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—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, and Yellowcard) would hang out, 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 music is on point. I don’t even bother with headphones unless it’s packed. Truly a standout when it comes to vibes. A heads-up: there’s some access to outlets upstairs, but not a lot, 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. Parking is the biggest challenge—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.