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Skenderian Apothecary
Category: Shopping Drugstores Drugstores [Edit]
1613 Cambridge StCambridge, MA 02138
Neighbourhood: Harvard Square
(617) 354-5600
- Nearest Transit:
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Cambridge St @ Trowbridge St (69)
Cambridge St @ Hovey Ave (69)
Cambridge St @ Dana St (69)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 9 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Skenderian Apothecary
Review Highlights
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"The Skendarian brothers are nice and helpful." In 4 reviews -
"They know me by name, and always make sure to help me out." In 3 reviews -
"Also the customer service is amazing." In 4 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Cait S.
12/29/2011
I prefer a small pharmacy to a big chain, the simpler the better. There are times were I just want some medicine and a maybe a little advice, but not a carton of milk or a pillow pet. This is especially true when I am sick, just give the medicine so I can crawl back to my bed, thanks. When did pharmacies become like little shopping centers anyway? I don't like it, the last thing I want to with when I am sick is wait in long lines, hear loud music, and screaming kids. Around Christmas time you could not pay me to go CVS, but I will go here happily if I need medicine.
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Review from Lee G.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/19/2012
I really hate to leave a negative review. After all, the pharmacist was so friendly the first time I went here. I go out of my way to support local bizes, and there aren't many independent pharmacies still standing. Bottom Line (if you want to skip the personal experience): Beware before making a purchase unless you're positive it's the right brand, item, etc.
Perhaps this is partly why independents can't make it: I purchased a small bottle of tablets. Turned out I needed something else, and when I returned 2 days later - with receipt - they would not exchange them [$2 vs. new purchase of $17]. They were clearly unopened, safety foil securely in place. They cited concern about storage issues, how warm it had been. Well, it was in the 60s both days, and by that logic, everything in everyone's medicine cabinet would conceivably be spoiled. So, beware before making a purchase. The $ isn't such a big deal. I'm just so disappointed. I hope the $2 was worth it to them. -
Review from Kristin M.
Cambridge, MA
7/8/2011
Family owned, and the brothers are great, so I make the hike out here from the river. They know us so my bringing in scripts for the family isn't a big deal, and they'll deliver. I'm not, however, a big fan of some of their new staff, who seem kind of snooty.
I stick to prescriptions since the actual merchandise is kind of expensive unless I'm in dire need of something (like Luden's throat drops for the niece when she was super sick, which I couldn't find in any of the other stores near me). I had to switch a script at one point because they started carrying a different generic, and there have been times they haven't had what I needed, likely because of their small size. So I've got Skenderian, Rite Aid and CVS bottles hanging around. For new scripts, though, I go here first unless it's late and I need a 24 hour place.
Oh, and when I did veterinary stuff, that's where we sent people for compounded and oddly flavored medications, which they were always great about.
They do have a few spaces in a lot behind the place but for the most part it's street parking. So knocking off a star is the parking, the distance and annoying commute, the kind of snooty new staff, and the fact that I never know if they're going to have what I need, which makes the trip completely useless. Other than that, though, I'm all for supporting family owned stuff and they're great. -
Review from Adrienne T.
Boston, MA
3/31/2008
Love Skenderian's! Locally owned and operated. If your doctor has you looking for something obscure that you can't find anywhere else- Skenderian's will have it, or they will know what you're talking about and have it for you tomorrow!
When you go in here, it feels like you're on a TV set from "Leave It to Beaver" or "The Andy Griffith Show". Yes, it feels that old timey and authentic. Nice.
Support family owned businesses! -
Review from Jessica A.
Cambridge, MA
I cannot believe this place exists.
I got in the knack of using family pharmacies back when I lived in New Hampshire -- my mother always used chains and never thought twice, but it occurred to me at one point when I passed the forlorn-looking pharmacy in my hometown that it wouldn't be open much longer unless people went there, and indeed, I was the only person under 70 who ever seemed to be in there. Voting with your dollars and all that.
So, it was natural to seek out Skenderian's when I first came to Boston.
I could not believe how awesome it was. I have a chronic health condition, and the first they made mention of my rather-frequent trips to their shop was six months later when they pointed out a drug interaction both I and the prescribing physician had missed, when I was filling a new script. (And I'm normally very careful about these things.)
I learnt that they delivered by looking at their Web site. Then I learnt that they would accept my refill request by Web. As I'm nigh-unto deaf (at the age of 27), this was a life-saver.
I could *pay* by Web as well. I did that, until I discovered that I could (2 years into my association with them) just leave an imprint of my card on file with them, and then have them deliver the next day, for $5 above my co-pay. Done. Happily. Between my doctors calling in the script and their delivery service, when I'm in agony from an emergency room visit and they open in the morning, I can go crash and have the script there in a few hours, all without moving a muscle more than needed.
As if these weren't enough virtues, as a former lactation counsellor, I can tell you that they stock absolutely everything a nursing mother would need, both in the way of pumping supplies and soothing ointments and cold packs. They run a decent variety of hospital-type medical supplies, a more than adequate supply of OTC needs (everything I've ever needed, I've found there, and as a former medic, I can tell you that my medical kits can be rather esoteric) and, of all things, Swiss chocolate from fall until spring. (They don't stock it in the summer, when it would melt before we could lay our hands on it.)
They have all of my prescription business and almost all of my medical business. They are phenomenal and I cannot stop trumpeting their praises. -
Review from Meagan H.
9/9/2008
This old-school apothecary is the only place that I can find two (apparently) very hard to find items. And I am SO THANKFUL for that, because without these items I would be in a bad, bad way. I know, you're just DYING to know what these mysterious items are, but everyone has secrets. ;)
Back to Skenderian: the store is organized, super clean, and the people who work there are awesome. So friendly and helpful. I will second Adrienne T.'s TV set comparison to "Leave It to Beaver"...and make my own additional comparison of "Bewitched". -
Review from Yui K.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2008
They're awesome. Get your meds, crutches, walkers, plastic cast covers, BP monitors, shoe horns, hand exercisers, raised toilet seats, commodes, reachers, grabbers, urinals (male AND female), shower seats, neck braces, compression stockings, ostomy supplies, and PLENTY more crazy medical supplies goodies.
and where else (between harvard and inmann) can you get your cat's methimazole suspension specially made tuna flavored? or your super 9138428 ingredients migraine headache suppository? or your all-purpose-nipple-ointment aka APNO for all the lactating mothers out there? WHERE??!???!?
The 3 brothers are fast-talkin', friendly, knowledgeable pharmacists who'll go the extra step to get to know you, mano a mano. The ladies, Cassie, Rebecca, and Nadia, are pretty damn amazing too. and Joel!
They deliver! (for a mere $5 fee.. that's what you get for being L A Z Y)
Support independent pharmacies!
AND they're next to Darwin's, so go grab a sandwich and coffee while you wait for your script. -
Review from MaryTyler M.
Cambridge, MA
8/9/2008
You won't want to buy into their "flowers and sausages" advertisements, but get over the bitterness the media has imbued you with. The Skenderians actually ARE that sweet as pie, old fashioned, and genuinely concerned about customer service and giving you what big chains can't. Once I went in there very obviously ill, and not only was I given a cup of water, but this fine fellow opened my package of pills for me, and invited me to sit down until I felt well enough to head back out on my walk.
This place is definitely the last of its kind in this part of the world, so have a heart and keep them in business! Also, they are obviously responsible for maintaining all those old people in Youville right next door. Results you can see!Listed in: EC hood rat haunts -- not…
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Review from Rick L.
San Jose, CA
5/3/2009
One star for TERRIBLE, inexcusable, atrocious customer service.
My fiancee was deathly ill today, puking everywhere. We paged a doctor and had them call in two prescriptions to Skenderian. I waited 20 minutes and then called to make sure they had received the orders and that I could come in to pick them up.
The woman who answered said they were closing in 10 minutes. I said I would be right there, at which point she asked where I was (presumably because she didn't want to wait around for me). I told her I was less than five minutes away, and THEN she checked to make sure she actually had them.
She said they only were able to fill one of the two. The medicines we needed were ONLY for people are violently puking, and I made it clear that that was what was happening and that we HAD TO have this right away.
She said I could call another pharmacy and have them call Skenderian to transfer the prescriptions. I told her I was calling CVS right away and asked if she would definitely be there for five minutes because I needed this; she said yes.
I called CVS and told them how urgent it was. They said they would call right away (maybe two minutes had passed). I called Skenderian back, with 5 minutes to spare, AND THEY WERE CLOSED. I called again and again and just kept getting the voicemail.
I called CVS, and they said they could not reach anyone and were just getting the voicemail as well.
THANKS SKENDERIAN, and THANKS TO THE AWFUL WOMAN WHO ANSWERED THE PHONE THERE. What a terrible business you have. My fiancee is puking her brains out and needs medication, and you know that, but you decided to close two minutes early today.
YOU SUCK. -
Review from Mats K.
Cambridge, MA
5/12/2006
I don't have a need for a pharmacy (or Apothecary) particularly often, but I really liked this place when I went.
It has an old-timey feel to it, and the staff is much more helpful than at your average CVS / Walgreens.
It's too bad the big pharmacy chains have mostly killed off these little local guys, as it really is a much more pleasant environment. -
Review from K D.
Milton, MA
12/28/2008
I love this place so much that I moved to the other side of Boston, but still go there for everything, including over the counter stuff I could pick up anywhere. If someone must have my money for these things, I want it to be them. A neighborhood business that has the sort of customer service my generation is completely ignorant of...it lends credence to the "Back in my day" stories our older relatives tell.
The nicest staff, and they'll bend over backwards to help in any way they can. My best shopping experiences have been at this pharmacy, which is sort of strange to say. -
Review from Melissa M.
Medford, MA
4/7/2009
I love that this place is a small business and they use the word Apothecary. It sounds so regal and nice.
I've gone here for vitamins, band-aids, various things for my Papa, toiletries, etc. The Skendarian brothers are nice and helpful. The store is always well-stocked and the prices are right.
I will go out of my way to shop here for items.
Glad to see it's still in business. -
Review from Rick R.
Pawtucket, RI
1/5/2012
This pharmacy is as good as it gets. I have used most of the other pharmacies in Cambridge over the years and I would give them all 1 star rating. Every other one I have had someone that was rude, unknowledgeable, stupid policies, nothing in stock, etc. Skenderians folks are always knowledgeable, always friendly, and fast. I would not go anywhere else.
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Review from EricaLynn J.
Oaklyn, NJ
5/24/2010
This is such an awesome place! I admit it: I only heard of it because of the many local commercials aired, but who cares? Not only is it a well-stocked drug store, but the people who run it are so pleasant and sweet. I like having someone smile at me when I come in and ask me how I am, and mean it. And find things for me when I (am dumb and) cannot find them myself.
I'm so happy that places like this still exist and that I have access to one so nearby. -
Review from Lauren E.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/23/2010 22 Check-ins Here
These guys are fantastic. They know me by name, and always make sure to help me out. There are a few people working up front (not the pharmacists) who may not be as great, but someone will always look out for you.
I was so touched by the personal service I got here. I once had an unusual prescription that wasn't going through my insurance company, and the pharmacist spend over 30 minutes helping me, even offering to deal with the insurance company for me! He explained everything, and was willing to help make sure everything went through. At most other pharmacies they'd just send you home with nothing.
In addition to the service (which really is why I go), they also have a great selection of medical supplies--pressure stockings, injection supplies, OTC medications, tons of medical supplies you'd only see in a hospital, and a whole bunch of chocolate! Also, they compound medications, and try to keep the prices as low as possible, which is impressive.
I switched to using these guys exclusively, and it was a great decision.Listed in: Healthy Me
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Review from LESLI G.
Cambridge, MA
11/16/2007
I stopped going to Skendarian. It used to be great, but the druggist who brought out my prescription actually said (with other people in line).."Oh, you must have been really bad on your vacation!" I was getting antibiotics because I had been raped while on vacation. To have him insult me like that, it was horrid! What a total sexist. NO WOMAN should ever go in there. If I wasn't so humiliated and upset
about the rape, I'd spend more time giving this place the VERY BAD PRESS that it deserves. -
Review from Nora C.
Cambridge, MA
6/28/2011
These guys are very thorough. They always make sure you understand how to use the medication you get there. Especially nice is that if you're prescription is expired, they will contact your doctor for you.
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Review from Laura A.
12/1/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I just came here for the first time today, although I have been eyeing it for awhile during visits to Darwin's. My husband left Inman Pharmacy to come here a few months ago and convinced me to, and I'm glad I did. I was a little confused when I came in and when the pharmacist came down to help me, I explained it was my first time in, and the two other customers in the pharmacy offered out of nowhere "you're going to REALLY LOVE this place. this is THE BEST PHARMACY in cambridge!" i didn't know people could get that stoked about a pharmacy, but i'm down :)
while i was waiting for my prescription i noticed the pharmacist greeted several people who came in by name and had actual conversations with them - i love that they know their customers here. that really impressed me. take that, cvs!
the pharmacist was very nice and helpful and explained my medication very clearly (and privately), which i appreciated. the pharmacy itself is very well lit, clean, with actual products i might want to buy (like fancy dry shampoo) on the shelves as opposed to dusty crap like other pharmacies around cambridge.
this feels like a very townie place - in a good way!! -
Review from Jen G.
Cambridge, MA
3/4/2009
The people who run Skenderian's are truly class acts. I had a billing issue that was resolved easily and with a smile. I've been nothing but pleased with their business, and their delivery service is a lifesaver.
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Review from Katherine G.
Boston, MA
1/16/2007
I completely agree with Mats K. This is hands-down the best pharmacy in the Boston-Cambridge area. I believe it's owned/run by two brothers, both pharmacists and extremely knowledgeable. I've never had to wait longer than 5 minutes or so to get a prescription filled. Their store is extremely well organized and stocked with useful but hard-to-find medical supplies. Once you've been, you won't go near a CVS/Walgreens anytime soon. (http://www.skenderiana...)
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Review from T S.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
4/7/2009
I'm with Lesli G.
A doctor in Arlington suggested I go there specially for an item I needed and said they would be helpful. The place was quiet and the pharmacist came over with me to the area with the product and .. a minute later was snide and condescending! He misunderstood my question but rather than assume I was intelligent and there was an explanation other than stupidity he just shot out a "surely you.." kind of comment.
I just don't believe if I was a male he'd not have paused to confirm my question!
I added a star because a doctor did recommend the place and I do like supporting local businesses! But heck - one feels vulnerable enough after dealing with medical stuff to have this kind of treatment.
I'm not going back. -
Review from KyleMarie C.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
6/16/2009
I have used this pharmecy for the past 37 years. It is a family run business and the service is beyond compare. !!! The pharmecists are incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and very caring. In the age of big box stores, Skendarian Pharmecy is a refreshing alternative. Also the customer service is amazing. You never have to wait when you arrive like at the various chains where they make you wait and hopefully shop their store. I have even done drive bys at Skendarian where I had a carful of sick kids and they would run the script out to the car. They also deliver in Cambridge which is incredibly convenient.I have a very busy psychotherapy practice in Cambridge and I refer all my patients. In picking a health care benefit, I care more about my pharmecy choice than I do about my PCP choice. That is how srongly i feel about Skendarian Pharmecy. Shop local. They are beyond compare!!!
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Review from Dave M.
Cambridge, MA
6/10/2009
I can't speak highly enough about this place. The three brothers who own and run Skendarian Apothecary do so with a dedication, work ethic, and demeanor reminiscent of our grandparents' generation.
My wife and I have always received fantastic advice and excellent service from the pharmacists here. Granted, Skendarian is much more expensive than the alternative, but in today's age of rushed doctors visits and insincere big-box pharmacists, it is refreshing (and definitely worth it) to have access to such articulate and knowledgeable help.
We call the Skendarian pharmacists with any medical question - and they consistently come through with accurate and timely advice. -
Review from Layla P.
Cambridge, MA
5/3/2009
This place is great - pretty much anything medical related, you can find it here. They have been very helpful to me on many occassions and they are quite friendly.
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Review from R T.
Somerville, MA
7/13/2009
It is so amazing to walk into a pharmacy these days and find the staff remembers who you are and what you take. Plus, with a day's advance warning, THEY DELIVER FOR FREE. That's a godsend for me when I'm sick and/or crazy busy.
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Review from Kristin S.
Cambridge, MA
5/16/2011
This place is great. Not open as late as CVS, but that's the only downside. Never a big line, always really fast - and super helpful and friendly. It's a pleasant change to talk with a pharmacist who can also give solid advice! I'll come here for everything.
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Review from m l.
Boston, MA
6/12/2009
I'm sure the atmosphere is charming and retro if that is your only criteria for a pharmacy. Also retro is the chauvinism, and the lack of services we've become accustom to in this day and age of high tech. I rented a wheelchair from here because I was staying with my sister after an injury. She lives in the neighborhood and likes to support local small businesses.
On the third day of rental, the front wheel fell off. We screwed it back on and tightened it. No problem. After 2 weeks in a nursing/rehab home after surgery I was allowed a brief outing to the local mall. I could not go because the wheelchair was jammed and would not fold to fit in the car. I waited until the next day for my physical therapist to come in and fix it. Again, fixed it, no biggie. On the third week, one of the front wheels broke. I called Skenderian's to see if they could replace it and they told me they had no delivery. My sister was out of town, but brought it back a few days later. They offered no apologies and told her that the wheelchair must have been abused and mentioned that I must have been racing in the street or something to cause the damage, before charging her $40 for the 'damaged' wheel.
I am in my 50's in a nursing home post surgery and did not use this wheelchair in any way that could be described as abusive.
After she gave me the receipt a few days later I called the store. The person told me that he was the one who received the chair and that it obviously been abused, (totally not true) he also told me that he hardly believed that the wheel fell off, (Again, I'm a liar) I didn't even mention the folding issue.
The physical therapy dept staff who deal with medical supply companies on a regular basis could not believe that I was charged for something that was clearly either defective, cracked, caused from ordinary wear and tear, or neglectful maintenance and upkeep.
If you are renting equipment from them, please be sure to inspect it very carefully before leaving the store or you will be stuck with extra charges, being accused of being a liar, and with the problem of returning the equipment if you are not ambulatory.
Also keep in mind that you can find a wheelchair of the same quality as the rentals online to buy for $109-$149 as opposed to renting here at $125+/month -
Review from alice g.
Cambridge, MA
12/18/2009
I use this place all the time. Great service, nice people, local business. Awesome.
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Review from Jim R.
Cambridge, MA
2/8/2011
Always helpful, always professional. Wonderful alternative to chain store pharmacies.
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Review from Dude R.
Cambridge, MA
11/9/2008
Love this place. Very pleasant pharmacy (well, really, apothecary) is easy to navigate and has a pretty wide variety of items. Service is always friendly: every time I've dragged myself in there out of desperate need of cold meds, I've gotten a sincere "feel better!" from the staff. And it's locally owned.
