It was an early morning, cold and frosty. I arrived right after they opened, so there were only about 7 cars in the parking lot and two cash registers open. Ward's has so much packed into a small space, so I took my time to look around a little and not just rush through. This has got to be the friendliest grocery store in Florida, if not the entire South! Peoples' hands were busy stocking shelves, beers, yogurt, carrots, and soaps, are all placed on shelves by caring hands. Good food with good prices, and no corporate phony greeting. You get sincerity with your groceries; it makes a difference! read more

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Dropped by wards today to get some organic teas to replenish our stock. Picked up some organic wine. Absolutely love this place. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful when you can't quite explain or locate what you need ---- they have the answer! read more

First time at Ward's and I was really impressed. The store is much bigger inside than it looks from the outside, with a huge selection of produce, local products, and grocery items. I especially loved the bulk section and all the unique products I don't usually find in regular stores. They also put a great emphasis on supporting local businesses, and there's a solid range of vegan and vegetarian options too. read more

Ward's Supermarket - Grocery Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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There is no service at Wards, just indifference. The employees do not care to help, the cashiers are abrupt. No kindness shown by anyone. I use to love Wards, but after my last visit, I will not return. read more

The food fresh veggies and fruits are phenomenal! The store is clean and offer a variety of specialty items. The store is clean and reminds me of a vegan store. read more

Unfailingly nice, helpful employees. Excellent wine and beer selection at great prices. Fabulous selection of produce and plants. Incense, essential oils, chemical free skin and hair treatments, vitamins and probiotics. In house smoked foods (chicken, black eyed peas, etc) and cakes and cookies etc etc etc What is not to love about Ward's?????? We will miss this place when we bid Gainesville adios. read more

Excellent source of locally grown veggies and bulk grains, seeds and pulses as well as bulk herbs and spices.

Ward's Supermarket is a small market located in Gainesville, Florida that what's a strong emphasis on their meats department and produce department. They have decent prices in both, so you have to be careful because some things are not that great of a deal quite honestly. I guess you can say that about every supermarket, though I did want to mention that here. Pulling into the store, you cannot help but be charmed by the quaint exterior. The exterior really does catch your eye and kind of gives that small-town independent market vibe. While Ward's is definitely an independent market, I think it would be a far stretch for anyone to call Gainesville a small-town. Inside, I noticed that the store is small. Again, this is not a bad thing. However, do not expect a big Supermarket that is going to go head-to-head with other supermarkets like Publix, Walmart, Winn-Dixie, etc., but I do not think any customer that knows this place really cares about that. While there I noticed a package of hot dogs made locally. The brand was Wild Man Foods, but the package had an $11.99 price tag and that is a bit much for skinless hot dogs. All in all, this is a cool little supermarket. Overall, I give them four stars (). read more

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Wards was always a staple when I lived in town. Good deals and a pretty solid selection of food, snacks and beers! I was meeting a buddy and he asked me to pick up a sandwich for him on my way. He also directed me to get some beer. Wards always has a six pack or two on sale so it's nice to try something you normally wouldn't at a discounted price. Their beer selection is pretty good so there were lots of other things that caught my attention. Check out was easy and everyone working at Wards was friendly and happy. read more

Walking through the doors of Ward's Supermarket feels like you're being welcomed home by family. A true homegrown Gainesville biz, Ward's has been providing fresh produce and goods to the city for over 60 years! You're sure to get your fill of fruits, vegetables, meat, cheeses and more here, with many goods coming from local farms. You can grab all of the ingredients you need for your meal or pantry from their endless containers of bulk items like grains, dried fruit or nuts! One portion of Ward's that's truly a hidden gem? The wine section! Ward's offers dozens of options for all wine lovers, whether you're a fan of red, sparkling, white or flavored. And you can stock up and stay within your budget because their extensive variety has great options for under $10! And if you're a plant-lover, don't you skip that beautiful botanical entrance! Ward's offers beautiful flowers, plants, trees and more for those with green thumbs, and the prices are always so reasonable for such beauties. So next time you're looking to fill your fridge, garden or tummy - head to Ward's, a local fave! read more

Every time I shop at Ward's there is something new to find. Not to mention that supporting our local grocers keeps us healthy and our pockets fuller. They have an amazing deli, friendly faces and great specials. If you can't find something, just ask someone. They can probably find it for you. read more

Great place to shop for fresh cut bacon, prepared meals, fruits and hard to find spices. It's a small little grocery packed with all types of goodness. I highly recommend visiting this little grocery store while in Gainesville Florida read more

Wards has been my favorite store in Gainesville for years now. I've made 5 star reviews in the past, but for some reason they have been removed. So, I'm here again to say this store is amazing! Their selection of fresh produce, the plants, the meat section. I was excited to finally find some pink guava! All very reasonable prices too. They have prepared hot foods like smoked meats and side dishes like Mac and cheese, collards, macaroni salad and more. I've tried them all and they are delicious! Don't forget to grab one of their homemade cookies on the way out. The peanut butter cup cookies are my absolute favorite! The people are oh so very nice. I never leave Gainesville without stopping here first! read more

Ward's Supermarket - Grocery Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I moved to Gainesville about 6 weeks ago, and I can now confidently say (with 6 weeks of residential experience) that Ward's is my favorite thing about this town. Family owned since the 1950s, this supermarket supports local farmers and local businesses with the freshest produce and goods throughout the seasons. Looking at the packaged greens section is simply a delight. The fruit is often cheaper than at Publix! And all of the cashiers are so polite and friendly, they scan your items with a smile. The smells of fresh bread, vegetables, and everything a supermarket could possibly stock fills the air and my soil with abundant happiness. I plan to shop at Ward's at least once a week. Or maybe once biweekly. read more

This is a loca treasure found by chance while driving on my new location. Place is so charming and full of surprise for me Local produce, local goodies to try Alf really enjoy my time there. Quiet and peaceful shopping experience Like to go over and over read more

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I was at Publix and all the produce looked so unappealing so I decided to try out Ward's. Super friendly and helpful staff, it's a relatively small space but it's organized so well. GORGEOUS greens, I found everything I needed and more :) there's a nice selection of plants in the front I didn't have a chance to look at but I'll definitely be back, this is where I'll be buying produce and meats from now on. read more

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Love this place!! In business for 67 years!! Gorgeous produce, house cured bacon, meat, deli, seafood, coffees, and so much more. Amazing bulk section. read more

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This wonderful store has Great people, products and prices! Don't go on paydays or Saturdays though. It's far too crowded even for a quick run in - there is no such thing as quick on Saturdays after a payday. read more

I love this place for so many reasons. It's small enough to feel cozy while still having quite a diverse selection in many different departments. The produce section is well stocked, including more unusual items like guava, goldenberry, and even red currants last week, as well as whatever's Very Local at the moment. They carry unusual craft sodas, locally made pies and pickles, and a hot box with.... literally whatever. (Smoked meat of various animals, usually, but I've enjoyed spiced apples out of there.) There are also plants for sale outside including an herb and succulent selection that is always changing. And a bulk section with dispense-your-own nuts, granola, dried fruit, and even dried spices. Basically, it's a cross between a small local grocery store with regular weekly shopping stuff, and the kind of place you can go with some spare cash just to try a bunch of random new treats you're not as likely to run across at a big chain supermarket. The checkout can feel a little crowded during busy times just because of the layout of the store so if you're one of those people who experiences discomfort at not having personal space I'd choose the timing of your visit based on that. read more

This is a legit old fashioned local market, the likes of which you don't see anymore. Produce department has some local and organic vegetables, and some tropical fruit seasonally. They sell bulk green peanuts for boiling, watermelons, local fruit and vegetable starts, potted plants and flowers. Bulk pecans and roasted nuts. The deli makes their own sausage, smokes their own meat in a big smoker on the side of the building, and cuts every steak to order. The sausage they use for breakfast sandwiches, only $3, that they sell in the hot food grab and go. It also has smoked Turkey legs, smoked pork meatloaf, Turkey rice, Mac n cheese, etc. They have a small vegan grab and go cooler too! Like 30 kinds of coffee beans in house, from a few local roasters. They also have a bulk granola, nuts and seeds and grains section, the largest bulk tea and herb section in Gainesville in one store. Good sized supplements and vitamins section, good sized beer and wine selection. The list goes on. Gotta see it for yourself. Staff is pretty friendly and chill too. It's my favorite spot in Gainesville. Only a little pricier on some items, many things are much cheaper than you'd get at Publix. read more

A family grocery, which supports local growers and producers, rather than the big national brands. Lots of local and regional produce, and a great selection of bulk spices and coffees. a decent wine selection, and great BBQ and smoked meats at midday each day. (Grab a Boston butt!) Very friendly and helpful staff. Unfortunately they are about a 30 min. drive from me, so we don't go there too often. But I love the place and its mom-and-pop ambiance! Check it out! read more

Love this place. Great food, meat, people and prices! We love the thick Delmonico steaks. Will definitely be back for more good stuff.

Best fresh produce in town. Lots of local Bakery goods. Great assortment of flower and vegetable plants. read more

What a WONDERFUL store with local and real organic items including organic fresh herbs and organic supplements. The produce was local and wonderful. We came here to buy specific organic supplements and were very satisfied with the level of customer service and products offered. Hope to return shortly. read more

Ward's Supermarket - Grocery Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I absolutely love shopping at Ward's! They have lots of local items to choose from! I was able to get some local sausage and shredded cheese. Not sure what happened today but there was a strong smell of bleach in the produce area. I was going to pick up some veggies but the bleach smell was overwhelming. I did manage to find a surprisingly yummy treat before leaving. The cashier and bagger were friendly and welcoming. I also witnessed an employee in the meat department helping a customer and explaining the best deal. Nice! read more

Ward's Supermarket - The welcoming entrance with lots of plants to peruse. - Grocery Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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This little homegrown grocery store is stocked to the brim with wonderfully fresh, organic foods. The variety of fruits and vegetables was really surprising. They even had a wonderful selection of wines, beers and spirits along with dry goods so you can do all your shopping in one place. Kudos to the owners. Great prices and wonderful selection. read more

I love this place. Always a real joy to come here to shop. I challenge anyone who doesn't live in Gainesville to find anything comparable in any other town. This is not just some hipster specialty shop, or a Whole Foods-style chain that's priced out of ordinary peoples' budgets; this is a place where everybody can shop. read more

Ward's is contravening the county's emergency order requiring all staff and customers to wear masks: "If possible we ask that you wear a mask in our store. Thank you!" (See the accompanying photo, taken today.) The county's emergency order does not include the words "If possible"! I don't wear a mask because I enjoy it, but because I value my life and the lives of others. Until Ward's abides by an order put in place for the public safety, I'm not going back. While I appreciate that Ward's supports local businesses by selling their goods (Brio coffee and Stinky Lewis soap, for instance), I appreciate human life infinitely more. read more

Ward's Supermarket - Grocery Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This afternoon I left Ward's crying. I am someone who really appreciates being treated with the utmost respect and at the very least some sort of acknowledgement when I walk into an establishment. I had been in Ward's before and the first time I went it was love at first sight and I continued shopping there. Where else can a person buy unpasterized probiotic orange juice, raw cow and goat milk and farm fresh straight out the farm veggies and fruits. I mean I really loved this place. I always end up spending over 100 dollars EASILY when I shop there. And for that and for the fact they are supposed to be this friendly ma and pa grocery I expect to be treated like a local which I am. But I felt the exact opposite today. Not one single employee greeted me and I even got glared down by a few when I was picking out my ingredients to make my own granola. Dirty looks, cold unapproachable employees and the warmth that used to surround this place was stripped to the bone and frozen! I left feeling like I was NOT a local even though I am. BACK TO WHOLE FOODS I WILL GO. this place used to be fun to shop at. what happened? read more

Fresh local produce. Excellent. Even local honey at a good price! Pick up hot food ready to eat as well.

This definitely isn't a place that I'd be able to do a full shop. But I also buy specific brands and products that places like Walmart and publix carry (ex. Love crunch granola). THIS PLACE THOUGH you feel the heart and soul of the store and the employees there. They carry a good range of nuts, health foods like flaxseed, and homemade peanut butter. The prices of things like apples are so much cheaper than publix about $1.20 for a lb. Also if you're a coffee beans kind of human - the smell of their beans is tremendous. I likely wouldn't shop here often but appreciate it for what it is and the character it holds. Definitely a place that Gainesville humans should check out. But for now, back to Lucky's for this gal. read more

Seriously the best grocery store. I make my shepherds dog food. And they had everything I needed. Necks, wings, liver, kidney. Everything. And they cut the marrow bones how I needed them. Wish I lived closer but I'll be back for my next haul read more

When I visit my daughter in Gainesville we go to shop at Wards. The staff there is always very friendly. I like the produce they have and also the organic goods. It is a smaller store with a lot to offer. I will be moving to Gainesville soon and will live within walking distance of Wards. read more

Staff are not taking tempetures or wearing masks. Customers are not wearing masks. This store is incredibly dirty and. Both people in the front and in the butcher area in the back have no masks on. read more

Wards supermarket is a Gainesville staple and everyone tells you how you need to check this place out. I decided after over a year to finally check this place out and now I am kicking myself for not going sooner. I was super happy to see that it was open today on Labor Day which allowed me to go and check it out. When you get to this place they have a large parking lot with several other areas to park your car. The inside of this place it not huge but they make sure to get a lot of stuff inside of it. When you walk in you can see a lot of the produce and they have a lot more than many other stores. The produce is not super expensive but it is pretty comparable to other stores. They have a really nice meat section with lots of sausages and other good meats as well. They have a nice cheese section, bulk food area, and general grocery area. I was happy to see they have a deli meat and cheese area serving Boars Head meats and cheeses. I saw that the prices were a lot less than what they are at Publix so I got a few other pounds of sliced meats. This grocery store just feels nice at home here. I really loved this place and will for sure be back to try more amazing things out and to get some more deli meats!! read more

Love Wards. Great people and great local products. Both produce and meats. Very diversified clientele and a grand attitude in helping their customers. read more

This is a great local supermarket with competitive prices and local produce and products. There is a large beer section that will make most craft beer snobs happy. This is also the only place in town to buy cloth menstrual products. If you live in south Gainesville, it's worth it to visit Wards. read more

My parents have been taking me here since high school so for the last 25 years we've been regular customers at this location. I would say this was the first granola grocery store that I was introduced to back when I lived in the Gainesville area asides from Mother Earth. Nothing has really changed except for an even better selection today. The service is always friendly and the prices are competitive with other whole food markets. Still a huge fan of Ward's and will continue to come whenever I'm in the area. 5-Stars read more

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Ward's Supermarket opened hundreds of years ago, when the Ward family established their first permanent settlement in Gainesville, FL. JK, but seriously, Ward's has been family owned and operated for years and still maintains that small town feel that keeps me coming back. Ward's carries more "traditional" grocery items and brands along with the full complement of organic, natural, and local fare that one tends to expect from a local grocery . Along with groceries, are a wide selection of bulk foods, ingredients, and spices, and my personal favorite - kombucha on tap! If you're a booch fan, this is the most economical way to buy kombucha at around $10 for a growler fill. If you're curious, bring in a small container and give it a try! I never really thought much about the "shopping experience" at a grocery store, but Ward's raises the bar here as well. The employees are enthusiastic and we always have friendly interactions. I've been shopping at Ward's since I moved to Gainesville almost ten years ago and I still see the same friendly faces as I did when I first set food in the store. They are very interested in hearing what their customers want, and they've been adding many requested items. We asked an employee about ordering a magic potion for our fussy infant. The kind lady from natural foods ordered what we needed and even had a bunch of free samples to give us when it arrived. While big deal Lucky's has opened down the road, I still find myself shopping at Ward's. Ward's has soul, that Gainesville love. read more

I remember (in a foggy way) coming to Ward's with mom when I was in middle school . . . I don't think I'd been back until today though, and that's a crying shame. My friend Brian keeps raving about how wonderful Ward's is though so I had to check it out tonight. I am very glad I did: while I like Publix for everyday shopping, Ward's is a great cross between a smallish health/natural foods store and an independent grocer. They have things like bulk natural foods, produce, meats, and natural/organic skin/hair care products plus a great selection of chocolate and items such as honey from around Florida -- regional items you won't find at Publix or Fresh Market. If you're looking for fresh local produce and other hard-to-find items do visit Ward's: their selection of wine is also quite good, as other reviewers have already noted. When I was there, around seven at night, they were doing a vast business too yet the staff was very friendly and the customers all seemed happy. A fun shopping experience all the way around. read more