United Brothers Fruit Markets — Local services in New York

United Brothers Fruit Markets, an Astoria staple since 1971, is a vibrant and well‑loved produce emporium on 30th Avenue. Open 24/7, this family-owned market is known for its lively atmosphere, striking yellow-green façade, and incredible selection of fresh fruits and vegetables—many sourced directly from Long Island and Upstate New York farms .

Stepping inside, you’re greeted by neatly organized bins brimming with everything from crisp apples and cherry tomatoes to exotic specialties like purple garlic and $1 organic Driscoll’s strawberries when in season . The adjacent juice and smoothie bar is a hit, pumping out made-to-order beverages—including hot apple tea blends in winter with no sugar or preservatives .

Customers consistently highlight the friendly, helpful staff and fair pricing. One reviewer rated overall quality a solid 4.5/5, praising both the produce and the attentive cashiers . Indeed, “hands‑down one of the best produce markets in NYC” reported a satisfied shopper . The market also offers budget-friendly bins of discounted, older produce—a mixed blessing for bargain hunters .

That said, not everything is perfect. A recurring critique? Some items can turn moldy quickly, especially if bought in bulk or at low prices, and occasionally there are checkout mistakes or brief spikes in billing . As one local put it:

“Their stuff is often past dates. Elleniki (blue storefront next door) is the secret. Much better, same prices.”  

Another echoed this sentiment: “UB has a ton of curb appeal… but their stuff doesn’t sell through. … they have that huge section of rotting post‑dates stuff” .

Pros: • Huge, vibrant selection of seasonal and local produce • 24/7 hours, convenient for any schedule • Juice bar with diverse menu, including hot apple teas • Friendly service and lively neighborhood vibe

Cons: • Inconsistent freshness—some stock may sit too long • Occasional over‑charging or checkout errors

In summary, United Brothers Fruit Markets is an adventurous and convenient go-to for fresh, affordable produce, especially if you’re savvy about picking seasonally and checking labels. Its sheer variety, helpful staff, and late‑night accessibility make it a true neighborhood gem—just prepare to inspect your haul and compare with nearby competitors like Elliniki Agora for...

Good produce with large options and fair prices, so I will give it 5 stars. If I could rate the blonde older lady at the cashier, I would give her a 1-star rating, as she clearly hates her job. First I asked her if she had a larger basket so that I could put a few large heads of cabbage in; she rudely made a gesture that she was annoyed by me and said, I'll give you bags which was OK and I thought I'll give her another chance . As she finished ringing me up, I took my card to pay, and I was trying to tap the card for payment, which didn't take right away. She then snatched my card and put it into the machine. Looking at other reviews, it looks like someone else had the same situation with her. It's a shame because it makes the business look bad. Everyone can have a bad day but with this lady you feel the negativity and...

24/7 grocery store with an attached juice bar. They always have free samples of hot apple tea and slushees (in the summer). I came here a few times when I was nearby to see if they had any good bargains and to grab a cold drink to sip on as I peruse. They always have a smoothie of the day special ($5) and slushee special ($4 or $5).

The first first time I went was in the afternoon and they had bags of clementines on sale for $0.99. They often have grapes and cherry tomatoes at reasonable prices. They have good deals often but I think it’s better to go in the afternoon when it’s less busy and because I didn’t find any superb deals when I went in the evening between 5-8 PM. Also, they don’t charge...