Pike Grocery

I came here with my best friend last year on Bumbershoot weekend to get some basic groceries for meal preparations during that day while staying at the nearby hostel. They had some basic needs. The price was $$$ but the customer service was decent.

Bottom Line — Walk the extra 5 minutes up Pike Street to QFC.
I went to this new business on the corner of Pike and Boren on 30 March 2013, and they wanted to charge 50 cents to use my debit card for anything under $ 10. I know that debit cards are exempt from allowable surcharges (credit cards were recently allowed to have fees tacked on).
You can submit merchant violations for debit card surcharge violations here:

Having been spoiled by fine food, wine, and artisan beers, I find myself difficult to please, especially when trying new venues. In moving to Seattle, I noticed that there was a corner store being renovated right down the hill from where I lived, to be called the «Pike Grocery.» Another convenience store with overpriced generic staples, I figured.
Since it has opened, I have been a customer almost every single day, and my experience never ceases to amaze me.
I’ll be honest, what first seduced me into their doors was the outlandishly enormous beer selection, with specialties, imports, and craft brews being their, well, specialty. Each day I went in, I discovered something new; not only in their selection, but also in what services they offer. A deli. A produce section. Fresh cold-​cuts. Imported quality and regional wines at affordable prices. Coffees (they even carry LavAzza!), teas, pasta, cereal…
Now here’s where things get even better. They offer fresh-​brewed coffee from local roasters, and wow, does it make a difference. Every cup is bursting with full aromas and flavors that will convert even the most prudish of the lot into caffeine addicts. The owner is also an artist when it comes to any espresso-​based drink, adding flare and décor to any cappuccino and balancing just the right amount of bitterness into his espresso shots.
And then come the sandwiches.
When I eat out for sandwiches, I generally find only one thing I’ll like on the menu and then go back solely for that one item. The Pike Grocery’s menu is very broad, which is impressive for such a local small operation that seems to be more of a grocery store. All ingredients are fresh, and the cuts are sliced right in front of you (they use Boar’s Head, by the way!). Every sandwich is to die for, and so far each one I’ve had is my favorite. This is saying a lot, as I said in the beginning, I am a very picky eater… but the flavor, the quality, and the sustenance of each sandwich is worth every penny and leaves me wanting more, despite a full stomach.
If you haven’t discovered Pike Grocery yet, you’re truly missing out on a new gem in local-​owned business. The owner and all of the staff are very friendly, welcoming, and all around wonderful people, and the quality of everything in the store is impeccable, as well as clean.
Do pay them a visit, buy some coffee and a sandwich, and you can’t say I didn’t tell you so.