Center Market

This will be our go to market when in town. It has more than your basic supplies. We needed some camping items and were pleasantly surprised on overall selection and thought the prices were very reasonable. We also ended up picking up Thrifty rocky road ice cream and some souvenirs. They have a deli in the back near the wind chimes and fire wood out front. Entrance is in the rear of the property with ample parking.

Great selection of all sorts of stuff. Ample parking, friendly staff, deli counter, great booze and tea selection. I’d rather go here than the two other options in town.

On our way to Joshua Tree NP we were looking for a grocery store to buy some meat and ice, and it came up to be such an interesting place to visit! Not only convenience store with all the house needs but a bunch of souvenirs, western outfits, tshirts, camping and travel related items, here you can find anything you need! Cute little interesting town to visit! Here we saw the advertisement of the Serpent Sculpture, only 5 minutes away, so we came right away to visit! Much better than the grocery store in front of it at “The Mall” plaza. If you’re road tripping in the area this is a good place to stop.

Tiny yet mighty grocery/everything store set in the “center” of the tiny town of Borrego Springs. It won’t let you down. Well stocked meat and deli counters, all the basic foods, bbq stuff, alcohol, toys/souvenirs/games, kitchen gear … it’s pretty great! The people are sweet too.

Center market Is a treat I look forward to when I visit Borrego Springs every time. It has the coolest stuff, endlessly good food and variety. Really good natural products for health including bulk tinctures. And really fun gifts. The owner, Mitzi, Has created a shop that is old style -full of her personality and her taste meeting a broad need in a diverse community. I really appreciate her view of the world through the products she offers.

Prices are higher than what we’re use too but have a big variety. More than the store on the main road. This is tucked away in the back of the ice cream shop, Mexican restaurant and pharmacy.

They're located in the rear of the complex. Perhaps the only grocer in town with the largest selection of items. I came here to pick up toiletries and propane. They carry other camp and survival gear as well as interesting gifts and souvenirs. In the store to the right past the fresh produce, you'll find a deli serving soup, salad, and sandwiches. Say hi to George!

Updated June 25th 2025: If being treated with dignity and respect is important to you, visit THE DESERT PANTRY across the street. I'm not sure why there's a consistent undertone of contempt towards me from the Center Markets morning person but another patron and I have discussed similar experiences. It's out of sync for our small town values and extremely unwelcoming considering they're in customer service. The Desert Pantry has the kindest staff and is easily the most welcoming grocery store in Borrego. At the Center Market, expect to pay higher prices than you're used to. Management is able to keep prices significantly higher throughout the year because they're able to make their profits from snowbirds. They're open till 8:00 p.m. which is actually a credit to the community because apart from the gas stations, there won't be anywhere else to purchase alcohol or groceries at 7:30 pm. Fortunately the restaurants in town offer some decent food and that hooch if you're looking for it. The employees themselves are this store's real redeeming quality, they're friendly, accommodating, and extremely helpful. Plus they're locals, so if you have any questions about the area they'll be happy to share their thoughts.

Remember that we're in the desert far from civilization. The market has a little of everything with reasonable prices. The deli was good, and the staff was pleasant and helpful.

I bought fresh organic carrots, but none of the bags have expiration dates on them and 2 days after buying them here they were slimy. also got two avocados that looked fine on the outside but were rotten inside. I brought back receipt and slimy carrots on my next shopping day there, which was 8 days, and they wouldn't refund for the carrots. the food is expensive so that's the last veg's i'm buying there. p.s. it was also closed down for a while because of rodent infestation- Center Market was temporarily closed down due to a rodent infestation1. The city inspectors found that the store had been thoroughly cleaned and a pest control company had been hired, so it was reopened after one day2. However, customers continued to complain about the situation.

My name is Dan Smiechowski of San Diego. I vow to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. I am an endurance athlete and train in the 115-120-degree heat, hence I wear little clothes. I am 71 years old and docile as a lamb. The employees of this store instructed me that I am persona non grata here. WHY? I will tell you why. All because of my short shorts. WTF? I am an athlete. It's hot here. People seemed to complain but why on earth why. I have witnessed the same complainers going in the store with cigarette butts, booze, tattoos, and overweight. All of this makes no sense and is wholly illogical and unreasonable. But most aggravating are the girls who work there who don't even say hello goodbye. NOTHING! Cold as ice. Looking at their cell phones while I stand in line. GEEZ!!!!!!! Weird!! This place is totally weird. Well, I told you the truth. If you are in Borrego Springs, please shop across the street at the other market in the mall. They respect me and others there. I told you the truth.

This grocery store is well stocked and much bigger than you may think from the outside. Always friendly service, and locally owned. Some good options for organic products, especially frozen, here too. Those with special diets - dairy free, gluten etc. - will find more options here than anywhere else in town. Dollar General opened DG market down the road, and this has inevitably taken a bite out of local businesses, including Center Market. So, I go to Center Market as much as possible for my groceries and other home goods. IMO, it is essential we all support local family owned businesses. Dollar General in particular has led to a wake of small business closures in small town America. A truly sad sight (blight?) across small towns in the USA. Last thing, If you want some kitsch, Center Market is your one-stop-shop for souvenirs too. T-shirts to Knick-knacks to silly stuff...

Tiny yet mighty grocery/everything store set in the "center" of the tiny town of Borrego Springs. It won't let you down. Well stocked meat and deli counters, all the basic foods, bbq stuff, alcohol, toys/souvenirs/games, kitchen gear ... it's pretty great!

This little-on-the-outside, but big-on-the-inside market has a little bit of everything you might need if you're in the Borrego Springs/Anza-Borrego area on your adventure! Friend and I was out here on a little road trip and stopped by for souvenirs, snacks and drinks since it was during the Summer when a few other businesses/restaurants were closed. We spent a good 15 minutes browsing their awesome collection of pins - right by the entrance - some were quirky, cute, funny, whimsical - friend found an awesome pin that was shaped like a fortune cookie with the fortune saying "You're F!@ked" (without the censors). It was hilarious. All the pins were a great deal at only $5 each. This is really a nice oasis in the desert - market is air-conditioned and stocked with everything from frozen food, toiletries, OTC medications/ointments, household goods, they even have a produce section and a deli with prepacked snacks - I picked up a few salads. I think there's one other grocery store in the area - which is more than enough for a little desert town in the middle of the vast Anza-Borrego desert park. Great service as well - the clerk was friendly and resourceful with my questions about the surrounding area.

Highly recommend coming to the deli inside the market for an affordable lunch. The deli is located in the back corner of the market. Grab a sheet, fill out what your want, and come back in 10 minutes to pick up your sammies. We stopped here after a hike and brought our sandwiches back to the hotel. These sandwiches are stacked! They really load on the veggies and this kept me full all day. The market itself is pretty expansive for Borrego Springs. You are likely to find whatever you need here, but note that it is pricier than your average big box supermarket.

Everything you could probably think of and then some if you are visiting borrego springs. Fully stocked grocery along with very touristy trinkets. Yes! Kona coffee from Hawaii? Yep, they have that too. Spend a extra time and browse a bit. Campers! Forget something? They have a section for you too... And yes, the perfect stop for ice cream after a long day in the state park. Great market for when you need something.

Great little touristy market! Loads of souvenirs and essentials. A bit pricey but of course! Lots to look at! Super friendly cashiers!

On our first trip to Borrego Springs we struggled to find good places to eat (small town and off-season) but luckily stumbled across the hidden gem that is the Center Market deli. Their tarragon chicken salad is unreal, and their sandwiches tastes fresh and very well prepared. The lady at the deli was also incredibly nice. We'll be coming back just for lunch here!

Hidden location but worth the visit when visiting borrego springs.. After hiking the Calcite Mine Slot Canyon Trail we were very thirsty. Looking for cold drinks we saw the market sign and drove to the back of a building and found this hidden grocery store. The layout is like a market from a second world county. Aisles filled with random stuff, not everything logically ordered throughout the store. Center Market also has a meat market and some type of deli. But you'll have to walk through the entire store to find them. They also have souvenirs and Walmart type items like dinnerware. We just wanted cold drinks and they have many different types in many different areas of the store. So search everywhere. Nothing is overpriced here. Service was friendly. Hiking tip... Calcite Mine Slot Trail https://yelp.to/qTKq/d2jon4ViZW

Basically the only grocery store in town. It's like a mini Walmart. You can find a variety of items. Food, toiletries and booze! There's a whole section of souvenirs as well. I mean if you can get all these items in one store that's a win for me. We stayed at an Airbnb and grabbed a few items for brunch and they had everything. We picked up a few sandwiches, salads and kombucha for our picnic. We even bought a blanket here. So convenient.

I was camping with a bunch of friends and we went into town and discovered Central Market. This place has everything! It was lunchtime, so a group of us went into the deli which is located in a little side room at the front of the market. Each of us filled out a form selecting the bread, meat, condiments, etc. we wanted on our sandwiches. Then we shopped around until our orders were ready. There's a nice patio with tables and chairs outside the front of the market to sit down and eat. My sandwich was simple but it was one of the freshest I have ever eaten. So good! This is a great place to pick up any forgotten camping items or souvenirs. They have everything you might want and more!

All four of us agreed that we love this market for the quality of products they carry plus all the unique stuff we wouldn't find anywhere else. This is truly a gem for being located in a one horse town. As I browsed through the aisles I was kind of shocked that the prices are very reasonable and comparable to any big city super market.

Go to the deli counter and ask for a big fat Sami. Order extra meat and avocado YUM!!!

Whilst on our self-tour of the Borrego Springs sculptures, our family had hunger pangs, yet, we weren't really in the mood to sit down to eat. So we stopped at the Center Market on Palm Canyon Drive. I haven't had a "lunchable" in ages. Since elementary. $3.99 apiece. They were fresh with a Caprisun and a Reese's peanut butter cup included. Throw away the wrappers. Recycle the plastic carton. Kids these days have it all. ALL I tell ya'! This place is jam-packed with grocery items and other miscellaneous party stuff... it's one of the few places in town for groceries. Splurge of the day: a 2014 Rosso & Bianco from Coppola Winery ($16.99). The guy working the lone check-out was friendly and helpful. Plastic or cash accepted. Free parking. There are many other shops at this "center," but Center Market is at the very back. Just look for the signs. 2018 Challenge #85

Not what I expected. First of all, it's behind/in back of all the other stores in the area rather than being the one they are centered around. Second. It's less a grocery store than a store of miscellaneous items including food, clothing and area-related souvenirs.

Great selection of groceries and also a nice deli for fresh sandwiches and meats. Everything you could possibly need here in Borrego springs. Prices are fair and there is plenty of free parking. The best grocery store here in the local desert. Enjoy

Please bring your lunch or buy it anywhere else!!! We had gone here a few years ago and had sandwiches made, plus bought other deli items for an enjoyable picnic lunch. We visited March 20th and had a completely different experience. Not sure if they changed owners, but it sure has gone south. Their sign said deli sandwiches were $6.49. The form you fill-out said avocado was $1 extra. When we got our sandwiches, mine said $9.49!! I pointed out that avocado was $1 extra--not $3--but they wouldn't budge on the price. When we went to eat our sandwiches they had only one and a half slices of meat each. To top it off, we got a 'protein salad' that lacked any flavor whatsoever. Then we noticed the expiration date said March 17th. Seriously?! That is just plain irresponsible. Staff is also rude. The checker went and checked on the price of my sandwich. Told me they hadn't changed the price on their slips, but even if they had, it would only make a few cents different. $2.00 is not just a few cents! Never again. If this stops just one person from going there, yay!

Wide selection of plain goods and upscale goods including herbal teas and instant coffees. Premade sandwiches were fresh: tuna salad on white bread and a ham and cheese croissant. Large stock of bamboo toilet paper! Prices are higher than a coastal store, but acceptable for a remote town.

If you're on Palm Canyon Drive: turn into the parking lot for the liquor store and go all the way to the back. There will be another lot and you'll see the store. Great. Defied expectations. Was simply looking for firewood but was pretty surprised - they have everything here. They even have a butcher shop. Their prices for firewood (and everything else) weren't super cheap but the selection (in the middle of the desert) is excellent!

Everything you forgot to bring to Borrego is here. They also have and impressive selection of fun gifts and souvenirs

Yep, The Center Market has groceries but over the last couple years they've morphed into that and a lot more. This is about as 'dollar store' as we get in Borrego! (And hopefully ever will!) As a local I used to resent them replacing food aisles with tourist kitsch. But the ever-so-wise Jody Watley sung to me about boldly riding the wave of change ("Another Chapter" - Listen to it!). Heck, they're my neighbors and this is their gig. So I go in and buy swag all the time along with my groceries! I turned it into a fun game and fun it is! I love all the cute stuff now! Oh sure, you don't need it at all but what the heck, have some fun!

This is the most convenient place to buy groceries in Borrego Springs. The staff are friendly and helpful. When it comes to lunch on the fly while visiting Anza Borrego State Park, visit them for drinks and sandwiches. Here's a tip-- the premade sandwiches in front of the deli have more meat in them than the made-to-order sandwiches. My wife's pastrami sandwich only had one slice of meat, but apparently that's because she ordered all the veggies on the order sheet. Maybe adding more pastrami would have made it too thick. I only ordered tomato, red onions and lettuce, so I had a fair amount of roast beef on my sandwich. We liked Center Market so much we bought ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner here. We'll be back!

apparently unable to answer the phone throughout the day. would be nice to able to check on availability before making a long drive

This store amazes me, I think they have more of a variety here then they do in the city, I love it! Every time we come down to Borrego we make sure to stop and just walk around and pick up some goodies. They have a pretty good looking salad bar, sandwiches and even BOBA drinks. We usually get their mango cake that is super delicious but unfortunately on this visit we missed it.

I would give this 0 stars if I could. All meat and produce were old and crusty. Bread and fruit was moldy. I feel bad that people in Borrego have to rely on this place for groceries

This location is a bit hidden, in the back of a building but is very large and has just about everything you need and more of what you may want. We found this market on the day we were leaving and wished we found it when we arrived. They have fresh food, veggies, fruit, meats, pantry items, toys, candy, ice and more. They carry several brands for an item including premium brands. They also have See's Candy. The cashier was very friendly and welcoming! If you need anything, go here! You will find it and save on it!

This place has EVERYTHING! have a hankering for Stubbs Beef Rub? It's here! Need just a small amount of pumpkin spice! It's here. Fresh produce? Yes it's here! Made my glamping experience over the top.

Stopped in while camping to pick up some supplies. Came for the groceries, but stayed for the Willy Warmers. Yes, they still have the Willy Warmers in the summer.

The market for supplies if you are camping or staying in Borrego Springs. This store has it all, and the prices are a bit higher, but what do you want? The staff and cashiers are ALWAYS very friendly and helpful. Parking is abundant, and to learn a little bit of the happenings in town, check the outdoor bulletin board. Cool stuff!!

I went into the store with my two school-age children and they had a show on the TV that kept on repeating the word penis and after a customer asked the cashier what was he watching he laughed and said that this is a good show what's wrong with it even though he saw my two young daughters sitting right there as they kept repeating penis on the television I would definitely not go back to the store and I'm very sad to see something like this happen in such a small nice loving town as Borrego Springs. I'm really disgusted by the way this store represented its self. If I could give it anything less than one star I would.

This is for the sandwich counter. One of the best values in Borrego for sure. Veggies piled high

The line was backed up by the woman in front of me. There was only one cash register open. Sahara came to open her lane. However, she called the man behind me and all five people behind me were helped before I was even seen. It was very inconsiderate to make me wait when I was next. It's common sense the woman in front of me had a lot of items so it'd be awhile. Customer service sucks. I'm bummed since Mitzi had great service when I used to be a regular customer and lived here several years ago.

Pretty amazing selection of vegan/vegetarian items for a market in the middle of the desert--and that includes instant soups, desserts, condiments, etc. I had some vegan vanilla bean ice cream sandwich thing that was totally worth all 370 calories. They have some camping stuff if (duh) you're camping or (like us) you just needed utensils to make your hotel pb&j dreams come true. They also have pool toys, board games, hats, wine and a make your own peanut butter (or almond butter) machine-thing. Watch out for the $26 honey.

Made a last-minute motocamping trip to Borrego Springs. Found this place through google maps. Great little neighborhood market with awesome employees. Can find anything you'd need for a camping trip here (food, beer, ice, OTC meds, bandaids etc.) A+ service too!

This is a gem. Fresh Juice bar. Salad bar. Some Organic produce amongst conventional. Sheep milk yogurt. Annie's organic frozen lasagne cheaper than stores in l.a. There's even a raw vegan 1/2 aisle! I've been eating here for the last 3 days. Great, prompt service too.

We were impressed with the selection at this market...it may be small but it is packed with food and other household items.

I visited this market today because the pictures on yelp showed salad so decided to give it a try! The market is very clean and it's big and when I came upon the salad counter, two very nice ladies helped me get pasta salad and i made my own salad with fresh ingredients and ranch dressing. Let me tell you, my salad was extremely delicious with my favorite veggies and they had excellent chicken and veggie spring rolls!!! I'll definitely make this market my to go to from now on. Ive been coming to Borrego once a week for a year and had no idea they existed!!! You have to give them a visit!!!

First trip to the grocery store in my new town. Of course it's going to cost more to buy groceries in the middle of the desert, but they have Strasser Dairy ice cream!

Went to desert pantry grocers first because it had pretty good yelp reviews. I was really disappointed in the lack of selection so was pretty surprised when I walked into the market and found everything I was looking for and more. I am definitely wishing I hadn't bought the bulk of my groceries at desert pantry, but found all the things I couldn't before at the center market. Definitely would go back here before going to the other place!!

Center market has a great staff and I find everything I need and then some. The real treat is the butcher. Excellent thick cut bacon, homemade chorrizo and hot Italian sausage. A neighbor told me to try the pork chops next and I am eyeing the pot roast. Love having this store in Borrego!

Good selection of food/ dry-goods/ household supplies, especially for the middle of the desert. I was really impressed. Prices are not cheap, but beats driving 64 miles to Escondido!

This is a great market! Their selection caters to every taste and diet. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Our hiking group of 25 pre-ordered sandwiches from their deli a week prior to arriving to town. I dealt with Marina, the Deli Manager, who was professional and responsive throughout the planning process. When we arrived on our designated day, all the sandwiches were ready to go, made and labeled as requested. Everyone commented about how fresh and delicious they were. We even ate them on their covered patio, a welcome relief from the noon day sun. This is a great market!

Follow up a year later: Still consistently wonderful. For a tiny town, we have a world class grocery store, now with a deli counter. They are wonderful about special ordering whatever you want, and bend over backwards to please.... helpful, cheerful employees, excellent selection, open 13 hours a day... we love it.

Watch out for the cashiers here. Charged 1.29/lb for a yellow onion that was supposed to be 0.89/lb. Was also charged for parsley when I got cilantro. C'mon, a Mexican that doesn't know what cilantro is?! Interesting to say the least. I know the difference is just some cents, but it is the principle of paying the price as it is labeled. Btw, there are some items in this market without a price. I guess it is not for sale. Way to treat the locals....not! Btw, Desert Pantry is a lot cheaper and know their products better.

This little market has about everything you would need plus more. The deli sandwiches are excellent. The wine selection also looked good.

Their selection is not bad for a small town, quite a bit of organic stuff and random good things you wouldn't expect to find here. Employees are not rude, but their not friendly, just there. This is your best bet in Borrego, the other place is absurdly small.