Wards has GREAT organic vegetarian and vegan staples, and they carry things you won't find at the best supermarket. They're very cheap and relaxed. The store's pretty cramped and it can be difficult to move around much, so be careful getting a cart, especially if you're just looking for a couple of things. My favorite produce market in Gainesville! read more

I fell like such a good person when I shop at Wards. I is a bit far away from my house, but they carry a great selection of local produce and natural foods... I try to make a trip over there as much as possible. Usually I go to get this certain kind of yogurt that I like (brown cow) but yesterday I went and got some steaks. They were awesome... very fairly priced and I loved how I could see the butchers cutting up the meat right there behind the counter. Unfortunately, they don't have a huge variety of selection when it comes to normal grocery items (like snacks and cleaning supplies) but it's great for produce, bulk items (like granola) and meat. I definitely recommend you come here, even if it's just to support your local market!! read more

Friendly and busy even on a midweek morning, this is clearly many people's go-to place for organic produce and canned goods and good quality, locally sourced meats. For us, the crowded aisles made the shopping a bit harder than we could manage. But we will probably return to this local gem, coming first thing in the morning for specific items - such as local brews or smoked turkey bits for heart warming soup on a winter's day. read more

Yay! I love Wards. For people who think their produce is unappealing or on the verge to being rotten, hey guess what? A lot of it looks that way because it isn't covered with the waxes and pesticides that eventually go in your body. Produce doesn't need to be all shiny and pretty in order for it to be good. The employees are always nice and helpful and they've even got a bulk section where you can get things like quinoa and all kinds of flour. I'm so lucky I am within walking distance of this place! read more

Great place to buy meat and some unique items, not as pricy as fresh market but worth a look, second favorite place to shop in G-ville.

I like Ward's because it's not a chain supermarket. It has most everything that I need and it's incredibly diverse. Some people go there because it's got the best butchers in town, while others (like me) go because it's got the best heathfood/gourtmet section in town with the best prices to bootl. I think Dan must have gone late on a Sunday (when their stock is the lowest) they've always had Basil when I've been there. Everything that a *good* grocery store should have. read more

Ward's is nice small but local market. They don't have a huge selection but what they have is fresh and some what local. They always seem a bit over staffed but who am I to complain about that? Their prices were once a little too high, but competition from Lucky's has hurt them plenty and they have since lowered their prices to stay competitive. They have local bread and coffee, both from Gainesville small businesses. Great to support the local community! read more

Local favorite. This is where I do most of my shopping (especially for produce and bulk bin items). I love their revolving wine selection.

This is, by far, one of my favorite places to shop. I lived in Gainesville a few years ago and shopping at Wards was the highlight of my week. I loved all of the natural bulk foods and the homeopathic remedies and they always have the biggest and prettiest flowers in the front. I was talking about how much I missed shopping there to some friends so next week, ROAD TRIP! Yay I can't wait... read more

Typical small grocery store that might be OK if you're close but for the incredibly rude staff. The entire time I was there I was getting the you don't belong in my hood stare from the cart retrievers, stockers, cashiers, and baggers. The prices are higher than Publix except for a few sales they matched. Selection is not as good and meat looked poor. This is not a destination store and I really don't get all of the hype. read more

The other positive reviews of Ward's are right on. Just thought I'd mention they have SwampHead in cans now.

I love you Wards. Such a great selection of produce, nuts, wine, mead, beer, chocolates, etc! The prices are excellent compared to other health conscious grocery stores in town. I love all of the plants for sale outside and most of the people who work here are friendly. It's always a nice experience to go grocery shopping when I go to Wards. Hard to say about other places :) read more

Small store with a nice selection of organic products, beer/wine, meats, veggies, and breads. Especially compared to Publix and Whole foods, the prices are really low. read more

Locally grown produce and seedlings, cheap (and good) wine, the best selection of bulk food in town, trusted health supplements and natural products, and day-old produce specials in the grocery cart at the front makes Ward's the best place to shop for food and beverages in town. They carry the Tempeh Shop's tempeh in the freezer section now. Not to be missed. read more

My favorite place in town! They always have the best specials on wine if you are up for trying new kinds! The produce is fresh, lots of fresh herbs to choose from, flowers are fantastic, and the seafood and steaks are great. I LOVE their thick cut delmonic steak and butterfly porkchops. and the bacon. and the BBQ. and everyyyything. read more

Best place for grocery shopping in town. Dint expect good prices though. Here you are looking for quality. Great meat and produce section. Unbelievable selection of chocolates and a huge selection of beer from all over the world. Also has tons of gluten free and vegitarian/vegan products. Wards is a Gville landmark. read more

Great selection of locally made baked goods as well as local soaps and other specialty products.

This a locally owned grocery. Good produce, both in selection overall and in having unusual items. I've seen green tomatos, white acre peas (legit white acre and not zip peas), and scuppernongs. Meat section had cuts most groceries won't carry, like chitlins and delmonico steaks at the same time. Prices are fine, but this is not about prices. It's about selection. read more

Ward's is great, surely. They have lots of options for you, no matter if you are a bark-chewing vegan or a meat eating cannibal. The best thing is the beer - a great selection and at the best prices of any supermarket in town. However, I am spoiled having lived near Trader Joe's on the west coast, and I just find myself comparing it constantly, which is unfair to poor Ward's. One thing I will say though, for such a fabulous produce selection, why is the herb selection so crappy? No basil?? come on! That's a staple! read more

Fresh vegies and meat, at rates half that of publix! and extremely nice staff! a little far but always try to go there when possible. some veggies are extremely cheap like capsicum $1 for 3! read more

I love the feel of shopping at Ward's. It's good to know that I'm supporting local businesses and farmers, while also getting the best prices on produce around. I will say, their processed and canned products are a bit pricier, but who needs those anyway? They have a great wine selection of all prices along with a beautiful array of flowers out front. read more

Don't shop there anymore, vegetables have to be cooked same day or best next day. Customers are rude and annoying. Purchased the worst rib eyes ever there. read more

I've tried to give this place a shot several times, I just can't get into it. I love that they help local farmers contribute. I find myself wandering down the narrow isles though every time trying to figure out where exactly things are. I always have to head to another grocery store after. I guess I just prefer my fake, traditional Publix. read more

I love Ward's. I wish I lived closer to it. It's a wonderful place to get produce, everything there is so fresh.

The best store ever! I lived in Gainesville for 3 years and they treated my wife and I like friends every time. They know how to hire good, easy-goling folks who are willing to help everyday. They even gave us a going-away gift when we moved away! What other store does that? They are truly a "one-of-a-kind" family run store in a world of chain business. Ward's creates a great community. Oh, and their prices are remarkable. Inexpensive produce that is fresh, good meats, and $3.99 bottles of wine. Enough said. read more

Produce section and bulk foods are great. They have a great selection of items in the store. Some of the best prices in town. Staff is always cheerful and very helpful. Store itself has a great 'vibe'. My only wish is that it was kept a little cleaner. Floors look like they need to be mopped every time I visit (about twice a month). read more

Best place to get local fruits and vegis. Huge bunch section. Prices are very reasonable. Plant selection is gorgeous and VERY well priced. Best place to get beer. read more

An awesome local grocery store! They have great deals, too. There are hard-to-find items that are great quality. They also have many local goods. Unfortunately, I'm from out-of-town, so I can't shop here regularly (but I definitely would if I could!) read more

Place needs a thorough cleaning. Product shelves seem unorganized. While it is a popular store, and customers frequently rearrange things, it still seems that many items could be grouped more intelligently. It really pays to scrutinize expiration dates and make sure that the promotion advertised is what you are picking up. Staff knowledge ranges from psychic to clueless with no middle ground. I heard the staff tried to snare the owners by forming a union a while back. I wish they would focus more on quality and cleanliness. Great meat market (wish items were stored at a cooler temp), and like the occasional vegetable rotation and lots of microbrews. Extremely thin aisles (really tight) make it hard to stand in one spot and browse without getting buffeted. I don't do my frequent shopping at Ward's (or before them Norman's County), but if you want a little variety it can be a nice change of pace. read more

Not a huge selection of goods but their vegetables are always awesome. The workers are very friendly and always helpful. You can grind your own coffee or pick up local fresh bread. read more

Like Kathryn C., I also wish that I lived closer. Maybe it's time for a second Wards? If it opened next door to me, that would be a dream come true. Seriously, this place rocks. I don't know how they pack so much great stuff into such a small store. I'm always finding something new to try, which makes each trip to Wards an adventure. I'm absolutely in love with their selections of chocolate (especially Dagoba) and specialty wines (honey wine and cherry wine are especially great). The wonderful selection of natural products and health foods have inspired me to live better and my veggie garden keeps growing since I can't help but take home the cheap but healthy plants from out front. I'm always amazed by the prices. The produce is even cheaper than the farmers market. My husband, who is basically a carnivore, was super impressed by the meat prices. Even if they weren't great, though, he'd still get his meat there as he has been spoiled by the quality as well. The produce section has likewise spoiled me in terms of quality and price. I shudder when I have to buy cucumbers at Publix (though Publix comes in at second place as a grocery store). And if all that wasn't enough, it's a great feeling to be able to support local businesses without having to sacrifice quality, service, selection, and great prices. Again, this place rocks. read more

Every since discovering this place during the summer, I have become a weekly customer. :) They have the best (and freshest!) selection of produce and meats with unbeatable pricing! They have real oats, homemade peanut and almond butters, and BBQ (which might I add, is not bad at all). GREAT selection in wines, and the staff is always willing to go out of their way to suggest something to you. Excellent service every time. Suggestions: Try their Lemon Pepper Artichoke Hummus with the fresh-baked white pita bread. A knockout. The bread is baked fresh daily, and the hummus--- I was not a fan until this one. In terms of shopping for anything else, such as canned goods, eggs, whatever-- it's pricey. I usually take the extra drive to SuperWalmart afterwards to buy those things. Kudos to Ward's for being my favorite store!! I've been taking friends here since I've starting becoming a regular, and my friends are hooked on shopping here too! read more

This place is amazing! They have a great selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items. (They also have a huge meat display case.) There is always a huge selection of reasonably priced local and organic produce. Most of all, I like their bulk bins. I can get as much of a spice as I need. No more paying $4/jar at a regular supermarket for a spice I might only use once! And they have bulk bins for other things, too, like flours, grains, and snacks. YUM! read more

Love Wards! They really pack in the variety and quality in such a small store. This is the best that locally owned can offer.

LOVE LOVE LOVE I love that they sell FRESH Organic food. I can feel safe letting my family eat the food I buy from here!! We have looked EVERY WHERE for NON GMOs and this is the place to go!!! :) Thank You for CARING about your customers! UNLIKE Walmart :) read more

I love Wards! Every time I go they are bumping up their game. Love fact they support local farmers and the Ward family are their own ranchers, local beef. I left my phone there once and when I called back to look for it, they said my momma had called! That's how they knew whose it was!!! And when I have something not up to par, no questions asked, replace or refund! read more

Amazing place, they really try to give local producers a chance. I have nothing to say negatively about this place, they have an awesome beer/wine selection. The meats are pretty good, and the produce is top notch. And on top of everything else the service is awesome. Great place to go and get the best and also be treated the best. read more

I like this store my parents always shop here most of the time and they have no trouble finding what they need and the store always have fresh products read more

The customer service was terrible and I feel I was definitely discriminated against. The day after Christmas I went into Wards to purchase a few grocery items. When I was checking out I produced an old..old hundred dollar bill I got from the bank. It took the staff 10 minutes to determine it was real, although they used the detection pen. After leaving the store my boyfriend informed me that a few of the items I purchased were left over from groceries that were purchased for Christmas, I hadn't left the parking lot. I returned inside the store to return the items and the old lady at the customer service said, "something about this seems suspicious" and went in the register and gave me my hundred back...just a reminder I had the change from the original transaction and the reminding groceries I kept still in my possession. She was made aware and said, "I know, you need to return it". If I was a theft committing fraud...I wouldn't have came back in the store and when she gave me the hundred back I would've left and kept everything! However, I'm NOT!! After arguing back and forth with me the old guy at the customer service desk returned my items with no problem. I WILL NOT BE BACK!! read more

This was a nice find while shopping for groceries while on vacation in Florida. Nice selection of foods, including organic, in a well laid out, co-op like market. See you next time we're in town. read more