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New Pioneer Co-op
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Grocery Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Food Specialty Food Health Markets Event Planning & Services Caterers Bakeries, Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Health Markets, Caterers [Edit]
22 S. Van Buren StreetIowa City, IA 52240
(319) 338-9441
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for New Pioneer Co-op
Review Highlights
"Also a great selection of fresh bread."
(in 6 reviews)
"...such a fan I am anticipating trying the one in Coralville."
(in 3 reviews)
"...the deliciousness that exists at New Pi so you really have..."
(in 4 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Willow K.
Austin, TX
12/3/2010
I have been going here for about 20 yrs. My mom would drive from Davenport to Iowa City and we would ALWAYS go to New Pi for lunch/dinner. I would always get a sandwich (that came with chips and a pickle) a Chocolate Chip Cookie and a piece of Cheesecake. EVERY time I went. I don't know if my mom moved to Iowa City in jr. high because of New Pi, or to be closer to my sister going to UofI, but I think it was New Pi.
Well I am an adult now, so I can't get the sweets EACH time. Metabolism has slowed down! :)
I do go there whenever I am in town and now get EACH and every time, the Chicken Salad Sandwich. It is the most AMAZING sandwich I have ever eaten! I also like the soups. Great location and people. -
Review from Chilly R.
Iowa City, IA
2/14/2011
Not to get all P.E. on you, but don't don't don't don't believe the hype.
$7 for a sandwich with all the flavor of a barry manilow album. $4 for a plastic carton of green beans and olive oil. In the morning you can buy a breakfast sandwich on a gluten free english muffin that tastes like the plastic carton the green beans come in. Get outta mi cara con this mierda.
There are overpriced soups that taste like something from a junior high cafeteria. Trust me, I used to cook in a JHS kitchen in sac town years ago. We took beer bong breaks in a storage closet. Those were the days.
Bulk section is missing all kinds of basic shiz. Freezer section is lacking too. The croissants are the size of a nerf football and taste like they were made from wonderbread. Why the freaky deaky would anyone pay $3 for a croissant that might actually be a sponge dipped in bread crumbs. REJECTED!
The free samples are usually grapes, orange slices, or guac. Wholefoods needs to show this rinky dink slinky sink operation how to do samples. Por ejemplo: gimme some real cooked food, not peanut butter spread on skunk bread.
No imagination, no vision, no customer care. This place is purely out for profit and faking the funk about being community oriented. The cashiers are straight up from the space cadet school of la la la head in the clouds.
Save yourself some dinero and hoof it to the HyVee. Even John's local bodega is a better bet. -
Review from Becky P.
1/18/2011
When we came here, I was super excited, because, a co-op in the middle of nowhere?? Woohoo!!
Had I not been to a Hyvee earlier that morning, I may not have noticed the inflated prices on a few items (specifically, the organic fair trade espresso blend I bought at Hyvee for 9.50, priced 12.50 for the exact same thing). I know you probably don't need to charge and extra 3 bucks on coffee.....
Another price shock: Chocolate milk from Farmers Creamery (Now Kalona Super Natural I believe), Made IN KALONA (not too far away from Iowa City), for a dollar more than I pay at Whole Foods back home.
I do have to compliment their lovely bulk section, I was quite impressed by the variety. -
Review from Heather J.
Waterloo, IA
7/24/2010
Searching dried lavender is what I have been doing since I tried lavender lemonade at a recent farmer's market outing.
Finding dried lavender I did at this Pioneer Co-Op as well as some staples I can usually only find in Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.
Can you be in lust with a grocery store?
I am such a fan I am anticipating trying the one in Coralville!Listed in: Best grocery store ever!
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Review from Stacy K.
Calumet Park, IL
8/4/2011
Great service and selection! Somewhat pricey(er) than other stores but its due to the fact that the quality is better in their products. The staff is super nice and helpful and I have absolutely no complaints.
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Review from jamie P.
4/17/2010
As per the request of friend, I am yelping a place in the midwest. Yes, I truly have, been everywhere. Fucking random, right? WTF am I doing in Iowa? I usually dont even know what to yelp unless I've just been inspired in some way.
Anyways, the food co-op was probably my most favorite place that i stepped foot in the entire time I was in Iowa. Like a little safe haven in a land of the christian, right wing and obese, we stumbled upon it while I was experiencing a tampon emergency. What was originally supposed to be a quick stop turned out to be a major shopping trip once we saw what was in the store. This place had EVERYTHING! We got apple cider, pear cider (all organic of course), house made veggie burgers, roasted veggies, vegan wheatberry salad, housemade hummus, local cheese, soymilk, etc. They even had natural skin care and clothing lines. Staff was friendly and helpful. The customers shopping seemed to be able to fit in the aisles.
Normally, a place like this would probably be synonymous with whole foods here, because frankly, the prices were pretty similar to whole foods-high. In a city like San Diego, I would have probably only given this place 4 stars because there are so many similar places. But because it is in Iowa, and is the only like store in the area, it gets 5 stars.Listed in: Animal friendly CRUELTY FREE
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Review from Maryam M.
Berkeley, CA
8/23/2008
My husband and I were passing through Iowa City during our cross-country move and we were really needing a solid vegan meal that wasn't some kind of fried potato (ugh). Finding vegan food is hard enough under normal circumstances, and we weren't expecting any miracles when we stopped by here.
Well, we got two freshly-made sandwiches - one with cajun tofu and avocado, and the other with pesto and baked tofu. Oh my god. I still dream about those sandwiches. Thirty miles outside of Iowa City, I felt a pang of regret that I didn't buy more sandwiches for our trip, they were that good.
This is the best co-op I've ever visited, and I've been to many. -
Review from Karrey S.
Iowa City, IA
5/15/2008
New Pi is my friendly little independent grocery store, where I shop on special occasions because I don't like spending $3 a box on macaroni and cheese, but which still makes me feel all fuzzy inside whenever I'm there. Their deli sandwiches are to die for, they've got awesome soda selections, and a great beer/wine section. I also love that they've got tons of international cheeses.
Get a membership if you're going to shop here more than once or twice. It'll end up paying for itself. -
Review from Nicky S.
Dubuque, IA
5/2/2011
One of my all time favorite Health Food stores. Less expensive than Whole Foods with just as many amazing products. If you like dried soup mixes - try the Split Pea Soup Mix - Amazing!! Also a great selection of fresh bread.
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Review from Dave K.
Brookline, MA
7/30/2010
My experience with the co-op is admittedly limited, as I only went there twice for sandwiches while in town, but holy CRAP, they were good. I've had plenty of portabella mushroom sandwiches in my time, but the co-op's offering (called the La Dolce Vita) is without question the best I've ever had; I can still taste it! Also, the country/southern fried tofu (can't quite remember what it's called, but you know what I mean) is simply out of this world. One of the best "fake meats" I've ever tasted.
I look forward to the day I can return and try more of those delicious sandwiches... -
Review from Kevvy K.
Menlo Park, CA
12/11/2009
Nieman Ranch corned beef...holy cow, best corned beef I've EVER, and probably will EVER have...enough make a vegetarian turn to the DARRKKK sideeeeee....(hey it's free range, veggie men and women, eat it).
Oh, the rest of the store is great. I wish they had more selection, and weren't so pricey, being more of a Whole Foods/other local organic stores foodie from the Bay, but hey, I can live with that. Not enough juice beverage selection here, either. Parking also sucks, just like 10 spots next to it. Great wine selection, though, very thorough, and reasonably priced. Got a bottle of Laxas Albarino that I had been looking for in vain in California for months.
The packed lunches are really good, GREAT for quick lunches for work. I was in Iowa City for two weeks and ate something from here every day. Yerp. -
Review from Jen S.
Washington, DC
8/15/2008
Dirty vegan punks, middle aged hippies and lots of other characters exist in perfect harmony in this store, bound together with their love of good food and a sweet beer /wine selection.
New Pi opens up a whole new culinary experience to many mid-western kids (like myself) through its out-of-this world selection. This store introduced me to avocados, feta goat cheese, Rogue beer and vegan peanut butter brownies. While the selection is diverse and draws from many different countries New Pi endeavors to support local farmers, butchers and crafts people by buying as much as they can locally.
I never would have survived through college and the after-math without the grilled sandwiches and hot food deli at New Pi. My favorite is the Papagayo - grilled veggies with cheese, cashew spread, peppers topped with sunflower sprouts on homemade bread - delicious!
I can't adequately describe all the deliciousness that exists at New Pi so you really have to check it out for yourself. And trust me, it is WAY better than Whole Foods.
P.S. Prices got you down? Look around the store at the employees. New Pi doesn't have the best wages but they do provide low-cost health care to all their employees, many whom are supporting families or pursuing a degree. New Pi is a store that is really embedded in the community - both supported by the community and giving back to the community. You gotta love that!
P.S.S. Take the wine and cheese classes - I have totally astounded countless people with a wine, cheese and fruit pairing I learned in one of the classes. -
Review from Courtney H.
Iowa City, IA
8/29/2009
I've only been to the IC Co-Op once, but I frequent the one in Coralville. They both are absolutely awesome! They have a great selection of fresh fruits and veggies as well as many other items. The people who work there are friendly and willing to help-- I've never had any issues with customer service.
I was so excited to move to the IC area-- one of the first things I did was to buy a membership to the Co-op. It's pricier than Hy-Vee, but you're getting your money's worth. -
Review from John G.
Virginia Beach, VA
4/3/2008
I was really impressed by the Co-op. I walked in and thought I could have been at a Whole Foods store in some larger city. Good cheese, wine, beer and prepared food selection. Just having this here makes me feel a lot better about IC.
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Review from Libby T.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2008
So the best sandwich I've ever had is the market-basket veggie-A must have for a veggie and literally the best ingredients between two slices of bread I've ever encountered. Also worked here for years back in the day and have lots of lovely and *ehem* interesting memories. Wish we had something this lovely and down-home in co-ops out here in SF.
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Review from Ayni R.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2006
their wine selection tops most places ive been, and the wine guy is very friendly and helpful.
Get a 'Green Cow' at the deli. Best one in Iowa City. -
Review from Seiji C.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2007
oh man
if i lived next to this place, i'd turn my kitchen into a bar and outsource my eating needs.
rad point 5 -
Review from Alexis P.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2010
This is the best co-op and natural foods store I have ever been to. The selection is great in pretty much every section for the size of the store and the prices are not outrageous - though maybe I've just been living in Chicago for too long. I have to make a stop here every time I go back to IC. On this trip I picked up some apricot and sage semolina bread with some cheese similar to brie but softer and mellower, which was recommended to me by the person behind the counter. The staff is truly knowledgeable about their products in all areas. I also got marinated seitan and avocado "sushi" with wasabi mayo - hot dog, were those good! and not available anywhere else that I've seen. It was hard to pass up the cashew on a hot tin roof sandwich, but I'll save that for next time. On the way out I filled my bottle of water up at the bulk water dispenser and hit the road.
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Review from Leigh K.
Chicago, IL
6/25/2007
We went here for lunch when we stopped in Iowa City and I would love to pick this place up and move it down the street from my place in Chicago. Great produce. I had one of the best tomatoes I had ever eaten here. I ate it like an apple across the street on a bench. Also, they stock Martinelli's apple juice which is my favorite apple juice in the world, so I had one of those. PLUS, they had grab and go veggie tempura maki rolls. They were just made and were way better than Whole Foods' cucumber rolls or avocado rolls they leave sitting out all day long. I sampled the cream of cauliflower soup too and it was delicious, but I am glad I went with the sushi because every day is sushi day. If I ever go back to Iowa City, I'll pop by here again.
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Review from Bob T.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2006
I loved shopping here in college. You support the local farmers and find the diverse food selection that you couldnt find at the mainstream markets. I like how it's so localized. When I shop here I feel like I'm giving back to the community.
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Review from Doug W.
Iowa City, IA
11/12/2009
Great produce selection, all of it amazingly fresh (makes you never want to shop at Hy-Vee again). Also an amazing cheese section, and a nice selection of grass-fed beef and other organic meats. And, not to mention all the other natural food store staples (including a well-stocked nutritional supplements section). Love coming here, even if I always put a good dent in the wallet!
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Review from Chris L.
Denver, CO
9/13/2009
I love this place. It's everything a coop should be - friendly, local, full of fresh food, lots of local options, and a sense that it's down to earth and real. I go there as much as I can when I'm in town every summer. I'm so grateful that it lives on through floods and chains and all the forces that work against such a place. Thank you New Pioneer for being who you are.
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Review from Jessica R.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2010
This place is great! We got fresh, local lamb here for Easter. It was well-priced and delicious. They had great selection of ready-to-eat foods so we got sushi for the road. I don't live nearby but definitely will go out of my way to head by here again.
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Review from Chris M.
Iowa City, IA
7/31/2009
This is the only place I ever buy groceries. Great selection, caters towards my whole food, organic loving taste. Great Wine selection, top end meat. Amazing soups and sandwiches. Their homemade hummus is also great, along with their cookies...that was an interesting combination. I volunteer there once a week in the produce apartment. (I make the guac...everything is chopped, washed and made by hand) But the coolest thing is seeing the farmers come in with their yield and making deals with Steve, the produce manager. It really confirms that this food is coming from good people from around the area that truly care about the quality of the food they produce. Check the sales, there are always good ones. Also, this should be your place to buy bread. Think to yourself about what bread should have in it...wheat flour, yeast, sugar, water, salt.
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Review from Ida n.
Iowa City, IA
5/24/2009
New Pi is a small local grocery store that caters to Iowa City residents who would probably be shopping at Whole Foods were there one in the area. The mostly organic food is pricey and selection is limited. There is a weird 'co-op' conceit (like that of REI, fittingly) that I don't quite understand despite being a member.
As with most boutique grocers, this one features a barista station and a deli. The deli food is quite good and offers a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, but the wait time for prepared food is always ridiculous (15 minutes for a sandwich when you are the only customer!) and hygiene standards for this otherwise bourgeois establishment seem oddly low. -
Review from Josh G.
Seattle, WA
9/7/2009
My favorite hometown Co-Op. I lived down the street from the Iowa City location in college and was always impressed with the selection. The newer Coralville location is great and I always stop by to stock up when home for the holidays. The IC area is lucky to have this gem!
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Review from Maureen A.
Coralville, IA
2/15/2010
I love this place. I especially go for the cheeses. There are cheeses from many different parts of the world as well as American specialty cheeses like goat cheese and feta. The prices are very reasonable considering the excellent quality. They also have a wonderful variety of breads made daily without preservatives. Try the truffles and other sweets if you want a special treat. They also have coffees that are locally roasted and many fair trade coffees.
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Review from Jeffrey A.
Coralville, IA
8/1/2009
Pros: great selection, high quality food, terrific deli. When I came back to the states after living in Europe for a long time, I thought I would not be able to find great cheeses, breads, and beer - not so! They're all here, albeit at price. Friendly, helpful staff. Super smoothies. Best sandwiches in town (worth the wait).
Con: price. Not cheap, but I guess you get what you pay for. It helps to be a member. We (wife and I) have also recently started working there 9 hours a month, which gives you a 30% discount on the first $220 of purchases. My only food complaint there is the soups: they always look terrific, but are usually pretty bland, as though they were afraid to add any spices or even enough salt and pepper. Exception: the tomato soup, which is totally yummy. -
Review from Steve S.
San Jose, CA
1/4/2006
There's no better place to get healthy, organic, non-GMO, locally grown food. You shop there as a member, and aren't supporting big multi-nataional food conglomerates.
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Review from neil o.
Fresno, CA
11/11/2007
totally awesome sandwiches. i had the potent pesto tofuwich vegan style and it was really, really good. also got a giant bag of loose yerba mate for cheap. one of the best grocery/delis i have been to. i'll be back.
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Review from mel c.
Homestead, IA
9/8/2008
j'adore. the smells of real food and not bleach cleaner mmmmmmmmmm.... the deli is so inexpensive i want one of everything. the bakery- watch out lips and hips here comes another piece of carrot cake!!!! go away whole foods you industrial hypocrite!!
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Review from John K.
Walnut, CA
10/9/2006
the best deal in town is their $4.99 rotiserie chicken. their jerked chicken sandwich also makes it one of my favorite lunch spots.
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Review from Jeremy S.
Iowa City, IA
3/16/2010
I've lived in several cities with great co-ops. Before moving to Iowa City, I heard about how great the New Pioneer Co-op is. I was initially shocked to see how small the building is compared to other co-ops. Although the other one in Coralville is bigger, it's still quite tiny. What the co-op lacks in size, it makes up in service. Perhaps if it were bigger, it wouldn't feel as cozy, like a home. If I weren't on a student budget, I would be a bigger financial supporter of this establishment. I can only contribute in snack sizes.
