You can find Bay leaves at any supermarket, such as Target and Wal-Mart. They're available in the produce section or spice section along with other fresh herbs.
Bay leaves, also called bay laurel, are the leaves of an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, and have a woody, floral, slightly bitter flavor. The dried bay leaves sold in supermarkets are typically either Californian (2- to 3-inch-long leaves) or Turkish (1- to 2-inch oval leaves, with a more subtle flavor); look for jars or packs of fresh-looking, whole green leaves.
Bay leaves are commonly used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces; make sure that you remove the leaves before serving. Store all dried herbs in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.
If you are just setting up house, you will need to keep some basic herbs and spices on hand to be prepared for any recipe. Here are the necessary herbs and spices for your pantry shared by Thespruce.com.