Welcome to HarvesTime Foods
At HarvesTime Foods, every visit feels like stepping into a neighborhood treasure. Nestled in Chicago, this charming grocery store prides itself on an impressive selection of fresh produce, unique international foods, and high-quality meats. The friendly staff—experts in both products and customer service—create an inviting atmosphere. While prices may lean slightly higher, the commitment to providing locally sourced and hard-to-find items, including spices and international treats, makes it a beloved local hub. Oprah's nod to this gem only solidifies its status as a must-visit destination for community members seeking both quality and a personal touch in their shopping experience.
- 2632 W Lawrence Ave Unit 54, Chicago, IL 60625 Hotline: (773) 989-4400
Welcome to HarvesTime Foods: A Hidden Gem of Chicago Grocery Shopping
Located at 2632 W Lawrence Ave Unit 54, Chicago, IL 60625, HarvesTime Foods isn't just a grocery store; it's a vibrant part of the neighborhood landscape. This local meat shop offers an extensive selection of products, from fresh produce to international goods, making it a convenient one-stop shop for many residents and visitors alike.
Upon entering HarvesTime Foods, customers are greeted with a delightful atmosphere filled with the aroma of fresh ingredients and the warm smiles of the staff. The meat and cheese counter is particularly impressive, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist you in finding exactly what you need. Shoppers have noted the friendly vibe, which often feels like visiting a friend’s house rather than just a grocery run.
- Unique Selection: HarvesTime Foods is celebrated for its variety—offering items that might feel more at home in specialty stores than standard supermarkets. From local brands like freshly-roasted coffee from Brü Coffeeworks to international spices and seasonings, every aisle tells a story of culinary adventure.
- Community-Centric: With a rich history of serving the Lincoln Square, Albany Park, and Ravenswood neighborhoods, it's no surprise that this store has become a beloved community hub. Many customers have shared their experiences of finding items that cater to specific culinary traditions, reflecting the diverse makeup of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Efficient Service: While the store excels in product variety, the efficiency of the checkout system has garnered mixed reviews. Some shoppers appreciate the quick service, though others hope for improvements in the newer staff's engagement. However, the overall sentiment remains that the other delightful aspects more than compensate for minor inconveniences.
The fresh produce section is a must-visit, filled with seasonal local fruits and vegetables that elevate everyday meals. Beyond just produce, customers are delighted by the selection of international goods, whether it’s finding that rare spice for an authentic recipe or choosing quality cheeses from around the world. There’s even a dedicated aisle for international sweets, providing a taste of cultures from Italy to Turkey.
Furthermore, HarvesTime Foods is known for its environmental consciousness and community involvement, making it not just a place to shop, but a cornerstone for community connection during tumultuous times. The pandemic saw them rise to the occasion, ensuring safe shopping experiences while maintaining a welcoming environment.
As you venture into HarvesTime Foods, prepare to be enchanted by its charm, knowledgeable staff, and extensive offerings that go beyond the conventional. Here, grocery shopping transforms into a delightful culinary journey, reminding us that food is about more than sustenance—it's about community, culture, and connection.
In Conclusion: If you're in the Chicago area, take the time to visit HarvesTime Foods. It’s not just about groceries; it’s about embracing the local spirit and discovering the tastiest offerings the neighborhood has to share.

Prices are what you would expect for a small "convenience" grocery store. They do have more space than Edgewater Produce, which they also own. It is within walking distance, which is a plus, though I do watch the prices and go to Mariano's or Jewel when they offer more for less. EVERYONE at the meat/cheese counter is great, and friendly. They really do know their stuff, though at times, I wish they had a ticketed numbered system. It would prevent me from going off on some of the older Eastern Euro clientele when they try to butt in line. NOT happening! The cashiers are efficient, though there is a tall male one that is new to me. Feels like his name should be Draco. Would almost pass for AI, due to his height an personality, though AI can be programmed to be charming and efficient. He literally saw me put down items on the belt and looked like he was confused as to what his role was, then asked me if I wanted a bag for all my purchases, despite it being obvious that I had none with me. I had to get snippy, because, well, I had to get snippy. Oprah did mention them in one of her shows, so they got "trendy" afterwards, but as other reviewers have said, they do carry items that you would find more at a Treasure Island than a Jewel, Aldi, or Mariano's. They are good for that. Now, if they would only work on their AI cashiers and make them more personable, then I would give them a five star rating. Especially since peeps in the hood voted down Amazon from taking over and planting seeds on the corner of Western and Lawrence, to take over the grocery store market.

I've been to this grocery store many times over the years, but never thought to review it before now. It's a pretty standard small grocery store, with a few things that may be hard to find elsewhere. They have some international brands, although the Mexican grocery store farther west on Lawrence (Lindo Michigan) is a better bet for Central American things. They sell some local brands, including freshly-roasted coffee from Brü Coffeeworks, also on Lawrence. Prices are a smidge higher than you might find elsewhere, but at least they're consistent and don't require you to download an app or join a frequent shopper club or whatever. I do wish they would stay open a little later. The staff are helpful, and they have a good selection of spices and seasonings. I wasn't able to find caraway seed elsewhere, for some reason, but when I asked a staff member if they had any, he immediately took me to the exact spot on the shelf where they had it in two different container sizes.

A truly neighborhood supermarket, in this era of grocery conglomerates. Great selection of produce, including local/regional produce in season and local bakeries are well represented. Not a meat eater but a good variety of meats and cheeses. Mexican and other cultures are well covered,with Bob's Red Mill and other products. Decent prices and friendly staff.

Fantastic. A small charming grocery store that simply hits it out of the park. I live in the Margate Park area and have several choices for groceries. I come back consistently. Decent butcher with a great deli however lacking in the seafood department. Also, fresh bread is limited to one of those French bread box's probably delivered. It's a must visit and they continue to surprise me. Oh, and their spice's and grains are bananas!

Great grocery store, has everything you need. Great variety and excellent attendants.

This is a great Latin supermarket that also stocks some other international food as well. There's a large selection of produce, a good meat section that is reasonably priced, and inexpensive spices. I was here buying some ingredients for chili, so I was able to find everything I needed, from dried ancho and arbol chilis, jalapeño, and all the other ingredients I needed. There's a private lot for the market, so there is plenty of parking.

I absolutely love this store! It has a great sized produce selection. I can always find fresh produce here for a decent prize. It's not overwhelming and the produce is rotated regularly. In the aisles I can find the staples like pasta, rice, couscous, canned food, cereal, packaged teas, etc. They also have one aisle with Balkan, Greek, Mediterranean,Middle Eastern staples. I love this aisle. The have a wide dairy selection. One cooler is filled with cheeses where I can get Bulgarian or Greek feta, Mexican queso fresco and crema, etc. The rest of the dairy section is against the wall and here I can get the Zdan plain yogurt and phyllo dough. Over the years they have expanded their vegan section and they offer tofurky products, alternative milks, etc. They also have one aisle dedicated to various international sweets. I have found sweets imported from Italy, Turkey, Croatia, Bosnia, Poland, etc. They sell German Ritter Sport chocolates near the checkout stand. Overall I love the sweet snack offerings. The overall store vibe is always good. They play Greek music. The staff is usually approachable and willing to help if you need something. Check out is fast and efficient. There are never long lines. The parking is across the street though and is a bit inconvenient, but they have updated it. It used to be worse with no designations which way to drive in and out. It is still pretty small and can get crowded but at least people are no longer arguing with each other as to which way to drive in and out. I have been shopping here for 20+ years and have seen the store transform over the years. It attracts a good mix of customers from the neighborhood who walk here as well as people going out of their way to stop by and shop here. I hope they continue to do well and remain one of my favorite local grocery stores to shop at.

I went to my regular grocery store and they were out of chives. Did a quick Google search and found this place within a short 5 minute drive. I walked in and was immediately impressed by the selection of fresh fruit and veggies. I immediately went back and grabbed a basket. As I went around the store, I noticed a lot of international foodstuffs and prepared foods. I was a little birdie with all the products, going down each and every aisle. Not only did I notice the selection of fresh meats and items, but everything was priced on the shelves. I wouldn't had to go ask how much is this once. Take note other grocery stores. I love that they carry local items from and around Chicago. Plus, I loved the selection of hot sauces. I will be coming back soon.

I put this on FB, so forgive the odd formatting. The pandemic has been so hard on so many of us. At times it's been hard to find touchstones for normalcy. For many of us in the Lincon Square/Albany Park/Ravenswood area, that his been made a little easier by HarvesTime Foods. I know they are already deeply loved (57 reviews on FB, all 5 stars!), but I had to say my piece. I first saw a mask at HarvesTime. First saw hand sanitizer stations at HarvesTime. First reasonably priced grocery pick up? HarvesTime. First Senior hours? HarvesTime. And now that they have taken down their CDC guidelines sign, everyone (employees and customers alike) are still wearing masks. To keep our community safe. This pandemic has been at least as hard on them as it has been on us and yet they are always smiling, providing perfectly cut taco meat and selling the only other dog food Eleanor will eat. We neighbors hear that Amazon Fresh may be moving in down the street. I am by no means anti-capitalist, I think competition is a good thing. I also think that Amazon would be making a significant mistake. It seems likely they assume HarvesTime is "just another produce store" that they will dominate. They are wrong. HarvesTime is our neighborhood gathering place, our United Nations, our touchstone. Block Club Chicago, how about a story? You won't be disappointed. NBC, how about a Making a Difference story? They certainly qualify. Thank you HarvesTime! You have never let us down and I am truly grateful for you! (All photos borrowed)