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Categories: Grocery, Specialty Food [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lincoln ParkSedgwick (Purple Express, Brown)
Mon-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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You can't swing a dead cat in the Old Town neighborhood without hitting a grocery store. Unfortunately, they all - Jewel, Potash, Dominick's, the two Treasure Islands - seem so similar. Marked by tired decor, mostly main stream brands with minimal specialty products, and generally subpar produce, I cannot really differentiate them from each other.
That said, this particular Treasure Island has a mish-mosh of unique items, like power drinks, organic salsas, and high-end cheeses. The prices are a little high, but not so much that you walk out thinking about it. The employees always seem friendly and they give you those nice plastic bags with the strong handles, so your walk home will not be interrupted by your pasta sauce exploding all over Wells.
Parking is not too bad since they have a garage and there is decent turnover on the street parking nearby, if you have a little patience that is. A decent choice, albeit based on its convenient location. I would not go out of my way to go here though.
Okay, I don't know why everyone is so fascinated with this place (when I say everyone, I mean coworkers and neighbors). I abhor this place. To me, it felt dirty and not well taken care of. The selection was okay, but with larger grocery stores beginning to branch out into more ethnic foods, there was not as big a selection as I thought there would be. Plus, the prices were way too high, especially for the items I can find elsewhere cheaper.
To top it off, the customer service was horrible! I saw a worker roll his eyes and raise his voice to a customer who was looking for a certain item. My cashier was cleaning her finger nails with paper while waiting for my receipt to print. Not a "Hello" or "Thank you" anywhere.
My experience was not a good one here and I doubt I'll be coming back unless there is something I really need from here. However, I will probably try Dominick's first or go to specialized local stores.
You can read my other reviews of TI elsewhere - but in specific, this location is one of the ugliest. I thought it was dirty and messy and they obviously don't move their produce/bakery products before they go bad.
I want to like this place because it is convenient, but I am always confused when I walk in the store. The fresh fruits and veggies are not the problem, but the other items seem to be randomly displayed throughout the store. The Virgo in me wants all the crackers in the same place so I can compare and select. Yes, I know Jewel is more orderly, but TI has so many unusual and international items that I prefer it to the mundane Jewel and Dominicks. I guess I will get it one day, in the interim, I continue shopping here on occasion in moderately blissful confusion.
The only reason I go to Treasure Island is to find that exotic cheese, meat, woman...I mean beer that most grocery stores won't have. The store itself isn't impressive but there's always some free samples to try and the meat/seafood counter staff are smart and friendly. The beer selection is nice too if you're looking for microbrews. Prices aren't great but the bags they give you could possibly carry your luggage as they're super sturdy.
I hadn't been to Treasure Island in a long time, having moved to the burbs a while ago. On a recent visit to Old town, I planned to shop here for my evening grill-fest at home. I have to say, I was a bit disappointed in TI - perhaps I've gotten used to the plethora of gourmet grocery stores out in the burbs, but I honestly did not think they were anywhere near as good as Whole foods or Trader Joe's or my favorite, Caputo's. In fact, Kramer's in Hinsdale and Sunset foods in Lake Forest blow TI away, but they used to be the standard for gourmet.
Wine selections was abysmal; although they had some good choices, their wine area was quite small. I was also pretty disappointed in the fresh meat, fish and produce area - nothing very unique here at all. Two points for carrying ostrich - albeit frozen, but still delicious nonetheless.
Their ethnic areas only carry a bit more selection than your updated Jewel or Dominicks. In conclusion, in this era of organic and gourmet grocery stores, they need to polish their image a bit more to keep up with the Joneses.
I work close to this treasure island so I'm always running in here to grab something or other. They have fresh produce and a decent bakery and I like that they have individual meat patties to buy cause if I have to make burgers myself, it's not going to happen. The service isn't the best and I wish they had more people working at the registers, but I know I can run in and grab some bananas and pears and a donut and be on my way. It definitely beats anything I can get from walgreen's.
Treasure Island yesteryear...........
I used to work their part time during my high school and college years (late 80's early 90's). When I worked there , the management took pride in their quality of products. The reason why Treasure Island was one of the best grocery chains in the city back then cause the owners, Chris& Frank Kamberos visited all stores stores on a daily basis and they made sure the his stores had the highest quality of products at a fair price and made sure all of his employees provided the best service that was possible.
Treasure Island Today............
words cannot even describe this place anymore. The quality of products have gone to hell. The employees don't care anymore about customer service and the place is filthy. The owners now are absentee, and they have hired outside management. Since then , to make a few pennies more profit per dollar, they started selling sub-standard products, but at a premium price. well, in my opinion, that backfired, because they have lost a huge customer base.
Treasure Island was the "Elite Grocery Market". Now, its just like another Tony's Foods or Butera.........
I love this place. It isn't as expensive as I rememered and they have such an amazing selection of imported goods. Actually the prices on a lot of really unique things are great. Get your cheese, bread, dips, etc. there. Im not Jewish but found a great selection of Kosher foods. I actually tried some of it and it was good. I like that the store is kind of dark. It is mysterious! And appropriate considering the name. Its different. I prefer that to the standard bright & boring market. Oh, and they have great free samples of great food!
Don't count it out for lunch because it's one of the better places to get lunch in this area. There's a great salad bar and the sandwiches are decent. Yet the store depresses me somehow.
Be aware, you have to bag your produce and weigh it in the produce section because they can't do that at the register. Not even for one apple.
Let me start out by saying that I affectionately refer to this grocery store as "Rip Off Island" so you probably already know what the theme of this review is going to be. This place is overpriced. Let me also start by explaining my reasoning behind the one star. Convenience, that's it, that's the only thing place has going for it. I live directly above the store and should a friend come for an impromptu visit or should there be some sort of natural disaster that requires me to loot the nearest grocery store for survival- Rip Off Island has got me covered.
Now, on to the reason that this store would have zero stars if it were any more than half a block away from my house. Everything here (and I mean everything) is at least $1 more than your average grocery store. I've heard various reasoning about the high prices. Some people say that it's a specialty 'gourmet' grocery store. The only proof to substantiate that is a reasonably sized fancy cheese selection. That's it. All of the other groceries can also be found for a fraction of the price elsewhere. I have also heard that it mimics a "European" grocery store...........if by "European" they mean that your dollar will go about as far as it will in Europe, then OK, I'll give them that. It's impossible to leave Rip Off Island without spending at least $30, and if you want to get a decent amount of shopping done, it will run you over $100, every time. Their idea of a sale here is to put a box of some discontinued, barley edible cereal on the shelf for $4.25. Also, don't be tempted by the alluring salad bar. I think they must add lead to the lettuce, because not once have I been able to buy a salad that rang up for less than $9. And while I'm on the topic of their produce department, what the hell is up with the backwards system of needing to get all of your fruits and veggies weighed before you go to the checkout? I literally never buy produce there for that reason. There is always some line at the scale or the two guys who work there are too busy shooting the shit about some party last night to be bothered with your green peppers. Without fail, the person in front of you at the cashier won't have known about their "European" policy of not being able to weigh anything at the checkout, the clerk will look at them like a moron and a 10 minute delay will ensue.
I'm not a complainer by nature so a couple of months ago I made a pact with myself to only visit Rip Off Island in an emergency (usually its some sort of wine emergency)and keep my comments to myself. However, after a terrible experience last week I felt the need to share the shortcomings of this grocery store with you all. Last Tuesday morning I had big plans to hit up the Jewel before work to pick up a few snacks for a 'movies in the park' picnic later that night. But, surprise, surprise, I overslept so I was left with Rip Off Island as a last resort. Although the store had been open for almost two hours, the deli salads were clearly from the night before, and the wine hadn't been restocked yet, so of course anything under $10 was nowhere to be found. They have NO selection of the type of pre-packaged food you would want for a picnic. No taco dip, potato salad or anything of the like. I wandered the aisles for about a half an hour and left with some cheese, humus, various chips and crackers and a bottle of wine, all for the bargain price of $35.
If you work hard for your money and/or don't like being robbed, stay away from Treasure Island. You are sure to walk out of there with much less treasure then you started with.
"The Most European Grocery Store in America"? Not even the most slim of chances that that is true. Selling Knorr Soup Mix doesn't make you European.
Having said that, I feel a lot more comfortable shopping here than at Jewel. The prices are about the same, and there are a lot fewer old ladies blocking every eisle.
But please, you don't even sell Marmite.
Most people think Treasure Island is generally overpriced, and I guess for some items that's true. However, I think their overall prices on most items are on par with the other chains - Dominick's, Jewel, etc.
Bonus points for the convenient location! Whenever I'm at the gym or at Fleet Feet for a group run, I can easily swing by to pick up some necessities. They also have a pretty good salad bar. I like their selection of items that are otherwise hard to find - greek yogurt, for example.
Tip for first-timers - they don't weigh produce at the checkout. I learned that the hard way! You actually get it weighed and labeled in the produce department by the clerk there.
For the small space, they pack in a great amount and assortment of goods. I can't really find too much to complain about here, except for maybe the perpetual panhandler out front.
Hmm, what to say about Treasure Island on Wells... It's not my favorite store, but it's a 5 minute walk from home, so it's unavoidable.
Pros: the meat here is freakishly inexpensive. You can get enough boneless skinless chicken breast to feed 6 people for about $4. No joke. And despite some other reviews of the meat, I've never had any issues or any poor quality. They have a decent beer and wine selection, and good produce. It's quick and convenient without the major production of a Dominicks, Jewel, etc.
Cons: I once bought cheese that was expired and moldy without realizing it. The checkout staff is a complete freak show. Not sure where they get these people, or how they get so many of them that are alike. They have samples of food out, including dips, which freaks me out... eating something that random strangers have double-dipped into-- no f-ing way.
A trip down memory lane: when I was younger, my grandmother use to (and still does) go to the Treasure Island delicatessen and buy an array of "strange" things and make me eat them. Because of her, I've been obsessed with foie gras, pâté, "weird" cheeses, caviar, coffee etc since I was 5. And all of which (with the exception of the foie gras), I can still find here. I love it! It's like Trader Joe's only better. It's a little pricey, but you get what you paid for. However, minus one star because a bottle of Veuve Cliquot here is wayyyy overpriced. Boo.
I have mixed feelings about Treasure Island too. Great concept, so-so execution. I wish the stuff were fresher- I agree with the poster that said to check expiration dates. Some of the items on the shelves look like they've been there a while- dusty!
Produce is just okay- not the best, but they do have some hard-to-find items. But then again that's the problem with hard-to-find items- not everyone wants to find them, so they sit around for a while.
Haven't tested out the meat/seafood counter but it looks decent enough. Prices are up there but nothing completely outrageous. I do like that they have Dean & Deluca spices available.
This is by far the BEST grocery store in Old Town. With the gross Jewel at Clark/Division and various Walgreen's locations, Treasure Island is your best bet for fresh produce. I thought the prices here would be much steeper but they are pretty standard as far as city groceries go. It exceeded my expectations and it is my new favorite place when I need a quick trip.
I always shop at the Clybourn location, which has an incredibly friendly and helpful staff, a great selection, and tons of parking. Fantastic deli (try the homemade chicken salsa, it sounds weird but is totally addictive), a wonderful and reasonably priced cheese selection and lots of items you cannot find at other stores. The bakery has really great breads, pies, bagels & croissants and the produce section always has impossible to find items like morels. The meat counter will cut things to order and they always have a very nice selection of fresh fish. Oh yes, and two years running when I found myself stranded in Chicago due to weather, they found a kosher turkey for me at the last minute - great service! Also, more loose leaf tea than most grocery stores. I love this place - local, friendly, and unique!
Trasure Island in Old Town has the rudest staff. They could honestly could not possibly care less. I like the selection and the salad bar more than Potash (in the same neighborhood) but I routinely go to Potash because of the helpful staff and engaged Management team. I actually called corporate Treasure Island to pass on my comments about my experiences there (when the Manager was not responsive I figured the owner might care). They could not even be bothered to call me back. Go to Potash where they actually care.
The Treasure Island on Wells is dirty and much of the staff are poorly trained, with little idea of customer service. Check out is a real let down at this store. I wouldn't buy anything that isn't already packaged from the manufacturer. If the store can be that dirty and disorganized imagine what the back room looks like? I only shop there because it's close and I buy most of my weekly groceries at Whole Foods or Dominick's nearby.
I have mixed feelings about Treasure Island. It's a very convienent grocery store, however they don't have all the essential things that I'm looking for. The other thing to worry about with Treasure Island is expiration dates, check all your expiration dates because sometimes the shelves are not stocked very well and items are not removed. That is why I won't buy meat here, but if you need the basics, like bread, milk, peanut butter (those are my basics at least) this is a good place to go.
Man...when i shop here, it more or less feels like I'm shopping in a Gristede's or Sloan's in Manhattan back in the 1980's, and that is not a compliment. the store is antiquated, filthy, understocked and overpriced. No real reason to shop here, move along, folks.
I love the produce guys! There is always someone working in the produce section, answering questions, weighing, and rotating the fruits and vegetables so there's always fresh available. The meat/seafood department is also much better than Jewel/Dominicks. A nice selection of wine and many world/international products.
Great place to go shopping...The staff is really friendly and anytime you have a question they are always so helpful. Good selection of specialty foods. A true Chicago classic!
So, when I want to grocery shop something a little special, I always head to Treasure Island (reminds me of Byerly's and Lunds for you Minnesota folk). Great selection of your non Jewel & Dominicks items. This location has a funky parking lot, but it is free.
This is the grocery store in walking distance from my house. I go here a lot, for convenience. Unfortunately, I don't live by a Jewel or a Dominick's. Yes, it's overpriced. You're paying for convenience. Minus one star. My second (and biggest) complaint is the fact that they let those damn BUMS hassle everyone as they come in and out of the store!! Minus two stars. WHY, WHYYY does the owner allow this??!! EVERY SINGLE TIME I come in and out of there some bum asks me for money or mumbles something I can't understand. Seriously people, let's keep the beggars out of Lincoln Park/Old Town...PLEASE?? Other than that, the store is clean, organized and they have most of what I need. Their produce is always good and their fish and steaks are excellent. The guys behind the deli are very nice and always remember us. They carry all Boar's Head meats so that's also a good thing. Their wine and beer selection is pretty good but they are seriously lacking on their hard liqueur. I saw a sign tonight saying they deliver groceries from 10am 'til 6pm, I may have them do it - just to avoid that FRIGGIN' BUM!
It's an OK supermarket if you live in the area, but much of the stock is American and the few import items they do have tend to be quite pricey. For European items, I'd stick to places like Wally's or go to some of the international markets on Golf. Even Whole Foods has a better cheese selection.
One of the worst grocery stores I've ever been to. they hardly have everything, it's dirty in here, and the little things they do have are expensive.
I like the cheese selection and the fruits. It's a cool place with lots to choose from. Nothing is overpriced.
Great produce and lunch meats! It's a little odd that you have to have your produce weighed in the produce section by somebody who works there (seems it would be more efficient at the register like at Dominicks), but the people there are so nice and friendly, I almost don't mind paying a little bit extra for my produce and last-minute purchases there.
This Treasure Island is not the best one I've been to. There isn't a meat counter here, and personally, I think that some of the raw meat and seafood is kinda sketchy at this location. This place is great for deli meats though (delicious Boar's Head). They also usually have better produce than jewel or dominick's. Overall, a little overpriced, but the deli meat and the fresh breads keep me coming back. They also have a great salad bar!
Great place to shop for unusual items! They have interesting things that you can't find in a regular grocery store. Great breads, Boars Head deli meat, Barefoot Contessa items, San Marzano Tomatoes-- just to mention a few of my favorite things! Plus it's never very crowded.
Love the selection-from the produce to the ethnic foods sections. They have everything you need. The bakery and prepared food departments are great. But I find it hard to navigate as the aisles are not clearly marked. Plus this place is VERY pricey.
Neighborhood: DePaul
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Local Services
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Grocery
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Grocery
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