Common Market | South End

Description: Popular spot offering draft brews & deli sandwiches amid a convenience store, plus outdoor seating.

Comments: This place is spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating on the main floor, plus an upstairs area with more seating and a small patio. Very alt-punk/rock aesthetic, which I personally love since I grew up in Seattle. It feels like the kind of spot the crew from a 2000s coming-of-age film (the ones who get bullied by the popular kids and listen to Radiohead, Dashboard Confessional, Mayday Parade, My Chemical Romance, Boys Like Girls, All Time Low, and Yellowcard) would hang out at, talking through their trauma and how much they want to "get out of this town."

And I mean that in the best way possible (I may have just listed some of my favorite bands). This place is awesome. The sandwiches are great. The music is on point. I don’t even bother with headphones unless it’s packed. Truly a standout when it comes to vibes. I'm surprised it's not busier, I consider it a hidden gem in South End. There's a lunch crowd, but outside of that on weekdays during work hours it's pretty chill.

For remote work, there’s some access to outlets upstairs, and 1-2 downstairs by the vending machine, but not a lot overall, so come charged up. If you’re a morning person, you can practically have the whole place to yourself if you show up early. It doesn’t get busy until the afternoon. The outdoor seating is also great and plentiful.

Parking is the biggest challenge here. There’s free parking near the store, but it’s limited. Street parking and nearby lots are options, though not always free. South End is designed for walking and light rail access, which is great unless you’re coming from another neighborhood and need your car. Not complaining though, just making a note.