Urban Fare — Local services in Electoral Area A

I wouldn’t recommend this store for actual grocery shopping unless you have cash to burn OR you’re a UBC student in which case you can get 10% off. The produce looks good, but everything is pricey, and you can go to the Save-On in Wesbrook and get the same products and, I’m pretty sure, spend less (I haven’t done an organized comparison, but this is my impression from eyeballing the prices here and having done my regular shopping at Save-On for years). There are some specialty health-oriented snacks here that you can’t find everywhere that I’d consider buying here, but otherwise it’s not worth it for me. The grocery store may not be for me, but I love the cafe aspect of this store. There are counters for sandwiches, sides, poke, salads, a bakery, and coffee/smoothies. The baked goods can compete with the best bakeries in the city (the muffins and scones in particular), and if you go in the morning, you might get them still-warm out of the oven. All of the made-to-order meals are great, made with the freshest produce, and the salads are huge. The “coffee shop” counter has some smoothies pre-made and bottled to go, but you can also request any of the smoothies off the menu made fresh, and the “Cookies & Cream” smoothie that I got the other day was the most delicious thing. Interestingly, this store also does bubble tea, which is pretty standard. This stuff is all cheaper than you would find similar items at a proper restaurant. Whether you’re there for groceries or just a bite to eat, the staff is mostly very friendly and the store is clean, aesthetically appealing, and easy to navigate, making it a pleasant...

I was excited when it was announced that this store would be opening just down the street, and my experience has varied. If I was only rating the salad bar, coffee shop, and bakery this would be an easy 5/5. However, several recent experiences with other departments of the store have left me disgusted and disappointed.

I recently purchased around $90 worth of meat and cheese for a charcuterie board. I let them know which meats I wanted in the deli, and when I got home I noticed that they were all discoloured, dry, and had a foul odor. I chose the cheese myself, so these were okay. However, I had a Swiss emmental in my basket and when I got to the checkout, I noticed that it was moldy. When I told the checkout guy, I watched him put the moldy cheese back on the shelf, and he returned with another block, which was also moldy. I decided against purchasing it. I was shocked that he would put it back on the shelf.

Two days ago, I went to purchase blueberries. Again, I got to the counter to pay and when the checkout person lifted them up to scan, I noticed a moldy berry at the bottom that I didn't see initially. I pointed this out, and he tried to argue with me that this was not mold. Another check out person came and kindly found me a mold-free container.

All this to say, if you are looking for some sweet treats, fresh salad, or cafe beverage, Urban Fare is a great option. Most other things, you are better...

I recently visited Urban Fare grocery store at UBC Vancouver and I must say I was extremely impressed with my experience there. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the beautiful and modern interior design. The store was well-lit, clean, and organized which made it enjoyable to shop in.

One thing that stood out to me was the impressive variety of products available. They had everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, and an extensive selection of international foods. I was particularly impressed with the bakery section which had a wide range of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes.

The staff were friendly, and willing to help with any questions I had. I also appreciated how they took extra steps to ensure a positive experience for the customers.

Finally, the checkout process was quick and efficient. The staff were organized and moved through the lines quickly, which was a refreshing change from other grocery stores I've been to recently.

Overall, I highly recommend Urban Fare grocery at UBC Vancouver, specifically if you want a quick bite for lunch or mid day snack. The store offers a fantastic shopping experience with a wide range of quality products, friendly staff, and a commitment to safety. I will definitely be returning...