University Market & Deli

I’ve been here a few times and was always concerned with the long amount of time it took to make sandwiches during the lunch hour and the overall freshness of the ingredients. However, I have given it the benefit of the doubt because they are friendly and locally owned. Today that all changed. I went in around 1pm and decided to order the golden chicken panini. I have always been concerned that the people working there tend to move from money to food handling — but this time it was well beyond sanitization expectations. The young man who was working the counter actually blew his nose into a paper towel, loud and wet, and then went around touching everything and then put on gloves to make the sandwich. There was no hand washing, no purell, nothing. I was really stunned by this lack of common food handling sense. At that point all I could do was walk out and go to the Starbucks across the street and get something pre-​made. I think when you are having food prepared, a definite trust happens and that trust includes sanitation. It was really gross, and I will not be returning to this market again. There are too many other options in the neighborhood to have to worry about food safety. Also, I am kind of bitter that I paid for lunch twice (and they are expensive) but that is partly my fault for simply walking away. I was too shocked to do much else.

I give this place 3 stars only because I’ve run into a few misunderstandings with the staff and because of their prices. Although I’ve never actually bought anything other than their sandwiches, even though it’s listed $ 3.99 for half a sandwich (and up to $ 5 – 6 for a full), with tax totaling up to nearly $ 4.15-$ 4.50 with or without student ID, the size of the half sandwiches don’t seem to be worth $ 4+ to me. Don’t get me wrong, they taste delicious, but for a tiny panini press to me could at least just be $ 1 cheaper. As for their staff, when I come in, there’s usually 2 people behind the counter who both attend to the customers and make the sandwiches. The only problem I have, which I hate to even share is that whenever I come in and give them my order with the request of no add-​ons, they ALWAYS end up including the added ingredients that I specifically asked not to add. Happens every time I come in to order. Even after the guy who took my order asks me once or twice to make sure that I don’t want the added ingredients, his coworker started to make my sandwich and with me in front of the counter watching, he didn’t even tell her to stop adding the vegetables even though I told him specifically not to.

Nicest deli employees ever! They’re more than happy to help you out and if they don’t have something they will direct you to somewhere that will have it. I’ve lived around the block for a few years now, and they do have a monopoly, so their prices are a bit high, but considering most SU’s students options at 11PM on a Saturday are this place and the highly overpriced Cave, this place is a steal.

Yes, the Boar’s Head sandwiches are great, but I’m not including that as a bonus for this store because they don’t really have anything to do with the quality of the deli.
Pro: Convenience.
Con: PRICES, HOLY CRAP, THE PRICES! Expect to pay almost DOUBLE what you would pay elsewhere. Orange juice? $ 5.99. Batteries? $ 6.99 for 4. Single-​serving soup cans? $ 4.69. Skittles? $ 1.29.
With a QFC only a few blocks away at Broadway and Pike, I have difficulty justifying a trip here under any circumstances (the QFC also has Boar’s Head deli stuff). Also, while they do have a large wine selection, it’s WAY overpriced, and it’s a selection of not-​very-​good wines. If you want good wines, check out the Safeway at 15^th and John (about 10 mins tops on the #10 bus).
FWIW, there’s another one of these markets at Western & Clay in Belltown, and the prices there are just as bad. Almost highway-​robbery-​like.
Also — PS — they actually have a decent price on one thing: hummus. I’m not sure why — maybe they forgot to double that one before making the price tag.

BEST SANDWICHES EVER!
SU students get 10% off their sandwich when they show ID!

Given the lack of quick lunch places in this part of Belltown, this place is excellent! They have great paninis that use Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. The sandwiches are good (although huge). Definitely recommend trying it if you’re in the area.

Very tasty (and huge) panini but it took forever even with no one ahead of me.

I used to live across the street from New Town Market Home Style Deli and went there all the time. It’s a great little convenience store for when the cupboards are bare but you don’t have time for a shopping trip, or you just need a quick snack or tasty beverage. Also good for a little beer/​wine run. I used to go here specifically cause they carry a local sourdough french bread I love. There’s also a Boar’s Head deli, though I never tried the sandwiches. The employees were always friendly and the hours are reasonable. About as nice as a convenience store can get.
Across the street from Starbuck’s, Seattle University, and about two blocks from the ¾ bus lines.

This is maybe the greatest convenience store in the city because
a) it’s not sketchy
b) they have a huge wine selection
c) they have all the standard chips and junk food you could ever want
d) they’ll give you fresh cream for your coffee
e) they serve sandwiches.
All in all, it’s pretty much a pit-​stop for me every night I have class. (But not for the wine, I swear.)

New Town Market is located right across the street from Seattle University and is a great little convienence store to grab something you might have forgotten at home.
However, I personally go there to grab a quick sandwich or salad from their deli! I love their sandwiches there, they are simple and taste great! They use really high quality meats and cheeses from Boars Head and add a lot of great flavor and taste to them.
They can be on the pricier side compared to the Subway down the block, but definitely worth the extra few bucks!
You sometimes have to wait to order, but its never more than a few minutes and the staff are always fair and reasonable.