The Vegetable Guy

Definitely the best place around for produce. The stuff is all very high quality.

Such a great store manager and selection of fruits and vegetables. Very convenient to those living in the north end/​haymarket area for fresh fruits and veggies!

Savior of life best veggies and produce By FAR in the north end. Alby is so nice too!!! Thank god he exists because there is NO fresh produce at either grocery store or anywhere else in the north end.

three cheers for the vegetable guy!

There’s no signage visible from the outside. Inside there is a cool little poster up on the left which lists its many «names.» Three gents were chatting as I entered, but Alba offered me assistance right off.
By the way, the actual name of this spot on Parmenter, across from the North End Library, isn’t «The Vegetable Guy» but «Alba» as I was informed by the men, and as evidenced by the article I later spotted online —
Alba disappeared briefly, and returned with a hefty bag of basil from another room — $ 2.99 for a bunch that weighed 7.7 oz stems and all. Not only enough for the fresh corn salad I bought it for, but also a recipe of pesto that required 2 cups of the fresh herb.
When I was at Shaw’s shortly thereafter, I scoped out their basil. I’m not 100% certain, but for the larger box (6 oz.?) I think it would have cost me something like $ 3.79, and perhaps $ 3.49 for the smaller/​4 oz.

The bottom line is if you want fresh fruit and vegetables in the North End, this is the place! He has a great selection of very good quality products and also offers Italian vegetables and a selections of Pastas, olives and canned goods.
The owner is very helpful and takes pride in his products. He is very welcoming and also keeps some broccoli rabe in the back, so remember to ask for it!

I love coming here for all my produce needs. The owner is extremely friendly and knowledgable about his products — which are always fresh! Great spot.

The guy who owns the place is named Alby, and he’s terrific. He has been so friendly and helpful every time I’ve gone in. I just moved in around the corner so I didn’t know the etiquette at first, but he didn’t mind. It’s cash only and you just point at things you want and he grabs them, weighs them and tells you the price… couldn’t be more convenient than that. Sure, the produce isn’t wicked cheap, but it’s also not wicked expensive. It’s a nice atmosphere, convenient location and delicious food. I think he told me he’s open Monday-​Saturday (closed Sunday) from early morning until about 6pm.

Dear Vegetable Guy,
I am so glad we found each other. You are an oasis of fresh fruit and veggies, right off the craziness of Hanover Street. I am not sure how I overlooked you before!
Seriously, good selection of fresh produce. Decent prices as well. Friendly and helpful, too. I asked for a few things that weren’t out and he had them in the back. Great place to stop on the walk home.

I live right around the corner from him and he’s the best! His produce is fresh and he’s so friendly! Why pay high prices at Going Banana’s a for mediocre fruits and veggies? He also has cans of beans, tomatoes, fresh pasta, fresh olives and peppers (beats Monica’s on Salem St)!
He’s next to Salon 26 and diagonal from the North End Library :)

Textapotamus Convo:
Laura J: If I make guac, will you eat some?
Laura K: Is that a serious question? YES.
Laura J: Going Bananas has no ripe avacados! Salsa instead?
**3min pass as I begin to enter a place of despair**
Laura K: WHAT ABOUT THE VEGETABLE GUY!!!
Laura J: The wha?
**I trip over my own feet and lose my keys in my own apartment (truth) in my discombobulated scramble toward Parmenter**
In situations just like the one above, which arose tonight, the Vegetable Guy comes to my rescue on the regular. It is not uncommon for me to go to the for real-​real grocery store with the intention of buying salad ingredients and to come home without the lettuce. I’m all over the place. Luckily, I have this guy to come to my aid when I’m at my most disastrous.
He is knowledgeable and friendly and his produce is fresh and varied. On top of all this, his prices are reasonable. Tonight I picked up three avocados, two limes and a large tomato for $ 6.00. Not the rock-​bottom prices you’d pay at Haymarket, but also not the rock-​bottom quality you’ll find there.
Still cash only. Worth it.

Seriously, forget haymarket. This guy’s open all week and his produce is superfresh. If you don’t see what you want out, ask him. I needed mushrooms and all I saw were the white button kind. When I asked for shitake he came out with huge box and i got a big chunk for like $ 3. Try that a supermarket.