Central Market — Attraction in Fort Worth

I love Central Market more than anything else not related to my friends and family. They literally have employees that are “certified foodies.” It’s not a store for everyone at all. If you want to make hamburger helper, skip this place and go to HEB or (ugh) Walmart. If you are a hopeless romantic about food, and want a level of service that transcends what any store should, welcome home.

Every good quality of this place starts from the bottom up. The difference between my local HEB and the 20 minute one way trip to Central Market is minimal in some areas. However, everything is up one level. It’s like going from Walmart to HEB. Going to Central Market from HEB is the same step… sort of. Not as drastic though. There isn’t actual websites about people from HEB, and I haven’t seen HEB on WSHH. But, I digress. The green onions are snappier, the garlic is fresher, they actually have things like breakfast radishes, and other small details as having any temperature sensitive produce actually packed in ice.

The meat and seafood department has an extraordinary selection. I may be a simple person, but I found out that there are more than one type of edible oyster from a trip to Central Market. The prices of the meat are a little higher than desired, but you are paying a bit more for the service side. Every employee almost seems hand picked to be where they are. The seafood people really actually know what the gender of a lobster does to its flavor. The butchers can actually see the CORRECT label of quality of meat.

The bakers actually seem to love their jobs, the manager is almost nutty levels of loving his craft. The guy made little flowers and designs with the bread! It’s art. Side story, (I truly love and cherish my daughter - 17) my daughter asked the bakery attendant what bread was best for a sandwich… I of course saw the ridiculous humor that she didn’t mean to portray, but the person behind the counter actually made a full effort to serve the question as best they could. I make fun of her often for that one, but it still tells a story about how much this place actually does to be comforting to the shoppers.

The spices available would make a trader on the Silk Road die of jealousy. The amount of variations of per pound dried goods is mind numbing. I don’t drink coffee or tea, but they have so many varieties, and those aisles smell amazing. Strange candies that would make Wonka jealous, water variety that hydrohomies would go nuts over, and every niche canned food you could imagine.

The alcohol section is simply put, a glut. They have people who actually can listen and learn what you want and can pair drinks depending on the items you have in your cart. You tell them that you are making a Niçoise salad, but instead of wine you would like a beer or sparkling wine… they will think and present options. They even go as far as letting you taste test. I never want to abuse that option, but it’s still there. They have growler services even!

The deli is spectacular. The Mediterranean lamb is the best meat I have eaten. So, one day after trying the lamb a visit before, I asked the cheese guy (yes, they have a cheese guy) what would be best for my imagined sandwich (basic bread, lamb, tapenade, butter lettuce for crunch, grey poupon, and some thin sliced red onion). I told him that I didn’t want anything too creamy or anything that would either overpower or get lost in the sandwich. He proposed a black pepper white cheddar that had a good and dry funk to it. I tried a piece, and he not only took the very hard to slice piece that was left, but got it perfectly sliced to what I would want.

To end this, I once actually had a less than perfect time once. The deli counter person accidentally skipped me (for shame!). I didn’t mind, it was Sunday. But, another deli person saw this, and gave me a huge discount for the perceived transgression. I didn’t need it, and I wouldn’t have cared if it didn’t happen. But, it’s just those little things.

There’s more to say, but I have reached my character limit.

Love....

Updated to 1 star instead of 2 for lack of response or consideration.

I visit CM daily. That may sound like an exaggeration but it’s not. Every day I come here for lunch. Every day this week I’ve left without food because they don’t have what I want, they’re to crowded in the sandwich line, or it’s the week before thanksgiving/Xmas and there’s no way of getting in and out quickly.

It’s such a love hate relationship here. They have these great items for a while, then without explanation they discontinue items, there’s no warning or reasoning for why or how long it’ll be discontinued and none if the staff seem to know any answers.

Also, I feel like I’m always bombarded with staff. Needed to use the family restroom with my toddler, had to wait about 10 minutes for a staff member using it. She was not the cleaning crew. She just took a huge dump in the family restroom and thumbed her nose at me and another dad waiting on her way out. There’s always staff in line buying items delaying me from getting in and out. And the managers do this awful thing where they stand in large crowds of 3-4 watching and talking about departments, rather than actually work. Management at CM = standing and staring in my opinion. Also I pay a premium to shop here, so I’m not bagging my own groceries. Get more baggers, or send one of the 20 managers standing around to help.

They are always understaffed in the sandwich making area. It’s 2 people no matter what. If there’s 3+ people in line it’ll be more than 15 minutes to get a sandwich. Add 5 minutes to each person you add. Ive voiced this frustration to managers, crickets.

I love the bento box with humus, chicken, berries, and nom bread. They do inconsistently carry it (at this location) and let me tell you, the reasons I’ve been told are a plenty, not one ever the same. Supply shortage (even though every item is available in the store elsewhere), it’s seasonal only (even though that’s always inconsistent and seems to have no pattern). The person who makes them comes in later so they aren’t on the shelf at lunch time, etc.

Cold Brew? Why is it discontinued and for how long? It’s literally cold water and coffee beans, can your master chefs not get that right or are the managers to busy staring at their team working to manage inventory.

So in short, considering the sandwich line is always too long at lunch, you discontinued the bento box I love, and you’re incapable of mixing coffee with water, I will simply stop going as it’s not really for me anymore, a local of FW since this location was a green field where hot air balloons use to launch.

I’m not mad, just disappointed and unimpressed with the management of this location. Be more like southlake or Sallaa. They run their stores...

Welcome to the Central Market in Dallas Fort Worth! Located in the heart of the city, Central Market is a vibrant and bustling marketplace that offers an extraordinary shopping experience for food enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike.

As you step into Central Market, you'll be greeted by an enchanting ambiance filled with enticing aromas and a feast for the eyes. The market showcases a vast array of fresh produce, specialty ingredients, and gourmet products sourced from local farmers, artisans, and international suppliers.

Wander through the aisles and discover a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, hand-picked to ensure the highest quality and freshness. From exotic spices and herbs to artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked bread, Central Market is a paradise for those seeking unique and hard-to-find ingredients.

For food lovers, the market features an impressive assortment of culinary delights. Whether you're craving international cuisine or regional specialties, you'll find an impressive selection of prepared meals, ready-to-eat dishes, and gourmet delicacies. From sushi and dim sum to wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers, Central Market caters to all taste buds.

Aside from the incredible selection of food, Central Market also hosts regular cooking classes, food demonstrations, and tasting events. These provide an opportunity for customers to learn new culinary techniques, interact with local chefs, and expand their culinary repertoire.

To complement your culinary journey, Central Market boasts an extensive collection of wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits. Whether you're a connoisseur or a novice, the knowledgeable staff is always on hand to assist you in finding the perfect pairing for your meal or celebration.

Central Market is not just a place to shop; it's a community hub where people gather, connect, and share their passion for food. With its welcoming atmosphere, lively events, and exceptional customer service, Central Market invites you to explore the world of flavors, discover new tastes, and elevate your culinary experiences.

Come and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Central Market in Dallas Fort Worth, where culinary inspiration meets exceptional quality, and every visit is a memorable...