The best stop on your shopping tour! I had the pleasure of stopping by this unique store and purchased a wonderful men's cologne for myself. This place has hundreds of fragrances and hard to find men's and women's sundries. The proprietor is a quiet and nice man who was able to pinpoint the right product for me based on my request for something subtle. There have been a few unjustified bad reviews that I've read, and I have to blame the reviewers who are more likely the problem. Simply put, if you're going to shop retail, then purchase from retail. Don't walk in and try a bunch of fragrances then buy online to save a few bucks. Do the right thing by merchants that have rent to pay and operational expenses. Supporting local May cost a bit more but it worth it. Thank you sir for a great experience, I'll be back. read more

I had a bad experience here. I came looking for a particular perfume (Jicky by Guerlain), asked the gentleman there and he showed me a bottle. I asked whether I could test it and was told no. I have only smelled old bottles of Jicky -- I don't know what the current version smells like. Without trying, I couldn't decide whether to buy it, so I gave the perfume back and told him I'd think about it. They were selling it for $145, same as retail. I then had a walk around browsing the store. Once or twice I saw something I hadn't heard of and I took out my phone to Google it. I'm a bit socially awkward and I sometimes prefer to read about things online instead of bothering someone with questions. I went to the door and told the gentleman at the counter thanks and good bye. He said to me, "so I'm curious, were you just shop malling me or what?" I'd never heard that term and asked what he meant. He said, "You look at our boxes and then you look the prices up on your phone -- that's shop malling." I said that I was really mostly interested in the Guerlain perfume, and if they'd had a deal on it I would have taken it. But they didn't and plus, I'm not going to shell out $145 for a perfume if I can't try it. He said to me sarcastically, "Support local businesses, huh." I replied, "Well, I still might be back, you have some good stuff." And he said, "I won't hold my breath." It's not nice to be snippy with a customer who's just coming in to have a browse. And the "shop malling" accusation came out of nowhere too (just because I was walking around and looking at my phone?). The funny thing is, I would gladly pay retail price for something or even a bit more to support a local business run by nice folks -- keyword here is nice. read more

Service was so good. I love Kathy and I would honestly probably go back. I stood there for about 10 minutes and all the samples she gave me were super spot-on. But when I got home, I did a little research and learned that the perfume I bought for 70 dollars goes for 30 online, MAX. I guess I don't regret it that much because it's a gift and I like supporting local stores, but she had me thinking I got something rare for a good price. Turns out it's the opposite; they even sell it on amazon. I'm sure she would've told me if I asked, so just make sure you ask a few questions about the perfumes! Some of them are actually rare. Others, it seems, are not. read more

This is by far the best source I've found for personal care products: shaving, deodorant, brushes, blades, combs, colognes and much more. It's also the best insight I've received for personal care products from the gentleman who's always there (at least when I stop in.) There's ample parking in front of the shop, and it's a shop where you can sample just about everything before committing to a purchase. The Yelp details include no credit cards accepted, which is not the case. Credit cards are welcome here. read more

For decades I was a regular customer at this shop of shops...the best collection of men's colognes, products. Then, more than 12 years ago, they were gone. I was crushed...it was an attachment. As a monk I've made sacrifices, and I have vows but none compared to relinquishing my colognes. It's all about the senses. To know that they simply moved, are still there and were just blocks from where I lived in Newton Upper Falls is almost traumatic. I will certainly have to visit soon. read more

This is one of my favorite stores ever. It has an old-timey quality and sells wonderful products. For instance, if you need a present for someone and want beautiful- smelling soaps, this is the place. The kind proprietor will even wrap it for you! It's the best store for perfume. Well worth a visit. read more

Colonial Drug - Wrapped present - Drugstores Near Me - Newton, Massachusetts

Was home visiting and thought I would buy some wet shaving. Items to leave at parents house. Can't fly with razors in carry on. Was just looking for a brush and some shaving soap. Really surprised at what I found in store and did make a few purchases. IKon B1 OC razor and a Plisson brush were unexpected finds. Great store and will be back. read more

Just a few weeks ago I was lamenting the discovery that Colonial was gone from Harv Square. I assumed it had succumbed to online competition. Then, coincidentally, I discovered it had moved to within walking distance of where I live. I was thrilled. Or at least really really pleased. Kathy (Cathy?), one of the owners, gave my GF and I what amounted to a personal consultation and lesson in perfume history, theory, and classification, and helped us each determine what we actually liked (vs what we thought we liked). 500 online reviews could not compare to what I gained here. I'm sure you can find the products for less online - but I intend to support Colonial Drug with my business. It is more than worth it. read more

I was horrified to think that this place had simply closed up in Harvard Square, and I'm really glad to know that they just moved to Newton. If you have never been to Colonial Drug, you should go, just to look around. This is THE place to find everything to suit the grooming needs of a modern gentleman. They sell everything from imported toothpaste, to straight razors, to artisanal shaving creme and mustache wax. It's true that they are cash only, but I have had at least one experience when I didn't have cash, and the owner told me to take my shaving creme, and, "just drop the cash by the next time you're in the neighborhood". This is a true gem of a place. read more

I have been a long time customer of Colonial Drug. They have been consistently reliable and an absolute pleasure to work with. Decades ago, they secured some rare items for me. When word gout out that they had some, they had to "defend" my order!! Kudos for the ongoing traditions of excellent customer service! read more

Bought some deodorant. Terrific store to look around in. The young lady behind the counter was a delight. Would return regularly if i had a legitimate excuse. read more

Excellent source of rare cologne and perfume. Wonderful old fashioned customer service by very knowledgeable staff. Always a place to park in front or nearby, much easier than the Harvard Square location. read more

Not an actual pharmacy, but rather a fragrance and grooming store. Huge selection of colognes and perfumes (especially men's), high quality shaving creams and soaps (Taylor of Old Bond Street, Truefitt and Hill etc.), very nice selection of safety razors, razor blades, badger shaving brushes, Kent hairbrushes etc. Lots of things I used to look for online. Evidently a venerable institution at their old location at Harvard Square, just moved to Newton. What a gain! They share a store with Stoddard's Cutlery that seems to be a first rate knife store in its own right. NB: they take only cash and checks, which is a minor inconvenience. read more

This place is truly a gem. Colonial Drug is operated by a team with superlative knowledge of fragrances and fine shaving and grooming supplies. I frequented their store in Harvard Square for years and am delighted to find they have moved to more ample quarters closer to home, and with easier parking. Over many years I have sought their guidance in selecting new scent for myself, for family members and for friends. They have a broad selection (well beyond department stores) of fine fragrances, are very well informed, and are generous with their time and advice. It is establishments like this that elevate a retail experience to something memorable, educational and rewarding. read more

I have been a customer of Colonial Drug for over 50 years. I don't get into Harvard Square as often as I once did. I called Colonial the other day and who should answer the phone but J.T. I needed a new shaving brush. I was told, by J.T., that the last badger bristle brush that I bought would last a lifetime. It failed after 31.5 years of daily use. A testament to the quality of their products. Glad that you have relocated and are still in business. I applaud you.d read more

This is a most enjoyable shop. I am sad to not be able to visit them in Harvard Square where they were to begin with. It is good they are still around with this cutlery store in Newton. Stay true... read more

Be sure about your purchase because everything is final sale which I was not told when I purchased an expensive shaving mug and even more expensive soap. It was a gift and wasnt right for my husband because he needs one with a handle. read more

Like many, I stopped into Colonial Drug every time I went into Harvard Square. It is the only place around you could find fine European fragrances. Imagine my surprise and delight to find out they moved into Newton, within a five minute walk of my street! Thrilled they are here. I couldn't wait to run in peruse their goodness and purchase some Roger Gallet. BTW, this location is not that out of the way for Harvard Squareites as it is located on the Watertown/Newton line. 71 bus from Harvard Square takes you to Watertown Bus Central and then just a short ten minutes walk up Watertown street. Stop by and don't forget to pick up the BEST Cannolis in MA across the street at Antonies Italian/French bakery. read more

I first walked into Colonial Drug in 1980 as a student. I made a few purchases but vowed to return when I could afford to buy a grown up perfume. From 1984 to 1986 I returned again and again to try various scents -- no one raised an eyebrow as I kept returning week after week. Finally I found it: the scent. It was magical and I scraped together the funds to purchase .5 oz. of the precious stuff. In the late 80s I called Colonial Drug for a refill, and had it shipped, a full oz. of the precious stuff. I called for another shipment in the 90s and got it another bottle. My magical scent is no longer manufactured. But Colonial Drug is sending me testers so that I can find an appropriate replacement. You cannot get this kind of service anywhere else. They are amazing. read more

Looks like they've moved into their new location separate from the cutlery shop, and their selection of wet shaving supplies seems to have increased since I visited them in Harvard Square. No better place in anew England for specialty shaving stuff. read more

My boyfriend is a big fan of fragrance, including vintage and niche perfumes. He had wanted to visit Colonial Drug for years and had the chance to stop by after a weekend in Boston. The shop was nicely set up and had beautiful displays, but never in my life have I ever been treated in such a condescending manner. Upon entering the shop, we were barely greeted and the gentlemen working walked away to the back of the shop until we asked him to sample some fragrances. After a few, I wanted to jot some names in my phone for reference, to which he asked me "Why are you writing those names down?" As if I was doing something wrong. Immediately I was completely turned off by how rude and judgmental the comment was. My boyfriend was asking him a few questions and interrupted again by asking "are you familiar with what the term Shop Malling means?" I am so disappointed by how awful the service was. It's no wonder people go on eBay when the service is downright deplorable and the markup is ~500%. Don't see how this place stays open. read more