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Thom's Market
Categories: Food Convenience Stores Food Grocery Food Specialty Food Health Markets Convenience Stores, Grocery, Health Markets [Edit]
1418 Barton Springs RdAustin, TX 78704
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
(512) 479-9800
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 10 pm
Sun 10 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Thom's Market
Review Highlights
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36 reviews in English
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Review from allison h.
Austin, TX
Thoms Market is a great neighborhood store. Now I do not have to cross the river to Whole Foods to pick up a few items, I will find them at Thoms .
He has his shelves and cases filled with healthy food and some decadent, for you also. It's the perfect corner store. -
Review from Mike T.
Austin, TX
Walked in here last Saturday morning looking for an early morning pick me up. Found it. Mango protein shake, a water, and mini altoids. Cashier was spacey but funny.
Apparently the pinata was staring at her and creeping her out. Lmao. Too funny.
Quaint shop, will be back for sure. -
Review from May N.
Only in Austin! Is this a convenience store or is it a grocery store? It is bigger than a convenience store, but smaller than your typical grocery store. Think of it as a fancy bodega, with an emphasis on the "fancy." The first aisle if you walk straight into the store when I was there offered high-percentage cacao dark chocolate. There were candles with unique scents on display. My partner and I were looking for beer and snacks before heading to someone's house. The "chips" aisle is all gourmet flavors and popcorn. Awesome clean, organized local business. A little pricey, accepts credit cards. Small private parking lot, but not too busy and you're probably not doing all your grocery shopping here.
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Review from Ashley M.
Austin, TX
It IS pricey and it IS a specific selection...but when your only other option for something that resembles a convenience store/mini market is the disgusting Valero across the street, the extra cost is worth it. I always like when the owners are front and center so even if a more reasonably priced option became available, I'd still go to Thom's.
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Review from Orion G.
Austin, TX
Its a nice little neighborhood store, but it doesn't carry Pepsi, only Coke.
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Review from Kristyn K.
Austin, TX
Thom's market has recently become my new corner store and I couldn't be happier with my experiences here. In my experience, everyone is super friendly and helpful. I usually stop by after work around 6 or later in the evening, so I can't speak to the friendliness of the daytime staff, but everyone who is there in the evening makes it a great shopping experience. Also, the store is always very clean and well organized. There was one instance in which I was dissatisfied with a product I had purchased a few days before and they graciously accepted the return with no hassle at all. They're happy to help you look around for whatever you need, and in the one rare instance they didn't have what I was looking for, they suggested the closest retailer they thought might have it.
They stock lots of great products that you'd normally have to go to Whole Foods or another specialty store to find. The prices are sometimes a dollar or so higher than you would find at Whole Foods, but the convenience and overall better shopping experience is definitely worth a buck in my opinion. Also, when you shop here you're supporting a local Austin business that in turn supports other local Austin business by stocking their products. And yes, I realize Whole Foods started in Austin, but it's not really the same thing when we're talking about a small, local grocer vs. a corporation with stores spread across multiple continents.
They also give great recommendations. I can be a bit of a wine snob at times and generally stick to what I know unless I'm at a restaurant, but I ventured out here once on a recommendation from the cute girl who works at the counter (Megan, I think? I'm terrible with names) and ended up with a surprisingly delicious sauvignon blanc that was very reasonably priced.
The condition of the store, great staff and high quality products make this place absolutely wonderful!! -
Review from Betina F.
Austin, TX
I love this place! The chicks that work there are funny and cool and will help you pick a good wine. BTW- they have an awesome selection. I found a lovely white (which I normally don't drink) that has a clean crisp flavor with a hint of jalapeno! Yes I said jalapeno!! They also keep Beanitos Black Bean chips in stock. I am totally addicted to these chips as they are so yummy and corn-free. Also they are a local product so you know they are fresh! You can also get some exotic scented candles or gifts which is surprising for such a tiny store. I love this place and go often.
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Review from Malia L.
Austin, TX
Being relatively new to Yelp, I've been tending to "lurk" and read reviews, but not write them. But this is my neighborhood grocer and I just love it. I remember when it was funky Mr. Grocer and smelled like stale cigarette smoke whenever I walked over to buy a pack for myself. I quit smoking about the time Bill & Beth took over and they've been just great - a total transformation of space and function in so many ways. I love the breakfast tacos when I'm up early enough, and local fresh yard eggs when I don't make it in time and have to cook my own. And Anderson's coffee - yum - without having to go "all the way" across the river to 35th Street!
Sure, they're pricier than HEB (and I've definitely not had any problem finding the price labels). I'm in awe that they can stock the great, fresh, local stuff they do and not go broke. And what better way to keep Austin weird than by supporting these kind of businesses? It's also great they're open late so I can zip in after yoga class and grab something on my way home.
Definitely no negative vibes from owners or clerks here during any of my visits, either. Big thumbs up from me... -
Review from Kimmie R.
New Orleans, LA
We recently spent a weekend in Austin. On the advice of a local, we went to Thom's to check out the local beer selection. Being from New Orleans, we take our alcohol seriously. The lovely young man working there steered us towards some promising local brews. But...we had a problem: we wanted to buy a lot, but didn't want to leave cold beer in our motel room for several days. Guess what? This wonderful guy let us pay for our items, then he put them aside for us to pick up, on our way out if town! So we rolled up several days later, and had a ton of ice cold beer ready to take home. Great service, super nice people, and a great selection of interesting items. Thanks, Thom's!
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Review from Mark G.
Couldn't ask for more from a neighborhood market! Great, thoughtful selections of natural and import food and beverages. Fantastic beer and wine selection. And most any convenience store staple I could want. The inventory strikes an ideal balance between epicurean novelty and convenience market practicality.
What really makes the store great, however, is the people. Owner Bill and his wife are friendly and personable, and have assembled a staff that's also friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. When he's around, Bill is always happy to explain the generations-old history and inspiration behind the store.
Thom's is the type of place you feel good about patronizing. The staff always make you feel welcome, and you feel you're in a place that's uniquely Austin. Yes, you may pay a tiny bit more, but not more than you might expect at any similar independent shop in a prime location with all the convenience-store advantages.
Problems cited by a few giving low ratings don't seem to jibe with my experience. I've never noticed any confusion on pricing, and never been charged differently for the same item, as one reviewer suggests. The clerks are ALL first-rate and I've never been ignored on any of my almost daily visits. The service is friendly and casual - Austin style.
Thom's is a model of independent business that helps Austin maintain it's unique character. If you want to "just say no" to the cookie-cutter chain stores, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better alternative. -
Review from Chris M.
I'm sorry to be the first to put a dent into Thom's Market and spoil the 5-star party, but I've got issues w/ stores that don't visually display prices on the majority of their items. I've been to Thom's several times, and from the very beginning when they opened up in 2008. A lot of nice items, some rare, some unique, neat set ups, clean shelves, but NO prices listed. And we even looked on the bar codes (candy for ex) = no price labels.
It's like you walk through the isles and see all the cool out-of-state stuff and unique items such as jams / jellies / candies / various beers and get excited. You're like "wow, haven't seen that!" - or - "I wanna try that!", then you head to the register and that's where it hits you - - $20 for 4 items. Are you serious? So what do you do now? Tell the guy that you didn't think it cost that much and reject it? Nope - you pull out your wallet and overpay. That's what happened to my friend - she was kind of shell shocked and hasn't been back since. She didn't catch the missing prices, her light bulb was on delay and was distracted during the browse.
Let's rationalize here: you have hundreds of items (SKU) and products to keep track of, how can anyone in their right mind know all of the prices accurately w/o it ever being visually posted? They don't have a price sheet, the guy didn't pull one out at the register, he just rang up random numbers on the cash register. I thought about asking him (owner): "how do you know how much this is?", or "do you know the price of every item in this store?", but I held back and let it go.
So I gave them a chance and postponed my review last year, and now several months have passed and I paid another visit when I was in the neighborhood. I walked around and noticed that SOME prices were posted, but if I had to guess - only about 25% of the items in the whole store. Most of the 6 packs of beer had prices ($10.49 for something that costs $7.99 at HEB) and some of the single beers were, but most of the microbrewery bottles did not have prices listed. None of the chocolates, candies, or snacks did either.
So these people either load up heavy on the ginkoba everyday and have photographic memories sharper than a butcher's knife, or they just play it by ear and ring up what they think is the price. Seriously - if you ever have to return something, how will you know what you paid for it if there's no price sticker and the receipt just lists numbers? That just doesn't make good business sense to me. Thom's gets an extra star (2 stars total) because it's clean and has a great variety of items to buy, but don't expect to pay the same price again if you opt to repurchase.
If you got time to sit around and read the paper, you've got time to put stickers and labels on the shelves for your customers. Seriously, is it laziness? or apprehension? You decide. Don't want to scare customers away by posting high prices? Sorry, but it's the missing labels and pricing that really scares me!Listed in: The Meh List: With A Little…
Comment from Bill T. of Thom's Market 4/24/2009
It has always been our policy to individually price every… More » -
Review from mars k.
Austin, TX
As a long-time (20+ year) Zilker neighborhood resident, we have long bemoaned the fact that there are few options to grab some groceries on the way home from work. After the old Fresh Plus, Apple Tree and Foodlandia closed (hello Alamo Drafthouse!) we were left to buy $5. gallons of milk at P&K, which as we all know has shuttered as well.
Although not a full blown grocery store, Thom's Market is certainly convenient; at 1418 Barton Springs Road (close to Green Mesquite) they do have foods you need NOW, lots off healthy convenience foods, (Amy's frozen foods) a huge selection of the all important beer and wine (Yay! They actually had my new favorite Shiner Bohemian Black Lager in good supply!) and higher end snacks and frozen desserts. They keep a suggestion list by the cash register, and seem intent on stocking what the neighbors want and need.
Owner Bill Thom is a tall, good looking, very pleasant guy. I bet he'll be everyone's best friend and on a first name basis with the regulars within a matter of weeks.
A much-needed addition to the heavy pedestrian-traveled Barton Springs Restaurant Row! -
Review from Jessica N.
Austin, TX
I'm just going to be a broken record to all of the other reviews regarding Thoms Market, but eff it. This grocery made me love living in Barton Hills 5 times more~ here are my reasons.
~They have the Volcano no 9 candle burning and it always smells amazing in there. They sell better candles than Whole Foods....they do need to pick up Soy Delight candles though...hint- hint -nudge- nudge -wink -wink
~ Buddhas Brew Kombucha AND the Synergys, no other place sells both varieties
~TACODELI...yummm
~ Great wine selection; every time I'm there they are talking to some wine rep and really discussing their stock. I like that.
~ Yummy and healthy frozen food for that "I'm in a hurry and starvin marvin" peep.
~ Gluten free galore!
~patio chairs outside of the store with complementary dog biscuits really does give it some charm.
I also just like how clean and welcoming Thom's Market is and all of their different selections. Perfect place if you need a last minute house warming or party gift. -
Review from Hoa N.
A convenient petite gourmet store. Or is that a gourmet petite store? LOVE the solid wood transaction counter, local foods and crafts.
Come early for decent Taco Deli tacos.
I enjoy: fair trade, shade grown coffee beans at an excellent price, local tortillas, convenience specialty hand crafted items like local cheese or bison jerky. Great wine selection.
All my experiences have been terrific with one exception. I wish they would skip the stinky candles--I can taste the artificial fragrance, ugh. -
Review from Amber T.
Austin, TX
THE nicest staff!!! That will get you SO far in my book. Way to go, 4 super-cute girls (women) working here on this rainy Austin afternoon!
I pass Thom's every single day going to and from work and have never made it inside but today I was on the hunt for glass-bottle name-brand sodas and I had a hunch that they would have them. They did! I found exactly what I was looking for and had a lot of friendly help with it! A zillion other goodies caught my eye but I had to complete my mission and high-tail it out of there. But I will be back for sure! -
Review from Dan G.
Austin, TX
Great selection of high quality local food stuffs at decent prices. They have an amazing range of products with a lot of different brands and sources that I'm not familiar with (which is a good thing) :). Great beer and wine selection, and they're right on your way home from Barton and Zilker for a quick stop. I suggest you stop by at least once to at least check it out, and maybe get some crazy good ice cream during the hot months.
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Review from Jesse R.
Austin, TX
UPDATE!
UPDATE!
UPDATE!
UPDATE!
Let me just start this by saying I would give Thom's Market 10 stars if I could.
Let me second that by saying:
ALL THE PRICES ARE CLEARLY MARKED ON ALL THEIR MERCHANDISE.
I hope all the friends of Thom's Market come together and point out to Chris M that:
ALL THE PRICES ARE CLEARLY MARKED ON ALL THEIR MERCHANDISE.
Again:
ALL THE PRICES ARE CLEARLY MARKED ON ALL THEIR MERCHANDISE.
ANYBODY CAN FIND THE PRICES. THEY ARE ON EACH PIECE OF INVENTORY GENERALLY ON THE BARCODE (since they have to manually type in every price). Anybody with sense can understand this and find the prices quickly.
Now, on with the review:
Thom's Market is one of my favorite places on earth. Bill and Beth (the owners) and everyone else who works there is wonderfully nice.
Their products are always tested by them to assure excellence. If you aren't happy, bring it back to them and tell them about it, so they'll know. I can always trust the merchandise I buy from Thom's Market. This place is the gold-standard. Without question, I wish the rest of the world was run the way Bill and Beth run Thom's Market. They are service with a smile, and if you stay long enough, service with a friendship.
I shop at Thom's Market every single day. (and let me add here:
THE PRICES ARE ALWAYS THE SAME, EVERY SINGLE DAY)
Sometimes, I shop here two or three times a day. That is how wonderful I think this place is.
Sure, sometimes the prices on their products might be a few pennies higher than some big-box store. But, who cares? As an Austinite I'm GRATEFUL I don't have to shop at a big-box store. I'm GRATEFUL I can shop at a wonderful, down-home mom-and-pop store like Thom's Market instead.
I would pay in solid gold bars for that convenience any day.
If you want cheap stuff, go somewhere else. If you want a solid product tasted by the owner and approved by the neighborhood, shop at Thom's Market. -
Review from Shelly L.
Cute little grocery store. I walked here just a few weeks ago - not sure of what I'd find. Thom's Market has the nicest staff, a great wine and beer selection, and fresh produce. I hear they also have breakfast tacos, which would be great if I woke up early enough to try 'em.
Some of the items are a lot pricier than you'd see at Whole Foods, but you don't have to deal with the crowd, which is a huge plus for me.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Lucy L.
Austin, TX
Hello,
Please meet Pete and Re-peat.
My review says nothing different from the others. Thom's is nothing short of awesome. They have the best selection of fun faux hippie products (a real hippie couldn't afford them here or elsewhere). Last time I went in there was to get a bottle of water after some intense kayaking. I came out with:
2 bottles of Smart Water
2 bottles of Kombucha Tea (razz)
1 package of kerbey lane pumpkin pancake mix
4 Belgian style beers
2 candles
and I swear I seriously considered 10 other things.
In short/ish, Thom's is great.... And I don't know if it was a coincidence or purposeful, but when I went in my favorite all time band Radiohead was playing and they of course are fronted by THOM Yorke. Loves it. -
Review from Michael F.
Austin, TX
I have been to Thom's Market numerous times since it opened, and every single time I'm reminded of how much I love it. The owners and staff are always incredibly helpful and friendly.
My wife has a family history of Celiacs Disease and is gluten intolerant herself, and the fact that we can pull into a "get-in, get-out" style corner store and pick up some gluten-free essentials is amazing! Also, as someone who loves a refreshing carbonated beverage (and I don't mean just beer), Thom's has a great selection of sodas that are all sweetened with cane sugar. I don't know how many times this past summer I picked up an organic root beer or mexican coke on the way back from Barton Springs.
My bottom line about Thom's Market: I just can't say enough good things about this place. Austin needs to stop trying to be so "weird" and just be more like Thom's Market. Simple, affordable, local, and as friendly as any place I have ever been. -
Review from Jessica S.
Austin, TX
My name is Jessica and I'm an impulse shopper. And I love kitch.
Thom's is perfect for these things. It's not the place to do your huge shopping. It's no Whole Foods, it's no HEB, but it is a great little shop. It's fun for those random treats that you find along the way.
My friend and I walked around a long time, pointing out all the cool things we felt that we just couldn't live without. Like lavendar agave nectar, violet candies (which turned out to be a disappointment), chips, salsas, dips and several kinds of chocolates. There's a small wine and beer selection.
Mars K. is right--there is a big spiral of suggestions. You can flip back to see what other people have suggested and even see tally marks of suggestions that have been made more than once.
I wouldn't do my regular shopping here, but when I need to cure that salty-sweet fix, this just may be the place! -
Review from Mark H.
Austin, TX
I live nearby Thom's Market and walk there.
Thom's is EVERYTHING a convenience store should be: clean, convenient, eclectic in wide-ranging inventory, upscale indulgences and downscale necessities with an ambiance that is sweet to enter, a staff that's comfortable answering questions and amiable to your lingering... you'll find a pleasantly navigable experience even knowing you paid a slight premium for your convenience; upon leaving you'll want to return, again and again. I do.
AND I found out that Bill, the owner, is carrying on a family tradition, where even the type font of Thom's conveys his integrity to your experience of quality products and good customer service. -
Review from Alison C.
Austin, TX
I live fairly close to Thom's Market, and 9 times out of 10 I choose to go here rather than to the closer gas station mini mart. The reason is simple: Thom's, to me, exemplifies what a local business should be. The people there are friendly, helpful, and super welcoming. Thom's, moreso than any other store I've seen, seems to do a great job of supporting and creating cross-ties with other local businesses, such as Tacodeli and SOAP. (Get there early to get those breakfast tacos, by the way!)
All and all, Thom's is a clean, convenient place to stop along Barton Springs Road when you're looking for a snack or some staples. -
Review from jen h.
Austin, TX
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place.
And fortunately, everyone else has explained why. -
Review from Niki A.
Austin, TX
Yes! An Austin-born establishment worth going back to again and again!
I'm a little surprised at Jason D's review! My experiences at Thom's Market have been completely the opposite!
During the first few months, there were empty shelves and a request list. Out of my four requests, three are now on the shelves, including Sriracha sauce and Alfredo sauce!
Need an easy and quick dinner idea? Talk to Beth for a fresh and easy idea! She's guided me on my way to Organic Turkey Bleu Cheese Mini Burgers on tasty baked Cibatta rolls and a LOVELY Chipotle Pesto Pasta with Garlic toast.
The beer and wine selection grow larger and better with every visit. Bill and Beth (and their lovely dog Moses) have been fantastic about filling requests and coming up with great dinner and snack ideas.
FIVE STARS! TO SUM IT UP:
1. Cook an entire delicious meal with ingredients from the store (and with Beth's guidance if you need it!)
2. Great selection of food and beverages at awesome prices
3. Personal service and friendly attitudes (Moses is blind, but he sure will hear your "hello" and wag his tail.)
4. Convenient location is a huge improvement over the run-of-the-mill mini-marts in the area!
5. No long lines!
Support your local businesses and check out Thom's Market. You won't be disappointed! (I hear they may be adding a coffee patio with seating soon. I'm looking forward to it!)Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Julie B.
Duluth, GA
Went for the first time last week -I'd driven by maybe a hundred times, but for some reason that day, I felt compelled to stop. So glad I did! Great little neighborhood grocery, terrific selection with lots of organic/healthy options, and not overpriced. I haven't bought wine there yet, but it appears to be a good selection. I'll let you know.
The owners always have a smile on their face, and are wiling to offer their help and assistance. Their comments/advice were particularly helpful to me, since I'm new ther, and are trying some things I've never tried before (like Kombucha - great stuff!) Would highly recommend a stop in! -
Review from Laura H.
Austin, TX
If you just need to run in and grab a six pack of Lonestar tall boys you might want to try the convenience store down the street.
But if you are looking for lavender lemonade, some pirate's booty, or some bottles of Steamworks Third Eye Pale Ale, then this is the spot. It's much more than a convenience store and you are actually happy to browse the aisle rather than hurriedly scanning crammed rows for beef jerky, Gatorade, and cashews.
The store offers a wonderful selection of frozen food, fresh food, pastas, rice, chips, snacks, beer and wine. You can even probably take home one of the pinatas dangling from the ceiling if you ask.
The owners and staff are friendly and vow that they taste test everything that they stock so "everything is good."Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Loren S.
Austin, TX
I went back to Thom's Market and AGAIN the woman at the counter did not greet me, nor did she get off the telephone when I was ready to check out. This place is run by what appears to be West Austin house wives. Too bad they have a good selection of snacks and is on the way to Barton Springs. Oh well, not worth going back, again, for sure.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2009
Thom's Market is nice in theory. They have fruit and interesting snacks and teas. HOWEVER the man… Read more »
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4/21/2009
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Review from Rick A.
Austin, TX
Wow! Today was the first time in the store and I love it. Its got a great calm vibe for a small corner market. Smells great, has diverse products. Totally Austin-Cool for sure.
Check it out. -
Review from gino a.
Austin, TX
love this place, great owner/operators, fun local selection. thoughtfully planned store.
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Review from Matt Q.
Austin, TX
Thom's Market is fantastic.
Bill and Beth Thom own and operate this great little neighborhood grocery. They are incredibly helpful and friendly and they are working really hard to make their customers happy. I love the suggestion book they keep at the front. When they first opened they didn't stock my wife's favorite beer, so I suggested it. A few weeks later it appeared on the shelf.
Thom's is everything that Whole Foods at 6th and Lamar isn't: easy to navigate, staffed by nice people, convenient and truly Austin weird in the best possible way.
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UPDATE: A pint of conventional (non-organic) half and half at Thom's is priced at $2.95. Or, you can go to Whole Foods and pay $3.50. Looks like the national chain can't compete with the little guy. Perhaps the ac bill for the WF's moronic "beer alley" is bleeding over into their prices.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jeff L.
Austin, TX
I have been shopping at Tom's Market since the doors first opened. I have also shopped there almost daily as I used to live in Pecan Grove RV Park.
Thom's Market is one of the best things to happen to Austin. It provides not only a superb, eclectic shopping experience, visiting Tom's can also end up being a fun community experience. The staff are required to be kind, helpful, alive, enthusiastic, real and good looking. Stop in and see why I give it 5 stars. Bill Thom is the antithesis of the previous store keeper "Mr. Grocer." Anyone remember him? -
Review from Stanley M.
Austin, TX
So I was reading a few reviews here and can't help but to wonder where some people think they are when they walk into this market. This is NOT your 7-11!
They stock a great deal of things from local producers and an assortment of products from here in Texas as well as responsible and good products and producers from around the country.
Frankly I think if you're purchasing beer here that you could get a discount price at HEB on -- you're missing the point -- spring for the good stuff and get your dollars' worth!
I haven't had any problems finding the price on products here -- granted though -- some of these people who work there are far too nice! They talk with you and offer you samples and make suggestions when you're perplexed about a beer, wine, cheese, cracker -- whatever. That drives me nuts because I'm so used to the impersonal -- ring 'em and sling 'em -- treatment I get at the big box places and super sized "convenience" chain stores! (read -- irony)
Anyway I live nearby and it is convenient. I find the quality of the products to be high and the price is reasonable -- the service is friendly and professional and they are all rather tolerant of the less informed of us who have been known to wander in on our way to a party and say --"What kind a wine do I like?" Lucky it wasn't me they asked! :) -
Review from Lakshmi J.
Austin, TX
I love this store! All the reasons others mentioned are true for me. Also...goat's milk. They have awesome fresh goat's milk. And the people are truly wonderful. One time I went in right after attending someone's going away party that I ended up breaking up with. The woman at Thom's held me while I cried and was very understanding and way cool. These people feel like family and I love having them in my 'hood.
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Review from Kate a.
Austin, TX
I luuuuuuuuv this place!! it's a great little foodmart with organic and local foods etc - great music too! kinda pricey tho.
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Review from Anne C.
Austin, TX
thom's market has changed my world! it's so convenient, the selection is impeccable, and i love that there are no long lines at checkou!
