Best Local Markets to Get Groceries

Support the local economy and avoid lines at these specialty grocery stores.

Words by Sam Lauron

Just weeks ago, Austinites collectively made a mad dash to the nearest grocery store to stock up on enough goods to get their families through the suggested “quarantine.” With the situation changing at a rapid pace, we’re all now learning how to navigate this “shelter in place,” and some may be wondering how they can support the community and remain safe in doing so. As the need for groceries never subsides, consider shopping at your local market. This rush has resulted in long lines and bare shelves at the large box stores while the local markets have full shelves and are not as bustling as they once were.

Austin has rallied to support local restaurants, and rightfully so, but small specialty stores need just as much support.

During this unprecedented time, it’s crucial to continue patronizing small businesses in order to keep our local economy in somewhat stable condition and ultimately assist them in making it through to the other side of this. Not to mention, when choosing to shop at a specialty grocery stores, you’re also supporting a multitude of small businesses as these markets often carry many local brands. Here’s a reminder of which local markets are fully stocked with the essentials and proudly serving Austinites through this uncertain time.

Quickie Pickie

Quickie Pickie has served as a neighborhood hangout for more than 25 years, acting as equal parts convenience store, bar, and cafe. Offering local brands like Austin Beerworks, Sunriser CBD Coffee, Counter Culture Coffee beans, plus their own pre-packaged Quick Pickie salads and sandwiches. In addition to their in-house food offerings like tacos and sandwiches, the usual grocery essentials and small household items can also be found here. And, like many Austin restaurants, Quickie Pickie has shifted to the takeout business model. To-go orders can be made through DoorDash.
1208 E. 11th St. | 2027 E Cesar Chavez St. | quickiepickieaustin.com

The Bee Grocery

The Bee Grocery prides itself on serving a curated selection of fresh and prepared foods as well as carrying many local brands. A few you can find at this urban grocer are Cocina 54 Empanadas, Uncle Ray’s Peanut Brittle, and a limited supply of homemade hand sanitizer from Austin skincare brand, The Good Hippie. Even their eggs are locally-sourced and come directly from Happy Chick Farms in Lockhart.
1001 E 6th St. | beegrocery.com

Callahan’s General Store

With more time being spent at home, basic hardware needs are bound to arise. When they do, Callahan’s General Store has got you covered. The longtime Austin institution has constantly evolved over the years by tailoring their offerings to customers’ needs, and now is no different. Whether it’s essential household items, pet care items, plants, chickens, outdoor tools, or feed that you need, Callahan’s is now offering curbside and drive-through service.
501 S Hwy 183 | callahansgeneralstore.com

Royal Blue Grocery

While they have temporarily closed the Congress location downtown, all other Royal Blue locations remain open, including the one on East 6th Street. Royal Blue not only carries the essentials like eggs, bread, and wine, but they also serve Stumptown coffee and their own brand of freshly-prepared grab-and-go items. During this time, the grocer is offering curbside pickup to make shopping even easier. Customers can call the shop, and someone from the store will walk you through the order, shop for your items, and coordinate a pick-up time.
1629 E. 6th Street | royalbluegrocery.com

Quality Seafood Market

Quality Seafood Market has shifted its business to accommodate the takeout-only order and is offering three ways for Austinites to get their fix of high-quality seafood. First, they opened up their food truck in the front parking lot with a limited menu. Customers can enjoy seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and choose from items like breakfast tacos, lox bagels, and their signature dishes like fried, grilled, and blackened fish. The retail market will also continue to operate, serving essentials like eggs, milk, butter, chicken, ground beef, and fresh produce in addition to fresh fish. And lastly, Quality Seafood has put together a take and bake menu featuring meals for two that can be ordered online and picked up curbside.

5621 Airport Blvd. | qualityseafoodmarket.com

Monarch Food Mart

Monarch Food Mart has long been a staple for the Cherrywood Neighborhood. Located just next door to Cherrywood Coffeehouse, the friendly neighborhood convenience store carries all of the necessary provisions along with an extensive selection of beer and wine. Some favorite local brands include Austin Eastciders, austiNuts, Texas Keeper Cider, and Live Oak Brewing to name a few.
1402 E. 38th 1/2 St.

Mosaic Market

Mosaic Market is conveniently located by Mueller Lake Park, making it easily accessible to those in the neighborhood. They’re stocked with household essentials like highly sought-after toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues. Mosaic is also a convenient stop for those who need just a few basic items like eggs or Advil, or snacks like ice cream, chips, or frozen meals.
4600 Mueller Blvd. Ste. 1031 | mosaicmueller.wixsite.com/mosaicmarket

Salt & Time

While the butcher shop remains open, Salt & Time has also increased their market offerings and are fully stocked with all of the necessary provisions like fresh produce, dairy, eggs, bread, and much more. Many of their grocery offerings are also local products, like bread from Sour Duck Market, pizza dough and sauce from Bufalina, coffee beans from Figure 8, and ice cream from Lick Honest Ice Creams. Salt & Time is taking all of the necessary health precautions and is even open early, dedicating the first hour of the day to the elderly and customers with compromised immune systems so they can shop safely.
1912 E. 7th St. | saltandtime.com

Native Knowledge: Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these local brands when shopping.

Austin-based Drink Brands

Mighty Swell
Wunder-Pilz Kombucha Tea
Kosmic Kombucha
Buddha’s Brew Kombucha
CLEAN Cause
Paula’s Texas Spirits
Austin Eastciders
Moontower Cider
Argus Cidery
Texas Keeper Cider
Zilker Brewing Co.
Bhoomi Super Botanicals
Ranch Rider Spirits
Waterloo Sparkling Water
Richard’s Rainwater
Rambler Sparkling Water
Deep Eddy Vodka
Tito’s Vodka
Kooper Family Whiskey Co.
Nine Banded Whiskey
Austin Cocktails