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Co-opportunity
Categories: Food Specialty Food Health Markets Food Grocery Health Markets, Grocery [Edit]
1525 BroadwaySanta Monica, CA 90404
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 451-8902
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
117 reviews for Co-opportunity
Review Highlights
"Thank you Co-op for helping me live and eat consciously."
(in 42 reviews)
"Bulk section is amazing and have plenty of offers."
(in 9 reviews)
"Great prices on fresh, local, organic produce."
(in 11 reviews)
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117 reviews in English
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Review from Gian C.
Carson, CA
1/13/2012 48 Check-ins Here
I've been coming to this Co-op since before the remodeling, and they've managed to keep its familiar vibe. The prices are far more reasonable than Whole Foods or Trader Joe's and it just makes sense to keep things community-owned versus corporatized.
I shop mainly for RAW vegan foods, and they definitely have an extensive selection for the vegan community. -
Review from K Alivia H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/12/2012
I am a genuine fan of Santa Monica Co-Op. The employees that have assisted me have truly been health advocates in helping me get over a bad flu, deal with annoying allergies and giving their opinions and suggestions for snacks. Trying to go completely healthy, organic and vegetarian is difficult in a world obsessed with fast, convenient and yummy regardless of how bad it is for our bodies. Santa Monica Co-Op has made the transition a lot easier.
In addition, it's rather nice going into a store and being recognized by an employee and having a brief conversation about whatever topic pops up. I highly recommend shopping here. It's a small store compared to the giant "just a minute" stores, but maybe that is part of why the store is such a favorite for people. -
Review from Lindsey P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2012 6 Check-ins Here
There is nothing bad i can say about this place. Every other morning I do the Santa Monica Stairs really early in the morning and then I head here for a veggie juice. I've pretty much made friends with the whole juice bar staff. Everyone is so nice.
The selection of healthy food options are amazing, the lotion and make up section always has great testers available and they pretty much are always in supply of everything.
It is a little pricey, but its healthy, organic food.
And bring your own bag, i think its 10 cents per paper bag. -
Review from Laura z.
Santa Monica, CA
2/6/2012
Prices here are even more expensive than wholefoods in some items, but I still have a membership because............ I am a sucker!
I can't really think of another reason why.
Well maybe because I buy wheat grass shots here too.
Is not like I'm really into buying dairy free, gluten free, sugar free, cheesecake for NINE dollars a slice,
or
I'm trying to get ideas on what body part to augment or subtract in my body by surgically implanting or sucking something off, by looking at the always grouchy female patrons there.
maybe THAT is a sign you do need to eat something that is not gluten, sugar, fat and taste free ONCE in a while?
Being grouchy and mean to people all the time might just be a side effect.
Daisy Duck and Betty Boop are funny only in cartoons...not walking around buying veggie cheese slices, saying "excuse me!!!" to anyone who doesn't immediately step aside so they can walk with ease inside the crammed store.
Honey unless you are Moses and can part the red sea with those,tight lululemons of yours, you'll be better off learning how to walk sideways like the rest of us when the store is crowded, OK?
Then you won't be so upset when you scream your "excuse me" in my ear and I won't move, simply because there is no room to let your highness go by, it's called "downward crowded store dog" as in "wait your turn to squeeze by"
All that yoga doing and dolphin safe tuna eating is not doing anything for their personality.
and
last but not least, talking about difficult,
Is there a smaller more difficult parking in Santa Monica than the one they have here?? Because I dare you to find it!
Even when they have parking attendants to help direct people, still the absolute WORST parking lot around, even Trader Joe's nightmare of a parking beats the co-op's
Today I was there looking for an item that has been discontinued, I mentioned that to the guy who was working there and who was the one who told me the bad news
I said,"you know, it seems like every time I find something I really like here, sooner or later you stop carrying it"
His answer " Stop liking things so much!"
Wow, thank you co-op guy YOU really know how to make me feel so much less of a moron for spending so much money in a store that takes me 15 minutes just to find parking at!!
You would never know what an insightful, profound and so very...........USELESS comment that was for me!
Maybe I can still kick the wheat grass drinking habit -
Review from Corrina S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
It was just by happenstance that we came across the co-op. We were waiting to fill our water jugs at the whole foods on wilshire and 5th when a nice man named Mark let us go in front of him. After some small talk, he told us to go the co-op on 16th and broadway and 10 min later, we were there! This place is amazing!! It's not too big, but not small either. It literally has everything we get at Whole Foods, but it's actually stocked here. Their prepared food section smelled SO good, so good that we had to grab a bowl of the lentil soup. I also scored an awesome stainless steel water bottle for $9! I'm so glad we were made aware of this place b/c we will def be coming back! :)
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Review from cole y.
Tujunga, CA
2/8/2012
The staff is super friendly, selection is fine, and they carry A Couple Smart Cookies in their Deli section at $4.39 a tub. Vegan & non-gluten. Peanut Butter Heart 's Chocolate Chip are my favorite. I'm a fan of this place.
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Review from Diana h.
Santa Monica, CA
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this co-op a lot. Here are the reasons why:
-you can get spices, tea and even soap by weight. bring your own container
-most of the produce is organic and can be bought by weight
-the salad bar, hot food bar and the soup bar here is better than whole foods
-there is a lot of variety here for a store that is not very big
The parking area is a nightmare though. Remember to bring your own bags! -
Review from Tim B.
Boulder, CO
1/25/2012
This place is great. There seems to be a much broader selection than the Whole Foods on Wilshire.
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Review from Ian W.
12/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place, with its new renovations, is totally a five-star shopping experience for me.
It's a mini Whole Foods without the big corporate man breathing down your neck. In fact, when you think about it, it's really what Whole Foods aims to be....what its business model strives to emulate. Don't get me wrong: I absolutely love Whole Foods. It's by far my favorite place to shop. But this local Co-op has exactly what I love about Whole Foods, with the added benefit of being truly locally owned, serving the community, not some big corporate chain. I can and will support them in whatever way possible.
I'm thankful that this place is so close to work, but I wish it was a little closer to home! -
Review from Nina N.
Santa Monica, CA
10/12/2011
I didn't leave you Whole Foods. I'm just flirting a little with another delicious fun store!
I'm always buying something new and healthy here!
I LOVE Phil's Power Pancakes (omg addictive)
and their prepared Kale Salads and their Chicken Veggie Soup!
I cant wait to try their other stuff.
Parking sucks. BUTT it cant stop me! -
Review from Sofie P.
9/21/2011
Can I start a positive review by saying something negative about Whole Foods? I will.
I will never put a toe inside Whole Foods. And for a short time I was without a natural foods market. After Whole Foods bought out Wild Oats I was not a happy camper. And after hearing a few people talk about the Co-op, I was under the wrong impression that a person had to be a member.
No. You can shop here with out membership, but if you decide to join you will enjoy a few discounts here and there.
Me, I am an independent thinker and will remain a non member.
A good selection of organic produce and prepared foods, my suggestion is if you are lover of cheesecake, you must try the silken tofu cheesecake made with splenda, shut - the-front-door, this is the best, creamiest, most fulfilling piece of natural goodness I have ever had. Just under 5 dollars.
Also if you happen to be the beauty product maven that I am, spin your cart by and check out the deals.
I bought Shikai Sandalwood lotion on sale for 5.49. Now that's a good sale.
I also purchased a Mint Tingle facial mask, 6.79. Cannot get any better than anywhere.
Co op has many good items on sale, and the rest is comparable to Whole foods, by why not chose a more politically correct place ?
Note: Do Not Forget Bags, its Santa Monica ya know.Listed in: Au Natural
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Review from Fee K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2012
This place makes it easy for me to NEVER cook again...LOL. They have the most amazing and best tasting salads around. IT's such an experience everytime I go in there. AND...they have yummy, delicious, fresh and organic produce; which is perfect for juicing. It's a little pricey; but appears to be worth it for small ticket items and my salad. Besides, it's brought to us by the people in the community for the community. If I would get a membership..it would offset the cost of food items. Note to self!!I'm sooo in love with Santa Monica and now the Santa Monica Co-Op. I even have a bag. WOW!!!
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Review from Danielle S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 8/23/2011
I keep shopping here because I want to support the cause and like the idea of a co-op but the prices are so high, it's the same as Whole Foods. The customer service is adequate at best. There's a lot of confusion and disorganization -- no better than at whole foods where the service and organization is generally haphazard as well. It took 5 attempts before I actually got on the mailing list. No accountings are given to know if they calculated your rebate correctly and sometimes no rebate comes and there's no explanation.
Today there was a sweepstakes for the 37th anniversary and I was told I "had" to make a purchase to enter by a manager (Veronica). Later when I phoned back to question that policy I got a "we never said that" response. BS, please don't lie to me. I was indeed told that by Veronica. She in fact pointed up at a boogie board and said I had to buy one of their products to be eligible for the boogie board giveaway and HAD to buy sushi to be eligible for an iPad2 giveaway. Turns out that's actually illegal (considered a lottery). I didn't appreciate the misinformation in the first place but especially don't appreciate the denial.
They still have some interesting items you can't really get anywhere else but it's a chore to park at Co-opportunity and you can often buy cheaper at Trader Joe's and even Albertsons (for some items) so that the 10% "owners" savings still prices out higher than other stores. (Sigh.)
I don't really feel like an "owner" here, just an over-paying customer. If I'm really an "owner" does that mean I can reprimand those employees for backpedaling and denying that I was told by Veronica that I *had* to purchase to enter the drawings today?
p.s. to "Kim B" who said the older man in the supplements dept was nice... every time I come to Co-Opp he's on the phone speaking in a hushed tone (like he doesn't want to be overheard) and I mean every time. My last 3 visits he was on the phone and each time it seemed like a personal call. He never asked me if I needed assistance.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2007
This store is a very nice alternative to Whole Foods. Co-Opportunity is the real deal when it comes… Read more »
Comment from Ricardo C. of Co-opportunity 12/14/2011
Danielle-We never heard back from you regarding the email… More » -
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Review from Denise D.
8/17/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I'm a fan, a huge fan! Number one reason it's because they have loose herbal tea leaves. There hasn't been any place around in SM or West LA which offer that. So thankful for having organic grown tea leaves.
Aside from that, they cater to a lot of health foodies out there. Vegan, raw, gluten-free, soy-free etc. Their selection may not be as wide as Wholefoods (but who cares about Wholefoods anyways?), nevertheless, their people are warm, down-to-earth and less corporate like (that is bonus itself, no?) The people who come here are nicer too. No cranky people trying to cut the line or classy ladies looking at you from top-to-toe, maybe I haven't seen any.
One of the cashier has been there for a good 16 years, and the guys are the grocery department treat each other like family. So I'm more than glad to pour my cash into a lovely place like this rather than "getting real on the west side"**
Bulk section is amazing and have plenty of offers. Just a little tip:grab their coupon and look through them before buying things. Oh yes, one more, free samples at the back!
**check out the video: http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Miki W.
West Hollywood, CA
7/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been shopping here for 13 years. I'm glad that co-ops still exist and there are still a handful of health food stores left that aren't owned by Whole Foods!
Co-opportunity has everything I need to keep up my pansy vegan diet. Their selection of vegan items is great! Also, they have the best bulk section I have ever seen. Finally, I love the renovations and the updated features of the store.
I had to take a star away because, it's true, things are rather expensive here. I understand why they have to charge more, and I will keep shopping there, but I always have a feeling of dread when I'm about to see my total on the cash register.Listed in: Things I Love About Los…
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Review from Billy D.
Westwood, Los Angeles, CA
9/20/2011
So, first let me say I haven't had a full shop experience, but just a fly through.
Passing by on the way out of Santa Monica and on the way to Whole foods, when we spotted this place.
The parking lot was a bit crowded and I have to say, the parking lot attendant was pretty animated. She was waving her arms so fast that I thought she would take flight! However, it did make for an orderly lot and no hybrids tried to kill me.
On first look, the bulk section looks amazing, as does the produce. I didn't get to peruse the meats, or breads but will do so soon. I actually got coffee, some trail mix out of the bulk and some soup. I was stoked on what I got. The crowd was mellow and I thought the checker was super nice.
I'm going back for a full-on shop and if the experience is as good as the first will join up. -
Review from Lisa G.
Santa Monica, CA
11/17/2011
The Co-op is a soothing place. Going there to take care of yourself is what you feel you are embarking upon the moment you walk in the door. In most markets advertisements are pushing you to buy this or that--or the employees would rather not be there--THE CO-OP is the untypical experience. There is no push to entice you to focus to buy MORE and the atmosphere is always friendly and expeditious and NURTURING. It is obvious the employees are glad to be there and the staff must be treated very well for it is reflected in how how the place is managed. There is an echo or reverberation of peaceful folks at work--those who are assisting and those who are shopping, always a calm about the place. When you speak with any staff they give you their complete attention.
The produce prices are exceptional and are often less than the local open air farmers market. Also there are odd items that are sold at the co-op other larger stores never carry--Japanese Sweet potatoes I have only found in Los Angeles at Erewhon or the Co-op. Any item they don't have they will order for you. There is a great selection of prepared foods and their corn crust pizza in the new deli area is great (vegan/vegetarian or not). The health and beauty section is very well stocked and the people that work there knowledgeable. Recently they have added gourmet wines and beer and their selection is impressive.
Becoming a member is a worthwhile value. Once a month there is a day where members get a big discount and save greatly and also every day there are certain discounts just for members so it is a win win situation and if you decide not to be a member they reimburse you--'go figure'. A wise shopper goes here and rarely sets foot in a chain store again. -
Review from Rita A.
Del Mar, CA
10/4/2011
My all time favorite place to grocery shop! Co-opportunity is a socially and environmentally conscious business. Everything is organic and locally-produced. It offers a wide array of items for those with special dietary needs (macrobiotics, wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy and lactose free, raw food, vegetarian and vegan, and GMO-free). It also has a nice cosmetic department with paraben-free cosmetics and cruelty-free items which iloves!!!!!!!!! Somehow this tiny organic co-op seems to have better variety and higher quality than Whole Foods! Also the deli has some wonderful, delicious healthy food. There is also one in San Diego, which is also great! Great service! So clean! And super friendly!
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Review from Robert L.
Santa Monica, CA
7/7/2011
You might think "oh, the prices are high but that's because the food is good". Sure, the food may be good, but prices don't need to be high. Do yourself a favor and go to Berkeley Bowl next time you're in NorCal - avocados are $.89 there, $2.29 at co-opportunity. Mushrooms about half as much as here. Same for bell peppers. And yet the selection of fresh, organic (and awesome) foods is probably four times as great at Berkeley Bowl.
This place should have more bulk fruits and veggies, fewer bazillion dollar supplements taking space from actual food, and more bike racks. Lame.Comment from Ricardo C. of Co-opportunity 7/8/2011
Thanks for the feedback Robert. We are always monitoring… More » -
Review from Jonathan G.
Santa Monica, CA
8/20/2011
Great grocery store because:
(1) friendly employees at check out, at the juice bar, and at the info desk--actually I have yet to meet a rude employee in the store.
(2) selection of healthy products, ranging from organic fruits and vegetables to gluten-free breads to raw milk cheese
(3) juice bar with real fruit and veggie juices (not Jamba Juice sugar water)
(4) reasonable prices--members get discounts, including occasional, 10%-off days. The coop also has a coupon book, and it often advertises next to items on the shelves what items are flagged for discounts. There is also a good bulk produce section. Because many of the products are organic, the prices may be higher than for non-organic items, but these prices are generally more reasonable than Whole Foods.
(5) The coop sponsors a series of speakers who address health-related topics (such as weight loss)
Downsides:
(1) not as wide a selection as a large Vons or mega Whole Foods
(2) parking can sometimes be challenging
(3) juice orders can sometimes take 10 minutes+ -
Review from Kali M.
6/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I quite like the place, but it's true that the prices are high. Perhaps unavoidable.
Sundries, dry bulk goods, your normal frozen and packaged food items, a hot food bar... it can be a one-stop grocery if you want it to.
Their produce is gorgeous. I got some amazing mangoes that were ready to go, sliced 'em up as soon as I got home and just melted into amazing-mango-goodness-land. -
Review from Tisha V.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 5/18/2011
My favorite place on earth is getting a make-over! MAJOR OVERHAUL! This place thrills me with organizational excitement now. They completely changed the layout and the style of this little market; just love it even more.
They have new options for self-serve hot soups, a salad bar (which they didn't have before), and new new cool cool displays!
I've always been proud of my little organic market but now I can just stay in there for hours on end.
See you soon,
xoxo1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/12/2009
My favorite place to be. This organic/ holistic co-opportunity has all the amazing beautiful things… Read more »
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Review from Ella L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/18/2011
I adore the co-op! It's so pretty inside & outside now after their renovations!
The new salad bar is To LIVE for and the juice bar lay-out is much more customer (and time) friendly.
The best of the best fresh, organic, local yums and more, the Santa Monica Co-Op has got you covered. Recycle your batteries, post on the community board about apartments for rent, support your local awesomeness, stock up your pantries with enough dry goods to feed Santa Monica, run into all your friends (and make new ones).
Special tip: have patience in the parking lot, be nice and take a deep breath.
Super tasty special tip: try the soy ginger chicken at the deli, OMy goodness gracious it's soooooooo good. Nom nom noms! Whether you're a meat-eater, veggie or vegan- this stuff will become your crack, it's addictive watch out (but so worth it). -
Review from Blu M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
So far this is the best organic market I've found but that's a list of two. They have more produce than the second place on the list. There's a bigger variety.
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Review from Harmonie T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/22/2011
Oh Santa Monica Co-Op...you are like the really cool guy I used to hang with but time and distance got between us. Then in recent days I see you again and you've got a new hairdo and you've been working out.
Lookin good Santa Monica Co-Op! It's still in progress but I'm diggin on the improvements! You still have the large display of refrigerated and shelved raw vegan items but now your presentation reminds me of Erewhon Natural Foods Market...except on the westside!
P.S. I will always love you for your fresh squeezed custom green drinks!Listed in: RAWk ON in CA, RAWk ON in L.A.
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Review from Annie L.
Los Angeles, CA
10/18/2011
Dreadful parking, nicest people, awesome products: worth it!
I love their ice creams! -
Review from Lucy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
This neighborhood healthy-type market is THE place I go when I need certain specific things, especially:
THE BEST, most intense liquid spice in the world - Primal Essence concentrated liquid spice in a pump is AMAZING and comes in diferent flavors (Lemongrass, Ginger, Cinnamon, Basil, Chai, Peppermint, etc. - $9ish-$11ish).
One drop of the cinnamon in apple juice and it's transformed into something amazing, a few drops in a rice pudding and it's elevated to horchata rice pudding, a few more drops in a raw cookie recipe and it's out of this world!! I cannot find this stuff ANYWHERE else (even Whole Foods) - and the cinnamon is often sold out. So when they have it, I get it - and ship it to my friend who moved to Maine.
I also love their:
* Organic produce
* Variety of produce - some usually only seen in farmers' markets (Reed avocados, Arkansas Black apples)
* Yummy healthier cookies and cake
* Prepared foods - including raw desserts
* Amazake
* Creamy, thick, sweet cashew drinks in the refrigerated section
* Bariani olive oil (Martha Stewart featured it on her show long ago)
* Bulk bins of beans, grains. dried fruits, nuts, snacks, candy
* Free range meat
* Frozen Brazilian cheese bread!
* Raw sauerkraut (I could eat a whole jar in one sitting)
* Uncured hot dogs and bacon
I love to wander around here - there's always cool stuff to look at and/or buy - and they are always friendly and helpful!Listed in: Stocking My Fridge
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Review from Tishawn F.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2010
I wasn't the most impressed with this store.I think they have an invisible sign on the door that says "No Tishawn you cant come in here, don't even think about it!!!"
I came here today before i went over to Chandni Indian restaurant over on Wilshire.I think everything was way too expensive and i don't see how anyone could put them over Whole Foods.
I'm as poor as Joe's Turkey..(minimum wage to be exact!)but i still manage to head over to Whole Foods and buy the cheaper things in there.A new hobby of mine of trying to fit in with the rich..seriously though the sandwiches and Tofu Korma are simply amazing at "WF's".This place didn't want to make me want to let loose with my thin wallet as far as splurging.
Great place for vegetarian items and whatnot.I guess they know that health and the wealth of upper class Santa Monacan should go hand and hand.You'll find all of that out as well when you step through the door.
No, i don't hate the rich ,i just hate the system of the rich that keep the poor from enjoying the same rights to basic common everyday healthy food due to our lack of finances.
There's gotta be some middle ground here.Maybe a suggestion would be is to sell the food decently priced but put it in a more ritzy high class suburb.That way poor people like me would need to take 3 plus buses to get out there if we really want something healthy to buy for our families.Thats the only way a place like this could be considered cool in my book...
Until then ill continue to throw my hard earned money away at places like Whole Foods when i feel like pretending to be a "Baller" for the day! -
Review from Silvia N.
Brentwood, CA
8/23/2011
Co-opportunity is one of the best grocery stores in the area, I love this place! I come here often to buy lunch or simply groceries. They have a lot of vegan stuff - fresh, refrigerated and frozen. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Parking can be a hassle but luckily I never had a problem finding a spot. After discovering this place, I don't need to do any more shopping at Ralph's or Vons. Co-op has everything I need!
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Review from Shane B.
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
very very nice co-op. a great selection of ready made vegan entrees and desserts. good produce selections too, all though i didn't spend to much time just grabbing some purple kale and broccoli. ready made soups and hot bar as well
great place to come and grab lunch w/ free coffee and granite counter bar outside
we also snagged some goats milke ice cream which was awesome(creamy, full flavored tasting and only 600 calories for a pint!!)
fig and coffee flavors were both awesome.
most prodcuts that are boxed or processed are about 25% more expensive than a standard grocery store, so come here for the speciality stuff and treats you crave.
decent wine selection, weak beer selection -
Review from Ira D.
Topanga, CA
9/22/2011
I love shopping at the co-op. for one thing there is so much that can be bought in bulk. Also so much of the products and foods are organic and local. One of the things I appreciate most is that all of the staff seems very well informed about the products and health care supplementation and nutrition of many diverse diets. I try to go very early or parking can be troublesome.
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Review from Patrick D.
Santa Monica, CA
Updated - 11/12/2010
Why am I updating my review...again? Because I love Co-op, and it deserves 5 stars.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars to begin with was the cost, but I get it now. I feel like a hippie saying this, but I recently saw the movie Food, Inc. and it was life changing. And maybe that's a big part of the problem, that anyone who cares about organic food, sustainable farming, etc is automatically considered a hippie (not that that's a bad thing, either).
I could go on and on here about not eating produce grown with chemicals, meat washed in ammonia, and the crazy economics that somehow make food in its most natural state more expensive than its chemically treated counterparts, but I won't...much. My wife and I have decided that this is important to us, and that our food is not the place to cut corners. And in a town where $5-$6 is considered a reasonable price for a beer at a bar, come on. Cut back on that one night a month and you've made up the difference.
Funny thing is, so far we really aren't paying much more than we used to at Vons. You just need to be flexible as to what's in season and fresh. Also, it helps to realize that you don't need to eat 12oz of meat every night!
Oh, and for the people that complain about the other shoppers, I don't get it. The people at the Co-op actually say hi and smile. Everywhere else I go they run me over with their cart.
Bottom line, I am so grateful that the Co-op exists. I live next door to a Whole Foods, and that's cool, but it's no Co-op. I love this place so much I might look into volunteering there.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/23/2010
Here I am, 2 months after my original review of Co-op, and I'm still doing some shopping there. As… Read more »
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Review from V. C.
Santa Monica, CA
10/19/2010
I've driven by this place a thousand times - finally stopped in. Mistake. But that's probably because I don't enjoy eating dirt.
This grocery store is as granola as it gets! Everyone shopping here looked like they'd stopped in on their way to Woodstock. I was waiting in the produce section for a peace rally to break out. I had to be the only guy there without a ponytail and Birkenstocks. Every women looked like she owns a minimum of five cats.
Okay, I admit it. My review to this point has been rather superficial. But I did buy some "hormone free" turkey pastrami. And it tasted like poison. I seriously had to spit it out... (yes, I was not laughing when I spit it out. I was very serious. I "seriously" spit it out.)
I don't see the difference between this place and Whole Foods... except the women shoppers are a WHOLE lot cuter at Whole Foods! -
Review from Teresa L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/5/2010
So i started off coming here every week for my groceries, became a member but as a student, i really cannot afford this all the time but I'll do this for the environment. They say that to be a member, you need to pay a fee of like $35 for a year? At the end of the year, they will give you a rebate depending on how much you spend. Sounds like costco's amex card, i was thrilled to receive money back! However, I move every year so I told them my new address but they never forwarded that rebate. then they blame me and say :
After checking your account for your 2008-2009's rebate, I see that a rebate was mailed out to you at a Richland Av address. It's up to our members to make sure their information is up to date at all times. So it may have been returned to us.
Our office manager will be back from vacation next week & can check to see what happened with it. We will either print a new one or re-send it to the address you currently have on file.
A quick note regarding the rebates coming up some time in January for 2009-2010: The system doesn't calculate your shopping trips when your shares are due.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me directly.
Thanks,
After this, I emailed them again and again. Hey it's freaking 2010 now and I still haven't received that year's rebate. But still, no more replies. I did update my information, does it really take ONE YEAR for you to put it in your system? Otherwise, a lot of the food spoil very quickly, even faster than Whole Foods. I'm not sure if it's cause the food is organic or what, but I buy organic food all the time and the cheese doesnt start growing green fungus after 5 days. The grapes aren't sweet either, they say that they pick their grapes depending on the hour of the day to get the ripest and most "perfect" grapes. Anyways it's not sweet.
I will give them a star for being able to return items quickly. All you need to do is goto the counter and return it. No questions asked, they will take your items and refund you. what else is good.. the chocolate is good. -
Review from Jessica W.
Ann Arbor, MI
7/30/2010
The Co-opportunity makes me happy. (Then again, I've never met a co-op I didn't like) Their bulk bin section makes me cry with joy and it's such a relief to have all those hard-to-find items at non-Whole-Foods prices. (Don't know why I hate on Whole Foods so often, seeing as I'm in there 2+ times a week...)
I really appreciate how they strive to keep their produce local and minimize their environmental impact. (The only Certified Green Grocer in Santa Monica and winner of the 2010 City of SM Sustainable Quality Award). Membership is only $25 for the year (+$5 processing) and you get two reusable bags when you join; so it's really a steal when you consider the long term savings, both in your wallet and by buying better products that help make your body healthier.
Like most co-ops, the parking sucks, which is all the more reason to live up to the mission of the co-op by NOT driving there. (There are bike lanes all the way down Broadway and at least three bus routes that run down the streets parallel to the co-op)Listed in: Better Parts of Los Angeles
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Review from Aiko S.
Los Angeles, CA
9/13/2010
Love this place and cheaper than the Whole Foods AND all the fresh veggies and fruits are organic.
They carry a lot more variety of foods including Asian items which is great for me!!
They even have items like fresh horse radish, gobo (burdock root), tumeric root and more which I cannot find at the Whole Foods. Oh and Asian stuff is not overpriced at this place!
It is good that they open till 10pm.Listed in: Healthy food in LA!!
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Review from Ed S.
Santa Monica, CA
8/9/2011
Roast organic chicken and salad at the new and improved take out counter makes for a healthy meal. CoOp offers a great natural/organic selections. Must see for yourself.
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Review from janet g.
Santa Monica, CA
7/30/2011
Love this place. I am literally a block from the von's but I'd rather drive over to the co-op. Really good selection of fresh, local produce and a great bulk section. The prices are more expensive than your typical grocery store, but at least at the co-op you're buying organic, locally grown produce. The best thing is after I get out of the gym I go there to get dinner and they always have that days sakura's sushi half off. Not sure what time it starts but it's so yummy and a bargain!
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Review from Elizabeth R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/15/2010
I loved working and living across the street from this place. They have an awesome hot plate special, $8 for one main entree and two sides.
They have a lot of really great fake meat products. You can save money (and packaging) in their amazing bulk food sections. They also have a bulk spices and herb section. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
My only grip is some stuff here is astronomically expensive--once I accidentally bought an $8 cauliflower. Buyer beware!
For the most part I would use their prepared food section where you can get a great meal under $10 and their selection of vegan and raw treats. Also for their great selection of natural beauty care products.
They have a small lot that gets hectic and people seem to lose the sense of how to behave in it, so I'd rather pay for street parking since its easier to pull in and out. -
Review from Shane M.
Boulder, CO
12/14/2010
Awesome awesome awesome!
Being that I just started on this raw food kick I was pumped when I was going to Cali since it's the raw food capital. Little did I know that I was staying 1/2 block away from this Co-Op.
I have never seen so many raw prepared foods in my life and everything I tried was wonderful. Raw blueberry cheesecake was the best cheesecake I have ever had, hands down. Kale salad, pates, and on and on. Not to mention the fresh juice bar! If I lived where my friend lives I might just go broke eating here alllllll the time.
Now for the produce, just one word: EPIC!!! Best tasting produce ever. Sprouts galore and greens for days.
Another perk was how nice and friendly everyone there was, staff and shoppers. I struck up conversations with people and even got mistaken for a TV celeb. It's a fresh change from the people here in Colorado that are extra rude and have some elitist tude since they shop at a natural grocer. Being rude is not health, come on Denver!
I want this place in Colorado, but I might just have to move to California instead ;-)
Oh, things are pricey at this place, but when you realize how good the food is and how good it is for you, you can overcome your frugality.
Nuff said!
