If you’ve ever driven down Glades Road during rush hour, you know the vibe. It’s chaotic. It’s quintessential Boca Raton. Between the Florida Atlantic University students rushing to class and the shoppers hitting Town Center Mall, there is one constant: the green-and-white beckoning of a Publix sign.
But here is the thing. When people talk about the Publix on Glades Road, they usually act like there is only one.
There isn't.
Glades Road is the main artery of West Boca, and depending on which block you’re stuck on, the "Publix on Glades" could mean three or four different stores, each with a completely different personality. You’ve got the college-heavy crowd near the university, the upscale suburbanites further west, and the people just trying to survive the trek to the turnpike.
The Identity Crisis of the Glades Road Locations
Most people are actually thinking of the Publix Super Market at Westwinds of Boca, located at 9846 Glades Rd. This is the big one. It’s nestled right near the intersection of Glades and 441 (State Road 7). It basically functions as the town square for West Boca.
If you walk in around 5:30 PM, it’s a zoo. Seriously.
The Westwinds location is known for that vaulted, industrial-style ceiling that makes it feel way bigger than your average neighborhood grocer. It’s bright. It’s loud. It’s where you go when you need the "good" deli selection but also want to dodge five different neighbors you haven't seen since middle school.
But wait. Just a few miles east, you hit the Glades and St. Andrews area. Keep going, and you’re near the university. If you tell a friend, "I'm at the Publix on Glades," and they’re at the store near FAU while you’re at Westwinds, you’re looking at a 20-minute U-turn nightmare. Honestly, the geography matters more than the groceries here.
Why Westwinds of Boca is the Alpha Store
What really sets the 9846 Glades Rd location apart isn't just the size. It’s the logistics. This store has:
- A massive Pharmacy that stays open until 9:00 PM most weeknights (though it closes earlier on weekends, usually around 7:00 PM on Saturdays and 6:00 PM on Sundays).
- An outdoor seating area where you can actually eat your Pub Sub without the Florida sun melting your soul.
- That "Premier" feel—vaulted ceilings and a layout that doesn't feel like a cramped 1980s bunker.
It’s also notoriously competitive for parking. If you’re visiting during "snowbird season" (January through April), God bless you. You’ll be circling that lot for ten minutes. The trick? Park further down near the HomeDepot side. It’s a longer walk, but your blood pressure will thank you.
✨ Don't miss: Why Ice Cream Parlors Are Making a Massive Comeback in 2026
The "New" Publix Competition Nearby
We can't talk about the Publix on Glades Road without mentioning the massive shift that happened in May 2025.
Publix opened a brand new location at 19595 S. State Road 7 (The Greens). Now, technically, that’s just south of Glades, but for the Westwinds crowd, it changed everything. It’s a 33,679-square-foot store that specifically targets people who found the Glades Road stores too overwhelming.
It’s smaller. More boutique.
This is part of a larger trend we’re seeing across South Florida. Publix is move away from the "one giant store" model and leaning into these specialized, slightly smaller footprints. The new store at The Greens even handed out commemorative bags to the first 95 people to celebrate their 95th anniversary. It’s a different vibe—less "get in and get out" and more "sit in the cafe area and have a coffee."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Deli
Everyone knows about the Pub Sub. It’s a Florida religion. But the Publix on Glades Road (specifically Westwinds) is a high-volume deli.
💡 You might also like: Did Abraham Lincoln Have Brothers and Sisters? The Family Members History Mostly Forgot
That means two things.
One: the bread is almost always fresh because they turn it over so fast.
Two: the wait times are legendary if you don't use the app.
If you walk up to the counter at noon on a Tuesday and expect to be out in five minutes, you’re kidding yourself. You’ve gotta use the "Order Online" feature. Even then, give them an extra ten-minute buffer. They are usually slammed with orders from the nearby medical offices and high schools.
Also, a little-known pro tip for this specific location: their Kosher selection is way better than the stores further east. Because of the demographics in West Boca, you’ll find a much wider array of specialty items here than you would at, say, a Publix in Fort Lauderdale or even East Boca.
The 2026 Experience: Is it Still Worth It?
With the rise of Whole Foods just down the street and the constant looming presence of the Town Center Costco, some people wonder if the Publix on Glades Road is losing its edge.
Kinda, but not really.
Publix still wins on the "frictionless" factor. You know where the milk is. You know the cashier is going to ask how your day is going. There’s a psychological comfort there. However, the prices are definitely a sticking point. You’ll pay a premium for that convenience. A "Buy One Get One" (BOGO) deal at Publix is great, but your "base" grocery bill here will almost always be higher than at the Aldi or Walmart further south on 441.
Actionable Advice for Navigating the Glades Road Corridor
If you’re heading to the Publix on Glades Road, here is the game plan for success:
- Check the Address Twice: Make sure you aren't going to the Westwinds store (9846 Glades) when your prescription was sent to the Lakeside Square store or the one on State Road 7. It happens more than you’d think.
- Avoid the "School Rush": Between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, the traffic around these plazas becomes a nightmare due to local school pickups. If you can shop at 10:00 AM or after 7:30 PM, do it.
- The "Pours" Concept: Keep an eye out for the newer "Pours" stations appearing in local remodels. While Westwinds is the classic powerhouse, the newer stores nearby are adding smoothie bars and craft beer on tap to enjoy while you shop.
- Use the Pharmacy App: The Glades Road pharmacy is one of the busiest in the county. Don't call them. They won't pick up because they’re busy helping the line out the door. Use the app for refills.
The reality is that shopping on Glades Road is a test of patience. But as long as that deli is slicing Boar’s Head and the BOGOs are hitting the shelves, we’re all going to keep going back. It’s just how Boca works.
🔗 Read more: Finding a printable old fashioned recipe that actually tastes like your grandmother's kitchen
To make your next trip easier, download the Publix app and set your "My Store" to the 9846 Glades Road location to see real-time inventory before you fight the traffic. You can also check the digital flyer to see if the specific specialty items you need are actually in stock before you make the drive.