Swinging Bananas — Local services in Oakland Park

This small farmers market was across the street from an Aldi's I had planned on shopping at so I decided to stop by and check them out.

Although small and narrow they had a decent selection of produce along with some other interesting item like spices, pasta, and sauces along with live herb plants. The lady working was very friendly and offered to help me find whatever I needed. After I saw the prices on potatoes and cabbage I wished I had bought my St. Patrick's Day vegetables here. I definitely overpaid for a $5.50 bag of red skin potatoes at Publix.

I ended up leaving with some strawberries and blueberries for a dollar a box. The strawberries had some spots on them I had to cut off when I got home but I just freeze them and pop them into my morning smoothie so it was no biggie. On my way out there was a guy out front selling stone crab claws. I was in a hurry so I didn't ask him the price but now I am kind of curious. I would definitely pop back in again if I was in the area. Just remember to bring cash it you don't want to pay their 3 percent...

This place is a hidden gem! Passed by this place, many of times while running Saturday and Sunday errands. Stopped in last week to see what kind of deals I could find :-). Everything inside of the Store is so well priced that I walked out with two bags of food for only $20. They carry pastina too, which is almost impossible to find anywhere else! Was so happy to grab a box I came back this week to grab two more along with all my soup ingredients. Their beef steak tomatoes looked so plump and yummy. The lady working the cash register both weeks that I went was helpful and a pleasure to interact with. I love spending money at a business like this, it creates a better community. Will be back for...

Located off Oakland Park Blvd between 95 & US1, this small family owned produce and specialty grocery store can be a treasure trove of great priced fresh produce or a hodge podge of overripe (sometimes mushy/sometimes molding) produce. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Check out their Facebook (and Instagram stories) for new deliveries as the produce is based on availability of their suppliers. They also carry a variety of dried pastas, olives, spreads, and other odds and ends (even sea moss - whatever that is). If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit but probably wouldn’t make a trip for it if you are further away that...