QFC

QFCQFC
QFCQFC
Store

2746 NE 45th St Ste 2
Seattle, Washington, 98105-5017
United States

(206) 523-5160 | map
qfc.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.06
Reviews:
20
Ratings:
25
pDev:
7.64%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by DaftCaskBC:
Photo of DaftCaskBC
Reviewed by DaftCaskBC from Canada (BC)

3.66/5  rDev -9.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Its hard to assess the atmosphere of the beer and wine section of a supermarket... Although this was an upscale supermarket...

The beer and wine section of the University Village QFC is the best I have ever seen. It offers a good selection of craft six packs as well as some boxes of bombers, what sets this place apart is that this supermarket has the cheapest craft beer I have ever seen. Selection-wise, there is better in Seattle though.

The store was nearly deserted since I visited late at night, and nobody was remotely close to the beer and wine section. However, this store is open 24 hours...
Sep 27, 2011
More User Ratings:
Photo of gandres
Reviewed by gandres from Philippines

4.22/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
QFC Store
Ambiance: ok
Service: on
Selection: the selection is ok,
Food: no applicable
Value: ok
Overall: QFC is a grocery store, but you can still find fresh beers. Selection is also good, plenty of craft beers to choose from, specially popular ones
Feb 29, 2016
 
Rated: 4.31 by Beervana from Canada (BC)

Nov 15, 2015
 
Rated: 3.87 by JISurfer from Utah

Feb 26, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by kamikazeokami from Oregon

Feb 06, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by SeattleBoB76 from Washington

Nov 20, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by HoppySeb from Washington

Sep 18, 2014
Photo of Orca
Reviewed by Orca from Washington

4.24/5  rDev +4.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
U Village QFC is a go-to location for packaged beer. Great selection, reasonable prices--and they get some of the more sought-after beers. The staff is helpful and friendly. Considering this is a grocery store, they have a better selection than a few specialty bottle shops. Always worth stopping in if you're in the area.
Jun 21, 2014
Photo of Smurf2055
Reviewed by Smurf2055 from Washington

3.8/5  rDev -6.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Love this place. Won’t find any of the super rare beers here, and it’s often hard to find anyone stocking to chat with or help you, but this is hands down the best value anywhere in Seattle. Tremens at 4.99, Howe Sound Liter swing tops for 9.99, and most major brewery bottles from out of state (Dogfish head, Southern Tier, Avery) at about $1.00 less than any other bottle shop in the area. Plus it’s always fun to scoff at the frat boys hauling off their 24 packs of Miller Lite and Corona, right?
May 30, 2013
Photo of vande
Reviewed by vande from Illinois

3.96/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
For a grocery store, they had quite a supply. I truly took my time wondering through their beer selection and walked out with quite a selection.. Some russian river, some cascade, some oakshire... and, to be honest, I may go back before i leave..there just seems to be so much! and, to be honest, the prices are pretty reasonable... wish they had a pliny shipment though while i was there, but alas we cannot always get what we want [is that what the stones said?]. Wide selection of locals [nw region] as well as other craft beers from the us on top of a fairly decent import section... as far as grocery stores, probably one of the better selections i've scene..
Sep 03, 2011
Photo of dnrobert24
Reviewed by dnrobert24 from Alabama

4.31/5  rDev +6.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
During my week-long stay in Seattle, I visited a number of grocery stores listed on Beeradvocate. QFC in University Village had by far the best selection. I don't know if it was by chance or if they keep their beer-guy on hand, but I had a very helpful employee work with me to select some excellent Northwest IPA's, West Coast IPA's, and other quality local offerings. He was able to tell me the type of bottle rotation for some IPA's that did not have born-on dates. He also offered me a couple of beers that were not on the shelves in limited quantities, such as Pliny the Elder and FW Parabola. I like stores that do this because it keeps people from hoarding the good stuff. One complaint I have is that the pricing was not consistent, sometimes a beer rang up at the register as "Oregon Beer X dollars" and then the same beer would ring up as "Y dollar beer" at 50 cents more. That being said, all beers are priced fairly and have stickers, so just make sure you are paying the right price when you check out. My other complaint is that while they had Supplication, Sanctification, and Redemption, they did not have the full Russian River lineup. Whole Foods in Ravenna Park had these plus Consecration, Temptation, and Salvation.
Jul 14, 2011
Photo of sholland119
Reviewed by sholland119 from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -1.5%
Another worthy stop on my Seattle beer shopping excursion.

This was my last stop after Full Throttle, Bottleworks and Whole Foods. The beer section is located on the second floor. A good amount of cooler space devoted to craft singles, plus Belgians and German selections. I had seen most of the choices elsewhere but did manage to pick up a four pack of Maui Coconut Porter, one of my wife's favorites. Also, a good selection of six packs along the wall, and some bombers near the adjoining wine section.

You should check date codes carefully though. I was very excited to see Boulevard's Smokestack Double Wit on the shelves, thinking they had made a new batch. I thought that was a one time release, 18 months before my visit. A check of the bottle date confirmed that this was, in fact, from the 2009 release.

Service was pleasant. Prices were reasonable.
Dec 27, 2010
Photo of BuckeyeOne
Reviewed by BuckeyeOne from Washington

4.15/5  rDev +2.2%
For a grocery chain, this QFC has a large selection of craft, including a large selection of seasonals and other special releases. It doesn't necessarily have a large selection of rare offerings, but this isn't something I would expect of a grocery chain.

There's usually one or more staff hanging around the beer and wine section who are available for questions or even to make suggestions. These folks are obviously BAs as they will direct folks to try good stuff without pushing them toward sales and/or expensive stuff.

Prices are reasonable with special sales on SN, Sam Adams, Deschutes, etc.
Nov 12, 2010
Photo of beer2day
Reviewed by beer2day from North Carolina

4/5  rDev -1.5%
If the family needs groceries, then tell the wife you'd love to tag along - as long as she's going to QFC.

Very impressive display of beer. One huge cooler section of micro bombers and imports. Nice array of sixers along the back wall. I thought the prices were very good compared to the local bottle shops. Surprised to see Angel Share and some RR bottles there.

Service was a non-issue as in most places like this. None offered, none needed.

Parking is a surprising issue here. Very crowded shopping center.

For a large grocery store, this is a very beer-friendly establishment.
Nov 05, 2010
Photo of DaveJanssen
Reviewed by DaveJanssen from Germany

4.15/5  rDev +2.2%
I was definitely skeptical but i thought i'd give it a try. I was surprised. They had some Jolly Pumpkin stuff (the only place in seattle i saw it while i was there), angel's share for less that bottleworks as well as other lost abbey stuff and other much less than mainstream beer. Some of their prices were a bit higher but it balanced out. I didn't talk to any staff while there but i did see someone stocking, and it was later on a weeknight, so it seems like they might take reasonable care of the stock. Well done. If only the other QFCs would do this too.
Feb 03, 2010
Photo of velosuds
Reviewed by velosuds from Oregon

4.7/5  rDev +15.8%
Wow. This is the best beer selection I have ever seen at a supermarket. Clean, brightly lit, and well organized. The selection is superior to many specialty beer stores, even to the BevMo's I have been to in California. Lots of very good beer and some I have not seen anywhere else. They had some from The Lost Abbey and had North Coast's Old Rasputin XII.

I was greeted by a young man from the store's beer/wine staff. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. I asked about PtE and he went to check if they had any in back. Unfortunately, there was none to be had, but I was impressed an employee of a supermarket knew about this beer. He even suggested other similar DIPAs.

Really wow. I was at the store at about 4:00 pm on Saturday to get tailgating supplies for the UW game that evening. Just wanted a good cold six pack and was delighted to buy Racer 5. I have never seen so many people in a grocery supermarket at the same time. Nor have I ever seen so much beer leaving a store. It was great fun and exciting.
Oct 12, 2009
Photo of flagmantho
Reviewed by flagmantho from Washington

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
This QFC is located between a major university and an affluent residential area, and its beer selection reflects this. The selection is really very good for a supermarket and rivals some smaller specialty beer stores; they have plenty of American mega-lager but also a respectable selection of micros and imports. The selection is clearly divided between canned lagers, micros, main-stream European imports (think Smithwick's and Guinness), Mexican brews and more obscure imports/craft brews, and each section is sizable.

Being a supermarket, however, means that the staff are not necessarily beer-centric: I've never actually seen a member of the beer/wine staff in the beer area.
Jul 21, 2009
Photo of GJ40
Reviewed by GJ40 from North Carolina

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
I skeptically went to QFC based on its BA reviews after a visit to Bottleworks (NOTE: This isn't the QFC right next door). I was looking for some Pliny to take home with me but Bottleworks was out. I didn't think QFC would have it (being a supermarket) but I figured I had to see what the buzz was about.

I was immediately impressed with the selection. One refrigerated area had larger bottles and the other had six packs. It included beers from some very good breweries like Ninkasi, Lagunitas, DFH and Stone. I was very surprised with the quality of the selection and the percentage that was kept cold. I was pleased I made the trip and just as I was about to head out, I saw a display of Russian River just off to the side (Damnation and Pliny). I grabbed a basket full of Pliny at $4.99 a bottle (the cheapest I've seen in Seattle). When I got back, I noticed they even gave me a $0.50 per bottle discount. What a deal!

If they have a weakness, I'd say it's in Belgians. They had some but not nearly as many as Bottleworks.

So based on the selection, prices and that it's not as heavily picked over, I highly recommend a stop at QFC if you're heading to Bottleworks. It sure worked for me.
Apr 29, 2009
Photo of julian
Reviewed by julian from Washington

4.35/5  rDev +7.1%
Just picked up about $65 worth of beer here. Made the 35-40minute commute from the Eastside specifically due to the good things said about their beer selection. I was NOT disappointed! I found a bottle of Hennepin for $5.59 and a bottle of La Chouffe for $7.79 - great deals! Also picked up many classic brews that I just haven't tried yet and am looking forward to. Given this is really a grocery store, service isn't exceptional but I did run into someone while perusing the beer aisle and he was very friendly and more than happy to answer my questions.

All in all, great location if you live in the U-Village (I don't, but still...) and awesome selection of local NW beers as well as Belgian imports. Very impressive for a grocery store. Almost rivals Bottleworks, but Bottleworks still has the edge due to their massive selection and vintage stock!

If you're visiting or live nearby, this is one stop you must make for many a beer run!
Jun 14, 2008
Photo of barleywinefiend
Reviewed by barleywinefiend from Washington

3.6/5  rDev -11.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
A: Your typical upscale WA market. The beer is tucked away at the rear of the store and has an ample amount of floor space. My second trip here, the first being nearly five years ago. Today was sordove cold and sleepy.

Q: I have purchased several beers here in the past and had zero quality issues. While the majority of the beers that I purchased or would buy are on the floor exposed to light I have yet to have quality issues. My 2011 Old Schoolhouse barleywine tasted just fine

S: Typical market service. I have yet to find a dedicated beer person here in the my only two visits. You're on your own.

S: Vast. They have some great vintages at times and can score some local gems as well.
Jan 18, 2008
Photo of udubdawg
Reviewed by udubdawg from Kansas

3.9/5  rDev -3.9%
This place saved my ass several times when I couldn't go far but wanted good beer at U-Dub.
On a recent visit I went again, and despite my greater beer knowledge was nearly as impressed with the selection here. I think this beats some of the Top Foods selections, which short of Bottleworks have generally been my best experiences selection-wise in the state of Washington.

I picked up several bottles of Son of Spot, Elysian's exceptional Dragonstooth stout, some Allagash reserve bottles, and a few other more widely distributed but no less excellent offerings like Obsidian, 90 Minute IPA, etc.

The number of beers in the coolers is impressive and appreciated. I don't ask for, no do I receive much in the way of personal service in here, but as long as the corner grocery store has a selection like this, I think it'd be hard for any BA to have much complaint. Prices weren't the cheapest I've seen but to beat the price/selection a University Village resident would probably spend much more than the difference in gas. I'll be back, probably right before the next UW tailgate/home game.
Aug 14, 2007
Photo of Greenfloyd
Reviewed by Greenfloyd from California

4.35/5  rDev +7.1%
Considering the fact that this is a chain store, the selection of beer is fantastic. Having a lot of experience in the chain markets of California, I can say that this place blows away any store in the southern part of the state (CA). There is a 40 foot shelved section of cold tasty craft brews. Several local beers like Elysian Brewing Co are represented, giving people a taste of the Pacific Northwest, along with a nice selection of decent imports. The section had a nice mixture of 22oz bottles, along with the customary six-packs. The best part of the journey is heading back across the store to an impressive selection of imported and domestic cheeses, meats, olives, etc. Great beer pairings at your finger tips. Opens early enough to grab your tailgating brews for the Seahawks game...good times.
Jan 31, 2007
Photo of bikegeek
Reviewed by bikegeek from Canada (BC)

4.2/5  rDev +3.4%
We went to Seattle to visit my girlfriend's sister and brother-in-law. The brother-in-law is a chef so we decided to cook dinner but we needed to go to the grocery store to get food. Now, being from Canada and haven't been in the States for a while, I forgot about how liberal the government is about where one may purchase beer. While at the QFC, people started talking about getting some refreshments and I thought "oh yeah, there's a liquor store across the street..." so we walk up an aisle and turn a corner and what I see next is like out of a dream. Coolers filled with beer! And beer I have never heard of. Many american micros I've heard of but never tasted, craft brews from here in Canada, european ales and the typical macro crap most people call "beer."

Long story short, I always keep looking forward going back to vist the in-laws so as to try a new beer. Oh, and the price is pleasantly low (compared to canada).
Apr 21, 2006
Photo of steve98122
Reviewed by steve98122 from Washington

4.7/5  rDev +15.8%
The QFC on Broadway has everything that the University Village store does and then some - and they're open 24 hours as well. You can get more types of DogFish Head, some in 4-packs, one or two more types of Chimay, everything that Elysian bootles, Kwak (one of my all-time favorites), a couple of Finnish brews, more Belgians than you'd believe you could find in a grocery store, and occassionally, when the stars are aligned, "Gouden Carolus 'Grand Cru of the Emporer'" - which is absolutely amazing. I'd say this is my favorite beer ever.
Mar 22, 2006
Photo of kolbe
Reviewed by kolbe from Washington

3.6/5  rDev -11.3%
This is incredible. QFC is a chain grocery store in Seattle. They have 24-hour stores every 20 blocks or so throughout King county, and nearly every one of them is overpriced and mediocre. The University Village QFC, though, stands as a shining beacon of sensibility valiantly floating amidst a sea of inadequacy. This store has a truly amazing selection... Allagash, Dogfish Head, more than one Trappist... all in a (admittedly gigantic and nicely appointed) 24-hour grocery store! Unfortunately, Washington's liquor control laws allow these folks to sell their alcoholic wares only until 2am.

This store is the only candidate in Seattle when it comes to buying beer between the hours of 10pm and 2am.

Don't expect anybody at the store to give a damn about what you're doing there (at least between the hours of 10pm and 2am). Wtih 1.0 - awful service, though, comes the chance that the poor cashier will scan your $8.99 Dogfish Head Raison d'Extra and decide that it mistakenly rang up under the 6-pack price and should actually cost $1.50.
Dec 20, 2005
QFC in Seattle, WA
Place rating: 4.06 out of 5 with 25 ratings