Family-owned since 1986, The Fruit Stand in Bay Ho, San Diego feels like one of the last vestiges of mom and pop produce.
Set on Morena Boulevard near Mission Bay in a nondescript warehouse building, the interior is an explosion of color, fragrances, and deliciousness thanks to the variety of local produce from San Diego County and the surrounding areas.
Don’t come here expecting a full on grocery store or a perfectly sterilized Whole Foods. The Fruit Stand is not that.
At times, it feels like a bit of a treasure hunt—something our daughter definitely appreciates. Not every item is going to be pristine and perfect, but let’s be honest nature is rarely like that anyway.
Instead, you’ll find some of the freshest fruits, veggies, and small selection of groceries, which include products like local honey, pecans, and homemade tortillas and salsas, on occasion.
And a healthy dose of agriculture-themed kitsch that lovingly adorns the walls, from old state maps to farming equipment to old produce sacks.
You’ll even find some produce plucked from neighboring gardens that residents have dropped off due to surplus.
This is the charm of The Fruit Stand: You never quite know what you’re going to find, though there is one key constant: The service is always fantastic.
The owners and workers are always smiling and helpful, pointing out what is extra juicy, or may not be the best choice on that particular day.
You are always welcome to ask if the watermelons are in season, or if the avocados are worth it. Are the limes fresh or are the cucumbers mushy? Will these berries be good in an oatmeal bowl or my acai bowls or are they tart?
They’ll tell you honestly. And they know what they’re talking about. They’ve been doing it for more than 35 years!
Though The Fruit Stand feels like being right next to the farm, they do take credit cards and, if you’re nice, at checkout, they may throw in a few items they recommend. If it’s your first time, let them know and maybe you’ll get lucky!
If in stock, we always grab a tub of roasted salsa (not spicy) and pico de gallo (slightly spicy due to black pepper and jalapeno) from the Encinitas-based El Nopalito Tortilla Factory, as well as the massive, yet delicate La Gloria flour tortillas for Los Angeles.
The Fruit Stand does not, however, serve ready-to-eat food, so if you’re looking for fresh cut fruit bowls, takeout, or fast food, you’ll have to head elsewhere.
Mission Bay Beach Club is just down the street and has a great view of the Bay. Grab some fruit from The Fruit Stand, go get a smoothie bowl from Superbloom, and enjoy the view!