Essential Market

August 12, 2008
This is just a general with a small selection of beer-though the selection they do have is very impressive. They get some really solid crafts that even some specialty stores don’t carry. CHEAP prices in comparison. I’ve had a panini here and it was quite good. This is family owned and they are all extremely nice and helpful, the younger guy is the one who stocks the beer and he is open to reccomendations for new beer to carry. The type of place that you go to if you know what you are looking for (I always go here for hopsickle and hair of the dog brews). If you are a beer guru and want to try something extremely rare then go to Pike Street Beer and Wine if you do not want to drive to bottleworks. I like giving these people my business and they do not make it difficult with the low prices and great selection. This is NOT a craft beer market. They have a VERY good selection for a general store/deli, however.

February 5, 2008
Probably the cleanest place you’ll find downtown yet still has a personality. It has the best beer selection I’ve found downtown outside of Pike Place. The staff is eager to please and if you have an event in an office nearby and don’t have time to come by, they’re more than willing to deliver food included! I’m probably cheating the place out of points for food as I haven’t eaten there, but the place is very well stocked with quite a lengthy menu so I’m sure it’s quite good. I’m sure I will revisit my rating after I’ve been there a few more times.