7-Eleven

Do not ever go here. My debit card was skimmed yesterday, now getting fraud alerts for someone buying gas in IL and strange things overseas. Very aggressive pan-​handeling outside as well…

(Bathroom review)
I think I’ve only been to this location twice and the last time, it was to use the bathroom. My bf and I went to an open bar and of course, I had to go. I think the bathroom doubles as a storage space because at first I couldn’t actually find it but the toilet was hidden behind some boxes. Whatever, it’s better than trying to hold it and failing (it’s happened to me… not good).

Went in to pick up a pack of rechargeable e-​cig cartridges using a free coupon (after another 7 – 11 mishap that I won’t mention) and they still charged me 35 cents. After asking them why they were charging me this, they informed me that it was to pay the sales tax.
I showed them my coupon, and explained calmly how where it said «we will reimburse you for sales tax» meant that the company was paying the tax and that I shouldn’t pay. Nope, this 7 – 11 doesn’t like to use logic. They told me that I could either pay the sales tax regardless or go somewhere else. Great.
So, this 7 – 11 is pretty much profiting off of sales tax. That’s just splendid and I’m sure illegal. I tried to call 7 – 11 corporate to recommend that someone other than the customer should probably be the one explaining to employees how coupons work, but of course they just said «oh so and so will call you» and I haven’t heard anything since.

What causes that nasty 7-​Eleven smell? Does anyone know? It’s kind of like dirty socks, stale liquor and wet cigarettes. The floor at this location is often unclean and service is chained zombie-​like. Don’t bother asking the clerk’s any questions and don’t make eye contact with the homeless guy «guarding» the door. Other than that, it’s a typical 7-​Eleven, handy and better place to buy lottery tickets (if you’re in to that) than a liquor store.

So 7-​Elevens are nice (ish) usually. They are handy. You can get some gum. Maybe some snacks– a taquito or a hotdog if you are feeling a little wild. If you’ve been to one, you’ve been to all of them. This one isn’t especially dirty which is a plus.
Recently when I was at this 7-​Eleven, the cashier made my friend buy two waters. My friend brought her water to the counter ready to get her hydrate on. The cashier told her they had a special and for another dollar or so she could have a second bottle. My friend, not wanting to carry two bottles, politely declined the offer. Nope. Cashier wasn’t having it. She charged her for two and told her to go get that second water bottle. Really bizarre situation.
Moral of the story, don’t let 7-​Eleven workers tell you what to do. They are a sneaky people.

The lines can be halfway to the back of the store, but other than that I guess it’s okay.

Huzzah!
Much like that ancient Greek guy who wandered around, well… Greece, looking for one honest man, I’ve found an actual convenience store in the central business district.
Okay, yeah… it’s a convenience store, and you’re welcome. But I know you’re probably tired of getting munchies at the local hot dog cart, what with limited selections and questionable expiration dates. Or the local crappy delis and their considerable markups. It’s nice to be able to nip off for a late afternoon snack and actually have some modicum of a selection.
They’re also the only store around here I’ve been able to find that carries Shasta. Yes, Shasta! The only soda so hardcore, that back in the 1980s the cans said it contained saccharine, and that it caused cancer in lab animals. That’s right, the soda that’s so badass they actually advertised that their soda will kill you and said «fuck it, we’re gonna make it anyways!»
Protip: this one’s a little hard to find, as there really isn’t much visible signage unless you’re standing right in front of the store. It’s actually on 19^th Street, next to the Au Bön Pain.
The verdict: thanks for reading! This will hopefully let me keep my Elite badge for another month!