Karrot

This was my absolute favourite place to go in my neighbourhood (for smoothies, groceries, socializing with Carlos, you name it), back when I used to live here.
So sad to hear it’s closed down!
Carlos made a point to remember my name the first time I popped in for a few things, and every time I went back, as soon as I walked through the door I’d get a loud & friendly «Eriiiiiiin!!!» :)
Carlos’s warmth simply made my day every time I went in there! Plus the «Obama» smoothie was amazing. Peanut Butter + Almond Milk… *clasps chest dramatically* Carlos would always make extra in the blender, chat with me a while, while I sipped a bit, then top me up. It couldn’t have cost him that much to make a bit extra, but it’s the little things that have customers coming back loyally. It’s these little things that Carlos knew make people feel special :) Plus they were priced super cheap (in my opinion) at under the $ 5 mark.
This is the type of value-​added service that really picks the small independents apart from the big box stores (eg. WFM). I’m not saying Whole Foods has bad service, but realistically they’d never be able to remember your name or think to ask how your dog is doing or what you’re up to on the long weekend. It wasn’t just a local health & organic shop, it was a social space, and part of the community.
If I ever open up my own business, I would love for it to be exactly like this one, warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and part of the community.
By the way… the «sky high» prices (really they were only maybe 10% more than any other organic food market with high quality products) are definitely worth it for the great experience and customer service Karrot offer (ed).

I loved the location in Brooklyn so I was excited to discover they had one in Harlem. In all of they years they were open I only went there a couple of times. Both times, I was not acknowledged and given the cold shoulder when I asked questions. Their selection was not up the best and I actually prefer Best Yet and Wild Olive’s selection and prices. On top of it, I often forgot they were even there because they were located around the corner. Bottom line is that they quietly went out of business and there is a for rent sign in the window. Someone said the landlord wanted $ 8K a month.

They had a horrible selection and they just went out of business.

Great place!
You can find all organic and natural-​made products for personal hygiene and cleaning the house!
In addition, Carlos makes great smoothies and ice creams!
Support this small but valuable local store!

I was just in Karrot and saw that they have ice cream with toppings. Frozen yoghurt is on order. Much needed item in the neighborhood this summer.

Great staff, fresh smoothies and healthy products! Glad it is in my neighborhood. I only wish that it had a better layout, seems like there is so much wasted space that could be used to add more inventory.

I live a couple blocks away, and my friend mentioned this place a few days ago so we went it. I can’t believe I had never gone in before! I guess it’s because I just recently have wanted to go more organic. Anyway, as soon as I walked in and saw all the hair & skin products I was in love! I also met Carlos and he is as cool as all the other reviewers have said. Will be going back soon (maybe even today) to buy some items! :)

Carlos is a great guy, really takes to his role as neighborhood welcoming committee. And he now has great beer. Long-​overdue in the ‘hood. A bit pricey, but the guys trying to make a living…

Ha, funny that every review has been about Carlos. But, ultimately, that is why we all shop there. He is awesome. Of course he doesn’t have a whole lot at his store — he doesn’t have enough costumers that he’d be able to sell it all before it went bad (thus the produce section seriously lacking).
Despite the fact that Carlos doesn’t have everything we need, we (my apartment mates and I) will continue to shop there because 1. he is awesome, 2. we like supporting local shops, 3. he’s got some seriously great products (like his hazelnut coffee… yum), 4. every time after being in Karrot I leave with a huge smile on my face (and yea, that has to do a lot with Carlos, but come on, he’s totally awesome).

So, I read every review about Karrot before I wrote mine, and found that every one had one similar truth: Carlos. What a nice guy! I came in here because I am semi new to Harlem, and wanted to check out my local places. He made me feel so great! That is the key to a successful business! I really feel like it is worth the above average prices just to shop there knowing that 1) this place will remain open 2) I am supporting a business with a fantastic owner. You got me Carlos, you and your store are fantastic. This is the ONLY place in Harlem that sells Sam Smith, and Carols and I spent 10 mins shooting the shit about some of the best beers in the world. There isn’t much in terms of produce, but that’s cool, because it would be a waste for this store to buy it, when there is already so many options nearby. What Karrot is about is fantastic service and quality product, both of which they do extremely well. The only reason they don’t get 5 stars is because I’m broke and can’t afford some of the stuff there, which is kinda on me, and not on Karrot…

Apparently this is the only place north of 57^th street that sells specialty beer, well, a particular specialty beer that I was on the hunt for. And yes, this is still a health food store.
Carlos, the owner?, was quite nice enough to hold the beer for me since he only had 3 on the shelves and I’ve been looking for this beer for weeks. Obviously I’ll be back, for the beer, but also for the smoothies.
He convinced me (it didn’t take much) to try the house favorite — The Omega, which I found very refreshing. I also got the Obama (the peanut butter version of the Omega), which was also tasty and peanut buttery. What I particularly liked about the smoothie was that since it was made using Almond milk, it wasn’t as thick as most smoothies are. Not too mention the cost of the smoothie is significantly cheaper than a Jamba Juice smoothie.
I honestly can’t wait to go back… for the smoothies though. They are definitely healthier.
And yes, some of the reviews due mention the expensive merchandise, which I will attest to the beer being quite pricey for a bottle. But I know it was a specialty beer, and I stand by my comment about the cost of the smoothies. And let’s face it, the store is in a pretty nice building in Harlem, and does look properly maintained.
And one another thing worth mentioning… Carlos was nice enough to give me a partial glass of the Obama as well as drink a few large gulps of the Omega as he made the smoothies for me… so this way, he didn’t have to send them down the drain, and waste them.

The reviews are right about Carlos: he’s awesome.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t make up for the sky-​high prices that Karrot charges. I get it of course — it’s an organic health food place in Manhattan, of course it has to cover its costs somehow.
The produce section is also severely lacking. I went in for a bag of carrots and there was one expired bag sitting among the wilted group of questionable greens.
There is a very nice variety of packaged and canned goods and drinks, however. At a price. And the new beer section is packed full of microbrews and unique varieties from all over the country.
All-​in-​all: cute store, great staff, high prices.

I love this place. Carlos, the owner is a tremendous guy. It’s great to have a good local store so that I don’t have to make the trek through the park to get some nice food. Awesome that they now have great microbrews as well!

If you want to walk into a store, that sells health and organic food, and be greeted with «Hey, Whasssup» and sky high prices for vegetables, milk, baby food, vitamins, etc, Go to Karrot

I feel so lucky to have Karrot two blocks from my apartment. Carlos the owner is incredibly nice, knows his stuff, and will order things for you if he doesn’t have them in stock. In addition to the great food, fresh smoothies, supplements, and personal items to be found at Karrot, there is also Ciao Bella gelato and Green & Black candy bars (try the caramel)!
Not much produce yet, but as the hood grows, I’m sure that will change.

Carlo’s is a great addition to the hood. He make’s a point of calling is customer’s by name. Everytime I request an item it’s there within a week. And the smoothies aren’t bad either.