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| - I live right next to Constantino's and it is nothing if not convenient. When looking for groceries in the greater downtown area, you basically have 3 options: Constantino's, Dave's, and the West Side Market. What can I say about Constantino's in regards to the others, then?
Firstly, it's definitely on the pricey side of things. Expect to pay for the convenience-- you will spend 20-30% more here than at other grocery stores. You won't be burning your money like a mad shopping spree at a Whole Foods, but it is more expensive than the Market and probably a little more so than Dave's.
Secondly, almost everything they offer is pleasantly middle-of-the-road. Expect decent produce, decent selection, decent everything. None of their produce is gleaming, gorgeous and waiting to be photographed, but none of it is crawling with grossness either. You probably won't find exactly what you need if you're looking for something specific, but you'll find something similar. The store is organized fairly well and you won't randomly find what you were looking for in some forlorn corner of the store (which often happens at Dave's) and it's a lot less intimidating at first glance than the West Side Market.
Thirdly, it's not a "health food" store as some people are calling it. If you need sprouted legumes, Yuca root, or anything else you won't find at a regular grocery store, you're better off trying the Market or Mustard Seed.
What people are saying about an impressive wine & beer selection is true. Not much else to say here, as I'm not much of a wine or beer drinker myself.
Finally, what WILL keep me coming back to Constantino's is their prepared food. They make pretty awesome pizzas in different sizes, decent wraps, pretty good sushi (for grocery sushi, anyway). On top of that, it's convenient. I barely have to roll out of bed to land in Constantino's.
Bottom line is thus: if you're downtown and in need of some groceries, there's really no reason not to go to the West Side Market. However, if you don't have time for the ordeal it can sometimes be, or the Market has already closed, Constantino's is a more than acceptable alternative .
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