Watson's Organic Market & Cafe — Restaurant in Visalia

My sister and I went in for a healthy lunch before our family's holiday festivities. There was a large backboard menu and trifold menus at the counter for review. We told the cashier, let's call her "Texas A & M," that it was our first time so she explained that the new management "doesn't use sugar in everything," unlike the old owners, and that "everything is organic." She took the trifold menu from my hand and crossed out with a yellow marker several items that were no longer available on the new menu. Menu items, not prices.

Me: We'll have two chilis (Wednesday soup option)... TAM: Do you want cornbread with that? Me: Okay TAM: Anything else? Me: Yes, half tuna sandwich... TAM: What kind of bread? Me: What are the op... TAM: We have (lists off several options) Me: I'll have... TAM: Do want this as a soup and sandwich combo? Me: Ok... TAM: Anything else? Me: Okay. You're not letting me finish what... TAM: scoffs Okay. Will. There. Be. Anything. Else? Me: Yes, the hot dog special. TAM: Your total is $37(-ish dollars, I forgot the exact amount) Me: Wait. Read that order back. TAM reads the order back Back counter guy: We only have large containers so here are two orders of chili. Me: The menu says $4 for Wednesday soup, which is the chili, so that's $8. Then the hot dog special is $6 and a half sandwich was how much? TAM: The chili is not part of the soup special so it is $8.95 plus $2 for cornbread Me: $2 each? TAM: Yes. Then the half sandwich is $10 and the hot dog is $6. Me: These prices are way off from the menu. TAM: We use all organic ingredients. Me: Good, but you're charging me more than what was on the menu. TAM: We're under new management and we use all organic ingredients. Do you want the chili or not? Me: I want the chili at the price that is on the menu. TAM: okay so no chili. Do you still want the half sandwich and hot dog? Me: Fine. Make sure it's the hot dog special. TAM: Your total is $17. The back counter guy takes chili and leaves it on the back counter. Me: Sorry you have to waste that chili. Back counter guy: Oh it won't be wasted, we'll just save it for the next order of chili.

My sister's hot dog special was made with good quality ingredients but the bun was bordering stale and the hot dog was cold. The tuna sandwich was room temperature. Not willing to waste food or the hard-earned money we spent, we ate our food under distress and questioned if we'd get food poisoning.

This is "new management?" Based on our terrible experience and that of many others reviewed here, y'all are gonna need all the up-charges you could sneak/thieve your way...

Watson's is small but has so much to offer. There is plenty of seating, both inside and out; they serve ready-made food made fresh that day as well as food made to order- both hot and cold; there are more drink options than I could possibly list, from smoothies to teas to bottled everything; they have vegan, vegetarian, dairy and gluten free, and meat in all manner of sandwiches, pasta, quiches and more, along with desserts. Books to look at, free magazines and literature, and some very excellent wall art and paintings topped off with beautiful growing plants. And that's just the Deli half!

The other side of Watson's is a Health Food Store with everything from fresh vegetables, to seasonings, to perishables like milk and cheese and such, to frozen items like ice cream. There's the usual bread, chips cereal, and the like but offered in the vegan, dairy and gluten free, and other varieties. They even have cleaning, hair and body, and kitchen products, all health and environmentally conscious of course.

There's a section with books and magazines for sale. Food and other items for your pets. Perfume and body products. There's even a delicious candy and snack section.

Like any good Health Store, they also offer a wide variety of herbs- in bulk, tea, and bottle form- as well as vitamins, minerals, supplements, tinctures, and aromatherapy. If you don't know what you need or don't see what you want, Tom, Josh, or any of the other knowledgeable personnel employed at Watson's, are always right there to help you out.

If all of this makes you tired, feel free to step out back into their beautiful garden area. It offers peace, tranquility, lovely views, and cozy little places to sit and let the worries of the day melt away.

I never let a visit to Visalia go by without a stop to this wonderful little...

Update to an Outstanding Transformation!!!

The new ownership has completely revitalized this café and market, and it’s truly impressive! From the moment you walk in, you can see the beautiful job they’ve done with the décor—warm and inviting. The atmosphere feels fresh and welcoming.

The quality of food is outstanding! They source ingredients locally from trusted farms and Visalia's own farmers market, ensuring fresh, flavorful, and healthy meals. It’s great to see a café that genuinely cares about the community’s health by offering thoughtfully curated, nutritious options along with biodegradable utensils and paper goods.

Beyond the café, the organic market side of the store is just as exceptional. They offer a well-thought-out selection of clean, nontoxic, and high-quality health and wellness products. Their commitment to providing only the best for their customers is evident, from specialty ordering options to carefully chosen organic and sustainable goods. It’s a fantastic place to find unique, health-conscious products that align with a mindful lifestyle.

Service has also seen a huge improvement—friendly staff, prompt orders, and an overall great dining experience, whether you're inside or out in the garden. The cleanliness is top-notch, and you can tell they take pride in maintaining a spotless environment.

If you haven’t been here since the revamp, I highly recommend giving it a try. The passion and dedication of the new owners shine through in every detail. Definitely...