The Garlic Shoppe

Y’all know the Garlic is amazing, but… I would love to talk about our experience:
My dad and I stopped at 8:55am, and saw that the store opens at 9. No big deal, since we saw a car parked and figured it was an employee car. We waited and waited and then another couple come over to see if the shop was open and as of 9:10am, it wasn’t. A girl stepped out of the car and said she was waiting on a coworker with keys who is notorious for being late. She called him, but kept her cool. «He’s around the corner, I’m so sorry.» So we were just waiting and he pulled up around 9:15.
He did NOT apologize for being late, didn’t acknowledge anyone; he didn’t offer anything to rectify the fact that 5 people, including a coworker, were waiting on him. My dad asked about the garlic and as the girl was telling him, Mr. Dont-​give-​a-​crap cuts in with attitude to correct her.
Love that girl, FIRE that dude, because he doesn’t care about being there or having a job. And give that girl keys and take them away from him! Keys mean power and responsibility he CLEARLY doesn’t deserve.

This place is fun. Both the garlic for chips and salsa. Chips didn’t taste real garlicky but after a few minutes, I could fast the garlic. It was quite nice. Also bought the garlic salsa which is pretty good. its different but good. Reasonable prices and helpful staff. Its a tourist stop so somethings are a little pricey but most are one of a kind. Worth a stop.

The friendly sales lady is so welcoming and gave me tastings of everything under the sun. I love her!
The pickled garlic is a must try! I bought the Psycho Habanero Pickled GARLIC, the GARLIC flavored tortilla chips. and their own bbq GARLIC sauce
No vampires allowed here, Only GARLIC vampires like moi!

Great gifts and everything garlic! Friendly staff and large selection of lots of cooking items and food. Even garlic ice cream! They have the largest selection of hot sauce I have ever seen. And the best thing was that we all bought stuff (4 of us) and we got free wine tasting at the Rapazzini Winery next door! BONUS!

Unfortunately, you have to give at least one star — bec if it was up to me, they’d get 0! Just walked out of this crappy place. There was an older bigger guy & a younger skinny guy behind the counter. When my 14-​year old daughter and I walked in, they both just looked up at us. We’re Asians. The big guy was entertaining and offering a White woman inside some salsa and chips (which he claims he makes himself, so I’m going to assume he’s the owner). My husband walked in, another Asian, and they did not say a word to him either. They continued to entertain the white lady. At this point, my husband noticed how we were completely ignored and we decided to just walk out. As we were walking out, 2 people walks in (white people) and the father and son (I’m assuming the younger guy is the son), both look up and greets them!!! WOW!!! My husband said he can’t believe this is still happening in 2016!!! We decided to go right next door, to GARLIC WORLD, where it was so much bigger and had a lot more selections! As soon as we walked in to GARLIC WORLD, we were greeted by an older lady named Lynda — she’s White :)

Located just outside Gilroy, next to Rapazzini Winery, is the Garlic Shoppe (with free bathrooms). After a traffic jam traffic on 101, this is a nice place to stop for a respite. Samples of many of the shop’s products are available for tasting and many of these are fantastic, all are good.
I recommend the garlic barbecue sauce, and all of the mustards. Save your receipt and present it at Rapazzini Winery for free wine tasting.
Enjoy!

I’ve never been in here to shop, but I am a huge fan of their service.
I was driving up to San Francisco about a month or so ago. It was the evening, it was dark, and it was going to be a long ride from Tres Pinos.
I had a bit of a medical issue and I could not continue driving. I pulled into the parking lot, and noticed they were just about to close up. I went into the store, and told them that I was having car issues (the last thing I wanted was for someone to call an ambulance for a small, but inconvenient problem). I wanted them to know that I’d be in the parking lot while I waited for the tow truck, and didn’t want them to think I was scoping out the place.
I went back to my truck and waited. At this point, I am guessing the manager was leaving. He stopped by my truck and offered to wait with me until the tow arrived. I declined, and then he made sure to note that the lights were going to be on for another hour. After he left, the other employee that was there came out with two bottles of water for me for my wait. He as well offered to wait with me until my tow arrived.
I wasn’t a customer. They didn’t have to really do anything for me. They certainly didn’t need to go out of their way to make my wait as painless as it was. I really, really appreciate the concern and attitudes of the two employees there that night.

Eh, it’s a place to stop on the long trek of 101 if you’re hankering for some jars of garlic infused anything.
The owner was very kind and provided samples of most items he sold with the Garlic Shoppe name on it, which was very helpful in my selections. Loved the garlic aioli! Their garlic tortilla chips were a huge letdown though.
The guy that owns this owns the winery next door. but it was late and we were all wined out for the day so maybe next time.
I kinda feel this place will make money no matter how mediocre it is based on the location. and ya know what? Good for them!

If you love garlic, you have to stop here. There’s garlic everything and then some in here. It’s all novelty though, so not exactly a total bargain. They have various veggies pickled in jars, garlic oils, garlic nuts, garlic salsa, garlic chips, pasta and stuff like garlic ice cream ‘ll pass on. The spices and sauce collection are quite extensive too. There’s even stuff unrelated to garlic like wine and fruit spreads. The Shit spice collection by Big Cock Ranch is as good as it is a novelty. I put that Aw Shit on everything and will find a way to find it somewhere near once I run out. The jerky collection is quite nice too. You have a choice of elk, duck, alligator, boar, ostrich, buffalo or pheasant– a carnivores delight!
I would stop here again next time I’m passing through here!

I stopped in here and bought some garlic ice cream to try, seasoning, and spinach dip. My cash register receipt says $ 17.96. My bank statement says I was charged $ 27.96. I called and left a message and a man named, Alex, called me back. He said that he needed my credit card information to refund me the $ 10 and he would get it back to me. It’s been 11 days since the initial charge and 9 days since his phone call… no refund.
After reading other Unilocal reviews… I realized I was helped by the same kid who can only give out one wooden spoon per customer, is known to be very rude, and has a history of having trouble with the credit card machine. Why is this person still working there? Relative?
Also, I agree that the indoor bathrooms were really gross. I had to hover. I wish I would have used the out-​houses outside.
I will not be back and will let people know to go somewhere else. I just have to refer them to Unilocal!Read the reviews.
I will give Garlic World a try.

I’ve been a customer for 20+ years, but I probably won’t return after seeing some arrogant, long-​haired pretty boy cashier treat an Indian family like dirt.
It happened on Friday, July 3, 2015, around 1pm. The Indian family in front of me at the register wanted to purchase some gifts and snacks. The cashier was just plain mean to them. He gave them a hard time about presenting ID for credit card purchase, making snide remarks about their ID’s, and acting as if they were ruining his day. He was taking a long time to process the card, and in the meantime, the father asked for a spoon so his child could begin eating his ice cream. The cashier REFUSED, saying he will only give out the spoon once the transaction is completed. At this point, 2 members of the Indian family were calling the cashier rude, and he was pretty snotty about in return. Next thing, the cashier messed up the credit card transaction and had to do it again (I think he forgot to enter a total, and had already given the card back to the customer). Surprisingly, he had the nerve to blame it on the customers. That nice family bit down and took his grief, then walked off with their purchased items.
As soon as I approached the counter, the cashier made some unintelligible remark to me. I assume it was about the Indian family, as he was rolling his eyes, then looking at them. All I had to say to him was, «They’re right. You were rude to them.» Next thing, some big ape standing behind me got in my face and yelled at me to be quiet. I was feeling totally threatened, as if I had been caught up in the middle of some good ol’ boys’ lynch mob. I said nothing more. I just grabbed my 8 year-​old daughter and left before I got my ass kicked. I wasn’t able to complete my purchase.
None of this should have happened. I never would have said anything if the cashier hadn’t gotten me involved. If he has a problem with another customer, why drag me or anyone else into it?
Then again, that nice Indian family didn’t cause any trouble. The cashier was ruthless, and treated them like second-​class citizens for no good reason at all. I smell some serious racism here. There was no reason for the cashier to act the way he did.
Isn’t it sad how some places really value their customers, but others act as if they’re doing us a favor by allowing us to purchase their wares…
This young punk should be fired. There’s no room for racism.
BTW they make such a big «stink» about the indoor bathrooms being for customers only. But the truth is they get cleaned less frequently than the outdoor portable toilets. If you really have to go, the portables are the lesser of two evils. Or better yet, just bypass this place altogether…

Been a long time. Stopped here on the way back home from the central coast. What I wanted mostly was some Rappazini sparkling wine and some Pica-​pepper sauces. Sadly they didn’t have any of my fav sauce, but of course do offer Rappazini wines for the same price as the winery next door.
I asked for a deal on a ½ case since I couldn’t really afford a full on this day. The young man/​manager? cashier behind the counter gave me an acceptable offer. The wife spied some game meat sticks, there was a deal on those as well, 10/​$ 20. We miscounted and ended up with 21, but he threw in the extra with no charge.
I enjoyed snapping pics of the vintage ovens. I vaguely remember my grandmothers having similar models. I also found strawberry rhubarb jam. Never seen that, grabbed a jar. If it’s any good I will be having that shipped. If one of my brothers enjoys it still like he used to, he will be having a nice birthday.
Because I checked and the nice counter person said they do ship and should have plenty of pica-​pepper sauce for the Garlic Festival, so I will be giving them a call.
Something else I don’t remember from 10 years ago (or so, I said it’s been a while…) they have some animals in the back. I assume it’s a petting zoo, but I didn’t ask. As per usual the enclosure is far too small for 4 full grown cows, 2 full grown horses, 2 sheep and a chicken. But it did seem clean and the animals looked well fed.
On our way out of the parking lot I spotted a hen on the outside of the enclosure. I tried to snap a pic but couldn’t get the zoom on. There is a part of the fence that is pulled up, just enough for her to get in and out. I hope they fix that… otherwise she might get smushed.

Stopped in to buy some gifts. Sampling table was cool. The guy let us try all things garlic. Shop had a variety of garlicky stuff but wasnt as big a selection as it looked from the outside. Bought stuffed olives, spicy pickled garlic cloves (yummy!), garlic chips, garlic balsamic, spread and aioli. And a stick of Alligator jerky on my way out.
Unilocalers recommended Garlic World but didn’t realize we went to Garlic Shoppe instead since World was a couple feet north. Saw it as we were leaving the store. Oh well.

I’ll start by saying this review isn’t about the CONTENTS of this store, but the hostile note on the door concerning the restroom. I talked to the guy at the «Shoppe» about it and he explained about their poor septic tank situation :’(
We stop to stretch after a loooong drive from Santa Barbra, I don’t need to go but my traveling companion does and we are greeted to the place with «PORTA POTTY FOR NON CUSTOMERS. ONLY CUSTOMERS CAN USE THE RESTROOM !!! (I don’t know about you, but fuck you if you need 3 or more exclamation points)
Now that’s not the exact wording, but basically…
So Dude tells me «we’re on one septic tank and we’d LOOOVE to be able to let EVERYONE use the bathroom, but no.» (again paraphrasing)
First of all… TRY writing a nice note explaining your situation, sans the fucking exclamation points. NICE is always better than SHITTY.
Secondly, if it weren’t for people needing to PEE I bet NO ONE would come stop at your store. You are but the first of like FIVE garlic SHOPS in a two block radius. You aren’t so great that BY GOD people are flocking to buy garlic flavored everything.
NEWSFLASH… Most people, when they desperately gotta go, will voluntarily buy something where they stop, it’s just what ya do.
Lastly… your prices are ridiculous. .88 cents for a head of garlic? in the GARLIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD?
Skip this place, especially if you know, you are about to wet yourself. Garlic World is two doors down and it’s MUCH NICER.

This is not the Garlic Shoppe I remember from stops years ago. I have to agree with other reviewers that the store is dingy and somewhat dark. It appeared half the store was used as storage or perhaps some construction was in the works. I planned on buying something because I didn’t want to use the porta-​pot outside and the indoor bathroom was marked very clearly for paying customers only. In retrospect, the porta-​pot may have been the better option as the indoor bathroom was disgustingly filthy.
I will say they have a good selection of garlicky items and a great selection of hot sauces. Some of the hot sauces were insanely expensive (over $ 50 for a small bottle) and apparently had to be diluted before using. That was a little over the top for me but we did pick up a bottle of ghost pepper sauce for a reasonable price. They also carry some gifts and kitchen wares.
The employee working was friendly and helpful when we were asking about the hot sauces. I didn’t see the samples that used to be offered (olives, spreads, garlic, etc), but to be honest after visiting that bathroom, the last thing I wanted was to eat anything out of this store. I love garlic, but I would be more apt to stop in Garlic World next time through unless someone does some serious cleaning at The Garlic Shoppe!

If your in the area and love to try and see what all these farms have to offer then stop by and take a peek.

We stopped in to The Garlic Shoppe on our way up to San Francisco last week. The shop was very cute & clean. They sell lots of the usual garlic items you see plus some unique items like garlic suckers & ice cream. I bought several items for myself & some things for gifts. The prices were great. My kids found lots of snacks they wanted for the road trip. The sales clerk was very polite. It was a great stop!

We intended on going to Garlic World, but it was actually closed that day so up next was, Garlic Shoppe.
I’m not sure what I expected. Probably all home made single label items. A Mom and Pop store feel. Very much handmade, artisan goods.
What I got was a gift shop of canned goods and appetizers, kinda like a Bevmo. Basically this place is a Bevmo of garlic when I was expecting a winery. They have a ton of different kinds of garlic and make none of them.
The honey picked up some pumpkin butter, and I picked up some artichoke hearts and pickled garlic which I ended up throwing out. The butter wasn’t anything much to speak of (I’d prefer to attend a Farmer’s market and pick up a homemade preserve) the artichoke hearts were a big hit and the pickled garlic tasted very very strange.
The space itself was thrown together very haphazardly, seeming to have been styled with items no longer working or found laying around. I think it was meant to have a vintage re-​purposed look, but not enough TLC and shine went into the re-​vamped fridges and vintage bookcases and it looked far too weathered to be chic.
The service was offhand polite and they had fair prices but it’s not a high class or artisan shop by any means.
It’s just a gift shop, trying to get you to buy things you don’t need.

They have a ton of great stuff having to do with garlic mostly.
They have a garlic steak sauce I love. I can’t find it any place other than here so it becomes a mandatory stop anytime I pass by. I make Beef jerky with the steak sauce and the garlic BBQ sauce they have. They have a great selection of sauces, jams and seasonings.
I really like this place more than the others in the same area. I feel like they have a more robust selection and it’s always fun to stop.
If you love garlic you have to check this place out.

First off, Adrian Z nails this place in his review (link below)
You’ve got a touristy stop (as you might expect) with some interesting local samples & garlicky treats. You’ve also got an eerily uninhabited, unlit back portion of the sales room where walkers and the undead *might* be lurking.
And then there’s the Pepper Plant sauce. Kind of a lot of Pepper Plant sauce, even if it’s a little pricier than it can be found elsewhere ($ 5.99 a bottle vs $ 4.99 up the street at Garlic World). They’ve even got the the Dry Seasoning and Original & Chunky Garlic in half-​gallon size, which you almost never find (also both available and cheaper at Garlic World)!
So I’m left with that Bud Light commercial in mind, where the hitchhiker has a bloody axe in one hand and a case of Bud Light in the other. I debate returning to this place as the occupants of the car debate stopping for bloody-​axe-​rampage-​guy: «…But they’ve ALSO got Pepper Plant sauce…»
Pepper Plant Sauce = YES!
Habanero, Original, Chunky Garlic, Chipotle, Dry Seasoning
Adrian’s awesome review: