Binny's Beverage Depot

emerge077

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -4.2%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Stopped in here right after my first trip to Limestone Brewing. It was a free standing building, adjacent to the strip mall that Limestone was in, anchoring the opposite corner. Layout was similar to the newer store in Algonquin, giant wall-o-beer on the right hand side, and another aisle facing the macro-dominated coolers in the back.

Staff seemed friendly, the few I encountered. It was a more hands off approach, no one was on the floor in the beer area, though there was a station for the beer manager in the back corner by the coolers. The cashier was able to check inventory on a beer that I asked about.

Selection was quite extensive, the majority of US craft were represented by full lines from any given brewer. I noticed 11 Jolly Pumpkin varieties including 2 Leelanau, Parcela, and Noel. Three varieties from Metropolitan, 2009 Bare Tree, and the new Belgian IPA from Hoppin Frog was stacked in the corner by the coolers. I didn't see any current limited items like Nemesis or Batch 9000. Imports were very extensive, several traditional lambics, though they were out of the Cantillon Gueuze, there were several others, plus 3 Drie Fonteinen.

Overall the most comprehensive beer stop in Plainfield...

02-22-2010 00:45:02 | More by emerge077

msubulldog25

Oregon

3.94/5  rDev -9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

First of all, a big thanks to fellow BAs for posting the reviews; without their comments we'd have never had reason to go the short distance out of our way to this place. We were in Plainfield for a family reunion on 8/31/08.

Located along a non-descript stretch of Hwy 59, where strip malls encroach on fertile fields. Having never been to a Binny's before (but having been to a BevMo in California), I knew roughly what to expect. Despite this foresight, my wife and were still blown away.

Though it's a store catering to all one's imbibing needs, we focused on the beer department, found to the right of the entrance. We stopped briefly at the case of high-end vintage liquors (wife is a scotch fan), then were sucked into the seemingly endless wall of imported beers. Great representation of all of Europe, well arranged according to country and sub-grouped by brewery. Every few feet something new and/or obscure and/or among our favorites would appear, elicitting the cliched 'kid in a candy store'-type gleeful reponse from one or both of us. Further back, opposite the dozen or so reach-in coolers, is the domestic section - which may have been even more impressive to this NW beer enthusiast. SO MANY familar (and unfamiliar) Midwest names that we'll never see in Oregon!

Service was available but unintrusive, allowing us to browse at our leisure. I noted a small table next to the coolers, which seemed to be the beer department's station; a computer monitor was displaying some research from the 'other' beer website.

With all the great selection, we maintained some restraint and stuck with some proven favorites to take to our gathering (and for sharing with our Bud Light/MGD/Corona-favoring family). That meant: a 6 of Weihenstephaner Hefe-weissbier, a 6 of Eisenbahn Escura, a 6 of 3F Gumballhead (plus a bottle of Belgian favorite, Gulden Draak...for later). Prices seemed a little high: $10-12 for six-packs, so the overall tab was around $50.

A couple minor complaints: most bottles were not refrigerated and some showed a little dust. I'd have liked a few more options from the coolers (i.e. less macros in there), but I get that they do what market demand dictates (exhibit a: the woman buying 10 suitcases of Old Style, exhibit b: the guy who blew past us ogling the Belgians, inquiring pointedly 'why're you guys looking at all that EXPENSIVE Euro stuff?!?!' ).

Looked like a great selection of wines and liquors, even cigars, but really we just breezed past to the checkout line.

I'm familiar with my local Portland places (Belmont Station & John's Marketplace) and compare this very favorably (despite the 'corporate' skew). Would definitely shop at Binny's again!

09-01-2008 20:32:24 | More by msubulldog25

tgbljb

Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev +0.5%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

This is what a beer store should be, Being from Pennnsylvania, this is like a child in a toy store at Christmas time. There was a good selection of Midwest beers that I can't find in the east. The selection of Belgians and Germans was also above averge. The prices were comparable to the prices at a place like State Line in MD, so I would have to call it reasonable. There were a number of mixed 8 and 12 packs available. Its nice being able to beers in less than cases quantities and not be gouged in the price. Everything looked clean and fresh. Well worth a stop.

05-14-2008 19:48:55 | More by tgbljb

spointon

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +3.9%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I live just 15-20 minutes from this Binny's and visit it quite often.

This place is located in a non-descript strip mall on Rt 59 in Plainfield. With the exception of traffic, it is very easy to get to and has adequate parking.

As you enter the store, you immediately encounter stacks of cased beers that are featured and on sale. If I had one complaint about this place it is that they put too many of their beers in this front area where the sunlight can strike them, but the bottles effected are few compared to the many that are not...

There are two very long aisles of beer stretching back into the store as well as a long row of coolers. I am constantly impressed with the wide selection of English and Belgian ales as well as a solid offering of German beers. The variety of American craft brews is also impressive. Anything that can be had in Illinois can be had from Binny's.

There is also a discount bin where you can pick up single bottles of various beers for 75 cents to $1.50 per bottle. I have scored many a beer in this way that I wanted to try but didn't want to spring for a whole sixer.

The staff has always been knowledgable and friendly to me on my visits. The prices are decent, with a few great sales each week, and a few overpriced beers here and there.

Overall I highly recommend Binny's in general and this location in particular.

10-16-2008 04:21:53 | More by spointon

AleWatcher

Illinois

4.41/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

So this is the Binnys I hit up most often.
There's no tap list, or growler station, or deli. I come for the beer.
George and Keith are awesome. They are friendly and quite knowledgeable.
The beer is laid out in a reasonably well-organized fashion: the imports are all along the south wall with macro and large craft brewers on the facing shelves and in the next aisle. Midwest goodies are at the end of the south wall by the coolers and other craft lines the shelves all over. The coolers extend around te corner changing from craft to macro gradually. The facing shelves are all the various bombers.
A really good selection of imports and domestics.

The pricing is in line with all the other Binnys stores.

08-19-2011 19:40:26 | More by AleWatcher

MrMcGibblets

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev -11.1%
quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

new store basically in far south naperville area. very much like all the other binny's, big and corporate. service is as you'd expect. very nice selection similar to the other stores. lots of micros and imports to choose from and a decent bomber selection. decent selection of the above in the coolers as well. cheese counter here as with the other stores. things are average to pricey...you'll pay as much here as at other places or a bit more. no singles noted. they did have several cases of gumballhead available at a time when it was not to be found in other area stores (dec/jan).

02-25-2008 22:13:41 | More by MrMcGibblets

JamnesCameron

Illinois

4.85/5  rDev +12%
quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | $$

I'd been going to the Binny's in Naperville for years, even when it was a tiny single slot strip mall storefront (and went by a different name). Moved to Plainfield 7 years ago and was psyched when I found out that Binnys was putting a store within 2 miles of my new house. They even transferred the Beer Manager from Naperville (ask for George) to the Plainfield store. Whoever Binny is, I love you, man!

This place has a huge selection, like all the other reviews have stated. The most jaded BA would have a hard time finding something that they hadn't tried before.

They have a decent selection of big bottles/bombers in the cooler, but the six pack/12 pack selection is a little thin.

They have beer tastings fairly frequently, and although they advertise a fee, I've never paid a dime for a tasting there.

My only complaint is that they got rid of their absolutely freaking awesome cheese counter. One of my highlights of going in there was picking up some quality import and domestic cheeses to have with my beers. Oh well.

If you're close by or just passing by, make sure you stop in to see what they have. You'll be impressed.

05-22-2009 19:53:02 | More by JamnesCameron

WoodBrew

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -4.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

Binny's on Rt59 in Plainfield is a great beer and other adult beverage store. The atmosphere is very bright so it with decent isles making it easy to look at the large beer selection. The store is very clean and usually there are 2-3 people walking around to offer help if needed. The selection is pretty dog gone good. Many beers both domestic and internaitonal to chose from. No food here, just a store. The prices at Binny's I guess are reasonable. You can always find expensive beer or low priced beer.

10-26-2011 02:36:25 | More by WoodBrew

roadhouse

Florida

4.3/5  rDev -0.7%
quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Of all the Binny's I've been to this one most. Worth a review finally.

Upon entering this store, you must head to the right for the craft beer. There's only a couple aisles, but they last the length of the store. On the right is imports. Belgians, Germans, English, Scottish, etc. It's all there. A really nice selection, though not quite as good as the South Loop (nothing else is though). To the left will be the American crafts. Lots of bombers on top and six packs on the bottom. Lots of stuff available here that I can't get and I always find myself spending at least $50 here. The service is better than the other Binny's, one of the guys there actually poured some samples of a couple beers to try. As with the other Binny's, I highly recommend this one, a bit more than the Orland Park one though.

06-04-2009 03:19:31 | More by roadhouse

RTrain12

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +3.9%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

Ahh Binny's! If I cant find something at my local liqour store or want just alittle bit more of a selection Im headin over to binny's! You definatley could get lost in this place! (I know I have) They have more beer and wine than you could imagine! But my wife was dissapointed when the cheese shop had closed out of this location. So know we just have to goto the binny's on 83 in willow brook. Overall this is a great place with a helpfull staff. The guy that use to run the cheese shop was the "cheese guru" he also knows alot about beer. I cant remember his name but hes got some long sideburns. Prices are reasonable just make sure you get your self a club card!

02-18-2010 18:49:09 | More by RTrain12