Ludwig’s Drug Store

This is a kind hearted neighborhood pharmacy and I am so glad I found this jewel!
This is the type of pharmacy that cares about its customers, they take the time to communicate improtant things you need to know. For instance, I was told how to use my new inhailer without having to mention I was a first time user. Once, I overheard the pharmacist talking, at length, to a customer about various insurance coverage options. This is the kind of place where you feel taken care of, priceless!

Fantastic pharmacy. My prescriptions take 5 minutes to get filled, the pharmacist and other staff are very kind. And it’s a block away from my apartment. Way better experience than getting prescriptions filled at Duane Reade.

Every time I went to target pharmacy or Duane reade, I’d leave frustrated, angry at how I was treated or surprised that it wasn’t that horrible this time. Ludwig’s is why small businesses are better. They acknowledge you as a person and act reasonably, not according to data and rules to please the maximum number of people.
Every time I leave ludwigs, I think to myself, I’m so glad I went there.
There are things more important than lowest prices. That is how we arrive at walmart.

I was a hardened, defeated Duane Reade customer until I stumbled across Ludwig’s. It’s a rare find, and I would travel far and wide for this place. The pharmacist is SO nice and helpful, and he even discounted my prescription when I quoted him a lower price than the one he found. I love this pharmacy.

I’ve always wondered why it takes hours or a day to get a prescription filled when the pharmacy has what you need in stock. What could be so time intensive about putting a certain number of a certain pill in a container and putting a sticker on it when you are a pharmacist and you know the pills? Do you know? ‘Cause I have no idea. I do know that whatever law of physics keeps Duane Reade or anywhere else I’ve ever gone from being able to fill my prescription before I’ve gone through the entire process of questioning every decision I’ve ever made and wondering how I live with myself being such a weak lowly worm of a being as to need pharmaceuticals to function properly thus putting myself at the mercy of these powerful druglords… so ya whatever law of physics that is, Ludwig’s has somehow found the wormhole through it. My prescription is always ready in 5 minutes. Seriously. 5 minutes. And that’s just the speed. Ludwig’s also happens to have the kindest most knowledgeable pharmacists ever. They learn your name and know your face so that they go back to get your prescription as soon as you walk through the door without you even having to say, «Picking up for…». They don’t shame you if your prescription coverage is not so great or if you don’t have any at all. They’ll work with you if you’re having trouble. If you’ve run out of refills, they’ll call your doctor to renew your prescription if they can when you haven’t even noticed yet that you’ve run out of refills. And did I mention how nice they are? They’re super nice. I think when you’re going to pick up drugs, it’s nice when people are nice. This pharmacy is what every pharmacy should be.

I love my local pharmacy. The pharmacist is friendly and knowledgable, and he remembers everyone in my household! I called this morning to refill a prescription, went to pick it up around noon. They told me the shipment wouldn’t be in until later in the afternoon, so I went around 4pm again. But the shipment was still not there, he told me it will be another hour. Which was fine, I figured I’ll just pick it up tomorrow. But 45 minutes later, my door bell rang, and one of the guys at the pharmacy was at the door with my presciption! I didn’t even ask them to deliver it!
I love my local pharmacy.

Ludwig’s is what I imagine my parents are referring to when they talk about «the good old days» where you could go into your neighborhood business and feel like you were being served by someone who generally cared about you. I am so grateful to live a mere block away from this gem. The staff is incredibly knowledgable and will always know exactly what I need to cure whatever ails me. For example, for my recent cold symptoms, I would have assumed I needed «cold meds,» but the pharmacist said that for my specific symptoms, I should use the meds labeled «allergy relief.» I felt better that day and was back to myself the next day!

I’ve walked past this place for 2 years and didn’t give it a second thought (it’s small and tucked away at the corner of Washington and E. Pkwy and isn’t exactly shiny and new inside), but a few weeks ago I needed an over the counter product that Thriftway up the block didn’t seem to have. I went home dejected until I remembered the little hole-​in-​the-​wall pharmacy by the train. After some googling to figure out what its name was, I gave Ludwig’s a call. The guy on the phone knew exactly what I needed, said they had it in stock, and that he would wait for me to come pick it up (they were about to close but I live right up the street). The phone guy was behind the counter when I got there and was über-​helpful. The next week I had to get a prescription filled and decided to give Ludwig’s a try. The Rx my doc had given me was the highest copay, so the same helpful guy called the Dr the next day and got it changed. No hassle for me and great customer service. Also, it was super quick, as compared to Thriftway, which has quite an after-​work rush.
The store is tiny and has definitely seen better days, but the selection of over the counter stuff is pretty good for the size (all the basics like shampoo, contact solution, NSAIDs, vitamins, and all that jazz) and the staff are top notch. I’ve never gotten service like this at Thriftway, where the employees aren’t unfriendly or anything, just disinterested. Ludwig’s is now my go to drug store on the block. Do bear in mind that it’s literally a drug store, so no cosmetics, school supplies, cigarettes or any of that. it’s not Duane Reade, after all. And that’s just fine by me.

I wholeheartedly support this place of business as the epitome of neighborly service. Walk past the shelves of dusty items and straight back to the counter where you will be greeted by a familiar face and pick up your prescription. Didn’t call ahead? No problem, it’ll be ready in 5 minutes. Your prescription’s out of stock? No problem, give him a second to run down the street to pick it up, and it’ll still be ready in 5 minutes. Oh, sorry, did it take 6 minutes? Apology offered and quickly accepted. BTW, Ludwig’s carries my prescription that no other pharmacy in NYC carries, including Duane Reade, Rite Aid, and CVS. They also carry cherry and strawberry flavored Carmex for around a $ 1!
The pharmacy closes at 7pm, but if you need something after hours, simply give them a call and they’ll have it held for you 2 doors down at The Islands. Also, all messages left on their answering service will be returned.
I think they may also ship stuff for you if you don’t feel like lugging a package to the post office.

I came here for the first time, feeling sick and crummy, and eager to obtain my precious prescription. It is a teeny-​tiny easy-​to-​miss place located beneath the Key Foods’ awning.
An extremely friendly and knowledgeable gentleman helped me right away, I didn’t have to wait long at all, and when my prescription was ready, he thoroughly explained my medications, what they were for, how to take them, and when.
You cannot get service like this at Duane Reade! A+!