When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
The Olive Tree Market
Why The Olive Tree Market is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Olive Tree Market is a unique and charming upscale grocery store and deli located in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Founded in 1987 by Christopher Scott Stavros, it offers a carefully curated selection of gourmet items, fresh produce, specialty deli foods, local craft beers, and an extensive wine collection. The market strikes a perfect balance between convenience and specialty, making it an inviting destination to meet up with friends or shop for quality ingredients. Its warm atmosphere and community-centric approach make it feel both upscale and welcoming. Whether customers are looking for rare spices, farm-fresh vegetables, handcrafted beers, or the town's best sandwiches, The Olive Tree Market has it all. The staff is known for their friendly and knowledgeable service, contributing to a community feel where shoppers can enjoy browsing or quickly pick up essentials. With consistent recognition such as San Diego Magazine’s award for the best sandwich and a reputation for having one of the friendliest staffs in Ocean Beach, The Olive Tree Market stands out as a great meeting spot that combines food lovers' desires with down-to-earth customer care. Its offerings extend to prepared meals and a loyalty program that rewards regular visitors, making it a convenient, reliable, and enjoyable place to gather and shop.
Here's what people think of The Olive Tree Market
As of recent, The Olive Tree Market holds a 4.7-star rating based on 406 reviews.
Reviews of The Olive Tree Market overwhelmingly highlight the quality and variety of its offerings along with exceptional customer service. Positive reviewers praise the market as a vibrant hub for food enthusiasts, enjoying the wide selection of high-quality deli items, craft beers, exotic spices, and specialty foods. Many commend the freshness of produce and the unique inventory that blends everyday staples with gourmet and international products, underlining the shop’s reputation as an upscale yet approachable grocery store. Customers frequently mention the enjoyable shopping experience due to the friendly and helpful staff, often noting that the market feels like a community gathering point. The award-winning sandwiches and diverse wine selection are often cited as standouts. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in the freshness and taste of certain menu items, suggesting room for improvement in food preparation. A few have also noted that while the store is charming, its smaller size compared to larger grocery chains can limit product availability. The overall conclusion is that despite minor criticisms, The Olive Tree Market maintains a solid 4.7-star rating based on over 400 reviews by consistently providing quality products, a welcoming atmosphere, and a unique shopping experience that keeps customers returning.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bobby Jacobs
Every time I find myself in Ocean Beach, a stop at Olive Tree Market is an absolute must. It’s become a bit of a ritual at this point—no trip feels complete without grabbing my favorite sandwich: the legendary James Dean. It’s my go-to every single time, and somehow it never disappoints. The sandwiches here are hearty—so much so that my kids usually split one and are totally satisfied. Beyond the sandwiches, they’ve got a great selection of fresh, pre-made meals for those on the go, and the whole place has this local, neighborhood charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem tucked into a sunny OB corner. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, I can’t recommend Olive Tree Market enough. Fresh food, good vibes, and seriously excellent sandwiches. A total win.
Leslie Peters
Firstly, I have visited this store on many occasions recently. On my first visit, I entered the store front door and I ask the owner if it was OK for me to bring my dog into the store. She advised me that it was OK. I’ve visited this store on many occasions since. This individual store employee was very rude when I brought my dog into the store. When I checked out at the counter, he rudely informed me to leave my dog outside the store in future visits. He stated that a sign was posted on the doors. I enter the store via the front entrance where no sign is posted. This is a great market with a rude employee. I will continue to shop there but will avoid this employee.
Janessa H.
Love this little market! Great freshmade sandwiches and yummy local products. I'm happy they stock Hidden Foods Co. brand pasta sauce and pancake mixes!
Stewart Went
(May 2014) Needs to be viewed more in the context of the entire business (ie high quality deli foods, wine and beer). Not the biggest range but for most punters and especially tourists will be more than enough. Didn’t visit the taproom but looked pretty good. Only 3 minute walk from our holiday digs and for mine was easily OB’s best source of quality beer and wine.
Anne Schultz
The corner store with more than you can imagine…1st class deli, prepared take home meals , deserts and salads, huge wine celection, hot chickens, frozen foods and staples. I think the chicken is small for the price… but overall the quality and convenience are unmatched.
How to reach The Olive Tree Market
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Website: None
Why The Olive Tree Market may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Olive Tree Market with your friends? This vibrant spot in Ocean Beach, San Diego, offers a unique combination of upscale grocery shopping, deli delights, and an inviting atmosphere that makes it an ideal gathering place. With a high rating of 4.7 from over 400 reviews, it has earned a reputation for exceptional food quality and outstanding customer service. The Olive Tree Market isn’t just about groceries; it’s a community hub where you and your friends can savor award-winning sandwiches, enjoy fresh salads, and discover specialty items like craft beers and fine wines. Its friendly, knowledgeable staff create a welcoming environment that makes every visit feel special. Whether you want to grab a quick bite, stock up for a picnic, or pick out some artisanal treats, The Olive Tree Market offers everything you need to make your meetup memorable. Gathering here combines the ease of quality meals with a cozy, social vibe that encourages spending quality time together in a casual, laid-back setting.
What activities can you enjoy at The Olive Tree Market that make it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, food is the centerpiece—guests rave about their fresh-made sandwiches, salads featuring heirloom tomatoes, and a variety of mouthwatering deli options that cater to diverse tastes. You can order large sandwiches to share or enjoy individually, perfect for groups with different cravings. The market also stocks an impressive selection of craft beers and wines, allowing your group to explore different flavors and toast to good times. For those who prefer a more relaxed activity, browsing the specialty foods, sauces, and desserts together provides an engaging experience, especially for food enthusiasts. Additionally, the market offers quick in-store pick-up and delivery services, so you can plan group events easily, whether you’re meeting at the market or taking the feast elsewhere. Their commitment to accessibility, including wheelchair access and convenient parking, makes it inclusive for everyone in your group.
Why is The Olive Tree Market ideal beyond just food? Their approach to customer service stands out—they are known for friendly, knowledgeable staff who not only help you find what you need but also offer personalized recommendations. This enhances the shopping experience by making it interactive and fun, especially when you’re exploring local craft beverages or selecting items for a group picnic. Moreover, there is a loyalty program known as the “sub club” that rewards frequent customers with benefits, adding value to repeat visits. This program can be great for groups who return regularly to enjoy their favorite foods and drinks. With the market open every day from 8 AM to 8:30 PM, it allows flexible scheduling to accommodate different group plans, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a late afternoon meetup. The Olive Tree Market is much more than a grocery store—it’s a socially engaging environment that encourages lingering conversations over delicious and thoughtfully prepared food.
How can The Olive Tree Market enhance your group outings with convenience and variety? For groups planning a picnic or casual outdoor gathering, the market’s ready-to-eat options provide an effortless solution. Popular items like roasted chicken, fresh salads, and specially made sandwiches are perfect for sharing outdoors. Visitors have praised the quality and freshness of the food, noting that these items keep well and taste fantastic even when taken to nearby parks or the beach. The market also features a bakery section with enticing treats that are great for dessert options or snacks during your meetup. If your group enjoys a drink, the wide selection of craft beer and wine enhances the occasion, allowing each person to pick something that suits their palate. Accessibility to no-contact delivery and quick visits for in-store pick-up further streamline the experience, so your group can focus on enjoying time together rather than logistics.
What other unique features does The Olive Tree Market offer to support group meetups? The market is dog-friendly, which is a great plus if your group includes pet owners who want to bring their furry friends along. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with staff who are ready to assist with any needs, makes it a warm and accommodating place to gather. Located conveniently in the Ocean Beach area, The Olive Tree Market is close to local attractions such as the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier and nearby eateries, allowing you to combine your visit with a walk on the beach or additional outings. This makes it perfect for a full-day plan with varied activities. The mix of specialty and everyday items means your group can find gift-worthy products, artisan goods, or simply everyday essentials all in one place, appealing to a wide range of interests and tastes.
How does the setting and vibe of The Olive Tree Market contribute to its appeal for meetups? Despite being a marketplace, the shop maintains an intimate and friendly feel, with a capacity that keeps the atmosphere lively without being overwhelming. Guests report that the market strikes the right balance between busy and relaxed, creating a spot where conversations flow easily amid great food and drink. The inviting layout and helpful staff encourage browsing and casual interactions, making it a sociable destination. Additionally, being recognized by San Diego Magazine for the “Best Sandwich” in town highlights its culinary credibility and adds to the excitement for groups seeking top-notch but approachable dining. The market’s charm lies in its quality offerings combined with its approachable, down-to-earth service style, which resonates with both locals and visitors looking for a comfortable place to connect.
What makes The Olive Tree Market stand out compared to other local dining or market choices? Its focus on both upscale grocery items and quick, delicious meals positions it uniquely as a hybrid marketplace and eatery. This dual identity means it caters not only to those wanting to shop for specialty ingredients but also to those looking for a convenient and satisfying meal option. The extensive selection of local craft beers and wines adds an experiential angle to shopping, inviting groups to turn a simple grocery run into a tasting adventure. Moreover, the consistently high reviews and strong customer loyalty underline the market’s commitment to quality and community engagement. Its accessibility features and service options (including contactless delivery) demonstrate a modern approach to retail that accommodates a wide audience. This blend of quality, service, and social ambiance makes The Olive Tree Market an outstanding choice for group meetups anywhere in the San Diego area.
In summary, The Olive Tree Market offers an exceptional venue for rallying with friends or family thanks to its fresh, delicious food, welcoming environment, and variety of activities that engage both the taste buds and social spirit. From award-winning sandwiches to craft beverages, pet-friendly policies to loyalty benefits, it is designed to facilitate memorable gatherings. The combination of convenience, quality, and charm ensures that your next group meetup will be a seamless, enjoyable experience that leaves everyone looking forward to the next visit.