Grocery options for a student without a car in DTSJ

[Radical347]

There's the Sunday morning farmers market in Japantown, on 6th & Jackson. It's easy to get to tthe Japantown/Ayer Light Rail station, but you could probably even walk there from downtown. There's also Nijiya Market on 5th & Jackson, but it's a bit pricey.

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, you could take the 22/522 bus over to the Korean grocery stores on El Camino Real. It's a straight line down Santa Clara/El Camino Real. It might be more of a pain to lug groceries back on the bus than the light rail, but they have high quality and inexpensive produce and seafood.

[DPMachine]

Originally Posted by Radical347

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, you could take the 22/522 bus over to the Korean grocery stores on El Camino Real. It's a straight line down Santa Clara/El Camino Real. It might be more of a pain to lug groceries back on the bus than the light rail, but they have high quality and inexpensive produce and seafood.

Just looked this up. I had no idea about the Korean supermarkets--this is great to know! Now I kind of wish I could bring my car. Looks like it would take me an hour on the bus just to get there. I don't know, I might still do it from time to time .

Btw, your username sounds very familiar; I think I may have PM'd you sometime last year on a certain GMAT forum. Anyway, thanks again.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by DPMachine

I'm moving to San Jose in a few weeks to start grad school at SJSU. I'll be living about a block away from campus, but I'm not bringing my car (I currently live in the LA/Inland Empire area), so I've been looking into grocery stores that are within walking distance(!) or more reasonably, somewhat accessible via public transportation. I have no doubt it's going to be inconvenient, but I'll have to manage!

Here is what I have so far:

Downtown area - Safeway, Dai Thanh Supermarket
San Pedro Square Market - Farmer's market every Saturday
Market Center - Trader Joe's, Target
The Plant Shopping Center - Grocery Outlet, Target

Obviously, I will eventually end up going to one or two of these places to get most of my shopping done... I'm just looking for more options at this point.

Do you guys have any recommendations, or advice in general for navigating without a car? Safeway is really conveniently located in downtown but seems (understandably) limited in selection and pricey. I wouldn't mind venturing out a bit more if I can save some $$...

There is also an Asian Grocery store on South 1st or 2nd Streets (I forget which). It's just south of San Carlos.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

I don't recall there being grocery stores close to any light-rail stops, except possibly the Snell station which is almost at the end of the line. Your milk would be warm by the time you got home.

The downtown Safeway is near light rail

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by Radical347

Which is such a shame. I found them cheaper and better quality than Safeway.

Really? I found them overpriced without the usual things I buy. I guess it depends on the stuff you buy.

[DPMachine]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

There is also an Asian Grocery store on South 1st or 2nd Streets (I forget which). It's just south of San Carlos.

I think that might be Dai Thanh, on 2nd and San Carlos. Very well within walking distance for me, just a few blocks.