OT: first trip to COSTCO tonight - any favorites ??

NDG

I have never been to COSTCO before but going to join tonight and pick up some stuff.  I have heard decent things from you all on the forum . . . so is there any FAVORITES ( meats / sauces / prepared sides / etc ) that I should scoop on my first visit?  

Nanook

BB ribs, and pork t-loin....

TexanOfTheNorth

The Kirkland brand paper towels are the best we've ever used. Also, have a look at the Kirkland labeled pain relieve products (i.e., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.); same as the name brands and much less expensive.

+1 with @nanook on the pork t-loin. We also buy chicken breasts and wings at ours.

lousubcap

Head for the meat section and see if the store is carrying packer prime briskets.  If so (price now around $4.15/lb) find the floppiest one(s) and stock up.  Beef prices continue to climb with no end-point in sight. 

DMW

I like their 2-Pack chickens for $10.

SmokeyPitt

Kirkland Signature Steak seasoning.

Telicherry Pepper Grinder (if you need black pepper)

Frozen Shrimp (extra jumbo is my preference). 

Gold Coast seafood salads (Blue Crab, Lobster). 

Tri-Tip

TexanOfTheNorth

Keep in mind, not all Costco's stock the same merchandise and, even the same store will often not have things that you're used to seeing there (probably with the exception of their Kirkland label products).

Jellyworm

Also check out the large roll of aluminum foil, Kirkland brand.  it is awesome. I also agree on their meat, the best I have found and a great price.

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HDumptyEsq

Their meat department, in general is very good. They normally have a good selection but as mentioned, you have to watch prices. Their lamb products are Australian and terrific. Their rotisserie chickens are big and half the price of facing supermarkets for smaller birds. I buy 'em if I'm on the run and want something quick and easy and they make great chicken salad, stock etc.

Costco's prepared shrimp salad is worth spreading all over your body. If you're having a party or looking for appies, they save a lot of time and you can do a lot with them.

I could go on but you'll find out. I've never got out of there for less than $200.

Eggcelsior

TexanOfTheNorth said:

Keep in mind, not all Costco's stock the same merchandise and, even the same store will often not have things that you're used to seeing there (probably with the exception of their Kirkland label products).

This. All Costco's stock 70% of the same items. Around 20-25% is seasonal/1-time deals and 5-10% is region-specific/local.

I worked there for 5 years so let me know if you have any questions.

MJG

The 100% Blue Agave tequila is great. Kirkland brand. Great price too.

GATraveller

SWMBO has banned me from entering Costco but any time she visits I have her pick up Tri-Tip since it can't be found anywhere else around my neck of the woods.  Have fun and enjoy!!!

Kruegs

2nd on the Prime Packer Briskets!

I also really like the rack of pork they have. 

Great prices on milk, too!

caliking

Look for prime beef (steaks, packers). I usually get seafood there (lobster tails, scallops, halibut, salmon), lamb (rack and boneless leg).

Also look for imported bufala mozzarella - about 4-5 balls of it packed in water.

beteez

Deluxe mixed nuts w/macadamias & brazils, Havarti slices, Palmetto pimento cheese. Any Kirkland branded otc meds. Kirkland French Vodka made in an old Grey Goose unit. 

NDG

GREAT - this is exactly what I was looking for -  got a nice list going now.

I appreciate the help! 

Acn

Echo what others have said about the meat, and about the variability from store to store. We always get their large boneless pork loin, great to break down yourself into roasts as large as you'd like and chops as thick as you'd like, great deal too, we usually get 6-8 dinner portions with leftovers on 3-4 of those for lunches, all for under $20. Freezer ready packs of bone in, skin on chicken thighs.

There is a mango peach salsa that is really good. The Kirkland brand organic diced tomatoes are a pantry staple here. Their prices on large bags of farro and rice are hard to beat.

Proser

Somebody posted the other day about the rotisserie chickens. We always buy at least two, one to eat and one to debone for future use. Best $5.00 chicken you can buy IMHO

JRWhitee

$23.99 for a case of Stella is tops on the list.

Lit

Its gonna be an expensive trip. I may be weird but I go there like once a month on lunch and just walk the aisles. They get cool new toys in all the time. I spent $10k there last year and have no kids. Check out their prime meat selection it varies from store to store.

johnmitchell

The price of the bulk Male Depends are a steal..Worth taking a look at... 

Nanook

johnmitchell said:

The price of the bulk Male Depends are a steal..Worth taking a look at... 

+ 1 on the male depends.... ) )

thunderdome

Great Tritips

Legume

Kirkland brand Balsamic vinegar (tall square bottle) is fantastic and really cheap.

Legume

...also they have bags of Kirkland brand boneless, skinless frozen chicken breasts that are individually sealed.  good quality, really easy to handle and defrost since each one is sealed.

NDG

@johnmitchell - thanks for the heads-up and I appreciate the picture you just emailed me.  I can tell from your face impression that they create a strong bond around the waist - thats key.

 

Wolfpack

You have to get some mateos salsa- it's in the canned goods aisle. By far the best salsa in the place.

NDG

will do - thanks @wolfpack

TomRaz

We like the Costco paper towels and toilet paper. I bought some really good baby back ribs there 3 to a pack and they were awesome smoked on the egg

TexanOfTheNorth

Pics or this never happened!

jonnymack

If you are into the 5 hour energy's get the Kirkland brand, dirt cheap.  If you have baby's the Kirkland wipes are a steal.  Paper plates, paper towels, TP are all worthy.  Most sell Mexican Coke in the bottles if you are a soft drink crackhead like myself.  

The meats - always, check the meats.  I always look for wild caught salmon as it randomly appears and is an incredible deal and freaking awesome.  Steaks, chicken, ribs really anything is worthy there.  Also, I generally find that they carry really good Bufala Mozzarella at a price that is ridiculous compared to grocer/cheese shop.  I always get the Comte cheese they sell too.  

Batteries are a worthy purchase there if you find you use them a lot.  I like their chicken salad too.  Spices, tobasco, canned tuna are my last ramblings.  You won't leave under $150-$200 each time.