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Chuck's 85th St Market
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Beer, Wine & Spirits, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
656 85th St(between N 6th Ave & N 8th Ave)
Seattle, WA 98117
Neighbourhoods: Greenwood, Ballard
(206) 297-6212
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Chuck's 85th St Market
Review Highlights
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"...and well-thought out convenience store I've ever seen." In 7 reviews -
"...apparently they do beer tastings every Friday from various..." In 3 reviews -
"Just got a growler of Southern Tier Brewing Pumpkin Ale." In 4 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Kimberly A.
Seattle, WA
5/7/2012
Best beer selection in Seattle, and my go-to for buying beer and finding out about new beers. The staff -especially Chuck - are always friendly, very quick to help, and willing to listen. They don't try to make you feel bad if you don't know as much about beer, and nobody in the store is snobby about their unbelievable selection.
You can find just about anything here, and it's all good. -
Review from PJ M.
Seattle, WA
5/2/2012
5 Stars.
1 million beers (cold).
500 beers on tap (all good).
Snacks? I think they have ice-cream? but, somehow I never make it to the front of the store except to leave with my Booty.
Ooh, ooh, they did have a great event to support adopting older dogs with a couple of the pups hanging out about a week ago. Drink beer. Rescue Dogs. You are awesome.
The only problem is the hella sucky construction on 85th, the 3 parking spaces in front, and having to look for a neighborhood parking spot. But., never been a problem. CHEERS! -
Review from Nina W.
4/19/2012
I wish I had known this place existed like, a million years ago! What appears to be an unassuming corner store right off of 85th, with its dull-grey exterior and bodega-esque entrance, is actually a haven for beer lovers and aficionados.
This place holds a large, very impressive collection of bottled beer. Pretty much anything you could ever wish to find is housed in the bright, shiny illuminated glow of the glass front coolers that line the wall.
We went on a tasting night, and the place was packed. The tasting was free, but they were taking an open will donation for a local charity for rescued dogs, so not only was there a good crowd of people, there were also their canine counterparts in attendance. There are a few tables and a small counter space here as well.
We bought some Oskar Blues IPA in a can, and the tasting featured Ninkasi (favorite brewer). I also found they carried a lot of the IPA'S I like in bottles here. and so it was a really awesome night with great company.
Not only do they sell tons of beer, they also have smokes, ice cream, pizza and other munchie foods. I freakin' love it. I'll be back real soon.Listed in: Beer, glorious BEER!!
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Review from Jerry M.
Kirkland, WA
WOW!!!! There's a reason this place has 5 stars. Chuck is very knowledgable and let's you taste as many taps as you'd like. Tons of beers in stock and 30 taps. I will definitely be back. Thanks Chuck
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Review from Christine Z.
Seattle, WA
12/29/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Chuck's 85th Street Market is my new fav place to buy beer!
From the outside, you would never know that this place possesses the magical powers that it does. Even as you take the first few steps into this place, you may not realize how glorious this place is - it looks like any other quickie mart. But then you make your way into the back and you are greeted by BEER! And, when I say BEER... I mean BEEEEEER!!!
Chuck's has over 20 beers on tap, and they rotate often. The last time I was there enjoying a pint of 21st Amendment's seasonal, the guy behind the counter was telling me that it's not uncommon for them to go through a whole keg in less than a week.
The bottled beer Chuck carries (22 oz bottles, mind you) is extensive - he's working on carrying 1000's of different beers! You will find beer from all over the place - not only will you find some of the commonly (and uncommonly) found PacNW brews, but also some awesome brews from CA, OR, MT and beyond!
The beers are all reasonably priced. Considering most of these beers are not available elsewhere, it's a steal!
So, if you are a lover of beer like I am, do yourself a favor and head over to Chuck's on 85th. Stroll through the aisle studying the beers they have; or mosey on up to the counter and enjoy a pint; and if you find a beer you like, have them fill a growler up for you and enjoy it at home!
P.S. Follow them on Twitter or FB to get the latest info on what's waiting for you at the store =)
Cheers!Listed in: For the 21+ crowd (or those…
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Review from Allison W.
Seattle, WA
1/19/2012
This place is the neighborhood hangout these days. Get a cone of ice cream for the kiddo, grab a pint in the back area and watch TV or chat with the neighbors, or grab a growler to go.
Tastings are on Wednesdays from 5-8, and they are on winter hours for now, which means they close early on Sundays, at 10pm.
Tap changes and other items of importance updated daily on their Facebook page. -
Review from Steve T.
Seattle, WA
4/2/2012
My new favorite beer spot in Seattle. Ridiculous beer selection in bottles, 23 craft beers on tap. Chuck and the staff are super-friendly and generous with samples :) Ice cream and IPA Brats are recommended as well. Drinking beers under florescent lights has never been so good!
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Review from Holmes R.
Palo Alto, CA
3/20/2012
Chuck's is in the sweet-spot -- super beer-oriented, but family friendly, all ages-inclusive. I love the casual, amiable vibe - chatting with staff and other customers adds value to a visit. Intense focus on extremely local beers (23 when I was there, most from Washington State) and knowledgeable staff with whom to geek out.
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Review from Tony G.
Updated - 11/30/2011 31 Check-ins Here
I was really impressed with this place when I first came here and wrote the review. Now I like it even better.
No, I love it!
Now he has beer on tap, I believe 27 of them, so you can get growler fills or just sit around and drink a pint. He always has a great list of beers on tap and will let you taste anything before you get a pint. If you love IPAs like I do, then you will be pleased to know he always has a nice list of IPAs on tap.
He still has beer tasting Fridays so you can come by and sample some great local brews. He also started doing theme tastings like sour, pumpkin, or blind IPA tastings about every other Wednesday. Add his store on Facebook or Twitter to get the latest updates.
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2011
I kept driving by this place and just thought it was a local minimart. Then one day I saw that it… Read more »
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Review from Jeff P.
Seattle, WA
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is hands down, the best place to get beer around. Chuck's has an unbelievable selection of bottled beer, several taps, tasting events, and ice cream. Not to mention - Chuck's has CHUCK! He's a genuinely nice guy, always friendly, and he's built a wonderful neighborhood business.
One thing that really impressed me was when I was calling around for a particularly hard o find beer. Chuck didn't have it, but when I visited several months later, he'd started carrying it. Very impressive. -
Review from Erik M.
9/13/2011 16 Check-ins Here
I have found my new neighborhood beer store.
To be fair, calling it a beer store doesn't really do it justice. Sure, it still looks pretty sketchy from the street and it's not terribly promising even after you step inside (although it is a vast improvement over it's former self), but once you make your way back to the tap room, you'll get it.
Featuring 15 craft and imported beers on tap plus hundreds of bottle options, Chuck's is to Crown Hill/Greenwood version as Bottleworks is to Wallingford.
I dropped in to fill a growler late on Saturday afternoon and found guys bellied up at the bar while the handful of tables in the back will filled with patrons playing pinochle while quaffing brews from Mason jars.
The lineup for the taps was moving a little slowly so I perused the bottle selection while I awaited my turn. The craft brew selection is expansive, with lots of options from lesser-known breweries around the country and points abroad. The focus is on 22oz singles, with a serviceable six pack selection, which is just fine by me. I'd rather load up on a variety of beers when trying something new than commit to six of something I may not even like.
The rotating tap selection is equally impressive, with regional standards from Georgetown and Ninkasi, and lesser-seen draft options like Green Flash and Chuckanut. And at $11-14 for a growler fill, they're very reasonably priced.
The service seemed a little overwhelmed by what seemed like a relatively manageable volume of business, but the wait wasn't terrible and it was certainly worth it. If you're a beer person, Chuck's has something for everyone and they certainly have plenty for me to explore.
Oh yeah, and they have lots of wine too.Listed in: Extra-Ballard Food and Drink, Extra-Ballard Shops and…
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Review from Derek M.
7/13/2011 33 Check-ins Here
Chuck's 85th is the BOMB(dot)COM!
I looked past this place so many times because I was unaware that it is a specialty beer and wine store. It looks like your run-of-the-mill convenience store on the outside, but on the inside, Chuck has been hard at work constantly improving this place.
Since I started coming here some months back, Chuck has added a new refrigerator wall along the back of the store which has opened up a space in the back for Friday night beer tastings. Little bistro tables and chairs give you the opportunity to sit down and try a selection of micro brews from local, to semi-local, to seasonal, and even hard-to-get limited edition beers.
Chuck also offers brats and dogs to go along with your beer, and a selection of ice cream (though I'd love to see him team up with a local ice cream shop like Full Tilt).
There's also hundreds of wine offerings, but who cares, as Chuck has topped the 750 mark for beer varieties, and is proud to announce that he is working hard to get to 1000.
I also love that he offers cheap domestic beers, but keeps them in a "time-out" fridge, stacked in cases lazily, advertising that they aren't worth the effort of playing Jenga to remove your desired go-to. Honestly though, why would you want Coors when you can treat yourself to a beer you've never tried. The employees are always happy to offer a recommendation, but if you're lucky enough to come in when Chuck is working you're in for a treat. This guy LOVES beer and is super easy to talk to about a wide variety of topics, but mostly beer.
I'm convinced that Chuck won the lottery and decided that he was going to turn a corner bodega into his dream job. He's poured so much money into making this place not suck, and he has succeeded in doing so.
I love Chuck and his eponymous corner store. Do yourself a favor, go out of your way to stop in here and pick up a rare selection.
Note: Parking here can be iffy if you aren't approaching it heading west along 85th but don't worry about backing out onto the street when you're done, you can sneak your car alongside the building and turn out from there (I learned the hard way). -
Review from Chris B.
12/28/2011
If you love beer, you like a place where people are friendly and you want to support a great local shop, come to Chuck's 85th St. Market! They have great beers on tap for tasting and growler fill, an awesome selection for purchase and just a cool place ot hangout! Check it out!
Listed in: Beer is bubbling up from my…
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Review from EB M.
Seattle, WA
1/4/2012
Chuck's is the best. It's nice to fund someone who genuinely cares about just doing good business whether you buy $1 worth or $1,000 worth. Go to Chuck's, you won't be sorry.
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Review from Erik T.
Seattle, WA
1/28/2011
Chuck's puts the convenience back in "convenience store". Frankly, this is the most well-organized and well-thought out convenience store I've ever seen. They have everything I could picture needing, from motor oil, to can openers, from toilet paper, to instant noodles. No clutter, no bullshit. ATM machine.
So, what's special about that you're asking? That just scratches the surface. This place makes pizza by the pie or by the slice (and actually pretty darn tasty). They have fresh ice cream by the scoop. They sell kegs. They do ESPRESSO.
But here's the kicker. They have a massive crazy selection of beer and wine. It's literally almost in competition with Bottleworks and Big Star Beer Market. And a lot of it you don't even see anywhere else. For domestics they carry Olympia and green Rainier, plus Genesee from the East Coast. They sell 18-packs of all the main domestics at fair prices.
To top it all off this little convenience store started doing beer tastings every Friday for only a buck. It's a great way to try out new breweries while bullshitting with local people from the neighborhood. The owner even serves up pizza as a little beer snack. There will also be wine and sake tastings in the future. Be sure to to keep an eye on their website.
It's a far cry from the previous tenant. The previous "market" was only good for getting all the different flavors of Cisco, crappy porn, apparently crack pipes. Really dirty and disorganized.
So glad to see a more high-class tenant. Also sends a message that this neighborhood is better than that. We can have nice things, too, don't need another spot to get 40's of malt liquor. But seriously, have you ever heard of a convenience store with such a ridiculous beer/wine selection, plus ice cream, plus espresso, plus kegs, plus pizza and popcorn? Plus they do beer tastings for a buck? It's unheard of. -
Review from Zannie S.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2011
Don't let the outside fool you. This is NOT the same type of convenience store that used to be at this location (with nothing but Old English 800, porn and .99 Wet & Wild lipstick ten years past the pull date).
The inside has been wonderfully renovated and is quite upscale for a convenience store. There is no "junk" and everything is what the "typical" Seattleite would consider a convenience: 550 varieties of beer, at least a dozen flavors of ice cream for cones and espresso. There is also a seating area with tables up by the front window which is a refreshing surprise. It makes for a nice stopping point when out on a walk.
The staff is SUPER nice and seems to really enjoy people. They are quite good at making you feel welcome (when I go in I feel a little bit like Norm on Cheers must have).
I would feel a bit funny about going to a convenience store for a beer tasting on a Friday night but this place is so cool I might just have to do it!
Way to go guys! You have a great business model and are doing everything right!
(My only tiny quibble is that I sometimes skip this store depending on which direction I'm driving. The parking lot is tough and it's hard to get in and out unless you're going in the "right" direction." ) -
Review from Josh L.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2011
I had heard about this place through word of mouth and then seen the great Yelp reviews. I happened to see that Hopworks Urban Brewery from Portland, OR was doing a beer tasting there so I figured I'd check the place out. I was definitely impressed with Chuck's 85th St. Market to say the least!
The beer tasting was great and apparently they do beer tastings every Friday from various local breweries which is awesome. After the beer tasting, I walked out with $50 worth of beer including beers that I haven't seen anywhere else in Seattle. The selection is incredible for what looks to be a convenience store and it's evident that the owner is super into beer. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if this place ends up as strictly a beer and wine store eventually based on the great selection that they have right now.
The best part about the store is that this is what a convenience store would look like if I were to open one. It seems that the owner is a guy that knows and loves beer. There is no pretension on his end either, he'd be totally happy to talk beer for hours and recommend beers while excitedly inquiring about your recommendations and that flat out rules.
Stop by for a beer tasting, eat some pizza and then grab some beer to go, it's definitely worth checking out for lovers of great beer! -
Review from Ann C.
Seattle, WA
8/26/2011
Chuck has done wonders with this store. At first glance, it looks like a tidy (the opposite of what it USED to look like) convenience store . But when you enter, and head towards the back, it becomes something else entirely. Chuck and his staff currently offer 8 frequently rotating taps, and they seem to have familiarized themselves with each one. You can enjoy a pint there, or get a growler to go (and he has empty growlers there, in case you didn't bring one with you). I was there with a friend the other night, and had the most excellent St. Bernardus 12. Chuck always has hoppy beers, which keeps my friend happy, but there are usually has at least 1-2 choices for the rest of us. That St Bernardus was really, really good. We were baffled by the number of people heading straight for the tall-boy cans of macrobrews. What a shame, having no eyes for the excellent beer nearby, instead leaving with cheap cans of crap. Oh well, that leaves more GOOD beer for us.
The first time I stopped in, Chuck was in the process of getting approval for selling on-site pints, and growlers to go. But when I saw his stock of bottled beer, I knew this was a place in which I could spend some serious cash . Soon after he started selling pints, I came in looking for some of Silver City's Fat Woody, but it had sold out for the season. Chuck had modified a vintage cooler into a kegerator, but that cooler died. He must be an optimist, because he said that since he'd just built the first kegerator, building the second one would be easy. His knowledge of craft beer produced in Washington, Oregon, and northern California is amazing (you can include B.C., and maybe Idaho). He asked what I liked, gave me new suggestions, and damned if I didn't like them! By selling draft beer made by small, local brewers, Chuck gives them an opportunity to be tasted by people who probably never would otherwise. I haven't made it in to a beer tasting, but intend to, and soon. -
Review from Alan G.
Seattle, WA
12/7/2011
Chuck's is THE GREATEST neighborhood convenience store I have ever had the privileged of having in my neighborhood. It has the largest selection of GOOD beers - tons of local and micro brews, kegs to go, and in-store taps! The wine selection isn't too bad either. The absence of cheap malt-liquors and porn classies the place up nicely. And if beer isn't your thing, there's also ice-cream by the scoop, an espresso machine, IPA brats, and wifi. So if there was any criticism I could possibly come up with would be that there is less focus on the random around-the-house stuff that you sometimes need. But I'm hardly complaining. In fact, I really need to get one of the new Chuck's shirts...
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Review from Kris T.
Seattle, WA
6/10/2011
This is not the little dump of a convenience store that used to occupy the space. Chuck's is actually worth driving out of the way to visit if you're a beer lover. The new owners of the place have done an awesome job remodeling the inside and every time I stop in there it's been further improved ...
When I stopped in this last time the owner told me they're now up to 700 different types of beer, most of which is local ! There's a couple other specialty beer markets in North Seattle, but the others are mostly imports. Apparently Chuck's has installed 8 taps and will be able to fill growlers and do more regular tastings in the near future !
They do have a lot more than beer and it is a great little market, but the beer selection really makes the place a unique destination for beer lovers in the greater Seattle area. -
Review from Janet S.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 11/15/2011
No better beer store in beerlandia.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2011
This is a GREAT corner market. Incredible selection of micros and Chuck was very knowledgeable… Read more »
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Review from Ian C.
8/19/2011
This is like bottlewerks, but better, and without the silly name. Everything about this place is good, only thing better is MSM down in T-town!
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Review from Russell L.
Seattle, WA
11/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Wow, I walked in here and was totally caught off guard by the awesome beer selection. For such a space, there really is a large amount of quality craft beer to choose from. I could rattle off a list but really, go in and check it out. They've got all the bases covered and the owner is super nice.
For example, how many corner stores can you go to and pick up a Goose Island Bourbon County Stout? -
Review from Daniella F.
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Although the guy who helped us in the store didn't know much about beer, we experienced great service.
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Review from Austin K.
Seattle, WA
2/18/2010
First of all 85th Street Market gets 5 stars for the name. It is an incredibly accurate name.
Secondly they really cleaned up and improved this convenience store.
Thirdly I just bought a 6 pack of New Belgian "Ranger" IPA at a decent price. This is a brand spanking new beer, so this bodes well for our new market.
Fourthly the cashier was really nice.
Welcome to the hood! -
Review from Shannon M.
Seattle, WA
4/14/2010
After watching the place clean up we stopped in to check their beer selection and were pleasantly surprised. Plenty of good stuff.
The owner was working the cash register, and in addition to being a really nice guy, he said he is happy to hunt down micros that he might not have in stock.
Definitely worth a stop on your way home from work. -
Review from Selina R.
Seattle, WA
1/27/2012
I've been coming to Chuck since our studio got a kegerator last year. He knows so much about beer and has such a great variety of choices. He always has great suggestions about what we should try each week. Another plus is that HE DELIVERS our kegs to us right on time and always has a great attitude and a smile on his face. I tell everyone about this place and they all love it too!
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Review from Alan S.
Seattle, WA
9/23/2011
What everyone else said + Great business model. Great tastings, great service & excellent choice. Love the floats. Try the Chamblis "Terrible" black ale = beautiful! I live in the area and will keep coming back. This is the way to retain customers!
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Review from Nick K.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2012
Great place to get a Growler filled, They have a great Selection of Beer on draft. The Staff is friendly and very helpful.
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Review from cc c.
Seattle, WA
9/17/2011
Just got a growler of Southern Tier Brewing Pumpkin Ale. I love going to Chuck's and meeting the man with all the knowledge.
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Review from Kim S.
Seattle, WA
1/2/2012
Chuck is a swell guy. Nice to have so many beers on tap to get your growler filled. Was SO EXCITED when he had the Raspberry Wheat from Alaskan. Huge selection of bottled beers. Pricey, but this is to be expected. He also offers pizza and more. The back is set up like a pub, had the game on the big screen yesterday and people were just hanging out and having a pint. He is moving beer tasting to weds and taking donations for charities instead of charging the $1 for the tasting.
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Review from Jim P.
4/14/2010
I'm glad to see this store cleaned up. I'm sure the neighbors appreciate it. You never knew when they were going to be open??
I used to deliver to the previous owners and I wouldn't have bought a thing there before. -
Review from Matthew H.
Seattle, WA
4/20/2011
Amazing beer selection. $1 boxes of Annie's mac & cheese. $2 weekly beer tastings during happy hour with free pizza and chips. And a good wine selection. 'Nuff said.
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Review from Gordon F.
Seattle, WA
2/20/2011
AMAZING FOOD.
I've literally lived within 10 minutes of this place for 2 years and not known about it. ARGH I'm such an idiot, because the food and service here is A-MAZING.
I personally love the Reuben because I'm a big time meat eater!
Good food, good service... only complaint is not a lot of seating available due to lack of space. -
Review from Graig M.
Seattle, WA
12/3/2010
Chuck is the man. This place has the best beer selection in the area, if not Seattle. Chuck keeps it classy for a convenient store- upscale snacks, decent espresso, nice wine selection and more. No Sparks, crack pipes, knives, drug scales or porn. Here's the best part- He makes this pizza that's 99 cents a slice or 8 bucks for a whole. It's pretty tasty and made with love. Chuck's is the best addition to Greenwood in the 10 years I've lived here. Did I mention the beer selection? This place is giving Bottleworks a run for its money.
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Review from Rusty S.
Seattle, WA
10/11/2010
Cleaned up nice. Great beer selection.
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Review from T N.
Seattle, WA
12/26/2010
Super nice owner. Great selections of beers and wine, and ice cream flavors (yes, an odd combo). If you buy six wine bottles, the owner Chuck offers the 10% discount that you would find at the grocery stores.
