Nothing like getting up bright and early on Sunday morning and rolling into a market full of fresh produce to get omelette ingredients. Enjoy your sleep, suckers...I've got the city to myself.
At first glance the store looks too small to have much besides all the fruits and veggies, but they actually have a decent selection of dried & frozen goods, dairy, and (best of all), alcohol! And finally a place that doesn't feel overpriced at all. I'm not saying it's the cheapest shop in town, but you won't be paying the yuppie tax either. Also, props for keeping the rotten produce weeded out, unlike, say, 4th & Geary Farmer's Market.
A distant destination for most non-locals, sure, but if you're ever at the beach, or Polly Ann Ice Cream, or Toyose...it's worth dropping in.
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Great place, just visited for the first time today. We couldn't find beets at Trader Joe's or Safeway, so we came here. They had a great selection of produce as well as other grocery items. We got some rye flour to use some other time because it's usually difficult to find.
Noriega produce rocks!!! It's really small and jam packed with all sorts of goodies.Unlike the uptight hippier-than-thou co-op on Judah,they are actually friendly and nice.It reminds me of an old school grocery store,in that respect.Prices are not bad,and they always have tons of stuff on sale. They have some meat,I'd like to see them expand their meat selection,but I'm a butcher's daughter,don't even listen to me.
The produce is great.I have quit fighting the crowds at Trader Joes and started hitting this store at least twice a week.
So a few weeks back when I first started yelping I tried to upload an actual picture of myself to my profile. Well, something crazy happened and I accidentally uploaded it to Noriega Produce. I've flagged it, but it's still there. I've stopped in for dinner groceries twice now, and I'm proud to have my photo up for their location.
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UPDATE 12.1.2007:
This is important. Very important. On Thanksgiving, they were open, and I discovered that they carry Brother Bru-Bru's African Hot Sauce. Yes, when I saw this life-changing condiment so near to my house, I literally squealed with delight. Loudly. My roommate was embarrassed, people came around the corner to see what was going on, and after witnessing my delight, they wound up buying bottles to take home. As per another review, carrying Bro-Bru-Bru hot sauce merits an extra two stars, so 7 stars for you!
UPDATE 7.28.2007: I think somebody wanted 5 stars! The day after I posted my review, roomie dropped in and was immediately told that a shipment of Bundaberg's was on the way. The next day, roomie brought home several 4-packs of the magical, miracle elixr. Thanks Dimitri, you've earned back that extra star. Have fun in Greece!
Noriega Produce is by far my favorite market in the outer 'set, crushing all others in its path with its might. Why might it's might crush all others... mightily?
- I can walk there in 15 minutes, or bike or drive in under 5.*
- Wonderful selection of fresh produce, with an impressive selection of organics.
- Bulk foods galore, and a great selection of dried, prepackaged foods as well.
- Ice cream, and those healthy kinds of frozen foods for when I'm feeling too lazy (or one-arm-ed) to properly cook.
- Nice selection of cheeses and meats (although those may be a bit on the pricey side)
- Great refrigerated section filled with tasty chilled beverages for those days when (gasp) it's sunny and a bit warm in the sunset (it actually does happen every once in a while, folks)
- Locally owned, and run by a great staff!
- Most importantly, wine and beer. Pre-chilled beer. And well over over 10 varieties of beer I've never tried before! Trust me, that's not even true of any other full-on liquor store I've been to in the neighborhood.
Dimitri et al. stock all the food and personal care products I could fathom ever wanting from Whole Foods, and couldn't even imagine finding at the other corporate grocers in the neighborhood... and without that darn Whole Paycheck sticker shock.
But if there's ever anything you're looking for that you can't find, ask. Chances are that it's in back, and just hasn't been put out yet (e.g., it's so tasty that the staff might be hoarding it for themselves). And if it's not in stock, there's a chance that they might special order it for you....
But Dimitri, here is my heartfelt plea. You've got to stop tormenting me. The first time I came in, you tempted me with your Bundaberg ginger beer, and promised you'd order more. You've been promising that for a good 6 months now. That's the reason you've lost one star. Don't make me go to BevMo to find it.... bad things are quite likely to happen to my pocketbook (and my liver) if I do. Hook a girl up, and you're 5-star-worthy once again.
* My walking, biking, or driving ability is dependent upon my current level of gimpitude. See my review of My Left Arm for a status update.
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This place is super awesome and reasonably priced. I go here as much as I can.
Would get 6 stars if it was open later.
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WOW! Great market.
Great selection, great organic selection as well. This place has it all.
Reasonable prices, friendly staff, clean, everything you could want in a neighborhood market. I am a fan!
We simply call this shop "Dimitri's"! Dimitri runs this grocery store and fills it with the best of everything! He has an amazing selection and we find ourselves in his store almost everyday!
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Noriega Produce puts my local produce store, El Chico, to shame. Great fresh produce and friendly people. I just wish it was closer.
Hey guys, if you ever think about another Noriega Produce a little farther inland, I promise to shop there every day!
I have a bunch of favorite, local and independent grocery stores, which carry a lot of organics sprinkled all over the city, so that no matter where I am, I can shop.
Noriega Produce is one of them.
Dimitri the owner is peachy pooh, if you want something special he'll try to get it for you.
Last year he added wine and beer to the store - a very very smart move.
My only complaint, but I won't deduct a star, is that I wish the people at the register were friendier. Yeah, I know, its the whole "ya can't find decent help these days" thing. But come on, you get to work at a cool store, you get to help (relatively) nice folks who shop there - grasp this concept and be happy about it!
Anyway, selection is always really good. Prices - I don't even think about it, I just want the best quality and I pay for it.
It stirkes me as a tiny bit expensive, but it's also 300 times better than the Safeway on 31st. The produce here looks good, smells good, probably tastes good.
The people that work here are nice.
They have what I need.
And it's convenient.
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I live four blocks away and regularly walk to the store for the full local experience. Honestly though, for such a small space, the store is packed with everything you might ever need and want. They have great selection (better than any big chain) of fresh and organic vegetables and fruits, they have excellent choices of imported chocolates and goodies, and best of all, for those vegetarian and vegan -- they got it all!!! The also sell very earth friendly non-food items such as soaps, shampoos, and lotions that don't test on animals, lots of herbal choices of medicine, and your local newspapers.
Of course, the most extraordinary thing about this great store, is Dimitri and all of the staff. They go out of their way for friendly service, are always looking to help you, and ask you about your day, and I honestly think Dimitri must remember the whole neighborhood by now... I mean, shit, he's even met my Dad from San Diego and still regularly asks about him.
Overall, I'd urge all of the nearby Sunset fiends to support this local business, as they are better in every way than any big chain out there (they even use recycleable non-petroleum bags with soybased ink).
Wow!
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I WORSHIP at the church of Noriega Produce. I swear, this little strip of shops on Noriega saves my ASS every time, and Noriega Produce is #1 in the Ass-Saving Department. When I'm coming home from work and I can't BEAR the thought of the fluorescent hell that is Safeway or Albertson's, Noriega's my ticket.
The staff RULES (Dimitri should be the Honorary Mayor of Noriega). The selection is great for a shop of its size. The speciality brands are a delight. They carry my favorite shaving cream (Kiss My Face Key Lime) and lots of other cosmetic goodies.
I can't tell you how many times I've woken up and been horrified to find that I have run out of coffee beans/milk and been so happy to be able to blearily stumble into Noriega (they open at 8, bless their hearts) and get what I need, feeling no shame about being all skanked out in a beanie, hoodie, and Uggs. It IS the beach, after all. Matter 'o fact, this very situation happened to me the other morning and I was short of cash (took $12 and left my wallet with the 20s at home) and they fronted me $4 so I could buy a whole POUND of French Roast. I came back that evening to pay it back and buy even more stuff; where on earth can you find that kind of neighborhood down-home dynamic like that, you know?
Speaking of which, one of the best things about this place IS it's neighborhood vibe, sense of community, 'oh hey i know you from the store,' etc. If this place closed up I'd leave the Sunset. I heart Noriega Produce!
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A great selection and lots of it. They never seem to be low on anything. Much of the produce can be had as either organic or regular. The staff always seems sincerely friendly, welcoming you as you come in.
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i liked it but $2.50 for an organic avacado seems pretty ridiculous to me personally.
but the place has such a cool flavor and everything seems fresh. how can you not love that. you can buy a nice piece of fruit and walk to the ocean... thats what life is all about.
and they have a great beer selection. how nice to actually find a place carrying the anchor steam christmas ale.
so my christmas wish is that this place would cut the prices just a tad. and i promise i will come in more and more.
Dimitri's family owns this nice, kick-ass produce store right down on the strip here in Ocean Beach. Prices are very reasonable.. they have lots of fresh organic and standard produce, sometimes even Rambutan.. lots of chocolates, wines, and good selections of bulk items as well (grains, rice, nuts, etc.)
Street parking only.. and on weekends can be hard to find a spot, but since i don't have a car, and only live 2 blocks away, i don't care.
;)
Gorgeous produce, better than anything I find at Safeway and easier than hitting the farmer's market. A lot of the stuff is very affordable organic/sustainable. Most things are priced as "each" which can help out your bottom line if you grab the bigger pieces. You'll find everything you need here including soy oil, cheeses and sustainably farmed, local whole chickens. The staff is very nice and doesn't look at you like you're crazy for conserving plastic bags.
I would pack my bags and move out of the neighborhood if this gem of a grocery store did not exist. Who needs those huge chain stores when I have my own personal mini version of trader joe's. Dmitri for president!!!!
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I love Noriega Produce and have been shopping with them for years. It's great they have beer and wine now to add to the amazing selection they have in a relatively small market. Dimitri is almost always in the store, and not only is he really friendly, but the rest of the staff is, too. Dimitri's also eager and helpful with wine selection. I'm so glad to have them in my neighborhood!
Five stars alone for being a true family, neighborhood place. How rare is it that you can dash in for a gallon of milk and while checking out have a quick conversation about how your Dad is doing, what you're having for dinner, and just what island you should hit in Greece? I love the people who work here, the convenience of the store, and being able to support the independent salesmen.
Their produce is always fresh and in great shape. Along with that, they have a nice selection of breads and other things you might need for dinner.
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I usually only shop here during the summer months, when all my favorite fruits are in season. This place is within walking distance to my house, and a few steps away from La Playa Taqueria. Every cashier who's ever worked here has been friendly. The guy I usually see is Dmitri (hope I'm spelling your name right!), who's always up for a quick friendly chat and helpful hints for picking good produce. I wish they stayed open a bit later, and sometimes they have too much overripened fruit, even mushy on a few occasions, but overall I think it's worth shopping here.
"This market offers everything to the neighborhood, fresh produce is awesome, small meat selection, herbs and spices. The people that run and own it are super nice. Its always nice to support the community rather than face the nightmare that is Albertsons or Safeway."
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One of two family-owned and operated shops.They've remodeled this one by 45th Ave recently, and the place looks great - paintings hung along the high ceilings, new cash wrap, more room for the non-prescription drugs. Oh and the produce is good, too. As cheap as those not-so-clean Asian corner produce markets (yeah, yeah, I AM Asian, I can say that!) and they have some organic offerings, too.
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is it economically feasible to drive 3 miles to this location to save $1.50/lb. on hippie organic mueslix (puh-leaze, for the man, certainly not for me) or drive 1 mile to Andronico's and spend G'damn $5.49/lb. on the exact same product ? fuck yes. and while I'm at it, I'd pick up a gallon of Clover nonfat milk and our weekly supply of fresh veggies too. Noriega's quality is on par with any of the big markets and you get pleasant service to boot.
but don't rollerblade in here, you will get the evil eye.
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My family's been coming here for YEARS. They carry a bunch of vegetables (not as many organic ones as they used to, sadly) as well as various food products and vitamins and whatnot. The family that owns and runs it is really sweet and the prices rock! Oh, and the female cashier is pretty hot. :D
Minus a star for the slight dinginess and the fact that the produce isn't always in good shape.
(By the way, it seems like one of the guys that works there is a Yelper! I overheard him telling a woman at the cash register to review them. Hi, dude who works there!)
We don't even call this place Noriega Produce, we just say we are going to Dimitri's store. Dimitri for President!!!!!!!!!! The only thing I have trouble getting here is regular coconut milk, other than that...this store has everything that we need. No need to ever leave the neighborhood!!! Dimitri has a great staff going right now...everyone is super friendly and sincere. Unfortunately we still do a Trader Joe's run for toilet paper because in our household we go through it quick. I love the community feeling in the outer sunset right now, it seems to have opened up a bit more lately! I lived out here for years and then moved to the mission and now i am back and glad to be here!
i'm extraordinarily lucky to live across the street from this place. yeah, it's a little pricey, but it's good quality, esp the produce. the quintissential community small business. now that they have beer and wine, no reason to go anywhere else.
i just joined yelp recently and need to write another review. i've been only taking advantage of our relationship and not giving back. continue to do so, and you may leave me brokenhearted. i realize yes, that its a two way street. and it is time to water the plants. but as a denizen of sf for some time now, i have oh so many choices. hmmm ... i've chosen you, noriega produce.
this town can be a difficult place for me stay home and cook. but you, only a few blocks away, i've heard your calls ringing like the constant wave action of ocean beach, beckoning me with guilt. calls to stock my refridgerator and cupboards with organic goodness. and now you've got a small selection of free range organically fed meats? there's no excuse, i know, i know, i save money when i cook and its good for me. but i'm still going to indulge in the expensive yummy euro-chocolate thats under the counter.
now if you can only do my dishes.
knuckles dimitri.
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