American Way Markets

A streetcar line was run in 1895 along Pierce and turned at this corner north to McDowell and this corner looks like it became a market center as the immediate area developed before and after World War I. This building started life in 1925 as a Safeway Store, which kept it running until the ‘50s.
Walk inside — it’s a true ‘blast from the past’ — the two owners in the 60 years since Safeway had it haven’t changed its layout much. A butcher held sway in the back of the store until local butchering was rendered illegal by the County — the weighing hook suspended from the ceiling is still there!
As this part of Garfield gathers artists this corner, and this store especially, is poised to resume life as the heartbeat of its neighborhood.
In the meantime, you can get fresh peppers and cilantro at a great price.

Most of those stars are for convenience.
There have been quite a few times when I just couldn’t muster the energy to walk to the Safeway on McDowell and starting up my car seemed like such a waste. Luckily for me, this little market is about a 25 second walk from my house. There’s a moderately good selection, you just can’t go looking for something too specific, unless it is gatorade, ramen noodle or misprinted grocer goods you are seek. The cashier is always friendly, and doesn’t make a fuss when he has to get off the phone to ring you up with your debit card (there is only one line)
The word on the street is that there is a major face-​lift in the works for this store which is very exciting for the Garfield district so hopefully the store can start carrying a wider selection and keep our money local.