Kroger

…I go for the people watching. The almond butter and avocados. I really hope that sometime very SOON Kroger’s will start using paper bags!!! And I’d start on Vine.

Seriously, unless you live in OTR and have absolutely no access to transportation, do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. After I moved from Newport to downtown Cincinnati, I thought I’d try this Kroger out (given it was now the closest supermarket to me). Big mistake. In addition to being less than aesthetically pleasing (I’ve been to vastly cleaner Walmart stores), the selection is terrible. If you’re coming here for meat, expect to leave with prepackaged chicken or days old steak; they have no fresh fish department to speak of. Only shop for fruits and vegetables here if you like them bruised and turning brown. I literally left with one item (a container of egg whites, how can you screw that up), and I’ll never be back. If you’ve got a car, do yourself (and your stomach) a favor and go to the Kroger in either Bellevue or Newport.

If you’re near downtown and in your car to get groceries– just head on over across the river to the Newport or Bellevue Kroger stores.
If you’re downtown, or in OTR, and don’t have a car and need to get groceries, but just need some basics, then this Kroger is worth checking out– they have most things you may need. The selection is decent, the produce didn’t look too bad. Staff seemed nice, store was clean.
If you ask me, one of the downsides to this store is that it DOES have a parking lot, one that it could either do without, or, if they ever make the investment, place either underneath or above a future downtown/​OTR store. I had never been to this store before this week, and the change of OTR for the better I think helped me finally make the trip inside. 10 years ago? No way! As much as downtown deserves a much better Kroger store, this one is actually respectable and decent.

I was pleasantly surprised when I visited the 1420 Vine Street Kroger a couple of weeks ago. It is clean with a decent selection for such a small store. Clerks were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about their stock.

I’m updating my review, because the management of this store has worked hard to improve it since 2011 (when I last reviewed it). They doubled the size of the produce section, and have been stocking more of the things I generally look for, even cage-​free and organic items. If I need a lot of items, I’ll still run to Newport in my car (you truly don’t want to try to park here). But if I’m on foot and need creamer, milk, toilet paper – this is a great place to go. I wish the parking lot were cleaner, but what can you do? I’d give it 3−½ stars if I could.

Like most others have said, this really can’t be considered a full fledged grocery store. While it is a Kroger complete with produce, meats, and other grocery it’s size really limits it to being nothing more than a large convenience store. Which isn’t to say that’s a bad thing.
Parking is atrocious here. This is the main reason I would drive across the river to Newport Kroger. But, on week nights during off hours I will come here rather than Newport.
The selection tends to match the size of the store. It’s not lacking. It’s got everything a grocery store should have, just less variation of each item.
This Kroger location is a decent place to head to if your looking for some essential grocery needs, but if your looking for the typical Kroger experience head across the river to Newport.

I’m really grateful to have this resource in the neighborhood. They have a surprisingly well stocked fresh produce section, frozen vegetarian options, and the store is always clean and orderly. This probably won’t be the only grocery store you visit when getting ready for a dinner party, but it’s perfect for a quick trip. I really appreciate having it so close.

Now let’s evaluate this place aside from its location.
This really just a stop-​by-​to-​pick-​up location. You can’t do serious shopping hear because the store is small and the selection is very limited. It’s borderline on being classified as a convenience store. As you all know, I’m big on wine, and as such, I have to urge you to go somewhere else even if you jus want to pick up a Cabernet, you will find yourself disappointed. They only have sweet wines — a lot of moscato — and one red blend. The staff is kid of blah — some of them look like they hate their life, and act as such.

I have been shopping at this Kroger since I moved to Cincinnati a year and a half ago. In that year and a half the selection, cleanliness and appearance of the store have incrementally improved. It now has some decent wine and beer, basic produce (fresh) and some of the organic and other middle range groceries. The hours have recently been expanded so hopefully this store is on the right track.

Place is pretty rough in a rough location but there is no other in the downtown area that I knew of. The place works but not what I’m used to from a grocery store. Was trying to find tomatoes and didn’t have any. Didn’t even see a spot for them so not sure if they even carried any and no employees around to ask. Like I said the place works if you have to use it but If you have somewhere else you can go then go somewhere else.

Ah, the Kroghetto.
While I’ve stopped by here a few times in a pinch for eggs or milk, I find myself avoiding this place more often than walking through it’s doors. Why? Mainly it’s due to the crowds of sketchy youngsters hanging out around the parking lot.
I don’t want to walk there. I don’t want to park my car there. I’d rather go out of my way to Newport Kroger for a less hypervigilant shopping experience. The store’s selection is fine, the staff has been courteous and the aisles organized and clean. Perhaps a facelift or an increase in security presence can make this Kroger worth saving.

It’s a grocery store, after all. And it is situated in the ‘hood, right where no other stores want to go. So what do we have? We have a grocery store. You don’t have to shop there if you don’t like the produce, the neighbor hood, or anything else. But it is there for some of us that use it. It ain’t great, but it serves the purpose.

The name Kroghetto says it all, as this is exactly where it sits and the kind of people it hosts. Mind you, I like the area and I like the people. That’s not where the negative review comes from.
This comes mostly from the products offered. Their produce is simply awful and the meat department is not much better. Customer service is very straightforward for a kroger though.

Four star review, because I’m a fan. I am glad that this store exists. Yes, it needs updating, yes it’s the redheaded stepchild that lives in the shadow of the Kroger HQ, but it does say something that Kroger keeps this store as a legacy and hasn’t torn it down.
I’ve been shopping here for about 3 years — not for all my groceries, but if I’m in a pinch and need cat food or maple syrup or even produce, this Kroger has not let me down (I live in OTR, and it’s a bike ride or 4 block walk away.)
The cashiers and management are always friendly, and while you’ll see some purchasing their 40s, you’ll also be shopping with families and other residents of the area.
My hope is that people continue to support this store — corporations notice dollars. Give it a chance, and tell the manager what you’d like to see on the shelves or if you notice things are expired/​bad. The selection and hopefully design will change when Kroger realizes that the neighborhood wants this store to be here and they want it to be good.
For a more in-​depth analysis (prices, selection, etc) check out my article on
I wrote comparing this store and the Newport Kroger.

This is a disgusting, soul-​destroying supermarket. The OTR Kroger is possibly the worst supermarket I’ve ever had the displeasure to shop at. It’s an embarrassment to the entire city of Cincinnati. Every employee appears to be lobotomized. They seem to come to life though when their phone rings and they’re talking to their boyfriend, or bantering with each other. This place doesn’t even deserve a single star. If any place was worthy of being swallowed up by a black hole it’d be this Kroger location. But, if you enjoy walking into a supermarket to buy batteries and get sexually harassed by the customers and completely ignored by the staff, then this is definitely your place. Also, if you’re into moldy, disgusting fruit, veg and meats then you’ll certainly appreciate their wide array of decaying and decomposing «fresh» food.

This is pretty much the last Kroger that I want to go into. I’ve passed this store on many occasion and never would have thought to go in for anything that I needed until the other day. It made me a little nervous even parking my car in the tiny parking lot, there were some shady characters hanging out in the parking lot. There were some shady characters inside too, but there were several families just doing their weekly grocery shopping.
This Kroger has the necessities and that’s about it, if you’re looking for sushi, wine or fancy cheese you’ll have to head to another Kroger. But if you need bread, chips or beer this is your store.
I was on the hunt for wine thinking all Kroger stores have wine, not this one. Next time I’ll drive the extra 5 minutes to Party Source!

I just ask that if Kroger wants to put a store anywhere, it at least provide the same level of products/​upkeep as it does in any location. Every time I step in there, I never seem to be able to get what I need. It’s either damaged or not available.
Also, the prices are marginally more expensive than a normal Kroger, and that surprised me. For a non-​marketplace, it certainly doesn’t have the most friendly prices in produce.
The people there are nice, very approachable. Aside from that, I still maintain my main title for it– which is «Kroghetto.»

I am down with the people.
And by people I mean smiling children, bustling seniors, busy working moms, young professionals taking up residence and other folks from the neighborhood.
I was hesitant about this grocery store from the get-​go. I’m not gonna lie, it can be a bit intimidating, what with a bunch of folks loitering just steps away from the parking lot and entrance. But once you get over it, you realize they’re minding their own business and you’re minding yours… and so a trip for bread and milk shouldn’t be nearly as dramatic as your wildest fantasies.
Originally I heard Kroger shipped off all the worst produce, expiring dairy goods and other bad food to this grocery store, which happens to sit in the footprint of the very first Kroger store ever. There’s even a historical plaque outside in the parking lot to prove it.
Anyway.
This Kroger. It’s not as bad as the rumors say it is. It’s basic — you will not find any upscale Method cleaning products or fresh lobster — but it’s got whatever you need if you live in OtR and are avoiding a trip in the car to get milk and eggs.
The best thing I love about it is the people. Seriously. Fantastic people watching on some occasions, but most of the time its just regular joes and janes taking care of business and minding their business.
It’s actually pretty fantastic.

The Kroger located on Vine Street is what one would call… adequate.
A small parking lot is the first thing that you are greeted to. Very difficult to maneuver when even only a couple of cars are in, and the lot is not very well kept up.
As soon as you walk in, the essential aisle shows off all the breads and buns as well as any sale items running at the moment.
One thing I never quite understood is why they have the juices and the sodas split up. As far as I’m concerned, I want all my beverages in one area. Very annoying.
All the cashiers are pretty interesting folks. Nice, and a couple are really talkative.
Overall, if you need to get something quick, this place will work just fine. If you need a serious grocery run, I would recommend going somewhere else.