I love going to ethnic markets. Although this is a chain, it doesn't feel like the other standard chains. What I like about this hispanic market is the prices, the variety and the quality of the produce which in a lot of cases are cheaper than other stores. I'm talking about their regular prices people and not their weekly specials which would then take it down even more. If you need special ingredients that you can't find in the other big box stores, more than likely you'll find it here at a price cheaper than a specialty store.
The agua frescas always call to me when I enter the store. Either pina (pineapple) or horchata (rice and cinnamon - kind of like the asian milk teas) are my go-to faves. While I am waiting, I like looking at the ready made foods that can be boxed up to go - the different salsas and the ceviche.
The food court is outstanding and sometimes on weekends they have mariachis playing. The employees are very helpful if you don't know what the different dishes are. You can usually find someone who can speak English if you don't speak Spanish. I've even found the patrons who sit at the benches at the food court to be very friendly. When I see a dish they have selected and it looks tempting, I always ask what they ordered.
Check out the tortillas as they are making their way down the production line and being packaged. They smell so fresh. Don't be afraid to ask to sample one.
Like cheese? You 'll find a good selection of Mexican cheeses at their queso counter. Again, just ask for a sample if you need to try one out. They're more than helpful and can assist with a recommendation.
The bakery is very popular. Not only do they custom bake cakes for special occasions, but they also have different Mexican pastries and breads. You can use the tongs and grab the ones that appeal to you out of the cases that are constantly being refilled throughout the day. I was told that anything not sold at the end of the day is discarded.
Make a morning of it. Walk through the aisles and see what kind of canned goods are unique. Browse through the meat section and ask the butcher what the different cuts are and how best to prepare them.
Be adventurous and broaden your horizon. Take the kids and introduce them to a different culture. Beware though, once they see the candy section, you may not be able to leave the store!
I have been to their mercado on Central & Southern in Phoenix and to the location on 16th St & Roosevelt and the experience is similar. Warning that at the Mesa location, parking is a bear. The spaces are narrow and the lot is always full.