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Categories: Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
Neighborhood: Wicker ParkDamen (Blue)
Mon-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
"Cermak Produce is one of the better produce stores in Chicago, and for price it's the best in the area. And contrary to the name including…" read more »
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I've only been here once for about 5 minutes.
In those 5 minutes, I managed to secure the absolute perfect sushi wine and a bacon-maple lollipop (with REAL bacon bits! Woo!) I also happened to notice while being checked out that the flower boquets up front are really original and cool looking.
Wine? Bacon? Flowers? Good enough for me.
Oh Oh Oh Olivia's. This darling neighborhood market is amazing. Great selection, great brands, great deli, great spirits.
What does my basket always hold: baguette, Boar's head meats. Hummus and cheese. Fresh spinach, carrots and seasonal fruit. Jalapeno potato chips, not-dogs, and pita chips. And, of course, I save the best for last: a 6-pack of beer (Anchor Steam, Bell's or whatever my selective spouse has requested) and a fine wine for me. All this. Always under $50.
Why waste time and mental energy with a rickety cart at a grodie over-sized store like Jewel or Dom's. Spend some time at Olivia's. It's grocery therapy.
Grocery-ing can be an event for a lady-pedestrian like me.
Firstly, I'm a lady who likes to grocery shop. I like the colors and smells of the produce, the way the flowers look (if there are flowers to be seen, of course), the way the dried goods stack up beside one another...and if there's a liquor department, I like to see decent wine varietals and a gorgeous bottle of bourbon proximal to one another.
Eureka, I say!
For the little things, on the way home, Olivia's in the place. I stumbled into Olivia's hoping to pick up some yogurt without the hike to any of the aforementioned establishments. I got it. And some coffee and a little Amy's soup. Truth be told, it's on the pricey side. However, for those on-the-way-home necessities, this is my favorite discovery.
I mean, c'mon. They carry the Woodford Reserve that Polonia does not.
While saying goodbye to my sweetie pie last Sunday I was overcome with sadness. Not having my manfriend around for 4 months doesn't go over well, so what's a girl to do? Go to a bar & drink away her sorrows? Nah. Go on a shopping spree. Nah, I don't need an excuse to do that. Ahhh, I know. Buy cheese...and crackers...and eat them for dinner!
I stumbled into Olivia's after an afternoon of moping around Wicker Park & boy am I glad I did. It's a cute little market that is full of little specialty items along with some major brands (cereal, crackers, etc). I passed the freeze dried fruit, the organic pastas, the insane amount of cracker varieties, and arrived home in the cheese section. Yum, yum! While reading all the different kinds of cheese they had & what they could be paired with (yes, they take care of that for you!) I decided on a delicious semi-soft sheeps milk cheese paired with some local sesame & garlic crackers. Both smelled absolutely delicious & I just couldn't wait to get home & stuff my face.
And stuff my face I did. I finished half of the cheese up that night & while my stomach wasn't too pleased I couldn't wipe that cheesy grin off my face. I'm hoping to find any and all excuses to make my way to Olivia's over & over again.
Mmmm, yuppie snacks. Like Jenny T says below - the cheese & crackers selection is pretty good. So again, yuppie snacks. Get the 3 bean salad from the deli.
Minus one star because the produce is a touch too expensive for my taste.
I was bored one day and decided to go walking around Bucktown/Wicker Park because there are so many pretty houses and cute shops to discover...
and discover I did! I found this little gem!!! It's like a kids' sized Whole Foods.
Tons of FRESH FRESH FRESH fruits and veggies. Great selection of Kefir. Meat and sandwiches in the back. Most of their stuff is organic and 'healthy' but they do have some name brand products and a large variety of chocolate, candies, and cookies! But it's all really good. The strawberries I bought were perfection. And I've really enjoyed the other items, yogurt, kefir, cookies, etc I got as well.
My one gripe is the price...$5.17 for a box of Frosted Flakes?! Hellz to the no.
Ok-This place has REAL black and white cookies. They are imported from the Bronx and as a native New Yorker I must say, they are the real thing! And only $2!
This is a cute and quaint neighborhood grocery store. They carry vegetarian stuff such as tofu and seitan. Lots of gourmet cheeses, a little bit of necessary produce. Interesting things to look at.
it is pricey. And like other's have said, it reminds me of a mini Whole Foods.
Someone please tell me though...what is that smell? Does anyone else notice a smell when they walk in that isn't so pleasant?
I was super hungry so I popped in for a quick bite. I had the most fresh and delicious pasta salad here!
Too bad it was overpriced. They had a lot of interesting veggies and the like in the grocery section. Don't know if I'd go back ... A little impractical as a grocery store that can meet all my needs.
While I am a CostCo girl through and through, there are -believe it or not- times I forget to put something on the list, don't want to buy in bulk, or simply can't find what I'm looking for. Honestly, this doesn't happen often but, when it does, I'll run over to Olivia's Market.
Every time I'm there I am amazed at the number of people who seem to do all of their grocery shopping there. Do you not realize that you are paying way more than you have to?
On the flip side, I'm also pleasantly surprised at how they can fit so many different things in such a small space. Manchego cheese? check. Serrano ham? check. Dates? check. Bacon? check. Canned tomatoes? check. cilantro? check. (yes yes it was tapas night)
Also, they have beautiful flowers. Gorgeous. But, alas, they carry a price tag to match.
Even though this place is yuppie central (sick), if you decide to check it out, you'll fit right in as long as you don't forget to bring your canvas grocery bag with you.
I'll be honest, I only came here for the black and white cookies. Apparently, they're a New York thing, and I've been dying to get my hands on one for the past month, but couldn't find them anywhere. Finally, after a Google search for "black and white cookies in Chicago," I was lead to Olivia's.
It's a cute little market. I think I was most impressed with the flower selection. They even had my fav, peonies, but they had a large variety, and everything looked so fresh.
I walked out with 10 bucks worth of black and white cookies (two packages of mini ones), and I was a happy camper. They aren't exactly like the ones from New York (the cake part is a little too light and fluffy, not dense enough), but they hit the spot.
I can't really comment on the rest of the market because I had one thing on my mind that night, but I would definitely come back.
Olivia's is that super cute neighborhood grocery you have always dreamed of. Produce, a great deli with premade salads and sandwiches, GT's Kombucha, and plenty of delicious treats to satisfy your needs. And when you check out make sure to grab some 10-cent candy at the counter.
my dearest olivia,
your market sure is swell. your mousse truffle pate makes me squeal with delight. your italian sandwich, piled high with my favorite salty meats, makes my tastebuds jump for joy. your eight-grain salad is a flavor-orgy. your fresh pretzel rolls turn my dining room into a wait-free kuma's corner. your chip, dip and cracker selection makes entertaining others (read: myself) a breeze, and your cheeses? ... *sigh.* your cheeses are divine. despite your sophisticated air, your storefront parking makes you an ideal quickie-candidate, and you know i love a woman who knows how to keep it real ...
olivia, you're fab. you're switched on. you're a bit of alright. don't ever change (unless you want to lower your prices; then, please change away).
My family and I moved from Bucktown to Lincoln Square and, while we're really enjoying all of the fantastic restaurants and shops in our new neighborhood, WE MISS OLIVIA'S SO MUCH. The fresh produce, melt-in-your-mouth malted milk balls, Tate's cookies, organic dairy products, high-quality baby food, beer and wine selection, etc. Yes, it absolutely is expensive but, for the convenience, selection, and kind service, there really is no other place like it.
Olivia and Co,
If you are looking for a second location, please consider Lincoln Square. I promise, I'll be the first one in the door!
Conveniently located, they have some of the staples you might need, only problem it's a little pricey. However, their deli meat selection is quite impressive as is their charcuterie. At first I was disappointed that they didn't have an actual meat counter, however, the girl behind the deli counter showed us where the steaks and other meats were. All were vacuumed seal and all appeared to be organic and of great quality. Sure enough, the skirt steak was awesome and the pork tenderloin was even better...
This is a great place to get fresh flowers in the area. Even on a busy day, like Mother's Day, they were so helpful and took the time to make beautiful floral bouquets to order. Prices were also reasonable for the great quality.
I'm torn on which I love better- Olivia's Market or Goddess and the Grocer.
Both places are fantastic for finding gourmet finds, a great bottle of wine, or something little tasty treat. I tend to come here on impulse when I am in the mood to have a lazy, indulgent day.
It's a great little store on those days where you want to splurge on something edible for yourself.
This place is cute - I think it will be useful for forgotten grocery items or midweek stops. It is a specialty store, so of course it is a bit more expensive. They have lots of coffee, marinades, flowers, etc. Small produce section - couldn't tell if it was local-ish or organic, but it sure was pretty! should add that they also have unfrozen but prepackaged ground beef, skirt steak, chicken, pork etc. from local farms. But I am sad to report they do not have a coffee grinder in the store. I guess I need to purchase a grinder because I don't like pre-ground. Boo! Maybe Goddess and the Grocer has a grinder....
YES...!!!JACKPOT.....Try the DELI MEATS!! amazing...and the peanut butter...."butter nut" its amazing. And the tomatilla sauce, and all the spicy pickles, and the pepers. However this place is only a specialty store and missing many things. This is a place to get a few things that you really love. And This is the only place where i LOVE the DELI meats...try the spicy chiken, and the turkey.
If money were no object, I'd shop here most of the time.
Reality is that you can find a number of the products here at the chain stores, for a fraction of the price. Still, in a pinch, this is a great store to have in the neighborhood. With a nice mix of dairy, fruits/veggies, snacks, beer, and wine, this place has most everything you'd need.
Where they will continue to get my money is their deli department. Not only do they have Boar's Head products, but the time and care given by the employees in that department is far superior to anything else in this neighborhood.
I think this place is amazing from fruit/veg selection to their organic steaks, to their awesome array of dips, mustards, chips and wines. They really pack a lot into a seemingly small place.
My only bone to pick is on price. They are really high, but I live 2 blocks away and the convenience and quality trump a few extra bucks.
If you're in the hood, stick your head in and check it out.
Lovely market with a wonderful assortment of some of my favorite labels Morton & Bassett, Nueske's and Boar's Head. Prices are very good.
Wish we had a market like this by us.
Thanks Cory and Brian for all your help and time.
I really adore Olivia's. Yes it is more expensive then larger grocery stores but you are paying for convenience. This place really has helped cut out my need for a car. When I am in a pinch and need something Olivia's is right down the street and has everything I need. Then I can use an iGo to head to the bigger shops for more economical bi-weekly shopping.
And I can't speak highly enough of their fine cheese selection.. I shouldn't be sharing this, but I hold this place accountable for the fact that my favorite jeans no longer fit.
I really am going to have to find a suitable substitute when I move out of the neighborhood.. but then again maybe my waistline with thank me.
Upscale mini gourmet grocery/bodega: quality teas, fancy cheeses, some deli meats, imported beer, Meyers cleaning supplies, small array of produce, Vosges chocolates, etc etc etc. Plus the NYT. In other words, not a place for a regular family to stock up, just a place to replenish your predictable upper middle class refrigerator with those little special gourmet somethings. Oh, but you wont find Honest Tea here.
Also, the night time cashier (early 20s, girl) on 10/23/07 was pretty rude. Fine if you dont want to crack a smile. But bitch, where are your manners? I say thank you, you say something back. And if im not chatty kathy like mr jockman here, its b/c i have a fucking sinus infection headache.
Anyway, great neighborhood addition.
This place completes the trifecta of walking distance food purveyors in Wicker Park area: Olivia's, Goddess & the Grocer for gourmet ready to-go/prepared foods, and the Mini Mart for those desperado times you need Band-Aids or cheap TP or a dusty can of evaporated milk.
It is a block from my house.
I can get penny candy, great beer and wine, beautifully fresh cut flowers and eco friendly toilet paper in under 2 minutes-
Perfect-
For some reason I like spreading my grocery shopping across five different stores and Olivia's is one of the stops on my grocery circuit. I don't buy much from Olivia's, but what I do get I really enjoy. So much so that I go out of my way to get said items.
My shopping list for Olivia's is the following: 1lb Oven Roasted Boars Head Turkey breast cut thin but not so thin that the pieces fall apart, lb Black Forest Boars Head Ham cut in a similar fashion as the turkey we discussed earlier in the list, 1/2 lb Boars Head Cheddar Cheese, and 2 black and white cookies.
The black and white cookies are the real reason that I make the trek over to Olivia's. These east coast classics are sooooooooo good. However, before devouring one be prepared to ask yourself the question, "Should I eat the black or white side first?"
I also really enjoy the all natural Boars Head deli meats. They actually taste like turkey or ham. Most deli meats are so injected with water and preservatives that they really don't taste like anything other than....water and preservatives. While I am waiting at the deli counter I typically flirt with the idea of popping for a jar full of Rick's Pick's. However, in the end I can't bring myself to pay $9.00 for some pickles or pickled beets. Sorry Rick... whoever you are.
1 lb turkey
1 lb ham
1/2 lb cheddar cheese
2 black and white cookies
------------------------------------
$22.00
Great little grocery store. Super awesome soups - especially the tomato cheddar. I sometimes go here and stock up my office kitchen with lunch-meat, cheeses (great selection), pita chips, snacks - that sort of stuff.
Prices - about what you'd expect for a small high-end grocer. But not terrible. $25 worth sandwich materials and snacks gets me through a week of lunches.
Favorite item: pretzel roll. they're like $1.50 and help make the world's most awesome ham sammich. Dip that in some soup - pure hedonsim. PURE HEDONISM!
I stop here on a daily basis to pick up a few things. The sandwiches are wonderful ... especially the turkey with avocado, sprouts, tomato & onion for $6.50. Its always fresh.
They have an amazing fresh flower section ... all reasonably priced. I also like the laid back ... yet attentive staff.
They also have reserved street parking for easy in and out.
Adorable little place the target market of which I am so not a member of.
Damn, that sentence was tortured as hell but I STILL ended it with a preposition? Help, anyone?
I think this is Bucktown not Wicker Park... but who freaking knows??
quaint, cozy, warm, friendly.......EXPENSIVE!
Olivia's Market was the brainchild of a former stock trader named Billy, who was inspired by the wealth of tiny grocery stores in residential NYC. If you like shopping at Whole Foods, you'll have no problem finding the foods you love at Olivia's. There's a lot of local products here, too, like Milk and Honey granola and Terry's Toffee. The black and white cookies are awesome, and my girlfriend loves their fresh flowers that they get delivered every week.
The store is only a couple years old, so you'll see changes inside every so often, but they're usually for the better. You can now get a cup of fresh-brewed coffee and sip as you shop - perfect for those lazy weekend shopping trips.
If you drive here, there's a couple of reserved parking spots right in front of the store for Olivia's, but if they're full, you can park anywhere down the street on Wabansia since the street is no-permit.
Every neighborhood should have a good little organic market like Olivia's.
Quaint, helpful grocery store tucked away off Damen. It's perfect for those few things you forgot to pick up at Jewel/Dominick's/Trader Joe's, etc.
I'm a recent college-grad, so it's not the cheapest place (that's the price you pay for convenience), but always clean, well-stocked, well-lit, and staffed by helpful folks.
I just stumbled upon this place today. It's a nice little gourmet grocery....but bigger than Goddess and Grocer. They had a nice assortment of Olive Oils, Pastas, Noodles, condiments...the stuff you expect to see at a gourmet market. The produce is really fresh and usually lasts for a while. The store also has a small selection of wine and a small, but nice selection of imported and microbrewed beers. For example, I picked up a bottle of Allagash Grand Cru on a recent trip.
I'll check this place out first the next time I'm making a dish that calls for any ingredients I wouldn't find at Strack & Van Til. Other than that, I don't think this place could completely replace my trip to the larger grocery stores.
This place is, as other reviewers have noted, a mini-Whole Foods, without the crowds. Even though the store is tiny, I feel like I could spend hours in here. Their coffee that they have in-store is not bad, their black-and-white cookies are delicious.
They also have a great (and not too pricey) beer and wine selection.
It's a lot closer to my place than Jewel or Stanley's, so it's an easy go-to when I just need to pick a few things up for dinner; definitely worth paying the extra few dollars for.
Overall I really like this place, but I am pretty selective in what I buy. While they do carry some unique, high quality items, some of the others are just kind of overpriced. The major standout to me is the deli meats - hard to find Boar's Head to begin with, and their prices are the same as you pay for Sarah Lee or whatever (yuck) at Jewel - a no brainer to me! Their produce is generally very fresh and good, though is a bit more expensive than some others. They do support local products which is nice. The stuff I can get at Jewel for much cheaper, I get at Jewel...but to pick up sandwich stuff, a few quick veggies, and maybe the occassional treat...this is a great go-to in the neighborhood
I tried very much to love this store. It is, like other reviewers have described, a Whole-Foods-like convenience store. The prices are a little higher and they have a nice selection of products.
My major complaint is that, for these prices, the produce and other foods should be fresher. I have come here many times and walked out empty handed simply because the price was too much and the products I wanted were wilted or about to expire.
I really like this place.
It is great for certain odds and ends, like wine and deli meat. Service is good too.
This is such a great little grocery with both high end, imported, or hard to find products and regular every day products. It's the classiest corner store you will ever find (but it's not on the corner).
so you can't go to olivia's for everyday groceries (or at least i can't), but it really is a fantastic neighborhood market. they have really high quality food products. i asked if they had creme fraiche one time. although they didn't have it, the next time i went in, it was there. maybe this was just a coincidence but i think they listen to customers. they have a good selection of flowers and are open pretty late, which is great if you need something last minute.
This is a clean, well-organized neighborhood grocery store with quality items and a decent wine selection, however, this place is EXPENSIVE! Seemingly on average a dollar more than Whole Foods for the same product... perhaps convenient if you live in the neighborhood but I don't so I won't be back.
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Category: Meat Shops
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Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Category: Specialty Food
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Category: Fruits & Veggies
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