Weavers Way Co-op - Mt. Airy

As a member, I know that Weavers Way is a job creator employing hundreds of staff at four main grocery store locations, a warehouse, two health and beauty/pet store shops, two farms within city limits growing food for a CSA and for sale in our stores, and a mercantile. One store has six apartments over it, another store has four EV charging stations, another is old and cramped (and doesn't have a parking lot) yet each time we expand at another location to ease crowding at the first location, it gets crowded again. It's economic democracy at work, for each time a sale is made, more of that wealth is kept in our community, paying local employees, paying local vendors, contributing to the local tax base, paying interest to members who've loaned money for our expansions, sharing net profit with members (when there's a profit to share) being a pillar helping to hold up the community. The mutual needs of our members is met with the goods and services Weavers Way provides and the quality is backed by the co-op. I enjoy being a member and by shopping for my needs at the stores feel the warmth of community but know it can be a little overwhelming for non-members unfamiliar with cooperative enterprises, know that you are welcome to shop here. Mt, Airy is the quirkiest location and in about 50 years it's grown from a church basement buying club to four bonafide year-round food markets (some with parking lots), 12,000 household members, tens of millions in annual sales, and a reputation for being good at business. It's a legacy of Jules Timmerman in the 1970s who got people in the neighborhood to buy-in to starting a food buying club that's grown slowly these last 50 years.

Love all of the Weavers Way Co-Ops. Their mission, the quality of the food, and their creation of local jobs and support for the local community cannot be beat. Wish there was better parking options for this location, but it's great for locals and if you can walk a block or two with groceries, check this place out. The staff is always friendly and helpful as well!

Don’t go unless you have a membership, but the place is amazing. The food quality is unspayed. You must provide community service. They become a member.

Walked in on President's Day with my ten year old daughter, and an employee by the door was loudly discussing with another employee that there were too many children, they should be in school, learning something, but they won't be learning anything there because of the state of education. I was standing with my basket, trying to shop, while this man kept rudely talking about children in the store and how horrible schools are. All within ear shot of my daughter, and I'm a teacher in Philly schools. I eventually said he was being rude and unwelcoming, and put down my basket to leave. I told a manager about the behavior, and the employee argued with and cut me off the entire time, justifying why it was ok. I'm sorry, are kids not welcomed at Weaver's Way? Is bringing them in to shop on their day off a problem? No children were misbehaving. I'm a paying member who has cancelled my membership, I drive out of my way to shop here and spend my meager teacher salary from my apparently crappy, meaningless job, buying sometimes overpriced items to support a "community grocery store" that, let's face it, is in a rich, majority white community. This is a place for rich white people to pat themselves on the back with their wallet, and as a teacher, my wallet isn't thick enough for that! Anti-children is anti-community. What a privilege to shop here, one I won't be engaging in anymore. If I ever enter another WW, it'll be Germantown, but sadly, after this experience, everyone was pretty pleasant at the Acme within walking distance of my house!

An amazing place to shop if you hate awful supermarket fluorescenct lighting and music. Small place but has most things you could want.

Organic, highly quality, locally sourced products, this is a unique venue for grocery shopping. Enjoy a 5% discount if you are a volunteering co-op member. Be aware, other customers are not always friendly, maybe because of the tight confines.

The cashiers are always nice and knowledgeable. They're bulk department is awesome in My Airy only. The little store across the street called Mercantile is beautiful fill with antiques and great gift ideas for local artisans.( It is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 - 4pm) I really love this about all their stores they are truly a great community store.

Just love it. Kind people, great dried mango slices and fresh corn on the cob.

Weavers Way is a neighborhood staple. Since I first moved to West Mt. Airy six months ago, it has effectively become a central part of my daily routine. Is this your local Acme? It is not. Should you expect to be able to peruse the aisles freely with an oversized shopping cart? You should not. That said, the selection and quality of produce, fresh store-prepared foods, meats, local and organic options, etc. in such a small space almost defies logic. There have only been a handful of times that I have had to venture out to the big-box stores of Chestnut Hill, Germantown, or Roxborough. And while all of these things make for a good shopping experience, these are not what make Wavers Way great. For that, you need to look at its people. It is a microcosm of the neighborhood. A place where you get to know people by name, where no trip is complete without some small talk or banter. Is the store small? YES. It's tiny. And it can get crowded. But you know what? It works. It works because people care to make it work. Because people look out for one another. Don't take up space schlepping your shopping basket around the store. Put it down in the holding area like everybody else, deposit your groceries individually like everybody else, and get in line like everybody else. Things move quickly and efficiently. A trip to Weavers Way is a carefully orchestrated dance, and it is beautiful. By its very nature as a Co-Op, Weavers Way is community-focused and community-driven. Everybody cares about the store, and it shows. It is always clean, always well-stocked, always friendly. It is a throwback to the mom-and-pop stores of years past, but at scale. If I could say more good things about Weavers Way, I would. Do yourself a favor and go check it out yourself. You won't be disappointed.

I have been shopping from health food shops/co-ops since the 1970s so am no newbie to this type of establishment. Weaver's Way employees (and even a customer) acted as though I am the worst person in the world. I was yelled at three times by three different people, and a fourth time, an employee said something rude to me. I get the feeling that they dislike older Latina women and I will not be returning. I hadn't been treated with that level of disdain since I was a freshman immigrant to the U.S. Any owner or manager reading this: PLEASE DO NOT contact me. Go away.

Busy busy busy, small store fully stocked several vegan options. The lines moved very quickly. Will definitely return

Great selection of produce, bread and prepared foods. They also offer non-food items such as fun calendars, jewelry and sundries.

I'll let most of the other reviewers talk about the great yummy food and lovely staff. (Both of which I agree with!) But I want to talk about how Weavers Way (specifically, the administration running all three sites) has managed around COVID. First of all, the stores very quickly figured out that they needed to have fewer people in them, have better cleaning policies, and require face coverings. This was even ahead of state and local mandates. They also worked rapidly to offer pick-up and delivery options so that folks could reduce their trips out of the house and into the store. However, what I find even more impressive is the communication around employees who have been sick -- not just ones who tested positive, but ones who exhibited potential COVID symptoms. Weavers Way has sent out repeated emails to members whenever there's been a potential infection, letting us know where the staff person worked, when they worked, who they came in contact with, and what steps the coop took to mitigate infection once they realized someone was sick. My wife and I sometimes joke, "Oh yeah, someone sneezes in the back room of Weavers Way and they'll send us an email about it!" But the truth is we love it. We know that if they're being transparent about this, then we can trust how much they're cleaning the store. We know that if they're sending their employees home on paid leave as a precaution, that staff don't have to choose between getting a paycheck and getting others sick. We know that if they're taking this seriously with us, that they're taking it seriously with their employees. Can you say that about the other places you shop? Probably not. While prices are sometimes higher here (although not always!), I feel strongly that they are worth it, because (unlike other stores), Weavers Way actually cares about its communities.

We moved to West Mt. Airy about two years ago and if it weren't for Weavers Way Co-op I would have starved to death. A short walk from our house we go there at least five times a week to pick up pre-made food, organic vegatables and other healthy products. On special occasions we take Amos (our dog) for a walk to the pet-store annex of Weavers Way and he gets to pick out a bone. Also, this location has a lot of human things such as vitamins, supplaments and other products. This is truly a gem in the neighborhood and the staff is fantastic. The entire community of West Mt. Airy is very inclusive and spirited and honestly I feel it's the best place to live in Philadelphia!

The Community Well. Great food and daily needs with great coop values. Best deli, cheese shop and pet store in there area. Excellent selection of natural health products and gifts. Bulk spices, coffee and teas all great. Excellent catering available!

We were so happy to find out that there was a co-op in the area when we moved here! This location has an incredible bulk section, which is great as we are always looking for ways to reduce our waste. The food is high quality, and we are always impressed with the selection for the size of the location. It's a fantastic alternative to other stores. Not as expensive as a place like Whole Foods, but much better quality than other supermarkets in the area. Our only negative is that it is a small location, so it isn't super easy to get around if you have a stroller or young kids with you. (There are a lot of fun things at toddler height!) We ended up becoming co-op working members, and would definitely recommend that. For a small annual fee, you can get some great benefits. We felt like the fee and the few hours of work time were well worth the benefits.

Yes, the line for checkout involves some fairly inscrutable etiquette rules - heaven forbid you transgress them! - but otherwise I have nothing but positive comments for this quirky West Mt. Airy institution. It wouldn't be The Village without this store and its annex. Some highlights: the local tofu, not the bricks already in packages, but the ones floating in the water bin - the best ever. Take it home in the deli bags, which are placed directly behind you when you're facing the tofu (did I say quirky?) - that is, if you haven't brought your own bag. Put it into cold water and refrigerate once you're home, and it's so fresh that it keeps longer than any other tofu I've tried. Next, the extensive bulk goods, including canola and other oils that you can refill in your own container. They've recently added bulk Kombucha - does it get any better than that? Some good vinegar options are also available in bulk. Remember to bring your own container. Also an extensive bulk spice collection. Lately, I've found the staff to be interested in chatting about recipes and cooking. In particular, as I was loading up on ingredients for granola (yeah, heavy-duty cultural stereotype here, minus the Birkenstocks), and got some good pointers on making it from the staff person working the bulk aisle. Unless you're passing through as a tourist, you'll want to join, do the cooperator hours (6 per person per household each year) and get the 5% discount. They spend a huge amount on credit card charges, so help out by using their EZ Pay option - make a deposit by cash or check, then spend it down.

I dropped it a star because honestly the space is horrible and it's so tight and cramped , especially after school hours , that it makes the place very annoying to navigate. The selection is always great- the staff ( a mix of co op members and employee) are amazing and very helpful. I love supporting cooperatives and this one is worth it. They have a wide variety of items to suit almost every need and the products are of quality. The prices can be slightly higher than what you'd see in Whole Foods- but I'm not a member so I don't know how that discount would change my opinion on that. I would be a member if I did in fact live closer. I go here a few times a week ( my son goes to school across the street from them) and I've never had an issue with any product I've gotten. FYI- this location is only for good items- weavers way across the way ( which is across the street ) has all of their home/ beauty/ personal items.

So where do I start.......... I go to both Mt.Airy and Chestnut Hill. I can attest to the fact that Chestnut Hill is much more friendlier. Staff and shoppers. It's not that much bigger than Mt. Airy the aisles are just wider. I do feel Chestnut Hill is a little cheaper with prices. My experience at Mt. Airy wasn't unpleasant but it made me not want to visit that often. Especially with my son the customers were not friendly. The employees seemed unhappy. Which was weird. I was a member of the mariposa in West Philly and they are amazing there. Some one referred to The Chestnut Hill customers as Posh but they are super friendly and always smiling. In thee end I most likely will continue to go to Chestnut Hill. My 3 stars was given because of the non existent customer service at the Mt. Airy store you guys have to step it up.

I've been a member of the coop for my entire life and there is a reason why I've never left. It is a wonderful community and store. Enjoy yummy local produce (when available) and a variety of natural items all year around. Members enjoy a 5% discount and other discounts, but all are welcome!

We are a vegetarian and vegan family and the fun veg stuff, like burgers and cheeses are few and far between. Of course, there are vegetables but you know what I mean! The staff and clientele can be very cold and, I don't know, entitled? It's that thing with liberals with money--they have a black lives matter sign on their lawn but will push past a woman of color (like myself) like you don't exist. I feel like I get attitude like this every time I'm in here and I don't get that vibe shopping any where else for food. I go when I need to and am a member but don't feel inclined to shop here regularly.

Unmmm this place was not tight at all. All the gross old men that work here were rude and the selection of groceries was terrible. Trash.

Usually I put customer service right up there next to the Tooth Fairy when it comes to things I expect to encounter in the real world. So, I was down right alarmed when the lady with the dreads at Weavers Way walked me around the (tiny) store to show me each of the deals and to explain why it is so important to buy organic potatoes. Apparently growing underground makes potatoes especially susceptible to pests, thus commercial potatoes are drenched in pesticides... but I digress. I left with frozen wild salmon, a lb of pre-washed collared greens, broccoli, grapes, potatoes (of course), avocados, yogurt covered pretzels, and a reusable grocery bag that stuffs into a tiny pouch. I was pretty pleased with myself.

I am a huge proponent of food co-ops, locavores, slow foodism, sustainable agriculture and the like - so I was thrilled to visit the medium-sized - very crowded Weaver's Way. We have very few of these types of food coops in Philly - but when I lived in NYC there were many - in Brooklyn and Manhattan - where you could both shop and participate as a member. Even though it's not flawless - there is a big space issue - I am so happy to have them here and I will continue to buy my brown eggs, brown rice, and brown bread here when I am in the nabe! Oh - and they sell locally farmed Christmas trees and greens during the holiday season. Go Weaver's!!!

This place is amazing. First time here. So super cute. They have kombucha on tap, I was offered a free slice of cake as they are celebrating something to do with apples I think. Everyone was super nice, friendly and helpful. They do many things to support the community and just has a great vibe. Will come back and learn more about this fantastic little spot.

This is a very tiny store compared with the Chestnut Hill one. But they did win my heart by having fresh from the same day Sweetwater Bread. But it's sooo expensive! Over $7 for a loaf. Wonderful bread though. But again, very small and crowded with products and walls, and so on. Not the kind of shopping I like.

Great place, little pricey though. Nice that they opened up Chestnut Hill location, cuts down the crowds.

I have gone into the store requesting some pretty odd things. Not once did I ever hear, "I'm sorry, we don't have that." I don't know how they do it but for a pretty small store they manage to pack it tight full of anything and everything you could possibly want. The people who check you out are always conversant and friendly. I've ordered a few cases of items and they're always happy to accommodate. Somehow, I always walk out of Weavers Way Co Op feeling really happy and that something is right with the world!

The coop is on small side. It's pretty good still , as far as its selection hoes *Goes, etc. lThe workers are really nice and helpful which is good always! Definite recommend.

Favorite food shop! I love the small intimate feel of this store. Amazing bulk selection! Super friendly and helpful staff! Great selection of organic, healthy food options!

Weaver's Way is awesome. I've been a member for 25 years. Until you've experienced it, you may not realize how good it feels to buy your groceries without lining the pockets of a major corporation. And note: you do not need to be a member to shop. All are welcome. Weaver's Way may not have the lowest prices, but I feel good knowing the workers receive healthcare and a living wage. The workers are incredibly friendly and helpful. Hmm, all those cabbages are too big, would you mind cutting one in half? No problem! Those blood oranges just came in. I wonder if they are any good? Have a taste. And a produce person is always close by, no waiting and hunting! Let me say something about the size; Weaver's Way is famously small. It's just amazing how much product they can get into that place. I prefer to exercise at the gym or in the Wissahickon. I don't want to be walking all over a big store searching for what I want among a mass of product I really don't want! As for checkout; it's fast! Even when the line is long. More and more people are using their Easy Pay system, where you create a tab with funds you've paid in advance. It speeds up checkout significantly, and it keeps the credit card company out of the loop! (But don't worry, they accept credit cards if that's how you want to pay.) The only negative thing I can say is that you'll likely run in to people you know there and want to catch up. This can slow you down. You feel the hominess of a small town when there. If you really don't want to talk to people you can where a bluetooth and pretend you are on the phone; just point to your ear when someone tries to talk to you ;)

First things first. Yeah my membership has lapsed, but I've got nothing but love for this place and the marvelous Mt. Airy loving folk who work and shop life into its wee space. Lately I've been hitting up the flower selections because the arrangements are gorgeous, mega fresh and very moderately priced. Every time I give these flowers to someone as a surprise the comments make like Puff Daddy and can't stop won't stop. It's also a glorious place to get your cheese, along with other snackables. Delicious soups, and a very varied selection of edible goods packed into the smallest space. Shopping there is more like mastering the bob 'n weaver's way--there's definitely a supermarket sweep strategy involved! But everyone you encounter and bump into is just plain lovely. I'm lucky to have it close by, and will be reinstating myself as a loyal, happily noshing member soon. Join me.

Love the Portlandia reference and passive aggressive label from a previous reviewer. Pretty accurate. Couldn't have said it any better but I'll try. Let's seperate the pros from the cons. Con# 1 : Prices. A joke. Really gouging. The mark up is tremendous. $6.99 for Organic Strawberries? $1.50 for a cottony apple? $6.99 a head of organic califlower? WTF? Pleeezeee... Con # 2 Employees Let's give a hand to the angry, uninspired, condescending, eye avoiding, I'd rather be elsewhere group of smoldering, unsmiling staff. Is there a more unhappy group of people on this earth? Nope. Customers! If you have a question for these folks get ready to shield yourself from being on the receiving end of a condescending reply. Employees have total disdain for the customers especially the Mount Airy location where they seem skilled at the art of resting bitch face. Word of advice: the prepared food section in Chestnut Hill is a game of eye contact. The first employee who makes eye contact while they see you waiting for help loses. Con # 3 You. The Customer. The above tirade applies to all of us who shop there. Forever in a hurry to get to a prime spot at Mommies Yoga. And yes, no eye contact here either. The space is tight in the Mt. Airy location so if you, unfortunately don't know the rules, be prepared to get an elitist tongue lashing from one of many carbon copy, middle aged, resident women sporting practical Teva sandals. Con # 4 The Parking. Getting worse. Watch out! Almost duked it out with a fellow, card carrying, liberal. Another middle aged woman in linen cargo pants and practical footwear. Pros The food. Good variety of prepared food. Really good local produce. Very clean interior and exterior. Everything that Wholefoods has except WF employees try hard to please their customers. If you are looking for a warm fuzzy experience you wont find it here but if you want to get in and out with minnimal damage, except your wallet then this is your place.

I give this place- and all of those who work there a lot of credit. For Weavers Way exists purely on the hard work and dedication of a neighborhood of Tree Huggers and Earth Children. I first found out about WW a few years ago when a friend of mine brought me along while she went shopping. I was impressed by the movement and joined shortly thereafter. I do all of the shopping for my family, and I was the only one who went there. That didn't matter, being a part of the co-op meant that my husband also had to work there a certain amount of hours per year (that went over well). So, after we both worked all day- we drug our asses to the basement of this place and stuffed bags with twigs and berries until our eyes were bleeding. Painting the space above the freezer, stocking shelves, pricing cat food are just some of the jobs that I worked there because I could never get my husband to go back! That was the main reason why I let my membership expire. That and the fact that I was sick of paying $30 a year when I never really got to go as often as I should have. When I did go, I have to admit that I really felt like an outsider; especially when I would come straight from work wearing makeup and a suit. Forgive me for sounding like an asshole- I really do get the concept. I guess when it comes right down to it, I am just more comfortable shopping at my local Acme where I can get all the things I need without having to stock the shelves and mop the floors.

When I resided in Philly for 8 yrs...this was my go to store (along with a few others) and I loved the sense of community, the fresh and local food and the bread rolls...oh the bread rolls... and you had to work there a few hrs a month to maintain your membership, which was a cool experience, I was ladling grass fed milk chocolate pudding product into plastic containers and putting pricing on them as well as, or wrapping hunks of parmesan reggiano to place out for folks... good times. So if you find yourself living in northwest Philly, join up with these folks, you wont regret it.

I don't recall the last time I got THIS excited about a grocery store. It was probably when I first discovered farmers markets back in '87. Weavers Way has the Trader Joe's prices, Essene/Whole Food quality and the local flavor that warms my heart. The produce is so fresh I can taste it before I even try it. Quite the sensory experience. I have fallen in love with seasonal veggies all over again! (That's twice since yesterday.) The prepared foods are also awesome. They also have those 'hard to find' items like mochi for bake. I don't know where else I can find cana di cabra for $4.31.... or domestic feta (4 big squares) for $2. The staff is absurdly helpful and friendly. If it's nice out, I highly recommend taking your lunch to their backyard of sorts and dining at one of the new picnic tables! I have full intentions of joining the co-op, which means I'll volunteer for 6 hrs and get 5% back. Totally worth it. (You can also chuck over 30 clams if you're strapped on time.) I might as well volunteer since I'm constantly making excuses for going back.

Agree with others that it's a tight squeeze, but the prices are right and the quality is top-notch. For such a small seafood case, they keep some fantastic choices of fresh and sustainable seafood, which can be so hard to find around here! The produce selection and gourmet goodies will shape up your pantry for sure. Crunchy granola? Heck, yeah, but it's also the most neighborhood-y place around. Check out the bulletin board on the front if you're looking for an apartment or any sort of services nearby or just want to know what's happening around town.

They carry raw milk and dolmas, which is basically all you need in life! I shop here regularly for bulk tea and spices, Inspired Brews kombucha, and (like I said) raw milk. It's also a favorite for quick grab and go snacks and lunches. It is a tight squeeze inside, so it's a little bit tough with small children. Still, my favorite grocery in all of Philly.

I really like Weavers Way Co-Op. The food here is the best of what's around. Their prepared foods are always spot-on. Last fall they voted out the work requirement, so membership is open to anybody with a taste for fine, local food. Volunteer workers get a 5% discount on groceries, and the work is generally pretty easy and fun. I always get my coffee here. They have a great selection of different roasts. Also a decent selection of loose teas. The store is very small, but they are able to squeeze plenty of great items in every corner. If you go at off hours you can generally beat the mob because it does get very crowded at normal business hours. I highly recommend the trip up to Mt. Airy to at least check out their cheese selection and prepared foods cooler.

Decadent & delicious choices in in natural &/or organic foods!! Yes, the store is small, but it's where I can find uncommon cheeses. Yes, it can be Muslim-Hindu-Xtian-Rabbinical, so go to the Chestnut Hill store to get your snob fix (there's great food there also!!) But there are snobs in Mt. Airy, who are too prissy to donate an honest 2 hours working, so they pay for someone else to do it. Ignore all that, go for tastes that will delight your palate

My lover and I were on a long lover's walk in West Mt Airy. As we were in desperate need of groceries after a power outage at the esteemed Welshly Arms Hotel had spoiled our food, we happened upon the Weavers Way Co-op. Taking a moment to caress my lover as she rode upon a magnificent coal-black hobby horse across the avenue, we entered the quaint building, lustful passions upon the evening air, rising like a devil's miasma. As I perused the organic produce, the local meats and cheeses, I could almost hear the faint music of a jug band, enthusiastically playing while farmers hawked their wares to the townsfolk. I grabbed my lover, as if possessed by Zeus himself, thunderbolts crashing, screaming "Is this our love!??!" My lover embraced me fiercely, standing by the convenient refrigerator filled with artistan sandwiches, delicately-smoked fishes and lusty chickens. As it turned out, I was merely feeling the effects of a minor electrocution I had sustained from an old racket zapper I had purchased at the thrift shop. We continued throughout the store, and as I viewed the organic products, the fresh baked goods that seemed to be delivered by great Odin himself, the dairy from farms most near...I could hardly contain myself. I'd have taken my lover right then and there, in the biggest bulk section this city has ever seen, if not for the paid cooperator giving me queer looks and asking me if I knew my nose was bleeding. I cursed the heavens for not being a member, as the extra 5% discount would have kept my checking account from going into overdraft mode, but such is a lover's life. My lover and I exited, continuing on our lover's walk.

Great Vege Chimachanga. And decent prices. I did buy 3 spoiled doughs though. Too bad. They should toss before selling at a discount. How would I know? Been a vege for 13 years-- long ago. And this is still the gold standard by which all co-ops of profit-based (not going out of business often) vegetarian markets should emulate. Clean, fresh, nice.

This place is a really cool local market. A lot of options and without a ride to whole foods. Why the three stars?? Well today I went in there looking for fresh or frozen fish, hoping for salmon. I was very surprised to see that most of their fish including the salmon was farmed raised. With any research you can find out how horrible farm raised salmon is. I just imagined Weavers Way wouldn't carry farm raised fish, but I was wrong

Weaver's Way - a community treasure for for locally sourced foods. This is a dream come true in many ways. Recently recently purchased a small amount of sushi-grade tuna. We took it home and seared it, and put it on spinach in a kind of informal salad. It was the best store-bought tuna I have ever had. Cross my heart. The soups are great too, and reasonable. Ahhh - this is a lovable organization. I have a Weaver's Way canvas tote-bag too.

It's really tough to say enough without saying too much. I've known *of* weavers way for less than 4 years and it's transformed my life, truly. The community that is present, the values and goals that people try to realize are...unbelievable. There are actually good folks trying to do good things here. I am giving WW a 5 star review but over my time of knowing it there have definitely been ups and downs, mostly personal issues that I have had, being very close to the organization. That said, you just cannot say anything bad about this organization, this idea, the ideals of the people that visit here daily, shop here, live around there, or the people themselves without saying a half dozen good things afterwards. At the end of the day, the place isn't *perfect* and I think some of us, especially young folks become disillusioned by that and wrapped up in our ideals of how things should be but man there are so many people here focusing so heavily on uplifting folks, providing more options to folks, spreading knowledge about alternative ways to live life. This is literally my clearest example, ever, of a "positive" life experience. Something about this place's gravity just sucks in conscious folks who are trying hard to live life positively. Prices are more expensive than you might find at other places, and the community can be a bit insular but these issues are counter balanced by the various programs and projects the Co-op promotes, hosts and organizes - putting the money to good use and providing the entire community (indeed all of Philadelphia) the opportunity to meet their neighbors and share a few experiences together. Great place. So many life-changing experiences for me to have been a part of the community for such a short time.

The only reason I go here is because it's the only place within a 50 mile radius that sells the dog food I buy in the "giant 44 pound" bag at their across-the-way store. I used to live close, and then going there would entice me to buy things at the co-op (like beautiful multi-colored eggs or ridiculously expensive cheeses), but this place is in no way essential. Also, it's pricier than Whole Foods, so be careful! It's a super cute area to walk around, but I am on the fence between 3 and 4 stars only because I dread being pestered about becoming a member every.single.time. I've told the cashier over and over that I come here only once a month to buy this one item, and no it will not benefit me to join. It says all over the store that the public is welcome, so I really wish they would stop pushing their unwanted membership on me.

I stopped by Weavers Way for the first time recently while in the area. At first and second glance, they seemed like an over-priced version of Whole Foods, which is already pricey. They have a great selection of products, including nice specialty options. I do like their bulk section, which includes grains, ready-to-eat snacks, and loose teas. Stop by if you don't mind blowing some bucks on some specialty delights.

I have kind of a love-hate relationship with this place. It's nice to be able to buy local produce, eggs, and other product. The competitiveness of the prices fluctuates, but they aren't terrible, and can be pretty good for products on sale. They carry a lot of things that you won't find in other stores, like locally produced gluten free bread, tofu, and other items. Sometimes the local items are prohibitively expensive ($12 bread?) and sometimes they're very competitive with nonlocal items at other stores. I really like the espresso that they sell, too, and the cheese selection is great and the prices are totally reasonable for the quality. However, the selection of many other items isn't good, even for specialty-ish products. You will find a much larger selection of dairy-free milks at Acme, for example. I think the only greek yogurt they sell is Fage, and it's much pricier than you'll find elsewhere. The prices also fluctuate more than is typical for chain stores (not sales, but the regular prices of eggs and produce and such). But those are issues that I'm going to guess are pretty typical for coops, and worth dealing with for access to the local produce and cheese. My main issue is, it is a MISERABLE shopping experience. I was skeptical of the reviews about the crowds and rude customers, thinking many of the reviewers are just used to shopping in roomy suburban locations. I don't know if I've ever seen a review for a smaller store in the city without complaints about narrow aisles and crowds and rushed, rude patrons, and usually I find that these stores are perfectly pleasant in reality. But in this case, the reviews are spot-on. The layout is such that you cannot stand still at any location in the store without blocking the circulation of the store. Even when the store is nearly empty, I feel rushed, because I am always in someone's way, just by virtue of the store layout. People will literally drive their shopping carts into you and look at you expectantly, as though fully expecting you to just go limp and allow yourself to be shoved out of the way. I would recommend you not even bother trying to shop here your first few times if you can't shop well outside peak hours (before 3:30 PM), because you can't just stand there and look over the shelf trying to find the items that you need or easily move amongst the shelves. If you do have to shop during peak hours, I would recommend that you just accept that you are going to be in everyone's way and everyone is going to be in yours, dispense with any rules of politesse, and try to get your items and get out of there as quickly as possible. This store does have a larger selection of some things than the Chestnut Hill one, especially the value-oriented items, like the bulk bins and some types of conventional produce. (I could not find non-organic berries at CH, for example.) But for more basic things that are in stock at both stores, I would highly recommend Chestnut Hill over this location. It's compact too, but the layout doesn't leave people trying to bulldoze each other out of the way of the kale.

Yes, small, crowded, you may feel rushed, but this place is also one of the top reasons I live in this neighborhood. I live in between both co-ops, but this is the one I go to. What grocery store can you get kombucha on tap, work on a farm to get a discount, and take free classes on all kinds of interesting topics? The beating heart of Mt Airy..I guess you either get it or you don't.

Ah, the original Weavers Way grocery co-op...two floors of organic, locally grown/baked goods. While they do carry some of your average supermarket staples, this is the place to go for prepared goods of the Kosher, vegan, and gluten-free varieties that may otherwise be unavailable in big name markets. Weavers Way also serves as a hub for the community of Mt. Airy--their bulletin boards that line the walls of the staircase advertise everything from real estate listings to commercial services--cleaning, pet-sitting, music lessons--you name it; chances are, there's a market for it (no pun intended).

This coop is the best! It's a center of neighborhood activity helping us all eat in healthy ways, support living wages and ethical consumption. I am proud to have raised 5 kids on Weaver's Way food.

I do the bulk of my shopping for food at both Weavers Way Locations and a few farmer's markets in the area. I rarely go to a traditional supermarket at all. The recent remodels have made this location more interesting with the expanded bulk items available upstairs. I swear, buying dried beans here, they taste better and different than beans purchased dry in packages. It now makes me wonder if those packages are just many more years older than the bulk items. Additionally the small salads in the refrigerator section are great for packing lunch for work. I can be assured of some healthy and tasty combos that vary from week to week so I never get tired of them. New membership rules also do not require work, but if you choose to work for the coop for volunteer hours, you get a discount.

I love this coffee shop! Always friendly service & terrific pastries (coffee is super too!)

Weavers Way is like a smaller, slightly more expensive Whole Foods (I've heard members only save 5%, which still leaves it pretty expensive). You can get local / organic / hard to find foods here, just like at WF. I was a big fan of the bulk store upstairs -- definitely picked up some pumpkin seeds to throw in my morning smoothies! The mango leather was great too. It's made in the store and wasn't sugared like it is when you buy a bag of it a regular grocery store.

Weaver's Way is a great place to shop, everything is fresh and the prepared meals and salads are always so delicious. I really liked their chicken salad and their Mom's tuna. The place is incredibly clean and the staff super helpful. Keep your eyes open they always have deals even for non members.

On my second visit, we had a similar experience: we bought some tasty ground beef, avacados, and more chips (blue corn this time!). Unfortunately, we also bought corn, which was mealy! That was super disappointing.

I LOVE Weaver's Way and really disagree with some of the content in previous reviews. WW is not necessarily meant for convenience shopping. I am a single woman and I find that I have no trouble shopping at the co-op, during peak times or otherwise. I actually find the co-op to be a great place to shop if you live alone because I can get smaller quantities of items than if I shop at the corporate stores like Acme. I also enjoy the work hours - I've worked throughout the store, but most recently, I have been getting in my hours by participating in the membership committee. I wouldn't say that the community is necessarily made up of "tree huggers" and "earth children", though. The community is made up of a variety of similarly-minded folks from different backgrounds. I enjoy having a place to go to where I can obtain locally grown produce, a place that offers more natural, wholesome, and preservative-free foods than chain stores with prices way below that of Whole Foods. I enjoy interacting with other members and contributing to my local and global community. I don't find the membership fee or the work hours to be prohibitive being a single person vs. a family. I don't think that membership in a co-op is for everyone and, if you aren't single, it's definitely not a solo decision. If you're keen on being committed to the Weaver Way values, you couldn't find a better place to shop. If not, stick to the chain stores or just pay the 10% visitors' fee to pop in once in a while.

Great items but the crowd needs to be a little less entitled-liberal-I-try-to-drive-a-Prius sort. Other than that, it's provides much needed fresh/local/organic produce so you can't complain. Of course, because of the atmosphere, those in the community who don't look like the entitled-liberal, etc., etc., feel less than welcomed here.