950-952 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
For discerning food lovers and everyday shoppers in Pennsylvania, particularly within the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, Market District Supermarket stands as a culinary beacon. More than a traditional grocery store, it is a vibrant marketplace designed to inspire and delight the senses, offering an expansive selection of gourmet, specialty, and everyday items. Owned by Giant Eagle, Market District elevates the grocery shopping experience, providing high-quality ingredients, chef-prepared meals, and expert advice across various departments.
This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of the Market District Supermarket located at Waterworks Plaza in Pittsburgh. We will explore its convenient location and accessibility, the extensive range of services and products it offers, its unique features and highlights, potential promotions, and ultimately, why it remains a top choice for locals seeking a superior grocery experience in the Pennsylvania region.
The Market District Supermarket is conveniently located at Waterworks Plaza, 910 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA. Waterworks Plaza is a large, well-established outdoor super-regional shopping mall, making the Market District highly visible and easily accessible for residents of Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities, particularly those in the northeastern suburbs like Fox Chapel, O'Hara Township, and Aspinwall.
Freeport Road is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward vehicular access to the plaza. The Waterworks Plaza itself boasts extensive parking facilities, which is a significant advantage, especially for a large format grocery store where customers often make substantial purchases. This ample parking helps alleviate common concerns about finding a spot during busy shopping times.
While most shoppers will likely arrive by car, the Waterworks Shopping Plaza is also served by Port Authority bus routes (specifically 1, 75, and 91), offering public transit options for those who prefer it. Its location within a comprehensive shopping center means customers can easily combine their grocery run with other errands, making it a practical and efficient stop in their daily routines.
Market District Supermarket goes far beyond the offerings of a standard grocery store, positioning itself as a culinary destination. Its services are designed to cater to diverse palates and busy lifestyles:
- Extensive Fresh Produce: A vast selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic and local options, often curated for quality and seasonality.
- Full-Service Meat & Seafood Departments: Featuring expert butchers and fishmongers who provide custom cuts, cooking advice, and high-quality, sustainably sourced meats and seafood. While one review noted inconsistent seafood department hours, the service itself is a highlight.
- Artisan Bakery & Pastry: Freshly baked breads, pastries, custom cakes, and desserts made from scratch by skilled bakers and cake decorators.
- Gourmet Deli & Cheese Shop: A wide array of premium deli meats, cheeses from around the world, and charcuterie options. Expert cheesemongers are on hand for recommendations and samples.
- Prepared Foods & Hot Bar: In-house professional chefs prepare a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals, hot and cold buffets, salads, and gourmet takeout options for convenient and delicious dining.
- Beer, Wine, and Spirits: A comprehensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including craft beers, an international wine selection, and spirits (where permitted by Pennsylvania law), often with consultants available for pairing advice.
- Curbside Express Pickup & Delivery: A convenient service allowing customers to place orders online for curbside pickup or home delivery, with expertly trained shoppers fulfilling the orders.
- Catering Services: Full-service catering for various events, offering custom menus and party planning assistance.
- Floral Department: Fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and custom floral arrangements for everyday beauty or special occasions.
- Health & Beauty/Wellness: A robust section featuring a wide range of health, beauty, and wellness products, including natural and organic options.
- Pharmacy Services: A full-service pharmacy for prescription fulfillment and over-the-counter medications.
- Cooking Classes & Culinary Events: Market District regularly hosts live chef classes and interactive culinary events, allowing customers to learn new techniques and recipes from top chefs.
- Self-Checkout: Available for quicker transactions, often with helpful employees assisting when needed.
Market District Supermarket at Waterworks Plaza stands out for several distinctive features and highlights that enhance the overall shopping experience for Pittsburgh locals:
- "A World of Flavors": Market District is known for its incredible variety, sourcing fresh produce, high-quality meat and seafood, and specialty items from both local vendors and global sources, offering a truly diverse culinary selection.
- Exceptional Quality & Freshness: The store prides itself on providing "the best, freshest and most sustainable food and ingredients delivered daily," with a strong emphasis on hand-picking and quality control across all departments.
- Expert Staff in Every Department: Unlike typical grocery stores, Market District employs expert butchers, fishmongers, professional chefs, cheesemongers, bakers, and wine & beer consultants. These "friendly, local experts" are on hand to offer advice, custom orders, and cooking tips, elevating the customer experience.
- Cleanliness and Organization: Customers frequently describe the store as "Very clean," which contributes significantly to a pleasant and comfortable shopping environment.
- Top-Notch Departments: Specific departments, such as the "deli, bakery, and produce sections are top notch," indicating areas of particular strength and quality that draw in customers.
- Integrated Beer and Wine Selection: The convenience of purchasing "Plus beer and wine" directly within the supermarket is a major highlight for many Pennsylvania shoppers, offering a seamless experience for meal planning and entertainment.
- Focus on Local Sourcing: Market District actively partners with local vendors across Pennsylvania and Ohio, bringing "Brands Close to Home" such as Leona's Ice Cream and Millie's Ice Cream from Pittsburgh, and Painterland Sisters Yogurt from Tioga County, PA, supporting local economies and offering fresh, regional products.
- Culinary Inspiration: Beyond just selling groceries, the store aims to inspire culinary creativity through its vast selection, prepared foods, and chef-led classes and events.
Market District Supermarket, as part of the Giant Eagle family, regularly offers a variety of promotions and special offers designed to provide value and savings to its Pennsylvania customers. While the gourmet focus means everyday prices might be higher than discount grocers, the deals enhance affordability:
- Weekly Deals & Ad Flyer: Customers can always find "weekly deals, coupons, exclusive myPerks offers & more" through their weekly ad flyer, available both in print and online. These ads highlight rotating discounts on popular grocery items, produce, meat, and more.
- myPerks Loyalty Program: Giant Eagle's myPerks program (which applies to Market District) allows customers to earn perks on qualifying purchases. These perks can be redeemed for discounts on groceries, gas savings at GetGo, or other rewards. Enrollment in this program is key to unlocking exclusive deals.
- Digital Coupons: Many coupons are available digitally through the Giant Eagle app or website, which can be loaded directly to a customer's myPerks card for automatic savings at checkout.
- "Buy N, Save $" Promotions: Common offers include promotions like "Buy 4 Save $3" on participating beverages (e.g., Pepsi-Cola), or "Buy 2 Save $1" on various pantry staples, snacks, and prepared items.
- Seasonal & Holiday Specials: The store features specific promotions tied to holidays (e.g., "Flavor Up Your Fourth of July" with deals on grilling favorites, sides, and snacks) and seasonal produce.
- Contests & Giveaways: Occasional contests, such as the "FREE GROCERIES FOR A YEAR*" sweepstakes (e.g., win $10,000 in free groceries), provide exciting opportunities for significant savings.
- Community-Specific Discounts: In response to local events, like severe weather, Giant Eagle/Market District has offered "15% discount off their grocery purchases" to help residents restock, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the community.
Pittsburgh locals are encouraged to utilize the myPerks program, regularly check the weekly ad online, and sign up for email notifications to stay informed about the best ways to save on their Market District purchases.
- Address: Waterworks Plaza, 910 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
- Phone: (412) 781-6605 (also accessible via +1 412-781-6605)
For the residents of Pittsburgh and indeed across Pennsylvania, Market District Supermarket at Waterworks Plaza stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly valued grocery destination. Its unique blend of upscale offerings, comprehensive services, and a strong community focus makes it a preferred choice for a variety of local needs.
Firstly, its strategic and accessible location within the Waterworks Plaza ensures convenience for a wide range of shoppers. Ample parking and public transit options make it easy for busy families, professionals, and food enthusiasts to access a superior grocery experience without hassle. This practicality is paramount for daily life in the Pittsburgh area.
Secondly, Market District’s commitment to quality and variety sets it apart. It’s a place where you can find not just your everyday staples, but also gourmet ingredients, artisan baked goods, fresh seafood, and chef-prepared meals. This extensive selection caters to diverse palates and dietary needs, allowing locals to explore new culinary horizons or simply elevate their weeknight dinners. The presence of expert butchers, fishmongers, and cheesemongers provides a personalized, knowledgeable service that is rare in modern grocery retail, empowering customers to make informed choices.
While one customer review highlights an inconsistent experience with seafood department hours, it's important to recognize that this reflects an isolated operational concern rather than the overall quality or breadth of services. The overwhelming sentiment points to a "Very clean, great selection, helpful employees at self checkout" experience, reinforcing the store's dedication to customer satisfaction.
Finally, the added amenities such as the on-site beer and wine section, robust catering services, and engaging cooking classes transform grocery shopping into an enriching lifestyle experience. Combined with their beneficial myPerks loyalty program and regular promotions, Market District provides tangible value. For any Pennsylvania resident seeking more than just groceries – but a source of culinary inspiration, fresh, high-quality ingredients, and a truly enjoyable shopping journey – Market District Supermarket at Waterworks Plaza is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the local community.