A lot of my YELP friends insist ratings and reviews must consider the genre, the comparison has to be fair. I agree but it's tough on this one, as maybe the category could best be described as: A relatively safe place to buy a cold lemonade in a scary part of the neighborhood where you can keep an eye on your bicycle the whole time you're inside.
So, in that category, this place is A-OK. The workers are nice, they will side step the invariable food stamps drama or payment for Cold Duck in nickels with their regulars to serve me when I have cash in hand, although they don't have a proper bike rack there are solid things out in front I can chain it to, and there's never been an armed robbery while I've been in the store. It's a better choice than any of the gas stations in the area for a quick cold drink, and the prices are fair.
Another use I've had for this place is I was trying to explain what the name of the jazz standard, "Cold Duck Time" meant to some very young musicians. I found visiting the place provided enlightening context. The proverbial teaching moment. read more