7-Eleven

It’s probably not a good idea to eat things from a 7-​Eleven, but I don’t plan to live beyond 35 years of age so it doesn’t really matter to me.
This particular 7-​Eleven is near a rehab center and in the middle of Downtown, so if you’re a heartless classist able to compartmentalize the negative externalities of capitalism like every other Bostonian, you’ll be fine.
For about a month not too long ago, I would buy two Snapples for $ 2 every morning because there was an incredible sale and 7-​Eleven is on my way to work. The cashiers recognized me at the register (a wordless smile, sometimes I was permitted to skip the line, they knew for example that I did NOT need a bag without asking) and I felt like I was in a never-​ending episode of Cheers, except more like Groundhog Day because it was a nightmare and without the girlfriend that you get at the end of the movie. I also did a stint where I bought those triangle-​shaped sandwiches for $ 4. They’re actually not that bad and I duly recommend you try one if you’re hungry and you have less than $ 5 on you.

During my last visit to Boston, I was trying to kill some time before my morning bus left from South Station and after eating breakfast nearby, I decided on a leisurely stroll to the Commons, even though it was 20 degrees out and all I had was a hoodie. Still feeling a little rough from the night before, I decided to stop by a 7 – 11 and get an energy drink because a) I was still a little tired and b) its part of my recipe for recovering from rough nights. The other thing I wanted to do was to get some snacks since I was unsure if the bus I was taking would be making any stops along the way. I had actually been to this location before during a previous time and like other reviewers said, there is someone who opens the door for you, usually during the day but still, its a pretty awesome experience, up to the point where they ask you for spare change. Last time I visited, on a Saturday afternoon, I told the guy who opened the door I needed change so after making a purchase, I dropped some coins into the cup that he was carrying.
There’s a better selection for energy drinks here than there is at the CVS around the corner but there wasn’t much snack selection available. Ultimately, I ended up getting a Rockstar and some candy, yes, I know it wasn’t healthy for me but whatever. When I went up to pay though, this is when things got a little interesting, the cashier was some Indian or some Asian looking guy of South Asian descent who looked to be in his mid 20’s or so and I vaguely heard the cashier tell the guy in front «bags are a luxury now-​a-​days» and the guy just gave him a strange look while leaving then it was my turn.
Cashier dude: Do you need a bag?
Me: Nah, I’m good
Cashier dude: Good, think of the people man
Me: What?
Cashier dude: Those bags man, people in Asia suffer because of these bags
Me: (gives a strange look) Right
Cashier dude: I’m Asian too you know
Me: Oh cool, which part?
Cashier dude: Southeast
Me: Oh alright
Luckily by this point I had swiped my debit card through and I was on my way, with an energy drink in my hoodie pocket, a packet of M&M’s and a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter cups in my jeans pocket, thus saving the need for a bag and I’m sure it made the cashier dude really happy. Another plus was at this time, it was too early for the door service guys to show up. It makes a good place to stop if you’re in an emergency but would I go out of my way to come here? Nope, not happening.

This 7 – 11 is TERRIBLE! If you go there in the morning, as mentioned below, DO NOT buy baked goods, the OWNER ADMITS that they have a «fly problem» but have not been able to get it under control. Second, MAKE SURE the coffee you buy was JUST made, and even still be cautious, the owner instructs his employees to mix the old pot with th1e new pot to even them off and refill them, resulting in old/​nasty/​burnt coffee UNLESS u get a pot that was JUST emptied/​filled, but that does not mean the pot is clean, because clearly at this location that’s just too much to ask for. Third, DO NOT go here and expect to not be bothered on ur way in and out (Women especially). There are constantly drunk homeless ppl asking for $$ just like anywhere in downtown, but they almost promote it here (same ppl EVERY day). And last but not least the «FRESH» section of this place is beyond belief when u look at what they’re carrying (Rotting fruit in fruit cups, flies all over everything, and I have even bought expired yogurt there, only to go back and see about 10 more EXPIRED ones on the shelves (Various flavors too). SO unless you want yesterdays tacquitos that were left in the open overnight, then stay away from this spot, if you check the expiration dates on EVERYTHING you buy, then this is your spot, if not — GO TO THE ONE 2 SECONDS DOWN THE STREET! There is one on State St, and they are much nicer/​cleaner (I just saw corporate in there giving them a lil makeover), but they always are up to date, replacing old fruit and I have SEEN the place be inspected, so it is FAR more trust worthy… Forget Downtown Crossing, (unless u hate urself and don’t care about your health) and take the extra few steps around the corner, or even across the street to CVS or the new Walgreens (Which both have fresh fruits etc in stock for CHEAPER/​NORMAL prices!) :) N let’s not forget here ppl, 7 – 11 is a FRANCHISE so ANYONE can own one, so if you have some immagrant who is used to nasty/​poverty stricken living conditions, then u can expect ur local 7 – 11 to be held to the same standards. This place is in SQUALLER — STAY AWAY!!!

Always well stocked. Only problem is homeless standing in doorway with change cup

I agree with the others, the door service is weirdddd. I usually buy stuff with my credit card and feel super awkward as I am forced to rush by someone asking for change as I have a bag full of donuts and cinnamon rolls (btw, they restock their supply fresh pastries at 10:30 pm)
–Some of the guys behind the counter can be dicks, but w/​e I don’t need world class service from a convenience store.
–I like how they carry a decent selection of on the go healthy breakfast and lunch options like greek yogurt (that’s never close to its expiration date) and pre packaged deli sandwiches.

I agree with Andrew C. about the door service. I went into this 7-​Eleven three times in one day, and had the door opened by three different homeless guys looking for change.
Decent selection of snacks and drinks. Steady crowd coming through here. Strong Slurpees business in this location.

You don’t participate in the 7 – 11 free slurpee day?
You don’t deserve to call yourselves a 7 – 11.

Ah, 7 – 11 across from the Park St. station… your prices may be standard for 7−11s (in that they’re a little pricey for what you’ve got), but you are open late, and after losing trivia and realizing that the Democratic primary, and all of the really bad TV coverage of it, is going to keep going, you have what I need (which is a one liter of Diet Pepsi and minicakes).
So bravo to you, because when you really need a one liter of Diet Pepsi and minicakes, you are there, open and ready to give me both of those :)