Central Co-Op's Madison Market

MM has an outstanding produce section -- sourced with local, organic fruit and vegetables. Excellent bulk food and specialty food sections with nearly all organic/natural selections. Hate to say it, but Whole Foods is now too corporate with their own brand of non-organic items -- and so much of their produce is conventionally grown. I've been a member for 7 years now, and it's worth supporting your local co-op. more

Madison Market has great options for healthy foods, vegan alternatives, non-hydrogenated margarines, bulk organic rices...and of course, treats. The people who work here are really the reason I keep coming back...I can't see Murdock without smiling at his cheery (and wholely honest) demeanor. The cashier's all remember my son by name, many of the staff have become my friends just by shopping there so much... it's less of a customer-employee interaction, as a friendly human-human interaction. In any given shopping trip, I'll likely get a few hugs, some invitations to get togethers, my son will get stickers and balloons, we'll get lots of yummy and healthy food, some bath salts... The only reason Mad Market doesn't get five stars, the big downfall, is that they treat the deli and cafe as one entity, and so sometimes you just have to wait a while before you can get coffee. Being in a rush isn't always a good thing, and taking your time isn't always bad...but I thought I'd be honest, that, in a rush, get your coffee someplace else! more

I want to add my vote to shop your local independent coop. I have been a member of Madison Market for 25 years and have watched it grow larger and survive in an increasingly competitive market. If you care about the environment and how your choices impact it then shopping at the coop is an easy way to make sure you are buying not only organically labeled food, but food that is actually produced with integrity. There are too many falsely organically labeled products out there and Madison Market at least screens out the ones they know about (I'm not sure about the lotions/soap products in that respect). Fresh Seafood, meat section and a great bulk foods section. The produce section is really great in my opinion. Parking garage and elevator are other pluses if you drive. more

The last independent food cooperative in Seattle, Madison Market (formerly Central Co-op) is still going strong. They have a large organic produce section and a good selection of organic groceries. There is a parking garage above the store and an elevator to help you get your groceries up there. They are on the 12 bus line and several blocks from the 48 bus line on 23rd and Broadway in the other direction. They have also been quite generous with produce donations to community groups I'm involved with who cook meals for events. I appreciate their community spirit. more

This is a good place for healthy organic foods. The meat and produce sections are excellent, and bulk is good enough. I'd recommend this place to anyone. The only peeve I have about this place is the attitude of the checkout staff. Most of them are not happy and are not shy at displaying this. I've heard that management is poor, which is definitely reflected. more

Mad Market's organic produce, (mostly) sustainable seafood, and meats are of amazing quality! The market isn't huge and you because of its size you can't always find what you're looking for, but if you ask anyone for the item they're quite helpful in trying to offer it in the future. Parking in the parking garage can be a challenge at times (but it's nice to be only 2 blocks away!). I always wish the deli would be comparable to the Skagit Valley Coop in Mt. Vernon, but it does the job. The "beauty" section has a great selection of lotions, soaps, and lip balms - all great stocking stuffers! more

this is one of, if not the best natural grocery stores i have ever been to, they have everything you could possibly need for a yummy organic feast!they have a wonderful selection of everything!!!!! i love the coffee and tea section, and all of the gorgeous flowers! the salespeople are extremely friendly, and always available if you need help! be careful, or you can end up wondering the aisles for hours! more

I go to Madison Market whenever I want to get something organic, or some really tasty fish (without going to the market). They are a co-op that caters to the yuppie organic health crowd, but there are definitely things there for anyone. Last time I needed some Paneer, I went there and they had it. not sure if there is some place better out there. Would love to hear if someone else responds. more

I've just moved here to Seattle,and I missed my home health food store terribly. However, Madison Market is a wonderful replacement. A great selection, fantastic deli (try the curried chicken salad). Sitting and snacking out front is a wonderful way to watch the day stroll by. It is worth the co-op membership. Even without it, it's still a nice find. more

There was a time when I found the checkers too obnoxious to bear, but it seems like there is less attitude than a few years back. As a regular shopper since the days of the original Central Co-op, I can say that this store has certainly evolved a bit. They are a decent medium sized natural grocery, they have most things you want, but they don't have some of the must-haves, which means a trip to a second store for the necessities. Since Trader Joe's opened next door I shop there more, because if Madison Market is out of whole organic chickens, for instance, which has happened many times, I pop on over to Trader Joe's and pick up one there, along with a much cheaper pound of butter. As for the pricing, I have more than once not gotten the discount promised on the shelf sale tag, have been charged more than the produce tag (or the produce person indicates when I often can't find a produce price) but they will fix price errors, just check your receipt. Also, they run high on produce prices sometimes, they need a better source when their cherries are 7.99 and the farmers markets sell organic cherries for around 4.00. I also have had a few too many bad meat experiences, and one questionable seafood incident, so every so often that puts me off of buying the meat. But they are all we have on this side of the ship canal besides a few PCCs way down south. And they do try to get it right. The friendly factor is up at the, now if only the workers would not block the whole aisle and half the produce department while they stock the bins. more

Madison Market is great for most shopping needs. The stuff the stock is a little more expensive than a basic grocery store, but it is pretty comparable to other organic markets. Parking is not so convenient, so that is one drawback. Otherwise, if you’re in the area, it is a fine place to shop for your weekly groceries. more

It is refreshing to see a larger scale food co-op featuring organic produce competing with Whole Foods. Madison Market main features are its produce and its prepared food selection and deli. The produce is mostly organic and grown by local farmers. The prepared food (vegan and non vegan) are great when you are in a rush or just don't feel like cooking. The dry and packaged goods selection has a little to be desired (although they have a good selection of balsamic vinegars). more

The employees here all hate their job and complain of bad management, the selection is tired, the deli hosts the same items every day. It could be said that these things are a result of lost money to Trader Joe's, unfortunately, it will just keep them losing money to Trader Joe's. Occasionally, they have a deli hit like their tempeh-potato salad or their vegan cream of broccoli soup (perfect!!). more

I try to eat organic as much as possible, and as such, Madison Market is my favorite store. It's a locally owned co-op and has a great selection of organic fruits and vegetables. There's also naturally raised beef and poultry, organic beer and wine, and even an impressive selection of organic and natural cheeses. Prices are on the higher end, especially for product, but if you're a member you can get a discount once per month. more

Madison Market is by far my favorite of Seattle's numerous natural foods stores. They have a huge selection of organic produce (I've discovered new types of veggies I never even knew existed!), delicious homemade food, a great bulk food section, and a nice assortment of fresh seafood. Prices are quite reasonable as well, considering the nature of the store. I really like their cereal section...it's great to find yummy breakfast cereal with only nutritious ingredients when compared to the major brands. more