America’s Food Basket

Rude, discourteous service. They take your bag at the door, so get ready to be treated like a criminal. Any meat you buy may be spoiled.
Last time I visited their deli, they sold me spoiled lunch meat. I was home by the time I realized, and it was only a $ 4 purchase, but I just chalked it up as a loss and vowed to be more vigilant next time.
Next time was today. I walked up to the deli associate and asked what’s on special (since their specials are NEVER publicly posted). His answer: «I don’t know». Ok… so I had him pull out the circular and tell me. I asked for a sample of the sale turkey. «It’s not open yet.» Ok…“I intend to buy a pound, but please give me a sample slice because the last meat I bought here was spoiled.” He informed me that that is not his problem and «that’s not the way [we] do things here». I called the manager, and she rightly corrected him. He continues to talk trash about it to the other employees, making sure they know it doesn’t make sense and I have no idea what I’m talking about.
I ignore his rudeness and continue with my order. A pound of Swiss Cheese. He proceeds to start slicing away like a madman without giving me a sample. I ask for a sample. The cheese is dry and brittle. Like, not even borderline. The sides are a completely different opacity than the middle. I point it out. «See? This is why I didn’t want to open it to give you a sample. The cheese has an expiration date. It’s not bad yet.»
Having lived in this community all of my life, I’m used to being treated like my money doesn’t matter. This place is particularly bad. Save your time, dignity, and money and head to the Fields Corner America’s or Daily Table, right down the street.

Sadly, after almost a year shopping at this place I’m breaking up with this store. My love affair is over since I can’t actually Buy anything here. They imported an entire crew of sullen teenagers who start hostility when you ask if it will be much longer … every single time I’ve been in there for the last 4 months I stood in line for upwards of 10 minutes waiting for someone to get a check cashed or a price check. Time stops at their cashiers.
Unless the store is empty I guess I’ll have to put up with star markets crappy cilantro.

Smells bad. Peaches went bad THAT day. Have to have your bag checked by security or leave it at the front to go in (but that guy is really nice)

This is one of the closest supermarkets to my house and I frequent there every now and again. They have some pretty decent sales and you won’t find everything you’d find in a larger major chain. But if your looking for more «ethnic» foods this is definitely the place to go. Their produce section lacks in variety but you can find yourself some good fruits if you get their early.
My one real qualm is the staff their is pretty terrible, or at least the folks I’ve dealt with. Just rude cashiers and baggers who never listen and pack bags improperly.

It’s not quite the perfect place to shop. They don’t stock everything that a yuppie gringo will want (though they’re improving); notably, their bread selection doesn’t measure up. But the building is now clean and well maintained (unlike the way it was under the previous management), prices are competitive, and the quality of the produce is high. It’s a fun place to look around for the often wonderful Spanish groceries, adding a touch of adventure for us blancos. And it’s right in the neighborhood, making it the perfect stop when you discover that you need some onions or pepper or butter RIGHT NOW or to get ice for your party.

America’s Food Basket came to my neighborhood in early 2011 with their fourth Boston location. Since then, their management has taken the time to get to know the neighborhood and has become a community asset. The previous grocer, People’s Tropical Food Supermarket, was known for below-​par quality and higher-​than-​average prices. The conditions of the building were deplorable. AFB renovated the interior one step at a time, and have improved the variety of products and quality. They are commencing on an outside remodel, set to finish in November, and will finally become the type of grocer this neighborhood deserves.
Gonzalo, the manager, and his entire staff get to know their regular customers. This truly is a neighborhood-​serving store, and the people who work here are super friendly. Their produce selection shines above all else: both conventional and organic items in full supply, top-​quality freshness, and almost always cheaper than anywhere else — even Save a Lot or Price Rite. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for a lot of their packaged, processed foods — but I don’t gravitate to these items much in my home anyway.
America’s Food Basket is everything you could want in a community-​based, walk-​to neighborhood grocer. Thank you for opening your doors in our neighborhood!

I am not a fan of the policing that goes on when you enter: check your bag, don’t look suspicious, etc. However, getting over that, this store is a decent place to get vegetables, beans, yogurt (DON’T SLEEP ON THE FAGE! It’s cheaper here than anywhere else), other essentials. You should also not be afraid to dance in the aisles to the blaring spanish music – seriously, even with my headphones in it was loud – so, I just took said headphones out and got my groove on while shopping for cilantro. Life could be worse. The folks who own this store have steadily improved it over the last year: more selection (um, Muir Glen; is this yet another a sign that Codman Square is gentrifying?!), faster service (again, don’t go after church on a Sunday, as all bets are off), and fresh food that’s high quality and priced right. I’ve now taken to going here when I don’t want to make the troop to Shaw’s and, for the most part, they always have what I want at a lower price. Now, can we get some quinoa?!