Choice Deli & Grocery

Not your average corner deli. Lots of choices for whatever you are looking for in your average corner deli, though. Big meals, tasty rolls. Don't let the outside appearance fool you.

I’m not in the area of Ballard where Choice Deli is, but since I was in the area I stopped by. I’ve heard they do a great job with teriyaki, so I got a spicy chicken teriyaki combo to go. The place itself is nice. I’m not certain, but I think this place has been here for a while but they renovated it recently. There are tables to sit at inside and you order at the front counter. The place is a store and restaurant. They also sell beers on tap. They have a wide variety of wine and beer and their grocery section isn’t too bad either. Back to the food, the wait wasn’t too long and it feels shorter if you’re looking for stuff to buy. I’ve gotta say their teriyaki is legit. The spicy teriyaki was definitely on the spicier side and it tasted great. The chicken was cooked properly and the rice was tender as well. The gyoza were nicely deep-fried and the side salad with cabbage had the necessary Japanese salad dressing. I’m glad I visited and I hope to go back soon.

Yaki went down hill. Hadn't had it in a year or two, I have a low bar for teriyaki but wouldn't go back after what they served tonight 😓. Sauce was like molasses, chicken dry, a few pieces of lettuce sitting in a puddle of dressing. Dang

Conversation, coziness & courtesy come to mind when meeting this neighborhood hidden gem. 🤫 Stone Delicious & Pelican's beak BREAKER, Husky lights, 'chelada della Modelo

Teriyaki here used to be decent. Today,it was horrible. Chicken was dry, like it was pre-cooked hours ago and left sitting out until my order came in. It was drowned in sauce (not in a good way). The sauce itself was also not great - just salty and gloppy with no other flavors or depth. The rice was also dry, like it was cooked using the cheapest rice grains in the cheapest rice cooker. Lettuce in the salad was wilted and soggy, like they’ve been using the same batch of salad all week. I just hope I don’t get sick from eating this abomination.

Beer selection is good. Used to be some of the best teriyaki in town but these days it’s pretty garbage. Soaked in sauce. Katsu burnt to a crisp. Food appears to get worse every time I try.

Awful. It used to be delicious. Chicken was dry and burnt. Lettuce sitting in watered down dressing and wilted. They should never had served what they did. Atrocious. It used to be so good. So 😢

Paid $5.49 for a bag of chips that was clearly marked $3.99. Asked for a receipt, and the cashier looked me dead in the eye like he knew exactly what he was doing — bold move, considering his music taste was already assaulting my ears. Not sure what genre it was… screamo? Metal? The sound of a blender fighting for its life? Either way, it was the perfect soundtrack for overpaying for snacks I could’ve bought cheaper at literally anywhere else. If you like getting overcharged while enduring a live-action Hot Topic clearance soundtrack, this is the place for you.

Fast, delicious, reliable, and really generous portions. Highly recommend the chicken katsu!

Ordered the spicy chicken teriyaki and oh boy!!!! Food only took about 10-15 min to be ready, and it was nice and hot. We sat down, took the first bite, and my god.....I will never think of teriyaki the same again. Store was nice and quiet, owner was super friendly and kind. 10/5 stars tbh.

Found this place by word of mouth - known for large portions and they have pescatarian teriyaki options. Very good!

I feel bad for making this review because I've otherwise had good experiences here. I placed an order on their website site only to find out when I got there that the system wasn't working. The woman behind the counter seemed pretty unconcerned their main system wasn't working and kept asking me to call their bank??? I placed my order again with her. But I wound up waiting another 30 minutes and finally asked where my order was. That's when she realized the food that had been on the counter growing cold was already there. She had gotten me mixed up with another customer that just arrived? It was all baffling and frustrating. Edit: and the order was wrong

This place is the best! Free parking in the front. Generous portions, really light teriyaki sauce, light skin on the gyozas, amazing variety of all the beer types you can imagine. We got the beef teriyaki and chicken teriyaki and ended up taking everything home. All the entrees come with lots of fluffy rice, soy sauce and creamy dressing on the side and all wrapped in a to go box. The owner is so friendly and even provided a second beer for us to enjoy. Some seating indoors which we appreciated. Will definitely be back!

Great food and wide array of beer selections. Surprised the snacks were so well stocked. Spicy Teriyaki chicken Will be back.

I was craving Korean chicken so I wanted to see what Seattle had to offer (I haven't lived here long). I checked out Yelp reviews & photos, & they looked very good! I also checked their website to see the menu. I've come here twice. Ordered Korean fried chicken both times. It's very good. A bit soggy though, I think that's because it steams up in the to-go box. I got the sweet n spicy. It has a nice kick. I like that it's not too sweet & even had a bit of tang, but I wish it were more saucy. Nonetheless, definitely worth coming back for. I've also tried the spicy chicken teriyaki combo with gyoza. Both the chicken and gyoza are great. Lastly I've tried the spicy beef teriyaki. Good as well, but the beef seems more like a bulgogi cut, and was slightly mealy or something, but still very tasty. I was disappointed to see that the menu online and the one at the actual location are very different in pricing (by like a few bucks or so for some items), so be mindful of that. Other than that, this may continue to be a place I'll come to for Korean chicken!

Stopped in based on a friend's recommendation for teriyaki in Seattle and was not disappointed. They had a great selection of meal options and is very unsuspecting. I loved that they had white meat chicken only options for teriyaki too, alongside many other varieties. They also have korean fried chicken! The teriyaki chicken meal itself comes with really good asian rice and a tiny salad alongside a lot of chicken for around $10-12. The korean fried chicken comes in 3 flavors and is around $12 for 6 pieces. The teriyaki I would absolutely come back for, the korean fried chicken I wouldn't but that's because I have my faves in the city for it. Overall, highly recommend coming in for the teriyaki and grabbing some drinks and snacks from the tradition corner store section on your way out!

True the its name! Lots of great options for food, drinks, and more. Laid back spot with outdoor seating.

Choice really has it all, whether your a little stoned and want some candy/chips or if you're looking for the a six pack from a local brewery they've got you covered. They even serve food that I have yet to try.

the best most juiciest most delicious teriyaki and katsu EVER there chicken wings, yakisoba and gyoza is also really good. and there portions are big so you get left overs

So I was sitting in the laundromat across the way and I see one of the employees sneaking in with something that smelled AMAZING. Knowing that locals always know what's up, I hit him up for the deets - "yo man, what's in the bag?" He points out the window to what looks like a gas station- "you see that place over there? They just got written up in the paper as some of the best Teriyaki in Seattle. Should have gotten 1st." Always. trust. the. locals. So I go over to this place and it's weird. It looks like a gas station that's been converted into this bizarre hybrid of a bar and a mini mart. The energy in this place is - wow. Hard to describe. They have a shit ton of craft beers. Seattle huh. I order my food from the elf in a Santa hat and an ugly Christmas sweater behind the counter. He's awesome, BTW. I wander around while I wait for my teriyaki and there's so many strange choices.... Peanut butter beer....??? ENORMOUS cans of soup that could feed a soup kitchen. This place is so WEIRD. Wander for about 10 minutes and find all kinds of delightful oddities and then its order up. Yes it's really good. The paper didnt lie. And it's enough food for 2 or 3 servings. My favorite bit was actually the dress yourself slaw, very carb conscious- nice touch! And the teriyaki was not over sauced which again, is great for those who are cognizant of their carbs. But there's plenty of perfectly cooked rice on the platter if you choose to chow down. Thank you hot landromat dude.

I went here on Monday and was very upset because I ordered chicken teriyaki and the meat was fried chicken over the rice. That's not chicken teriyaki that I'm used too. Usually the teriyaki is tasty with boneless chicken. Very upsetting

Saw people recommending this place for teriyaki chicken and Korean fried chicken. As I enter the store, it was not what I expected. It sells a large selection of beer/wine on one side of the store and simple grocery/convenient store items on the other. When you first enter, staff is behind the counter with menu displayed above. We ordered Spicy Chicken Teriyaki and Beef Teriyaki combos with Gyoza as well as Korean Fried Chicken. The spicy dish is definitely packed with heat and gets spicier the more you eat, but still flavorful. The beef is sweeter than I expected and tasted like bulgogi. Gyoza was fried so adds a nice crunch/crisp to the combination dish. Korean fried chicken got a bit soggy from the steam in the container but still delicious. It is a great spot if you want food while grabbing drinks and definitely recommend/worth a try.

Unassuming little store with a great selection of beers, wines, sake, and other drinks. Their kitchen makes fantastic Korean fried chicken. They also have yakisoba, teriyaki, and other foods on their menu though I haven't tried them yet. Don't be fooled thinking this is like gas station food - everything is made to order, fresh, and hot so be prepared to wait 15-20 min for your food.

The food is reasonably good. The service is not. We've been ordering lunch from this place regularly for over a year and unfortunately now they're about as friendly as an SOS pad. Oh, and don't use the online menu from their own website because it's wrong. Unfortunately this place seems to be going down hill.

I've now ordered teriyaki chicken to go from this non-descript convenience store three times. Each time, it was yummy, cooked just right, seasoned with just enough sauce, but not too much. I like my teriyaki lightly sauced. I don't like it doused and Choice does it just right. Also, their white rice is really, really good. I can't stand teriyaki places that make bad rice. All those 2-bit joints need to take a lesson from Choice. Lastly, one order is enough food for both me and the Hubs. Doesn't get better than that. This is my go-to place for teriyaki from now on.

Awesome location with parking. Great selection of beer and best of all huge portion of teriyaki chicken.

I love coming here for a quick to go meal. It's so much food I always have lunch the next day too! The meat is always slightly chard and very flavorful, and the sauce is perfect! It is for sure the sweeter, more Americanized sauce than some places have but I really enjoy that kind. Their taps of beer are great. I did give it four stars rather than five because unfortunately everything else in the shop (particularly the 6 packs) seems really over priced. I love their selection and would buy more beer when I come here, but it's hard for me to justify the cost. The staff are generally very nice but it's is a corner store not a full service restaurant so don't expect table service.

Choice is the perfect corner store/take out place. Great selection of beer from PBR to local brews, including growler fills and pints. Also has your needs for ice, wine, chips, and staples like eggs or milk covered. The teriyaki is very solid, the KFC is good, and the Choice burger is actually one of my favorites in the area. My veg friend enjoys the yakisoba. It is really a great neighborhood spot and their wizard logo excellent.

Since my previous review, the food has improved a lot, and they have added a very impressive selection of beers on tap. Absolutely give this place a try!

1. We needed a go to neighborhood teriyaki place in Ballard and we found it. 2. The portion size is generous. My wife and I usually split one order and have no trouble getting full. 3. Phoning in your order can save you time. If you live nearby it's usually done by the time you drive there.

Saw the sign on building that said espresso so walked in and walked around for a minute then asked the guy behind counter for an espresso "we do not have espresso" I replied I read a sign outside that says espresso. He simply replied "yep" and I walked out. Very awkward encounter. Driven by hundreds of times thinking one day I'd like to patron that business and try their espresso drinks. Today I did stop and I regret so.

This has become a neighborhood favorite for us, especially to get an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. It doesn't seem like much from the outside, but the food is very high quality and staff are friendly. My husband always gets the spicy chicken breast teriyaki, and I usually get katsu, Korean fried chicken, or yakisoba. The vegetables in the veggie yakisoba are fresh and well cooked. It's also a great bargain, considering high prices these days!

For anyone who read the write-up in the Seattle Times about the best teriyaki spots in Seattle, you might like to know my experience (if nothing else read the part where they do not give you a receipt, and charge you a $1 fee for to go orders, and a 50 cent fee for card transactions, and don't tell you)! Reading the yelp reviews, I can only guess why my total was over what it should have been by a good two dollars due to these unmentioned fees. They did not respond to my email. First, there is no teriyaki counter; there is a woman making the food in a back room; all interaction is with the same cashier for the convenience store and hop shop. Grouch cashier, not at all interested in winning over new customer, not happy about the ST story; seemed annoyed by increased business. Food: ordered the chicken teriyaki gyoza combo and the spicy chicken teriyaki. Both came with yummy rice and a great little cabbage salad. I would rate the food 5 stars in terms of quality, but at the same time it was only a small step about regular teriyaki. I give 1 star to the actual business. The practice of charging fees (and not telling the customer) is nonsense. Surly attitude is nonsense. Will not be back.

Very happy with my quick experience at Choice. I ordered a spicy chicken teriyaki with gyoza combo. It came with a small salad and rice. The spice was good, enough to make my nose run, but not overpowering. There were also a good portion of cooked onions added to the chicken/rice that provided extra flavor compared to basic teriyaki servings. The salad was shredded lettuce, and nothing else. The dressing (on the side) was super sweet and complimented the meal well. The gyoza were fried crispy, although as they were served in the box with the rice/chicken/salad - they ended up a big soggy by the time I got home. I still liked them. The meat portion was as expected, cut into big bite size chunks - with a extra healthy serving of rice under it. I also got a beer as I waited (10 minutes) and it was nice. Poured with a bit of head, but just fine for a $4 pint. The store has many beers on tap and in the refrigerators. Plus all the offerings of a typical gas station (pastries, milk, condoms, cigarettes, soda, etc.). I saw cheesecakes and other pastries for sale but I didn't try these, they looked average. Casher was friendly and the other customers were quiet and chill. On a cold dark Thursday night - there were still 5 or 6 other people there getting beer/wine/food. Overall a solid experience and I'd go back for food or alcohol (or pastries). A good neighborhood spot since the upgrades.

I enjoyed my choice burger very much. The beef patty was thick and delish with a perfect amount of condiments and veg. It is a a liquor/connivence store that has a biker vibe, yet is also friendly with wifi and plenty of seating. The music wasn't too loud. The A/C was on inside and their selection is extensive. I suggest sitting outside if you have a fat ass like me, because the inside chairs are a little small and cut into me. I will definitely come back again.

I'm so disappointed to give this place a negative review. I was hoping to have a new teriyaki joint close to home. I went in here in mid-afternoon and the cashier did not seem very friendly, she seemed more concerned with watching the overhead security camera screen to monitor the group of 3 teenagers who entered. They all paid for their purchases, I am glad to report (eye-roll). They upcharge $.50 for credit card transactions, regardless of the price-- there is NO sign stating this anywhere. That's ridiculous. They upcharge to go orders but don't tell you that until you ask why your total was more than the price on the board. Not that $1.00 extra is a huge deal, it just seems like it could be arbitrarily applied depending on the customer/cashier. I ordered regular chicken teriyaki. While the portion size was very big, the chicken was WAY over-charred. Everything in the container tasted burnt. It was inedible. Texture wise, it's definitely previously frozen, kind of a slimy/squishy texture. Do not recommend. I perused the beer selection while I waited for my order. It's decent, heavily local, but prices are worse than most nearby gas stations. They have seating inside, and outside, and a bar to pour draft beers if you're so inclined. (Be warned, the bar stools are for a regular height bar counter, but their counters are cashier height, but they have tables) I can see that in warmer weather, sitting on the patio outside might be ok (if you like sitting by an intersection), but inside it's very much like a convenience store with two small seating areas. You will be forced to hear the incessant "bi-ding, bi-ding, ding, ding" sound of the motion detector going off every time anyone inside moves a muscle. There are large screen TVs up in the corners of both indoor seating areas, and a gazillion menu screen TVs (that don't tell you about upcharges) above the counter. TL:DR; I think the customer service is lacking, the food is not acceptable, and their prices/selection are convenience store for sure.

Please don't be fooled by the name of this place. Their beer and fried chicken is absolutely amazing. Korean family owns this place and the Mom who does the cooking is clearly the secret weapon. Come for a pint and be sure to order food. Wow.

Good teriyaki and cheap beer on tap, what more could you want? We tried this place yesterday for the first time and had a great experience. The beef yakisoba was definitely the highlight, but the chicken teriyaki with gyoza was also really good. You can't beat their draft prices either!

I want to support the business, but it doesn't quite seem like they know what they want to be. They have 20+ beers on tap though often many are out, they used to have a menu with 20+ items, but now they've removed a bunch off the list, and they have a bakery, coffee and a full deli. I think it's trying to be like Chuck's on 85th, but it hasn't quite landed/executed in the same way. It's not as welcoming for just hanging out and having a drink. It used to be a basic deli, and I hope they're able to succeed in the new format, but there's a lot of work that needs to happen to get it to being a truly welcoming place to have a drink and food.

Fried Calamari. The least expected dish a mini delimart can offer and offered at six dollars per order. An incredible bargain given the history of calamari pricing with respect to fine dining restaurant. Store offers the boozes, the yum yums, and the daily ingredients for your cuisine of choice. This shop has utility written all over it and a house well groomed. In fact it's so clean Id recommend customers should take their shoes off prior to entering.

Wow, this place has it all - coffee, beer, bottles, food, and a great little convenience store too. I stopped in yesterday just for a cup of java (and a pit stop) and was absolutely floored by how cool this little spot is on the inside. The service was super friendly, too. I was on the road or I woulda had a beer - definitely will do that next time. They have a great little deck off the front where you can enjoy your drink, too. I highly recommend this north Ballard spot!

Grabbed some teriyaki here to take home to watch a game, was not disappointed. The usual amount (white to go container) amount of food. Filled 3/4 with rice, with chicken on top and the final 1/4 filled with salad. Everything was good, I personally like when my teriyaki has a fair amount of sauce, so I wish there had been two containers of sauce instead of the one small one. Other than that tho, was a totally fine teriyaki experience. Nothing crazy, nothing super surprising. The prices are average.

My auntie lives down the street and she told me this place has really good teriyaki so I decided to give it a try. Oh boy. Am I glad that I did. Awesome food!

Love what they have done with the new remodel! I haven't had a chance to try the food yet, but their growler and beer selection is on point. Tons of local beer and many options you just can't find at a local grocery store. Keep in mind there is a .50 cent charge for credit card transactions, but if you plan in advance you can avoid that. One thing that might be helpful is updating the prices on the beer selection. Sometimes there is no price listed and so you never know what you're going to be paying until you're already paying for it - probably due to the high amount of beer sales and constant influx, but definitely would be nice to have. Overall, awesome neighborhood spot and great beer selection!!

Disregard all reviews of this place prior to about August of 2016. It used to be kind of sketch--at least, not super nice, and has since been remodeled into literally the most ideal neighborhood convenience store. It's a bottle shop, fills growlers, has espresso and cooks up teriyaki. I can't speak to the espresso, as I haven't had it, but it's amazing swinging by, grabbing a good 22 and some teriyaki. This *might* be the best teriyaki I've had in Seattle. Always grilled up fresh in HUGE portions, tastes amazing. Also, I think, served on weeknights until 9:00pm. A bunch of work went into this place and it shows. Kudos to whoever runs the place.

Best teriyaki in town. They don't skimp on the meat, which has a little char from the grill. Rice is good. Salad is fine. Gyoza is excellent. They also have any beer you would ever want.

Is it a deli? A grocery store? A bar? Burger joint? Teriyaki? Coffee shop? It's ALL OF THOSE THINGS. And their logo is a mother fucking WIZARD. The food is fantastic and the sour beer I'm drinking right now is amazing. I also like the atmosphere even though it's a little different.

Fantastic place! Used to be a run down convenience store now it is a full Taproom & Teriyaki restaurant + convenience store. The food is amazing that app selection is fantastic the prices are incredible. The employees are super friendly and attentive. I give them 10 Stars if it was possible!

People who complain about $.50 container fee's ruin reputations over petty things. This place is incredible. Best teriyaki in the area

I noticed a few weeks ago they remodeled the outside of the store and noticed they were advertising teriyaki. The inside of the store looked like it had been remodeled as well. I ordered a chicken and pork combo plate of teriyaki and thought it was above average, although the pork is especially good. The best part of this place is the price of their beer on tap. You can get a pint of Manny's for $3! They also have many other beers on tap with a price between $3.50 and $5, so it is really affordable. I would definitely come back hear for teriyaki and a beer or two.

What an upgrade! In the last six months the store has been slowly transitioning...or morphing...or evolving into something much better than it used to be. Now available are beer and ciders on tap, wine, kegs to rent, large screens and more! They are also serving food, but haven't had any yet. I'll update later when I do.

Well this place is awesome. Convenience store with a kitchen in the back that appears I serve amazing food based on the people coming to get their take out.

They recently renovated this place, and it looks AMAZING now. The inside is totally different, and very modernized. There's now seating with places to eat to go with the new, deliciousss takeout menu they have. I tried the chicken teriyaki and one of the best teriyaki places I've been to hands down. The chicken is always cooked just right and the rice is really good. And it's super cheap!!! Will be back for more teriyaki and other of the baked goods they now sell.

What a sweet little spot for to-go teriyaki and a great beer pickup! They have indoor and outdoor seating, with an awesome front worker who does the orders, serves, and answers questions with a great attitude. Will definitely be back as we live in Green Lake

I love this place. I love that you can get great beer and teriyaki here. I love that it's odd when you come in and wonder, "what is this?" I noticed that there are Korean BBQ tables outside. OMG - I cannot wait! Please let it be legit Korean food!!!

This place has the cheapest, good quality, regular old cheese burger with fries I have found in Seattle. The owners are really nice and give my dog Charlie teriyaki chicken if they seem him. Sometimes I buy six-packs of local craft beers here.

Easily the best corner store we have come across in our vast travels. We lovingly refer to this as the Metal corner store. The perfect I don't give a fuck 90 attitude had been preserved. The selection is vast even for the stores modest size. Smokes ya they got them, what do you need. Macaroons those too along with cases and cases of beer and wine. Did we mention take out, oh ya they have that too. Perfect place for the total snacker.