The West Seattle Marijuana Store is located along a busy street in the middle of a bunch of mechanic shops that look like they're in various states of out-of-business. But walk under the green awnings of this white building and everything turns very chill, thanks to some of the friendliest budtenders in town. Big-screen TVs sit between black shelves, everything is clean, and an old-fashioned illustrated map of Seattle hangs on the wall.

With more than 180 strains of flower available and extremely competitive prices—grams start at $6 and eighths start at $20—this is kind of the Uncle Ike's of West Seattle. But without the protestors outside. Also, the staff won't hurry you out the door like they sometimes do at Ike's. One budtender mentioned having been a happy customer for six months before applying to work here.

Ken, a manager who checked my ID at the front door, said they used to get a lot of cannabis tourists coming straight from the airport. That's slowed down, but now their prices and service are gaining them a following from West Seattle locals.

If we have a good deal from a supplier, we like to pass it on, Ken said. LESTER BLACK