Harvest Co-op

This is a decent coop and it’s close to our house so we are members. It has most basic foods, medium prices, produce is seasonal but good quality, they have awesome baked chicken and a great supply of beer and wine. They are a little short on household cleaners, hardware and housewares, but you can get most of your shopping done at reasonable coop prices. It is not crowded and has wide aisles. Also open later than most places.

If you’re looking for a place to buy food that’s similar to Whole Foods, but significantly more expensive (than Whole Foods, seriously!), with a much smaller selection, where the produce is rotting on the shelves and the dairy products all expire tomorrow and none of the employees can tell you where to find anything and may indeed end up asking you what an artichoke is, then yes, this is the place for you.
More likely though, you’ve found yourself around Forest Hills and this place is convenient. So yes, they sell hippie foods, and the non-​perishables are fine except for being stupidly overpriced. But do inspect your produce carefully before buying, and do check the expiration dates on everything because the employees here sure as hell don’t. And don’t buy in bulk thinking you’re getting a deal. You’re definitely not getting a deal.
I’m mad because I live near this place, and this is otherwise a grocery store desert. When we first moved here, we joined the co-​op, and got zero communication from them and then zero money back at the end of the year. When we asked what the hell happened to our share, we were told by a stoned employee that they didn’t turn a profit that year. We weren’t exactly shocked, thinking back to the fact that in order to walk into the store with our little kids that day, we had to basically step over an employee who was drunk or drugged to half-​consciousness just outside the front door, still wearing the shirt and name tag.
I really want everyone to stop shopping here so they go out of business and get replaced with something useful, like a Trader Joe’s or something. But I get it, there’s nowhere else to buy groceries around here.

Beyond excited to stumble upon this market! I live relatively close by bus, but had never really explored this area before, until last week! I was at Simpli across the street and noticed this market. Wanted to see what kind of products they had just in case I wanted to do some grocery shopping there in the future.
I would say its a mix between Wholefoods and Trader Joe’s. They only have wine and local beer, it you’re like me and that’s a priority in life. Harvest offers an annual membership for about $ 20 – 25; however, wasn’t told much about it from the cashier.
Whenever I’m in the area, or don’t want the hassel of going into the city, I will def stop y by Harvest!

Great super market for the area.
I use the Harvest Co-​op to augment my weekly grocery shopping at Whole Foods. Prices are what you would expect for a natural/​organic urban store. After several trips I finally became a member. (Probably because the staff does NOT push membership on you I wanted in as I felt like I was joining a secret fraternity or something and also because it appears to be worth the initial membership cost if you spend on average about $ 20/​month.)
The Harvest Co-​op has a great selections of products with variations of certain items not carried by Whole Foods. I recently discovered a fab organic Malbec here for $ 10.99/bottle.
I wish the deli would carry more organic, grass feed, all-​natural meats and prepared foods.
I also feel Harvest Market could/​should kick-​up their craft beer offerings a notch; an edgy grocer like Harvest Market should be more of a destination for craft beer…

It was OK. Reasonably priced I got the salad and I got the seafood salad on the side. The staff was friendly and the cashier was nice she did ask me if I had a membership and I did not but didn’t make a big deal about it.
I had a hard time closing the salad container so that was a little frustrating but another patron advised me that he also has the same issue when it comes to closing the salad container so I didn’t feel awkward. The food itself was actually pretty good so no complaints there I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.

I come here a couple of times before. although it nice and new and convenient near my house. The prices are way too much with my budget I don’t think I can shop there weekly.

I miss the old JP location. Maybe I’m biased, but I feel like the newer one doesn’t have as many local offerings (the old one carried two different local salsas, for instance, while I could only find Cedar’s at the new one, which is nowhere near as good. The new one could also benefit from a hubway station for those of us who now need to trek way out of the way!

I wish this grocery store were closer to me! I’m in love with the bulk foods section. I go here on dates and we compete Price-​Is-​Right style over who can guess the right weight. It’s great fun.
In all seriousness, though, the bulk food are generally a pretty good deal and very inspiring, and this store has a really nice selection for such a small store — from deli meats to produce, to teas to beer to wine to ethnic staples that you may not even find in a bigger grocery store that is less discerning. While the prices are somewhat higher on some items because it is a smaller store and a less expansive chain, I think Harvest made up for that in the quality of things that it stocked. And the prices generally aren’t TOO high. Really they just need to stock non-​organic produce and then we’d all be good to go. (So not that their prices are high — they are on par for organic food.)
All in all, a nice, clean store filled with light and an atmosphere that makes me want to shop here. If only I lived closer! (Or if only a location opened up in Brookline…)

So appreciative that one of their awesome employees took initiative (I didn’t even ask!) to get me a specialty ingredient sent over from one of their other locations. This level of customer service is so rare and so appreciated! Patronize this lovely store!

Friendly staff, good produce, clean, nicely laid-​out.

Caveat: I’m not gonna knock a star off for a small local place having higher prices than cheap-&-great tj’s. Not gonna do it.
That said, great deli, great veg protein options, nice vitamin/​shampoo section.
I love the folks who work here.
I love the discounted overripe organic bananas for banana bread.
Good sales.
Good wine selection.
Not corporate.
Good parking.

The good: The deli is great, love their sandwiches. Also love that they’re open late. Their bulk selection — especially oatmeal and spices can’t be beat. I also think their chicken prices are reasonable considering the chicken is cage-​free, all natural, etc. Also love the parking, especially compared to the South Street store.
The expected: Everyone who is complaining about prices, you are correct, it’s not cheap. It’s a small, local food store that specializes in all natural/​organic/​local food. I don’t know why you’re expecting it to be cheap. Many things are comparable to Whole Foods or even Stop and Shop. Some things are more expensive. Some things (like bulk stuff) are cheaper.
The bad: I’ve found the produce to be iffy. Sometimes the whole selection will be bruised or overripe.

This is my go to place for bulk food items. I’ve done price comparisons with WF and some organic and local buying clubs, it is cheaper to buy most grain, legumes, nuts, and seeds from here. If you’re into stocking up significant amounts of food for you larder (store house, root cellar, pantry) then consider getting a membership and discussing with the bulk buying manager about the pricing, poundage, and availability of the items you use most (i.e. flour or whole grains, beans, sugar etc.) You’ll get 10% off your special orders which will save you hundreds of dollars per year. If you spend more than $ 250/​yr here then the membership is worth it.
The spice section is also great. If you can’t find what you want then make a suggestion to the buying manager. But if the item that you’re looking for is an ultra specialty item, then check out Christina’s Spices in Cambridge instead.
They carry a great selection of local and organic dairy.
In terms of the produce selection, some of it is comparable or cheaper than Whole Foods. But I generally believe it is too expensive. Although I do consider that much of the price is: (1) the produce is either organic or local (2) because Harvest is dedicated to food justice they are extremely mindful of buying produce from farmers at a fair price (3) the store has to make a decent profit. That being said, I usually get my produce directly from the farmer.

The prices here are simply unconscionable. I don’t know how anyone on a student’s budget could shop here for more than the occasional «I forgot eggs at the store» type trip.
When plain old Harvest store brand pasta sauce is $ 3.49 and I can get a bigger jar of just as tasty TJ’s marinara for $ 1.99, I’ll take two buses just to get to Coolidge to save the cash.
Awful awful.

I love love love this store. It is in the building I work in and sometimes it is just a great refuge for my day. The store is bright and clean and though it isn’t huge it never seems overcrowded. The deli has wonderful vegetarian sandwich options and there are always great soup options as well. I do agree with some people’s comments about some of the prices. Some things I know I can go another place and find much cheaper (such a Naked Chicken); however I find some great steals on things like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar.
The biggest thing in favor of the Co-​op though is the staff. I love the staff. They are so helpful, sweet, and fun. Jeff knew a) what ghee is and b) where to find it. Shayla is always a hoot at the register. Conner knows where everything is. Michael always is friendly and smiling. Lisa always says hello and is helpful. The people in the deli know I love the chowder and always tell me when it’s available. A great team! If they bring back the sushi soon I will be beyond happy :)

I’m just going to echo that going here on a Sunday night was quite pitiful because a lot of fresh items were gone. However, it’s very large and spacious in comparison to the South Street one! You have room to zoom around in your cart and not fear of knocking down all of the shelves.
They have a great deli selection, good meats, cheeses, and handful of organic and non-​organic selection of fresh vegetables. You can get fresh milk in nifty jars (small deposit that you can back later)! I thought that was quite awesome. Plus, they carry my favorite tofu ever, 21^st Century Tofu. If you want to feel less guilty about Whole Foods, come here. If you think this can replace your Trader Joe’s craving, think again. Their selection is less inspiring than TJs.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Harvest. Hats off to the co-​op!

Great to have a lager grocer in the area. Glad it’s there but I wish there was more to it and less to the prices. Appreciate the people working there and the bulk grain bins.
Try not to go on Sunday nights — not so many things left.

I was soooooo happy to have an honest-​to-​god grocery store open near my house that is closer than the god forsaken Stop & Shop and better than a bodega. Like I’ve said before, this end of JP is a bit lacking.
Because it’s new, it’s incredibly clean, bright and orderly. There’s a great selection of produce with plenty of organic and non-​organic options. The food there is quality with the prices to prove it. I love the bulk, deli and a la carte sections and like others, wish they had more of a bakery. There’s a fantastic beverage selection and that’s not even including the beer and wine section! Lots of wine for a small space.
You have to be a smart shopper here. It’s not cheap, but again, I sincerely appreciate having a place to stop on the way home to get that last ingredient for dinner. The staff is very nice and helpful.
A small thing, that’s not really anything to do with Harvest: Could we get a footbridge over the damn railroad tracks, please? It’s so close, yet so far away.
If you’ve ever been annoyed by the lack of space and variety at the South St Harvest, come visit this location! It’s only a five minute walk from Forest Hills.

Wow!
Talk about an upgrade!
I loved my Harvest Co-​Op when I lived just off South Street in JP. But what slowed it down was small selection (only one or two options for items if that), cramped aisles and long lines. All that is GONE with this beautiful new location on Washington Street.
It is bright, shiny and organized. They’ve been able to expand the fridge and freezer selections as well.
Did I mention a parking lot? No I didn’t. There is one! And a nice big one at that. It’s also a hop away from the O line and/​or a multitude of buses if that’s how you «roll». Don’t hate.
Service was fast and friendly — I like it guys!
Nothing to knock here other than there is no beer or wine yet — but we asked (obvi) and apparently it’s coming!

I’ve been frequenting the South Street Harvest for over two years, due to its convenient location by my house. I was curious to compare the new Harvest with my old standby, and here’s how it shakes out:
Great additions:
— Airy aisle space
— Roasted, ready-​to-​eat marinated chickens
— Salad bar ($ 6.99/lb)
— Expanded frozen pizza selection, including roasted veggie and BBQ chicken
— Dedicated parking spots
Noticeable subtractions:
— No bakery area
— Walker-​unfriendly (only one crosswalk remotely nearby and it didn’t give me the walk signal for two traffic iterations, so I ended up running across the street when cars thinned out)
— Lack of beer/​wine callout [the map on the website indicates they carry it but I didn’t see any alcohol during my walk-​through]
On the whole this seems like a comparable shopping experience; I’ll probably go to the South Street location for my everyday groceries and go to the Washington Street shop for specialty items like whole chestnuts. On a side note, I’m looking forward to watching Arboretum Place develop; I hope they continue to add new features and build up the neighborhood by Forest Hills.