DC Loves Safeways

I know what you must be thinking... Safeways?  Really?  She's going to blog about a grocery store?

Answer: Yes.

DC loves its Safeways, or at least it loves nicknaming them.  You see, each store within the District of Columbia has received a special nickname based on its location and/or reputation.  They are as follows:

The "Social" Safeway
(1855 Wisconsin Ave NW)
Once upon a time, this was the grocery store to see and be seen at, where the DC elite came to buy their loaves of bread and canned goods.  Now this demographic tends to shop at the Whole Foods that opened up in Glover Park.  Nevertheless, it still retains the nickname.

The "Soviet" Safeway
(1701 Corcoran St NW)
So named due to its long lines and consistently sparsely stocked shelves.

The "Spanish" Safeway (a.k.a. The "Sandanista" Safeway)
(1747 Columbia Rd NW)
This nickname originates from the pre-gentrification days when the Adams Morgan neighborhood was a predominantly Salvadorian community, referring to the language most commonly heard being spoken in the aisles.

The "Secret" Safeway
(1800 20th St NW)
Located beneath a banner that reads "Townhouse," most don't even realize there is a Safeway there aside from the Dupont residents who like to keep it a secret.

The "Sixties" Safeway (a.k.a. The "Stinky" Safeway)
(3830 Georgia Ave NW)
I drove by this store for the first time last night and sure enough, it does look like it was plucked from the flower power years. (http://vilimpoc.org/research/map-safeway/DCP_2570.jpg)

The "Senior" Safeway
(2550 Virginia Ave NW)
This Safeway is located within the Watergate complex and is apparently frequented by a more geriatric crowd as well as GWU students.

The "Sexy" Safeway
(490 L St NW)
I'm not sure if this nickname refers to the structure itself or the clientele, but it certainly does encourage one want to find out! 

The "Southwest" Safeway (a.k.a. The "Swanky" Safeway)
(401 M St SW)
Aptly nicknamed due to its location in SW DC, this Safeway is brand spanking new and a welcomed addition to the up and coming Waterfront area.

The "Un"Safeway
(415 15th St SE)
Located in Capitol Hill, this Safeway's nickname would have you believe that bullets whiz past you once you enter the sliding glass doors, but according to TBD, it's a pretty unjustified reputation.

Know of others or alternatives?  Leave a comment!

Want to learn more?  DC Safeway nickname lore abounds on the interwebs!

• Gridskipper - "The Definitive DC Safeway Guide"
• The Markov Thought Chain - "Safeway Nicknames in the DC Area"
• DCist - "Grocery Politics"
• Prince of Petworth - "Help Verify Safeway Nicknames"
• TBD - "Safeway Nicknames: Separating Truth from Fiction"