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Category: Health Markets [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Theater District, Hell's Kitchen7th Ave-53rd St (B, D, E)
50th St-8th Ave (C, E)
57th St-7th Ave (N, Q, R, W)
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What a great place to get healthy! From supplements to veggies to pre-prepared foods to snack food items, Westerly is turning into my go-to grocery store in the 'hood.
For anyone who's curious about juicing (green juices, cleansing juices, etc), I highly highly highly recommend the juice bar at the very back. Sometimes it can be a little slow, but keep in mind that each juice is made to order with fresh ingrdients and there's just one guy making your juice. The health benefits are definitely worth the extra couple of minutes. Just be sure to stop by in the late mornings so that you don't add to my wait time...
I've noticed that on Satuday mornings it's not too crowded and they have vendors sampling goods. Two weeks ago I discovered vegan chocolate and I'm glad I did.
Went here this afternoon with my health nut of a mother. They do have lots of vitamin supplements. I am not a big fan of vitamin supplements since people usually take them for no apparent reason other than someone other than a doctor said they nee ed them. But if you want them they have them. They also have organic produce, nuts, cereals and other packaged foods and who knows what else. i do think the prices are reasonable for what you are buying though.
So once again, if supplements and organic food is your thing, I don't think you can go wrong here.
Whole Foods??? Why, I have been coming to Westerly's for over 15 years. If you are into eating and living healthy, stop in and shop. Pssst, a lot of the health supplements are 20% off. You gotta love that. I recommend this place to everyone. The employees are very helpful. Since the aisles can get a little tight practice your side stepping. Enjoy!
I got a fan now, woo hoo. Isn't that cool?
Don't forget to go to the back of the store, where you'll find raw foods (many of which are gluten free) and a juice bar.
It's a cramped space and at peak times, can almost remind you of the "laid back" atmosphere of… Read more »
The people here definitely know their stuff. People are extremely helpful and they have good healthy snacks
There are few things in life meant to be devoured more quickly than Westerly Market homemade guacamole with a pack of organic baby carrots...since I moved out of hells kitchen, Westerly, oh how I miss thee. I only wish that you had a long lost cousin named easterly now that I live on the other side of town. I'm not a vegetarian or crazy health food freak, but Westerly is so good for you, that as soon as you walk in, you might as well change your middle name to Zen...and given some of the leftist hippy-yoga mat carrying patrons there, I wouldn't be surprised, if some already have.
So here's the rest of the skinny on the best of Westerly: homemade soups are outstanding--pea soup, chicken noodle, Moroccan vegetable and white chili are all filling and tasty...and here's another tip--they're also cheap and you get a bang for your buck--Hale and Hearty is right next door and Westerly soups are both cheaper and much more hale and hearty than anything in the chain bearing the same name. The sandwiches are also really good and cheaper than any deli prepared sandwiches you will find in the rest of NYC.
Overall, just about everything is cheaper than the regular grocery store in Westerly from OJ and Vitamin Water to produce and veggie burgers. Also, the nuts section is great--awesome selection and cheap as well. The only thing keeping me away from the 5-star rating is that their selection of meats is pretty slim and their prepared food counter is weak--they only prepare vegetarian dishes behind there that are not meant for carniverous dudes like myself...If you're thinking about moving to Hells Kitchen, then this is just one reason to go West, young man.
This is just about my favorite food store in NYC. It's much cozier and intimate than Whole Foods (read: crowded, small isles), but less crowded and more relaxed. The selection is pretty darned good for the size of the place, and they have all of the main staples any vegan or vegetarian could ever want, including a nice selection of the typical pre-made selections you find throughout the city: dumplings, mock chicken sandwiches, etc. Perhaps the best part is the produce: always exceptionally fresh, mostly organic, and lovingly displayed.
Does it have everything Whole Foods has? Of course not. WF is huge, and has a TON of stuff, a lot of it not healthy at all. There's just something about Westerly that makes me feel good about shopping for food. Good vibes all around.
My only wish is that they had a little more space!
I go through these phases when I drink too much alcohol, eat random meals at random times, workout rarely and get completely off schedule. In a nutshell, I become exhausted and usually crash at the end of this.I don't think I'm the only New Yorker experiencing this. In an attempt to change the bad routine, I've been looking to do a good "cleanse". I've done Blueprint---75$ one day, 6 juices, 3 I could keep down. 75$ out of my wallet. While I felt great I didn't want to go through that again.
Enter Westerly Health Foods to provide an alternative option to the overpriced juice cleanse. Perfectly located at the end of my Westside Highway running loop, Westerly has a menu of juices perfect for your needs. I chose the "Cleanse" with apple, ginger, and other raw veggies. A small 10 oz. runs about 6$. I already feel great walking back with the juice and will probably grab another one tomorrow.
While I wasn't there to stock up the cabinets in my apartment, I did stroll around to see a wide selection of vegan foods, fresh cuts of fish and meat plus organic sandwiches. Everything was fresh and I felt healthy just being there. I'll definitely be back to pick up fresh stuff and keep on this kick.
Wow, I guess I am just a grump.
Don't get me wrong, this place has pretty much everything you could desire--except space! Going in during peak hours makes me near homicidal. It is impossible to shop here without getting bumped into like 20 times. And the aisles are enough to induce claustrophobia in otherwise brave souls. And blah, blah, yes, I know, this is New York and New York is crowded (I understand--I was born and raised mere blocks away), but that doesn't make it any less annoying.
However, the Westerly's stock is truly impressive. The fact that it has managed to stay in business post Whole Foods is a testament to it's (generally) good deals and selection. The prepared food is super tasty too. And the vitamins are sometimes buy one, get one free which is a pretty awesome deal. Best of all, I think they're open until midnight, which means there's lots of time to work around the crowds.
I would give this place five stars, although it's really cramped and I had a sandwich there that wasn't so fresh once. Other than that, their other foods are good, great selection, but best of all, great prices and customer service.
There are so many things to love about this place, but I have to say I have begun to fully appreciate it now that I have moved away from this neighborhood since there is a shortage of good healthfood stores in this city. They have lots of bulk nuts and dried treats... good for raw eating or just snacks. The prices are amazingly low and cheeper than my brooklyn natural food/organic food type markets. They have all the natural frozen food brands and of course tons of vegetarian options. They also carry an assortment of meats and cheese and ready to eat lunch foods like salads, soups and sandwiches. I have to admit I never tried any of the raw desserts that they have at the back because of the price but they look good too.
Last but by all means not least they have a wonderful selection of homeopathics, vitamins and herbs. If I need an emergency treatment I always come here.
Tips on neighborhood dwellers... Tropicana is cheaper in Westerly than in Gristede's!
That's not the only reason why I give 5 stars. I just love all the prepared Vegan food.... and the teas... the fruits... and herbs... and soups... man i just like this place...
this place is awesome- first off they are way cheaper than whole foods and have shorter lines than trader joe's. The bulk foods (nuts, seeds) are awesome. I have to say that the place is well organized too, unlike other stores their lines aren't that long and the staff actually know what they are talking about. They also have really tasty pre-made food.
this place is a nutritionist's playground... it may look like a normal grocery store type.... but it is so much more... i was looking for something quite obscure... and every other place i went i was met with the "i think you are making this product up face"... not here. the mgr immediately new what i was talking about... got it, AND it was on sale! SWEET!!!!
i will be back. YAY!
There are a lot of good reasons to go here. mostly because I can buy organic skinless boneless chicken thighs and organic dairy here without whole foods lines.
their soups are also good. but one of the main reasons I love this place is their BULK BINS! I am such a sucker for bulk bins, especially ones containing granola, dried fruit, rice, lentils, etc. How can you not love bulk bins? I never sample anything from bulk bins but it's a comfort to know that if you're trying something for the first time like say, ginger coconut granola or red quinoa that you don't have to waste money buying an entire container of _____, wondering how you're going to use entire said container of _____ which you don't even like but don't want to waste.
The one downside of shopping here is that the produce is REALLY expensive and not necessarily of good quality. For things like kale and swiss chard, I might shop at westerly. but fruit? might as well try gristedes.
one more thing. sorry if I bumped you in the grains area. the aisles are quite narrow.
Lots of healthy grocery options and you don't have to break bank shopping there. It's like a mini Whole Foods, for a lot less.
They have your typical groceries, plus many healthy options for vegetarians and vegans, or for the health-obsessed. They even make pre-cooked meals that are fantastic.
Check it out and you won't be disappointed!
Westerly, you rock!
Since you are fairly close to where I work, convenience plays a huge role in my love affair with you. To top it off, you have to have fair prices and a huge selection. Who could not love this neighborhood produce store that sells anything from organic fig bars to anti cellulite cream? .. and NO, that was not included in my last purchase at Westerly...
The soups and prepared foods in the back are fresh and prepared right in front of you. The only complaint I have is that it could be a little more spacier since customers must do the "slide to one side of the aisle" dance whenever anyone passes..
Anyhow, for a store that's a fraction of the size of Whole Foods, it sure packs a hefty punch. The shelves are stocked full from floor to ceiling of mostly healthy organic and conventional fare and even my favorite organic fig bar cookies. Whatever.. they're organic... and healthy.
Although the produce selection is somewhat limited, they have mostly what anyone would need.
Sure its not as hoity toity as Whole Foods just a few blocks away. No more paying an arm and a leg for 2 minuscule bags of food. That's probably what they're going for anyways.
This supermarket is right next to Gristede, but of course, with healthier options. The prices won't be as cheap as your local supermarket, but the produces are fresh and there are already made meals, ranging from vegetarian, vegan, macro...
There's a large selection of vitamin and frozen goods sections. Oh, and you can buy grains and granola by the weight too.
The aisles are really narrow, so be careful not to bump into your fellow shoppers while you're browsing for good eats.
This place is like a condensed Whole Foods, without the yuppy madness or the overpricedness. The first time I came here I went a little crazy and filled up a basket only to get to the register and realize I didn't have my wallet with me so then I had to sheepishly return everything to its spot.
This market is across the street from my gym, so I'm prone to stop in for something organic and yummy post work-out. In addition to the great selection of products, they also have lots of ready-made goodness, from buckwheat soba noodles (yummmmmm) to sandwiches and soups. While i can't deny that I'm a sucker for Whole Foods, it's nice to give the Westerly a shot every once in a while. And it's 4 blocks closer, so what have you got to lose?
I want to give Westerly five stars, i really do. They're cheaper than Whole Foods and Amish Market, they're super-convenient, they stock some amazingly tasty things along with sundry items (try the molasses clove cookies, they're wonderful), i don't mind apologizing to people as i sneak past them in the narrow aisles, etc.
But... their cheese selection blows. Hard. Seriously, i've seen 7-11s with more variety. I try to work cheese into about two meals per day, and Westerly makes that quite hard.
So, while i do the vast majority of my shopping there (and according to some random person i passed in the freezer section today, so does Sheryl Crow), i am compelled to deduct a star for the lousy dairy case.
This is my go-to grocery store. Sure, it's organic, but I'm talkin' prices. It's so cheap. Let's do a quick comparison with Morton Williams, which is awful and unworthy of further comment:
Bolthouse Farms shakes (liter) $3.69 vs. $4.49
Stacy's Pita Chips $2.69 vs. $3.69
2.5 gal Poland Springs $3.49 vs. $4.29
Kashi cereal $2.99 vs. $3.99+
&c.
Yea, the produce doesn't look as fancy as Whole Foods, but the pre-washed greens stay fresh forever. When I buy greens at M.W., half of them are already wilted.
Oh, and the protein bars are at least 50 cents cheaper here than elsewhere. (Clif bars are cheaper at Whole Foods, 99 cents, my goodness!)
Also, the muffins (orange cranberry, lemon poppy, etc.) at the check-out are delicious.
I like Westerly a great deal. As many people have mentioned, it stocks fantastic organic produce and products. These products tend to be less expensive than other markets which is great. The produce, on the other hand, tends to be quite expensive and sometimes questionable in terms of freshness, probably due to it's organic nature.
There is also a vast section of vitamins, homeopathic medicines and alternative bath and beauty products. This can be quite useful but at times some items run out and don't get re-stocked for a long time.
The store is quite cramped and many times you have to squeeze by people just to get through the aisles. It can be uncomfortable but just remember to say "excuse me" and "sorry" a lot. Another way to get around this problem is to shop early in the morning or late at night.
The staff is helpful and the cashiers are efficient and can be pleasant at times. With the number of shoppers casing the joint for their goods, the cashiers work so fast it's hard to get a word in without disturbing their routine.
Definitely worth the shop and certainly cheaper than Whole Foods.
Insider's Tip: There's a "deli" counter in the back which makes raw food delicacies, something not so easy to find in the city.
Enjoy!
Oh My God
so i just heard this story from my friend. She didn't want me to post it, but then something happened and she said go ahead,
She's at home with Swine flu. Been there ten days, and keeps making chicken soup from scratch. She orders the vegetables and the raw Murray's chicken from Westerly because she think they're great. They send her chicken legs once, twice--- and she's still not better so today she orders another set of vegetables and chicken legs. Chicken soup cures all, right? The moment they are delivered--remember, she's sick, she's housebound--- she starts to make the soup---onion and garlic and olive oil in a big pot, cuts open the package of Murray's chicken legs, dumps them in the pot, then another package...then she smells something.
Something so awful she can't imagine what it is
A smell of rotting flesh.
sniff sniff.
in the garbage, the two packages of Murray's chicken legs smell.,,like nothing she has ever smelled
Rotting meat.
she sniffs the pot.
yep. she was making rotting chicken soup.
So here's the deal: Westerly took back the packages, the chicken parts, and credited her.
But they never called to apologize. She's a VERY good customer--must have dropped about 800 there in the last three weeks.
so she calls:
Did they get the rotting chicken she sent back?
Yes says the manager, and he says the credited her.
But does he apologize?
Not at all.
She asks him if he took a sniff at that chicken.
He admits it smells terrible.
BUT
He takes no responsibility for his store sending this rotten chicken out to a sick customer.
And he doesn't apologize.
So she call me and says: POST THE STORY and warn others not to buy chicken there.
Truly CRAMMED with delectable health foods. If you're into that and you're in the area then it's simply the best. Whole Foods is a panic attack waiting to happen . . . way too crowded.
Prices are also pretty good here, I think?
They also happen to have excellent hours -- until Midnight every single day.
For the proximity that it is the Whole Foods Columbus Circle, it really is a better bet in my opinion for lunch. You're still going to pay the same prices but the quality of the prepared foods is so much better. The sandwhiches are served on a nice thick multi grain bread and they put sprouts on many of them which just seals the deal for me. Aside from that, the soups are top quality....hearty, not watered down, and in no need of further addition of salt and pepper. They also have a few bottled juices that I'm sure they juice in house. For example, I had today their Ginger Apple Splash beverage: a concoction of ginger, apples, lemon juice and organic agave. It's fabulous. You feel healthier just walking into this place. There's usually a 2 for 1 vitamin special and the selection is labeled by need (i.e. liver, antioxidents, etc.) Westerley is a wonderful, wonderful health food store.
Definitely the best supermarket in NYC for organic produce, natural foods/products and vitamins! The narrow aisles are packed to the rafters at this well stocked little grocery store in midtown. Forget that Columbus Circle Shopping Mall WholeFoods....go to Westerly for a selection that can't be beat. The prices aren't half bad either. Many times they offer a buy one box of Emergen-C (packets of good health) and get one free (all flavors)....not too shabby. Great juice bar and great employees.
I would go everyday after yoga and get a Blood Builder juice (carrot lemon beet kale) to start off the work day. Juice Card available (buy 10 juices get the 11th free).
Sometimes I am just too lazy to walk all the way to Whole Foods for health food, and even if I wasn't, I'd probably get to Westerly and decide to forego the rest of the way to Columbus Circle.
I highly recommend their wall of pre-prepared vegan and vegetarian foods, that are conveniently boxed up in various sizes for portability. During the work week, I often come here with my vegan best friend to grab a package of the Thai Dumplings or the Hunan Dumplings. They also have a great selection of soups, and always have a vegetarian option.
The prices are good, and while the selection is not quite as wide and ranging as that of Whole Foods, I can definitely find most of the items on my shopping list here. And in all likelihood, a better price.
This market is definitely worth the trip even if I have to walk a little extra. They have a great selection of organic and natural products, and unlike Whole Foods, has a nice neighborhood feel (probably because of the narrow aisles). Some of the prices are even cheaper than most other health food stores in the city!
I would definitely try to go during off-peak hours.
Westerly has a great selection of healthy snack options, which is perfect since it's 2 blocks from my apartment. I routinely come in here to grab a munchie, soy or almond milk, produce... their selection of cereals is amazing - if you want to find something different go here. It's tiny and a bit hard to get around but I've never waited in line more than 30 seconds.
I absolutely adore Westerly Natural Market. It is absolutely amazing!! Aisles and aisles of vegeterian/vegan-friendly foods, delicious pre-prepared goodies - I totally feel like I am in heaven. Best of all, it's certainly the cheapest health store I've been to.
Last trip, I spent $54 and came out with 24 items ranging from tofurkey slices, frozen entrees, rice, teas, etc. Compared to Whole Foods or any local healthy supermarket, this place is as cheap as it gets.
Westerly has an amazing selection of many different items. I love going there for their teas. I'm pretty sure they have just about every single type of Yogi Tea imaginable, as well as so many others. Their bread selection is also pretty outstanding, and if you're into vitamins and the like, you're in luck. They have shelves lined with 'em!
The one complaint I have (which isn't remotely enough to deter me from shopping there) is that the aisles are very narrow, and often filled with guys stocking the shelves. The staff is very helpful, though, and is more than happy to move out of your way, direct you to items, or help you get those hard to reach items.
With all that said, I would definitely recommend this Market to anyone in the NYC area that is looking for a healthy shop with decent prices.
Not your ordinary healthfood store. Most specialty stores of this type are more disorganized and thrown together. "Westerly Health Foods" LOOKS like a normal grocery store, but it's filled with hard to find organic/flaxy/etc goodness. Great selection, yummy hot soups everyday, and I've never seen so many different nutrition bars. I look forward to exploring it more.
this is a nice little organic health food market. Its smaller then whole foods, which I like...more cozy. The prices are great, I was able to find a protein bar that usually sells for $2.99 and up for $1.55. They have everything I could want in a health food store and its priced beyond reasonably. This is a health food market that the "normal" people can go to and afford :o) There are some items that are pretty pricey, but they are serious specialty items. The people who work there are so friendly and when I asked for help they seemed happy to help. When I was checking out the girl was super sweet and even cracked a couple jokes. It was a very nice and relaxing experience, not too many people, not too big, the only thing I can say that would be somewhat negative is that there is so much to look at I kind of felt a bit spazzy because I was looking in every direction every minute I was in there checking everything out. Cool place and would def go back.
Living near this natural health food store has been a blessing! They have such the selection of live food desserts, fresh juices, snacks, etc. but the biggest drawback is that it takes forever to order/get a juice at the juice bar, but the great news is that I end up meeting really nice people!
This place is cheaper than Whole Foods & they carry both organic and non organic foods. There's buffalo meat, seitan, tofu, deli, fresh made sandwiches, dips, and soups. They make shakes too & their bulk foods section has a decent selection of organic nuts, beans, and grains. If you're looking for organic produce they have a great selection. The lines are short & it beats Whole Foods for its service & prices.
I love Westerly. I discovered it last year when I began working in this area. I love going here on my lunch break and grabbing something for lunch, a snack or some groceries to take home with me. The isles are very tiny and you have to scoot through, but this store is never packed with people and you never have to wait more than 2 or 3 minutes in line. Much better and more convenient than Whole Foods.
This is the best grocery store ever! I go here at least a few times a week to buy lunch and snacks and stuff. Everything is organic, minimally processed, and they have tons of stuff, a lot of cool brands making good, socially conscious foods (like Kashi). The sandwiches and soups are good, and the yogurt selection is amazing. Also, the bulk foods/nuts are great, if a little expensive. One thing is the produce isn't the best--it's all organic, but looks a little sad a lot of the time. They also have a big vitamin and body section.
Try and go during off hours, otherwise you'll be frustrated at how difficult it is to navigate the aisles. You can get all the organic "prepared" staples (Amy's, Stacy's, Tasty Bites...) at lower prices. They have a great selection of produce, dried fruit and nut bins, and savory snacks galore. Not great for meat or fish, but if you eat that weird substitute stuff you're golden.
Very tight spaces make it hard to shop quickly, but this is the only place I shop for groceries. I will only go in after 9:00pm, and it is still a little tough to get in and out. So I definitely would not try peak hours.
i love the jumbly hodge podge of goods this place has to offer. it is near my office so i keep my snack drawer stocked with tea, bulk items like raisins and nuts and they have a pretty great selection of alterna-grains that i love that i can't find at wholefoods or even the organic food store in my neighborhood (spelt, kamut, quinoa flakes...). i wish there was something like this in my neighborhood!
It's like getting a cure-all all in one place. They have everything to make you healthy. I really believe in homeopathic remedies and vitamins. The staff is VERY knowledgeable and helpful in this area. The prepared foods are great for a quick snack and you know that you are eating something healthy and good. I must always come here at the right time (early evening) the lines aren't that bad. It's fun to go in and have a look around at the "good" foods in this world, some that you may never knew existed, and especially that you can find different things to try each time.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Category: Health Markets
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