Dennis Brothers Liquors

brdc

Wisconsin

4.85/5  rDev +1.5%
quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This was the last place I checked in Minneapolis, completing the list of the top four rated.
It was an impressive surprise. Although it is a little bit far, it is worth the trip. Yes, they do not have everything, but nobody does. The selection, although somewhat small is very carefully chosen, and other than rauchbiers, they have good alternatives to every category.
The service is just ridiculously good: knowledgeable without being snob, courteous and attentive without being "pushy". They even helped me load my car with the beers!!
It was truly a great experience and I will definitely go back!

04-12-2007 13:18:01 | More by brdc

JamesShoemaker

New York

4.09/5  rDev -14.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | $$

I'm not sure how this is most highly rated beer store in Minnesota, since I can think of four better ones off the top of my head, but it's certainly not a poor place at all. After stopping at Heritage, Casanova's, and Blue Max though, Dennis Bros pales in comparison.

First, let me say that my friend and I had a hell of a time getting there. It's out of the way of just about everything, and the roads surrounding the store were riddled with construction zones. But that didn't affect the experience of course.

We were greeted by a friendly couple when we walked in, who asked us if we were looking for anything in particular. We weren't, and they went back to watching the Food Network (at high volume). I've been reading reviews about this place and I'm disappointed that I didn't engage with the employees more, since they sound amazing, but oh well.

Things were reasonably priced, but the selection really wasn't very good. The best thing I saw was a wide selection of Epic bombers and Boulevard's Smokestack Series (including Rye-on-Rye). Otherwise, they had only a smattering of upper Midwest breweries, the best probably being four packs of Double Crooked Tree. We ended up looking at the whiskey selection a lot more, which was pretty good.

Not worth he journey, IMO, but that's not to say it's a bad store. There are just better ones in the Twin Cities.

05-25-2013 20:34:00 | More by JamesShoemaker

NilocRellim

Minnesota

4.8/5  rDev +0.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This place is amazing. The brother that own it are unbelievably helpful and nice. One of them is like a beer encyclopedia and does not carry a beer that he does not know EVERYTHING about! The other one knows everything about their great wine selection. They do more than just learn what makes up the beer, they learn about the brewery and people that brew it.

They have a lot of Minnesota craft beers, Midwestern craft beers, and American craft beers. They have a ton of great beer from all around the world as well, from Japanese reserve beers to Belgian limited release beers, if a new and exciting beer comes on the market these guys will get it!

I have turned a group of friend onto this place and will not go anywhere else.

12-30-2012 17:50:48 | More by NilocRellim

TomClem

Nebraska

4.3/5  rDev -10%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

I live in Nebraska and was visiting family nearby. After reading several reviews and seeing this place listed as World-Class I made sure that I paid them a visit.

They make the most of the room they have. I've been to far bigger bottle shops, but it is clear they utilize shelf space well. Don't expect them 12oz and 22oz bottles of the same beer! The night I visited they have a representative from Summit Brewing giving free tastings. That had been well received as when I got there they had already sold out of a couple summit varieties.

The staff were very kind and let me pile my beer near the register while i shopped. I took my time browsing the selection and they answered questions as I had them, but never made me feel rushed. Because I was flying home I had brought boxes with me that would need to hold all of my purchased beer. They were fine with me making sure everything fit before I bought it.

After checkout one of the guys even carried one of the boxes of beer to my car for me.

Overall, a very good bottle shop, but not what I had in mind for World Class.

09-27-2012 19:15:16 | More by TomClem

JosephThompson

New Jersey

4.8/5  rDev +0.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I live in New Jersey and was visiting family in Minnesota so to come across a place that lived up to all the reviews is very satisfying. Visited on Monday, August the 27th.

The Brothers clearly know their stuff. Was able to pick up some 2007 Orval which is a nice treat. Also picked up good local brew in Olvalde and learned much more about the story behind the brewery. I'm a Fantome nut and was great to see Strange Ghost on the shelf. While not totally rare it isn't exactly that easy to find the Ghost either. Really enjoyed my time in the store and the conversation.

A few comments about the store: a) size enough to hold good quality but not too large to be overwhelming during your shopping; b) nice selection for wine/liquor; and c) a case with roughly 10-15 varieties of cigars adds a touch often overlooked in a craft store.

Overall, one of the best stores I've visited around the country.

08-31-2012 17:47:09 | More by JosephThompson

wrigh418

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I first read about Dennis Brothers around a year and a half ago while looking for good liquor stores in my area. Since then Dennis Brothers has become my store of choice, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The owners John and Steve are very knowledgeable, very approachable, and are always happy to chat about good beers and when they will be expecting something new to arrive. All of the employees there are friendly, and more than willing to help you find something. I personally love their selection (which is probably my favorite part next to their incredible customer service); I always find something new that I have never found/been able to try before. I will continue to give them my business, and find myself consistently going out of my way to support them as no other stores I have been to in the area have been so friendly and knowledgeable.

03-18-2012 22:17:21 | More by wrigh418

portz007

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I lived in Cottage Grove for almost a year before I discovered this place. Before that it was big chain stores with average selections. Dennis Bros. had me hooked from day one. I went in with some friends before a trip to the cabin to pick up some beer. At the front counter the gentlemen running the establishment informed us of free glasses with the purchase of a certain kind of beer. We left with three beautiful Fat Tire goblets.

The store is pretty small but it uses as much of that space as possible to showcase one of the best beer selections I have ever seen. I'm a big fan of Belgian style beers and Dennis Bros. has introduced me to a few new favorites. The guys up front are always willing to help out if you ask and let you look around if you don't.

The best part about Dennis Bros. is the smile you get when you walk in. They make a point to recognize their customers and appreciate their business. Cheers guys! Keep it up!

03-18-2012 01:43:32 | More by portz007

boomer31

Minnesota

3.05/5  rDev -36.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3 | $$$

Went to DB based in the ridiculous scores on BA. Walked in hoping to be blown away by thier selection, but was kind of disappointed. If you like Rogue beer this is the place to go otherwise pretty average selection. The service was alright. Probably could be considered really good if you don't mind being asked a couple times what you want or what your looking for. Prices seemed to be a bit more expensive than other stores.

I did ask for some KBS and the guy at the desk said it was spoken for. Out of curiosity I went home and checked their twitter account to see if it had been posted that they had some. Unfortunately it still said they did when I got home. Glad I didn't see that before i drove there only to be denied!

Not a bad place, nice looking and the nicest in cottage grove but not the best in the TC by a long shot

03-16-2012 11:47:18 | More by boomer31

MBrausen

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

These guys are always great! Small looking store front that opens up inside and is nicely filled with beer. They have a nice selection of beers, with a huge range including nice locals and harder to find stuff. Every once in a while you'll be walking through and see something that hasn't been around for months that was pulled out of the cellar. They also get a good supply of special releases. The price is very fair for the quality of beer they keep around. It's worth the 30min drive each way for me! Cheers!

03-02-2012 14:35:26 | More by MBrausen

ZMOS

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $

A= A very clean and well organized store with a warm and up-scale feeling.

Q= Well thought out selection of desirable brands. Products displayed nicely with a touch not seen elsewhere... necker labels on 6 pack bottles all faced forward to provide a very neat look.

S= Was greeted warmly upon entering the store. Upon mentioning it was my first visit, I was given a quick tour and offered the chance to have questions answered.

S= A complete selection of what I call "winners." Not everything from each brewery, but the sought after brands that I look for.

V= Very reasonable prices on everything I looked at/bought. Some blow-outs also mixed in that went light on my wallet.

Final impression - they helped me get the 3 boxes of product I bought to my car. Not many places do that. Overall... a great store and great beer guys!

10-22-2011 15:32:27 | More by ZMOS