Grocery Heaven

Whole Foods Market

450 Rhode Island Street (between 17th St & Mariposa St), San Francisco, Map it here
(415) 552-1155
www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Neighborhood: Potrero Hill

Parking: Free and plentiful in their covered lot.

This local family shops regularly at the Pot Hill Whole Foods.

Buying groceries for the family is a weekly task that should be fun for you and your child.  But sometimes we dread to go with kid in tow…

But now, you can feed your family and entertain your child at the Pot Hill Whole Foods.

This Whole Foods location is the first market my child ever enjoyed in her little life.  In the beginning I was scared to regularly shop at Whole Foods because of the “Whole Paycheck” stigma.  But if it means not leaving my child with a sitter while I shop, I believe it is money well spent and has better quality food than most everyday stores. (Also, the house brand 365 Organics has been cited by my nutritionist sister-in-law Jae Berman – more on her in a future post – to be better priced than even Safeway’s organic house brand.)  So shop wisely, healthily and enjoy this environmentally conscious market’s treasures.

Upon entering, before you dive into the tasks at hand, mollify your little one:  pass the check stands and you will find a kid’s corner that is stocked with lovely treats for your bub, organic cookies, juice or milk boxes, fresh or dried fruit or bars.  Pick one and if you are as lucky as I have been, this goody could get you through a good portion of the store as your child munches away happily on his or her new treat.

The store is well organized, clean, nicely decorated, well staffed and over all a sweet shopping experience. There is always a staff member available to go the extra distance for you – for example, on one visit, my little one lost her straw to the bottom of her chocolate milk box and while she stiffened her lower lip and threatened tears, a sweet staff member quickly appeared with a replacement straw, thus saving the day.

And if the buffet of samples stands spread out around the store haven’t satisfied your hunger,  just take the elevator down to the beautiful cafe on the ground floor serving quick and hot pizzas.  Drinking fountains and restrooms equipped with changing tables and lovely smelling soap are also located on the lower level.

This Whole Foods location is a true gem because it is not nearly as crowded as its California Street sister and has the space and tolerance for children.  It earns our stamp of approval – a totally Kid Friendly San Francisco location.  Bon Appetit!

P.S. Don’t forget that Jackson Playground is located nearby at Arkansas and 17th St. for a little play time outside before heading inside for groceries.