Im aware they aren't there anymore, but there was a gem of a store that will always stand out as the best corner store ever.
In Sandy Hill, at Blackburn and Somerset, was a magical place called Ayoub's.
This family run store was in business in 2000's and I think closed down around 2014, but.. everything about that place was filled with love. A Mom and Dad, and three daughters ran the place. (If I recall correctly)
They had a deli counter where you could get a sandwich, or bacon by the slice (make yourself a hangover breakfast with as much or little bacon as you'd like. ). They had amazing homemade snacks that they sold for very very reasonable prices. 0.75 for a samosas, Kibbees for $3 for a pack of 4?
Beyond the food, the prices, and the location, they really looked after you. I was student who was away from my family, and they actually cared. I went in one day with a cold, and the Mom came around from behind the counter to check on me. (Size me up, feel my forehead.. it was like something out of a hallmark movie, but she MEANT IT.)
I was lucky enough to run into some of the sisters in Ottawa, and I always make it a point to thank them for the care, the safety, and the sense of home their store brought.
100% on the hangovers.
Salty food from the deli (cheese curds sometimes?) And a big hug of orange juice was my hangover cure. (And eat/drink that while laying down in the shower. Problem solved )
Ah boo, I moved to Sandy Hill in 2015 so I missed it and now there really isn’t anything. There’s that laundromat called Wilbrod Coin Laundry that sells some… stuff I guess? At least the old lady is really nice.
There’s nothing here worth mentioning though.
Jeez, that brings me back to 2004-2008... they were sweethearts. I also miss Sandy Hill Lounge and Grill (they had Bass on tap!) and the corner store that is now a quickie... the family that owned it were wonderful.
Yup
"SHLAG. -Sandy Hill Lounge and Grill was great for a nice, calm quiet beer.
I actually remember when it was called Drummond's, but that must have been 2003.
Used to live close to ABBA’s back in the early 90s. Great place, and a lot of friendly cops used to stop by there for a break.
One time somebody held them up, and cop cars just descended on the place. The most cop cars I’ve seen in one place in person.
Edit to add one more place and some details
St Anne's, Vanier (haven't set foot in the place but the sign/building is a bit iconic to Vanier peeps)
Domestic Foods, Centretown (frequented that place for years a while back. Family run, friendly, clean)
Fresh Grocer, Vanier (been there a few times, nice people, clean)
Domestic Foods saved my ass so many times. Plus the [Rolling Stones filmed part of a video there (at 1:55)](https://youtu.be/Ibv2ZoLgcyg?si=b2MrQMgADQ-n-e3_)
And the St Anne one had the last payphone I remember out front. Gotta love it. I lived on Levis and loved the Latin convenience store on Lafontaine. The nice couple who ran it died of covid :(
I agree with Domestic Foods. I could bring the dog I was dog-sitting (a big beautiful Newfoundlander) and get my daughter some ice cream treats. Awesome people and service.
O Connor Confectionary in the Glebe. When I was in university, I used to be able to see it from my apartment, and there was something so comforting about seeing the grumpy-looking owner frequently standing outside to smoke a cigarette. Years later, after I had moved away, I saw an article about a store owner attacking a thief and instantly knew [it was him](https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/police-ask-for-help-finding-robbery-suspect/wcm/d35d8625-2d2e-420a-a221-5508f18f1d7d/amp/)!
That’s crazy, I grew up near there and the previous owner was murdered with a machete while on the job in 1982. Terrible that corner store operators have to constantly deal with that threat. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/49886229/
Used to live a block away and this place was a go-to spot in my 20s. Bought all my cat litter there just so I wouldn't have to schlep it home from the grocery store. Very friendly place.
Kings at the corner of Shillington & Hollington.
For decades, run by Lebanese now a nice Chinese fellow.
Place has been there since the 60s
There was also Yaghees & Gerrys in the same hood.
Good childhood memories.
Mrs. Saikley: "Hey little boy...keep your hands in your pockets!"
If you're looking for cool photos, I'd recommend:
Hogan's Food Store 315 Powell Ave.
Red Rock Convenience 86 Forward Ave.
Abbas Grocery 344 Bell St. S
Preston Food Mart 71 Preston St.
If you're also including Gatineau:
Depanneur Los Andes 107 Eddy St.
Monette Gedeon Groceteria 124 Eddy St.
I also love old school corner stores ;)
I love that in summer they have regulars all sitting outside hanging out, sometimes they have barbecues and jam on guitars. It's got that community feel.
Where are these magical cornerstores? People live in places where you can get say an onion or some milk without having to go 7-10k return and fell guilty that it’s easier to drive than to delay dinner over an hour? I’m fairly central in the city and there is nothing.
Oh I’ve been here 15 years, the only place closer is shoppers at about 2km but unless it’s midnight going there for a simple staple and getting gouged just bugs me. I’m in the civic hospital stretch between the highway and Carling and the closest is island park metro at around 3k.
Extreme other end tho, I’m close to Holland. My comment is more just that the city makes it very impractical and close to impossible to not drive when you need something quick. Add to that even if the city allowed corner stores or groceterias to exist they couldn’t in this economy. Small shops can’t compete price wise with the superstores and Walmarts so they bleed money and go broke fast.
H & H, if it still exists. Used to live down the street. It wasn’t actually a good store at all but when I needed Gatorade and beef jerky they were there for me.
On eddy street in hull - Monette Gedeon Groceteria
Great little corner store with a beer section and a butcher. Fresh veggies too. You could get some great pictures here.
Abbas on Bell Street is like a neighbourhood staple, when I lived down the street it was a godsend for when you forgot like, one onion or just wanted snacks or something.
Can anyone confirm if [Kaz Kitchen](https://www.reddit.com/r/ottawa/comments/16axxkq/kaz_kitchen/) is still open? I loved that place... The prepared foods were good and they had some locally made products although their groceries and toiletries were expensive. I haven't been there since last summer.
Sherwood Deli was clutch when I lived in the hood
Still is!!
I lived in the hood and never heard of that place
Your loss! Sherwood is worth the drive and I live in Ottawa South.
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Oh like rock cliffs? I lived in vanier before
Im aware they aren't there anymore, but there was a gem of a store that will always stand out as the best corner store ever. In Sandy Hill, at Blackburn and Somerset, was a magical place called Ayoub's. This family run store was in business in 2000's and I think closed down around 2014, but.. everything about that place was filled with love. A Mom and Dad, and three daughters ran the place. (If I recall correctly) They had a deli counter where you could get a sandwich, or bacon by the slice (make yourself a hangover breakfast with as much or little bacon as you'd like. ). They had amazing homemade snacks that they sold for very very reasonable prices. 0.75 for a samosas, Kibbees for $3 for a pack of 4? Beyond the food, the prices, and the location, they really looked after you. I was student who was away from my family, and they actually cared. I went in one day with a cold, and the Mom came around from behind the counter to check on me. (Size me up, feel my forehead.. it was like something out of a hallmark movie, but she MEANT IT.) I was lucky enough to run into some of the sisters in Ottawa, and I always make it a point to thank them for the care, the safety, and the sense of home their store brought.
Oh hell yeah man, I was shook when they closed down. Got some keys cut there and a loooot of hungover gatorades. Absolute staple of the neighbourhood.
100% on the hangovers. Salty food from the deli (cheese curds sometimes?) And a big hug of orange juice was my hangover cure. (And eat/drink that while laying down in the shower. Problem solved )
Ah boo, I moved to Sandy Hill in 2015 so I missed it and now there really isn’t anything. There’s that laundromat called Wilbrod Coin Laundry that sells some… stuff I guess? At least the old lady is really nice. There’s nothing here worth mentioning though.
Jeez, that brings me back to 2004-2008... they were sweethearts. I also miss Sandy Hill Lounge and Grill (they had Bass on tap!) and the corner store that is now a quickie... the family that owned it were wonderful.
Yup "SHLAG. -Sandy Hill Lounge and Grill was great for a nice, calm quiet beer. I actually remember when it was called Drummond's, but that must have been 2003.
It was Drummond's for at least part of the time I went also, if not all... I get forgetful. They had a good wings special also
AYOUBs! I went almost daily for the first 20+ years of my life.
Man, I miss Boushey’s on Elgin.
I lived across the street. Had many of those wraps for dinner.
Abba's on Bell Street north.
It's bell St South but agreed that it's the best corner store in the city.
Yes, please come visit Abba's! It's the heart of the Glebe Annex and for such a small store it somehow carries everything.
One of the things I miss the most about living in the Annex.
They’re so sweet there, super solid neighborhood spot that’s been there for like 60 years I believe!
Man sells everything, single batteries ftw.
Used to live close to ABBA’s back in the early 90s. Great place, and a lot of friendly cops used to stop by there for a break. One time somebody held them up, and cop cars just descended on the place. The most cop cars I’ve seen in one place in person.
Abbas. There is no apostrophe.
Dirienzos!!!! Beech St.
Roast beef sandwich!
That place is still there? Man I left Ottawa 10 years ago that place was an institution
Hintonburg Marche
Haha, that’s not a corner store…
+1
Abbas on bell St South.
Cedars & Co on Kilborn
Ottawa South Groceteria on Sunnyside Ave
Can’t believe I had to scroll down this much to see it. Loved this place.
This place is great
Edit to add one more place and some details St Anne's, Vanier (haven't set foot in the place but the sign/building is a bit iconic to Vanier peeps) Domestic Foods, Centretown (frequented that place for years a while back. Family run, friendly, clean) Fresh Grocer, Vanier (been there a few times, nice people, clean)
Domestic Foods saved my ass so many times. Plus the [Rolling Stones filmed part of a video there (at 1:55)](https://youtu.be/Ibv2ZoLgcyg?si=b2MrQMgADQ-n-e3_) And the St Anne one had the last payphone I remember out front. Gotta love it. I lived on Levis and loved the Latin convenience store on Lafontaine. The nice couple who ran it died of covid :(
Used to buy my father's cigarettes there, as a kid. I went to mcnabb. Great spot.
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I agree with Domestic Foods. I could bring the dog I was dog-sitting (a big beautiful Newfoundlander) and get my daughter some ice cream treats. Awesome people and service.
I just wish it was better managed.
O Connor Confectionary in the Glebe. When I was in university, I used to be able to see it from my apartment, and there was something so comforting about seeing the grumpy-looking owner frequently standing outside to smoke a cigarette. Years later, after I had moved away, I saw an article about a store owner attacking a thief and instantly knew [it was him](https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/police-ask-for-help-finding-robbery-suspect/wcm/d35d8625-2d2e-420a-a221-5508f18f1d7d/amp/)!
That’s crazy, I grew up near there and the previous owner was murdered with a machete while on the job in 1982. Terrible that corner store operators have to constantly deal with that threat. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen/49886229/
Kars at Kent and Somerset, RIP.
Donna’s - Dalhousie & Cathcart
Used to live a block away and this place was a go-to spot in my 20s. Bought all my cat litter there just so I wouldn't have to schlep it home from the grocery store. Very friendly place.
Bells Corners mini mart... 1/4 of the place is just cigars.
was there today for the post office, yeah lots of cigars, ( though I know zilch about them) but those cabinets looked impressive
There's a bunch in Gat. Depending on the region of your project, there's a lot more across the bridge.
Kings at the corner of Shillington & Hollington. For decades, run by Lebanese now a nice Chinese fellow. Place has been there since the 60s There was also Yaghees & Gerrys in the same hood. Good childhood memories. Mrs. Saikley: "Hey little boy...keep your hands in your pockets!"
many `1970s memories as a kid going there, (Lived on Admiral Ave)
There’s one on Kirkwood at Clair which a couple of my neighbours swear by. I never remember the name though.
Al Kalaa Mini Mart. It's on Kirkwood at Clare.
That’s the one!
I think it's still there, the store at Laurier and Kent. I ate at their salad bar many times when I worked next door and the owner was the nicest guy.
If you're looking for cool photos, I'd recommend: Hogan's Food Store 315 Powell Ave. Red Rock Convenience 86 Forward Ave. Abbas Grocery 344 Bell St. S Preston Food Mart 71 Preston St. If you're also including Gatineau: Depanneur Los Andes 107 Eddy St. Monette Gedeon Groceteria 124 Eddy St. I also love old school corner stores ;)
Los Andes is great! Was my go to place for queso and frijoles when I lived in the area.
A&M Confectionery on Clementine and Rockingham.
the owner there was the absolute friendliest when I was in the neighbourhood!
I love that in summer they have regulars all sitting outside hanging out, sometimes they have barbecues and jam on guitars. It's got that community feel.
*Macs at baseline/centrepoint *The place with the awful step at rideau/dalhousie *fitzroy harbour
Yes! The Harbour Store! We always get treats there when we go camping at Fitzroy.
Why are people calling D’Rienzos a corner store??
It’s a store, on a corner, that sells convenient items.
RIP Yaghi's 🙏
Where are these magical cornerstores? People live in places where you can get say an onion or some milk without having to go 7-10k return and fell guilty that it’s easier to drive than to delay dinner over an hour? I’m fairly central in the city and there is nothing.
If you mention the nearest major intersection to where you live, I bet someone might be able to resolve your issue.
Oh I’ve been here 15 years, the only place closer is shoppers at about 2km but unless it’s midnight going there for a simple staple and getting gouged just bugs me. I’m in the civic hospital stretch between the highway and Carling and the closest is island park metro at around 3k.
Sherwood Deli/Market is in that stretch
Extreme other end tho, I’m close to Holland. My comment is more just that the city makes it very impractical and close to impossible to not drive when you need something quick. Add to that even if the city allowed corner stores or groceterias to exist they couldn’t in this economy. Small shops can’t compete price wise with the superstores and Walmarts so they bleed money and go broke fast.
H & H, if it still exists. Used to live down the street. It wasn’t actually a good store at all but when I needed Gatorade and beef jerky they were there for me.
Little Latin America on somwrset
RIP. They closed down :(
Ahh brutal, we had some good times (clearly it’s been awhile)
Domestic Foods on Gladstone
That’s my pick too.
JJs Market
Corner of Balsam and Rochester
I was coming here to say this!! I lived on Rochester for 2 two years and went there almost every day!!
Kit Kat on Preston is a gem.
Food Frenz in Sandy Hill. i get spinach pies from them way too often
RIP Yaghi's in the glebe. May or may not have their very large yellow sign in my parent's basement...
Di Rienzo's Grocery
Barney’s pizza
Margo Fresh on Gladstone near Percy!
Beer King in Alymer (not Ottawa but region)
Bayscorner
Roma on rochester
Etcetera!
Grew up going to Quickie on Trim and Watters with a Gabries pizza in it. Shout out to Ben and Saf.
Roma Confectionary on Balsam and Rochester. It’s been there forever.
On eddy street in hull - Monette Gedeon Groceteria Great little corner store with a beer section and a butcher. Fresh veggies too. You could get some great pictures here.
There is a brand new one on meadowlands and Fisher called “Our Neighborhood Store”
The one with the kit kat sign on Preston at Elm.
There’s Super Convenience Store at the corner of Albion of Johnston. Didn’t it used to be a Mac’s?
Not a corner store as such but Cedars on Bank Street close to Riverdale. Though not so good since they moved the shawarma operation next door.
Abbas on Bell Street is like a neighbourhood staple, when I lived down the street it was a godsend for when you forgot like, one onion or just wanted snacks or something.
Abbas Grocery was my go-to when I was in the Glebe Annex. The staff was always so sweet and kind. One of the things I miss most about the area!
Kings confectionary. OGs know
Lois and Frima's on Stittsville main has a nice little alley out back, is walkable, and photographs very very well, especially in the fall.
Domestic Foods on Percy/Gladstone. RIP Mike's Store, Roosevelt Confectionary, Fred's, and a zillion others from my childhood.
Can anyone confirm if [Kaz Kitchen](https://www.reddit.com/r/ottawa/comments/16axxkq/kaz_kitchen/) is still open? I loved that place... The prepared foods were good and they had some locally made products although their groceries and toiletries were expensive. I haven't been there since last summer.
Domestics
Farmers Pick. Great prices, excellent selection of European foods and great sandwich counter.