I went here on my lunch break to meet my wife to grab lunch and go shopping. All a sudden a guy comes up to me saying he will tow my wife's car. Mind you I was stepping out of my work truck. I was very confused. He said he's the owner and I better not leave my car there. I had literally just pulled up as did my wife. I got out of the truck went to her car and kissed my son who was in the child seat of her car. Within a minute I'm getting threatened to be towed. I just left. I will never be coming back there.
Steph C.
Montecito Village Grocery was apparently my husband's mother's go-to grocery store. Smaller with less inventory than the big chain groceries in town, but also an easier place to shop, as it never gets crowded. I've been to the Von's on Coast Village Road many times over the years--it's pretty convenient, after all, and impossible to miss if you spend any time in Montecito. By contrast, I'd never even seen this market until Matt B. suggested we go to pick up a few odd things we needed for the week. It's a cute place with some comfortable neighborhood charm, and I enjoyed the ample parking and calm, quiet atmosphere. Obviously, the stock was more limited than at a supermarket--we couldn't find the pasta we wanted and did end up making a Von's run later in the week--but we picked up some of the items on our list, including a few bottles of wine. The wine selection was solid, with lots of local/regional wines. Definitely extensive enough that you'll walk away with what you need if you're not looking for anything too specific. (Our toddler, who was just learning his colors, pointed to a wall of reds and said, "Red? Red?") The cheese/deli section was pretty enticing, too. Check-out was quick and easy and we went home with enough provisions to see us through dinner that night (mostly, we needed wine). I like Vons fine, but it's nice to have Montecito Village Grocery as a pleasant, less busy alternative.
Kace S.
Bad service and expired products, its always hit or miss there, your better off going to Von's.
Ojb O.
I bought a chicken a la mexicana. It turn out that the chicken was really burned. I went to get credit from the manager and the stupid manager gave me $3 dollar credit. The price of the food was $9.99. Everything there is so expensive.
Sophie B.
This neighborhood grocery store has awesome European speciality items, not found elsewhere. From the Deli to yogurt, olives, to plant-based products: it provides quality food at its finest. We've become accustomed to settle for the adjacent and lower quality in our diets: not cool. Treat yourself, this grocery store is Delectable.
TheDancingChef C.
Great Deli and I love all the artisan cheese and the most helpful staff when I came in to shop for my clients Rob and Sheryl Lowe.
M G.
Holy shit!! not only is it so expensive but the food that is prepped for lunch is disgusting everything from tacos, burritos, the wraps, chicken wraps turkey wraps. I don't understand how people don't understand that any food you place in a plastic container will get soggy. who wants to pay $13 for soggy food. Don't waste your money!!!!!
Nancy G.
This used to be an automatic for lunch but since it changed hands the quality has gone way down and the prices up. Everyone who works here is great. Sandwiches are Continuously stale. The flavor of the hot food is great but seems old sometimes. I really miss this place it was so convenient
Amanda W.
Great product selection for plant-based foodies! I picked up a bag of plant-based burger patties by MATCH Meats which were delicious! For anyone interested in alternative meats that look and taste like the real deal, I highly recommend visiting this store and giving them a try!
Lisa M.
I love this place! Great selection of organic foods and gourmet treats, but also conventional favorites. Great wine and liquor selection. The prices are a little high but you are paying for a local boutique grocer and there is a convenience factor as well. Small convenience stores are always more pricey than the supermarket. Not a place to do your weekly shopping, but a great place to stop in for a few things close to home.
There appears to be an indifference and apathy here as if they're simply biding their time, or testing the waters before they bail, or the lease is up. The empty promises of renovations, remodels is a typical american--someday someday (passive aggressive--never). Beside Tony (the real butcher), a few of the longer-time staff, and friendly check out girls (Grace et al), being interrogated for rancid/sour cole slaw and trying to return it simply for a fresh batch ($4.24) turns into a federal case of tons of questions, accusatory tones, etc....are these out of town owners serious? The owner's daughter who manages the place does not appear friendly, and looks like she's checked out mentally--robotic and going through motions as they jack up prices to 'test the waters' to see how much they can 'get away with.' This is Santa Barbara--either you have real, visceral customer service, or maybe, get a clue? We're not from Roxy, nor are we clueless tourists who don't mind getting ripped off. Perhaps, some introspection, self reflection, and something other than economic hustling may help this place and its' narrative.
Eat'n O.
MARTHA!!! I'm am so thankful for Martha. I was in desperate need of ice cream and the store was going to close 2 minutes after I would arrive. I called and Martha said to come by and they would wait for me. I got there and they greeted me with a smile. I grabbed the ice cream, ran to the register and realized that in my rush to get there, I left my wallet at home. Martha said not to worry as she grabbed her phone and paid for it for me!!! AMAZING!! Super kudos to Martha for making my evening complete with chocolate chip ice cream.
Oliver L.
Really disappointing...never a great place to shop with high prices but convenient for a staple you forgot to buy on your marketing run. I was hopeful the new owners would make it great...low and behold..approximately 1 year later it is still "a work in progress" with bad produce, high prices and few improvements if any. Too bad
Brianna H.
I love the selection and convenience of this market and the service is always great. The deli/meat counter is great and they are starting to carry the great products I love and used to have to drive all the way to Whole Foods for. People giving a 1 star rating for them because they closed the doors when you are trying to show up at 7:59 to start your shopping is ridiculous!
Dorothy K.
Good quick shop. Nice wine selection. Good beers. Lots of cheeses and apps to get as well. We grabbed some stuff for a casual dinner at home.
I went here on my lunch break to meet my wife to grab lunch and go shopping. All a sudden a guy comes up to me saying he will tow my wife's car. Mind you I was stepping out of my work truck. I was very confused. He said he's the owner and I better not leave my car there. I had literally just pulled up as did my wife. I got out of the truck went to her car and kissed my son who was in the child seat of her car. Within a minute I'm getting threatened to be towed. I just left. I will never be coming back there.
Montecito Village Grocery was apparently my husband's mother's go-to grocery store. Smaller with less inventory than the big chain groceries in town, but also an easier place to shop, as it never gets crowded. I've been to the Von's on Coast Village Road many times over the years--it's pretty convenient, after all, and impossible to miss if you spend any time in Montecito. By contrast, I'd never even seen this market until Matt B. suggested we go to pick up a few odd things we needed for the week. It's a cute place with some comfortable neighborhood charm, and I enjoyed the ample parking and calm, quiet atmosphere. Obviously, the stock was more limited than at a supermarket--we couldn't find the pasta we wanted and did end up making a Von's run later in the week--but we picked up some of the items on our list, including a few bottles of wine. The wine selection was solid, with lots of local/regional wines. Definitely extensive enough that you'll walk away with what you need if you're not looking for anything too specific. (Our toddler, who was just learning his colors, pointed to a wall of reds and said, "Red? Red?") The cheese/deli section was pretty enticing, too. Check-out was quick and easy and we went home with enough provisions to see us through dinner that night (mostly, we needed wine). I like Vons fine, but it's nice to have Montecito Village Grocery as a pleasant, less busy alternative.
Bad service and expired products, its always hit or miss there, your better off going to Von's.
I bought a chicken a la mexicana. It turn out that the chicken was really burned. I went to get credit from the manager and the stupid manager gave me $3 dollar credit. The price of the food was $9.99. Everything there is so expensive.
This neighborhood grocery store has awesome European speciality items, not found elsewhere. From the Deli to yogurt, olives, to plant-based products: it provides quality food at its finest. We've become accustomed to settle for the adjacent and lower quality in our diets: not cool. Treat yourself, this grocery store is Delectable.
Great Deli and I love all the artisan cheese and the most helpful staff when I came in to shop for my clients Rob and Sheryl Lowe.
Holy shit!! not only is it so expensive but the food that is prepped for lunch is disgusting everything from tacos, burritos, the wraps, chicken wraps turkey wraps. I don't understand how people don't understand that any food you place in a plastic container will get soggy. who wants to pay $13 for soggy food. Don't waste your money!!!!!
This used to be an automatic for lunch but since it changed hands the quality has gone way down and the prices up. Everyone who works here is great. Sandwiches are Continuously stale. The flavor of the hot food is great but seems old sometimes. I really miss this place it was so convenient
Great product selection for plant-based foodies! I picked up a bag of plant-based burger patties by MATCH Meats which were delicious! For anyone interested in alternative meats that look and taste like the real deal, I highly recommend visiting this store and giving them a try!
I love this place! Great selection of organic foods and gourmet treats, but also conventional favorites. Great wine and liquor selection. The prices are a little high but you are paying for a local boutique grocer and there is a convenience factor as well. Small convenience stores are always more pricey than the supermarket. Not a place to do your weekly shopping, but a great place to stop in for a few things close to home.
Restaurantji Recommends
There appears to be an indifference and apathy here as if they're simply biding their time, or testing the waters before they bail, or the lease is up. The empty promises of renovations, remodels is a typical american--someday someday (passive aggressive--never). Beside Tony (the real butcher), a few of the longer-time staff, and friendly check out girls (Grace et al), being interrogated for rancid/sour cole slaw and trying to return it simply for a fresh batch ($4.24) turns into a federal case of tons of questions, accusatory tones, etc....are these out of town owners serious? The owner's daughter who manages the place does not appear friendly, and looks like she's checked out mentally--robotic and going through motions as they jack up prices to 'test the waters' to see how much they can 'get away with.' This is Santa Barbara--either you have real, visceral customer service, or maybe, get a clue? We're not from Roxy, nor are we clueless tourists who don't mind getting ripped off. Perhaps, some introspection, self reflection, and something other than economic hustling may help this place and its' narrative.
MARTHA!!! I'm am so thankful for Martha. I was in desperate need of ice cream and the store was going to close 2 minutes after I would arrive. I called and Martha said to come by and they would wait for me. I got there and they greeted me with a smile. I grabbed the ice cream, ran to the register and realized that in my rush to get there, I left my wallet at home. Martha said not to worry as she grabbed her phone and paid for it for me!!! AMAZING!! Super kudos to Martha for making my evening complete with chocolate chip ice cream.
Really disappointing...never a great place to shop with high prices but convenient for a staple you forgot to buy on your marketing run. I was hopeful the new owners would make it great...low and behold..approximately 1 year later it is still "a work in progress" with bad produce, high prices and few improvements if any. Too bad
I love the selection and convenience of this market and the service is always great. The deli/meat counter is great and they are starting to carry the great products I love and used to have to drive all the way to Whole Foods for. People giving a 1 star rating for them because they closed the doors when you are trying to show up at 7:59 to start your shopping is ridiculous!
Good quick shop. Nice wine selection. Good beers. Lots of cheeses and apps to get as well. We grabbed some stuff for a casual dinner at home.