With a few minutes extra time on my hands this afternoon, Thursday 26 February 2026, I decided to stop by Ballinger Thriftway and check it out. I was unsure of the offerings by the name and that I had not been before and found it to be groceries and household items. The diversity of offered items was depth within a particular item space. Seasonal items were also well presented. Looking for cards, I found some though they were on the pricey side per my experience. Looking to see it they had a small candy item, I found good variety and prices in the chocolate bar options. I chose a dark chocolate Chocolove chilies and cherries item that was less than $3.50. Checking out/payment was straightforward to navigate/use and the workers were quick and friendly. read more

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The one positive thing I have to say about this store is they have very beautiful produce and that is the one and only reason why I continue to go there... The prices are insanely high, they are even higher than PCC for many items. The people that work there are a mix, some are super friendly and nice, but there are a couple weirdos that work there that make me turn around if I walk in and see it's only them working at the registers. Their names are Jimmie and Sam. Sam sells chocolate bars he makes at the store, or the store sells them? Any way, I don't eat chocolate bars or dairy and they are made with milk chocolate. And they are $7. I think it's great to support people, but I won't eat the chocolate bars and the store is already too expensive, so I'm not going to buy it and there is SO MUCH PRESSURE TO BUY THE CHOCOLATE. And Sam has a major attitude because I don't want to buy the stupid chocolate bars. Very passive aggressive. With rising costs everywhere the last thing I want is to be pressured to buy something I don't want at a grocery store when I'm just struggling to survive. And Jimmie is just a major weirdo. There are also a few older ladies that always have an attitude for no apparent. I'm a very friendly and polite person, but I'm also the customer so I shouldn't be the one greeting them and telling them to have a nice day while they basically tell me to f*** off. It's very much a small town vibe and I feel like an outsider the shouldn't be there. I am very grateful for Grocery Outlet opening near by so I mostly go there for last minute items and I avoid Thriftway at all costs because I don't want to be pressured into buying the stupid gross chocolate or deal with weirdos with attitude. read more

i will Never Understand why this store Hire people in the deli department in the morning to open and Not to be helpful when ask You even get a look ihad to say dont look at me Stupid i was asking your Help your lid wont fit on any of your soups... she even had a hardtime knowing why but i cant get pass on that Look of idont wanna Help you its Not my job should i write to the owner about this because i thought with the price of things they charge they should be Always be helpful to all customers Needing any Help ... the register personnel are very Good they cash me out really well ... the Deli you have to reprimand who ever not doing their job i just notice it in one visit what more other days read more

Good food, good selection, pricey. New male owner treats long time reliable and loyal employees like trash and then is upset when you speak up. Don't know how to handle ADA related issues. Plays favorites and treats lies and rumors as fact. read more

Good selection of flowers. Employees opened more registers to get customers out quickly. They work with a smile. This is my first time in this store. Prices seem a little high but taxes are higher than I am used too. This is a good store for quick in and out shopping trips. read more

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First time here. I typically shop at PCC in Bothell. Stopped by to see what they had inside. Prices are definitely higher than PCC. They did have a very good selection of Indian cuisine and flours my client was looking for. We did not taste the food. The service was good no complaints. We had our own bags. The floral area was beautiful- prices were a little high for the presentation of the plants and flowers, pretty though. We did find a few bargains on water and storage containers. They did have the flour we needed to make Pudi, Roti ans Bryani this afternoon. We recommend this store when in the area. It was not very busy either. read more

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I came in for a quick snack on my way to see my mom in Bellingham Washington. When I was at the deli counter there were so many good dishes that I couldn't choose 1. The 3 employees were so friendly and helpful ... they gave me a few suggestions and I was out the door with a healthy and super tasty container of chickpeas with roasted vegetables and a really delicious dressing :) BTW Beautiful store! Super healthy employees too! read more

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I just recently discovered this store. I needed to pick up some milk, but didn't feel like going to Safeway. I approached this place and decided to stop in. The store looked great and well put together. When it came to their prices, I knew that I would only be purchasing one thing here. I don't see how most people can afford to make groceries here as they have high prices. This seems to be more of a specialty store in between Met Market and and Safeway. The only thing that will keep me coming back here is their excellent wine section. They have a huge amount of selection of wines of all kinds and quality. There are some gems (Matthews, Kiona, Browne) there from Washington producers that you don't see too often in other stores. If I need specialty items, then I would return, and for the wine of course. read more

Friendly employees! Quick checkout! The highest quality food nearby! Organized and clean store! It is more expensive to shop here than other corporate grocery stores, but you're paying for quality. By far the place to buy fresh produce and meats from. Our favorite grocery store in the neighborhood. Love you guys! P.S. if you are on a budget, it may be a good idea to purchase dry items from WinCo or a cheaper grocery store and to buy your produce and meat here. I won't buy fruit or steak from other stores anymore though lol. read more

Great store with selection and prices similar to QFC or Safeway. What really sets this store apart (and the reason I will drive 10 extra minutes out of my way for it) is that there are no self-checkouts. When you come to Thriftway, you will get your groceries checked and bagged by an actual person, who in my experience, has always been helpful and friendly. I hate self-check out for so many reasons and at this point, it is pretty much unavoidable at most other stores. Not so at Thriftway. Also they have that yummy, locally made garlic sauce that makes everything so yummy. Go to Thriftway. Buy the garlic sauce. Have it and your other groceries checked out and bagged by a real person. Total win. read more

This place is more expensive than PCC, and there's nothing special about the products. The clerks and baggers are always nice though.

Great grocery store close to home with excellent service and quick checkout. I've seen some of the same employees in this store for years. That tells me this store is managed well. There prices may be higher, but that is okay with me given the proximity to my home and that they seem to be treating their employees right. read more

They have things here that Safeway. QFC. Fred Meyers, did not have. My wife was looking for 4 specific things and nobody else had it so good for you guys. read more

Wow everything is overpriced here severely compared to Safeway and qfc. Nothing thrift here...

I used to go here all the time when I belonged to the gym before Covid. It's a great store with really good quality meats and produce. Even though QFC in Edmonds is a lot more convenient, I find myself going here more and more often even though it's a bit out of my way. The people working there are super nice also. read more

I shop here less often now that I no longer belong to the gym next store, but I always appreciate the spacious parking lot and small store feel. The store is surprisingly large on the inside, but always makes me feel like I am in a smaller boutique grocery store. The produce section is quite big, there is a deli on site, and I appreciate that they have a dedicated vegetarian section for refrigerated items. I also like the section of jarred local products. My partner is a fan of their beer selection and finds it to be more impressive than other local places. The long aisle full of beer/cider does give you a lot to select from and things appears to be reasonably priced. Service here is always friendly and it is pretty easy to get in and out fast, since it's never too crowded. read more

Good variety. Nice clean store. Good Deli. Good cuts of meat at the butcher. Price is a little high. Friendly staff.

I like this chain, and I came into this location for the first time. Probably won't return since it's small and doesn't have much to choose from with high prices. Also lacks self-checkout. Stopped in just to grab milk on the way home. Watched the cashier fumble around with two items, trying to scan them in for the customer ahead of me. He gave up, asked them how much they cost. The lady looked at her daughter who also couldn't remember. He said he'd just make up a price for both items. The customer told him he was not charging enough because she knew it wasn't that cheap. He didn't care. When he rang up my milk, the cashier told me about their discount card program. He said if I bought 5 gallons of milk, the next one is free. read more

Very good!! Place was nice love the atmosphere there and the meats were outta of this world surely coming back to the wonderful family market. Also the workers are very nice! read more

This is my neighborhood store and how happy am I that it is such a great little store! They carry many items that I use, rarely do they not have what I need, including some harder to find items! Their alternative diet selections are great, produce is always top notch, and deli items are wonderful too! I often pass up going to the chain stores to go here even if the others might have been more convenient. Oh and the employees are super nice and friendly!! Love this place! read more

I gave two stars because the bakery items are so delicious. Now, moving on to my last 8 years of shopping here, BUT ONLY WHEN I HAD TO (specific to pastries for events and thats it) Firstly, the customer service "for the most part and absolutely with the long term employee's" absolutely sucks. It's the first thing that comes to mind anytime I "have" to go here/there. Smh, just unbelievable. I feel like I have to cheer them up. What... Second, my bf lives near there and was frequently buying me "All" my weekly flower's from there. What an amazing selection and oh how beautiful and unique their selection is !!! UNTIL, if your like me and happen to be A floral designer as well, you take them out of the plastic to bring together a beautiful design for a few ladies that have been stuck at home this past year, yes it became a thing! Something to bring a little joy and happy to the neighbors AND then pow, you find mildew, mold, black and terrible all over the stems!! I've even had entire bouquets that were almost dead. I can't or rather don't want to imagine how much $mulah my bf and I together have spent just on flower's alone, however in all honesty I've asked him graciously to please purchase them elsewhere, like Trader Joe's. TJs have an amazing selection as well. They are generally in near perfect condition and if there Not TJs "Gives" them to you!! Yes folks, true story! Need I say more... read more

very expensive compared to other chain grocery stores so i shop Tuesdays which are senior discount days @ 10% off. Am selective about what buy due to prices. Have some brands/items not found in chain stores and no self checkout. Nice ambiance and great produce section. read more

More expensive than other local grocery stores, but it is an independent, locally owned store so that's to be expected. The deli food is fresh and delicious and they have a wide variety of pastries and desserts too. The staff is always nice too read more

This was my second time here.. I liked this store as it's near my massage location and hey have a very interesting product line of all unique labels.. Not inexpensive though.. Their bakery is nice and their deli usually is.. So it was 645 pm on a Wednesday ..not too late but got a chicken beast and some Mac n Cheese from the deli. Some other odds and ends. When I got to check out the lady seemed a little annoyed I wanted to check out and break up her conversation with the other checker.. When I went to get a spoon out of my basket she twirled around and looked at me like I was trying to steal something.. I had to show her the spoon and say just a spoon ( that you left out of my stuff for some reason) With that interaction I doubt I will ever be back unless all of other stores in the area were to close.. When I got home the chicken beast, I mean breast was horrible.. It was so hard my dogs got a workout trying to eat the small pieces I gave them.. The Mac and cheese was OK but had a strange smell.. Was probably in the case for hours like the chicken.. Why would a deli clerk sell dried out chicken? Does he not care about his store? I am pretty sure I would have chocked if I attempted to eat that dried gross chicken.. It looked good in the case.. Not a good experience.. read more

This store sells quality groceries. Their prices are going to be a little higher than Safeway. It's hands down the best place to get wine and beer around here that I know of. I also like getting their sandwiches from the deli (except the Buffalo Chicken). People are always nice. I don't do my major shopping here but I like the place a lot read more

This used to be one of my favorite grocery local stores. Everything was fresh and near top quality. Their prices went up significantly recently but the quality of the products seemed to get worse. We stopped couple days ago and bought some special Macrina bakery bread for Easter and guess what it was so bad, like already expired. It was so embarrassing! When I brought almost the whole product to the thriftway manager the next day she was so not bothered to do anything and said they can't return or compensate it anyway because it was eaten. And said something like no one returned macrina products before...yeah I personally know several neighbours who stopped going to the thriftway exactly because of their same kind of experience. Buyers be aware read more

We love Thriftway. It's the only grocery store we use. Staff are really nice, good variety, fresh fruits and vegetables. There are closer grocery store to us by we prefer Thriftway. read more

I can't praise enough this wonderful neighborhood grocery. This store has become our family's lifeline. Great food, produce is amazing, staff is unparalleled. They know me, even with only half my face exposed. Today, my husband sat down to our Thanksgiving meal, prepared by the Deli. We so enjoyed our food, especially the awesome pumpkin pie. To all those who serve the community through their employment at Ballinger Thriftway, my gratitude on this day of giving thanks and and all other. read more

An outstanding store and staff. I don't live close to this store but went there because they carried a product that I like which other stores had stopped carrying. I asked a staff member where I would find it in their store and he led me to it. Then he told me that I could special order it and told me I could arrange it at the check out stand. I asked the checker and she quickly prepared the special order. There's a welcoming, friendly feeling about the place. When I got home and looked at the receipt I learned they give a discount for seniors. If I lived closer this would definitely be my grocery store of choice. Thank you. read more

What is the date in the bottom left corner? 2/4/20, doesn't mean a thing when the manager just puts random dates and then takes signage down because all the 1/22 expiration cheese is bought. Then, when you ask if they'd honor the price, complains we pay $7 a block of cheese. Needless to say cart was Lloyd in front of said manager as I walked out the door. cart Drop! read more

Ballinger Thriftway - Grocery Near Me - Shoreline, Washington

Great cheese selection. And the best bread in the area. The food is upscale so don't expect low prices. Some reviewers have complained about the staff, but we've been going for years and have only had good experiences. Not a good place for staples, but quality stuff for everything else. read more

I LOVE this place!!!! The staff is very helpful and friendly always. No matter the time of day!!! I work near by and come here almost daily it seems. I have gotten numerous co workers hooked on this place for lunch or coffee over the last 2 years. Cute little cafe, and their deli has AWESOME sandwiches in which are very reasonably priced!!!! I would call this place a hidden gem for sure!!!! Favorite grocery store I think of all time for me! read more

I just got back from my first time really perusing the shelves here. I usually shop at the Fred Meyer (cheap gas, natch!) or Safeway by my house, but this place is close to my workplace and the 24 Hour Fitness so I moseyed in after a workout. Starting in the baked goods, then deli, I made my way to the produce. While the prices aren't cheap, neither are the quality or selection - both are very good. If you do spend some time shopping like I did, you'll notice that though some price points are steep in comparison to other retailers, a lot are similar, and a few are lower. I was pleased to find my Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (same price as at Super Supplements or Safeway) and Alaffia Coconut Body Lotion ($2 cheaper than at Whole Foods) luckily when I only stopped in hoping to get a few things to pack for my lunches this week. The staff is very friendly, so I expect to wander in here again in the near future. read more

I really like this store. I don't shop it regularly, because it's a bit out of the way, but I'm always happy when I do. The prices are a bit higher than Fred Meyer or Walmart, but the quality is significantly better. The produce is fresh and plentiful, the store is clean, the employees are friendly. There is no self-checkout which is fine by me. The wine selection is terrific as are the fresh meats. The store overall is cozy and feels like a part of the neighborhood. I would enthusiastically recommend! read more

I usually avoid this Thriftway. This is sad because one of my all-time favorite stores is the Thriftway on Vashon Island. But this location just isn't up to par. Prices here are incredibly high. If I'm going to pay that much for food, I'd rather go to PCC or Whole Foods. Produce has never been particularly fresh the few times I've been here and the overall selection of items is pretty small. Checkout lines take a while, whether they are long or not. They are just slow. The parking lot stinks - I hate the layout and a lot of the turns are tight and hard to maneuver with multiple cars around. One redeeming quality is that the employees are super friendly. I only go here if I'm passing by and need to run in and grab something really quick. Unfortunately my visits to Thriftway will probably never become more than that. read more

I'm not wild about this store. I only go when I'm too lazy to go to Safeway since Thriftway is so close to my house. But honestly...why are they called Thriftway? Shouldn't it be Expenseway? The selection here isn't really great compared to any grocery store. I like the produce department, but that's really it. The frozen foods suck. The employees are really nice though. read more

So, there's absolutely nothing 'thrifty' about Thriftway, however I will continue shopping here for those specialty goods that the other cheaper grocery stores don't seem to stock. I especially like their rather large beer and ale section. They tend to have several unique brands that I haven't seen before or have trouble finding in other grocery stores. Someone else mentioned their cheese selection is outstanding and it is. I even like the small kitchen gadget section towards the check stands on the far left. Works out great if you need a last minute gift. As long as their isn't a Whole Foods or Metropolitan Market in my neighborhood; this is the next best thing. read more

I've lived right near this store for 12 years now and love having it in the neighborhood. Great sandwiches at the deli, awesome beer and wine selection, and unique brands as opposed to the Safeway/QFC/Albertsons chains. Even more important is that this is the only locally owned grocery store in Shoreline. Support local!!! read more

Meh. Weird group of men that work here. The meat guys are kinda snarky if u get 1/2 pound of something. I seen " jim Morrison " the meat guy talk bad about a poor person when the customer walked away. No I don't think that comment was funny . The guys at the lunch deli are kinda jerks too. To be fair, the checkout girls are professionals. 5 stars And the beer selection is the best in the area. 5 stars So I don't understand how a western family store would be elitist. I would love to give this place high stars but the owner follows me around like think he's going to catch me shoplifting (so insulting) or at least he's making feel creeped to the the point I will go out of my way to goto Safeway. read more

Really enjoy this store. Great selection of cheese, best I have ever seen. Best crackers, jam and other options to add to an appetizer plate, to make your guests happy. They have salads, hum now, pickled vegetables and good crackers. Now moving on to bakery. They off a great array of bakery items and desserts. Deli has fantastic fresh salads and their baked salmon is really good and moist. Really like their salad, especially shrimp. Now, traveling from the deli department, you run into excellent fresh produce. Great mushrooms, fresh fruit, salads, a lot. Next stop is their high quality meat counter. Great selection of organic beef, chicken and lamb. After this stop, you hit the seafood counter. Wine wine displayed to match with fresh seafood.Honestly, the best crab cakes so far. Wonderful fresh seafood. I usually buy a Tonys smoked salmon jar and everyone I give it to, is delighted with the taste. Moving ahead, you are now at the wine selection. Huge amounts of quality wine, all carefully chosen. Can always find a "Lauren special " that fits the dinner. On to the other aisles, filled with unique finds, like the candles and kitchen items. The staff really try to help you choose items and making recommendations. Really, if you like to cook, you can get a restaurant quality dinner and wine here that you will live. read more