Ralph's or Vons??

[CarolynK]

In our past visits to DLR (last one over 6 years ago!), we've only shopped at Ralph's, but Vons looks like it's just as close. The Ralph's website has a shopping list feature that seems better than Vons' so that is one in their favor.

Anyone have an opinion on which store is better?

 

[Darkbeer1]

I shop at both, my preferences currently (and my closest Ralphs is the one on Brookhurst).

1. Aldi on Euclid

2. COSTCO in Fullerton for large items and some special stuff (Picked upsome Ahi Tuna today)

3. Stater Bros. on Brookhurst (lower prices than Ralphs and VONS/Albertsons), great meat department. Also a local chain.

4. Walmart Neighborhood Market, one is on Katella west of the DLR.

5. Sprouts Farmers Market on Harbor near COSTCO,good for Bulk Bin items, and produce. (Similar to a small Whole Foods but much cheaper)

6. Trader Joe's, located at the Village of Orange, so a bit of a drive.

7. The Albertsons in Buena Park (They also own VONS/Safeway, same items, same prices), nice large modern store. (The two VONS near Disneyland are smaller old school versions.

8. Ralph's on Brookhurst, once again large and modern, sometimes has good specials. And an excuse to go to L&L Hawaiian BBQ for dinner.

Other nearby options, other than CVS and Walgreens for basics, a Food 4 Less on Katella near the Walmart Neighborhood Market (owned by Ralph's/Kroger).

Target - limited groceries

On Euclid, Northgate Gonzales for Mexican specialties

99 Ranch Market for Asian and Seafood items

and Smart & Final Extra for bulk items and regular groceries.

So there you go, I love the new Aldi, from needing a quarter to unlock a shopping cart (you get it back when you return the cart), keeps the parking lot free of them. To basically the lowest prices around. You do bag the items yourself. (And in California you bring your own bags, or have to pay at least 10 cents for a bag that can be re-used.)

 

[CarolynK]

Thanks so much for this very detailed reply! And, for the heads up about bags...around here, we still get bags free.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Thanks so much for this very detailed reply! And, for the heads up about bags...around here, we still get bags free.

Note, the bag rule currently applies to grocery stores. So Disneyland can provide you bags at no cost, so can places like Hardware stores, liquor stores, Restaurant to go/doggie bags etc. Like many other things in California, the rules are confusing .

Have a great trip.

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, I just stepped into the VONS at Lincoln. They just finished a remodel, and it is much nicer, but I thought a bit small.

 

[CarolynK]

Nice to know, thanks!