Utila has a surprisingly diverse range of stores and ‘bodegas’ where you can get your groceries, beer, and alcohol.
Local staples include beans, rice, chicken, and meats, but you can also find a full range of non-Honduran foods like pasta, tuna fish, deli-slices etc. Soy milk is now available at almost all the stores, and some (Riveras and Bush’s) occasionally cary Tofu. We have have found that we go to a few different stores to find what we want,which is actually also a nice way to explore Utila town a bit, especially if you take time to chat with folks along the way!
We have highlighted some of the many options below, along with what we personally use their services for:
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Bambinos (the Kobs Ice Cream Store) / Also known as Victors~
Great for Fruit and Vegetables! One of 2 ice cream parlors in town, also carry general basics and staple foods.
They have an air-conditioned room towards the back, and with what it probably the best selection of fruits and vegatables on the island. They get a really nice bagged green leaf lettuce (most stores just have iceberg), basils, and other yummy greens.
Location: To the right of the ferry dock, about a block down, just across Bundu Café in a pink and white building with tile in the front.
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Elly and Bobby’s (formerly known as Henderson’s)~
Great for alcohol and wine prices and selection, also low prices for general basics and staple foods, very nice boneless chicken breast, clean large potatoes and other veggies.
Bobby and his wife run this store and one of them are always on premise
s. They do a good job trying to give a wide range of selections and a great price.
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, about 1/2 block. There is a “Parrots Dive Shop” sign painted on its wall. Its right across and before the Mango Tree Building and directly across from the wooden kiosk that says “Henderson’s money exchange”.
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Archies~
Great for Beer and Soda (also for Travelers Checks, cashing US Dollars and Euros)
Archie and his wife Rosalita owns the building for the store above and used to run it, but now have set up a little kiosk across the street where he sells sodas, beer by the case, also propane, cigarettes, some alcohol, and when he gets it, seafood like conch, lobster, shrimp. If you get a case or more of soda or beer, they will deliver – just give him your directions (there aren’t really addresses here, but you can describe it). There is a bottle deposit fee that you will need to pay that will be returned when you return the bottles. Archie is also the best spot in town for exchanging US dollars or cashing travelers checks – same rate as at the bank and no lines.
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, about 1/2 block, just across from Bobby’s, before Munchies Cafe
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Riveras Supermarket~
Great for General Shopping, Deluxe Items, and Chicken, TIGO phone cards
Mayan does a nice job with a range of imported products as well as local items. You can get some USA brand cheese and other “deluxe” items (hearts of palms, artichoke hearts, soy milk,). Check out the freezers in the back for chicken breasts and whole chickens. T
hey are one of the only folks who sell TIGO cellular cards without the additional fee (Owner Mayan Rivera is the dealer for Tigo Phones on the island, through his other Riveras Comercial in Sandy Bay).
Location: Just to the right of the ferry dock, about 1/2 block, in a white building.
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Bush’s Supermarket~
Great for Specialty Items, Imported Products, Delivery. They also carry a wide range of general products
Definitely the largest of the markets here as far as size and offerings; can be a bit more expensive, but offers items the others don’t carry. Sole supplier of the Roatan Lettuce, which comes in on Thursday, and also they have bagels and cream cheese among other speciality items. The other major bonus of Bush’s is that they will deliver if your order is large enough. Owner Denny Bush almost always on premises. They also have a dock on the water so boats from South Shore can tie up to do their shopping.
Location: To the right of the ferry dock, about 1.5 block, just past Victors a little bit. Big stand alone building.
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Zorro (Ray Bush) – The Fish Guy!
Great for Fish and for the Experience!
This is a little extra effort, but worth it. Very honest and offers good catch. You can ask him to filet it for you. Most fish are 35-45 lemps per pound. Snapper, Tuna, Wahoo are common items as are Barracuda. However, we generally stay away from Barracuda due to the possibility of ciguatera poisoning (but its one of the favorites of the locals!). Everyone knows him as Zorro, but he prefers to be called his real name, Ray.
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, behind Bobby’s Store at the Parrots Dock. He comes in every day around 10:30 am (as long as its not too windy).
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JBs Carniceria~
Great for Meats. Also have general shopping.
Bill is an excellent butcher and especially with advance notice, can cut how you like it. The filet is especially good- usually have to ask special. You can also buy ground meat here. Note that most foreigners think that meats are a bit gamey here (not the filet as much), so you generally want to season and marinate steaks for at least a couple of hours, if not a day or more. They have a good range of other offerings as well.
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, about 1 block past Bobby’s, on the other side of the road- just past Rose’s Hardware Store on the right side of the road.
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Angelinas Fruit Stand~
Fruit and Vegetables
Angelinas used to be a little fruit stand, but now have recently opened a little snack stand there which appears to be there focus. Still carry some fruit and such, and included it because many people remember the spot.
Location: To the right of the ferry dock, just across the street from Riveras.
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Paisano~
Fruit and vegetables and general items.
Next to the Bundu Cafe. Very affordably priced.
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Sandy Bay Bodega~
General Items, Fruits and Vegetables
This small friendly bodega had a surprisingly diverse selection of goods- all your staples like cheese, milks, etc and a good selection of dry goods and vegetables.
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, in Sandy Bay, just across from Skid Row-
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Samanathas 7-11~
Late Night, General Items
Yes, Utila does have its own 7-11 store! As the name implies, stays open late when everything else is closed. Carries staples and a wide selection of candy bars and snacks for those late night cravings
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, in Sandy Bay, just across from the fire station, in a blue wooden building. At night, you’ll usually seem some folks sitting on the steps.
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Thomspons Store~
General items.
Location: just up from the main intersection, before Thomspson’s Bakery, this bodega style store offers local staples.
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Roses Market~
General Items
Location: To the left of the ferry dock, just across from the fire station and Bay Islands College of Diving, just past Samanathas 7-11.
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Let us know if we missed your favorite store and we’ll include it!
-Please don’t be lame and steal this information- its bad karma.-
