C-Town Supermarket

Nice neighborhood supermarket.
Just 2 blocks from where we live.
Best Regards,
Jimmy Wong
VIP AUTO NYC

Excellent service is something I would gladly pay more for, but fortunately the deli in the back of this particular C-​Town location makes it unnecessary to do so. They welcome phone calls and special requests. They are always warm and friendly and they know many regulars (including myself) by name. They remember to ask «how’s married life?» or «how was the move? You all settled in?» as they beautifully slice your prosciutto. Luis is my favorite, and he knows my orders so well that tonight he noted that I’ve been buying two of each color of the roasted peppers in their prepared foods section instead of one of each since I got married two weeks ago. His recommendations are always spot-​on and he often inspires me to include new things in my weekday salads and sandwiches which I wouldn’t have thought of, such as marinated mushrooms or sundried peppers (killer on a sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and balsamic). Their antipasto is so good that I have no problem passing it off as mine when guests come over. Their homemade mozzarella is so fresh and creamy that you’d swear they had Nonno Joe in the back pulling mozz and deftly tying those little knots of heaven all day, seconds before they’re scooped into a container and sent to my house. They’ve also made some welcome changes over the years, such as wider aisles and (slightly) longer hours in the evening, which means I can make it there after work before it closes. I’m telling you– this place is one of my best secrets and I’m sharing it with you, Unilocal,because it’s just that good. I actually moved out of the neighborhood in August, and I now travel on the subway from Fort Greene just to shop here. Check it out! Tell them Lila sent you. You won’t be sorry.

I been shopping here since 2007 and I hated this c-​town at the beginning. The isle were very small, which made it difficult to shop especially during the holidays. Customers would get into arguments, they had a lot of expired food which they still sold to customers. I felt bad seeing the elderly buying it not knowing it was expired. A few times I helped the seniors citizens and showed them the food was expired, which they showed gratitude for pointing it out. If you see something on sale check the exp date! The cashiers weren’t friendly they looked miserable. BUT Now they have remodeled this C-​Town. Its more updated, new smaller shopping carts, cleaner isle and I haven’t seen that much expired food when I shop. The cashiers are much more friendly. The manager I never had a problem with her. The guys in the deli are always cheerful. Their delivery guy Lucas is a sweetheart, always respectful and polite. This C-​Town has improved, but you still need to check for expired food and it gets very crowded so best to shop very early on your days off.

Unwelcoming, unfriendly, uninviting. But hey… just here for groceries, right? Doesn’t matter, i was a cashier once and at least said «hi» to my customers. Not to mention that when i placed my few items on the counter, the cashier didnt move and was looking down under her drawer not doing anything of importance and was in no rush to ring me out. I was making eye contact with the woman and she looked ANYWHERE except for at me. Didnt tell me my total or to have a nice day. I thought i got a grumpy or sick one but as i looked around, everyone working there was miserable and did NOT want to be there. As crappy of a job it is, its a job… At least tell me how much i owe you lol… wow

The cashiers are a bunch of hairy-​armed pirates. Disgusting attitudes for people in the service industry. Stocked goods are sometimes damaged. The back «old world italian» deli is kinda nice. But… nothing that can overcome the sheer garbage up front.

PLEASE 18^th Ave, give us a better grocery store.
C-Town’s grocery is bare-​bottom decent. The thing the community hates is the staff. They are bossy to customers. Very short when asked for help. Just absolutely no courtesy. Simple stuff. Deal breaker for me was that they don’t honor their posted open hours.
If another American grocery opened in the area, no doubt would this place be out of business quick. The community truly hates this place. Try the asian grocery down the block.

I have to agree, this place is pretty bad. The manager’a attitude overbearing! I once walked down between two register (please note it was not crowded nor busy) as a short cut to the aisle I need. The manager flipped out at me when she saw this. «I don’t understand why people walk down this aisle. It’s not for ppl to walk down…» And she kept going as I continue to walk away
I have been to this place since I was a child and I think the reason it still stands is that it is the only American supermarket within 18ave area. Also, the cashiers, once you understand how they work, they are nice people. Sometimes they’re loud and don’t look at you when you ask questions, but they always answer and pack your grocery nicely. Also, I’ve never seen them treat anyone particularly bad or nice, which is a plus in my book because they’re real, especially for immigrants who constantly faces attitudes in American supermarkets.
The products are also neat on shelf and workers are always willing to help. Gives me confident about their food and requests help when I need it.
However, the manager, no matter how many times I walk in has a terrible attitude. I just can’t bring myself to give the place more than two stars because of her. The brighter side, I rarely interact with her.

As others have said, this place is only in business because there aren’t too many other grocery options in the area and you can get your lettuce, mozzarella, and mustard at the same time rather than having to go to a few different places. The produce isn’t particularly fresh, and it’s way, way overpriced. Go to the various Asian stores on 18^th for produce. Also, I find that the deli prepared meals taste weird, like the oil they use is always rancid or something. Whether it’s pasta salad, eggplant parm, mozzarella sticks, penne alla vodka, everything has the same slightly off taste.
The aisles are super narrow and there’s always a stack of boxes blocking the space anyway. The cashiers spend more time gabbing with each other than paying attention to checking out your transaction. I don’t know how many times I’ve repeated «I have my own bag, it’s ok, I can put everything in here» and they’re busy yapping away with each other, stuffing my groceries into plastic bags. I’m willing to do half your job for you, so please listen to me when I say something! And yeah, they are sort of trashy. But then so are some of the customers, I’m not gonna lie.
So, we’re supposed to be grateful that C-​Town exists at all, that it provides a certain amount of convenience when you’re not willing to go to 2 separate places or walk an extra 5 blocks after work to a better store. Such is life.

This should be called swamp town! Out of date stock, past due dates on shelves, deli workers who handle garbage then your food with the same gloves on (are they magic?) nothing about this store sparks your appetite or ignites your creative gourmet spirit. The drug store next door is an artisan market compared to this dump! Nasty attitudes are freely giving when entering or exiting, I wish I could say more but Lottie said it all.

Terrible. I used to shop here quite often as it is one of the closer supermarkets around. However, with my recent experience, I’m quite likely to not shop here ever again.
Just a while ago, I purchased some groceries and snacks, and I usually check the expiration date on the products. I never buy any expired products for the sake of my health. But I guess I forgot to check one of them. I saw some mousse pudding on sale for 2 for $ 5 and decided to get some. When I got home, I took a taste of it and it was just fine and stuff, but you’d never know if it’s contaminated until you become sick. I looked over the little Jell-​O cup and the date was expired.
So, I went back to C-​Town to get a refund, cause obviously, they’re selling expired products. I spoke with the manager (?), the skinny Asian lady, about it. Instead of being polite and explaining that it’s their fault, she talks back by saying things like, «It’s only expired for a few days. I always buy expired food.» and «It’s on sale BECAUSE IT’S EXPIRED.» Seriously? Is that really what that’s all about? Cause if they cause someone to become ill because of some of their contaminated foods, I don’t they can pay up a life in return.
This is only the latter part of my experience here. Like Char D. and Lottie S. mentioned, the cashiers are rude and unprofessional. I guess I can see where they got their attitudes from. I would advise you guys to not shop here unless you’re in need of something as soon as possible. No professionalism sensed here.
If I can, I would definitely have some health inspection checked around this old, shaggy place. Take care some of the expired products and get a renovation! Seriously disappointed with my experience!

I would have to agree with Lottie. Some of the cashiers here are EXTREMELYYYYYY rude and unprofessional.
This store is a block away from my house so its very hard for me not to go. I just make sure to avoid going to the register of the rude checkers… So far, 2 and counting.

C-​Town is damn lucky that there is no alternative in the immediate area!
This is an extremely cramped store with very old décor. You walk in and it is almost like walking into your grandparents’ house. Not the fun grandparents with new marble countertops, but the grandparents who have too much crap and keep the windows closed so there is that dark, damp, musty feel.
For the size of the store, the selection is surprisingly good and the deli, although dirty looking, is decent with friendly deli workers. I found a few items that I purchased to be out of date; but they did exchange these items (with an attitude but at least I got the exchange…). Prices are average.
The cashiers are rude, like really rude and trashy (a common trend I am noticing in Bensonhurst groceries). They even physically look dirty– as in do not take showers or brush their teeth. The manager (that older woman with the bumps all over) is a total wench. I would overlook the physical attributes but when you are handling my food and when you make rude verbal attacks on numerous customers, I do not feel as bad for pointing out your physical shortcomings.
In short, if you are desperate for milk and ketchup, this place will take care of ya. But if you can avoid it, please keep away until they do a complete renovation.