Yelp Cliff Notes: On vacation and need a pharmacist to go above and beyond to provide amazing service? Look no further, Dr. Phan is here to help! Yelp Unabridged Version: Work mayhem + construction on our house + travel made me a little hair-brained and I inadvertently forgot to bring my medicine. This pharmacy had the highest rating and was within a 3 mi arena, so I chose this one. Glad I did. The pharmacist went above and beyond and took great care of me. Not only did she call my doctor to get a prescription, she even called my insurance and negotiated an override so that it was no charge for me! Win! :-) read more

I walked into Hartley Pharmacy with a legitimate prescription for Adderall XR and a valid insurance plan that covers it. At first they told me they "don't take Medicaid." When I produced my actual insurance card and confirmed my coverage, they changed their tune and refused to fill the prescription, claiming "shortages" and "over-saturation." I left hoping to support a local business -- but instead I got shifting excuses and no transparency. Having a controlled-substance prescription is already complicated enough. What I experienced felt dishonest and unfair. I ended up scrambling to find another pharmacy and asking my doctor to cancel and reissue the script, which caused extra stress and delay. If you rely on prescriptions -- especially controlled-substances -- I wouldn't trust this pharmacy to be consistent, fair, or reliable. read more

The reviews are true! Hartley is now my go-to pharmacy. They have everything I need and their service is very quick & efficient. Pharmacist is so kind and never sounds annoyed on the phone like chain pharmacies! read more

I love Tao. She has the most incredible memory. This is as good as a pharmacy gets. Don't use the chain stores - this is 100x better.

Pharmacist is familiar with patients and their meds. She cares and knows who you are. I travel out of my Burough to come here for the customer care, service and to support this small business. read more

Most amazing and caring customer service ever. Went above and beyond to make sure my son got his prescription. I cannot thank you enough!

Tao and her staff at Hartley are the best. They really get to know you and are always efficient and kind. Started going here when I moved to New York and I'm so happy I did! read more

I just had amazing help at Hartley Chemists. Tau( the pharmacist (sorry about spelling) was so helpful and willing to try filling the scrip that I requested knowing that they may run out by the time she gets it or that I might not be covered. No more chain pharmacies for me!! If you are looking - go to Hartley. Wonderful customer service!! read more

Night and day difference between Hartley and Duane Reade. Hartley has fast service and kind employees. So happy that they're in business so I pickup prescriptions headache-free. read more

Pharmacist Tao is a super human! I was under the weather and had a prescription filled out by my doctor that had to be mixed together in store (that's called a compound). I went to 3 different pharmacies that refused to help me because they didn't want to have to do that "extra" work. Tao was the first person to offer help without any questions! She is kind and thoughtful with all her clients. I watched as she patiently answered questions for other patients. She took her time to help me even though the store was closing. Truly a great experience and would recommend getting help from her to anyone. read more

I lost my wallet on the street and the clerk Thao picked up my wallet and sent the email to notify me. I really appreciated her help! Really a lovely store and the customer service is perfect!!!!! read more

Incredible customer service--the staff are knowledgeable, efficient, and kind. When I had trouble setting up my prescription, one of the staff wrote down the four account numbers I needed to bring in and told me how to find them. And the week before spring break, one of the pharmacists called me to make sure that I had my prescription in case I was traveling :) read more

You will absolutely get 1000% better service here than any of the large impersonal chain pharmacies. Hartley has been in this same location for over 50 years and there's a reason they continue to be a successful pharmacy. Tao provides excellent customer service way over and above anything you would get at other pharmacies. read more

The customer service here is amazing! Friendly owner and staff. They have an array of goodies that you typically don't find in some pharmacies but I love that!! I'd rather get my stuff from here than CVS or Walgreens! read more

Hartley Pharmacy is a god-send. The pharmacist, Tao (sp?), is absolutely amazing. After too many bad experiences with the Rite Aid on 110th and Broadway, I decided to move all my prescriptions to pharmacy, and it was definitely a good choice. Even though it's only open 9 AM - 7 PM and closed on Sundays, Tao is the most helpful pharmacist I've ever met. She has called my doctors and insurance companies many times if I need a refill or the prescription won't go through. I have heard her literally arguing with the insurance company to give me my medication. And then she calls me back to tell me what happened. (A Rite Aid employee would do that for you... when hell freezes over.) She is friendly to every single person who walks through the door. And her adorable daughter is usually there during non-school hours. Now I live 11 blocks away and still go there, despite the many other pharmacies closer to me. Thank you Tao & Hartley for making my life easier. read more

When I came in I was greeted by a lady behind a counter who was obviously working and kindly asked me to go to the front counter for prescription refills. At the front counter I was greeted by a young lady who appeared to be about 12-13 who had me fill out what was needed to get my prescription. She was excellent and so sweet! Thur a out she was on break from school and is the daughter of the lady working there. You can tell the lady working there is a hardworking woman as she was on the phone taking care of tech issues while getting my prescription filled. I look up to hard this business is ran. They were fast, friendly, personable and gave the vibe of a family ran business so for this I will be back and also recommend. read more

Outstanding...this is what a pharmacy should be! Thao, R.Ph. is the best always friendly and builds a relationship with her customers. We highly recommend Hartley Pharmacy to all in the Columbia University community. read more

Wonderful pharmacists! They know me by name and are extremely helpful. When they didn't have my medication in stock the pharmacist called three pharmacies for me to locate it. I ended up at Duane Reed, which was hell compared to Harley. The shopping area seems overpriced and disorganized though. read more

An oasis of competence and friendliness in the desert of big box drug stores where either rudeness or scripted, empty rhetoric rules the day. Tao is amazing, warm, and helpful. I am amazed at the level of customer service--she calls to let you know an order is ready--and customer education that she delivers. Tao also turns everything around quickly. Wow! I always think of today's drug store having evolved from the old fashioned apothecary. Lots of wonderful lotions and potions in beautiful jars. Okay, there are no jars, but Tao has a wonderful selection of unusual products that you will not find at CVS or Walgreen's. Last week I walked out with a delightful bottle of all natural hemp lavender castille soap. Her selection of products is very interesting. I could pick up something unique with every visit. read more

This review is basically only for the pharmacy. The rest of the store is so-so. Yaaaaayy for Hartley Pharmacists! They've accomplished something that Duane Reade, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Longs (oh wait, that's only in CA) and other drug stores will never accomplish. They are friendly, informative, and they very quickly remember your name. There's one woman in particular who is almost always working, and she is so wonderful. Such a pleasant experience, and never any mix-up of medications. read more

Finally, a regular pharmacy! I like to patronize Hartley's because it's not a chain pharmacy. I don't have to meander through aisles of seasonal food and displays, groceries, a photo booth or any other non-health related items. The same woman is the pharmacist every time I go, whether it be to fill a prescription or ask some advice. Unlike chain stores, where the pharmacist never seems to be the same person, Hartley allows that level of comfort you'd want when getting medicine from someone. Of course, there are non-prescription items too - your typical over-the-counter items are available in abundant supply. In the age of an influx of chain stores throughout NYC, it's nice to have a neighborhood place to go to. read more

Tao (owner/pharmacist) is the best! She is personable, kind, patient, friendly, and, most importantly, so incredibly good at her job. My husband and I were so fortunate to find her when we moved into the neighborhood eight years ago. We can't imagine going anywhere else. read more

Important note: I have never used the pharmacy at Hartley; I've only shopped in the drugstore portion. This review is based only on the drugstore. And holy moly, what a drugstore it is. First of all, it is the most poorly-organized store I have ever been to. I have walked around for fifteen minutes looking for three things before, because there is no logical order within the aisles. If you can find them, they have a few decent products, but the store itself feels really cheap. The biggest problem, though, is the staff in the drugstore (again, the pharmacist sounds great). During one trip, I was trying to grab some toothpaste, and someone was restocking the shelves. No "sorry," no move out of the way, no "can I help you." I literally had to squeeze my arm in front of her to grab blindly for an item. So weird. Another time (the last time I will be going to Hartley), I had something like $9 worth of stuff and only a credit card. Ignoring the fact that it's illegal to set a credit card minimum, I WAS SPENDING $9 AND THEIR MINIMUM WAS $10. The guy said I hadn't spent enough. I told him I'd just put my stuff back and go somewhere else because I didn't have any cash, and he replied in a very condescending tone, "Just this once." Yep, just this once indeed because there is no way I'll be going back. read more

Gross. No one here wears a mask-- even some of the customers. They wear the mask sitting under their nose or as chin diapers. I am all about supporting small businesses but if they don't comply with the easy stuff then I just leave. read more

What a privilege to have Hartley Chemist in the hood. The pharmacist is a super star, incredibly fast, reliable and super kind. Her staff is good, always a pleasant and uplifting experience to be there, and we go there a lot! This place has become a caring hub for the neighborhood. I could go on and on, five stars not enough!! Thank you so much! read more

Wonderful place. Pharmacist is actually there to help you. Okay, most pharmacy transactions are routine, but when stuff gets complicated, with insurance companies, or when you need to override a generic brand, or your doctor's prescription needs to be untangled in some way, you won't run into the endless tangles and runarounds you get at a chain pharmacy. You will actually get the help you need. read more

I could not agree more with the previous reviewers, Hartley is the best pharmacy I've ever been to. The two women who work at the pharmacy are so nice and personable, they'll know you by name after you've been there two or three times. Another man consistently works the register. It is no refreshing to have a local pharmacy with people who know your name and needs. The only downfall is they close somewhat on the early side; however, they are so accommodating that it is of no matter. read more

Hartley is absolutely the greatest. Dealing with the pharmacist here is like living in a small town- she knows my name, my meds, my insurance company, reminds me that I might need a refill before a long holiday weekend. That sort of thing. It is very comforting. I get the feeling that the pharmacist is also the owner. She is always there and is 100 percent on the ball. Please support Hartley! read more

This place could not be more convenient for the Columbia community. The pharmacist is personable and friendly, to boot.

Just absolutely the best! Forget the big chains. This place is like a small town neighborhood institution. They know who you are; they remember your order. They're very friendly. A breath of fresh air. I will never go back to Duane Reade or Walgreen. If I could give them an extra star, I would. read more

I agree with everyone's comments! While at Columbia, I tried the surrounding Rite Aids and Duane Reades and was consistently annoyed and angered by slow and incompetent employees. I finally found Hartley on a friend's recommendation and have always had nothing less than excellent service. I have at least 4 chain pharmacies within 2 blocks of my apartment and I still walked the 10+ blocks in the cold, with a sinus infection to get my meds from Hartley. Unfortunately, I just started a new job and my new health insurance requires me to use their "preferred pharmacies" (or deal with the hassle of paperwork and reimbursement) and it doesn't look like Hartley was asked to join their little club. What a shame!! read more

Well-stocked, clean, nice selection, and the pharmacist was very friendly and accommodating. She did, however, give me an estimate of 30 minutes, which 30 minutes later miraculously remained at 30 minutes. Not a fan of the drug store scene, if you could call it that, but a nice resource nearby... read more

After multiple eye-stabbing experiences and extreme lines at the crap Duane Reade pharmacy on 111th, Hartley is like heaven. They always get your prescription right and call if they have any questions. In addition, there has never been much of a line, and if you need to drop and wait for a prescription there are chairs -- what a concept! read more

I'm sure the previous reviews regarding the actual pharmacists are right on, but as I've never had a prescription filled, I'll only speak to the quality/price of the retail items. They are WAY, way overpriced. If you're in a pinch and need shampoo or cold medicine, just walk the extra few blocks to Duane Reade because this place is just shy of exorbitant. read more

As others have said, the pharmacist at Hartley is phenomenal. I trust her more than and know her better than my doctor! Though the drugstore isn't nearly as comprehensive in its product offerings as the city's many Duane Reades, Hartley has everything you need plus the feel-good element of a community drugstore. read more

I LOVE this pharmacy! Tao (not sure about spelling either) is FANTASTIC, attentive, knows me by name and does everything ASAP and/or on time. It is a much better experience (and way less of a hike) than the chain stores around here. As for merchandise, once you know where stuff is, it's easier to navigate but I don't hesitate to buy from here to support local stores. :) read more

Best, most competent, and quickest pharmacy within a few blocks of Columbia University and across from Teacher's College.

Nicest and most personable pharmacist I've ever had. She is also very sweet to my children and hands out free fruit snacks to them. I'm somewhat sad we don't live so close anymore and that my new insurance requests that I refill my prescriptions through express script. read more

The people here are amazingly communicative, competent, and friendly. After almost a year of going to Duane Reade for prescriptions, somebody suggested I try Hartley. Holy crap. World of difference. These guys are truly outstanding. read more

I have lived a block and a half from Hartley pharmacy for the last 20 years. I had forgotten how nice it is to deal with a professionally operated small business whose prices are competative and whose business model is customer service. With my insurance, which prefers to have me deal with a mail order druggist, although l have the right to use any retailer I want. Doing business with Tao, the proprietor, is a pleasure. Need a refill, no problem, no more refills left, I'll call the doctor for you, need it by tomorrow and l don't have any on hand, I'll get it for you. And the cost??? Same as mail order. I've never been happier. Far supreior to big box pharms like Walgreens, Rite aid, or Duane Reade and the cost is frequently the same or a few pennies more, but well worth it. Tao will try to accommodate special needs of clients. Highly recommended. read more