The Best L.A. Grocery Store Isn’t Erewhon

Last year, we filmed ourselves trying over a dozen Mexican sodas, the majority of which we bought from the same grocery store. Sporked managing editor Gwynedd Stuart went out to buy them, and I’ll never forget the glow on her face when she brought an entire haul back and started raving about the store she just went to. She said it was beautiful, organized, and packed with deli and bakery items that made every other grocery store feel lackluster by comparison. They had fresh tamales sitting in a steamer, delicious grab-and-go meals that came in big portions for under $10, refried beans and ceviches that they make in-house, and an entire section of candied apples hand-dipped and made from scratch.  

That grocery store, my friends, is Vallarta Supermarket. And it does not get the credit it deserves.

I don’t live in Southern California, my dude. What’s Vallarta Supermarket? 

Vallarta is a SoCal-born Mexican grocery store chain with more than 50 locations across Southern and Central California. It started in Oxnard and has grown into one of those places locals swear by. But it definitely still flies under the radar to the average CA resident. Myself and most of my friends are L.A. transplants; we had no idea this chain existed until recently, despite living in a 10 mile radius of multiple locations. 

What kind of groceries can I expect to find there?

Whatever is currently on your grocery list, I can almost guarantee that you’ll find it at Vallarta (especially at any of the bigger storefronts). It’s really just a regular grocery store stocked with all your typical popular brands—but on top of that, it has extensive options for hispanic cuisine that range from pantry staples to deli-made meals. 

There’s a full deli counter with marinated meats, a bakery pumping out warm bolillos (two for $1), and an array of Mexican sweet breads that I, an ignorant white American, have simply never seen or heard of before, along with giant bottles of aguas frescas and a whole candy section (dulcería) with sweets from Mexico and Central America, like spicy tamarind candy, chile-covered mango paletas, mazapan, and more. This is the kind of store where you go in for tortillas (freshly made tortillas, obviously) and leave with three kinds of salsa, a container of refried beans, and a churro. Because there’s no way you’re passing up a churro when it’s right there in front of you. 

Don’t take my word for it, though: Peruse their online storefront. Get lost in the wonders of this magical place.  

Alright, you’ve convinced me—and I actually do live in Southern California. Where can I find the closest location? 

Odds are, there’s one closer to you than you think. Vallarta locations are scattered across L.A. County, the Inland Empire, Ventura County, the Central Coast, and beyond. If you’ve ever driven past one and thought, “Maybe I should check that out sometime,” this is your sign! (And here’s a store locator link to make it easy.)