Marlene’s Market and Deli Natural Foods
2951 S 38th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409
Marlene’s Market and Deli Natural Foods Menu
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Address :
2951 S 38th St
Tacoma, WA, 98409 - Phone (253) 472-4080
- Website https://www.marlenesmarket-deli.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:30 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Carolyn M.
Be still my little Paleo heart!!! I'm in absolute heaven. I used to order Paleo Chef sauces and dressings but the shipping was always so pricey. I'm so glad to see such a variety of my favorite brand of Paleo-friendly sauces. Marrow bones? They've got them! They also carry a great brand of pre-made bone broth. Yes please! Kombucha heaven! Pre-filled growlers, to-go cups, or fill your own growler options. They also have a great selection of non-food items. I found a cute card for a co-worker and print to give as a gift for a friend. Yoga mat spray? Yes, they have it and it smells awwwwwwwesome. Download the app for coupons... There's also a Yelp check-in discount. Great location with easy access to the freeway. I have a feeling I could be happier shopping here than Whole Foods. Really, it's that great!
(5)amy n.
I come here to grab lunch few times a month because not much other healthy option in the area. I love their salad bar, and soup & sandwich special. However, I can only order my sandwich when I have time to wait 15 to 20 minutes. Even I don't ask my sandwich to be grilled, it is still takes long time. It has been this way for past 5+ years, they need to improve efficiency.
(3)Erin M.
Weird place with often more staff around than shoppers. Who needs to be reminded that you can't drink beer in a parking lot? I think prices here are ridiculous and I would only go in with coupons but now I don't bother especially with the awful parking.
(1)Andrea B.
Found this place on our honeymoon while searching for hemp milk & raw honey. They have all the good stuff, chia seeds too & their Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing is omg Delicious!!! XOxo~A
(5)John C.
This store has seemed to have doubled in size over the last eight years. I don't get here a lot but when I do, it's mostly for Tea, some cereal and bulk dry goods. Great store with second one in Federal Way.
(4)None O.
I have been going to Marlene's for years now for various deli items like fresh made on the spot sandwiches, Indian pakoras, nanaimo bars, raw juice, and a plethora of different beverages like teas, energy drinks,combucha,yerba, and foods like bread, salad bar. Always have to say hello to Jill at the Tacoma location who knows me by name. I have been to the Federal way location a few times as well which has 2 floors and cool things like Sage for burning. Unless you have money to spend I don't recommend doing shopping for groceries here. But for yummy deli items heck yeah. Oh Yeah and they have some interesting wines.
(5)Kelly N.
Best "fast food" option there is!! Excellent salad bar, plus pre-made lunch options! Why would anyone want a big mac combo when healthy food tastes this good?!?! And groceries to boot! Locally owned....what more could you want? Oh and the "raw" cinnamon rolls (made from dates) sold in the dessert cooler are to die for!!!!!
(5)Valerie K.
Absolutely awesome experience. Can't wait to go back. We were in the area doing some shopping (yes, to be completely cliche, we were thrift shopping) and decided we should check out Marlene's. I'm so pleased that we did! After discovering the lunch counter in the back, we decided to order lunch. There are so many options for all different dietary needs: meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free people like me. We both ordered half sandwiches (mine on gf bread) and cups of soup. The gf bread was heavenly and soooo soft. It fell apart a little, but that's because it was so loaded with toppings! Our soups were delicious too. The half sandwiches were HUGE. The thing I am most likely to come back for is the juice bar. I ordered the English tea party: lemon, cucumber, and apple juice. So refreshing! They lost a star because of how they handled the lunch rush. The wait got pretty long and the staff was acting very over-whelmed and frantic. It was a Saturday afternoon, wouldn't you plan to be busy? They also started running out of items. Be aware of that if you're there for the deli when it's busy. But don't let it keep you away. This place is a Tacoma gem.
(4)Michelle L.
I wish this store was bigger. Marlene's has a great selection of sustainable products. I love the selection of natural soaps. So many to choose from. The store has been remodeled making the store bigger. They added a nice area with tables and chairs to enjoy the salad bar and deli items. This store has something for everyone. I can even find something for my daughter despite her dislike of healthy food.
(3)Edward O.
Friendly folks and a nice variety of health resources~
(5)Damon K.
Pretty awesome place! Big lounge, prices are better than W.F. And great selection of quality foods dry and wet and raw. Oh plus, they have a salad bar and small deli with fresh juice!!! Staff is personal and friendly and always prioritizing the customer!
(4)Megan D.
This place has a great variety of yummy healthy foods. I have a hard time finding healthy food that actually tastes good that my picky husband will even eat. He has liked everything here so far!
(5)Kristina M.
I love Marlenes! It's always an great experience walking in. The product selection is great for a small natural foods store and the deli is drool-worthy! They freshly make their salads, sandwiches and smoothies!
(5)Sarah M.
I am all into organic and what not so it is nice to have a specialty store around, especially since there is not a whole foods in the Tacoma area so it is a nice choice from just the grocery store and their smaller organic options overall. I wish there was a better organic meat selection but it is a smaller outfit so I get it. I am grateful and happy to have a store that is dedicated to healthy living. I love their bulk spices section, good quality ginger and turmeric root that is at least what I have bought and took note of the quality and seemed "freshness' of the ground ginger root. The store is nice and clean with a good atmosphere and very very chill vibe. marlenesmarket-deli.com
(4)Kevin E.
Marlene's Market and Deli Natural Foods has something for everyone. My Highly Sensitive Person Meetup group often meets here. They have a very nice selection of everything I could ever need. I liked their produce section, bulk section, and the salad bar, in particular. Their meeting space is also very nice for our HSP Meetup group. I love small, independent, local places like this so...5 stars for you!!!
(5)Don B.
There's something about a classic natural foods store that makes me nostalgic. I grew up on nuts, seeds and granola, and as a kid I found myself dining on healthy versions of this, and off-brand (not quite the same) versions of that, and perusing aisles filled with interesting and off the wall foods. So a place like Marlene's takes me back. I went through a long, determined rebellion from healthy, natural foods. It's a natural human response. We rebel against our upbringing (at least those of us in the PacNw - us contrarians - do). But it hasn't really turned out the way I wanted. Excess pounds, unhealthy habits, etc. Let's face it, if you eat mainstream food, especially processed or factory-produced crap, you'll end up being what you eat. Gross. Thank goodness for markets like this. In what is otherwise a food wasteland filled with corporate chains, grocery stores selling mass-produced crap, and factory farmed meat/veg, you have Marlene's, offering up organic, healthy, alternative, whole-food options. This is not the same size as a Whole Foods or New Seasons, but it eclipses most tiny mom-n-pop health food stores. About the size of a small supermarket, they stock all sorts of comestibles including a nice cafe of prepared food, smoothies and grab-n-go items. And the cafe fare is not bad. We've taken to stopping at this and the location in Federal Way when on road trips between Portland and Seattle. They're both close to the freeway and it's way more fulfilling to score a tempehstrami and organic deli salad than, say, stuffing a Big Mac in my face as I motor on down I-5. Or simply enjoy a smoothie which is much lighter on the stomach when sitting in a car for three hours. It's not just about the cafe though, this store has all the supplements you could need, delicious local elixirs, kombucha, snacks, and regular old groceries. And the locals seem to get it. Both locations are bustling every time we stop in, and this location is under construction to add on more space. While I do love my NS/WF connections in Portland, not everything there is health-oriented. Sure they have the nuts and grains and homeopathics, but due to the size and style, they're more 1/3 health-foods, 1/3 gourmet grocer, and 1/3 regular grocer. This store goes all-in on the health foods. I appreciate that. And ever so many local, small-batch products can be had here. Don't hesitate to stop in when cruising down the freeway. Your body will appreciate the break from traditional road food.
(5)Treysea T.
A decent salad bar, decent juice bar, but the deli seems to sell out after lunch with only cold items remaining? In general, a real basic joint with not nearly as much selection as I'm used to. Staff is kind and friendly and I like the little relax and eat zone.
(3)Jesse N.
I'd love to give Marlene's 5 stars but I really feel 4 is my number right now. Marlene's is incredible; awesome staff, hard to find local products, organic produce, awesome deli and salad bar, super fun baked goods, tons of supplements! The problem is sometimes they are too big for what they can handle. Juices can take up to 20 minutes to make. The lines can take 10 minutes to get through at times. Another problem is sometimes they are too small to compete with good pricing. I would not suggest buying meat from there because it's marked at a very high priced and a major portion of it is frozen. One thing I love is how they post a lot of allergy warnings in their baked goods. Tip: make sure to download the app for coupons and discounts!
(4)Gayle O.
Having had a corporate clients very special request for raw cream I called well in advance to place my order. I spoke to at least 4 different individuals before cementing the order. I was given two options of product and made my selection. I gave them ny name and number and said I would be in to pick up the order. When we arrived to pick up the order we were told, "sorry", we don't have it. I asked why I had not been called, and the response was, "Oh, sorry. I can have it for you next week." I spoke to her at length about how we could solve the problem and secure the product. She said she would call the Federal Way store, which she did, but of course they did not have any either. Bottom line: If you take an order with a promise of product, you should stand by your promise and make SURE it's available. I am not at all happy with the lack of service by Marlene's.
(1)Meghan M.
Good food and products. But forget about going there if you're in a hurry. Employees take their precious time and have absolutely no sense of urgency. I've never seen anything quite like it. Also, never any parking.
(2)Wella A.
Natural food store with a cafe for sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, soup and salad bar.
(4)Brittany C.
Really disappointed in this location. I've been by twice and they don't even have a vegan dessert option, unlike the Federal Way location that has at least TWO options in the case. I asked at the counter and a worker looked confused by what vegan is. I thought Marlene's has employees that are trained in common food allergies and lifestyles? Come on, is it that hard to have one vegan dessert option? I won't be going back to this location.
(1)Adrian L.
I found the "newly remodeled" store very boring. Not much selection of products . Very cheap decor. They actually have a curtain dividing eating area for seminars . Compared to Metropolitan Market or Whole Foods they get a thumbs down
(1)Melissa W.
Awesome place. The staff are super friendly and food is quality for the palate. Coming here is a highlight of my day. I wish they have another one on post at JBLM.
(5)Julie H.
Amazing variety of organic and natrual foods. The salad bar is great adn the fresh juices are reasonably priced.
(4)Kourtney B.
I'm a big fan. They recently remodeled their store so it is a bit larger now which has allowed for a larger selection of products. I love their smoothies, salad bar, & soups. There prices are slightly higher on certain products however I have found others that they have the best price locally. Definitely good to have a locally owned store like this in Tacoma.
(5)Christina D.
The people that work here are so amazingly nice and helpful. the produce here is by far better than any other place in town. its all organic and delicious.
(4)dustin g.
I've been needing a kombucha fix and I've been trying to eat better, so I figured I'd give this place a shot, one more time. I've done the bread-less sandwich a couple times and generally just stop in for some kombucha. The visits have been easy and the only thing that I find annoying is the checkout process for ordering a sandwich. It's not very clear and the people just kinda look at you, expecting every single person ordering a sandwich to have done it 500 times and know exactly what to do. Sorry, not me, I need my hand held on this a couple of times before you can stand there and stare at me. I kinda wish you could pay in the back as well. I stand in one line to order my food, then stand in another line to go pay for it. Way too much standing. Other than that, the visits have been A-OK!
(3)Ryan K.
I was impressed with the customer service! Leah the cashier was incredibly nice and had a great attitude! They have an awesome salad bar with a great selection. If you're looking for organic anything this is the place to go!
(5)Danny L.
This place reminded me of a favorite market/deli from back home in Southern California. The salad bar was average but the deli is where it's at. They have any options that they prepare fresh. I got a sandwich, turkey and Swiss, avocado, pickles, mustard, and cream cheese. Simply delicious. The market itself was nice and had a variety of goods.
(5)Kaylee B.
I love this place. The remodel looks great and definitely helps the flow of the small store. Parking is so so but I don't mind walking across the shared parking lot. The salad bar is a winner as always. The only thing I would change is adding free wifi! I would spend more lunches here if they did that!
(5)Summer S.
I'm sorry with every thing in our foods these days you cant trust any NAME BRAND STORE anymore!!! Marlene's Market and Deli i cant trust and know whats in my food. This Whole Market has everything you need to prepare a nutritious meal for you and your family. They carry NON GMO AND FREE RANGE FOODS!!
(5)Hien V.
This store has a decent selection of fresh produce and grass fed meat options however it makes whole foods appear affordable. Most of the non old items can be found online for a fraction of the cost. $6.59/lb garlic bulb $6.09/lb dried dates $6.89/lb dried figs $4.25/lb coconut flour
(3)Annaliese O.
I've always been a fan of this store. I haven't been in awhile so I decided to pop in this morning. The re model was fabulous, The staff were ok, and my lentil rice patty's I got from the deli were gross, to much cumin needed salt and pepper I could tell they were cooked when the oil wasn't hot enough because they were soggy and the sauce they came with was gross. next time I think ill get something else.
(3)Jena E.
I went here specifically for herbs and found a big wall of scoop-your-own to choose from. I was like :D Going off the top of my head I believe they had food-grade diatomaceous earth, elderberries, beet root, comfrey, plantain leaves, whole licorice root, burdock, spirulina ... let's just say almost any feel-good powder or plant you can think of at $1-$2/oz on average. (Good for soap making as well as consumption!) Generally speaking they had a relatively large portion of the store dedicated to herbal/homeopathic/natural medicinal supplies and also cosmetics. Other goodies for those who skew crunchy included raw milk (cow and goat), locally pastured beef, and a ton of bulk goods, both dried and liquid. Looking forward to supporting this alternative to the larger natural foods franchises.
(4)Nicole H.
Great natural food market featuring lots of organics, gluten free, vegan, etc. Great salad and soup bar. Newly renovated with a lot more seating for lunch.
(5)Brian S.
Three things impressed me the first time I stepped into Marlene's in Tacoma. The customers had a healthy and beautiful glow, there was a juice bar with raw veggies, and the salad bar was so inclusive that it offered ingredients such as Tabasco sauce, edamame (green soybeans) and sesame seeds that I think are vital to any salad. Most people prefer different salad staples, and they, too, would find them here. This is a boutique experience, not a one-stop-shopping destination. Don't shop for all your groceries here unless you plan to take out a second mortgage or recently found someone's checkbook on the street. Many of the offerings are pricey. But it's the only game in town for certain things. When my doctor sent me in search of an adrenal supplement, I looked around Tacoma and could only find it here. And the salad bar likely is one of the best in Western Washington; that goes for both this location and the shopping-mall-sized one in Federal Way. The store's main downside is its location. It's tucked among Taco Bell (which is right next door), Goodwill, Ross Dress for Less, a gas station and an auto-parts place. When people incorrectly label Tacoma as ugly/industrial, this is the kind of neighborhood they're talking about. The juice alone is worth the visit, though. For those who aren't familiar, a freshly made juice consisting of, say, carrots, kale, ginger, lemon, spinach and garlic doesn't just make you feel better down the road; you feel the effects immediately. It's ironic that this place, with food that actually can improve one's mood, is right next to stack-the-seven-layers-different-ways-and-call-it-Âdifferent-things Taco Bell.
(4)Christie J.
Marlene's is like a gem in a country desert! I love going to Marlene's for their juice bar and interesting selection of grocery items. They're (mostly) focused to quality products that are organic, fair trade, healthy, etc. with the exclusion of carrying a few products that I know paid millions to make sure 522 didn't pass. Besides that, they're awesome! I say they're a precious gem because down here in the Tacoma area it's hard to come by a natural food store much less a juice bar. Tip: There's free samples near the front area in the afternoons. It's a great way to try new items before purchasing!
(5)Yen E.
One of many things that Pierce County lacks is a juice bar. After Yelping, this was the only place I could find in the area who made fresh juices using fruits and vegetables. It's definitely not like Whole Foods, where you order your drink and you get it right away. You have to fill out a form and then wait forever and a day. Seriously. I waited 10-15 minutes for a small drink and I was getting really pissed off seeing people who came waaaaay after me receiving their stuff. They move as slow as turtles here! If you want to maybe get your drink before the store closes, you'd have to order it the minute you step into the store. Other than that, I did browse around earlier and their fruits and veggies were kind of a hit or miss. A lot didn't look that fresh and was slightly disappointed in their choices. They have a huge section dedicated to vitamins, supplements and whatnot.
(2)Jeremy D.
I really like Marlene's Market for the deli. I usually don't buy groceries when I come here. I love the Smoked Salmon Frittata and the various quiches they have. Not to mention the sandwiches and the salad bar. The staff has always been very nice and helpful. Just like any health foods store it can be a little pricey, but you get what you pay for...quality. I will continue to come here for the wonderful food, staff, and quality foods.
(4)Kristine B.
nanaimo bars!!!! Most favorite Marlene's location. I wish the Tacoma location was this huge :) Large aray of natural products.
(5)Michael K.
I've been in here twice now, mostly for browsing, while waiting for my car to be serviced at the 38th Street Service Center down the block. Each time I've grabbed a snack and a protein shake, but also spent several minutes walking around and taking in the sights. The thing that stands out the most is how fresh their produce is... almost makes me wish I lived in Tacoma still... almost... As previously mentioned in others' reviews, the one downfall of this cute and friendly market is the price point. You definitely want to keep this as a more 'special occasion' or specific product spot unless saving money is a non-issue for you.
(4)Christine R.
I recently started working in Tacoma and was in search of a great lunch spot with healthy options. I was very happen a co-worker recommended this gem. No only do they sell local and fresh produce and products, they have a wonderful selection of healthy groceries, beauty and health products. They have a great salad bar with a wide selection of toppings and add ins. They have a cafe where you can order hot food from which is always busy as I'm sure the food must be good. I've purchased some items and they have been nothing but delicious! I like their pesto as well as their twice baked baked potato. If you are in the area I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Paul Q.
After stuffing myself with gut busting food all week, I decided to try something healthier for lunch this weekend. This place is like a small local Whole Foods in this area and they sell supplements and everything from gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and all the other kind of "something-free" food that you like. I came here for lunch and decided to try their lentil soup and veggie sandwich on focaccia (i didn't go for the healthier bread haha). The soup was good and not too salty or over seasoned. The veggies were very fresh as well and they don't skimp on the veggies either. I felt like my jaw would dislocate from every bite that I tool! The bread was the disappointing part though. I decided to go with the unhealthier focaccia but it wasn't as good as i was expecting. It didn't taste very fresh. However the entire meal was still so good. Filling but not overly stuffed at the end. The server gave the customers at the other table free blueberry/apple smoothie and I just asked what kind of smoothie she gave them hoping she would ask me if I want some sample as well. She didn't ask, but minutes later she came back with a sample cup for me. It was really good! This place is a gem if you want to shop for something healthy. Their salad bar looks amazing as well! They have tofu, edemame, seedss and other stuff you don't usually see at a salad bar. I'll definitely be back if I drive this way again or if I feel the need to be healthy again:) and I forgot to add, they offer free carrot juice for senior citizens too and some cinnamon bite samples at the counter which were delicious as well!
(4)Meaghan B.
Maybe moving to an area where Whole Foods was my weekly shopping destination for a few years ruined me but Marlene's just doesn't seem to have the sparkle it once did. I find stock here to be hit-and-miss. If you have food allergies, be prepared for them to have the four options that don't work for you. (Alternative Market Pro-Tip: If you're going to carry four brands of rice milk? Make sure at least one of them doesn't have soy in it, okay?) On my most recent visit, I found a few past-the-expiration date items lurking on the shelves, the dairy case mysteriously half-empty, and the staff more happy to talk to each other than help me find anything at all. I wanted to pick up something from the bakery case but after standing there trying to get someone's attention for a while, I moved along. It wasn't that there wasn't anyone nearby, it's that no one wanted to bother speaking to me. Given all of that, why three stars? Well, there are some things you just can't get anywhere else in Tacoma. They've been here a long time and haven't completely turned to the same stuff that Safeway carries. Plus, they carry my kid's favorite sauerkraut. Go prepared to be underwhelmed - you might find what you're looking for. Unless it's the right brand of rice milk.
(3)Jen B.
I love this place because it has everything for people who care about what they put in their bodies and their environment. What I don't like are their super high prices. I can't go here all the time, just whenever I have some money to spare & treat myself to some unique body product or something to make a new recipe.
(3)Ronnie E.
I'm not really a fan of most things hippie. Although, this grocery/deli with in/outdoor seating available is a pretty neat place. I didn't enjoy the tofu sandwich I got but I'd go back to check out the rest of their selections.
(3)Lois Ann M.
Marlene's Market and Deli serves as a hub for many of my shopping needs. I can count on a great selection of eggs, dairy products, bulk items and fresh produce (ALL their produce is organic, including the totally amazing Hawaiian ginger they currently have). They also carry local foods, like potatoes and meats. I can confidently eat their deli food, even with my gluten-free needs. (Caveat: ALWAYS check with them about ingredients. One day, the soup simply said "Contains dairy" but it also had soy and gluten! I told them that they needed to include ANY of the common allergens, and they immediately changed the sign.) My husband and I like to go to Marlene's for lunch or dinner. I really like their soup & 1/2 sandwich special, which is $6.79. They have gluten-free bread, which is better grilled. I can get this special with a 12 oz. latte with almond milk for under $10! Even though it's only one-half a sandwich, it is a BIG half! They also have ample seating for diners. (BTW: I heard that they plan to expand their store and deli in 2014. Their deli at the Federal Way location is much bigger and easier to navigate.) I can also count on Marlene's to avoid genetically modified ingredients, something very important to me. Customer service at Marlene's doesn't disappoint. Most of the employees are knowledgeable on health & wellness, supplements, all-things natural, etc. And if someone doesn't have an answer, they find someone who does. National brands are full retail at Marlene's, so it's a little on the expensive side. My favorite granola is very expensive there, and Trader Joe's packages the exact gluten-free granola for about half the price. Produce prices are pretty good for organic. And Marlene's runs specials every month, so there is the opportunity to stock up on favorites when the time is right. Marlene's also hosts seminars on an array of health-related topics, most of them free. And they publish a monthly magazine with interesting articles. Overall, Marlene's is one of my favorite places to shop and dine.
(4)Paul L.
Every time we visit family in Tacoma, we have to come here, because so far as we can find, this is not only the best natural foods around, it's the one of the *only* places that doesn't make gut-busting garbage. Their vegetable soup has healing properties, BTW. On one road trip, I got sick along the way. Once I felt like I could finally try food again, I had their soup, and not only did I feel better, I felt like a million bucks. Everything from their deli is delicious. Friendly staff, good selection of other goods.
(5)Kimmy C.
I just found out my 16 month old is allergic to Cow's milk. Confused at my local grocery I decided to stop here. They are amazing. Cathy helped us and helped explain the vitamins we would need to give our daughter. I felt leaving confident in our road to figuring out alternatives for out little one.
(5)Kim P.
Live in the Tacoma area and in need of some natural remedies? maybe some organic delicious yummies or just want to venture out and see what this place is all about? Make sure you have some time and some extra money when you visit Marlene's! This store has a plethora of goodies that your heart can desire, and most ALL of it is good for you:) Need some natural vitamins? check! ointments or oils? check! tea? check? healthy snacks? check!!! I can go on and on! Oh and it even has a deli inside that always has something simmering that makes the place smell deelicious:) Clean and neatly organized, the staff is also always around the corner to help with any questions you may have. They all seem pretty happy to be an employee here and decently knowlegable about the products they sell. The store pretty much is a small version of maybe a Target on an natural/organic level. You can find a yoga mat here and then some! Like I mentioned in the beginning though, make sure you have time to wander as it can be a little overwhelming and definately money to spend as the prices are a little on the high side but it's to be expected for the quality of things they sell. Oh and don't forget to check out all the newletters and the board by the entrance/exit to catch up on the local events and festivites that are going on:)
(4)Angela M.
I Stopped here to get some food for my stay in Olympia for work. I wish I lived here because I would be going there to do all of my bulk shopping and to get lots of local goodies. I was able to get some local yogurt, fruit, raw granola and a healthy smoothie to go. Next time I'm going to get the salad bar because it looks so tasty.
(4)Adam A.
Good variety of delicious, healthy food. I was really hoping to find a small grocery store to support and this is definitely the place
(5)chavonne r.
They have a great selection in vitamins and supplements. Fruits and vegetables are fresh!! And if you get the chance to grab a bite, try out the deli. You can customize your specialty sandwiches to your liking! Well worth the money and wait.
(4)Katherine K.
I love this store. I'm here almost every week!! The bulk section is amazing (hmm.. that reminds me.. I need more chia seeds ;-) ) and the prices are great. However, the rest of the store.. some prices are good, some are really high. However, if you're on a strict diet like me (egg free, dairy free, gluten free, soy free, corn free), you will find that there is an incredible range of things you can eat! You should definitely check this place out if you are particular about natural body products, or if you are on a restricted diet.
(4)Roxanne C.
Marlene's is one of the best stores in Tacoma to buy hard-to-find health food ingredients (e.g., soy milk powder), bulk grains/spices, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly vitamins. When making a recipe with an unfamiliar ingredient, I usually wind up at Marlene's. Their produce section is rather small, though, so I prefer Metropolitan Market for uncommon fruits and veggies. This store also has a really great deli. The juices are fantastic. The salad bar is plentiful, with plenty of vegetarian/vegan protein options and dressings. Their sandwiches are gigantic and delicious, with a huge variety of breads and ingredients to choose from. Sometimes they can end up soggy, though. My major complaint is that I experience rude or apathetic customer service about half the time. A recent visit in particular was rather aggravating: I needed help finding something. It took me ages to track down an employee, but I caught her in the middle of helping someone else (without realizing). She was very rude, and although she said she'd be with me shortly, I never saw her again. I gave up and moved on. However, other visits I've received help quickly and with kindness, so it can be hard to judge. Also, Marlene's is not cheap. Since the Tacoma Food Co-op opened, I've found some of the same stuff I bought at Marlene's for much cheaper, so I will probably be spending more time over there for groceries. Side note: The Marlene's store in Federal Way is about three times as large as the one in Tacoma, and definitely deserves a visit if you're in that area. UPDATE 3/5/12: Modified to include my comments on the juice bar and salad bar. Bumped to four stars. Yup, the salad bar is that good.
(4)Roxy M.
I've been here a few times and although I am impressed with their selection, I don't care for the attitude of the employees.
(2)Ali U.
Tasty, healthy place to grab lunch in Tacoma. Their soups and sandwiches are very good with Everyday Veggie soup and a Veggie sandwich my favorite combo. With that said, the staff looks like they belong in an episode of Portlandia and many convey a "too good for you attitude." Lose the hipster snootiness and I'm sure you will gain some more customers as the food options are great.
(3)Carlos V.
sometimes, you need to get yer hippy on, and when I do, I go here! They got a good selection, some of the stuff is overpriced, but some is not only fairly priced, it's the only place your going to find it. Depending on who you ask, their help is between ignorant and genius - don't ask the person who looks like they work there one shift a week, and you shoud be golden. The produce is excellent, and I dig getting a free slice of bread whn I come visit!
(4)Mel O.
BIG A$$ DELICIOUS SANDWICHES...i just looked up the review guidelines to make sure that last sentence wasn't too inappropriate...representin'. I just had an avocado deluxe from here...an entire family of avocados slaughtered in order to satisfy my hunger. There was a BOAT LOAD of avocado stuffed in a pita, with a very fair helping of seasoned tofu, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and other veggies. It was exploding with awesome. My bro's affiance, was with me and got a half field roast with veggies....her's was equally as amazing and equally as stuffed. She's not vegan, or even veggie, but was in awe. Lunch for both of us, including fancy coffee, was around $15...super cheap in this day and age. Other then that....the employees were super friendly and helpful in every section of the store that I perused. The deli workers jovial, the cashier was friendly and courteous, and the lady in the cosmetic area was helpful as heck. That is some pretty consistent customer service. The only negatives i have are that the prices can be kinda steep, but you get what you pay for...so it's worth it. Last, is that they are a smaller location than the other Marlene's that I've been to, so they don't have a huge deli with a hot case :(. So no coconut encrusted field roast sammy.
(4)Amanda S.
A favorite! Organic salad bar, and it's not skimpy! Healthy, delicious, amazing deli options. Fresh juice. You could come here for a quick lunch and enjoy the indoor seating, then pick up some fresh produce, organic milk (they have raw too) while you're at it. Be sure to try some of the casserole style dishes they make - they're YUMMY ... and healthy ;0) Loads of special diet options. Don't be shy - the staff there is awesome and willing to help.
(5)Christopher C.
If you are a fan of healthy and organic food alternatives, Marlene's is a fantastic place to go for daily food items and health supplements. It's a friendly place with a lot of good choices for the health conscious individual.
(5)April M.
I am in Marlene's a few times out of the month to stock up on my food and hair products. The service here is always great and the products are always fresh. You can't beat the prices either. If you have a question someone will be sure to help you every time. I love their juices, especially the Green Giant. Just last week I needed unrefined Shea butter, but they did not have it their Tacoma location. They called their Federal Way location and they sent it to Tacoma. Awesome!
(5)Ben B.
Great store and deli. I love choosing my own ingredients and having them make me a sandwich. Prices are high which is expected with natural/organic foods, but it is more than most places. Worth checking out. One of the only places I have found organic salami for sale. I love eating a delicious, healthy sandwich and walking outside to see the greasy Taco Bell customers being herded out of the drive through.
(4)Steph D.
My favorite item from the deli is the "Marlene's Lunch". Tender, spring greens are tossed in Marlene's secret spices (shhh!) and a light oil/vinegar combination. Full crowns of raw cauliflower and broccoli are included in this mix, as it's all topped off with fresh tomato slices. In tow alongside this lettuce mixture is a solid warm brown rice mound housing cubes of soy cheese generously tucked inside. There are soy cheese options, and they come as Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese. I always pick the Pepper Jack because I love my stuff spicy. Don't come to this salad looking for anything sweet and creamy. There's no ranch-style dressing, and no buttery croutons (thank God). Come for the tang of it all and the unadulterated freshness of each ingredient. There's enough flavoring in Marlene's secret spices (shhh!), so don't fret over the bland-looking mound of brown rice. Because even still, the cheese begins to melt as it sits inside that brown rice, giving you hunks of gooey treasure as you explore the bowl's endless bounty. Hook up to the unadvertised free wi-fi and your day is set.
(5)Lauren S.
I love this place! I am originally from Miami, FL and I was a serious Whole Foods junky there. This place; however, rocks! I like that it is much less expensive, intimate and has just what you need and nothing more. The sandwich/soup/etc. specials for lunch are top notch!
(5)Tigris W.
Great place for gluten free and natural products. I also buy vitamins and natural skin products here. You can buy your own bulk herbs too. Marlene's is pricey, but a great place to shop.
(4)L. L.
My spirit is uplifted just walking through the doors. I love their deli with homemade soups, and smoothies, along with some great lasagna and salad bar,. The staff is very helpful and there is always someone near by that can answer your questions about all the products they carry to help you on your way to health.
(4)David M.
I've been there a dozen times the last 3 months. They always are busy and still pump out quality espresso and healthy smoothies/juices. Quick to inform you on what is in anything you might have questions about and it also doesn't hurt that the ladies working there are very attractive. I often feel guilty because I feel that their prices are so cheap. I usually buy; a 2 oz. shot of wheat grass, double shot espresso on a little hot water, and a 20 oz. juice with acai berry and bee pollen as boosters. My bill has never been over $11 therefor I'm happy to send generous tips to the people working. They do a great job! Best place to eat healthy in town!
(5)D. l.
The best health food store in WA for sure! I especially love their deli for soups and sandwiches . The people there are very nice and for such a small store they seem to have everything you could ever need. Been going here for years and love it. Obviously some things can be pricey like their produce but it is ALL organic.
(5)Shana M.
This review is for Marlene's as a store, because we didn't get anything from the deli section, though the vegan peanut butter oatmeal pie thing was tempting. The bulk spice, grain, and herb sections of this place are UNBEATABLE! They carry raw milk, which I had never had before, which I drove 45 minutes to Tacoma specifically to purchase. It was DIVINE. The prices for some standard "health food store" items are really great. For example, a 16oz. bottle of Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap is $5.40 at Marlene's, and a whopping $16 and change at Fred Meyer's. Check it. I really value what Marlene's purports to be doing for food and the health of the community. They offer many cooking and health classes, mostly free of charge, their employees are schooled in the products carried, and the atmosphere carries an aura infused with my favorite hippie smells: vitamins and seaweed.
(5)ChiKurt S.
Stopped in for lunch in order to avoid the Burger Monster across the parking lot and was very happy. They offer similar deli sandwich options to any supermarket but everything's non gmo and multigrain and theres hummus or pesto as a condiment so you can avoid mayo. And their prices were right in line with a Safeway deli Had the roast beef and pepper jack with hummus on some awesome rye bread. Ill be back if im in the area.
(4)M W.
Not happy with GF options for eating at store, witnessed cross contamination myself. Not alk staff understands the importance of that, Be Careful!
(2)Jason N.
Keep in mind, this was my first time in a health food store, but I thought this place was great. I spent some time looking around and was impressed with the selection. I couldn't find two items I was looking for, so I asked for some help, and the person was very helpful. She was nice and informative. After reading a review on here about the Avocado Deluxe I decided to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did! Packed full of Avacado, lettuce, tomato, onions, and deliciously seasoned tofu, this thing was delicious. This coming from a person who was eating greasy hamburgers a week ago. I was very surprised at the taste. I am following Dr Fuhrman's 6 week plan, so technically I am not allowed the Pita, but I will be keeping this mind after my initial phase is complete. One thing to note is that I waited awhile to get the Pita until I finally asked (about 20 minutes) if it was almost ready; come to find out they had put the order out already and it seems someone else must have taken it. So they promptly made me a new one and refunded my money. Which was totally unnecessary, but gracious. In general, I had a good feeling about this place and I will go definitely go back. I can't afford to buy here too often, but for those unique things I can't seem to find in my supermarket, I will be sure to go back.
(4)Bobo J.
Reviewing the restaurant aspect of Marlene's--I love the salad bar. This is the main reason I go here. The tahini dressing is my favorite, and Marlene's is a great non corporate and healthy alternative to the myriad fast food restaurants on 38th street. Deli items are plentiful, on the expensive side but pretty good.
(4)Khristian V.
Marlene's is a pretty cool place. The location sucks [S. 38th St. is just so busy, minimal lanes, and full of seedy fast-food stops and pawn shops], and when you're first trying to find Marlene's between staring at Google Maps and the area you're in. But between KFC and Taco Bell, there she sits, with her odd parking lot [one-way, with idiot drivers trying to go the wrong way]. They have a military discount day [Wednesday I believe], which is a plus for me. Marlene's isn't just a health grocery. It offers a salad bar and full deli, with lunch for people of all dietary needs. There is also a natural beauty section, a very impressive vitamins area.. complete with a fridge stocked with flax seed oils and the like. You can also find vegan protein powders for shakes. Wee! I love the fact that Marlene's has a refrigerated bulk-item room. Everything is nice and cool, ensuring the freshest flours, nuts, and granola. You can also get nutritional yeast fresh here, which rules because I have only found it here! Do you like those glass-bottled juices that are all natural and without sugar? They have tons of flavors. Ginger beer? Check. Organic pet food and supplies? Fresh organic produce? Come by Marlene's, whether you want a healthy lunch to-go, some really neat vegan or vegetarian frozen meals, juice, produce.. whatever! It's worth the stop, and the employees will help you find anything and answer any questions you have.
(4)Evergreen J.
Marlene's is AMAZING! When I don't have time to cook, I never think takeout, I think haul your self over to Marlene's! My little son never has trouble eating anything from their deli and he is 2! I'm serious when I say I have them make my lunch before getting on a plane to the East coast. I cook like this at home when I have the time and energy. Marlene's food is soul food, full of love. I have never met a rude employee even when I come in with my screaming tired baby. Thank you Marlene's for serving up some beautiful organic lovin yum yums to this in need community!
(5)Ranny K.
Marlene's gives me hope. While Seattle has Whole Foods and the PCC, Tacoma has Marlene's. I think it's the perfect location since my gym is literally two blocks (big blocks) down. Very convenient for when I need to pick up a few items to refuel after a hard workout. I must say that I wasn't too happy to learn that they have ONLY frozen meats (like turkey meat for my spaghetti). Otherwise, Marlene's meets my expectations. They have pretty much everything I need for a conscious diet. Although the Deli doesn't have a variety of pasta salads (like Whole Foods or the PCC), it has a sufficient salad bar. What is cool though--is that they have a juice bar with a wholelotta options. Love it! Haven't tried the sandwiches...yet.
(4)Libra J.
Marlene's is Wonderful!!! so, is the bulk room a private little room in the back for sanitary purposes or do they encourage us to freely sample from the bins?? ;) This natural goods store is stacked. And thankfully so, because it's the only species of it's genus throughout all of Tacoma! The nutritional supplement dept. is gigantic. The bath&body dept is bountiful... plenty of bizarre and trendy packaged foods and candies... the deli however is weak. they offer like 2 soups. and one is clam chowder. blegh. they need more to-go deli items like sandwiches and cookies and wraps. otherwise, three cheers for marlenes! marlanas! merlin's beard! whatever! we love it!
(5)Amy K.
Marlene's is one of my go to places in Tacoma! I always love being able to find fresh, local, healthy produce and products. The prices are hit or miss so you just have to check it out and shop around to see what the best deals are. The salad bar is great when I am trying to eat healthy in a rush. The prepared food is tasty too, but I would love to see more options with healthier oils and less sugar (or sugar substitutes). And it's a great place to get household products that don't have lots of extra chemicals in them. The service is generally good, although it can be slow. I also love that they offer classes on a large variety of topics. The course on how create raised beds for backyard gardening was especially impressive.
(4)Cristina C.
My *favorite* market and grocery store. Helpful and knowledgeable staff, so glad I'm moving back to Tacoma so I can enjoy shopping here again.
(5)Jay B.
By far the best salad bar at Marlene's, but the Federal Way location is much better than Tacoma. I always eat at the Federal Way Marlene's when I am working in the area so at least 5x's per month for the last 2 years. The food is consistently good. The chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is the best I have ever had. The grilled salmon in the deli case is kind of overcooked, (dry). I had some kind of mandarin cashew noodle salad in the Tacoma Marlene's a couple of times and it was good.
(5)NC C.
Terribly small/narrow selection, uninspired, would try elsewhere
(3)Becky H.
The market is nice - has a lot of organic variety, but mostly supplements and dry foods. I had take-out vegan pad Thai and was very unimpressed. Too spicy, loaded with dressing, and way too many peanuts. I was hoping for a healthy alternative; but this was way too heavy for me. Everything else looked fresh and the staff was friendly, so I gave it 3 stars. I'd probably be willing to give this place another chance someday, after the memory of that awful meal is gone...
(3)S T.
The best and closer than Whole Foods!
(5)Lin A.
I have driven past Marlene's for years, but when I finally stopped in, I was disappointed. The employees were too busy to assist me, probably due to being engaged in personal conversations with one another. While the selection of items was small, prices were reasonable and competitive. My son got a Bushwacker juice from the juice bar and it was HORRIBLE. The employees at the juice bar were rude and acted bothered by having to take his order. It seemed that all of the employees were a bit snobbish. There is also a slight moldy, dirty smell throughout the store, which I could have overlooked had the overall experience been more pleasant. I will stick with online retailers and Fred Meyer's natural food section.
(2)Archie P.
EDIT 4/16/12: They have cleaned this up and Marlene's is once again a good place to shop. PREVIOUS POST: I went to Marlene's this evening to buy some bulk sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Marlene's used to be the best place in the area for bulk seeds and nuts. I was shocked when I opened the door to the bulk room and was blasted in the face by the smell of MOLD coming from the cooler!!! I asked one of the employees about it and she admitted that it smelled moldy but said that it had been cleaned. The cooling unit was filthy with dust and cobwebs that had nothing to do with Halloween so I asked to speak with the manager. The manager was more of the same, telling me that she needed to talk with the maintenance man because it wasn't her responsibility to keep the store clean. Everyone was trying their best to act surprised, but there were at least a half dozen open boxes of baking soda sitting on all the high shelves. Bottom line, Marlene's has apparently decided that organic mold should be sold to their customers with every bulk order. I might go back to see if they clean up the mess... and I'll update this review if I do. But I wouldn't bet on it.
(4)Becki W.
Their salad bar is INSANE! Everything is so fresh! They also have really great smoothies! Perfect place for a quick lunch stop!
(5)T N.
Make sure you call to confirm any special orders from the bakery! I ordered a vegan cake for a bridal shower and paid in advance. However, when I called to see if it was ready the day of the event, they claimed to have no cake *and* no record of the order! Even though I paid! Terribly frustrating. They were able to make a cake right away and I picked late. The cake was delicious though. I'm not a vegan but thought it was probably one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever had.
(2)pongo p.
went here for 6 years while we lived in tacoma. great vegan and organic options, but a little pricey. marlene the owner is an awful person and treats the employees like crap and has made them cry before and she jacks the prices up way more than cost just because she can. she drives an SUV and was on atkins and drinks her own pee. but there are always awesome employees there who are friendly and cool and i've always had friends who worked there, and made friends with people who worked there, and met friends of friends through there, etc.
(4)Alexandria H.
amazing! friendly staff and a great variety of natural foods
(5)Cheryl A.
We love this place. So much good stuff! Has an assortment of items we need that are not easy to find. Herbs, face masks, veggies. This market is such a treat to visit! Have bought bulk, a scarf, hard to find veggies, algae / clay face masks. Always feel spoiled when we visit!
(5)Jason N.
Marlene's isn't Whole Foods or PCC but it is a nice smaller health/organic food store. They carry socially responsible brand names. Selection isn't great, but that's not why you shop there. The deli counter has fantastic sandwiches and smoothies.
(4)