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Penzeys Spices
Category: Food Specialty Food Specialty Food [Edit]
1347 4th StSanta Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 917-5577
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Penzeys Spices
Review Highlights
"Sample jars are available to smell and sniff."
(in 5 reviews)
"Love to cook, cook to love."
(in 3 reviews)
"They have their own spice blends as well as some common..."
(in 7 reviews)
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Shanno N.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2012
Hmm. I have walked by this place several times whenever I'm in the SM area and I never had any intention of going in; for this would require me to use that place within the apartment called the kitchen.
I had to have a technician come out to fix the computer and he told me that since he wasn't too far from Penzey's Spices, he was going to make his way over (more for his wife than himself). I asked him specifically what he liked there since I've never been, and he tells me there was something called 'Pasta Sprinkles' that was really good whether you used sauce on your pasta or not. Since I've been slacking with sauce recently and could use some new simple ideas for food, I figured this might be a great gateway attempt to 'cooking' for me.
When I arrived, I tried to look around myself but finally enlisted the help of a really nice lady behind the counter who walked me right on over. I was pleased to see these spices come in different sizes, priced from $1.79+. Perfect. I bought the smaller jar as a trial for me, admitting grudgingly that I was looking forward to using it tonight.
Well I did and I didn't even add capers or use the good old green can of parmesan cheese. I simply tossed the cooked pasta with butter and a little olive oil, sprinkled in the spice, and enjoyed 2 meals out of it (dinner then lunch the following day).
If I ever attempt more in the kitchen, I would be happy make room for Penzey's on a shelf (and I have plenty of space for it).
If they lack Penzey's back east, I'm sure Dean & Deluca could be a contender for runner-up... -
Review from Ashley C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/10/2011
Spice heaven. A slight premium compared to supermarket brands, but exponentially better quality. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. One lady was particularly patient with me as I bombarded her with questions about their spice blends.
The "Sunny Paris" blend is delicious on chicken. Really livens up scrambled eggs and egg salad. Can't wait to try the other spice blends.
Tip: Don't put your nose too close to the spice jars when sniffing the curry powders. Oh my gracious I spent 5 minutes in hot tears after snorting vindaloo powder. -
Review from Jeanie C.
8/26/2011
The selection here is really amazing, and the employees were very helpful to me. I love how they have little sample jars that you can smell, and things come in various sizes so you're not forced into buying a huge jar of something you might only use a couple times before it goes stale. Prices were more than reasonable.
Why not 5 stars? The weekday hours are pretty inconvenient, and location is terrible for locals - I shudder every time I think about having to deal with 3rd Street Promenade tourist traffic and parking, especially when the hours force me to go there on the weekend. Regardless, I will definitely come back here! -
Review from Venus R.
Santa Monica, CA
1/3/2012
Fun store! Big selection and I love the boxed packages, perfect for gift giving (I'll have to drop hints to hubby). Love their smokey seasoning salt, hot chili powder, hot curry powder, anything spicy. Prices were moderate, sales people friendly and best of all, you can smell/taste before you buy. I'd rather pay more than "wing it" on cheaper stuff from any market.
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Review from Kelly J.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2011
Such a great store! I was introduced by a friend who gave me a bunch of spices as a housewarming gift. I've come to regard it now as one of my go-to gift resources for my friends who cook.
Their products are excellent quality and yet the prices are very reasonable and they have several different sizes which is very smart. Who wants a big jar of something you might only use once a month? The little 2 oz jars are perfect for some items.
I love the shallot salt and shallot pepper seasonings - phenomenal flavor! I also love their wide selection of curry powders. There are too many faves to list here, but rest assured you're certain to find something unique and incredibly inspirational here. You can buy it on line, but it's a great experience to go into the store.Listed in: Marketing
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Review from Laura G.
5/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This store makes me want to cook more! I could spend hours checking out the spices - I know, I am FUN!!!
My favorites:
Greek Seasoning: I use this on all my salads. Perfect for cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and feta.
Chicago Steak Seasoning: It smells smokier that it tastes - I use it as a rub with a little truffle salt and my steaks are world famous (at least among my friends).
Turkish Oregano: I use this in my salads as well - and pasta dishes. Good oregano can make all the difference.
Tandoori Seasoning: Great on chicken.
They are very helpful and you can sample almost everything. If I can't make it to the store and I'm running low I order on line. -
Review from Hilary C.
Altadena, CA
6/26/2011
I've seen some reviewers disparaging Penzeys as some sort of corporate giant that sells inferior spices, but nothing could be farther from the truth.
Penzeys is an American small business that sells products far superior to the faded, blah spices you find in the grocery store and on par with the lovely Spice Station stores in Southern California. In fact, Penzys is an eye-opening experience for people who love to cook but have relied on off-the shelf spices.
I love Penzeys because of:
The staff. Friendly, helpful enthusiastic cooks who know what they're talking about, will help you choose, for example, from the half-dozen varieties of cinnamon for the perfect fit for your dish.
Amazing variety: I already mentioned cinnamon, but Penzeys also carries a variety of chilies and dried pepper pods, several kinds paprika, dozens of spice blends and has lots of options for packing them into custom gifts. Plus all the herbs and spices you would expect a well-stocked kitchen to have and several I had never heard of before I started catalog-shopping here.
Location location location! Penzeys has a store in Santa Monica and another in Torrance to keep SoCal foodies happy. And you can always order online.
Try jars: Most herbs and spices Penzeys sells in the store have their own jars for sampling--smell it, taste it, and try it before you buy.
I buy almost all my spices at Penzeys. Like Jeanette, I buy my Indian ingredients at Farm Fresh in Little India, but mostly just because I use so much of them and blend my own masalas. However, you'll have to pick out stems and stray material that you'll never see in a Penzeys package. Penzeys' are fresh, pure (no leaves, stems, rocks or filler) and always delicious. I highly recommend Penzeys. -
Review from Jeanette I.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2011
Whenever I'm hanging out at the Farmer's Market or on the Promenade, I always like to make a detour over to Penzey's. It's a fun store to browse, especially if you like to cook. It's set up so you can smell everything and they have an amazing selection of spices, most of which are reasonably priced.
The only thing I wouldn't buy here are Indian spices, which are infinitely cheaper in Indian grocery stores and just as fresh (maybe fresher). Perhaps the same could be said for some of the other ethnic spices, but I'm not sure. I haven't done comparison shopping for anything other than Indian spices.
It's also worthwhile to sign up to receive their catalogue in the mail. It often has coupons (last month, a free jar of minced garlic!) and some simple but tasty recipes.
Penzey's web site is lame. It looks like it was created when web design was still just a glimmer in a home computer user's eye. Very text-heavy, not visual at all, and not organized particularly well. It's a shame they haven't put the same effort into the web site as they have into the catalogue. Avoid the web site unless you know exactly what you want. Even then, go to the store instead -- it's more fun! -
Review from Keila N.
2/12/2011 5 photos
My friend is a serious cook so taking him here was like taking a kid to a candy store. Penzeys has every kind of spice that you can think of. I didn't know that there were so many!
The spices smelled so wonderful! It was exciting to browse and discover so many varieties.
I picked up a curry powder. It was 1 oz for $3.99. A bit pricey, I thought. I wondered if it's better quality than what I can get in an Indian grocery store for less. -
Review from Donna S.
Santa Monica, CA
11/4/2011
This place rocks and what a great staff! So knowledgeable and helpful and love the atmosphere of the store, casual and relaxed.
I have thrown out all of my spices from Whole Foods, etc and have replaced them at Penzey's. It is a mecca for the serious cook!!! -
Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2011
-gasp- I'm the only person who is giving this anything less than 4 stars? Well you see here, folks, this is because I cannot be fooled. Penzeys is a novel concept, but there are others who simply do it way better,with more variety, and lower prices. Penzeys is a spice store (they have a catalog, too) and while I do love places where I can get my spices all in one place, it is lacking in selection and the freshness of these spices are questionable. I don't like that things are already vaccum-sealed and that you need to purchase things in the amounts that they sell them in.
What if I only need 2 ounces of garam masala? Oh, you only sell it in 4ounces? Well...nevermind then. Oh, wait...you don't carry Arrowroot or Aleppo pepper or whole fennel seeds? Hrm...well...those are what I needed....Needless to say, there are better options (and fresher ones) for those who are truly into cooking. I swear by the Spice Station in Silver Lake...but oh wait...they have one in Santa Monica, too! Serious foodies, don't waste your time here. There are smaller mom and pops who will give you what you need, with the right prices, in the exact amount you need with no fuss at all.Listed in: Santa Monica!
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Review from dawn d.
Los Angeles, CA
10/8/2011
I love this store. I only wish the 2 stores out here were not all the way in Santa Monica and Torrance. Great prices friendly people who really know their stuff. The store smells wonderful. I never get out of here without buying at least 4 or 5 spices and getting a few new recipes. The prices are reasonable and the quality is high. One hint subscribe to their catalog so you can get a coupon for a free spice with each catalog. I have been introduced to many new spices that way. I love this store.
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Review from Kevin L.
9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place to grab spices!!! The service here was friendly and incredibly helpful. I will definitely be back for all of my spicy needs!
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Review from Alia D.
2/23/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Clearly, I'm not the smartest person. Here I am raving about how much I love Penzey's but hating the commute to Torrance. 'Um, Alia, why don't you go to the one in Santa Monica?' 0.o Uhhhhh.
Still love Penzey's! I adore the cute mini grandma ish kitchen setup they have here. That is where you will find the baking spices. And I love the little kids pirate ship area. Street parking wasn't too difficult and the customer service is excellent! Buying spices is my new addiction.
By the way, yes, the Dune + Alia +spice ("S/He who controls the spice") joke has been made. And yes, that was a nerd moment. -
Review from Selina S.
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I loved this store! I really enjoyed browsing through all the spices. My favorite thing about the store is the sample jars so you can smell the spices. I'll totally be back when I'm in the area.
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Review from Travis I.
8/5/2010 10 photos
If you cook... shoot, even if you just eat with a gusto, you WILL adore this spice shop. "Shoppe" is more fitting... the extra "p" and "e" help deliver some of the respect that this establishment deserves. My experience here can only be likened to a religious epiphany. For me, Penzey's was truly a culinary revelation.
EVERY spice you can think of and three different kinds of each spice?... Why, yes, I think I will. EVERYTHING from everyday spices to spices less commonly found here in LA, Penzey's offers all the variety of a Moroccan spice market minus the crazed hordes of people and flies. Not that the charming decor is even necessary (the products more than speak for themselves), but it is a nice touch.
Some things that I saw, which just made me smile:
- A large variety of chocolate powders and cocoas.
- Like a dozen different curries
- A myriad of chillies, ground, dried, and everything in between.
- Sandwich spice! Yes!!
- All sorts of MAKE YOUR OWN SALAD DRESSING mixes: Creamy Peppercorn, Green Goddess, and Ranch... to name just a few.
- Gift baskets with all sorts of goodies, for a REALLY good friend.
- They offer samples of spices in a little sample container. Open it, waft it, love it, buy it. :)
**Most items come in all sorts of sizes and containers, from 4 oz screw cap containers, to 10 ounce bags, just to give you an idea. See the photos**
Herbals, florals, sweets, chilies, salts... and everything in between. Penzey's is the best thing that has happened to Santa Monica in years. I will be back, over and over, both to keep my spice drawer stocked and also to buy gifts for friends. I will gladly sell my soul to Penzey's for a lifetime of their sinful delights. BEST... SPICE SHOP... EVER.Listed in: Super Smiley Service
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Review from Brian U.
Sylmar, CA
3/13/2011
The widest selection of salts, herbs, and spices of any store I've been to in one store. They also have a big collection of seasoning blends along with gift packs. Smell samples are available for almost all items so you know what you're buying and can learn first hand what the differences between cinnamons and paprikas. The samples also confirm that the herbs smell better and stronger than their supermarket counterparts.
When I hear specialty or gourmet food, I expect to get nailed at the register. But the amazing thing is that it's no more expensive than the supermarket. Better food for the same price. I'm all in.
I'm not sure how to make this place better except by adding more locations because Santa Monica (bad parking) and Torrance (not freeway close) are inconvenient. -
Review from Giang L.
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place has so many types of spices! The best part is that they come in different sized bags/jars. This is great because if you're at the farmer's market and you just want to experiment with a new spice, you don't have to worry about buying a big jar that will stay in your cupboard for years and collect dust! Oh, and it's so reasonably priced that it's worth experimenting with different types of spices!
The employees here are so helpful and polite, why would you ever go to a grocery store to buy spices again? -
Review from Ashley B.
South Gate, CA
12/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Maybe it's just because I am a cooking fiend, but I was walking by and came across this store and I just fell in love! They have so many different types of spices! They are all sectioned off: Peppers, Seasonings, Chili, Baking Spices, Curries. I loved it immediately! Also, they are so helpful and have these awesome little recipes at each station! Also, they have little blurbs about the spices on the large spice bottles (Which you can open up and smell) and it tells you what the spices can be used for, which I thought was just so clever!
I bought some spices there, and I felt that it was much more reasonably priced than buying my spices at the grocery store. -
Review from May C.
Erie, CO
8/7/2011
Looooved this place! Tons of spices to look at and they offer a variety of sizes. While it's true that their smallest jars is still a lot, I'd rather pay $1.89 (comes in a glass jar) than for the dinky, little box with a little baggie of thyme that cost $3.99 at Whole Foods.
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Review from Sam V.
Pasadena, CA
6/16/2010
Great Brick and Mortar store. So fantastic to be able to go in and smell the spices before you buy. You will be in sensory overload. The colors and the smells are fantastic. The location is great, easy to walk to from one of the public parking garages.
Cute decorating on this Penzey's, with the old style kitchen sink (Where's Grandma?) I think she's about to bake a pie, or will it be cookies?
Penzey's spices can be purchased in plastic bags to refill your jars or by the jar. They even sell empty jars.
Couple this visit with the Wednesday Farmer's market and you've hit a grand slam. -
Review from ZZ Y.
Santa Monica, CA
3/1/2009
I am very happy about this. A find-all spice emporium in my neighborhood, can't ask for more than that. This location is new, on busy and claustrophobic 4th Street, close to Bank of America between Arizona Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd.
I came in looking for Hot Smoked Paprika, Pink Peppercorns, and the best Cinnamon I could find, which turned out to be "extra fancy Vietnamese Cassia Cinnamon." Had me at extra fancy. I'm a big believer in using the best ingredients possible, especially in baked goods. A simple oatmeal cookie is so much more when the Vanilla is complex and the cinnamon is bold. If you're using Artificial Vanilla extract in your snacks, you need to rethink what kind of person you really are.
Penzeys has the old standby's like Cumin and Fenugreek, many of which can be easily purchased at your local ethnic grocery for much more reasonable prices. What makes the store fun is the jars of blended spices you wouldn't find elsewhere. Crouton seasoning, Krakow Nights (the artist formerly known as Polish Sausage Seasoning), and all the Curries you can stand before your neighbors complain.
So, even if it's a little out of your budget, keep it in mind if you need an interesting gift for someone you enjoy. Most decent people would prefer a set of Cheese Seasoning over another generically scented candle or bubble bath. -
Review from Scott L.
Los Angeles, CA
10/3/2010
The best. Place. Ever.
I used to get stuff from them by mail. Now, I can go in there in person and pick out exactly what I want. They have everything a cook would ever want and then some. From the exotic to the mundane. It's all there.
Me likey. Lots. -
Review from sarah g.
Brentwood, CA
11/22/2009
The moment we walked into the store, I was crushed by olfactory overload -- 250+ herbs, spices, and seasoning mixes with intriguing-because-they're-ambiguous names like "Sunny Paris!" combined into a full-scale attack and broke through the congestion.
I began to wander the store and look at everything, read everything, see everything, pick up, touch, open, and sniff everything. There was so much there, everything from A is for allspice to Z is for za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend. However, the store is not set up alphabetically in any way. There seemed to be some loose logic around how the spices are grouped together into mini "departments," but it's not totally clear.
No doubt, it's all on purpose so that even if you march into the store with a specific agenda, the confusing categorization and seductive scents will throw you off your own trail.
I wanted to buy everything. Except dried cilantro. Had I been alone, I might have headed down that dark path of abuse and addiction. Thankfully, I was limited by the dollar amount on a gift card.
http://www.thedeliciou... -
Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/23/2009
Most people believe that I never cook at home. It's not true and I actually enjoy the art of cooking even if I'm not a big believer in following recipes. But I do read a ton of cook books and over the years, certain spices have lodged into my brain. I was very happy to see this emporium of spices!
I am familiar with Penzeys because my best friend loves their spices and she is a fantastic baker and home cook. So, when I walked by this store, I knew I had to stop in for her.
I bought her cocoa baking powder, black peppercorns and Northwood seasoning per her request. Those three items were just under $13.
But for me, ah, I had a field day! I got ground celery (not celery salt), a pound of kosher salt for $1.55, coriander, a bag of Turkish bay leaves and pickling spices. I spent under $14. I probably would have bought more but had to stop myself. Okay, so maybe I don't cook that much to warrant an extravagant purchase! But I was so intrigued by their various spice blends and DIY salad dressings.
I was so happy, I went home and cooked!
What was really neat was to see they carried real wasabi and what I felt was a pretty reasonable price.
Most of the spices, dried herbs and blends came in various sized bags and bottles. I bought everything bagged but you can buy bottled versions for more.
I'm going back for pink peppercorns. I dream of making my version of pink peppercorn honey.Listed in: Goods and Services
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Review from Lyle A.
Anaheim, CA
8/18/2009
Penzey's, an oasis near the beach,
almost every spice imaginable within reach.
Cinnamon, curry powders, and chocolate too,
So many great smells waiting for you!
Sample jars are available to smell and sniff,
Look piper nigrum, take a whiff!
Oh Penzey's your prices are also fair,
Look a gift basket of basic spices over there!
Penzey's is truly one of a kind! The sample jars also make choosing the right spice easy, not all cinnamons were created equal! Another nice touch is the premixed spices to jazz up your soup, baked goods, or curry dish. -
Review from Tommy L.
Santa Monica, CA
10/16/2010
Finally a place that is local that has almost every spice one can think of...!
I cook a lot of cajun/creole cuisine and have an increasingly difficult time finding file' (That's "fee-lay" as in: file' gumbo) but this place has it along with every other spice imaginable. I keep hoping that someone will gift one of their "spice boxes" to me for my b-day...so far no luck..:)
Although the price is a little more than I'd like, the convenience far outweigh the cost. -
Review from Sheridan S.
Culver City, CA
11/14/2009
oh, Penzey's.. you evil temptress. How dare you tempt me into picking up a bag of ground cumin and coriander.. and natural cocoa powder.. and dill... and numerous other sinfully wonderful smelling spices. When I heard you had opened in Santa Monica, I wept a bit since it saves me from driving down to Torrance. I covet your numerous varieties of cinnamon and cassia.. I read and compared all the paprikas and got misty when seeing the array of extracts. How I love you....
If you cook.. respect your creations and go get the fresh wonderful spices. the price comparison alone is eye-opening when you consider how much you pay and get at the grocery store. There is a mail-order catalog for when you can't haul yer arse to the store. -
Review from Laura P.
Culver City, CA
10/23/2009
Over the last, oh, six months or so, I've become obsessed with cooking in general, but particularly cooking with spices. Sadly, as a recent college grad with no money to burn on the spotty spice inventory of my local Ralphs, I found myself salivating over recipes that I could not afford to splurge $6 for a tiny jar of ground mustard.
Enter: Penzeys.
My boyfriend and I spent over an hour in this place, sticking our noses in just about every sample jar just because we could. The staff was very friendly, asking if it was our first time in the shop, but not overbearing. I really hate it when people bother me when I'm shopping, and the staff just let us do our thing but let us know they were there to answer any questions.
In my delirium/excitement (note: always make a list!), I forgot to pick up the ground mustard, but walked away with my fair share of dutch-process cocoa, dill weed, marjoram, French tarragon, and Albanian rubbed sage, all for about $10. The boyfriend was even inspired to indulge himself a bit with their taco seasoning mixes and dried jalapeno pepper. We also picked up a few empty jars (FYI: if you break/misplace the lids or shaker caps, Penzeys will replace them for free) for when we start harvesting our herb garden.
Needless to say, this place is a godsend--an incredible variety of spices at more than reasonable prices, and in a great atmosphere to boot. I'm already planning my next trip, and looking to introduce my crazed baker roommate to the wonder that is Penzeys. -
Review from stacey s.
Santa Monica, CA
4/5/2009
Oh happy day...we finally have Penzeys in Santa Monica! Yes, there is one in Torrance but it's so far from the freeway. Definitely not convenient.
This place is like a candy store for people who like to cook. They have every type of peppercorn known to man. Their spices come in several different sized packages usually ranging from 1 oz. to 1 lb. which makes it really convenient if you only need a small amount.
Another great thing about Penzeys is the price. Their prices are probably about the same as the crappy brands you would normally find at Ralph's or Vons but the quality is MUCH better.
So next time you need "4/S Special Seasoned Salt" or any other spice, go to Penzeys! -
Review from Stephanie K.
Marina del Rey, CA
5/24/2009 15 photos
Ah. "Love to cook, cook to love"
The history of spices has overcome my senses all in one push of the door to Penzey's Spices. The epicenter of the Silk Road on Santa Monica's 4th street has been found! Oh! This is the heavenly place of herbs and spice bliss!
I gathered many small jars of wonderous blends such as "Tuscan Sunset" made with basil, oregano, red bell pepper, garlic, thyme, fennel, black pepper, anise. "Singapore" is a blend of Tellicherry black pepper, lemon peel. garlic, onion, tumeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, fenugreek, nutmeg, fennel, cinnamon, white pepper, cardamom, cloves and cayenne pepper. "Zatar" is sumac, thyme, white sesame seeds, and salt-- perfect for blending into olive oil for pita breads and hummus. Then the single notes, such as "Lemongrass" are good for many dishes, such as soups and veggies. A plentitude of curry seasonings in different blends, herbs, mustards, paprikas, as well as pepper, and salts. A fabulous array of baking spices, cinnamons, vanillas, and nutmegs, cocoa, and blends of apple pie and pumpkin pie spices.
All these are but a few of the many blends, single herbs and spices, and cornucopia of seasonings you will find.
Jars and crates surround you. A kitchen full of baking spices, cocoas and vanillas await your exploration.
The world of spices and seasonings in your hands. You can open the sample jars to smell and see the spices, gather any kind of amount in your basket, and invent new dishes with your bounty. -
Review from Jonathan H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Its an adventure of smell!
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Review from Krystal R.
Anaheim, CA
3/26/2010
Penzeys I think I love you...what a great spice store to have. Too bad it's 2 hours away from my home!! I had dinner up in SM with some girlfriends, and luckily remembered that Penzeys was one of the stores I've been meaning to visit since I was in the neighborhood.
I called the store, and let them know I was lost, because I had to park my car in the garage and they directed me towards the right path. I wish I had more time to explore the store, but I had already written a list of items to purchase. I've been making my own multigrain wheat bread, and needed some spices to top my breads. I bought sesame seeds, poppy seeds, anise seeds, caraway seeds in the 4 oz jars which are decently priced. I also picked up tellicherry peppercorns for my peppercorn grinder, alkalized cocoa powder (dutch processed) for Thomas Keller brownies that I was making - all for $25!! What a great deal. You spend more in the grocery stores for the cheap versions of these spices.
If I had more time to explore the store...I would have bought more. The cashiers were super friendly and nice, and even helped directed me to my next location for dinner. Customer service was really helpful and nice. They have a nice selection of mixed spices, like the Chili 300 or taco seasoning...I definitely want to try some of that!
For my next visit, if I decide to make another trek to SM...I might re-do all my spices. But for now, I'm ordering online to save myself the gas. But the store is a foodies' dream come true, visit it if you want some spices. Make sure you allot at least hour if you want to explore, too! -
Review from Sirinda S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2009
We are so lucky to have a Penzey's Spices in the area. This small, unassuming shop has nearly every spice you've wanted and some you don't even know you need. They have a great selection, top-notch quality, and very reasonable prices. It can be a little overwhelming and difficult to find specific items in the store, but the staff is very helpful. It also helps to look through their mail order catalog before going to the store and make note of which spices you want to get. Another benefit to receiving their mail order catalog is that if often comes with coupons for free spices.
When you go to the store, you should give yourself ample time to browse. They have sample jars of their spices so you can smell them. It's kind of fun trying to distinguish between three different types of cinnamon.
Parking is fairly convienient as the store is across from the multi-tiered public parking lot where the first 2 hours are free.
You may be wondering how anyone can get so excited about a spice shop but try it, you'll see. -
Review from Erin L.
Novato, CA
7/14/2009
While cleaning out my kitchen cupboards, I realized that some of my spices were really old. Like prehistoric. Or college-era, at least. Into the trash they went and off to Penzey's I went.
A whole store devoted to spices is pretty darn cool. Not only can you find the basics here (cinnamon, rosemary, salt) but all sorts of harder to find spices and custom Penzey's blends. There are also several different varieties of most items, so if you'd prefer a sweeter Thyme, you can select that from among the options. Also, most spices come in a range of sizes, from larger tubs to smaller jars, and even baggies that will refill the jars you already own.
I thought the prices here were really reasonable. I got a whole basket-load of spices for like $25. They're way more expensive at the grocery store. I will certainly be back! -
Review from Jessica F.
Santa Monica, CA
3/29/2010
Often when you shop at a specialty store, you are gaining a better selection and a knowledgeable staff but you are sacrificing any plans you have of saving money and retiring early. At Penzey's you can have your (deliciously spiced) cake and eat it too!
The store is staffed with friendly people that seem like they actually know their way around the kitchen and it is stocked with all manor of common and not so common spices, herbs and chilies. If you only buy the cheapest, store-brand spices at the grocery store when they are on a close out sale, Penzey's will not be cheaper. However, if you tend to buy the reasonably priced and decent spices, you won't be paying more at Penzey's. For spices that you use frequently, I recommend buying the 4oz (or larger) bulk bag that they offer as that is the best deal. Penzey's sells glass jars in various sizes and shapes for the bulk spices (or you can refill a jar you have at home).
Beyond the good prices for quality spices, Penzey's also provides a delightful sensory experience. They have a large jar full of a given spice on each shelf that you are able to open and smell. My husband and I spent ten minutes smelling four different cinnamons while we tried to decide which would be the best for our cooking style (we ended up with Penzey's special mix!).
Even if you have a Penzey's in your area, I recommend signing up for Penzey's free catalog. Each month you'll get a catalog full of recipes (most of which are a bit heavy for the average California resident), heart warming stories, and, most importantly, the occasional coupon for $5 off your order or a free jar of Cajun spice. I mentioned to the lady that was ringing me up that I was sad that I had misplaced my coupon for the free Cajun spice and she threw it in with my order even without the coupon. That's the sort of customer service that I regularly get from small mom and pop stores but often find missing in large chains. Although Penzey's has spice shops across the country, they've retained that "Mom & Pop" feel and actually seem to care about their customers. I'd gladly pay a bit extra to support a business like that, but, at Penzey's, I don't have to. -
Review from Elmy E.
Rosemead, CA
1/7/2010
Having a Penzeys in Santa Monica is worth the drive for me than to order the products from their catalog. In the store you can see and smell the various herbs and spices they offer. I stopped by the store in October after years of ordering from their catalog. You can find your basics, but I love best their special blends, such as Parisienne Bonnes Herbes, Sunny Paris, and Sunny Spain. The price range is from reasonable to a bit pricey, but the pricey herbs are worth it. When cooking at home, Penzeys products adds something extra to your dishes. Another favorite product is the Green Goddess salad dressing: you can create your salad dressing your way, or you can turn them into a dip (or for me, a twist on a basic chicken salad).
If the spice rack at your local market makes you think "Blah!", and your wallet hides when entering Sur La Table/Williams-Sonoma, then it's worth the trip to hit Penzeys.Listed in: Food Trips
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Review from john l.
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2009
My wife and I came here to pickup a variety of spices/herbs for our own cooking, as well as gifts. They have an incredible selection and everything is laid out so it's easy to find. Each spice/herb has it's own sample jar you can smell and a nice description to go along with it. All the workers were extremely helpful, but without being pushy.
Can't recommend this place enough. The ONLY negative I found was they didn't take Amex, but no big deal as I used my Visa for my purchases. -
Review from Tim T.
Venice, CA
12/20/2009
This place is fantastic.
I was looking for Dutch process cocoa powder; you can't seem to find it at the grocery store anymore, and even Whole Foods didn't have it ("natural" means "unprocessed," but I wanted the less acidic Dutch process), and a friend recommended this place.
Wow. Lots of everything, and in small amounts if you want. I would have gotten out of there cheap, but I just had to pick up a gram of fancy Spanish saffron....
One trick is that the 4 oz. bag is only slightly more than the small jar. Since the 4 oz. is usually too much for me, I buy two jars and split it with my neighbor. This works for things like Garam Masala and curry powder, which I will use a fair amount of.
Also they had ground and whole dried chipotle, which is great for when you just want a bit of smokey heat. I'm sick of buying cans of chipotle en adobo and wasting most of it.
Will DEFINITELY be back. A lot. Aforesaid neighbor works around the corner, which is even better; he told me that he often goes in there and smells things as it is. -
Review from darlene j.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2011
I love to cook and I love shopping and using quality spices! The shop is cute and well planned out. the staff is faulous...They are always helpful and kind. I was just introduced to the minced garlic..LOVE IT!! The vanilla and lemon extracts are my faves and the Kosher salt is in a large bodx and at a great price. Love THIS STORE!!
