They consistently close the store 30 min to an hour earlier than they advertise and spoke rudely to a group of us that asked if they closed early today. read more

On the positive side, this Key Food is much better than when I moved into the neighborhood 11 years ago. BUT... ... they still have a long way to come. The store has tiny aisles and is badly organized. Not a lot they can do about the amount of space, but I do ask that they at least check the expiration dates on their wares. I was in there last week and there was cheese in the refrigerated case that had large patches of green mold on it. Um, excuse me? And in the past, I've gone home with cereal that has turned out to be stale. Really just not acceptable. I only go there in a dire emergency - otherwise I'll happily travel further for better groceries. read more

Warning - check your prices at the register! Pick up an item because it says it's on sale? 9 out of 10 times... It isn't. Talk about a scam or general ineptitude. Can't tell what's going on here. But without fail... Every single time... The items are not the same as advertised. Even small items that are not on sale, take pictures of the prices advertised in the isles before you get to the register. I guarantee... You will be overcharged here. Can't wait for Trader Joe's to open up on 125th. I won't be going here much longer. read more

Just all around HORRIBLE!! I went to the AT&T store across the street then I decided to stop in here. Ughhh bad idea!!! All I wanted was broccoli, parsley, penne pasta and lemon. Now, I thought it will be a quick stop because there's about 10mins on the meter!!!! Well I thought wrong. Upon entering the supermarket there's an area for customers to check bags. Now wait a damn minute, which supermarket doesn't allow you to bring other shopping bags in. The person there stopped me and said I need to check my purse, I told him no..he then explained my bag is big enough to store items. Right away I was annoyed, I not so kindly let him know my Michael Kors bag is worth more than the items I'm picking up. Then I walked away!!!! Ridiculous!!!! I know he's doing his job but that really absurd. The vegetable and fruit section was horrible. Everything looked old, nothing fresh at all. When I got down to the section with the herbs, that area wasn't labelled at all. Thank goodness I knew what I was looking for, which by the way they didn't have!!!! At this point I'm getting frustrated and my times on the meter is ticking away. Then I decided ok whatever find the penne at least that's boxed. Ohhh I entered into an aisle where items weren't on the shelves neatly. The pasta brands were out of order and just my darn luck they didn't have penne. I've NEVER been to a supermarket and they are out of pasta. Most of the time they have so much the darn things are on sale. At this point meter was down to a minute. So I stormed out, annoyed I wasted so much time and still didn't get what I wanted. I learned from this experience that LOCATION matters!!!! read more

I've been going to this store for 17 years since it was a C-Town. Many of the same cashiers have been there that long and are friendly but yes it's true that you have to watch the register like a hawk because otherwise they will overcharge you. The other day they tried to overcharge me for a loaf of bread and when I questioned it the cashier just repeated the price it rang up at. When I told him to turn it over and he saw the lower price that was marked on the bad itself, he conceded but this type of thing happens all the time. Sometimes it's because they mark things in a confusing manner and stick a discounted price tag in front of something that's not on sale and sometimes it's just plain wrong. I've come to the conclusion that this probably is some type of scam they are running because it happens far too often. read more

OMG where do you begin? This place is horrible. Dominican staff is SO RUDE and doesn't give anyone except spanish people good service. The manager right down to the goon that checks your bags in the entrance are all horrible, no manners whatsoever. Also, they are always stocking the shelves, no matter what time of day, blocking the aisles and the staff won't move out of your way. Also, just avoid this place (go to Fairway), the clientele is very ghetto and they hold up the lines, and will blatantly cut you even though you were there first. Once I had my infant son in the baby carrier, waiting for someone who didn't know how to use (their?) benefit card, and a woman swooped into our aisle and cut us. I said, "you know it's rude to cut the line, especially someone that is holding a baby!" What did the woman say? Predictably, "I no speak english." I was furious read more

Their prices are decent and the cashiers are friendly. The manager seems pretty cool too. However, this is a tiny place and the produce aisles are impossible to navigate when there's more than one person shopping. Milk is left out in the aisles for a long time before being stocked. Even worse is how rude the "stock boys" are, especially the really tall one. If you encounter one of them walking down an aisle, you better move out of the way otherwise they'll knock right into you. They really have no idea how to treat customers. I've also heard some unsavory conversations in Spanish right in front of me because they probably assumed I couldn't understand. One time I found an expired product and showed it to a stock boy. A few minutes later, I saw that he'd put it right back on the shelf. Check the dates on everything at this place. Also, note for the produce guy (who's super-nice and will actually move out of your way): Stop putting tomatoes in the refrigerated shelves. You're ruining them! read more

"Sigh. This is all the neighborhood needs -- ANOTHER supermarket!" I said as I was led into the store. Welp, it turns out that Key Food Fresh is *exactly* what the neighborhood needs. This is a really nice supermarket! They offer a great selection of products at decent prices. It's clean, bright, and spacious -- or at least what you would consider spacious in Hamilton Heights. You can fit more than one person in an aisle! The fruits & veggie area isn't as big as C-Town, but I think it looks much better. Good selection of cereals too. And honestly, it's nice to see a meat freezer without leaky animal odds-and-ends. There's even a solid dairy section with lots of options -- I'm talking soy, almond, and milks of various percents! Key Food Fresh is a definite upgrade from C-Town (More like D-minus-Town, amirite?). I kid. KFF is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I'm sorry for ever doubting you! read more

C-Town is a couple blocks further from me than Key Food (which is a whopping 1-block) but I often pass the competitor to come here as they have more organic and vegan options. The staff is friendlier and the store is kept a bit cleaner. It wont be winning any awards, but it helps. They have a few mini-aisles in the corner of the store chock full of organic, vegan and hard to find items which is wonderful. They have a nice selection of vegan cheeses (but could expand a little on this IMO), and carry a good amount of health products. Prices on said specialty items are a little gouge-y, but it's easier than running to the UWS or to Fairway. read more

Dear. God. No. I have staunchly defended this grocery store since it was C-Town. It's the closest to where I live and if you know how to shop the prices are reasonable. (hint: no, you can not buy the same organic, gluten free whatever for the same price as at TJ. Because there is not as much demand for it here. So they're giving up shelf space and having to throw things out as they expire just in order to offer the selection so of course they have to charge more to make up for it.) (Oh, but also, don't stock up on butter when it's $7.50. Seriously, I attached a photo. $7.50 for store brand butter. I never saw that kind of thing when it was C-town or before it got its "fancy cheese" shelf. Ridiculous.) So, yeah, you have to shop around what's on sale and what produce looks good. Which you should be doing anyway. And the meat is not going to kill you. My husband and friends are a little dramatic. But I did get a little annoyed when about a year or so ago I noticed something about their deliveries or staffing must have changed and a lot of mornings the sidewalk is nearly blocked from like 8-11am by all the inventory arriving. It's just inconsiderate. And I realize nyc stores don't have the luxury of a back entrance and loading dock. But that doesn't explain why it's new or why I can pass three other grocery stores on the way to work and they aren't doing it. I see dairy products sitting outside but, again, I'm an optimistic person and I'm assuming getting those safely stored is a priority. But then. Yesterday. It happened. I'm waiting in line at the deli and notice this guy scooping walnuts up off the floor. They have those store-brand clear plastic boxes lined up in front of the deli and apparently one of them fell and burst open. He's loading the walnuts back into the box but of course I'm thinking, well, that's so he can carry them back to the trash. Then he sets the box back with the rest. But I'm like, I'm sure he remembers which one it is, he's just waiting for someone to relieve him at the bag check so he can take it back to the trash. And, you know, I just want to get my lunch meat and don't want to be That White Bitch getting in this nice young man's face. Fortunately a grandmotherly person stops by and sternly points out to him that he shouldn't put that box back with the others. He somewhat hesitantly picks it up and wanders towards the back. He's taking it to the trash now, right :) ? Friends, it is at this point I realize not only doesn't he need to take it to the back he didn't even need to put it in the box to carry it, because there's a trash can RIGHT THERE for the coffee machine. So. No. I just can't wear rose-colored glasses about this place any more. I've heard the Foodtown on 148th St. has that weird refrigerated pet food so hopefully this sign of gentrification means they're cool with not selling food that's been on the floor. read more

Keyfood - $7.49 for butter, dude. - Grocery Near Me - NewYork, New York

I have lived in the neighborhood for 42 years. Remembering when this location was Woolworth, then C-Town and now Key Food. Saddened that Key Food doesn't have one African-American on their payroll. Wondering how non-English speaking employees are so prevalent -- most are barely bi-lingual (Spanish being their first language; some times unable to communicate in English). I'm calling it what is it, racism, Y'all. I go there everyday, yes everyday! But this is a new year, a new decade. I'm done with supporting and buying in business that don't care, appreciate or honor my patronage. No, gentrification, I ain't moving. Columbia University can have the nabe. But to Key Food 145 your "racismo" hiring practices and operations have taken advantage of the Black community long enough. "It's Quits" read more

Keyfood - nabe resident 42 years - Grocery Near Me - NewYork, New York

They had my hard to find salad dressing and it wasn't expired unlike the bottles I've seen at the only other grocery store in NYC that has it at a semi-reasonable size and price. Tiny place and I wouldn't buy most anything else here but I'm glad I can now get this salad dressing without having to travel to Queens for it. I just need to wait for sales & stock up. Yes, I'm THAT happy about finding that salad dressing here. read more

I was on my way home and needed a carton of milk. It was getting late, so I checked the hours of the store online. Their site listed the hours as 7am to 10pm. I called, just to double check so that if it was wrong I could go somewhere else for the brand I like. The person on the phone confirmed that yes, they closed at 10pm. I arrived at the store at 9:46 and one of their employees was standing in front of the doorway, barring me from getting in. Inside there were still many people shopping and multiple cash registers were open. I asked why I couldn't come in and the employee ignored me. I asked again. Without even looking at me he said "we're closed". I showed him the time on my phone and pulled up the website to show him the discrepancy between the actual time and the closing time listed in the website. He continued to ignore me as I explained that I only needed to buy one carton of milk and I'd be out well before 10pm. At this point a mother and daughter were trying to exit the store. The employee opened the door less than a foot, making them turn sideways to squeeze out, as if he thought I was going to bum rush the door or something. I asked again if he could please honor their hours and let me get my milk and he wagged his finger at me, then returned to ignoring me. So I finally acknowledged this as an exercise in futility, left to buy bodega milk, and went home. The whole process outside of Key Food was frustrating, humiliating, and totally ridiculous. If a business is going to close at 9:45, they should list that on their website and say so when people call to confirm. It's poor business practices. And while many of the cashiers there are lovely people, at least one employee could use a lesson in customer service. Also, their produce is usually limp and often beginning to go bad. If you have the option to go elsewhere, do it. read more

The worst. Their food is consistently spoiled or past its shelf life. I've inadvertently bought mushrooms covered in black mold along the bottom, almond milk that was spoiled, beer that was 6 months past its expiration date, and more. I now walk 15 minutes out of my way to go to a different store. read more

Key Foods is that magical combination of more expensive than you'd expect and less clean than you would expect. As one of the few full grocery stores in the area, Key Foods seems to not have a great incentive to step up its game. Produce is hit or miss, though there are clearly more misses than hits. Basic staples are also more expensive than one would expect (for example, $6 for a gallon of milk is not out of the question here). On the plus side, it is conveniently located near the 145 stop on the 1, and as previously mentioned, it is a full grocery store (as opposed to a bodega) so there is a higher chance of you finding what you need (even if it is more expensive). I would recommend taking the 1 down to TJ's on 72nd instead, but if you don't feel like traveling, Key Foods will do in a pinch for necessary items. read more

In the neighborhood for 7 years and here's my take on this place - produce hit or miss although the selections have become bit broader. Prices borderline ridiculous for the quality. I tend to get the basics here and good stuff somewhere downtown. - meat, beef overpriced, better quality/price somewhere else, chicken ok, pork ok. Rarely do I buy here. Same quality cheaper price at Ctown on 150. -dairy is fairly priced and some of the regular groceries you can find deals on each trip. - ***Warning*** as with a few places in the neighborhood they either take advantage of the fact you're not watching them check your groceries or they just sloppily ring you up, but there always seems to be an overcharge. Just enough to warrant not going all the way back, but if they do that to everyone, someone must be having a nice bonus. read more

It's not a great C Town. Looks like it's under construction or renovation too so shelves are not full. Needs some organization in some areas. Unimpressed with produced so I skipped altogether. I was passing by and ran in to get a couple things. Will not be back of I can help it. read more

Keyfood - the corner of a busy city street - Grocery Near Me - NewYork, New York

Okay, this place isn't the greatest, but you pretty much know that going in. It's a no-frills, basic grocery store that will have the staples you need. Prices are pretty fair, and they do carry the dog food I buy so that's pretty handy. Cons are they do not have a meat counter (as the C-Town at 145th/Broadway does), produce is often pretty sad-looking, and I wish they put more care into keeping the place generally clean. But if I just need to grab some milk and other basics, I know I can get 'em here. read more

They like to close before their stated closing time. Walk up 10 minutes before close and they lock the doors and just shrug their shoulders. Their selection is ok, and its conveniently located to me, but I find myself walking a few more blocks for decent (and cheaper) rotisserie chicken, and generals items like Grape Nuts Cereal, or avocados. I don't mind that they don't have everything I need, but don't lock your doors 10 minutes before close because you're lazy and the owners not around. ...or just change the posted signs. read more

A couple months ago, I stopped in a hurry to get something to drink. My 18 year old child had a locked open jaw and he was in a lot of pain. We were very tired and hungry, but we got some protein shakes to get us by before we got in the way to go to the hospital. On our way out, I got ahead of my child and when I turned around he was surrounded by multiple store employees.  He was unlawfully detained, while one of them when thru my child's pocket. "We just need to see what he's got in there!" NO YOU DON'T...  It's UNLAWFUL and all the police did, was ask my child "well, how did that make you feel?" WTF... What do you mean "how's that make you feel?" Did they had a legal power or authority to stop my child outside their establishment? NO... Did their actions were unlawful and created unnecessary fear, aggravation, shock, and disturbed others? YES... Do they have statutory power, authority and immunity to lawfully detain anyone outside their establishment? NO... Yet, NYPD did not arrest or summoned any of those thugs... Yes, THUGS... I reside in the neighborhood for a long time now and have very few good experiences going into this business.  As a matter of fact, I can count them with one hand... To be fare, this place used to be much worse. However, just because there has been some improvements over the years it doesn't mean that I will reasonably sponsor this business. There isn't enough accountability from the city to correct their negative business practices.  Not to mention their unlawful behavior.  Most of the time they just get a slap on the wrist and if they are fined the penalty is minuscule if any. read more

Products are not bad. That's the reason why Im still using this place. By the way, Workers are good at ignoring customers. They Never say "hi", never smile, just talking themselves, while customers are waiting. wonderful service !!!! very good!!!! I never had better than this service before. Thank you Key food :) I appreciate that. So I want to tell you. If you want to get some stress, Buying your stuffs. Just go to the Key Food Store and meet workers, They will help you to increase your stress. Becasue, they are trained well :) Im so sorry. There are no zero or minus star. 1 star is too much for this place. read more

Make sure you inspect food from here, on two occasions I went to get rosemary and thyme both times they were moldy. The second time I decided to let the manger know that they had moldy product on the shelf. The manger tried to the tell me it wasn't mold I was disgusted and only buy packaged items from there. I would rather trek to Trader Joes where if you point out an issue something is done. I also now have an indoor herb garden. Shop with caution. read more

This place has overpriced EVERYTHING. Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Fairway Market in New York sell almost everything this store has at cheaper price. Simple things like Tapatio hot sauce (Normally $1.50) cost almost $5.00. Rice Pasta (Normally $3.50) is almost $6.00. Coconut oil which is fairly cheap these days goes for $11.00!!! Robbery. The fruit and vegetables are usually rotting and there is a horrible selection of produce. I don't know who is in charge of pricing at this place, but they need to re-evaluate their pricing strategies. The staff is lovely and keeps the shelves stocked well. The store has a good selection of items but the prices are just outrageous for the quality of meats, produce and fresh items from the deli. There needs to be a mother supermarket in West Harlem! read more

CTown is a necessary evil in this neighborhood. It is close to home and convenient to pop in on the walk from the train. My only complaint is the promotional marketing. It seems that I forever select an item that is designated as being on promotion only to be informed that I was mistaken. I have argued several times but to no avail. I come in for my basic essentials: bread, milk and eggs but tend to avoid spending too much time in the store. The deli guys are very good and remember me by order but the cashiers are hit and miss. Some of the girls are very good and others view each customer as a bother. read more

I'm not sure what everyone's problem seems to be with this supermarket. It's *huge* compared to most others in the area (particularly the Foodtown on St. Nicholas), it's been clean every time I've been in there for a few months straight, they have a large selection of food that always seems to be well-stocked, and while the produce might not be the best, it's certainly never been spoiled that I've seen. Employees are much nicer than anywhere else in the area, actually helpful and willing to talk to you. Prices are reasonable for the area, too, again unlike other stores. read more

This place is hard to avoid since it's right next door to me, but it is gross. Twice I've had to bring back mushrooms that were moldy, but the real kicker was when they restocked the moldy mushrooms right in front of me while I was searching for an in moldy bunch. Wtf?! read more

Newly renovated, sporting a meat counter and fresher looking produce than before. Comprehensive enough for when you're in a pinch, but you can get better prices, quality and selection elsewhere. Totally sinking this place is the braindead staff, who are pretty much useless. read more

This Key Food is demanding your identification when paying with a credit card which is contrary to the terms and services of both Visa and MasterCard, Amex follows the policy of the others if they are also accepted. If you search online you can file a complaint with MasterCard and Visa once they receive a number of complaints they will warn the store to cease. read more

Words alone can't express how much I hate this place, except that every time I go I want to leave by punching all the employees in the head. They have sales on overpriced items, and then when you get to the cash, there are always some cryptic requirements--that are never written in legible print--like a minimum $25 purchase, just to save 3 bucks. The place is run by idiots, and the prices went up dramatically after the Key Foods "upgrade", even though none of the products actually did. read more

I recently bought shredded mozzarella cheese, and tried to return it because it had a REALLY foul smell. They were very rude, I will DEFINITELY not ever ever ever return to this place. You're better off going to keyfood, they're nice and are willing to accommodate their customers! read more

After moving to the neighborhood a few years ago, I vowed after my first visit to never again step foot into this grocery store. However, when I can't find what I need at Whole Foods, I find myself popping in this store here-and-there out of convenience. Never again. Produce is disgusting and though I am not quick to play the "race" card, the employees of this store are extremely rude and tend to cater only to their own kind or to non-minorities. I've witnessed/experienced this on too many occasions, to continue to spend a cent of my hard earned money at this store. Truthfully, these types of encounters are one of many reasons I do not patronize most businesses in good old Hamilton Heights, though I live here. :/ read more

Can I leave no stars? Seriously the quality is ZERO. Selling old produce for a price of fresh one. How low can you go Hamilton Heights key food. I guess you are really trying to push people away. Can any of these local supermarkets do it right???? read more