It's gradually become the one place I go to shop. The only black mark might be their lack of an alcohol department, though their branches in Middleton and on the north side both have a pretty good selection. The cheese department is second to maybe dedicated cheese shops, but they stay well ahead of what's hot, new, and high-quality. Their bulk aisle is well-utilized and well-stocked. Additionally, they have pretty much everything I need as a bread baker. I've found the fish and deli to be a bit pricey, but the stuff is always good quality. In particular, their sausage and brats are on par with Underground Butcher down the road. They keep a modest but effective selection of kitchen essentials. The produce maybe isn't quite as good as a farmer's market, but they still do a good job of sourcing a lot of local produce while stocking the essentials out of season, for better and for worse. The staff there have always been super nice and helpful.
Limited variety of fresh produce, but nothing is ever past it's prime. Wide selection of vegan/ organic/ paleo/ local foods. The health and beauty section has vitamins, supplements, medicinal teas and body care products. Purchases support community programs, the employees know what they're talking about and will drop everything to help you find what you need. Quality worth the price.
Local, community-based spot. Literally give ownership to its customers. Great options and variety, competitive prices, lovely staff. We love it.
This is the very first place I visited when I moved to Madison and was one of the reasons I was so excited to move here from abroad. They are incredibly responsive to all customer requests. I love that I can always trust the products on their shelves. They are constantly on the lookout for new fun products. Staff is friendly, diverse, well-trained, gets paid vacation and treated well in general. Have been frequenting this store for the last 10 years and can't say enough good things about it.
Great grocery store with community vibe. There's are cafeteria-like food options and seating area within the co-op that is quite nice, I've worked there with my laptop while eating. Friendly staff, great deals for co-op members. Some things can get pricey (like produce) but the deals make it worth while. I also love that they cary the health products I love.
I thought I would stop here "quick" on the way in to work at 7:30am. Well the employees were late to open the doors about 5min. I went to grab a hot breakfast sandwich which I assumed was freshly prepared given the fact they just opened. Unfortunately I was very wrong. To my surprise I had a burnt and under cooked English muffin sandwich that was glued to the aluminum foil they used to wrap it up. This sandwich cost a hefty 3.99! I expected much better quality from a healthy organic co op. I don't eat at McDonald's but I do know they make a better egg muffin sandwich than this!
Clean, very friendly staff, but limited selection and higher prices won't help those looking to stretch their dollars.
I know you have to pay for buying locally and organic/non-gmo food, if that's your thing, but just be aware that your food budget won't go anywhere near close to what you can get by going to Woodman's.
A staple of this community, and grateful to it for everything it does and stands for, but I simply can't rationalize doing my shopping here when just a mile away is a massively discounted, locally and employee owned store that, if anything, offers TOO MUCH selection.
Excellent selection and location. Prices on most things are in-line with what you'll find at the big chains as well. We shop here 3-4 times a week and consistently eat good fresh meals because of it. Tip: if you have Bicycle Benefits shop here during the week by bike and save 5%!
The for selection is very good and lots of bulk items. The prices are high but everything seems to be good quality and there is a strong focus on local. Great place
The original location of my favorite local co-op. There's a good grocery and bulk selection, plus a good deli and bakery items.
The deli is my usual destination, with plenty of well-marked vegan options. They added a wood-fired pizza oven in the last renovation.
People sometimes comment to me that there are high prices, which is sometimes true, but they've also got the lowest prices on certain regular pantry items, and, if you keep an eye on the monthly specials you'll find some great deals otherwise.
Anyone can shop there, but if you're not a member, there's a slight surcharge on your purchases.
They also offer classes -- often for a fee, but sometimes free -- and host community events.
There's also an outside dining patio, a no-fee ATM (UW Credit Union), and a Four-Star Video drop-off location.
Great selection of high quality, healthy food options. Everyone is super nice and the juice bar is fantastic. It does require ownership to get the best prices but it's under $60 for a share (at the moment) and you can sell it back if you move away.
I don't buy all my groceries here due to high prices, but I especially love the bulk section and the discount produce bins. I can usually find a good score in the discount produce -- think bruised fruit or fresh herbs that are on their last legs. The bulk coffee is a great price and I love trying the different ones that are on sale. Most of the prices are a little higher than I'd like to pay but sometimes it's worth it for the convenience of being close to home and supporting a great local institution.
I love to support the CHIP program and I wish all cashiers would ask, even if I'm only getting a few dollars worth of items.