If you’ve never been to Jungle Jim’s International Market, buckle up, because this is not your average grocery store.
Spanning a ridiculous 200,000 square feet, this place is part supermarket, part theme park, and entirely overwhelming in the best way possible. Imagine Disney World, but instead of rides, you’re cruising through aisles of international snacks, bizarre sodas, and seafood so fresh it might still be judging you.
Jungle Jim’s started as a humble produce stand in 1971, run by the ever-resourceful Jim Bonaminio, who had a knack for turning odd jobs into successful businesses. From selling golf balls to running a garage sale on wheels, Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to the world of produce. Fast-forward a few decades, and his small stand has evolved into a sprawling, eccentric empire of food and fun.
What makes Jungle Jim’s so special?
First, the sheer variety. There are over 180,000 products from all over the world, covering everything from Japanese Kit-Kats to British crisps, and more hot sauces than you can count. The international sections are massive, and you could easily spend hours just browsing through the endless shelves of intriguing and unfamiliar foods. (Kangaroo burgers, anyone?)
Beyond the groceries, there’s a whole world of weird and wonderful attractions. The animatronic singing Elvis bear? A classic. The giant, grinning shark head hanging ominously over the seafood department? Unforgettable. The bathrooms disguised as porta-potties but actually super clean inside? A rite of passage.
If you go, wear comfortable shoes—this place is 15 acres of walking.
And don’t forget where you parked, because Jungle Jim’s checkout lanes are labeled with animal names instead of boring numbers. If you lose your car, just try to remember if you were in Giraffe or Parrot.
Whether you’re making a quick stop for some obscure European chocolate or spending an afternoon exploring every aisle, Jungle Jim’s is a shopping experience like no other. Just make sure you have plenty of trunk space—you’re going to need it.
There are two Jungle Jim’s locations you can visit.
The original spot is located at 5440 Dixie Highway Fairfield, OH 45014 and a second location at 4450 Eastgate South Drive Cincinnati, OH 45245. To start planning your visit, head over to junglejims.com.
