Leon’s Food Mart

They have a great meat department, and the deli meat is usually good. I say usually because I’ve had both turkey and prosciutto that were past their prime. The cheese and condiment selections are also great, lots of choices and some hard to find stuff. The pre-​made food though is really bad. I’ve had a few things from there and not one of them was worthy of being «gourmet», or even tasty. How hard is it to make good mac and cheese? Too hard apparently. The worst part about Leon’s is the owner and the produce manager. I asked an employee about the produce manager because he was kind of a d*** to me, and they said he’s the main reason why most people quit working there. There seems to be a guy like that in every work place. The owner is by far the most obnoxious person I think I’ve ever met. Don’t interact with customers if you ever want them to come back.

Warning, nothing gourmet about this aging stale market unless you have recently dropped in from a 3^rd world country. Their prepared food section as described on their website sounded ideal for take out to eat in my hotel room… but at 7pm, it was gross– overcooked, dirty pans, empty, yeech.
I wanted to find some local goodies to bring home to Dallas, maybe some yummy NE popcorn or candy, but such a limited selection, I should have just visited Menards instead!
Looks like it is time to sell out and find a better owner who knows how to order, stock + merchandise relevant gourmet items.

I work within close walking distance of Leon’s, which is incredibly convenient. Granted, I don’t do my regular shopping there as their prices are more than a «big box» grocery store, but you won’t find a friendlier bunch of employees, that’s for sure!
But in many regards, I believe you get what you pay for. As others have said, their meat really is top notch. Their ground chuck makes excellent burgers on the grill at home. If there’s some unusual item or hard-​to-​find flavor ingredient, it’s highly likely they will have it.
Their produce section is nice as well, with a wide selection of interesting cheeses in the produce area, and olives. I know that’s probably an odd thing to review, but I like their little olive bar where you can find various olive types and flavors and purchase by weight.
If you’re in the mood for a lunch or dinner, their deli is generally good as well. Love their meatloaf! And when they have their Swedish meatballs, ohhhhh, those are so good!

Our office building is right across the street from Leon’s so we visit often! I try oh I try to remember to pack a lunch or get myself to go grocery shopping elsewhere because yes it is a bit more expensive, but in a pinch or when you’re in the mood for some comfort food from the deli hot case, it’s a great resource to have. I often find things here I might find in a health market or specialty store, like crackers or chips or special sauces. Even the butter my husband LOVES to ship in from Europe is available on the shelves.
That being said, sometimes the deli food is a little hit or miss. Even the same dishes aren’t consistent. Mac and cheese is amazing on most days, but sometimes it’s eh. Just last week I had some yummy beef and noodles (I picked out the celery) and when I just want something plain, I’ll get chicken strips with mashed potatoes. They also don’t have many veggie options, wish they did, especially because dinners come with two sides and I often go for two starches if there isn’t a veggie option. So as far as being healthy, yeah, not so much. As I write this review I’m eating some sort of an Alfredo noodle, mushroom soup, ham mixture and it’s not really as good as I had hoped for. The meatloaf is almost always pretty good and the menu constantly changes so you’re in for a real treat or surprise each time you visit. As far as the pre made sandwiches and sandwich spreads, I have sampled a few. I really like the ham salad (it’s actually bologna not ham) and the chicken salad (which is actually turkey) but one time I had the salmon spread and it made me very sick. Some things are super fresh, some things not so much. I also often times get freshly sliced deli ham and make a lettuce wrap.
As another reviewer mentioned, Leon’s has its own distinct smell. It’s more old versus fried chicken but yeah, I don’t really like that part of it. But there is a nice selection of gourmet meats and cheeses. Sometimes I’ve found spoiled produce, which is to be expected at any grocery really. I have yet to try any of the meat from the butcher but I’ve heard they have some of the best cuts!
One thing I can say with confidence is the customer service is top notch. The ladies in the deli (sometimes there is a young boy or two back there and they aren’t as friendly) are awesome. It takes me forever to make a selection, they are patient. Sometimes I like to try things, and they let me no problem. Sometimes I ask for a little more and they oblige. I visit often but even from the beginning, they strived to remember me and treat me like a regular or a friend. And the cashiers are always very helpful and if I happen to run into the manager, he knows I’m from across the street and greets me. It’s a great neighborhood market, albeit a bit pricey, worth a visit now and again. I have yet to go for one of their foodie Fridays where you get to sample the goodies. I hope to make one soon.
They also have a great deal during the summer where they grill burgers, brats, hot dogs and steak skewers outside and serve up a cold drink and chips. I don’t remember the cost but it’s pretty cheap and the meats are top quality.

I lived in LNK for over two years and never knew about this place till returning this W/​E, what a bummer! Some of the best balsamic vinegars in the city. The meat is extremely good, and they have a very nice selection of salami and cheese. I will stop in for a nice wine, balsamic and chunk-​o-​cheese any time I am back in town.

I love Leon’s. I no longer live in Lincoln, but consider this place worth a stop if I’m remotely nearby. They have gourmet cheeses, including a surprising selection of cheeses made in Nebraska and all types of gourmet ingredients (various fancy crackers; olives stuffed with just about anything; dried cremini mushrooms; pestos; raspberry curd; etc.). If you’re big on food and like fancy ingredients (6 different flavors of Boursin? Yes, please!) it’s very much worth a stop. Larger than Ideal Grocery and slightly larger selection, I think. Small alcohol selection; produce fairly minimal.
Very friendly service by checkers who are human beings with a sense of humor.

I love the idea of this place, and I do think it is a neat combo of gourmet and conventional products, but they’ve got a problem with it smelling like fried chicken. Some may smell fried chicken and think «tasty» — if so, this place if for you. I smell it and think of chicken fat coated to my nostril hairs and think «gross».

Leon’s is a great little neighborhood gourmet grocery. They have anything you could possibly need and usually several choices from store brand to upscale gourmet brands. The Deli has Boar’s Head meats and cheese and has the best hot beef sandwich! Then there is the Meat Dept. The best in town, bar none, and the friendliest, most helpful butchers as well. The case is filled with fresh, delicious steaks of all kinds, roasts, and the best ground chuck. My favorite is the flatiron steak, pan seared in butter. Yum! I love being close so I can shop several times a week, just picking up a few items of fresh produce at a time as well as special breads in the deli section. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I like the neighborhood atmosphere where you shop, meet friends, and feel like part of an extended community. I would recommend Leon’s to anyone looking for a great little grocery store that isn’t really little.