Sidecar

I've been visiting Sidecar on a semi-regular basis since it opened, and they continue to add new products and to improve the store. It is now run by the Pigs Peace Sanctuary as a fundraising venture for the pigs' sake (the former owners have, unfortunately, moved to Idaho). Sidecar stocks a variety of vegan delicacies, including Tofutti Cuties, vegan marshmellows, boxed and frozen entrees, Field Roast, canned fake meats (Peking duck or frankfurters in a can, anyone?), and sandwiches from local vegan restaurants. They also have non-leather shoes, clothes, and accessories, as well as a selection of vegan/animal rights buttons and stickers. Unfortunately, they don't seem to carry vegan haggis anymore, but I didn't know what the point of that product was in the first place, except as a source of humor. :) If supporting animal-friendly businesses is important to you, Sidecar should rank high on your list. The prices are not always competitive with larger businesses, but they also stock a lot of items that are hard to find in your standard grocery store, clothing boutique, shoe store, or mall. more

This shop is a great place to find a variety of veg friendly items- from vegan shoes to "I am not a nugget" bumper stickers. Also, they usually have scrumptious vegan donuts for sale. And they recently got a puppy. Which is reason enough to visit their shop. Bare in mind that they are closed Mondays but open unitl 8pm the rest of the week. more

All hail Sidecar! Sidecar is an exciting and welcome new resource for vegans and animal lovers. Shoes and belts, stickers and wallets, messenger bags and message wear. Magazines, organic & fair-trade coffee, purses, and even vegan condoms. And a (hopefully) expanding selection of vitamins and supplements. And food! Lots of vegan foods that are hard to find locally, such as the new Field Roast spread, and Suzanne's Rice Nectar (oh, for the love of nectar...). But most importantly, they have VEGAN MARSHMELLOWS. Wait, where you goin'...? That's right. Vegan marshmellows (the better brand). And if only they carried Suzanne's *Chocolate* Rice Nectar, well, Seattle vegans would never leave their homes. Except to buy more. The owners--Sidecar is a joint effort from 3 vegan- and animal activists--are dedicated to the community, and friendly. They're open to suggestion (they're bringing in delectable Rose City Chocolates at the request of a customer), so when you go in tell them they need a *liquid* B12 supplement. (Did you write that down? Thanks.) Sidecar is brand-spankin' new, which explains the shortcomings; the owners are not very retail savvy. One day they were sampling a product that wasn't in stock to sell. They're so focused on lower-priced items that they forego higher-priced, but higher-quality goods. They were waiting for vitamin sales to increase before ordering a vegan *necessity,* vitamin B12 (liquid or sublingual). But I have faith. The owners are nice people and vegans are forgiving and patient. With time, Sidecar will become a real anchor for Seattle vegans. more