ISO: Boston Wegmans

October 16, 2006 8:42 AM

I recently moved from NOVA to Somerville, MA and the place of business that I miss most is Wegmans! Is there any store remotely like that near where I am now?

I know of 2 stop and shops nearby, but they pale in comparison to my dearest Weggies. I'd appreciate any insight on where to get good groceries around here. I'd also welcome information on a Wegmoholics Anonymous society, because I'm in withdrawal. :)

Thanks!

posted by o0dano0o to shopping (13 comments total)

Not the same thing, but I get what you're after. Check out:

Wilson Farms
http://www.wilsonfarm.com/ in Lexington.

Of course, you have the new Whole Foods in Cambridge, as well as a Trader Joes too.
posted by JakeWalker at 8:50 AM on October 16, 2006

There's also Russo's in Watertown.
posted by cerebus19 at 8:52 AM on October 16, 2006 [1 favorite]

I admit that I've never been to a Wegmans, but good shopping in your area is Trader Joes, Whole Foods and the Harvest Co-op (in Central Sq). The various Stars and Stop & Shops are no bueno.
posted by Constant Reader at 8:52 AM on October 16, 2006

Former Somerville resident and permanent Wegman's lover here. Wish I could help you out. When I lived there, I shopped at Star, which I think is better than Stop & Shop or Johnnie's Foodmaster. But at least at that time there wasn't a good, big, Wegman's style store anywhere nearby.
posted by escabeche at 9:00 AM on October 16, 2006

Boston grocery shopping is not a one-stop affair. You'll have to make a few trips. For produce, I second Wilson Farms out in Lexington. For pre-packaged food and wine, Trader Joe's (avoid the one in Arlington; there's no booze.) For meat and fish and organic stuff, Wild Oats in Medford is much less crowded than Whole Foods and has pretty much the same stuff. For conventional groceries, I go to the Shaw's on Lexington Ave in Waltham. Finally, Costco for the bulk items. Avoid Stoop & Poop like the plague.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 9:00 AM on October 16, 2006

Don't go all the way to Waltham for a Shaw's (Star Market), there's one in Porter Square. It's a pretty decent go-to general grocery store, but not spectacular. For your organic food needs, there's both Whole Foods and the Harvest Co-Op in Central Square, Cambridge. The Trader Joe's on Memorial Drive (also Cambridge) might be more convenient for you than the Arlington one, not sure.

But if the part you miss is the huge, sprawling nature of the stores and the spectacular selection all under one roof, there's really no equivalent. Sorry, man.
posted by rkent at 10:16 AM on October 16, 2006

I've heard people rave about Roch Bros., but haven't been yet. The closest one to you would be Burlington. The only Stop + Shop I really like is the one in Lexington.
posted by jdl at 10:18 AM on October 16, 2006

Whole Foods (the biggest two near you are in Alewife and River St./Memorial Drive in Cambridge) are the closest equivalent. I've been to a few Wegman's and other than the size I don't miss much at a Whole Foods.
posted by neustile at 10:31 AM on October 16, 2006

Being almost 10-years removed from my last Ithaca Wegman's visit...I share your pain and longing.

Not the same thing at all, but one thing I've been doing for a while now is having a crate of organic vegetables delivered (to my office...i'm out in the burbs) from Boston Organics. I love it...and while my guess is it probably equally the same price as getting the same things in, say, Whole Foods...there's something great about getting a big crate of stuff delivered to you. It's sort of "forced" me to try out new foods and recipes (and the Boston Organics folks are the nicest people you'll ever do business with).

Also check out the local farmers' markets...which are all close to wrapping up, but still...
posted by tpl1212 at 10:41 AM on October 16, 2006

I've often wondered why Wegmans' hasn't penetrated the New England market. They have stores as far east as Albany, but then go no further. Is there something in the Massachusetts licensing/permitting process that might make it difficult to do business in Mass?
posted by Xurando at 10:55 AM on October 16, 2006

I'd second Russo's.
My visit to Roch Bros. in Burlington didn't impress me. Market Basket has a nice selection of fresh produce, and there's one right in Somerville.
posted by of strange foe at 12:44 PM on October 16, 2006 [1 favorite]

There is nothing at all in Massachusetts that comes close to a full-size Wegman's.

That said, if you follow up by letting us know the aspects of Wegman's (besides the all-in-one-ness of it) that you are looking to find, maybe we can suggest alternatives.

Here's my two cents on the local chains:
Roche Brothers is nice but doesn't come close to Wegman's.
The Porter Sq. Shaws/Star Market is pretty good for its kind.
Stop&Shops tend to be crummy.
Whole Foods and Wild Harvest tend to have high quality for high prices.
I'm not a fan of Johnny Foodmaster.
You probably already know about Trader Joe's in general - be aware that the Arlington one does not sell liquor due to the town's particular blue laws.
posted by Sprout the Vulgarian at 1:58 PM on October 16, 2006

Russo's is great! But, if you go at the weekend get there early to avoid the old biddies fighting for parking near the door, the place really is a zoo at the weekend & the car park (parking lot) is wee.
posted by zaphod at 5:10 PM on October 16, 2006