Photo Credit: @meadowlanenyc/INSTAGRAM
NYC EREWHON GROCERY STORE DUPES
New York City has officially entered its era of chic grocery shopping.
While a low-key Sunday morning bagel run still might be the norm, it is becoming more common to opt for a weekend pitstop at a luxe grocer. Slowly but surely, Manhattan has taken note of the West Coast’s affinity for superior produce. Although Erewhon, Southern California’s preeminent celebrity-adorned organic market, has been around for decades, Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie brought the store’s fanfare to an unprecedented level.
But the hyperfixation does not end there – the hot food bar can set you back 20 minutes, the prepared food section can incite a BOGE (buy one get everything) mentality, and the mecca of healthy dessert options can cause decision paralysis. Thankfully, Manhattan now offers a growing number of Erewhon-like grocery stores within its city limits. You might not be guaranteed a celebrity sighting on your next grocery trip, but you will definitely be feeling the Erewhon aesthetic at Deuxmoi’s list of market alternatives in NYC.
If there was a runner up for the most similar vibe to Erewhon, Happier Grocery would snag the title. Walk into their Canal Street locale, and you are immediately greeted by a beverage bar and confectionery lineup. Browse further into the space, and you will be tantalized by the immaculately cut pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, aromatic hot bar, and an assortment of grab-and-go items. The downstairs level features a variety of frozen goods and pantry staples, though your wallet might be protesting at that point. Expect Erewhon prices, off-duty models, and famous faces (and collabs).
If Benny Blanco casually descends on this market, you know it’s worthy of an experience. The refrigerated and hot food bar items awaken the senses (and kickstart appetites), the top-notch quality is indicative of an Upper East Side zip code, and the hectic nature of the store juxtaposes against the employees’ (and store owners’) kindness. It’s the type of place where you film a food haul, impress your partner’s family with a “home-cooked meal,” and/or arrange a super cute picnic basket in the park. And whether it’s zero or 100 degrees outside, it’s not a visit to Butterfield without their signature frozen yogurt.
Nestled into a cute and cozy West Village address, Bonberi Mart has become a staple for neighborhood locals and tourists alike. Founded by wellness influencer Nicole Berrie, the mart offers plant-based refrigerated salads, sides, desserts, and niche pantry items. Don’t let the store’s square footage fool you – it’s stocked with some of the city’s healthiest and nutrient-dense prepared dishes and snacks. Think of it as Erewhon’s vegan cousin.
Before stunning security guards guarded its elite entry point, Meadow Lane was a long-awaited dreamscape from the 28-year-old founder (and TikTok star), Sammy Nussdorf. Opening just last month, the gourmet grocer has attracted a legion of fans. The Tribeca-based storefront has become so popular that customers are limited to five prepared food bar items. Much hype (and controversy) surrounds the marketplace’s gluten free chicken nuggets, but what’s a little success without some chatbots? Meadow Lane has been compared to Erewhon, though we would categorize it as a boutique Brentwood-meets-Hamptons food retailer with a penchant for quiet luxury design.
The city has gotten its first taste of a true Erewhon outpost! The recently opened Kith Ivy padel club is refreshing its prestigious members with an Erewhon smoothie bar. While the members-only club costs a pretty penny, Postmates and UberEats customers can order smoothies straight to their apartments, within a one-mile radius of the West Village venue. As of now, only four smoothies are being offered: Strawberry Glaze Skin (Bieber’s name is no longer attached to the drink), Malibu Mango, Coconut Cloud, and Vanilla Matcha, ranging from $24.00-$26.50 per smoothie, respectively.
Just like Erewhon’s dedication to providing 100% USDA Certified Organic produce, this health food store (and smoothie bar!) delivers a similar approach. Blending up their own Coconut Cloud smoothie, expect just as much flavor at half the price. While it might not be the most Instagrammable shopping outing, the low-key neighborhood shop will make you feel good inside and out. Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley are known to support this family-owned business, which solidifies its IYKYK energy.
Focusing its efforts on working with local farmers, the specialty market and cafe can best be described by its Instagram bio: “coffee, community, groceries, salads, sandwiches, and everyday goods.” Artisan Mast-branded chocolate bars? Check. Preserves so fresh you’d think they were jarred yesterday? Check. Finding that yellow mustard with the perfect ratio of tanginess to brininess? Check. With a location on the Upper West Side and in Bedford, New York, the storefronts and brand itself are giving farm to table with a side of minimalism. We can’t help but wonder if the Reynolds-Lively household frequents their Upstate New York address.
Most of Erewhon is allergen friendly, but could you imagine if an entire merchant was 100% gluten free? Insert Agata & Valentina’s gluten free counterpart, where the carefully curated merchandise makes a Celiac or gluten intolerant person feel like they have struck gluten free gold. The Upper East Side storefront has an impressive prepared food selection, decadent savory (pizza!) and sweet pastries (baked on-site), and a wide array of unique shelf-stable brands.
We would be doing Deuxmoi’s readers a disservice if we did not include this small business on our list. LifeThyme has everything a shopper could need: organic produce, hot food and salad bar, vitamins, snacks galore, and even top-tier raw vegan desserts. While they don’t have Erewhon’s OG raw cinnamon rolls, you can easily curb your sweet tooth with one of their naturally sweetened treats. Celebrating 30 years serving the West Village community, this market has withstood the test of time – while frequently reinventing itself.
If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a trip to the iconic farmers’ market in Lower Manhattan. A local produce purveyor’s paradise, stock up on organic and pesticide-free items for a “reasonable” price and maybe that sweet treat you have been craving all week. Chef Jean-Georges often peruses the market for his restaurants – you’re just as likely to see a Michelin-starred chef as you are an A-list celebrity.
Chop chop! It’s time to grab your shopping list, reusable tote, and check out these Erewhon-adjacent spots!