the best of Beaverton/Aloha? (Portland, Hillsboro: Home Depot, buying, school)

[Rob Allen]

Bi-Mart is good but it's not really an alternative to Costco. There really isn't another store like Costco around here. Bi-Mart is more like a discount version of Target.

The local Costco is at 158th and Jenkins, not far from another nice hiking site, Tualatin Hills Nature Park.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by Rob Allen

Bi-Mart is good but it's not really an alternative to Costco. There really isn't another store like Costco around here. Bi-Mart is more like a discount version of Target.

The local Costco is at 158th and Jenkins, not far from another nice hiking site, Tualatin Hills Nature Park.

Good way to walk off the blood pressure after patiently (i.e. without bad words or actionable choices) waiting behind aisle-obstructing meanderers who do not register that anyone else could be trying to get past while they decide between the 55-gallon drums of grape jam and orange marmalade. Kennewick's was atrocious for that, and Boise's is not much better.

If Bi-Mart doesn't charge too much for membership, and takes Visa, though, it might be worth it. The last time I was even in one was in Yakima in about 1975, as my cousins were members. I guess Costco now either takes Visa or is considering it; haven't been there in awhile.

[Sherwoody]

Bi-Marts membership is $5.00 and that is lifetime.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by Sherwoody

Bi-Marts membership is $5.00 and that is lifetime.

Heh. That's not a membership fee. That's a rather clever anti-shoplifting device. "We don't want much money, just want to know who you are." I'd never realized it cost less than a typical espresso drink.

These days I think Costco hits me for $55 or $60 per year, though I'm pretty sure that in 3-4 $400 shopping trips a year, I make it back, plus there's the convenience of being able to stock up on non-perishables and incidentally get a good deal on whatever perishables and semi-perishables we can use within the timeframe. If nothing else, my wife uses that flavored liquid coffee creamer like she owned stock in the company.

On groceries, there's a trend at Albertson's here in Boise to do away with the self-checkout and add a couple of express lanes. While their feedback is divided, I love the move, as I've always flatly refused to use the self-checkout. I wonder if Aloverton area Albies are doing the same thing, because it's shifted my shopping to favor them. We're kind of fond of QFC, though, going way back to when she first moved down from Alaska (I'll spare you the heartwarming but somewhat sappy story).

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

....... I wonder if Bi-Mart will seduce me away from my long allegiance to Costco......

Costco and BiMart aren't in competition. You go to Costco and buy in bulk and you go to BiMart for smaller individual items.

BiMart is always my first stop when I am shopping for a non-Costco item. Their prices tend to be lower and their clerks a lot more pleasant and helpful than at Walmart. BiMart is a lot smaller than Walmart, so they stock fewer items.

If you fish or hunt, BiMart should be your first stop when you are looking for a new item. Only if they don't have it, do you branch out and go to the sporting goods stores. Their fishing equipment selection is especially good and geared towards PNW fishing, which can be different than fishing in the rest of the country.

There is a one time low cost lifelong membership fee for BiMart, and if you wait sometimes they have a membership promotion give you some goodies worth the price of the fee -- like a bottle of soda and a package of cookies, the membership fee isn't much money.

Also, on Tuesday, there is always a drawing of membership numbers and some small prizes.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by bler144

I also recommend checking out Allan's Mexican off West Union/185th - it's kind of in this nice middle place between affordable and upscale - e.g. a salmon taco plate with homemade tortillas will run maybe $12 or so.

Okay, now it's time to make my own contribution as the research begins. Just came back from Allan's. Salsa, good. They don't have chorizo, so it won't be my place for nachos, but they do make an effort at presentation and the food was good. Wife very much enjoyed her chicken fajitas. So while Allan's is not going to be our mutual household favorite, it's a perfectly good place to eat and I think most people would like it.

[Bluesmama]

Swagath's at Orenco Station for a terrific Indian buffet. Beautiful, beautiful restaurant, too.

Gyros House on 205th & Baseline, in a small strip mall. I think they make some of the best gyros around, and their pizzas are very good!

Broadway Saloon in Old Town Beaverton. They have a very nice HH menu, but their regular menu is still reasonable and that the food is VERY good! One of my favorite places to eat.

I've used Bi-Mart for 19 years and have been very happy with them.

[j_k_k]

Gyro House! Our agent turned us on to it. Excellent. Not a very good sit-down environment, but many people get take-out, which obviates that problem. We will definitely be back.

If there were a Middle Eastern place that delivered, I'd probably just subscribe for weekly fixes.

[Bluesmama]

Since you like Mexican food you should consider Amelia's on Main & 3rd in Hillsboro. It's a little hole-in-the-wall and the food's different (mostly Oaxacan style), and very good!

[grassfeeder]

BiMart & Costco aren't even lose to the same bird. Quality of products is vastly different. Couldn't pay me to shop at BiMart.