Dawson’s Market

Excellent store with a wide variety.

Dawson’s Market is a supermarket where the past meets the future.
The past because it represents the rich farming history that was the basis of economy of Montgomery County… when farming was locally grown and supported.
The future because it represents the supermarket of the future. Millennials, hipsters, and soccer moms have been putting pressure on supermarket to become more organic, fair-​trade, local, non-​gmo, blah, blah, blah.
If we are going to be completely honest, there are four types of supermarkets in this area.
1) The IDGAF– Shoppers, Food Lions, Bottom Dollars, Bloom, Magruders, and the likes. They don’t care about trends. They are not going to carry gluten-​free or have sushi fresh-​to-​go.
2) The Champions– Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, and the likes. They dominate, they are always packed. They have aisles devoted to health nuts and organic options for mostly everything.
3) East Meets West– International market, Grand Mart, H-​Mart, and the tinier Latino and Chinese markets. They support the ethnic needs of all the immigrants at a lower price.
4) The False Prophet– Trader Joe’s, Mom’s Organic, Roots, Whole Foods, and the likes. They think they are revolutionizing the supermarket game, but they are not going to precipitate lasting change. I commend their efforts, though, but it’s more complicated than selling obscure brands with a 50% mark up.
The other players include Costco, Target, and Walmart, but, in my opinion, they are big box stores.
Dawson’s falls under The False Prophet group. If money was not an issue and Dawson’s was not located in Rockville Town Center, where parking is a premium and a conundrum, I would shop here.
You can argue that the food I put in my body should be of the highest, organic, quality, free of all pesticides, insecticides, gmo’s, migrant farmer’s DNA, but there has been no scientific proof that there are any health benefits to eating organic. I can buy bigger avocados for less anywhere else. The entire organic industry is sketch and marred by companies to be very dicey with its process. The label «Organic» does not really say anything.
Of course, sensible me, would rather eat products labelled ‘Organic’ than not, but not enough to justify spending 40% more on groceries.
You ask, why the 4 stars? I like the friendly environment here. I like how Dawson’s have special events; i.e. they have an upcoming event for puppies. I am more likely to be attracted to the clientele who shop here. Health-​conscious, fit girls are more likely to shop here. Vegan and vegetarians are more likely to shop here. Tatted-​up, thick-​rimmed hipsters are more likely to shop here.
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Oh and do not mind the $ 0.49 per gallon water station for a water fountain. There is a water fountain and water cooler in the dining area with free wi-​fi.
And don’t you dare remove this review, pricks of Unilocal.I worked hard on this one. Before you know it, I will have zero reviews to my name.

This place is so amazing! Everything here is perfect and the hot bar is so delicious!

the food from the hot meal bar is bomb af but it makes my wallet cry): but everything else is organic & healthy !!

Nice Market.
Reminded me of Whole Foods but on a smaller scale. I appreciate that everything is neat and organized in the store, makes it easier to find things. Restrooms are in the back and could be a bit cleaner. There was live music inside the market when we visited. It was very nice and made walking around that much more enjoyable. Everything in here is on the pricier side but they do offer unique and quality items.
Glad we got a chance to visit.

One of my very favorite markets that most people have never heard of. Parking is convenient and easy and the quality of all their food is way above your local markets. Yes a little pricier but you get what you pay for.

Rockville… is not the finest location for a market, but, it’s alright. This is probably why I have to credit this place for 5 stars. Despite reviewers like John B. praising this market, I had to go here to believe it. Yes, it is a great market.
You can park for an hour for free in the lot or parking structure. This is convenient because it it right on the edge of the hopping part of Rockville. Then, when you go inside, you are greeted by produce specials in front of you and if you look left, the cashiers, the seating area for gnoshing and the juice and coffee bar.
Continue inside and you will find many places upon which to set your sights– produce, bulk, beverages, salad bar, snacks, prepared foods, ice cream, grains, and whatever else your mouth and stomach desire! So many choices!
My favorites are the local and sale priced fresh produce. Amazing that they can keep so much local, and also, affordable. Although the produce section is a small part of the store, it has a great variety. Also, it is nice that in their in-​house prepared foods area they label what is vegan. They have gluten– free items, too. A juice and coffee bar?! My two fav beverages! Yum!
If I lived closer, I would go far more frequently. This is truly a great place for your culinary needs in Rockville.

I come to Dawson’s once in awhile to grab lunch with a friend. It definitely reminds you of Whole Foods market just a little smaller. Their hot/​salad bar selections are great! There’s indeed a variety of options to choose from. Everything at the bar is weighed by the lb. The dining area is usually packed around lunch time!
Salad bar is always clean and fresh! I usually just make my own salad and add a few things from the hot bar selection. Right next to it, they have a wide selection of drinks to choose from. Also, there’s a smoothie/​café bar where they will fix up a fresh smoothie for you. I’ve never tried it because I can’t convince myself to buy a $ 6 smoothie :(
Everything is relatively more expensive than a normal supermarket, but if you don’t mind splurging on your groceries, then this is the place to shop at! Parking garage as well as outside parking available! Free the first hour :)

Lin by the sushi stand is soooooo super helpful! He really cares about his job. He took the time to come out behin the sushi bar and explain every roll for me, and even game me chopsticks, i almost forgot! So kind. He actually made me want to write this review. I cant remember their names so it makes me sad, but the two guys at the smoothie/​juice bar are great also!!! This place is pricey thats the only downfall, but they are always really well stocked on items, their hot/​cold food/​salad bars are delicious and healthy! And my favorite thing is that the staff is just super polite and kind. Best customer service anywhere i’ve ever been and its hard to find now a days. Their private parking lot is great too! :) Have come here everyday for lunch so often, and I’ve brought so many coworkers. Only recommenation is if they can work on pricing it is hard my lunches come out to like 25 $ a day :/
Other than that it is great!

I come here for the hot bar at lunch when I have a meeting in the area. There’s usually a diverse selection of varying ethnic foods such as Indian, and it’s always tasty. Sometimes they have vegan options to go along with the vegetarian selections as well. Great selection of wine and produce as well.

Dawson’s Market is located in Rockville Town Square behind Bar Louie and Five Guys. This Market is somewhat similar to Roots. They carry all-​natural, organic foods with fresh, local ingredients. There pricing on food and products is not overly expensive either, it is all average pricing. Depending on what you buy of course.
The interior of the store is bright, colorful and all around appealing. They have a small produce section but it really packs a punch with all the delicious looking fruits they provide. Dawson’s also provides a whole aisle dedicated to dried fruits. It’s a self serve aisle where you would grab a bag and stuff it with all your favorite dried fruits. Kinda like a candy store, except a much healthier option! As I browsed the aisles I noticed cereal boxes, except they were no ordinary cereal brand, they were all organic brands. As all there other foods were.
The exterior of the market is pretty as well. They even have an outdoor seating area. I think the design is quite interesting, there tables and chairs are designed from construction signs. Not something you typically see.
Another positive aspect of this market is there sandwich bar, wines/​beers, hot bar, and salad bar. Which all are amazing! At the Hot bar and salad bar they offer to go plates as well as plates to eat at the market. They have seating outside of the market as well as inside!
There staff, of course, are all exceptionally friendly. I definitely walked out with a smile on mine face! From the delicious food to friendly staff, you will not be disappointed when entering and leaving this market!

For the people complaining about price, you can always go to Giant…
Dawson’s Market is an independent grocer, and here’s what I like:
1.) Craft beer is cheap. During happy hour (4−7pm), the beer is $ 2. If you can’t make it to happy hour (like me), the beer is $ 4 and/​or you can get a growler (64 oz.) for $ 6. (Yes, that’s a bargain). I also appreciate the wine selection and the diverse range of craft beers here. And you can shop for your groceries with beer in hand.
2.) Looking for something healthier than a frappuccino in Rockville Town Center? Try the smoothie/​juice bar for $ 6, and there’s a lot of great mixes here.
3.) Lots of great hot/​cold bar and prepared food options. The hot bar has its own happy hour special between 7−9pm.
4.) Bulk nuts, grains, honey, etc. are better nutritional and economic value than standard grocers.
5.) Smart, welcoming staff offer personal testimonials and recommendations.
6.) Decent selection in the vitamin/​beauty selection.
Overall, I appreciate that everything is fresh, delicious, nutritious, and carefully curated.

I’m a regular at Dawson’s (like everyday barfly). Mainly, I come here to enjoy their $ 2 premium beer happy hour after work (4 – 7). Sometimes, I even buy groceries — particularly pork chops and mussels which I find reasonably priced, but rarely vegetables, which are often too expensive and unwashed (if I’m gonna pay $ 4 for cilantro, it should be scrubbed clean of the manure medium it was grown in).
In all, I love Dawson’s Market. They keep me sufficiently buzzed on cheap, but delicious, beer while I wait for my wife to pick me up after work. I couldn’t ask for more in a local grocer.

I love this place, except for the prices. They have a variety of healthy hippie food that I love, a nice beer selection with lots of local brews (rarely is alcohol to be found at grocery stores because of county laws), and kombucha on tap! Too bad I can almost never do an actual grocery shopping here, just a few things here and there.
There is also a deli section, tables and wifi available. If I worked close enough, I might pop in there for lunch once in a while.

I wanted to update my review to highlight Heidi the Natural/​Wellness Manager. I’ve been back & forth with facial products due to the cold elements as it really hindered my face pretty harsh this season. She is very knowledgable & insightful with the products. She is very transparent with her opinion on products she personally uses & on the flip side, will take the time out to research other products especially in alignment of my needs.
When she is not working she has a great employee (pretty young) named Christian. I stated young as I was very impressed with his knowledge. He picks up where Heidi leaves off with his skill set & eagerness to seek products & samples that may be beneficial.
The only «light» negative is the employees that may not be well versed for that department. They provide incorrect information & are not as proactive in assisting. Yet it’s all about trying to extend good customer service which ultimately is the important factor.
Side plug, Dale the Manager is a great element of Dawson’s Market as he always greets me by name… hopefully that’s a good thing & I’m not wearing out my 2−3x weekly visits :-)
Go see Heidi for any of your natural & wellness needs & then pick up a fresh piece of Vegan Carrot Cake… happy face/​happy stomach.
As always, you can’t beat the prices.

If your in Rockville and are looking for a grocery store, look no further.
Dawson’s Market is great. First and foremost the store is very clean, which is a must for me, their selection of produce is excellent and you can find items there that you won’t be able to find in most stores, especially in the spice department. The spices are sold loose and are much cheaper than most other stores. However, this is the exception to the price rule at Dawson’s, where most items area bit expensive. If your a bit frugal this may not be the spot for you.
The Hot and Cold bar is excellent for lunch and include items like Butter Chicken, prepared by Spice Xing – a restaurant located in Rockville Town Center. The coffee bar is first rate as well – one of the only place to get an excellent Japanese Cold Drip Coffee, which is my favorite.
If you live an work in the area Dawson’s should be on your list. it’s cold now, but in the warmer months they also have live music outside, which is a nice plus too.

Dawson’s is just like whole foods. The first time I walked in I was confused. I legit thought I was in whole foods and just renamed the store in my head.
Produce is fresh, lots of organic, gluten, fancy things.
Milk is sooooo expensive. I made mac and cheese for a little girl who is la to intolerant. This LOT THE Brick Of Cheese WAS 5.99 and the milk WAS Über expensive as well. For 10 seconds I considered going to giant and letting the little girl diarrhea her way through the afternoon. But being the kind hearted soul that I am I sucked it up and forked over my coins.
The food bar is pretty good. I have eaten from it twice. The butter chicken was legit and the fish was moist.
One thing I do like is they sell hard to find flavors of pellegrino. Those flavored drinks are my vice. Straight up crack!

Love the bulk section. It comes in handy when I literally just need an ounce of something and don’t want tons of leftovers. The selection is good, not great, and they do carry your typical grains, trail mix, granola, nuts, and teas/​coffees.
The seafood and meat departments are VERY small, so I would skip it. However, their hot foods and salad bars looked legit. There’s also a good selection of kombucha, GT brand for $ 3.29, which is much cheap than Harris Teeter! The beer section is, again good not great, but Dawson’s has rotating beers on tap to fill your growlers. I also saw a membership for their beer club… tastings for $ 10 each month. Will have to check it out!
+ parking lot
+ hot food/​bar
+ good selection of wine/​cheese
+ bulk!
— produce is outrageously expensive
— no good seafood/​meat dept

I still stand firm when I say I don’t care to grocery shop here. If I am just grabbing a few items for the day, then I will do so. But I prefer to do the bulk of my shopping elsewhere. The prices in groceries are still overpriced and limited in selection. For organic and healthy items, I’d suggest Mom’s Organic Market and Wegman’s over Dawson’s.
As for their juice bar, bakery and salad bar. — I am a fan.
Juice Bar:
I love the juice bar. This wasn’t open when I first visited during their grand opening, but it’s been for some time now and it’s a gem in this town center. They have a variety of veggies to choose from in which they fresh squeeze upon ordering. They have a menu of suggested combinations as well as the option to create your own. You can choose from juices or smoothies which they carry a good variety of non-​dairy bases and milks. I normally do the juices, but every once in a while go for the smoothies! The regular size is about oz and costs around $ 6 which is reasonable for juice in this area. The service at the juice bar is great. They are friendly, prompt and efficient. They are always willing to help newbies in finding what the best combination for them is. I love that about them! The only downfall is that they close at 7pm and a lot of times, I find myself craving a smoothie after 7pm!
Salad Bar/​Hot Food Bar:
I haven’t sampled too much of their hot food selections, just a few. But the soups and the few dishes I’ve had were decent. Their salad bar is good. Has a lot of fresh options and great in house made salads that are very tasty. The salad bar is a little hefty in price though, especially if you are like me and love big salads. I don’t do the salad bar very often, but every once in awhile I will.
Bakery:
We’ve purchased cakes from their bakery for the office and man are they good. We’ve had a chocolate cake as well as a carrot and man the carrot cake is on point! It is super moist and delicious! Best part? No raisins! It’s not too sweet and the frosting isn’t overwhelming. One of the best grocery store cakes I have ever had!
All in all, I don’t come here often. I frequented the juice bar more often during the summer for lunch, but lately haven’t been able to enjoy it as much as I want. A great spot though to grab lunch if you work nearby, whether it’s the salad bar, hot food bar of a fresh nutritious juice!

I used to walk to this place every now and then and they used to give a tiny discount if you walked to their location, but they have since stopped that. Now, I drive and it is great that they do provide the first 2 hours free in their parking lot.
I like coming to this place for their healthy choices and it also allows me to try other things as well including a Blondie Brownie and Snickerdoodle cookie (not sure those last 2 are healthy).
The different things I have tried and like in this grocery are:
Fruit Bar — they have strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, oranges to name a few, along with a Salad Bar. I actually prefer both to the Hot Food Bar
Smoothies — I love the Almond Brother — very delicious
Freshly made hot sandwiches — So far I have only tried one which is the Capital Panini ($ 7.99) — house-​smoked turkey, tomatoes, avocado, fresh cilantro, Havarti cheese and a jalapeño remoulade sauce. Initially I thought it would be spicy due to the sauce, but I got an opportunity to taste it and have enjoyed it ever since.
Cupcakes — I recently got one of their Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes ($ 2.49) w/​Strawberry Vanilla Buttercream Icing. I read some of the ingredients in the cupcake and it looked healthy (unsalted butter, safflower oil, unbleached cake flower to name a few), but it was also delicious in tasting… Yummy! — I would like another.
Outside of those items, I have also bought actual grocery items like fresh cashews (cashews are expensive anywhere you buy them), Bai juices (I had initially tasted these at the Unilocal Lucky Party), and Cakelove Cake in a Jar (this was the only thing I did not like as it tasted like the cake was screaming to be taken out the jar).
The folks are friendly and I have always had a pleasant time coming here.