ALDI in Del Ray: Yelp Reviewers Weigh in On New Grocery Store

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The new ALDI grocery store has been open now in Del Ray for more than two months. The store is one of three planned for the City. The first Aldi opened on Kenmore Avenue (replacing a Magruder's, which closed in 2013); the second Aldi opened in Del Ray (replacing a Giant store) and a third is expected to open in early 2017 at the former Mango Mike's restaurant location on Duke Street, according to a store spokeswoman.

So what is everyone saying about the new location in Del Ray? Yelp reviewers give the no-frills chain store at 425 E. Monroe Ave. a solid four stars. Here's a sampling of what some of them are saying (click on the name to go to their Yelp page and find their full review):

• Pete V.: "Ever since we heard Aldi was moving into the Del Ray hood where the old crappy Giant was, we were thrilled! The store is actually quite nice for an Aldi (we lived near one in Chicago), and has everything you expect a basic grocery store to have. Keep in mind that most of the stuff here is private label, like Trader Joe's so they stock only a few national brands. That said, the prices are extremely cheap if you buy their private label brands. You can get a bottle of their generic Srircha sauce for like $2.35, when I bought a bottle recently for $4.50 at Whole Foods."
• Jean M.: "Considering some of the rave reviews I must have hit the new Del Ray Aldi on a bad day. It reminded me of an impeccably clean, poorly stocked dollar store. Despite being a week day morning I only saw two employees in the entire store - one stocking produce and the other the lone cashier. "
• Eddi M.: "Okay, so I was very skeptical about getting an ALDI'S in place of our good old local Giant on Monroe Ave in Del Ray. We were hoping for a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Harris Teeters, something more upscale, with tasty treats...but I can't help it: I LIKE this store. Having gone in several times for midweek supplements, I have found our local ALDI'S to be clean, well run, and well stocked. Do they have a huge selection of name brand foods? Nope, but they do have a good selection of staple items, such as organic veggies, fruit, cheese, milk, eggs and basic meats. "
• Benita R.: "...I live walking distance between a Giant and a Harris Teeter and I will STILL drive to Aldi to pick up my essential items. Eggs, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, fruits, cereal, milk, and chips."
• Shannon V.: "I am honestly a fan. Super no frills, but that's A OK with me. I was impressed with their produce selection and their cheeses. I liked seeing a lot of healthier options for less $$ than most grocery stores."
• Christopher S.: "A no frills haiku for yet another shameless first to review. Charge for shopping bags (bring your own). Exclusive brands help you save (without passing hidden costs of marketing/advertising). Low price but high grade (groceries)."

New ALDI grocery store is located at 425 E. Monroe Ave. in Del Ray (Google maps):