Corner stores worth going out of the way for?

Submitted by BoogerPresley t3_11g67pc in washingtondc

what are the corner stores in DC that are worth going out of the way for? Places that have esoteric or homemade stuff, exceptional takeout food, or anything that makes it stand out and worth a trek. Looking to try some new things and support small local shops. Thanks!

(Just found out that Cornercopia in Navy Yard carries local homemade kimchi, realized I've never gone inside and there's probably a whole world I'm ignorant of)

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Sudden_Stock_8749 t1_jan3x4p wrote

Hana Market at U and 17th NW makes their own omusubi and has lots of Japanese and other convenience store foodstuffs

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NPRjunkieDC t1_janabnb wrote

Also known as onigiri .

Hana is an urban oasis with suburban prices

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GoodOmens t1_janv7cf wrote

Came here to post about Hana. Fabulous place.

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maxlevites t1_jamxu20 wrote

Its overpriced for sure but Odd Provisions on 11th and Lamont has good quality stuff and its very charming. They have a good deal where you can get two of their bottom shelf wines for $20, and theyve got decent ones if you know what to look for!

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k8freed t1_jan2rsr wrote

That place is great--particularly if you're entertaining and don't feel like cooking.

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RoeRoeRoeYourVote t1_jan3e2z wrote

They're my default when I have a recipe ingredient that makes me go, "where would I even find this"

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rectalhorror t1_jan5u82 wrote

Litteri's for subs and Italian supplies. https://alitteri.com/

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mr_grission t1_jamzhqz wrote

Old City Market and Oven near Union Market makes delicious pizza and has a sick collection of vinyl records you can browse in their basement.

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BoogerPresley OP t1_jan0owf wrote

They're the other shop on my mind when I posted this but didn't mention them cus I thought it might sound shill-y:) Excellent wine selection and prices, they initially turned me on to pét-nat and I don't think I've had a bad wine from them. Love the corn salad when they have it. Will note that their large pizza is a lot better than the small due to crust consistency.

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sam_odle t1_japklxa wrote

>Old City Market and Oven

the pizza from Old City Market and Oven is phenomenal

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IceMan_dangerzone t1_jan3bum wrote

Sort of a corner store, more of a very small grocery store, Hana Market in Adams Morgan has a wonderful selection of Japanese goods, ranging from pocky to frozen, sushi-quality fish. They close pretty early (7 iirc), so don’t go too late in the evening.

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QueMasPuesss t1_janp8si wrote

Piggy packing to shout out Mita Ethio Japanese cafe on Kennedy Street

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dataminimizer t1_jan0jh7 wrote

Does Each Peach count? Probably not…though that’s the place I thought of when I saw this post.

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DerErdkundeMeister t1_jbhzcmz wrote

Great place to grab baked goods if you're in walking distance. They bring in bagels from Bullfrog and baguettes/sourdough loaves from A Baked Joint.

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Vaegir_Archer t1_jamzq9w wrote

Not sure if it fully counts as a corner store, but Old City Market and Oven is awesome. They have great food and a solid beer/wine selection. Very friendly, too.

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crack_spirit_animal t1_janstmd wrote

Some serious sandwiches there. The owner and wine/beer manager are wonderful people.

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dclizzy t1_janoxqk wrote

My unsung hero Rodmans - larger than a corner shop but has SO MUCH- amazing wine, cheap produce, international foods, small appliances, medical supplies, fancy soaps....

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Gumburcules t1_janwu7u wrote

I live all the way across town but I do a once monthly trip to Rodman's for all the tea, chocolate, international snacks, and wine I can't get over in NE.

Also, they sell the fancy wooden cases their wine comes in for like $2 each. One of those cases stuffed with wine, Ritter Sport, Walker's shortbread, Williamsburg peanuts, stroopwafels, etc. is my go-to christmas gift for pretty much anyone.

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dclizzy t1_jao263c wrote

great for Xmas gifts... so many treats purchased for my German grandmother and Anglophilic mom...

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Emmy5018 t1_jan6n1h wrote

Yang market

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district-of-cholula t1_jamyq57 wrote

Black Lion in columbia heights might fit the bill. Avoid buying standard products (all overpriced) but they have a good selection of spices sold in bulk containers. They also sell a lot of traditional ethiopian food and cookware. In the back, there is a butcher counter but it's only operating occasionally and I believe they cater to the ethiopian community as well (not sure exactly what they stock).

They sell solid sambusas by the cash register too. I always find something interesting when I pop by.

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DebatableAwesome t1_jan7g92 wrote

YES! This was my go to for both late night Ben & Jerry's as well as bulk spices of all sorts for incredibly cheap options. I miss living by that place :(

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Charming-Comfort-175 t1_janioyx wrote

If your a not Eritrean or Ethiopian and wanna experiment they'll help you pick injera and spices if they're not busy. Always get darker injera!

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mosqua t1_janldjc wrote

So's your mom in Adams Morgan, great subs there too.

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dans_cafe t1_janp9b1 wrote

i'm even willing to deal with the cash only policy.

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awkabulous t1_janlr2m wrote

Shopkeepers at Florida Ave and 13th St NE.

They’ve got bubble tea, a delicious lavender cappuccino, Asian groceries and staples that I can’t find in the grocery store (like dried shrimp and full lemongrass stalks), plants and interesting apparel for sale, all in a stylish and relaxing space with Wifi.

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steph233 t1_jao51jm wrote

I stopped by today at this suggestion! I've lived in the neighborhood for a long while and am kicking myself that my regular stroll had me turning one block too early.

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awkabulous t1_jao67u5 wrote

Aww so glad my post helped you find this place! It really is a hidden treasure, especially since there’s a distinct lack of relaxed and “homey” coffee shops in this part of town.

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badimojo t1_janjp9l wrote

Yang Market in Eckington is pretty cool, with a unique selection of stuff. There's also a deli there, though I've not tried it.

Not too far away (in LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale), there's also Cookie's Corner, which I can't speak for personally, though I have seen it come up in other posts. From the looks of the photos on Google, it's also got a deli.

I bet a fun excursion would be to hit up one of these two spots for sandwiches, and then take those to Crispus Attucks Park while the blossoms are poppin'. Might have to do that myself!

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20CAS17 t1_jann3zw wrote

The cookies at Cookie's are homemade and very good!

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Training-Ad-134 t1_jan22na wrote

Dc mini supermarket/ Marty Clark’s, in bloomingdale. Great sandwiches.

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raspberry_and_lime t1_janilfr wrote

Came here to say this one! Great sandwiches and the staff for the store and Marty Clark’s are awesome.

Also Cookie’s Corner a few blocks away by LeDroit Park has good sandwiches too.

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NorseTikiBar t1_janj1uw wrote

Haha, wooooow I'm guessing that place is newish, because I remember the convenience store at that location still being one where the employees were behind glass. I'll have to check it out the next time I'm in Bloomingdale.

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damnatio_memoriae t1_jaq9nn7 wrote

it's still pretty much a generic minimart but they have a wide selection of beer and the sandwich menu seems to be kind of a semi-permanent pop-up type of thing. i think it has more limited hours than the shop itself.

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BoogerPresley OP t1_janixrs wrote

Been by there a million times, had no idea about the sandwich counter- looks really good. Thanks!

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kodex1717 t1_janps8t wrote

Franklin's in Hyattsville, MD is a unique establishment. It's part brewery restaurant and part general store. In the general store they have everything from cold beer to kitchen gadgets, gifts, Lego kits, board games, etc. I live nearby and it's always fun to wander in there if I am looking for a gift for someone that's hard to shop for. You can get there easily from DC on public transit, also.

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OhHowIMeantTo t1_janutza wrote

Dupont Market at 18th and Swann. Tiny store that has gourmet food fares, a decent beer and wine selection, and solid deli sandwiches. Their breakfast burritos cured many a hangover back in the day.

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bbbramsey24 t1_jandcpy wrote

Broad branch Market up in Chevy Chase

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sg8910 t1_jaqxwzo wrote

amazing food and homemade desserts, they make bomb irish soda bread , btw

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catsnstuff18 t1_jan2bkp wrote

Wish Dawsons in dupont was more like this.

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idkman_93 t1_janjdd7 wrote

I miss when it was Glenn's Garden Market. Still overpriced for most things, but the beer/sandwich selection was great for a post-work hang.

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Milazzo t1_janqgpf wrote

Loved that place, I still have a card for the wine on tap they did.

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ohdangherewego t1_janem7z wrote

Yeah it's got a lame vibe. I prefer Dupont Market for some pretty solid sandwiches made to order

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88138813 t1_janjk8i wrote

Heat Da Spot for when you don't feel like waiting in a long line at Call Your Mother

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Trash_Scientist t1_janbh9e wrote

Argyle Market in Mt. Pleasant has great sandwiches. Meatball or Hot Turkey and you’re good to go.

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justheretosavestuff t1_jaqyoo2 wrote

I love argyle - good for a breakfast sandwich on the weekend (especially if I’m not in the mood to pay Ellē/La Tejana prices and just want something basic) and a strong beer selection.

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Paschalls_Law t1_janesew wrote

Stachowski has some interesting sandwiches and prepared food. Meat prices are obscene though, I'd stick to Costco for meat.

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20CAS17 t1_janmz4x wrote

Cookies in LeDroit Park has amazing cookies

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AiReine t1_janqqjg wrote

Cookie’s Corner! Run by a lovely couple and a cute dog (the eponymous Cookie) Their steak and egg breakfast sandwich is 🤤

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humoresques t1_janbj9m wrote

Foxtrot is a chain but has a few locations that I think are worth mentioning. Dent Place Market in Georgetown is also great!

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LazyPasse t1_janbem8 wrote

Dent Place Market, 34th and Dent Place NW

Stachowski’s, 28th and P NW

Scheele’s Market, 29th and Dumbarton NW

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Nomorelockeddoors_ t1_janki27 wrote

Check out the Healthy Corners app. Dc central kitchen partners with a few corner stores that stocks fresh and locally sourced produce at a reduced price.

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AwesomeAndy t1_jan1urc wrote

I was going to say Cornercopia, but you found them yourself!

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mandolin08 t1_jan82nj wrote

Aurora Market in Park View is great, and the owners are super cool too.

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NPRjunkieDC t1_janasud wrote

So's your mom on Columbia in Adam's Morgan has amazing sandwiches and a variety of coffee varieties in bulk, so you can buy as little or as much as you'd like. They also have European cookies + Chemex

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BCNJ t1_jao02ei wrote

Salumeria in Brookland has really good Italian goods and foods. Though not sure if that ends up being more of a specialty market and not a corner store.

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ugly_but_my_hoes_not t1_janiq16 wrote

Each peach, good subs and where I get coffee from if I cant make it to my fav roasters.

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FleetAdmiralFader t1_janm00x wrote

It's not in DC but The Italian Store has great sandwiches, pizza, and Italian goods. It's in Arlington but not metro accessible.

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resdivinae t1_jan299f wrote

There is (was?) a little Mexican grocer on the corner of Georgia Ave. and Morton St. that had a good selection of Mexican herbs, spices, and candies. Last time I was there (last year), they had a little kiosk with freshly made baked goods.

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BasrieI t1_janla1r wrote

If you like traditional Diners, Jimmy T’s Place on 5th and East Capitol is amazing! Cash only, but everything is made fresh after order, homemade corned-beef hash, great waffles, and amazing burgers.

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Led4355 t1_jaosl8x wrote

Not a corner store, but Capital Supermarket on 11th NW (between M & N) has a great selection of Central American cheeses and other goods, Mexican chocolate, animal cuts that require extra love and attention - tripe, tongue, etc., and a good selection of Ethiopian and Korean products (the owners are Korean).

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l-o-l-a t1_jaqxg7y wrote

Idk if this counts as a corner store but Wine & Butter on Cap Hill. They have great sandwiches, pastries, coffee, desserts, and all sorts of cool stuff if you go inside.

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Significant-Point98 t1_jaraq9m wrote

Bethesda has 2 really exceptional corner stores - both are metro accessible so while not in DC they’re still pretty easy to get to. First is Hinata carryout - they have floor to ceiling imported Japanese goods and a sushi counter in the back. Solid place to get some frozen dumplings and a little treat. Other spot worth stopping for is Ege Market. It’s a Turkish and Mediterranean corner store with some of the best halva I’ve ever had, plus fresh pastries and Turkish coffee behind the counter.

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Gsharpbeatz t1_janpj32 wrote

Kalorama Deli, has great hot food and breakfast the cook up to order!

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badimojo t1_jao0rcv wrote

Used to live in the area and frequent this one. Looked it up because of this post and it looks to be permanently closed (or is that an error?)!

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Lolipop_Chainsaw97 t1_janri5n wrote

God, I used to love going to the corner store down on Edgewood street. pricey, but it has cool people

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No-Two3620 t1_japhqxh wrote

Pyramid Atlantic in Hyattsville has a cool shop that sells handmade artisan goods and art at reasonable prices. While you are there you can check out the printing presses and art classes.

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ittybittymanatee t1_jamxd0x wrote

Commenting for the algorithm, I want to see the answers to this!

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drunkensailor90 t1_jan4da3 wrote

Hana Market - small Japanese grocery store on 17th and U.

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kenyam123 t1_janrt0q wrote

Hana grocery!! Cutest tiniest Japanese market you’ll ever find

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District_Dan t1_jaohodi wrote

Stachowskis Market in Georgetown if you’re craving a Jewish deli

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donemessedup123 t1_jaortw0 wrote

Yang market sells some of better bread in the city.

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dcdane t1_jap5var wrote

Yang Market in Eckington.

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False-Conversation41 t1_japc0iy wrote

Yang's Market!! eckington- sandwiches and the comfort of the store when you enter is amazing!

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peterongo86 t1_japu5ul wrote

Cookie’s corner in Bloomingdale has fantastic BLT’s and Cheeseburgers.

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AUBlazin t1_jaqk47w wrote

Cookies corner. Breakfast sandwich and cookies

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naghallac t1_jarc64w wrote

Capitol Hill Supermarket for their sandwiches - still under 10 dollars. probably the only deli left in the city with that price

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L00NEYT00NEY t1_jarfw2y wrote

Old City Market and Oven and A Litteri near Union Market

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DerErdkundeMeister t1_jbi03eq wrote

Not sure if it counts but Rice Market on 14th is one of my favorite places to grab East/Southeast Asian grocery in town. Pretty well stocked with some of the stuff others don't carry (i.e. frozen tteokbokki, Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce, a pretty broad range of chili crisps, etc.)

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Pmoneyworldwide t1_jaoto3w wrote

Lol In dc 5 miles up the road is considered out da way

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zoo49 t1_japkfxq wrote

Old union market on 4th Street NE all sorts of wholesale clothing hats, gloves, socks, slippers, fruit and vegetables store. Metro is right down street NOMA

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sg8910 t1_jaqy1xr wrote

Teaism dupont, so pretty to sit there and drink so many kinds of health tea and asian food is really good, not to mention the oat scone things forgot the name....its like zen

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stos313 t1_jaqzyzb wrote

Stachowskis (sp?) in Georgetown.

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WuPacalypse t1_jan16gr wrote

Union Kitchen’s selection and their sandwiches are all great. Good wines too.

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AwesomeAndy t1_jan1sqs wrote

Despite their name, they are union-busters and consistently terrible to their employees.

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WuPacalypse t1_jan2j9r wrote

Assuming y’all also never go to Starbucks, Whole Foods, Harris teeter, or shop on Amazon either then? Or are we just virtue signaling

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TheCarrzilico t1_jan7bat wrote

Personally I try to avoid all of those places, yeah.

Being informed of how a company treats its employees isn't a bad thing. You can still shop there if you'd like. No one is telling you not to.

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borneoknives t1_jaquqfo wrote

don't bother. the same people bitching about this also complain about the police union and rant about walmart leaving

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ortsed t1_jaqg9yi wrote

That place has a target on its back for reasons i dont understand

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BigLeagueBanker69 t1_jaouno3 wrote

Has anyone ever heard of that one really under the radar and gourmet place called Founding Farmers? It's pretty on the DL so shhhhhhh

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JaapHoop t1_janmcje wrote

This isn’t NYC. There’s no ‘ocky way’ TikTok stuff. Corner store is a corner store.

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