Y-Not Variety

I was asked for an ID when buying a pack of condoms. Are you kidding me?
Usually they’re fairly nice but it’s just an average convenience store. More expensive than stores and not as much variety.

Best place for Italian ice.

If you’d like to suggest a minimum for credit card use, then suggest it. Go ahead. Write a cute little poem, or have a friend doodle on the sign (doodle-​on-​the-​sign!) and what have you, but realize that it should only be a suggestion, lest ye catch someone at a real lackluster part of their day, searching for something specific only to find it tied up in economic red tape.
Wanted to make a pizza and remembered everything but shredded mozzarella. Y-​Not fell on the drive home, and after a little cajoling by Shaun H, I swung though expecting the worst. Circled past the older gents playing Keno at an feverish pace, and discovered the cheese thanks to a pretty proficient sense of organization.
The cheese proved to be at the standard convenience store price point ($ 4.79. For two cups) but cravings are cravings and I was ready to pay. $ 4.79 on the dot, and being short on cash, I pulled the card for payment.
«There’s a $ 5 minimum.»
«Really? It’s only 21c man. And I don’t have any cash»
«Sorry sir, that is the minimum.
*stunned silence*
«Would you like to purchase something else?»
«No, I just want my cheese.»
«I’m sorry then.»
«You can’t do that — it violates the credit card agreement you have.»
«Good bye sir.»
To his credit, he was quite congenial, but I’m not shopping for the smiles. Perhaps if I were a reg like the rest of these lovely folks, they’d flex a little courtesy, but nyet. My patronage was swept away by some broom of the cosmos and all for 20c.

What would we do without the Y-​Not?! We go every morning to pick up our newspapers and the owner is the nicest, friendliest person. We always have our little doggie with us and they are ok with us bringing her in while we gather our purchases. They also have slush which we love.
It is super convenient to have a store close by that doesn’t gouge you when you need mile, bread, or the other staple, beer. Love you, Y-​Not!!!

Have a strange craving for Pop Tarts? Go to Y Not. Want to play keno for three hours and gripe about how much Obama sucks? Go to Y Not. Want to make mildly funny jokes like «Y Not Get Tanked?» while buying a case of competitively priced beer? Go to Y Not
Y Not is a great resource for the neighborhood and has an impressive selection of beer, munchies and functional stuff like milk. The owners are legitimately nice guys, very friendly and accommodating, always keeping things moving, always appreciative of your business.
The lounge in the back is home to Somerville lifers who sit around a beat up kitchen table, chug coffee and play Keno. I was once called a «yuppie» by a guy at the Y Not, although to be fair, I was wearing a cardigan at the time. They say unintelligible things to themselves like «rahrahrahr» while reading the Boston Herald and watch the Keno numbers come down like falling snow. They diligently scrub scratch tickets clean and curse at the Red Sox game on the television. The scene is weirdly comforting for someone who grew up around Boston, like stepping off the Deloreon into 1991 for a few fleeting moments. These people used to roll in much deeper numbers, now they are hard to find in their natural habitat, the keno table of a convenience store.
Beer? Pringles? Existential Deja-​Vu? Y Not!

There is very little you can say negative about this shop. The staff are friendly and efficient. The prices are on par with any other convenience store in the area. Recently they expanded their beer selection. It’s no liquor store but I’m positive there is something for everyone.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy something from the Y Not, but if you live in the area you should stop in and see what you think.

I just moved into the area, and have been searching for my «go get things» place, and this is definitely it.
Their prices are much better than other area stores, and the staff was very friendly. I’ll be walking over there more for sure.

Y-​Not Variety is the best! When I first moved to the area a few years ago I was happy to have a convenience store across the way. I quickly learned, however, Its more than just a pit stop for milk and bread. This neighborhood store is owned and run by the most wonderful family, for one. Patrons are always greeted with a smile and a warm «hello.» Second, the prices are NOT outrageous as one might expect for a small store front. Lastly, the owners recently got a beer and wine license which has definitely been a plus for me. Its so nice to be able to invite friends over for a few drinks at the last minute and have a one-​stop-​shop: cheese, crackers, wine.
On any given day you can find a few locals hunkered down in the back area enjoying a coffee and eagerly scratching off lotto tickets or awaiting the next Keno game. The store also sells cold cuts and deli sandwiches. One snowy day I hope to call out of work and join the locals for Keno and a good olé’ ham and cheese. Why not?!?

Why not? The Y-​Not Market has just gotten a liquor license, and is now a combination convenience store AND one-​stop-​beer-​and-​wine-​shop. With the lowest prices I’ve seen in the area, you can grab your 24 oz can of 8.1% alcohol Steel Reserve for just $ 1.50, opposed to $ 2 at most other liquor stores (Yeah, i keep it classy, i know…) They also have a small deli, and made-​to-​order subs every day but Sunday.
If scratch tickets are your thing, they have an amazing selection, which includes every scratch ticket known the the Commonwealth.
I put a lot of emphasis on service in my reviews, and a simple smile and «how are you» can bump a review from four to five stars. It’s about the experience, and Y-​Not is consistently friendly and customer service-​oriented.
So, if you find yourself on Willow Ave in Somerville, and in need of some cheap beer, a lottery ticket, a loaf of bread, and a candy bar… slip in that door under the giant rusty «Submarines» sign, and say hello to my friends at the Y-​Not… I mean… Why not?

This is what I recently found out that makes the Y-​Not even better (besides the fact that I moved even closer and now the family that owns it/​works there are super extra nice now that they recognize me):
The Y-​Not was started by a guy named Tony. Y-​Not is Tony backwards. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? That Tony was a smart guy.

I live next door to Y-​not, and i dread the day i move and i can’t wake up on a saturday morning, walk downstairs, and purchase a v-​dub right next door. It’s practically as easy as a trip to my own fridge.
The people who work there are sweet hearts. Since i’m a good customer, sometimes they’re a little loosey goosey on the 5.00 credit card limit.
The best thing about this place is that nearly every time someone suggests stopping in, someone ALWAYS replies with «Why not?» and i’ll tell you, it’s funny EVERY TIME!
their coffee sucks, and they should work on getting that beer/​wine permit passed, but despite these things, i truly love Y-​not variety.

Why not review the Y Not Variety? I love being able to walk over and get whatever I want whenever I want it– and at 8 at night, when I’m in the middle of making dinner and I run out of butter, I’m willing to pay for the convenience of not having to drive to Shaws or go without.
I always want roast beef when I go over there for a sandwich but the Indian family who owns the place doesn’t stock it… that whole sacred cow thing.
The Keno lounge is a little odd… and the folks who frequent it odder… but they never look at me funny for walking in in my slippers.

I can see the Y-​Not from my window. It’s comforting. The people who work there are very nice!
One time they gave me a free baguette! Day-​old bread is still good to me!
On moving day, they knew my roommates and I by how much water we were buying — and they wanted to be our friend.
I haven’t gone there for sandwiches or played Keno — maybe one day! In conclusion, Y-​Not Variety is sweet.