Ever since the Park To Shop near the library burned down, there was an easy-to-get-to-Chinatown-grocery-shaped hole in my heart. But then I found Happy Market! Not to be confused with Happy MART, which is a butcher shop very nearby.
Happy Market is in Old Chinatown, very close to Yummy Yummy Noodles. They are a pretty small shop, but they have basically everything you need, from vegetables to spices to instant noodles, and even traditional Chinese herbal tea! What especially stood out to me about Happy Market vs. other smaller groceries in the area is that it is very pleasant and well-lit inside, and the people who work there were, if not exactly cheerful, at least reasonably civil and friendly. I'm sure they're cheerful on the inside, but just introverted.
Sure, they don't have the biggest selection of produce, and some of the scallions sometimes look a little sad (all the good ones were probably bought up earlier in the day), but the location is pretty good, there isn't a terribly low credit card minimum (I'm not even sure if they have one), and the vibes are good! I appreciate you, Happy Market, and I'm sure I'll be back soon! read more