Technically this isn’t in Aptos, but it’s right on the border, and many Aptos residents will pass by it every day, especially those who use the Park Avenue exit off Highway 1. AJ’s Market is so many things to say many people, but let’s start with the market. It seems they have just about everything, from organic fruit and veggies, a wide array staples like bread, pasta, rice, canned goods, candies, chips, a healthy selection of beer, wine, and they feature Marianne’s Ice Cream, too! They also have a great deli, which serves things like burgers, wraps, falafel, and the like…they also sell fresh seafood and great meats (even halal!). They don’t have a full coffee shop, but they do have a good selection of grab-and-go coffee, and they even sell Yerba Maté.

Aside from the mini-mart and deli…it’s also a Chevron gas station, and that’s probably what you’d notice most from the street. Their gas prices are frankly the most expensive you’re likely to find, but if you just need to pick up a few things from the market/deli, it is often worth your time just to top up the gas while you’re at it. They also have a pretty decent automatic car-wash, too. Oh, and this is important: they also have the cleanest, most spacious rest room you’re ever likely to see in a “gas station.”

Here’s a tip: you can call in an order to the deli and just go and pick it up. It’s not uncommon for there to be a line a half dozen people long waiting to pick up their deli orders, so by calling ahead, you can really save some time.

See also AJ’s market