Lukes Drug Mart: Putting the Fun in Pharmacy

It’s always nice to find businesses to that do things a little differently, and Lukes Drug Mart (112 4th St NE; 3407 26th Ave SW) is anything but a typical pharmacy. We first took note of Lukes last summer when they hosted a free show with Vancouver’s Lady Hawk and Calgary’s Rural Alberta Advantage in their customer parking lot. This independent drug mart is all about being part of the community and has quickly become more than a stop off for prescriptions. Lukes is a popular spot for customers in the neighbourhood to grab coffee and their inventory features everything from seaweed snacks to handmade cards, crafty stamp kits and new vinyl. Even if you don’t live in Bridgeland, you should still make a point of visiting. We guarantee you’ll find something of interest. 

Stumptown Coffee. This is one of the best things about Lukes. If you’ve ever stayed at the Ace Motel in Portland, then you’ve probably enjoyed a cup of Stumptown’s delicious coffee. The pharmacy is great about keeping customers up to date on coffee arriving and you can always find interesting articles on Stumptown’s co-ops and producers on the pharmacy’s Facebook page.  When you visit Luke’s, you can grab a coffee from the Stumptown counter or buy a pound and take it home. 

Mast Brothers. These Brooklyn chocolatiers are all about the terroir of chocolate and everything is made in house. While Mast Brothers chocolate is not cheap, you have to remember that you’re paying for high quality ingredients and some interesting flavour profiles. Try the almond and sea salt bar. People who have tried Mast Brothers chocolate warn that you may never be able to go back to Caramilk or KitKat. 

Kinfolk. Do you like cooking, gardening and crafting? If you’re looking for tips on throwing a farm-to-table dinner party and you like whimsical photo essays, then pick up the latest Kinfolk Magazine. 

Healthy Options. Shopping can be a challenge for people who have diet restrictions, but Lukes carries a few products that might agree with your sensitive stomach. The pharmacy now carries cookie mama gluten-free coconut loaf, organic yogurt, free-range eggs and coconut cooking oil. It was also a pleasant surprise to see that Lukes also carries Broek Acres products. 

Vinyl. It’s hard to think of any other pharmacy that sells vinyl, of which Lukes has a terrific selection. Here you’ll find classics by Pink Floyd and newer must-haves from artists like Ty Segall and Braids. FFWD magazine has just recognized Lukes as one of the best places to buy records in town. The pharmacy’s Facebook page is great for keeping customers up to speed on new records coming into the shop.  

Top photo courtesy Lukes

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