Weiland’s Market

Dear Weiland’s,
I don’t care if you are expensive. I can relate.
As I hate grocery stores in general, to say I love you is a big deal.
I can easily get in, and back out without having to tromp through long aisle after aisle of stuff I don’t want anyway.
Your wine department is sublime. And I trust the men and women who work in it to give me the best advice about what to buy when I’m looking for value, or want to pull out all the stops.
Plus, you have the unique and the unusual items that add a little extra to neighborhood happy hour foodstuffs.

If you’ve read my other reviews, you know I hate to pay for overpriced stuff. I prefer to stick to cheaper places, but it makes a difference when the items are worth extra cost. This is the case at Weiland’s. It is a specialty store with a lot of hard to find items. The service is superior to the chain stores. It has a tremendous beer and wine selection; the best I’ve seen around. They are also independent and locally owned. I hate chains so I want to see this place do well. Will come back to find that special beer or wine I want.

Even though I’d passed it umpteen times over the years, Weiland’s wasn’t on my radar until one very snowy day last winter when I needed to find Frangelico. I know, it’s an odd thing to absolutely need, but when it’s time to make a batch of homemade vegan notella (notella because it’s not Nutella™), you go where the recipe sends you. And this time it included the hazelnut liqueur Frangelico, so I needed to find a liquor store.
Trouble was, I’m a clueless liquor shopper. I regularly buy my cider and sake and occasionally wine or beer, but I had only purchased liquor in the state of Ohio once before in the entire time I’d been here, and cheap rum can be gotten at any rinkydink booze shack fringing OSU. The nice people at a beer store sent me to Weiland’s, and as I walked into the liquor area in the back, I knew I’d found exactly the resource I needed.
(I did mention it was snowy, and the roads were crappy. And that makes any new discovery in an enclosed environment after you’ve been driving around a while that much more exciting.)
They had Frangelico, and I returned for some other odd alcoholic ingredient (well, vodka… which for me is odder than for most people) at a later date. Cheers for the drinkables sections.
That includes the soft drinks, where I found Cheerwine, a cherry soda that had been recommended to me and that I ended up loving. And I’m not normally a soda drinker.
I have since decided to try shopping for food there, too, and although I found everything on my shopping list, some of the items felt like I was finding them by absolute luck. There was exactly one type of pita bread. Exactly one type of unflavored almonds (my options were whole raw almonds or whole tamari almonds). Exactly one type of dry white beans (I’m not even sure what kind of beans they are; they just say «small white beans»). Finding all of these items sort of felt like locating that one jigsaw puzzle piece you’ve been scanning the table for 40 minutes for, less because it was hard to find (finding things in a store new to you is just a matter of getting used to it) and more because each one turned out to be unique.
This wasn’t true for everything; most of the produce was forthcoming (though on a previous visit I couldn’t seem to find fresh basil). And there were bags of local apples (no variety posted that I saw) that have turned out to be amazingly tasty. Sometimes I have some pretty uncommon things on my shopping list, though, and I’d be hesitant to make this my only stop when that is the case.
In other words, the thrill I’d had at finding a posh liquor was the reverse of how I felt when I was shopping at Weiland’s for food. Five stars for liquids, three stars for solids. I’ll shop here when the only hard-​to-​find thing on my shopping list comes with a proof number.

Great grocery store for artisan selections. The spirits selection is what I come for– always a great selection of hard to find items. Also had that well curated vibe, feels like people love what they do here.

I just relocated to Columbus and QUICKLY found Weiland’s. Their store is my new happy place. Free coffee when you walk in the door, kind and courteous employees and an incredible selection. From the outside Weiland’s appears to be a no-​frills place, but inside you’ll find unique and hard to find treasures. The cheese selection is great and the wine and liquor area is probably the best in the area. My only complaint is that the store charges a hefty fee for their cooking and wine classes. It would be really nice to have an occasional complimentary class for the Stay at Home Mom.

Thought this store would be similar to Krieger’s in Cuyahoga Falls since it’sa local grocery store:
But low and behold it was no where near similar. Prices were sky high and customer service definitely was lacking. Won’t be going back there ever.

This is one of my favorite specialty shops in Columbus. When I used to live in Clintonville, I’d be over here every other week. They have a great beer selection in the back if you’re looking for good craft brews, and on my most recent trip I glanced back there, and it looked like they might be selling liquor? Someone may want to confirm that for me.
The real highlight of Weiland’s for me is the deli selection. I used to get all my deli meats and cheeses from here. They have such a diverse and high quality selection, and you’ll want to try anything you’ve never heard of. I recommend checking out the different bologna, because they’re amazing.
You can do most of your regular shopping here if you feel so inclined, but some of the items can be on the pricey side. They have a great baked goods section and hard cheese selection as well. You’ll want to grab everything you see, but you may end up racking up a bit of a bill.
I’m definitely jealous of people within shopping distance of here, but I manage to get back that way every once in awhile and stock up on my sandwich meats. It’s definitely worth the trip!

No, it’s not a cheap place to shop but it is billed as a «Gourmet» market. Meats, cheeses, and seafood are excellent, and the people selling those items know what they’re doing. The deli is great, and the prepared foods are top notch. Excellent beer/​wine/​and liquor with full Sunday sales.

We’re weekly Weiland’s shoppers. The spouse has shopped here for years, and is one of the regulars.
Best part of Weiland’s is that they have fresh-​baked (read without preservatives) bread and fresh-​made (again, no preservatives) frozen dinners. I can’t eat any other prepared, then frozen food, which by law must contain preservatives in case of thaw during transport. That makes Weiland’s awesome, in my book.
They have great meat and seafood counters; we also buy plenty from their deli salads and their hot case (where else could you get prepared duck breast to take home for dinner!) and usually take home a pie, too.
A recent renovation has opened up the space a bit and made the produce section more inviting. Also enjoyable is watching people walk around drinking wine on Friday nights (might as well have a sip while shopping).
Neighborhood gem!

Best liquor section in Columbus. Emphasis on local and fresh– so much better than the Johnny-​come-​lately chains!
Employees are knowledgable, too.

Great community grocery with a fantastic beer/​wine/​liquor selection. Employees are always very friendly and helpful. Meat counter is amazing — the quality never disappoints. Maybe you won’t find the massive selection you would at a big box store, but Weiland’s more than makes up for it with the quality of their products. Locally owned and operated, with a focus on local products.
I can’t say enough good things about the staff of the beer/​liquor department. They’re very knowledgeable and offer great suggestions. They always have Bodhi at the growler station!

I don’t do a lot of actual grocery shopping here, but sometimes come to pick up a dessert or prepared meal for dinner.
Weiland’s carries baked goods from several bakeries around Columbus. One of those places is Milo’s Catering, and Milo’s makes the BEST cake you will find in Columbus. My favorite is their chocolate one with the peanut butter filling, but all their other cakes are great too! They are just heavenly and full of flavor. They’re also really rich, so I only eat a little bit at a time, which is probably a good thing.
They have a nice selection of prepared dishes if you need to grab something quickly to take home and reheat. Large wine selection with knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.
As I said, I don’t do a lot of actual grocery shopping here, as it’s a bit more expensive than the usual chain stores, but they do cover the basics if you need to get some items.

This store is pretty unique and quite busy. I was waiting for a pizza nearby to complete it’s cooking for my Friday pizza excursion and decided to stop in and get some juice for my liquor cabinet at Weiland’s market. I have never herd of Weiland’s before and didn’t know what to expect. It seems almost like a cross between a farmers market, a high end Giant Eagle produce section and a semi-​restaurant. There’s a lot of really cool, albeit usually expensive, things to try here. They have a huge amount of pre-​made up food that looks fresh so I decided to try out their Alfredo. It came one serving for about $ 3 so I picked up a couple and added some organic juice and fruit punch to my cart for good measure.
They had several areas in the medium sized store where you could sample products but I didn’t try any lest spoil my appetite for my pizza. They also had a full liquor store attached to the side of the grocery store for all of your liquor needs. The only reason I went in there was to get some seltzer water as I had already stocked my liquor cabinet. The people waiting on folks in there sure seemed much friendlier than in the general store.
This is a really cool store with lots of things you won’t find anywhere else. They weren’t particularly friendly there but not rude either. Their Alfredo meal was superb, I ended up eating both meals as my fiancé did not pounce on her meal quickly enough. Definitely worth $ 3 in my opinion and is the perfect size to take to work. If I lived nearby here I think I’d likely be a regular.

I always get excited over new grocery stores, especially ones that are more independent. I have a special diet (vegan/​gluten free) and am always disappointed by the selections available at Weiland’s. I would love this place for fresh meats (if I ate meat) and I think that is what they are more known for. The used to sell almond greek yogurt which I would make a special trip to Weiland’s for, but it looks like they have stopped carrying it. :/​I will say that the staff seems friendly, but the prices are definitely high. In my book, nothing special.

I love the hometown feel of Weiland’s. Like on my most recent visit, this sweet older gentleman who was behind me in line, said to the cashier «I don’t think I’ve seen you before, you must be new. How are you liking it?» For some reason, that just warmed my heart.
Weiland’s carries an awesome assortment of products, and many local items as well. (Like pierogi from Pierogi Mountain– go get you some!) And the prepared foods section! Holy Moly Batman! If I lived closer, I don’t think I would ever cook a homemade meal. There are so freakin many different foods you can just take home and nuke, and any that I have tried have been delish. Tons of different pasta dishes, burritos, dips and spreads, and the list goes on. It’s so great in a pinch. Or, ya know, anytime!
They’ve got a great meat and seafood counter as well. And I just feel better buying these things from a place like Weiland’s.
Also, a fantastic wine selection, and they often have tastings I believe. The staff seem knowledgeable, and more than willing to help you find a wine to pair with whatever you’re having for dinner, within you price range. I love buying wine here.

Weiland’s rocks.
Definitely the best brisket in all of Columbus. Not even a contest.
I lived in TX and I know brisket. What’s up with the dry shoe leather some of the places in this town try to pass off as brisket? If you want moist and juicy there is no other place.
Also the people are pretty cool.

I think one unique thing about Weiland’s is the fact that many don’t know they sell liquor and beer-​GOOD liquor and beer. It’s off to the side, past the seafood counter. I left with some local OYO Bourbon Whiskey, Michelone Reserve. Pay in cash for the «discount.» Their wine is inside the main store, which I think is what throws some people. Both sections are manned by friendly, knowledgeable staff who know their inventory.
Local, local, local. Did I mention they sell local? They are independent and family owned and stock a lot of local items, including beer, wine, liquor, cakes, pies (yes, Just Pies), coffee (where I get my Silver Bridge), meat, bread, produce-​list goes on. The market is small and gets a little crowded at times. Also, basic items like canned tomatoes and baking supplies are at a higher price so I only go there to get specialty items, which includes their house-​made breakfast sausage. Very… very good.
My only issue is their hours-​usually close at 7:30 during the week. Doesn’t leave a lot of time to stop by after work, for me anyway. 11 – 5 on Sundays…

Weiland’s is a super cool place. It’s really like the perfect local grocery, they have about everything you need. Wide selection of produce, cheese, alcohol, and meats, and TONS of baked goods, which I appreciate in an establishment. They have a lot of house baked breads, plus from multiple other Columbus bakeries.
What’s cool is that they don’t even sell just a few local brands, they’re pretty thorough. There is a huuuuuge selection of Crimson Cup teas and Coffees, which is fantastic. Plus they have some interesting imports, like European sweets and crackers.
It’s just a great grocery experience– the workers are nice, and there is free popcorn and coffee, plus samples throughout the store. The other day there was a woman giving samples of her pretzels, a business that she just started, and will be selling there. It’s cool to not just buy local products there but also meet the people behind them.
Some prices do not exactly match a student budget. But you can find good deals if you look.

They do have every day grocery items (canned goods, trash bags, etc.) which are kind of expensive compared to big stores.
They have offbeat and specialty items (Mexican Coca-​Cola, Duff’s Frosting, Frontera Chili Starter). They make their own sausages. This is one place during the holiday season it’s not unheard of to find frozen ducks or geese. Duck fat is often available all year round.
The seafood, meat and deli counter associates take pride in their work. One night I ordered the roast beef and was given a discount because it was wasn’t as rare as it should’ve been. I didn’t ask for it — the counter staff made the decision and let me know.
Fridays often bring wine or beer tastings. The liquor store staff are happy to answer questions to help you find the right drink for a gift or celebration.

This may be a small grocery store but don’t let the size fool you! Their produce is always fresh. They have a great meat and seafood selection. A HUGE wine, beer, and liquor store next to the restaurant, delicious cheese counter, delicious sweets, and plenty of prepared foods for you to pick up on your way home. I love that I can find local products here, the prices are great, and you can’t beat the service… the employees here really know their stuff. And there is plenty of parking! Don’t miss the smoked trout spread… it’s homemade! And ask about their specialty meals… they have a lobster bake that they assemble that comes with an appetizer, salad, and dessert. You just pop it on the grill or in the oven and in a half hour you are ready for a great meal!

If I am to be honest I come here for their beer selection more than anything. The store has a really interesting selection of food, although sometimes a bit pricy you get quality. I don’t do all of my shopping here but I do come from the fresh veg, seafood, and meats.
They have a butcher shop on site which I always appreciate since it is so rare these days. You’ll get quality cuts as fresh as they come. prices are pretty decent too.
If pre-​made dinners are your thing then you’ll enjoy a stroll around their In-​store made meal options. I have tried a few over the year and have yet to be let down.

Weiland’s is my go-​to local grocery store for unique food items. I go to Planet Fitness to workout during the week so I find myself over by Weiland’s Market a lot. They offer a lot of your average groceries, but they also carry local products. My favorite local products are LuLu’s Cupcakes and Just Pies. It is nice being able to get all these items in one place! The liquor/​wine/​beer section is great. I am a sucker for the gift sets that come with a free shot glass or something, and they offer plenty of these sets. You can get everything from craft beer to Jack Daniel’s. The workers have always been really friendly and helpful!
I agree with others that the prices can be higher on some items, but for me, it is worth the extra money to get really great products in one place. I’ve never been disappointed by Weiland’s!