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Whole Foods Market
Categories: Food Specialty Food Health Markets Food Grocery Health Markets, Grocery [Edit]
2001 Pennsylvania AvePhiladelphia, PA 19130
Neighborhoods: Fairmount, Spring Garden, Art Museum District
(215) 557-0015
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Validated, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
61 reviews for Whole Foods Market
Review Highlights
"And the produce section, it's a veggie lover's wet dream."
(in 13 reviews)
"...went here once and was dazzled at the array of free samples."
(in 3 reviews)
"...going to Whole Foods all year now, it's my main supermarket."
(in 8 reviews)
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61 reviews in English
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Review from Nate C.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 2/2/2012
When I shop here it's like going home in a way. I love this whole foods. familiar though i'll always need help finding at least one thing.
Good prices on:
- Canned salmon
- brown rice rice cakes (the rest are an extra 50c to $1)
- (sometimes) hummus
Not bad for the quality prices on:
- Delicious, choice cheese
- Organic everything1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2009
This is an expensive grocery store. The atmosphere is relaxed, the fresh food seemed like it had… Read more »
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Review from kendrah r.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2012
Smallest WF's I have ever been in. I am sure on a busy day, it must cause tons of traffic in the aisles and parking lot. But we went on a Sat afternoon and I really appreciated that it was small, easy to get in and out of, and I didn't have to navigate past all the stupid crap that is many other WF's. The selection was much more limited and sometimes that is a good thing. The produce didn't wow me, but did not disgust me either.
My only questions is do you REALLY need an armed security guard at the door. It seemed like overkill, literally. -
Review from Anthony W.
Philadelphia, PA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Akin to Ellis Island in1902 there are just too many people here. The staff was friendly (for the most part) and I didn't have to wait long at the check out line, but it was just so crowded. I'm trying to read something. Excuse me. I'm trying to think. Pardon me. I'm checking the date. Sorry about that (I'm bumped) I'm standing at the meat counter and instead of bussin (my Philly people know what I mean by that) people try to holler and order from behind. I give the meat staff credit because people TRIED to buss and it didn't work. I tip my hat.
I conclude that... it's not me. It's not the market. I think it's the people of Fairmount, Brewerytown, Francisville, Spring Garden, and parts north. They get a little market and lose their damn minds. This market is too small for a family outing. Sit those kids outside. Get nanna a sarsaparilla and she can have a seat too. Kudos to all the nannas doing their own shopping. I like Whole Foods, but I'm glad I wasn't REALLY shopping. On occasion, I just grab a few specialty items. I couldn't do this on the regular. -
Review from Gayle I.
Philadelphia, PA
2/6/2012
Great location and parking. They just need more local produce!
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Review from Nicey J.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love this location, I may be partial I used to know 2 of the long time employees a few years back, and I came here all the time before buying my own groceries was even in my thought process. Stellar quality and amazing staff make this place, and honestly the entire chain, a place I love. The only reason I did NOT give them 5 stars is because they will often close the entrance to the garage, even when the parking lot is totally full, and people are backed up onto callowhill trying to get inside! it's insanity how terrible parking can get, otherwise A-Ok with me!
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Review from Adrianne J.
Philadelphia, PA
2/8/2012
Where do I begin with this rating? I moved here from another state about three months. I am used to large and beautiful WF's where I come from and this one is just dirty and nasty. The meat is usually on the verge of going bad and the fruit as well. I bought bread from this location twice and the next day it was molded! The other issue I have with this store is that they're security guard follows the black people around the store like criminals. After speaking with the manager and finding out they have had major theft issues in the past, I am assuming they assume the colored folk did it...lol. There are way too many butchers, farmer's markets, produce markets etc in this city to have to put up with this kind of treatment. I went from going in there on a regular basis to limiting my trips to severe emergencies only. I have MS and do not eat a lot of processed foods, so I like to shop for fresh produce and organic items. It's too bad this place sucks so bad. The one on South Street is the http://bomb.com though! I need to try to move over to that neighborhood when my lease is up.
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Review from Pamela A.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 1/14/2012
I really like that they have samples in the produce section but I noticed that a few items I've brought here were almost out of date. I should have looked at the dates but the store should really move the items more often. It's also always usually crowded at this location and for some reason there are people who refuse to move their cart to the side, even if they see a line of people waiting to get by. They also have a lot less vegan options when it comes to baked items (compared to the South St. location). But, I still don't mind this location (just needs a few more vegan baked goods in the bakery). Oh and the guy at the checkout line (that I went to) was very nice and helpful =).
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/7/2011
Not my go to Whole foods (I like the South Street location best) but not bad either. The last time I… Read more »
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Review from Wade G.
Philadelphia, PA
1/27/2012
Usually have what you are looking for pretty well stocked. Can get very busy. Have great salad bar area and deli! A little pricy but if you watch their sales you can get some great deals even here...
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Review from Grace S.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
love it. wish this was in the location that trader joe's is in but still awesome to have it in center city. i havent tried the hot food or salad bar, but they both seemed popular on a Friday afternoon. Tons and tons of produce, and the prices aren't bad for the quality you get. I bought a pound of organic mixed greens for $5.99! I found everything I needed very easily. The store is the perfect size to accommodate all your needs but not be an overwhelming mess. The meat and seafood are great quality and how can you complain when they offer 5 different kinds of salmon priced from $13.99 up (e.g., wild, organic, etc.). There were a few deals so you can def try to save here and there but not skimp on quality. I only tried a baguette from the bakery but it was delicious!
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Review from Gwen T.
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been going to the crappiest of grocery stores for a while now so I probably would've been excited about anything even slightly above average. Take that into consideration with my 5 stars.
I walked in and was like... wowwwww so THIS is what food is supposed to look like!! Got a bunch of ingredients for a recipe (you mean, there are supermarkets that actually have everything you're looking for??) and when I passed by the deli, I couldn't leave without getting one of their pre-made sandwich wraps. Everything was fresh; you could tell that it didn't just sit out on a tray for days getting soggy and it wasn't made in a rush.
The parking lot at this location is annoying. It's small.... which I understand in a city.. but if you don't find a spot in your first go around, you can't really re-enter to go around again. Cones that are in place make you drive back out into the street, so you have to drive around the block again before you get back into the lot. In a way, this works well for keeping the lot free of a cluster of cars idly waiting for spots to open up.... but when you're the one who needs the spot it can be frustrating. The surrounding streets do have 2 hour parking available all around, but you'll have to put money in the meter.
Worth it. I'll be back... whether it's to pick up something they've already made there or for the freshest produce I've seen in the city yet. -
Review from Andrea F.
Philadelphia, PA
5/30/2011
Convenient for essentials like milk, bread, and eggs since I'm a block away but other than that, it's just an overpriced and overrated haven for people who will actually pay $8 for a jar of tomato sauce because it has an organic label smacked on it. It's TOMATO sauce.
I always find myself settling for the cheapest thing because the prices are so high. I've never had a problem with any of the products I've purchased, except for the one time I thought I bought shredded cheese (it was the cheapest on the rack - $4, which is still ridiculous) only to go home and discover it's fake, imitation cheese, most likely made of soy. I put it on my tacos and it tasted okay, but when I tried to make nacho cheese out of it by melting it in the microwave, it SOLIDIFIED into a hard, gooey ball of orange. Cheese shouldn't do that. Word to the wise: unlike me, read the labels carefully before you buy something Vegan when you don't want Vegan.
The store itself is way too crowded and the aisles leave you hardly any room to stop your cart and peruse the selections. For some reason, every time I go there, about nine workers are roaming the aisles with handtrucks, unloading boxes right where I need to be. If Shoprite were closer, I'd go there instead.
ON THE PLUS SIDE: The daily meal deals in the deli section are actually really worth it. You get a decent sized entree and two sides from a wide variety of healthy and fresh options, depending on the day. It varies from $6 (poultry) to $8 (pasta or beef) to $10 (fish). The london broil is really good and the balsamic chicken is cooked perfectly. Plus, you can't go wrong with any of the sides. -
Review from Erica C.
9/19/2011
I really like this WF because the customer service is excellent. Almost every employee is pleasant and happy to help. When one of my items goes bad before the expiration date, they always return it with no questions asked, regardless of whether I still have the receipt. They don't have as big of a selection as a lot of the other stores, but I guess that's the result of it being a city store. Things are on the pricey side, but when you purchase their sale items, it's a good deal!
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Review from T. M. S.
Glenside, PA
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
WF has healthy foods...but it isn't any different most of the time from a hospital cafeteria...
pink or overcooked chicken breast...
dirty salad bars.....
I can't figure out why so many people flock to WF for prepared food.
This location has always had the better food - the new Plymouth Meeting location isn't bad...but they pump out so much food with people that are busy and don't give a shit too much.
Jenkintown WF prepared foods SUCKS.....
NEVER eat the proteins...if they are not DRY they are undercooked pink and I have seen way too many employees eating over counters etc.
They consistently are inconsistent....tons of under cooked vegetable like roasted beets that my gut hated me for being dumb enough to eat and not ask for my money back....
asparagus grilled and cut...with TONS of woody stems....not thick, but completely inedible...out of a $10 salad almost half must have been shit....
Just get a shake or sushi and you're good to go.... -
Review from Scott C.
Philadelphia, PA
4/27/2011
Let's hear it for Hot Cart Guy!!!
Oh, Hot Cart Guy. Standing out there in your aviators, guiding clueless drivers through the catastrophic parking situation, looking hot. Hot Cart Guy, Yelp! Give it up for him!!!
Listen, it's a Whole Foods. You know what's there. Just take my advice and park in the garage. Don't even bother with the outside lot. Hot Cart Guy will thank you for it. -
Review from Sarah H.
1/14/2011
To be honest, I was a little worried to reside so close to Whole Foods. Will I rationalize it as convenience to spend $15 on a "100% vegan, gluten-free, organically-harvested" (VGFOH) bag of chips? Oh my.
But, I am happy to report this is not the case. Yes, Whole Foods carries some outrageously expensive items (mainly those in the VGFOH category mentioned above), yet they also carry all the basics--and for reasonable prices! (I've even found some things to be cheaper than superfresh/fresh grocer/acme etc.).
Goodbye, VGFOH qualms.
Plus, they have rotating Monday through Friday specials that generally last 3 months or so (check the board by the prepared foods section). Some of my favorites include: Buy 1, get 1 free soups, $2 off any made to order sandwich, and $2 off all deli meats.
Extra perks are the exceptional service. There is always someone ready to help you. The lady working at the bakery section actually tracked me down because she accidently charged me for a full loaf of bread instead a half.
Only complaint is that it smells funky over by the salad bar. I know, weird, but true. I have no idea what it is but it creeps me out. Hence the reason for the star-dockage.Listed in: livable philly, a votre santé!
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Review from Kathleen B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/20/2010
I went here once and was dazzled at the array of free samples. There was an open box of chocolate cupcakes placed on top of a bakery display, so I helped myself to one. And some gingerbread. I couldn't believe the bounty and walked around chowing down on baked goods. Except for the carob cookies. Ew. I always pass up an opportunity to eat fake chocolate. It took me a while to notice that these weren't actually set out as official tasting stations, but had been opened by a little kid who was wandering around the prepared foods section a few steps ahead of me. Good thing I actually can't afford to buy anything here, because I'm probably identified on the security footage as a klepto with binge eating disorder and couldn't come back here even if I had the cash to do so.
I haven't been back again. Even if I were capable of disguising myself as someone other than Inadvertent Shoplifting Lady, it's just plain out of my price range for groceries. The wraps and other prepared sandwiches, however, actually lie on the moderate part of the cost spectrum, comparable to what you'd pay at Gia Pronto, Cosi, Capogiro, and similar places, i.e., a little pricey for inner-city Philly, but no more so than other 'gourmet' or faux-gourmet type delis. If you're resigned to or have chosen to spend $7.95-$8.95 for a sandwich anyway, this isn't a bad place to do it. My sandwich was yummy and made with noticeably high-quality ingredients. I ate it in the Rodin Museum's pretty garden, so I had a good day altogether that day.
Other than that, I can't tell you anything you don't already know about Whole Foods - aswarm with yuppies who demonstrate overly permissive parenting styles(see above re: the child eating whatever he damn well pleased sans reprimand)? Check. Crawling with hipsters? Check. Corporation run by Republicans who aggressively market to liberals, causing the 'Shall I or shall I not shop at Whole Foods? question, which is, like virtually all matters environmental, a dilemma primarily for people who have the luxury of being able to shop wherever they want without budget constraints? Check. -
Review from Karen F.
Updated - 11/17/2010
I have to give props to the 20th Street location of Whole Foods. They did an event with my daughter's school and we raised just under $5K.
This was an awesome gift and a great way to work with the community.
Whole Foods - you have my undying support.Listed in: FLAM and the CHAIN STORES, Flam's Green Markets, Green…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2008
Without Whole Foods and Trader Joe's I'd be sunk.
So, Whole Foods - I am be-whole-den to you.
High… Read more »
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Review from Brock B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/11/2010
Whole Foods is Whole Foods, decent food if overpriced.
Customer service-wise: I'm getting tired of the stupid question being asked routinely if I've found everything that I was looking for. Unless they're teaching rhetoric, what is the point of this nonsense?
Also, tired of the solicitation for their salad bar project. This junk is making me not want to shop there.
They need to introduce auto-check out lines to avoid the poor customer-service onslaught. Fresh Grocer even managed to do that. -
Review from Rae P.
Philadelphia, PA
9/22/2010
Whole Foods is a chain, so the store is what it is. The difference is the staff.
This one RULES! I love everybody who works here. They are so helpful. Every once in a while you get someone who's had that kind of day, but that's the service industry for you. Everyone is smart and helpful and never seems too bothered to run in the back and check for something.
Also, everyone they hire is... what's the word.... really CUTE. Even if I only need one or two things, it's always nice to stop by and ogle the cashiers like the leery old woman I am. Look out, hipster boys. -
Review from Meg C.
Philadelphia, PA
3/16/2009
Like a lot of people, I have a love/hate relationship with Whole Foods.
I love their selection of specialty foods, I have been able to expand my cooking repertoire because of them. I love the cheese bin that Meredith also mentioned. I scored a little nub of Idiazábal on Sunday that I am way too excited about. You can make a great cheese plate for two or three people with these little pieces. I also enjoy their sales, especially on produce. They some times have ridiculously low prices on grapes, mangoes and avocados. The employees are generally nice, I think I've only met one disgruntled cashier ever.
On the other hand, I hate their high prices, especially when it is an emergency item so I can't shop around. I am not a fan of the clientele, but at least there aren't a million babies like at suburban grocery stores. The salad bar and hot food bar are sooooo expensive. Only made that mistake once. Meat is really pricey, even when it is on sale. And, finally, I hate, hate, hate the hot dog & hamburger buns they carry.Listed in: Philly things that I cannot…
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Review from Zach F.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2010
I'm not telling you anything new by telling you that Whole Foods is expensive -- very expensive for most items.
For example, I personally like to examine prices on regular skinless chicken breast when comparing supermarkets. At this Whole Foods location it goes for $6.99 per pound. Let that sink in for a moment.
The regular skinless chicken breast I have sitting in my fridge was purchased for $1.99 per pound at the Chinese grocery market at 1012 Cherry Street.
Please begin your rant now on:
A). Organic
B). Locally grown
C). Free range
D). Growth hormones
E). All of the above
Finished? Now I'll proceed. Are you kidding me... $6.99 per pound for fucking chicken breast?!? Is this a joke? Or just simply white guilt? I mean, seriously, Wawa and 7-Eleven are cheaper than this store.
That being stated, I do agree that quality costs more, and Whole Foods does provide quality products. Quality products and selective price gouging.
You can find deals though. Their generic brand, 365 Organic, is comparably priced to other supermarkets. And their staff is generally young, vibrant, and friendly. Additionally, if you like your skinny jeans and ironic mustaches co-mingled with stuffy executive-level refinement, you'll find your fair share here.
In all seriousness though, I do appreciate a clean supermarket and an attention to presentation. Whole Foods excels in these qualities.
You like cheese? They have a fantastic cheese selection for a grocery store (but you'll pay $$$ for it). The prepared foods (also $$$) are excellent. If I was a squirrel, I would break into this store to feast upon the various assortment of nuts, grains, and all salt of the earth. And the produce section, it's a veggie lover's wet dream.
In conclusion, if/when I become sustainably flushed with cash from a renewable source, I will come here every week. Until then, I will continue to only selectively shop at Whole Foods. -
Review from Chrissy R.
Philadelphia, PA
10/27/2008
It's Whole Paycheck. The prices are ridiculous and I have to say the food bar here, when I go during lunch always seems like things have a layer of "been out too long" over it.
I do not get my regular groceries here, because I'm not Caucasian enough to waste that much money.
Their take out sushi is cheaper than going to a real sushi place and getting take out. However, the lines as so long during lunch time you're not really saving that much time. -
Review from Caroline V.
New York, NY
2/17/2010
As most people know, this place will set you back but we're all adults (age or maturity) and we all know upon walking in and seeing the gorgeous flower choices and shiny, clean and yummy fruit/veggie displays that our wallet/bank acct are about to lose $$$.
I'm a multiple market shopper. I don't go to just one place...I'll go to one for produce/fruit, another for meat/fish, another for imported cheese and yet another for bread or hard to find/specialty drinks...Mind you I'm not a walking wallet but Whole Foods definitely has items everyone else doesn't or has higher quality ones.
tip: always grab the circular when you walk in. It's got coupons you might need. If not? put it back.
Top buys for me? Almond milk (they have the bigger refrigerated container and the chocolate one is good), coconut water (hard to find in large sizes), peanut butter (i forget the brand but it's soo good), olive bar (so many choices, pricey but YUM)
tip: bring your own bag, you'll either get a 5 cent discount off your purchase or you can get a wood token instead to donate to a charity on display (last visit it was american red cross for haiti) -
Review from Bertram B.
Philadelphia, PA
12/20/2009
This review is for the Fairmount, or Art Museum area location. And not for anything else but the cheese shop. I really dont care for the crunchy smugness that pollutes every whole foods.
The cheese shop here is superb. Great selection of french, italian, spanish and american, as well as some others. The staff is very friendly and knowedgable, and always willing to give out SAMPLES!
They know their stock as well. Sottocenere, Robiola due latte, La Tur, Tallegio, Pont L'eveque, Munster Girome, Travecchio Parmigiano, Epoisses du Borgogne, Tilsit, Gorgonzola Dolce, Fontina Val D'Aosta, Queso de La Serena, Grayson, Mt. Tam, Red Hawk, Midnight Moon, Morbier, Piave...like I said check it out. Even as of late they have had Quadrello di bufalo.
I would have given five stars to them, if not for the creepy, off-putting head cheese-monger. He has glasses, and no friends. I can't stand him. He'll continuously ask you a question, then interupt the first word of your reply, only to cut you off and answer his own question for himself to toot his own horn. WHO DOES THAT!?
On top of that he undresses me with his eyes. I know I'm blindingly handsome, but handsome people have to shop too. To be oogled by him was violating and insensitive.
All joking aside, I think his name is Dan, but i'm not sure. Don't confuse him with Ari....Ari is the best. -
Review from Ryan G.
7/1/2008 1 Check-in Here
This is probably one of the best examples of proper employee management. Whole Foods does so well and beats out the competition because they manage their employees respectfully and give them the freedom to manage themselves. The best part of all, they're expensive as shit! And people are still willing to go there and spend good money because they believe in what WF stands for.
Someone on NPR made a joke that it's not Whole Foods, it's Whole Check. True, you could spend close to your entire pay on groceries there, but in a sense, it's totally worth it. We don't buy ALL of our groceries there, but we do buy some things like soy ice cream or any of their seafood soups and it's worth every penny. It kills me to go to Super Fresh (not to knock them) or any other grocery store and ask for something uncommon because nine times out of ten, they give you the blank stare and act like they don't even know where they are! But again, not to knock other grocery stores because it's hard to compete with Whole Foods.
Not only do they have amazingly good food, an incredible variety and a good work culture, they are very involved in the local community. I run a "green" painting company and there's no better place to post free small advertisements than in their store. They have an ad area where you can throw up business cards, flyers, pictures of things you're trying to sell, etc... it's like Craigs List on the wall. They also have a community board that keeps their customers aware of whats going on and where. It's awesome.
I grabbed sushi there one night (like a city yuppie) and they were out of wasabi (us city yuppies' can't have sushi without wasabi). I decided I'd buy some so I went back to the sauce isle and a woman in the meats department said, "Hunny, you looked lost - can I help you?" I told her I was just going to buy some wasabi and she said, "Are they all out in the front? Give me a minute, I'll help you." She took her gloves off, washed her hands, walked me to the front of the store and dug in one of the bins behind the sushi counter and gave me a few packs of wasabi. Yeah, it was a free condiment but still, you don't get that kind of service anywhere and that's why I'll keep going back.
Keep it up Whole Foods, you make me want to be a better man. -
Review from Neha K.
Philadelphia, PA
5/13/2008
Wow! I can't believe I've been living in Philadelphia, only a mile from this place, and I've never made it out here! Also doesn't help that I live half a block from Trader Joe's.
Boy.
Whole Foods is so awesome! My jaw dropped as I walked in, it's a _real_ supermarket!!! The reason I made the trip in the first place was because I was making cupcakes and wanted to buy ready-made frosting. Unfortunately, they mostly had organic cake&frosting mixes, but I was still amazed at the variety of fruits, veggies, sweets, cards, ready-made food....
***They even sell world-class music. o_O
omg and I forgot to mention the best thing: THEY DEDUCT $0.05 IF YOU BRING IN YOUR OWN BAG. !!!!!! -
Review from Caitlin C.
PA
2/15/2007 1 photo
Expensive, yes. But that is the only negative. The people who work here are incredibly nice and helpful. The pre-pared food is a working woman's dream. The Jamba Juice is perfect for breakfast or just to pretend you are in Cali.
HINT: Near their checkout lanes grab a couple tuperware containers full of prepared soups such as Split Pea, Clam Chowder and Parmesean Broccoli. It's like having homemade soup at home or work without all the messy cooking and cleaning! -
Review from steven e.
Baltimore, MD
3/8/2007
Back in college, I boycotted Whole Foods, Kroger, and the Mount Olive Pickle Company on behalf of the United Farm Workers.
Sadly, in the last few years, I have reneged on my boycott of Whole Paycheck because I love Jamba Juice and Anne's Green Garlic dressing. -
Review from Kevin W.
Philadelphia, PA
7/7/2007
I've been to many a Whole Food, but so far this is the only one that sells chocolate dusted almonds. Even though I live a few blocks from the South Street Whole Foods, I am more than willing to make the drive out to the art museum to get me some chocolate dusted almonds.
Yes, I'm addicted.
You'll be too.
Seriously people, you really have to try them.
Not sure if there's a support group or not yet though.....so be careful. -
Review from Kim D.
Philadelphia, PA
8/11/2010
In my opinion, if you've been to one Whole Foods you've been to them all. But that being said, I do enjoy this location. They almost always have what I need, and the employees are very helpful. Plus it was walkable from my apartment, before I moved out of that area.
Slightly off-topic, but... I also want to give a special shoutout to one of the managers (I really should have gotten her name that day) who came to the rescue when my friend somehow got her car locked inside the parking garage next door, on the Fourth of July last year. Long story. But she went out of her way to help us in that peculiar situation, on a crazy holiday, and we'll be forever grateful. ;) -
Review from Wallave R.
Philadelphia, PA
5/15/2011
The Freshest Food on Town. I used to work Here.
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Review from Holly N.
3/19/2011
Readers Digest version: clean, standard (for WFMs), high prices (like all WFMs), decent California roll, friendly staff, overly chatty and friendly cashier who wants everyone to bring recyclable bags. Yup.
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Review from Lisa S.
4/24/2010
I'm scared to calculate the percentage of my paycheck that goes here every month. However, I appreciate that I can usually find in house brand products for most of my staples. And if you cook and stay away from the pre-made foods (even though some of them are heavenly), it's really not that outrageous. I also subscribe to the store specific email for sales and recipes and religiously cut coupons from the fliers.
This place can get mobbed at certain times of day and I've had a few near death experiences in the parking lot. But they're open until 10PM every day, so I just do most of my shopping after 8:30PM since I'm lucky enough to live a few blocks away. The staff are always really nice. One woman gave me a jar of yeast worth over $10 because they were out of the regular, cheaper packets.
So why the 4 stars? I knocked off a star due to something that's completely outside of the store's control. Perhaps this is unfair. But you see, the only other Whole Foods where I've spent much time is in another state where they allow supermarkets to sell wine. Gah, we're missing out on so much! Also, that other Whole Foods? Was in Austin, TX, aka Whole Foods headquarters. And y'all, it is truly Texas sized, right down to the pounds of chocolate and cheese cut in the shape of the Lone Star State. There's just no comparison. -
Review from Stephanie B.
Philadelphia, PA
2/13/2011
I have only eatten whole foods takeout area foods - and have no complaints. The store is very clean, the checkers are friendly. During high traffic times its hard to find a table and if you do its dirty, but thats because it gets very busy there. I would do my shopping there, but its too expensive for me!
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Review from Frank C.
Sharon Hill, PA
4/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I sneak over here when I'm on break at school for a healthy alternative to the lunch trucks. A very nice variety of prepared meals and sushi. there is also a large salad bar and at least 6 soups available on the reg.
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Review from Michael L.
Greenville, SC
1/5/2011
On the surface, WFM appears to be the perfect grocery. However, being a WFM-believer necessitates buying into the idea that high-quality, fresh produce and product requires paying an exorbitant sum. My trip today consisted of buying ingredients for a standard spaghetti w/meat sauce recipe. $50 later, I walk out dumbfounded. I found everything I needed, but, seriously? In a city as large as Philly, enough neighborhood butchers and grocers provide personalized service and sell quality goods without ripping you off. WFM doesn't cut the mustard with me.
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Review from Melinda E.
Philadelphia, PA
4/9/2009
Or as I like to call it, Whole Paycheck. Nah, I am just kidding, I go to this place almost every day. The selection of food is great, if it weren't for their sometimes steep prices, I would make this my only food shopping source, but alas, that is impossible.
What is great about Whole Foods is that you can find great deals on some delectable produce or your favorite items, like organic honey-crisp apples for $1.69/lb. And of course, lest one forget the free samples that they have sprinkled throughout the store. Often I go there and don't even need to buy very much in the end because I have had the equivalent of a meal in samples.
There are two Whole Foods as well. One in South Philly, where I go the most and this one. For a better selection in the bulk and well, almost everything, I would say go to the museum.
Another cool thing about Whole Foods, for those of you on a budget, is that if you buy cases of things, you save 10%.
You can save your money, you just have to shop wisely.Comment from Kerry S. of Whole Foods Market 3/5/2010
I wanted to let you know we've added a selection of… More » -
Review from Mark P.
Philadelphia, PA
1/26/2010
Ah Whole Paycheck - I mean Whole Foods...
The selection here is insane. I could literally spend hours in their cheese and butcher section alone. All of the food is labeled if it is organic or locally grown - even the meats which is a huuuge plus. I would much rather pay more for meat if I know it is from 93 miles away as opposed to other markets where god knows where it came from and how much it was pumped full of growth hormones.
The prices are extremely steep but you definitely get what you pay for. I will still go to Trader Joes for basics but for everything else - whole foods it is. Parking can be a pain in the ass sometimes with Philly Sports Club sharing a lot but I usually go later in the night during the week and do not seem to have any problem. -
Review from Candace C.
New York, NY
10/18/2010
clean, fresh (but expensive) produce, carries national brands (compared to trader joes that only sells its own food). great section of nuts!!
-1 star for pricey produce. i go to reading for my produce! -
Review from Nicole R.
PA
2/15/2007
For some reason I am able to come out of Whole Foods with lots of groceries having only spent like 80 bucks. I can't do this in any other supermarket. Theoretically, Whole Foods is expensive. It an establishment that sells high-end organic produce and grain fed meats, yet I can rock and roll the joint with less than a bill.
What Whole Foods is really great for is freaks like me who are allergic to things. For instance, I am allergic to cow dairy. I still like cheese and yogurt but it has to come from a goat or a sheep or something like that, which Whole Foods has and most large chain grocery stores do not. What I don't like about Whole Foods is that being a large chain grocery store they run independent organic markets out of business like crazy. And it's a dilemma. For me to get the same amount of food at Essene that I get at Whole Foods, it would cost me around 30% more, which I can't afford, so often I end up at the big store.
