Grocery question (Pittsburgh, West Mifflin, Irwin: sale, coupons, buy)

[BrianTH]

I came here intending to mention The Strip, Trader Joe's, and the East End Food Co-op, so now I will just second those suggestions.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by Chichappens

Right By Nature Is VERY affordable...

Compared to what? Sorry, I just don't see it. I've been in there probably a dozen times all spread out from opening until now. Everything I've bought in there has been more expensive than anywhere else I've ever bought it. The one time I looked for something in the circular, it was out of stock, or actually had expired stock on the shelves.

I love that they're trying, and for certain things they have a really good selection, but it's priced more for convenience of those nearby. I mean, it's unsurprising that people who live in the Cork Factory wouldn't care much about these prices compared to having to drive somewhere. But since I'm only passing through and pass by other places, I have difficulty justifying shopping there. I like the breads they get in, and those really aren't overpriced for what they are. We don't usually buy much produce in stores because we get it from the CSA in season. The prepared foods usually look sad and neglected. That leaves basically only the packaged brand name stuff and frozen, which is all more expensive than anywhere else I've found.

[Chichappens]

I guess it's just a matter of opinion...but the circular speaks for itself....

[greg42]

Originally Posted by Chichappens

I guess it's just a matter of opinion...but the circular speaks for itself....

For the few items in there, yeah, maybe, but very few. I usually see the circular each week and generally see nothing in it that we need. Ah, well.

I suppose to some degree it's a matter of opinion. If you buy all the stuff they always put on sale, then it could be competitive. Otherwise, I'd be shocked. I wish them success, though, even so, because I like its location. I might someday live in the Strip and then I would find the location more compelling than the pricing. But I think I just had higher expectations of the place based on the original hype.

[Chichappens]

keep in mind that the produce is organic compared to reg supermarkets who use grade b, c and d merchandise.........the lowest quality that can be picked an sold..........the meat and fish also lowest grade that can be sold and sold cheap/ most grocery chains do not sell select quality meat and most of it is far from natural........

[Kate88]

if you're in oakland, there's a little Italian grocery store at the corner of Bates and McKee that's worth checking out.

[Internet Superman]

I don't do Aldi's - for the same reason why you don't like Aldi's

The one alternative - most everyone else missed is to just go to a Walmart Supercenter.

The Walmart up in North Versailles is probably one of the largest you will ever go in and if you cannot find it there - chances are - you aren't going to find it anywhere.

One other store that everybody else missed is Delallo's up in Jeannette PA..

Really awesome food - most anything you need to make Italian food and also great deals on deli food - without having to pay those yuppie prices down in the strip.

[ferrarisnowday]

Do you not like the IGA on Forbes? You could probably walk there. The strip would is definitely good for a variety of foods.

Near to Oakland you also have the Shur-Save in Bloomfield and I think there is a Shop N Save on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Really, I would just go with IGA for all the basics, while they may not have a great variety of foods it is cheap and convenient for you.

Trader Joe's on Penn is cheaper than Whole Foods, but still pricier than your average grocery store (except on milk or some reason...). If you check it out and are disappointed there is the Giant Eagle right across the street.

[Geeo]

In addition to the Giant Eagle Market District, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, East End Food Co-op, I also do the Italian market circuit in Bloomfield. I don't remember the names, but they are small family-owned places - one on Liberty and the other behind the PNC Bank off of Liberty. Great personal service and fresh foods. And of course, the Strip District is like walking into a giant candy store.

[creepsinc]

I'm a recent convert to Aldi, at least for staples like butter, milk, etc. Also, you can get a 10lb bag of potatoes for $3! So, I usually end up going there and Giant Eagle and find everything between the two, while saving quite a bit in the process. I'd go to Trader Joe's more (ex employee of a Seattle store...weird place to work, but good place to buy cheap "gourmet" items) if there was one on the North Side.

Interesting note: I currently have a German student living with me for the school year and she clued me in to the two different Aldis. The ones here are part of Aldi South (translated) and are owned by one Albrecht brother. The other brother owns Aldi North, which operates stores (with a slightly different logo) in the north of Germany (home country) and other countries not served by Aldi South. The brother who owns the North version has also owned Trader Joe's since 1979! Now you know.

Edit: The Strip is the best (and usually cheapest) place to buy produce, but I can't always make it down there.