Westerly Health Foods

11/06/2008 Posted by yummybellyfeeling

does this review really need an explanation? no, but i'd like to add that i used to love this place, but will never go back. the cashiers are so rude, they screw up delivery orders, and the manager is an idiot. i really love the food here, but hate having to deal with these unprofessional people. i tried to explain to the manager that there was a pubic hair in my food. he implied that it was mine and then became progressively more and more incompetent as i stayed on the phone with him longer. i called 311 to file a complaint about hygiene, but the office i needed was closed so i left a message. trying to talk to anyone in this place is a waste of time. there's a guy named chris who has always been friendly (the vitamin guy), and the food is good (minus the pubes of course), but i'm seriously doubting ever walking in that place again. it too bad cause they're right near my apt. oh well, back to corporate whole foods market.

Pros: good food

Cons: rude people/pubes

06/16/2008 Posted by Bronxbabe

In a reply to JustSharingMyThoughts, I too worked at Westerly startig in 1987 in the Health Food Dept. I remember Herman ver well, very knowledgeable, & the lines to speak to him wound past mty cash register. I loved working for Elliot Toback, all the staff in health food liked him. He kept the shelves stocked with all the latest products & was also very knowledgeable. Later I moved to the office to do billing & whatever else was required. My time at Westerly was "memorable" to say the least . I live in the Bronx now & haen't been back, but I hear the store has really grown under Michael Toback.

04/17/2008 Posted by Justsharingmythoughts

I used to work for Westerly Pharmacy 21 years ago in the billing and surgical supply department. Anyone remember Herman Cipnik (forgive me if I mispelled his name) This gentleman knew his stuff as it related to health advice. I remember the lines to speak to him, boy were they long. He was in his 90's back then and with a head full of silky silver hair. He was the best in his field as is the Toback family, Owners of Westerly Pharmacy. They ran a tight ship which allowed their customers to have the best service. Remembering Westerly Pharmacy just makes me smile knowing the depth of care and consideration in their business and how it services its customers. If there were more property for them to buy on that block for expansion, I am sure that they would have purchased it a long time ago. But who cares about the size of an aisle when you are in the best of care. I am in another state now but will call them today to have my items shipped. You all can join me in doing the same..................... westerlynaturalmarket . com Sincerely, Former New Yorker

Pros: Selection and Service

Cons: None

03/01/2008 Posted by stevenson55

tons of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. excellent selection of healthy, quality foods. the only bad thing is the aisles are small, but how else could they put so much selection out there? not that big a deal. they have healthy foods, frozen foods, that whole foods doesnt even have. much better, and cheaper than grosstedes right next door to it.

Pros: large selection, healthy, organic, good prices

Cons: small aisles

05/02/2007 Posted by arlaur

Westerly has the best groceries and vitamins in Manhattan, at low prices considering the location. I do 90% of my grocery shopping here-- it is both cheaper and healthier than going to mainstream grocery stores! Plus, they're open until midnight, making it convenient for those of us with odd schedules, and the lines are MUCH shorter than those at a certain health-food behemoth a few blocks north at Columbus Circle!

Pros: Great Selection, Great Prices

Cons: None!

04/27/2007 Posted by barb3418

i live in hell's kitchen and the westerly is THE GREATEST. they close at midnite, short lines, great selection. its a small market and the staff is super friendly and know their stuff. they have prepared food and sandwiches and really good natural beauty and skincare product lines. they have bulk granola, a peanut butter grinding machine, fresh veggies and a large selection of vitamins. i love supporting this local business and hope others give it a try!

Cons: none!

08/31/2006 Posted by taupe

I used to shop here, back when I lived in Hell's Kitchen. Great prices and selection. When I'm in LA, I miss the frozen entree selection I can find nowhere else.

Pros: great selection

Cons: it's across the country

08/19/2006 Posted by makochan_m

I used to live in the neighborhood, and came here often to shop, even after the Whole Foods opened up. Acutally, I shopped more here probably because of it. They have amazing selection (probably the best in Manhattan) of Macrobiotic food (produce, condiments, prepared food, teas, etc) @ great price. In this day and age, it's rare to see the quality and value co-exist in Manhattan. I now live in Tribeca, but make a special trip to Westerly on weekends. It's well worth it! I just wish they open another store closer to home. ;-)

Pros: Great Price, Great Selection, Helpful Staff

Cons: tiny isles... but who cares?

07/27/2006 Posted by travelgal2go

Even though Whole Foods opened in the neighborhood, Westerly's beat them in prices, friendlniess, shorter lines. While there is less variety, its the right variety. The owner who I met is really cool and he believes in quality and is a good honest person. I shop at vendors I respect.

Pros: shorter lines, better price, easy to shop in

Cons: tiny isles

07/17/2005 Posted by thediva59

Westerly used to be a drug store/pharmacy with a good health food/products department. As the big chains started moving into Hell's Kitchen and their customers started asking for more products the owners did an amazing thing and dumped all the commercial stuff! Then they expanded their hours to accomodate their customers varied lifestyles. They had on-line ordering before Fresh Direct was even a thought! The are always listening to their customers and have created a haven in Hell's Kitchen. Heck, the whole city! I don't live in Hell's Kitchen anymore and it's still the first place I check when I need something. Thank you Westerly!!!