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Windy City Produce
Category: Food Specialty Food Fruits & Veggies Fruits & Veggies [Edit]
3340 N Pulaski Rd(between Milwaukee Ave & Roscoe St)
Chicago, IL 60641
Neighborhood: Avondale
(773) 777-4544
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Windy City Produce
Review Highlights
"Great prices and great selection for a small store."
(in 5 reviews)
"the store is a good mix of mexican & polish groceries."
(in 5 reviews)
"and they also have a small full-service deli."
(in 6 reviews)
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Stormy C.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
I shop at this market frequently and love it.
The selection of fruits and vegetables is very large and includes many popular Polish and Hispanic items, which are often hard to find and expensive in larger stores. The prices are very cheap and I can buy enough groceries to last a full week for thirty dollars.
The staff are very helpful and polite. It didn't take them long to start recognizing me and greeting me by name when I entered. They always help me unload items from my cart onto the check out conveyor belt.
They accept cash, credit, and Link. -
Review from Joe B.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2012
The new owners apparently added a 5 dollar minimum for debit and credit card purchases! This is a corner produce store, I am no longer able to just purchase a gallon of milk or a chicken breast alone without making a big purchase. I will no longer shop here since new ownership has taken this great produce store to greedy hell in a hand basket! ... You may think you are making more money now but you will LOSE business just like you have lost mine.
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Review from p s.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
This place has a good variety of produce at excellent prices. They also make carnitas everyday which are the best. They also make ribs everyday which are good. I just really love the carnitas they're ridiculously good and only 4 bucks a pound. The best cheap dinner ever. mmmmm. Carnitas are my favorite :)
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Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2011
The building is super tiny but they manage space well. They have a nice selection of both common and more exotic vegetables. The meat counter always looks clean and the meat itself looks tempting and fresh. There's fresh bread to be had, wholesale dried fruits and snacks, and plenty of dairy. The market has a decent selection of baking supplies and canned goods, as well as half an aisle dedicated to strange but delicious Eastern European soda. Cockta indeed!
They take debit/credit cards and LINK for my welfare people out there.
But that's not why I'm here spreading the love and legend of Windy City Produce.
This market has -hands down- the BEST guacamole I've found in Chicago, short of what my sweet abuelita crafts with her own hands. And she doesn't do it very often, so I haunt Windy City Produce for my avocado fix. They can run out by evening, so I try to stop by in the afternoon for a container. I don't know who makes it, and I don't want to know. Afixing a face to this taste sensation might detract from the wondrous symphony of fresh avocado, onion, cilantro and habanero that titilates my tongue.
Get yourself some and see. -
Review from Dave S.
4/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has several things going for it. One: It is walking distance from my place. Two: They have a great selection of fresh produce at VERY good prices. Three: the service is outstanding.
We needed some hazelnuts. They had hazelnuts but they were only packaged in one pound containers. We asked if they had anything smaller because we really did not need that much. I was expecting a flat out, "No, that is the only size we had. Instead the lady took it in back and split the container into two smaller ones! Now in my opinion, that is the definition of going above and beyond.
This place is kind of run down but I don;t really give a hoot. They have won me as a loyal customer! -
Review from Blanket J.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2007
I use it as my supplementary grocer, with my primary sustenance coming from the venerable Trader Joe's.
With the produce--most of the time you can hit the jackpot on price AND quality... $0.99 for a 16oz. pack of strawberries was my latest score. However, I've had shoddy-quality fruit a couple of times (less than 10%).
Overall, it's a great mid-size grocer with lots of quality to offer at low prices. Kudos.Listed in: The one just north of Logan…
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Review from Melissa R.
Bloomington, IL
1/19/2010
Great selection of veggies and fruit. Great selection of avocados. Yum
.
Great prices. CHEAP! I bought 15 limes for a dollar once. Don't know what I would do with 15 of em, but what a deal. I had to buy them.
Great deli selection. They have some flank steak that is out of this world.
Great tortillas. I looooooooove them.
Great staff. They are always so friendly and sweet.
Great. Great. Great. Great. Great.
:)Listed in: Getting Your Food Shopping…
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Review from Roberto F.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2008
This place is okay, Don't plan on doing your full shopping here. Milk and egg prices are bit high here but if you in a pinch and don't drive this is a good place to come. I mainly come here for there fresh bread, which is awesome, and for there produce, duh!! Their prices on fruits and vegetables are pretty good and usually cheaper then Jewel or Tony's. Also they have pretty good selection of spices for a good price as well. I've never bought meat from, so I really don't know there pricing. Again this store will get you the basics but more then likely you'll have to go somewhere else to get what you want or to get a better deal.
Just to reemphasize that this place is a great produce store and probably would have got a higher rating if it wasn't for everything else.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Timothy M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/8/2009
I've got to say, even now that I've moved on to less ethnic pastures, I still catch myself coming back two years later.
The biggest draw for me is that Wally's is close by, so if you're like me and you've absorbed some of the cultural inclinations of the Northwest Side, you probably have strange midnight cravings for borscht and nopalitos. If this is you, then Milwaukee and Pulaski is your intersection for groceries.
Like I said in my previous review, Windy City has a firm selection of good, fresh produce in a small space. Their prices are as good as anywhere (Jimenez, Cermak, etc.) and they also have a small full-service deli. By the way, the churros at the cash register for $1? Nice touch.
In summary, if you live anywhere nearby, this is a great place for fresh fruit and veggies (even fresher than Wally's and a million times better than any big box stores). They also have a good (yet smaller) selection of Mexcian staples: beans, meats, rice, cheeses, etc. Best of all, it's easy on the pocketbook. Also, even though the parking lot consists of about 3 spaces, it never seems hard to park here. It only took moving to a neighborhood served by Whole Foods and Jewel to make me realize how lucky people are to be served by neighborhood gems like this one.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/27/2007
I've been shopping here a lot lately, eating a lot more fresh vegetables. The biggest plus about… Read more »
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Review from Izabella d.
Ann Arbor, MI
11/12/2009
Stopped by Windy City after work one day and was pleasantly surprised by all the beautiful produce. It is a smaller store but they have a great selection of veggies and fruit at great prices. For me the best thing is that the produce isn't squishy and past its prime.
the rest of the store carried standard things like white bread, pb and j, nothing special. i did see some rotisserie chickens that looked tasty though... and somehow i missed the churros at the counter but would looove to get one the next time around. -
Review from Kristen P.
Seattle, WA
1/19/2011
When I lived in the suburbs, we had a little place like this near our place. Well that place wasn't little (they had situated themselves in what had been a Cub Food's before they closed due to a violent crime that took place there, but anyways) My old store had a ton of imported food, which was my demise, or the demise of my pocketbook. In reflection of that place, I went on search of a place near me that had a good selection of imported or foreign food items, and very cheap produce. And then there was Windy City.
Every time I visit, we are always treated very nicely. I've spent quite a bit on produce the past few times (I went vegetarian in the new year) and they are always willing to help me to my car if I need. Last time I went they even gave me a free 2 liter! The selection of produce is fantastic, and the pico de gallo and guacamole are always on par. When I was a meat eating lady, we would often get the Carne Pastor there, which is absolutely divine.
I just love this little place, they always have the veggies, fruits, grains, and beans that I need, always a lttle something special, and some things I've never heard of, or have been dying to try. God save me, the day I have to move away. -
Review from Michelle Z.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2010
The staff is always super friendly. Great prices and great selection for a small store. Try their pork marinated in adobo from the deli counter..it is amazing! (and cheap) Really love shopping here!
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Review from Brian M.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Before I begin, I have to confess something to you all: When I lived on the Southwest Side, I was spoiled rotten by Pete's Fresh Market on S. Pulaski. I've recently moved to Avondale, here on the Northwest Side, and have been shopping around for my fresh-meat-and-produce go-to place, and I think I've found it with Windy City Produce. It's a small store with an as-expected limited selection, but what they do have here is fantastic. They seem to balance the needs of the neighborhood pretty well, as they carry both Hispanic and Polish foods. The staff are friendly and pay attention to their customers. True, it's not Pete's Fresh Market, but Windy City Produce is close by and the prices are right.
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Review from Margaret D.
Chicago, IL
7/3/2011
I've been coming to this store since my mom has been pregnant with me--through owner changes and remodelings and all. The prices at windy city are great, as in normal stores seasonal fruits and veggies are the cheapest, and when not in season obviously they're more expensive. The service is very friendly, especially the owners wife who is usually seen bagging groceries and greeting everyone warmly. There used to be cashiers who were rude and full of attitudes. They don't have the best selection of Polish food, but for what it is it's decent. They always have fresh tortillas, breads, etc. I LOVE their guacamole, the best I've ever had. Recently the prices went up for the guac, but it's worth it regardless. And they have great authentic tortilla chips from el milagro (in the paper bag). Usually if you don't see something you need you can mention it to the cashiers and they'll pass on the info to the owners. All in all, I love this place and I'm there probably five times a week. And they have great churros =]
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Review from Eric P.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2007
i've been living up the street from this grocer for almost a year and it was the first place i went to for my vegetables and meats. although it's def smaller than your average place (it's around mid-size with the produce taking up a little over half the space) they pack it with a good variety of fruits and vegetables. although there are some noticable absences (uh...can a brotha get some squash?) they make up in great prices.
my last trip (which was a little less than 2 hours ago)
spinach (great for my omelets and lasagna) : 69 cent a lb
romaine lettuce: 1.29 lb
and a bunch of other stuff i can't remember right now but it's great.
best little grocer in the area.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from kim w.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2008
i swear, get their made-daily pico de gallo. damn delicious.
i love, love, love, love how i can get all the ingredients to make tostadas, tacos, or nachos for roughly $10. their produce is always fresh and insanely cheap. also, they have a small but decent selection of polish goods if you're feeling too lazy to walk down to wally's.
plea to wcp: get some squash, yeast and chives!
support local.Listed in: Avondale
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Review from Ingrid G.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2007
I stopped by WCP yesterday, and I wasn't so impressed. I think you can get the same items for around the same price at a variety of similar type places in the city. I was interested to see that they sell Phil's Cage free eggs though there were no prices so I couldn't figure out how much they were. They also had generous bundles of basil and mint (handy for those summer mojitos) for 99 cents a bundle, which beats all big box grocery stores. Being no Rick Bayless, I didn't have much use for some intriguing looking produce items, though perhaps someday. They sell flowers and vegetables for your garden outside. Ample parking and Polish souvenir store across the street.
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Review from Morgan C.
8/2/2008
I love Windy City! Although I no longer live in the neighborhood, this grocery store used to be a staple. It's perfect for all of my Polish, Mexican, & staple groceries. They have an excellent & cheap meat selection and great produce which is comparable to most others of it's type. They have great breads and baked goods as well. A personal favorite is jars and jars of vegetable salads.
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Review from Elizabeth A.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2008
There is a much better grocer a little further from my house but totally worth it. This place is a bit too small and the prices and variety aren't all that great compared to other produce stores.
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Review from Liz C.
Chicago, IL
7/18/2010
Sour lychees. Mealy peaches. Moldy rhubarb. Fruit flies aplenty. This is what I experienced today at Windy City, a small and underwhelming produce market. It's disappointing that the most exciting and exotic items there were also in the worst condition. Maybe I had a bad day there, I don't remember it being so awful, but I was underwhelmed.
They do have a fairly wide selection of entirely non-organic fruits and veggies with some very cheap prices and some high prices - cherries and berries were expensive, and orange peppers were over 4 dollars a pound. I can do better at Tony's or Stanley's.
Really, the only reason to visit this place is if you live in the neighborhood, go to Wally's, or want to partake of their fine selection of European jams and jellies. They have a few jams I love which I can't find elsewhere. Also, European nutella in a glass jar! But the produce is so-so and not that cheap. -
Review from Urszula H.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2005
My mom recently told me about this place. It is a good market for fresh fruit and vegetables. Everything is very reasonably priced and very fresh. They have a lot of Mexican fruits and vegetables that you may have a hard time finding elsewhere. They may not have the most extensive selection, but if you are in the neighborhood, it's definately better than going to Dominick's or Jewel. It's also much cheaper. Also what's great is they have one of the best dollar stores in the city right across the street on Milwaukee Ave.
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Review from Bonnie L.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2010
I feel it necessary to change my rating of this place. The mean girl in the mornings is gone and has been replaced by a rather friendly girl who has manners and says hello. I have noticed in the last 6 months or so that they have updated their displays and brought in more products. I like the changes. Keep it up, Windy City!
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Review from Camille O.
Chicago, IL
10/4/2005 3 photos
Given my penchant for supporting local businesses, Windy City is one of my regular stops for grocerise. Although it is mainly an Hispanic market, in the past year or so it has started to stock many Eastern European products, thus reflecting the fabric of the neighborhood. At the deli you can find seasoned chicken and beef ready for a quick turn in the fry pan for fajitas and also Polish hams and cheeses. Be sure to check the rack in the back of the produce section for products priced for a quick sale. And if your Mexican recipe calls for 'huevos del toro' you can find them here at Windy City!
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Review from Megan G.
Fort Wayne, IN
2/13/2010
Great prices (that means CHEAP), good selection of fruit and vegs. Wonderful gaucamole. I lick that container clean so as not to waste a single bit of it. Everyone has always been very friendly and if I'm browsing sometimes someone comes by and asks if I need help finding anything in particular. I stop in here about once a week.
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Review from marianna c.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2009
This is where I find most of my best produce. Recently I was looking for some white mushrooms and they had the best and the most beautiful ones and at a very decent price. Oh and I almost forgot GUACAMOLE. They make it daily and it to die for. I used to make my own but it was not as good and now when i bring it to parties people say that I really improved my recipe. Ladies at the registers are always nice and the meat and deli section is great to. It's a small place and not everything is great but you can find a lot to satisfy your taste buds.
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Review from jason t.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2006
i stopped in here and was pleasantly surprised. the produce is really superb, and they stock some unusual items like black radishes & pluots. the store is a good mix of mexican & polish groceries.
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Review from Chad H.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2008
This place sucks. Since I don't have the option of NO stars, they get one. Because it's basically across the street from me, I've tried countless times to give them a fair shake. And it seems, more often than not, that I leave disappointed. For starters, it looks unsanitary. With the exception of fruits & vegetables, their prices aren't very good. And I can get comparable/better quality and prices on produce just up the road. Service? I don't think I've ever felt more despised. Is it because I'm white? I go to the deli counter and the guy looks at me like I just don't belong there. Of course, he says nothing; only stands there staring at me. After a few awkward seconds of this, I just tell him what I want...one pound of turkey sliced thin. A few moments later, he hands me a pound and a half of thick cut ham! WTF?! Their deli selection is skimpy. I mean, they have maybe 2 brands of turkey. How hard is it to at least get the right meat? When I alert him to HIS mistake, he cops a f*cking attitude like there's something wrong with me...slams the ham that I DIDN'T order on the counter and grabs the turkey. I told him to forget it. Then I get to the front to check out. Again, I get the same vacant, distant stare...no "hello" or "how are you?" It's all they can do to even tell me the damn price of what I owe. I didn't ring the stuff up. And I can't read your freakin' mind. Tell me what I owe! And then they act like they're doing me a favor by bagging my groceries. Screw this place. They get no more of my business. From now on, I will ALWAYS just bike up to Family Fruit Market, where it's clean, the selection and price is better, and the service is always superb.
