Esh's Grocery Market- Dacono — Local services in Dacono

Definitely a place to check out.

Initially, I had been somewhat reserved about belting out a review for Esh’s, especially since it is somewhat of a hidden gem, but with a new King Soopers encroaching on their territory, more people coming in would do the business well.

I discovered this place three years ago after the Pandemic started making grocery prices skyrocket, and now, 3+ years on, I still pop in at least twice a month, mostly to treat myself to goodies that would cost WAY more. We don’t get all of our groceries here, but it’s definitely a place to go for a lot of those supplementary items, though you can certainly get staples like meat. I will now write my review of each section of the store. Before you walk into Esh’s, it’s important to know WHAT they sell. Esh’s is what is known as a Salvage grocery store, which means they are sourcing product from a variety of places, usually unwanted surplus items or items that have past their best by dates and selling it at or near cost. Esh’s sells this, but also focuses on selling wholesome, organic products. You can absolutely expect to see stuff you would find at Kroger and Walmart, but you’ll see a fair bit of organic goods sourced from places like Sprouts, Whole Foods, Health Stores, etc. These will be significantly discounted. Now, it’s important to know that Esh’s takes advantage of the fact that modern food production is so sanitary, and so safe, that the “expiration” dates and “best by” dates are usually more of an indicator of peak quality rather than safety. However, I remind people to think about your appetite for risk. I highly doubt Esh’s is selling anything unsafe, but I have bought stuff, and it wasn’t at peak quality. So, look at what you’re buying, and think about what it is, and save yourself a buck! This place is for people who seek the thrill of a bargain hunt.

That said, there are 100%, absolute treasures to be had here, and even more so, they are discounted, and only there for a short time. You are encouraged to buy as much of an item if you really like it, because you might not see it for a long time.

AISLE BY AISLE Review, from left to right. Frozen foods: I usually skimp over this, they occasionally have good ice cream here and desserts, but I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. There’s frozen dinners and pizza here. Meats: Meats are OK. Usually there are good deals on sausage and hot dogs and chicken, but the beef is the same price as the stores and is older. I’ve bought it all, never had any issues. My favorite is when they get shipments of Shrimp or tilapia, good and cheap. Condiments. These are on the first two aisles, and they usually have something. Great place for cooking sauces and spices. They moved the hot sauce section over here, and they have good brands being rotated. If I see one that’s a brand I like and the quality looks alright, I’ll buy 5 or 6 since it’s half the price of the store. Canned goods. I’ve been avoiding this section. The selection is limited, and the cans are old and not competitively priced. Seen good deals on tuna, SPAM, and anchovies. Candy: Again, don’t have a sweet tooth. Good section for chocolate bars and baking goods here. Chips: Stay away, buy at Costco if you must! Back area Freezer. Deli there is always closed, but bulk cheeses and meats look good. Freezers to the right have interesting, eclectic selection of dairy products and charcuterie, yogurts and drinks. Drink section: Selection varies but dig around for brands you like. Coffee and tea: Good selection of Tea, Coffee selection has waned as of late. Used to have coffee for 4 dollars a bag, now lucky to see anything under 7-9 dollars. Bath and Body: Selection has wanted, look for deals on shampoos or soaps. Avoid other products, too expensive. Bread: Good prices, but limited by space. Produce section: Awful. Produce is limited and not competitive with other...

This place used to be an absolute treasure- near and slightly past date high quality foods for pennies on the dollar. I've been shopping here for years and over the past 2 years it has totally transformed, and not for the better! Gone are the amazing deals and great prices. Now I can find prices as good or BETTER at the full price stores. Definitely can get cheaper at regular stores with sales. Example is almond butter. I used to be able to get this at Esh's Dacono for less than half the price anywhere else. Now the prices are equal to what I'd pay at Trader Joe's so why would I pay the same for a past date item? I've been burned many times by rancid nut butters and stale crackers. When I was paying dirt cheap prices I didn't mind so much but not when I'm paying hear retail! Also they use the old style cash registers where the cashiers type in the amount manually. They sort of visually scan over your items and type things in random order so it makes it nearly impossible to keep track of what they are charging you. I have NEVER come home with a receipt total that is accurate. Not once, in all my years shopping here! When it's a dollar or two I can ignore it (and I live far enough away that it makes no sense to drive all the way back for a small error), but recently it's been increasingly large amounts, double charged for items, etc. The store is also lacking any sort of organization so despite being small it takes at least an hour to go though and find things. I'm not sure what the other recent reviewer is talking about with a "new store with clean accessible bathrooms"? That is not this place. The store is old and the bathroom is a tiny closet that is always filthy. I truly hate to bash what used to be a great little store but they have kept all the bad things (dirty store, outdated items, no organization, etc) and tripled their prices. It is no longer worth my time to drive out there when I can do as good or better shopping at Costco, TJ's, and Sprouts - and get FRESH...

This is heartbreaking since we really like this place and the items at Esh’s on top of their very, very low prices, totally impossible to be beat by nobody. At the Dacono store they have reopened the Deli department what is good and they got something for all kinds of customers. I thought it was me only or the way I look but the guy at the Deli department I think his name is Patt, he is so rude, but really rude. I have being there when he is rude with just anyone, grandma style ladies, good looking woman, young man, it’s ridiculous. He is always busy making a sandwich and there is no one around so makes me think he is making it for himself. If he is not making a sandwich he is mopping or sweeping or something but taking care of the Deli place. I wish this place keep growing and making happy customers but with that kind of customer service it is going to be very difficult or impossible. I hope someone teach him how to be kind and provide high quality customer service and that is all I don’t care about his friendship or even his smile, nice good customer service is good enough as it supposed to be. And the other hand Five Stars, again, relay like this place. Give it a try, but at the Deli department you may be disappointed. Almost forgot, it’s very own sandwiches over loaded not a good sign according the prices. Never mind to ring the bell requesting service looks like that blows...