Metropolitan Market
2320 42nd Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98127 (206) 937-0551
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
30 Reviews for Metropolitan Market
ME-MO!
But this place is way overpriced. Seriously is. I think that there is a lot, I mean a lot, of selection, but it seems silly to shop here when you have the PCC, which you know has more local stuff, and doesn't seem like such a scam.
That said, I haven't been disappointed getting a pastry here or something from the deli. But I live in West Seattle, and I went here maybe once in the past 4 months. Not worth it.
Can you judge the swankiness of a grocery store by the aroma level of stinky cheese in the air? Yes? Well then boy howdy, this here pile'a bricks is swankeeeee.
Yes, Metropolitan Market is high on the sweaty feet smell = quality cheese factor. They also have intimidating displays of fresh produce (organic and pesticide laden) and about 230 different varieties of specialty mustards and balsamic vinegars, some in commemorative bottles!
They have an impressive array of products and plenty of "I'm too lazy (I mean busy)" to cook options that can make your life easier. Oh why do I feel judged when I shop there? Am I too schlumpy to be in here amongst all these fine people? Is my car too filthy to be parked amongst these fine vehicles in their parking lot (they even have expectant mother stalls)? Is my lower price point bottle of wine being eye-rolled as I move through the check out line? Should I apologize for buying the jarred olives rather than ones from the olive bar?
Ikes. Grocery shopping should not be a panic-inducing experience. For every day, I go to Thriftway, for picking up something for a party, I go to Metropolitan and breathe in the rarified stinky cheese air and feel swankeeeee for the rest of the evening. Until someone tells me I smell like sweaty feet. Sigh.
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Though expensive this should be a neighborhood store. The eastside needs one. I love the soups, sandwiches, salads, sushi, desserts, salad bar, coffee stand and the cheese! Oh the cheese! They have so many cheeses. It is heaven.
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****update1/2/08: I sent my review to the Store Director and he responded promptly and appropriately. Will update as to our upcoming phone conversation****
****update 1/3/08: Spoke with SD. He assured me that there is a glitch in their phone system that they are attempting to fix, but that the "manager" I spoke with handled the incident improperly and they have instituted a new policy regarding the answering of phones. He's not trying to "buy me off", but he is sending a gift card.
I don't care how fancy and swank this place is, when the first option on your phone prompts is for "immediate personal assistance" I should not hear ringing for 3 straight minutes (I have a timer on my work phone) and then once I ask for the deli be sitting on hold for another 24 minutes, when the manager finally had to physically go over to the deli to answer my question (only after I attempted to call a few more times, with ring times of over 6 minutes). I do understand that it is lunch time, but it took 15 total seconds to get my question answered. When I spoke with the manager and she defended such poor customer service, I was disappointed and annoyed. After working in the Customer Service industry for 8 years, I know that behavior such as this is unacceptable.
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I will no longer patronize this establishment.
P.S. I've been getting the Prime Rib sandwich there for lunch for the past year and the one I got last week was overly fatty and congealed. Inedible. I ended up throwing a $10 sandwich away.
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The food is really good and the people who worked there were surprisingly pleasant -- surprising because it was 6 p.m. on December 23 when we were in there. It was CROWDED.
We were able to buy everything we needed except hard liquor for our Christmas Eve gathering which was great, until we saw the bill. Gulp.
If I may take some liberties with the song "Alienation's for the Rich" by They Might Be Giants,
Metropolitan Market's for the rich and I'm feelin' poorer every day. A-hey-hey-hey.
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Let me spare you the hyperbole and get right to the facts. This is quite possibly the finest grocery store on the planet, perhaps even the universe. They have everything; wine, cheeses, a phenomenal deli/premade meal selection, fresh seafood, exotic finds, and international flavors. The staff is extremely helpful and friendly and will graciously do stock checks if they can't find what you're looking for. If you took all the best qualities of other stores (Trader Joes, QFC, Whole Foods, etc), rolled them into one, but only way more kick ass than that would even be, then you'd have MM. I had multiple climaxes just walking up and down the aisles. Seriously. I couldn't help it, the experience was just too overwhelming and exciting.
The only drawback would be some noticeably higher prices on certain items. However, given that this is the Rolls Royce of grocery stores, one can expect to pay a slightly higher price for such luxury, quality, and selection.
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Love Metropolitan, even though it's almost singlehandedly responsible for hijacking a significant portion of my paycheck each week! Oh well... They have terrific produce and really tasty soups! And olivetta rolls! And all-natural body oils and aromatherapy sprays! It is a bit pricey though... However, when compared to other specialty markets in the W. Seattle area (i.e., PCC...), Metro always comes out on top in my book! I also like their free incentives that come in the mail every so often... I got free roses one week, and a free cup of soup + roll another!
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Been going here for years now. Now that I can walk to it, I go a few times a week. Great produce. Awesome cheese and meat selections. Nice organic choices and they always have "green" cleaning products in stock.
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I call it the Metrosmugitan, mostly in jest. It is a precious little place, though.
Once, looking to buy a pound of thick seasoned bacon, I went to the meat department, which directly abuts the seafood counter. The butcher was on break. The seafood guy wasn't. He had no customers. He was just standing there with his hands behind his back.
I waited for a moment for an offer of help. Receiving none, I asked him if he could possibly weigh me up a pound of bacon.
With a pained smile that was intended to convey true depth of feeling, he answered in a hushed voice: "I'm sorry. That's not my department."
Because, as you are aware, the difference between weighing up cod and weighing up bacon is like the difference between bricklaying and heart surgery. Tempted to ask him in a voice mimicking his own if he was fucking serious, I asked him instead to please call a manager. Now radiating resentment, he weight up the bacon and slammed it on the counter.
So, yeah, those who have complained about the sometimes shitty customer service here are right. But generally, the food is terrific.
With the exception of Israeli couscous, which you can now get at Thriftway, they have everything. Great wine selection. Amazing flower selection. Lots and lots of chocolate. Veggies that may as well have been picked yesterday.
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Everything an American grocery store should be. One of the reasons I moved to the neighborhood. Good service and great selection. The prices are decent as well. Most grocery items are the same as Safeway across the street. Delicious soups and deli food.
Beats the hell out of other top end stores like Whole Foods.
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5 stars for the prepared food, hot food & meat counters and for the produce department.
I love getting a whole natural free range chicken from the rotisserie and bringing it home with a side of green beans and a HUGE serving of mashed potatoes. This is one of my favorite to-go dinners. Be sure to get the biggest size mashed potatoes - they are the very best mashed potatoes I've had outside of a fancy restaurant.
The BBQ ribs they started carrying recently are pricey, but holy moly are they delicious. Why on earth anyone would carry such delicious, decadent ribs in a SUPER MARKET is beyond me, but WOW they're great.
The meat counter carries some of the best and freshest meats in Seattle. Not only can you get excellent cuts of the standards, but occasionally you can find more exotic meats like rabbit. The seafood is excellent as well. If you are planning on making something delicious, start here!
The produce is always fresh and perfectly ripe. It can be a bit pricey, but it's way better than QFC or Safeway. Make sure you are around for the Peach O' Rama and get a nice sweet juicy peach!
The prepared foods section(s) are expansive and everything I've tried has been tasty. All of the hot foods I've had have been great. Being a lazy home chef has never tasted so good. :)
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Overall: Clean and tidy supermarket with a good variety of items
MY MISSION - to get some '00' flour!
On entering the store, it almost had a Whole Foods feel but somewhat downscale and definitely less emphasis on Organic.
All the fruit and veggies were neatly piled on top of each other, making them look extremely presentable and appetizing. Everything was neat in here, so very neat; I daren't pick anything up, just in case my clumsiness would make a mess putting it back.
The organization of the store is somewhat eclectic with bits of stuff here and bits of stuff there, but in general it is ok. There is a cake section in the bakery, but none of the items looked that appetizing to me. I know the locals call Whole Foods - Whole wallet/Whole paycheck (add puns ad nauseam), however a small fruit flan with creme patissiere here was $25, where as in Whole Foods, it was $25 for a large one.
There were a good number of fresh breads on display, enough to make my mouth water! There are some prepared foods and an eatery here, which all look nice - but we passed this time. The cheese selection here is relatively small, they also do a lot of cured meat, serve yourself olives, and the likes...
For those who wonder if we accomplished our mission, the answer is YES. At last I have managed to get some '00' flour to make pizza dough; it was $3.49 for 1kg, we got 4 bags. So, guess what I'm having for dinner tonight?
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Great flowers, great cheeses, great salami, great ready-made food, great wines, great olive oil & specialty 'condiments' and a pretty good bakery too. Produce selection is better than any other grocery store in West Seattle, but still doesn't come anytwhere close to the best grocery store in the Seattle Area... which would be Central Market in Shoreline (see my review for details). Too expensive for staples unless you really want to break the bank.
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One word -
Cheeeeeeeeese. Cheese as far as the eye can see - an entire display devoted to cheese - funky stinky pungent cheese - mmmmmmm.
They also have a decent deli. The place is clean and the help is great!
A little pricey - but sometimes worth the indulgence.
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I contracted briefly for this company, so they lose a star because I know how they treat their employees. That said, the cheesemongers are the best. One of them, I think her name was Kim, was schooled in cheese. She had a cheese degree. Awesome. I learned so much from her in my short time there.
One thing that might be obvious to people, but that I didn't realize, is that if you want to buy some cheese, but are balking at paying $12 for a wedge, you can actually ask them to cut you something smaller, even from an already cut wedge. And you SHOULD be able to sample the cheese before buying, although not all mongers are so giving.
Most expensive cheeses are not meant to be consumed in huge slabs, but rather in tiny, thin slices. I like this approach, as it means that I can sample all kinds of new cheeses for less money.
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I LOVE THIS PLACE!
Anytime i need anything i can find it here...whether it be a perfectly ripe avocado or a delicious piece of key lime pie.
They also have a huge selection of cheese and wine.
There staff is helpful and always very very friendly.
Even though there a little more expensive then most other grocery stores the quality is much better and worth the little extra drive.
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We have been going here for a couple months now, ever since we moved into the neighborhood. It's no Joe's, or PCC, but they have stuff no one else does. Some people thing they are stupid expensive, and while i must warn against the meat (too pricey, PCC has better for WAY cheaper), and tell you to beware of what you pick up, some things are just worth it. Fresh candy canes and nuts during the holidays, raw honey for a good price, stocks and soups you can't find elseware. If you perfer Quality over Quantity, this store is worth checking out. Just be aware of prices..this is not a "one stop shop"...
There was also one time i went and got oranges for x-mas stockings, and the cashier PLUNKED the oranges onto the counter, then THREW the oranges into a bag, then roughly swung the bag at me. i understand your busy, but really! it is produce. it made me wary, and if it happens again i will be angry. but this was the ONLY time i have had anything like that happen, so i'll give them another chance (but NOT on the meat...)
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Can grocery shopping really be pleasurable? You bet it can. My wife and I go here often. We used to live in West Seattle and would pass three grocery stores on our drive to Metropolitan Market. Now we live in the Mount Baker neighborhood and still go here. This speaks volumes about the West Seattle location.
My wife is a vegetarian so fresh produce means a lot to both of us. I will admit right off the bat, the prices here aren't all that cheap... yet I think you get what you pay for with produce.
Metropolitan Market is constantly shaking things up with weekly and seasonal specials. There are many goodies stashed throughout the store. What I love is that you can eat a good meal before shopping. You know the adage about shopping on an empty stomach. You can choose between fresh pasta, sushi, soups, salads, fresh salads, and great buffet selections.
Their cheese selection is quite impressive. It's too bad my wife is pregnant because much of their tasty cheese is off limits to her. I personally haven't found a grocery store with a better cheese selection.
Other neat things: they have two sizes of shopping carts which makes smaller grocery trips easier to navigate. I love how the baggers will help take your groceries to your car, no worries... they aren't allowed to take tips. I've seen very little turnover at this store so obviously they're treating their employees very well and it shows. Finally, this swanky grocery store retails better than most actual retail stores. It's well planned and thought out, inside and outside, including pregnant women parking spaces. When I think fresh, I think Metropolitan Market.
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5 stars just aren't enough for this Market...and THIS location in particular holds something, or I should say, someone very special.
His name is Raul Ramirez, and he is the floral manager. His designs are out of this world, his customer service is exemplary - and he has unbeatable prices - without the markup of every other florist I've met with.
I recently tracked Raul down to do the flowers for our wedding. I had met him before - at Molbaks in Woodinville, about 7 years ago. I still remembered him after all this time, and when I found him at Metropolitan Market, I immediately met up with him again.
We sat down together in the coffee shop, I showed him a couple of swatches of the colors of our wedding and just told him about a few flowers that I had in mind. He took my little ideas and ran with them, soon he had painted a picture in my head of what my wedding day would be like.
He went to calculate the pricing for what I wanted and came back to me with the best news ever, I could have KISSED him! He was $2,000 UNDER what I had been quoted from other shops in the area. In fact, those shops were so rude that they weren't even INTERESTED in doing my wedding or delivering the flowers unless I had a $3K order minimum.
I just wanted to get the world out about this very talented man. Planning a wedding can be stressful at times, especially when you realize how expensive everything is. Raul taught me that we can have the elegant wedding we want without selling the rights to our firstborn!
I am absolutely thrilled to be working with him, and I truly think EVERY Seattle bride owes it to herself to meet up with him!
Edited on 7/24/07 - The wedding was June 16th, 2007 and as promised, Raul's designs were out of this world. People are still talking about the flowers from our wedding. I have added some photos of his handy work - including the photo of me crying the first time I laid eyes on my bouquet.
When I arrived to the house on the day of the wedding Raul was already there setting everything up just like we talked about. Everything was more beautiful than described or imagined.
This man truly has a gift, and I recommend him to everyone I meet!
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I know this may sound funny but when I have people visiting from out of state I bring them to the Metropolitan Market for dinner but also to take a tour and they all love it even my seven year old nephew loved the place and their fried chicken too.
The produces is always top notch fresh, the colors are vibrant and they have a nice variety to choose from. If you ever have a recipe and there's one item you have no idea what it is try here I'm sure they'll have it and someone will be able to find it and explain to you what exactly it is, yes I know from experience.
The cheese staff are my favorite people by far, I can walk up to them tell them I plan on having a nice CA Syrah and want some cheese to go with it and bam within seconds they have three or four different kinds for me to try and pick from. I love the cheese people there they are the best.
The meat and seafood guys are just as great. If I'm cooking just for me not sure what I want I'll let them suggest something and I'm never disappointed, their scallops keep me coming back though oh how I love their fresh scallops. They have some amazing chickens and pork items as well, their stuffed chicken breasts are amazing.
If I'm hungry and don't feel like cooking they also have this amazing deli area where you can get almost anything you desire they even have made to order sushi, if the chef is still there.
I could go on and on about this place but before I stop I should also mention that their bakery, wine selection and flowers are all wonderful as well.
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No question is this the best grocery store in the city. Produce is always fresh and flavorful, they have great promotions (peach-o-rama), fantastic selection, and employees that are helpful and knowledgeable.
I recently had to bring wine to a gathering - I had a few ideas of what I wanted (white, not too dry, not too fruity) and was given the perfect bottle (not too pricey) by the wine-guy. Fantastic!
This type of service isn't limited to wine. Their ready-made dinners are great; ranging from salads, pasta, sushi, soups, sandwiches, and roasted chicken/turkey.
Their are lots of specialty departments - cheese, meats (they make their own sausage!), flowers (which really have to be seen to be believed!), and beauty.
I can't say enough good things! The only draw back is if you shop during busy times it can be difficult to find a parking spot!
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My parents still talk about this place. They visited four years ago and went here every day to buy ready-made dinners. Each time they ask me about it I have to remind them that I live in Ballard now and that driving to West Seattle for groceries is out of the question.
But when I am in the neighborhood, I always stop in to get a coffee from their coffee bar and wander around the market. This is what a grocery store should look like! Clean, bright, colorful! And the ready-made food is awesome. So many choices, even for picky flexitarians like myself.
I haven't had the same experience at the Queen Anne location. The market is smaller there and I think part of my fondness for the W. Seattle location is tied to my memories of first moving here.
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I love MM. It's clean, the employees are friendly, and the food selection, especially for hard-to-find items, is great. They offer some of the nicest produce in town, apart from, say, Pike Place Market, and the gourmet deli (soups, sandwiches, salads, ready-to-bake pizzas, individual-sized desserts, and of course, the hot case) is really worth the occasional extra cost. When my parents visit me, my dad always finds some excuse to visit the MM deli. (And he can usually be paid in MM chicken salad for house repairs!)
The only downside to this delightful food mecca is the price. MM isn't exactly the place that I can afford to stock up on staples, unless I can hit a good sale. For staples, you're better off hitting the Safeway a block away, but for the freshest, most vibrant produce and a great place to find more obscure ingredients, this is it.
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What a wonderful place!! I love to shop here and be treated so well! Everything about this place is incredible! I love the Metro Market! If you like good food, good service, and good prices... come here!
Highly polished yuppie hell incarnate with attitude to boot. That said, you can't beat the selection. If you need that special item its the best place outside of Pike Place to go. But really folks, you're checkers, not movie stars. Lighten up. If you happen to shop here you have a) enough money to afford crack cocaine in large amounts or b)live in hovel in Schmitz Park after spending every last penny on Elbonian camel cheese from the frommagerie
Go over to Safeway and get your milk , flour, eggs, beans whatever and buy the goodies here. If that sounds insane, can I borrow your Porsche keys for a few hours?
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Oh. I love this store so much!
Let me count the ways:
1. Braunshwieger at the deli: best I've found in town
2. Fun cheese selection (and nice folks to help you)
3. Good to great seafood counter. I get my lobster here.
4. They have the bread I like.
5. They have the kind of yogurt I like.
6. They have vitamin water.
7. Good meat isle. (but I didn't like the "loose" bacon I got at the meat counter once. Relatively inexpensive organic chicken. Good lamb.
8. Good veggie section.
9. Wide selection of good pasta sauces.
10. Great gift cards.
11. Great chocolate mousse pie. (and good bakery. They will slice your bread for you!)
12. They have the german wieners I like.
13. The beet salad.
14. The organic fried chicken.
15. The olive bar.
16. Pretty flowers I can get for my girlie.
17. Unique toothpastes.
I am sure I am missing stuff too.
Basically, they have nearly everything I want in one place. Now, the prices are higher here so I don't get "staples" here and they have less variety for some of that kind of stuff. But, if you want to see a bunch of different olive oils this is one good place to go. It is that kind of store.
Most of the staff is SUPER nice and stuff like that. I did have one bad experience here but I've not seen her around...
Plus they have a clean convenient bathroom! Oh, and a kitchen gadget section too!
I love this store. Can you tell?
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All of the Metro Markets are great, but this is the one I'm usually swinging by for lunch. Everything from their deli is amazing. I get some pesto chicken pasta thing and it's bomb. If you're looking for fast food, forget the Big Mac and get a fresh, fast meal that's bursting with flavor from the Metro Market!
Fancy-schmancy market indeed. However I feel about their prices though (think Whole Foods range), I can't get enough of their ready-made food. Just thinking of it makes me wish I still lived in Seattle. It also has an amazing flower shop where you can get everything from Orchids to baby's breath. It doesn't get 5 stars solely because it has a stupid specialty makeup counter that has bad makeup and doesn't fit in at all.
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I love their Pasta and Sandwichs but when there sandwich is 6 dollars, i'm better off going to Subway and gettin a footlong special for a dollar less.
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