In olden days, locals would go to the market square to stock up on the three essentials of life: scabbard polish, gossip, and magic beans. Today's Groupon hearkens back to that bygone community social arena. For $10, you get $20 worth of fresh produce, deli fare, caffeinated coffee-bean drinks, and other gourmet goodies at The Bodega at Felice, a market, deli, and coffee bar on Market Street.

Much like the sunny villa in The Decameron, The Bodega at Felice offers a delightful sanctuary from the bubonic plague where locals can eat delicious food and swap bawdy love stories in medieval Italian. Gourmet groceries, handcrafted paninis, and free WiFi add a 21st-century flavor to The Bodega's bazaar atmosphere, complete with an elegant patio area surrounded by herb gardens. Harried office workers can melt into an inviting armchair while they pore over the lunch menu of heated muffuletta sandwiches on ciabatta bread with ham, salami, provolone, and olive tapenade ($7.99); hand-stuffed ricotta manicotti smothered in arrabbiata sauce and mozzarella cheese ($8.99); and crisp margherita pizzas ($7.99). Fast-breakers, on the other hand, can energize their day with a breakfast menu that includes baguette french toasts (with bacon or sausage, $6.99) and three-egg omelettes with toast ($6.99). The Bodega also serves up refreshing specials alongside baked goods, beers, and coffees every week.

Fresh, gourmet foods and drinks and a peaceful neighborhood ambience make The Bodega at Felice a popular stop for those seeking a break from paperback writing and jazzercising. Though you can only use one Groupon per visit, there is no buy limit, so make The Bodega your new favorite hangout now that all the tourists have found out about your living room.

Reviews

Three Yelpers give The Bodega at Felice a solid 3.5 stars, one Google Maps user rates it a perfect five, and 100% of Urbanspooners like it:

• Love the soups, panninis [sic] and pasta sides. Great place to go for lunch and high-end grocery items. Comfortable, friendly service... – penny, Google Maps
• Friends had the bisque and reported it was excellent. I had the pepperoni pizza, which is served real Italian style - thin crust, lots of cheese and yummy sauce...The market had the widest selection of microbrews and niche beers I've seen in one place in a while. – Jason F., Yelp
• Their mozzarella/basil/proscuitto pannini [sic] is wonderful. Tortellini salad is good also. – Cindi, Urbanspoon