If you ever come to Cincinnati and want to have a new experience while grocery shopping, you will definitely want to check out Jungle Jim's International Market. From its many food selections to its crazy decorations, this store is fun for all ages. As a seasonal employee, I know some of the greatest things about this wacky store. (Note: this article is about the Eastgate location of Jungle Jim's: there is also the original location in Fairfield, which is even crazier than this store).
1. First things first: you need a map to get through the store.
As you walk into the store, a greeter is there to give you an advertisement and a map... Take the ad - there are great sales every week!.
2. And when you walk in, you're greeted with this:
When you look to your left, you will see this wonderful place. They serve fried pies and coffee for a good price. Next door is a place called The Chocolate Pizza Company (which is as amazing as it sounds). There is also a place called Colonel De Gourmet Herbs and Spices, which features many unique spices for the palette.
The bathrooms are also interesting to look at (although I can assure you that they are some of the nicest bathrooms I have ever been in).
3. The first big section of the store is the International Department.
It takes up a good portion of the store, and for good reason: it has many popular foods from around the world. From Japanese candies to Mexican sodas, you can find something that will please your tastebuds.
4. Interested in hot sauce? Well, we have a whole section for that.
Yup. Some of the sauce is so hot that it's under lock and key. We're serious about that stuff. Check out this video of some people's reactions to the hot sauces and other hot foods you can buy here.
5. Passionate about soda? We have a whole wall of soda.
From root beer to colas and lemonades, we have almost any funky soda known to mankind (including bacon soda).
6. Of course, we have an American Grocery.
This section has brands you know and love, as well as local brands.
7. Right next door is the Natural Foods Department.
It features many items like these above. Jungle Jim's has the largest gluten-free section in the Midwest, so if you have a gluten allergy or are trying to eat healthier, this is the place to go.
8. Next stop is the Bakery.
This is where some of the most delicious bakery items in human existence come from. They make everything in the store from brownie cookies to Key Lime tarts, plus samples that they have almost every day. They also get a shipment from Blue Oven Bakery about two times a week, which is so popular that it almost sells out right away. What's even better is that you can buy the goodies in the bakery and enjoy them while you're shopping!
9. The Seafood and Meats Department are HUGE and full of interesting items.
Yep. That is a pig's head. They also have python filets, ground kangaroo meat, and jerky of many animals.
10. Next is the Produce section.
Not only does it feature fruits and veggies you know and love, they also have organic options as well as international produce. Ever seen a Durian fruit? You can only see it here.
11. The next large section is the Beer and Wine department.
This section has it all: hundreds of different brands of wine and beer, a beer cave, a tasting bar, a liquor store and a cigar store. They also have Pint Nights every Friday from 5pm-9pm.
12. Then comes the Cheese Department
They have many different options, including cheese that is shaped and colored to look like animals. They also have the Big Cheese, which they have a festival for each year.
13. Across the way is the Candy Department.
This section has just about any candy you can think of: Candies from the 80's, international candy, and even huge gummy bears. This section also has a huge Jelly Belly wall with more flavors than you could ever imagine.
14. Finally, the registers.
We have over 30 registers throughout the whole store (we have a set back in beer and wine). The people that work in the front end are some of the nicest, friendliest people I have met and it is always a pleasure working with them (featured in the photo is one of my good friends, Perry).
Jungle Jim's is a fun place for anyone to visit. From its crazy foods to its variety of beer and wine to the wacky decorations, this is definitely an experience you do not want to miss. Thank you, Jim Bonamino, for starting this wonderful store!
Jungle Jim's is waiting for you. Come check it out today!
