Carnival Supermarket

The catering here was fantastic. I had a grad party with 25 people and I only paid $ 150 for 6 pounds of carnitas and 3 pounds of chicken along with enough beans to take a bath in, rice, guacamole, chile sauce and tortillas. It was at least 40 pounds of food total, and even with people eating multiple plates, there are still leftovers. That’s $ 6/​person but I know it could have easily fed 10 more. They only needed a couple days notice and it was ready and packaged on time. Clear communication, you pay right at the register and bring the receipt.
And its not just quantity either. These seriously might be the best carnitas in San Diego. If you get the chicken, make sure its the whole chickens – which they actually cut up into pieces for you – because the pollo asada is kinda dry. The typical catering meal includes 3 pounds carne asada but I like the carnitas so much, I subbed an extra 3 pounds in for the same price. I had relatives from all over who are picky eaters and never would try anything rave about the food. And there is still a ton of it in my fridge. Except for the delicious guacamole, that’s almost gone.
And by the way, you can get the carnitas in much smaller quantities if you just want dinner for your family.

Carnival Supermarket is located on Ashford Street at Magnolia Square Shopping Center. There is plenty of parking in front of the business. We came here on Friday before the weekend. The store is clean and items were easy to find. This employee who I guess is the produce associate greeted me as we entered into the store. The produce looked fresh and good prices. The hot Mexican food looked amazing at the hot displays. I took a photo for the taco bar and had two Carne asada Tacos and was delicious. I will be back soon with my friends for sure to have more tacos. So I grabbed the house made tortilla chips with the freshly made guacamole and salsa fresco from the amazing salsa display. Food items were pretty inexpensive and affordable which is how I shop. You can find pretty much everything you need here. Descent place to shop. Upon check out the lines at the registers were short and check out was quick. The cashier «Eddelma» was very nice and welcoming. What else I need, good food, healthy environment, Welcoming employees and the best competitive prices.

Came here on a Saturday to get salsa. They had 6 or 7 varieties. Got some store made flour tortillas and some produce. Overall, every staff member I encountered was very pleasantly the and helpful. This is not my typical experience from the other Mexican markets in San Diego that I’ve visited. I hope you share with your employees what a good impression they are making with customers.

To my knowledge, this is the only Hispanic style grocery store in a 10 – 15 mile radius.
I didn’t even know it existed until I got a coupon at my door for $ 10 off a $ 20+ purchase of groceries. Free money for food? I’m in! lol
The outside of the store gave me a city height feel to the place lol. Carts were a little old, but working fine so who cares!
Inside, they have a good selection of produce, as well as a hot food bar and a seating area in case you want to eat in! Cool!
The have a bakery in the corner making pan dulce, tortillas and bolillos. I only purchased the bread (bolillos) which were VERY soft!
They also have a bunch of different Mexican salsas that are made in house, so you can take home and enjoy. Which is great because, even being in San Diego, the only times I’ve had authentic salsa at home with anything is when I take a couple extras from the taco shops haha
They have a deli, which is a tiny bit smaller than most other ones, but still has all you’d need.
Great prices on the eggs and milk here.
However, other things were over priced: Orange juice and condiments were the two I noticed. Still, I can’t complain. I’d for sure come here for the Mexican/​Hispanic items because they were all very delicious!
And a special shout out to the girl who helped bag my groceries in the canvas bag cause she saw how hungover and tired I was LOL!
Thanks for coupon and helping me find this place! Muchas gracias! :)

This place is pretty decent place to get your Mexican groceries. It is organized pretty well, not too big or too small. Plenty of parking space, the place was clean and interior décor was Mexican themed. There were many choices of meats. I came on a Sunday afternoon and I was looking for salsa, chips and a few snacks to purchase. Their salsa selection was large but seemed incomplete as many people have already scooped up most of the pico de gallo by the time I got there. Some of their bread had mold which led me to believe that some of their non-​moving stock don’t get inspected by anyone for markdowns. Overall, I got what I needed. The staff there were courteous and spoke English and Spanish. The customers that were there were diverse so I didn’t feel like I was sticking out awkwardly like a sore thumb like I was in El Super by Chula Vista. The checkout line moved quickly and I was pleased by my experience there. The prices were reasonable.

I’m a big fan of this little market tucked into a little neighborhood in Clairemont. They have a ton of different ethnic foods to go along with the traditional American market. They always have some good specials too!

Great local Mexican supermarket! Offers fresh queso fresco, conchas, chicharrones, aqua frescas, tamales, and more.

Hands down probably the best place in Clairemont.
Great groceries selection with tons of real imported Mexican snacks (believe me, I would know).
Amazing value for any kind of meal (gigantic carne asada fries; feeds two people with one plate), and all sorts of great packages for events.
Make sure you check their newest addition: freshly squeezed (as in front of your face) orange juice

I liked this store! They items that I really like: avocados, Casero style corn tortilla chips, green lentils, a nice meat counter with a variety of non and prepared proteins, and some good down to earth friendly service.
They had California avocados for .79 each which was a very good deal and the green lentils for $ 1.29 per pound. The Casero style tortilla chips are the thicker variety, which hold up much better for making nachos and chiliquilas and other dishes, plus they have a much better flavor in my opinion. Carnival Supermarket makes their own brand and only cost $ 1.99 for a large bag. They are made fresh daily.
They make some good looking rotisserie chicken which they sell individually or on a tray served over a large portions of cooked rice for only $ 8 and some change. The amount of food would easily serve a family of four. Although I did not buy any, they also make fresh guacamole for $ 5.49 per pound. I make a pretty mean guacamole, but if you don’t, here you go!
The young lady at the register was a hoot. She was funny from the get go and continued the whole time I was there. Anyways, she also let me know that they make food to go or that you cane eat there inside the store where they have an area sectioned off with tables and chairs. She told me the carnitas here are quite good.
I nice super market to get your international and domestic needs accomplished.

Wanted to make tamales for the holiday season and what better way to pick up all of the necessary items than by going to a Mexican supermarket.
Honestly, this was the best decision I made that day. They had the masa, corn husks, and the pork that was needed. Plus, their produce is really, really cheap. We got 5 lbs of oranges for $ 1. That is a steal!
Their customer service is just okay, but at the prices they’re selling their produce, I really don’t mind. I will be back!

We have shopped at quite a few Mexican Supermarkets in San Diego, Northgate Gonzalez, Pancho Villa, Supermercado Murphy, Swahala Brothers, to name a few. Usually we shop at Mexican Supermarkets for Tortillas, Prepared Foods, Produce, Condiments, Meats and Cheeses. For some reason we have never been completely happy as there was always something we did not like, quality of the food, crowds, slow check out, dicey location, cleanliness, etc. A few days ago a friend of ours suggested we check out Carnival Supermarket and I am glad we did.
First of all, Carnival is located in Claremont near Linda Vista Road and Mesa College Drive in a residential neighborhood which is kind of odd. We arrived at 11:00AM on a Saturday and the parking lots was about one third filled, so no problem parking. The Supermarket is medium sized about the same size as Keil’s or Windmill Farms. The first impression is that it is clean, well organized and not crowded. The right side of the store is dedicated to prepared foods, there is a bakery, tortilla making machine and carne asada was being made on a large grill. I counted ten employees there all working on different tasks. We decided to get a selection of items as a «test». Here is what we bought:
Chicken Empanada — Delicious flaky crust with a yummy chicken filling. Perhaps a bit on the dry side, but very well cooked and spiced. A steal at 99 cents.
Empanada de Picadillo — As far as I know this is supposed to contain shredded beef, but it had spiced ground beef instead. Juicier than the chicken and absolutely delicious. These cost $ 1.29 each. Still reasonable.
Frijoles — Their beans are really good. Not too much lard, very flavorful and fresh. A one pound container costs $ 2.00.
Arroz — The rice is even better. You can tell they used a good broth to make them and the flavor is just like Mexican Rice should be. A one pound container costs $ 2.00.
Tortillas — Freshly made and really good too. A 2 pound package cost $ 0.99. I believe they were on special.
Carnitas — Wow! These were cooked just right, flavorful and not dry. Not too fatty either. They can either shred them for you or you can self shred. $ 6.99 a pound. Tip: If you are not goin to eat them right aways shred the carnits yourself otherwise they get dry.
Queso Fresco — They have several kinds. All fresh. If you ask you can get a sample. I have forgotten which one we took. A chuck was $ 2.32.
Tamales — We got Chicken. Man were they good. Well made massa with not too much lard, but not too crumbly. Just the right consistency and corn flavor. The filling was excellent, shredded chicken with chile. Totally worth $ 1.50 each.
Chicharrones — Not everyone’s cup of tea or choice of snack. I like them on fresh Tortillas with lime chile ans slices of avocado. A generous bag of these fresh crunchy pork rinds $ 4.05.
Not bad for our first trip. We’ve already decided to serve Empanadas at our next party, and we were intrigued by the grilled fish and the octopus ceviche, as well as the marinated chicken and the carne asada. They also have fresh bolillos and pan dulce, as well as a large array of other prepared foods. If you want to eat at the store there are a few tables near the fron right of the store as you walk in.
The produce seems to fresh and well priced. The rest of the store is devoted to the standard packaged and canned foods, snack, drinks and cleaning supplied. The Mexican condiments we can no live without are all there and well priced, including the «trinity» of Pico Pica, Cholula and Tapatio, which no home should be without.
Friendly service from the woman behind the prepared foods counter, the butcher who let us sample the cheese, the woman who showed me where to find chicharrones and the cashier. No wait at the check out, was a nice finish for our first visit.
I can highly recommend this market and will keep on adding to this review after subsequent visits.

Okay okay. After multiple visits at this local grocer, at this time my experiences has changed more into a more positive note and a 3.5÷5 rating. My first visit with the «off» smell that I observed has not been reproduced to that level of strength in my recent ventures here. Clean odors (or lack of) and fresher looking produce makes for a great shopping experience. They often have good deals in meat and fruits department (oranges, poultry, and eggs). I still look elsewhere for vegetables for the most part. When they pack your meat, they put it in a bag and seal it with the price label. I wonder if the bag has ever leaked on some customer. (doesn’t sound right lol but seriously) When at home, I would definitely either freeze it right away or prepare same day to prevent any messes in the kitchen.
Cashiers and regular grocer staff are nice, and I don’t feel intimidated that when I speak English after they greet me in Spanish with a smile they change language without a beat. Side note, I’m not fluent in the language by all means based on my previous college courses, pero yo practico la idioma mas o menos en el trabajo jajaja (I practice the language more or less at work hahaha)
Thanks Carnival Supermarket for the great grocery deals.

The $ 1.29/lb marinated chicken leg meat is absolutely unreal. Easily the best chicken I’ve ever grilled for tacos. It’s dark meat, so it’s basically impossible to overcook on the grill. Produce is cheap as well and the salsa bar has some awesome choices. Love this place.

Never fails to surprise and impress with the endless choices of Mexican delights.
Watermelon Salsa — yes please.
3 kinds of fresh guac — I am in heaven
The California burrito was ⁵⁄₅. So delicious and only $ 6
The fruit section always has local and exotic offerings.
They make their own tortillas and everything is so flavorful and fresh.
Continue to love the huge variety of deli style foods, exotic fruits at great prices

Just moved here and searched out Carnival
Cause of the great rating and reviews of happy customers.
I was delightfully pleased to find a clean, fully stocked, organized store with comfortable wide isles sufficient shopping carts available,
They’re produce section is amazing
they carry many Mexican & Central American
Products. They’re hot deli serves a big variety of authentic Mexican favorites I saw a customers order of tacos & another of burrito and tamales and they were huge portions. They’re meat dept has It all, very fresh, clean Dept & staff
You must stop by the bakery, sweet breads, bolillos, custom cakes & so much morr

This place is really great for prepared foods. Their hummus is good, their guac is incredible, their already made mexican food, the tortillas, the sweet breads, everything here is amazing!!!
The fruits can be a miss, they’re never the sweetest but I’m probably spoiled with amazing local grown produce around the region.
I usually don’t buy anything that’s prepackaged just because… But this place is kind of expensive in that regard. So if you’re shopping for produce/​meat and prepared foods this place is it!

Great food great service great hot case
This place is amazing for being in the middle of the neighborhood the carne asada burrito is the best you will find all fresh made just wow. I spoke to the manger he was nice friendly and very proud I can’t remember his name but kudos

I love this neighborhood market! They have a grocery store selection and hot Mexican foods. They make fresh baked breads, tortillas, cakes, salsas, crevice, guacamole, pastry’s, cheeses, and more! They seem to be catering to the culture of the neighborhood and also carry many middle eastern items (I love it!)
They have a deli, bakery, meat market, and produce. The prices are reasonable too. Parking is never a problem and I always feel good about shopping here.

Where’s the love people? Having access to a great market like Carnival, should be a staple of every neighborhood. I used to work in this hood and would frequent Carnival market. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in but I was nearby last week and decided to stop in.
The store itself is super organized. It kind of tripped me out how well all the items on the shelves were faced perfectly. I wasn’t used to seeing that. Usually when I go to a market like this, all the shelves are jacked up and product is hiding behind other stuff. As I walked down the back of the store and peeked down each aisle, everything was just lined up perfectly, like a little facing gnome lives here.
As you walk in you immediately see a huge produce section and the length of the whole side wall is all pre-​made food items and salsas & ceviches. I decided I would buy some Cheese tamales for work so I picked up a few of those from the Hot Foods section. They were moist and cheesy. There were at least 20 items to choose from in the hot foods area: rice & beans, sandwiches, chicken, potato wedges, etc. On the side of this section they have prepacked food to go as well. I saw some kabob & rice plates the day I was there.
Right past the hot stuff are fresh made breads & pan dulces to the left and the back wall is lined with a very extensive meat & seafood counter. Tons of marinated and plain chicken & beef and some shrimp & fish in the seafood counter. Definitely an option for weekend Carne Asada grilling sessions.
I checked out the beer aisle and they carry some local brews like Ballast point, Stone, and Green Flash among others. It’s not the most extensive selection of craft beer, but nice to see at least the Local breweries represented at Carnival.
They have a prepacked deli case by the registers, and that my friends, is where you will find the most delicious Spicy Chicken Salad!!! O.M.G. It’s comparable to the one they sell at Whole Foods if you’ve ever tried theirs. So freaking yum! I was hoping they still made it here and you have no idea how happy it made me to see it in deli case! They also have a pretty good greek pasta salad in this section. Now that I know they still carry the bomb chicken salad, I might have to make my way over here sooner rather than later.

My boyfriend had a coupon for this store, so we finally decided to check it out, and I am soooo happy that we did!
This place has pretty low prices and a wide selection of produce, including harder-​to-​find items like cactus pear and a wide variety of chiles! I felt so happy seeing the variety of pan (bread, baked fresh daily), as well as the carne y queso (meat and cheese selection was FANTASTIC!). The 25% Mexican in me was dying to nourish my long neglected Hispanic heritage with the pride reflected in the food they offer.
There is also a fair selection of Middle Eastern ingredients! I didn’t know what most of it is, but I was happy to see it offered in the heart of a diverse neighborhood.
I would recommend coming here for produce, or if you’re looking for carne o queso from the carniceria. Other items: butter, orange juice, things like that where I have typically gone to Ralph’s or something, seem to be more expensive and I would recommend this place be rather supplemental to typical shopping, but you can decide once you check it out!