Jonathan Best Speciality Foods & Cheese

I was a fan of the Jonathan’s Best in Chestnut Hill (closed recently). Yes, both were overpriced. I go for the soups and sometimes fancy cheeses. I went to the Reading Terminal branch today and got a small gazpacho ($ 4.99). I love me some gazpacho. However, this version was made so carelessly, it was more cold vegetable stew without the potatoes. The vegetables were cut very large, particularly the green peppers and tomatoes. It should have been pureed. Otherwise, nice employees when I got their attention.

Nice selection, friendly staff, ok prices. I’d rather trek into the city to hit the Italian Market but when I can’t make it this is a decent substitute.

Gourmet goods in the extreme. If you want olive oil, vinegar, British imports, they’re all crammed in here. Not to mention cheese and deli items.
We got lunch and I had a wonderful sandwich with hummus and roasted peppers on pita. Very good, but the service was really slow, and one of the guys behind the counter seemed all thumbs; the other dude was helping him along, so I don’t know if he was new or what, but it was kind of a bad thing to have going on at lunch hour on a week-​end.
Clearly the spot for all your fancy food needs, though service needs a bit of help.

There’s not enough markets like Jonathans Best.
Now more than ever, we need neighborhoods that are walkable and self sustainable. JB has a reasonable selection of Milk and Eggs kind of essentials, and additionally stocks hard to find domestic and foreign cooking ingredients that you cant get at a chain grocer.
Although a bit pricey, JB has a lot to offer and is a nice place for lunch. JB has ready to go wraps and sandwiches and fresh deserts. Food can also be ordered and put on the grill if you’d like. There’s a quiet set of tables outside where you can have a peaceful snack or lunch away from the busy Avenue.
JB stocks dairy from local farms, and sells freshly squeezed juices that are out of this world de-​lish.
JB offers catering and does a great job of making sure you have everything you need for your event.
The only con besides some of the prices (which are likely justified and correspond to the quality) is that the owner seems a bit overbearing to the staff. I’m not sure it matters from a customers’ perspective, but I’ve witnessed the young staff «under the gun» of the owner on more than one occasion. Whether it was justified or not, I’m not sure. In my handful of experiences, everyone has been courteous, cordial, and helpful
4 stars ’cause it’s all around great except for its small size and unfortunately expensive local basics

Every few months I totally find myself with a hankering for a smoothie. Not one of those mall smoothies that taste like a Kool-​Aid milkshake, but one with fresh fruit and healthy goodness made by someone who is not me. This is always the place where I can satisfy that craving.
They have an extensive selection of combos (I just wish you could choose your own, but I guess that might get overwhelming for the smoothie technicians?) and they’re all tasty. The size is just right and the wait is never too long. Make sure to try their raspberry lemonade, too. It’s all I drink in the summer. Wow, it’s amazing that I don’t have type 2 diabetes!
While you’re there, check out the vast hot sauce, jams and jellies and mustard collections. Seriously, if you’re into condiments, this will be your new favorite store.
Jonathan’s also has fresh soups and sandwiches, making it the perfect lunchtime stop while you’re in Chestnut Hill. Because, sadly, there’s nothing else to do in this neighborhood these days (and I live here, so I should know)!