Heritage Liquor

Store

1347 Frost Ave
Maplewood, Minnesota, 55109-4419
United States

(651) 777-7455 | map
heritageliquoronline.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.64
Reviews:
56
Ratings:
71
pDev:
8.84%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Buebie:
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Reviewed by Buebie from Minnesota

5/5  rDev +7.8%
I like this store because I'm not ignored and the staff takes the time to talk with you, not ignore you.

I have been shopping at Heritage for almost a year now. There is two things you should know. Its not the store by the bowling alley and the girls in the bakery are kinda hot.

Where to start?
Well it doesnt look like much from the outside, but right away you should notice the windows. They are all mostly covered up...awsome no uv spoilage on the brews. Walk in, and that store that didnt look like much has now turned into a haven. I'm 6'6'' and the shelves are taller then me. As you walk in you will be greated with a smile and somtimes a handshake.
The coolers dont have any lights in them on the craft side, another reason to shop here. I dont think I've ever been to a beer store that didnt have lighted coolers for the craft section. Less light will be spoiling my beer.

Its small, but the selection is big. A very large singles selection that also indicates these are available in 6'ers and 12's in the back room. Loads of bombers, belgians, 2007 collectables etc.
Tasting events are big with nice giveaways and great brews.

Now back to customer service. Who gets along well enough with their entire family that can employ their family to work for them? I dont know of too many, but the friendly family atmosphere is great. Joe knows his shit. Any question I've had or recommendation has been spot on.
Ed is jolly guy, very friendly and helpfull.
I had a bad day at work, came in for some brews, Ed hands me a beer to cheer up with. I end up staying for 30 minutes just talking to him. Thats the kinda place this is, they care.

With reasonable prices, quality product and a friendly warm atmosphere I cant really shop anywhere else. Its to impersonal anywhere else. People dont seem to love their jobs at other stores as they do here.
It also helps this is 2 miles from my house.

These guys are badass! They will hook you up with what you need. Theres no reason not to seek this place out.
Dec 22, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 5 by EddieB23 from Minnesota

May 06, 2017
Photo of Cfred371
Rated by Cfred371 from Minnesota

5/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Super nice people, and a pretty great selection.
Apr 04, 2016
 
Rated: 4.58 by XmnwildX12 from Minnesota

Feb 23, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by lonewolfcry from Minnesota

Dec 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by millelacsmark from Minnesota

Oct 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.52 by Wiscodrinker from Wisconsin

Oct 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Bunuelian from Minnesota

Sep 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by jarrgal from North Dakota

Aug 23, 2014
Photo of Phocion
Reviewed by Phocion from Minnesota

4.61/5  rDev -0.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
I had to make a trip to Maplewood this weekend, so I figured I might as well make it worthwhile. After navigating numerous road closures due to the storm/flooding, I finally made it into Heritage, albeit very wet. The place didn't look like much on the outside, but I expected that after checking some reviews on here.

Inside, I discovered nearly half of the place was dedicated to beer. There was one row of coolers with macros, but the rest was dominated by craft. The selection was excellent and consisted of hundreds of brands of excellent American and imported beers. They had a "Bomber of the Week" section marked down, although it didn't particularly catch my interest. There was also a large selection of bombers and single smaller bottles/cans, which is great for anyone looking to try several new beers. I'm not even going to bother listing individual brands they carried, but I'm pretty sure if it's American craft distributed in the Metro, they probably have it or at least can get it for you. They also had a large (but not quite as comprehensive) selection of British, German, and Belgian imports, among others.

Service was attentive and friendly, but unobtrusive. I walked in with no particular brewery or style in mind, and after about two minutes of random browsing someone asked if I could be helped, to which I replied that I was just looking. They left me alone until check-out, during which the clerk started up a casual beer-related conversation which I was more than willing to participate in since I was procrastinating on going swimming back to my car through the rain.

Thankfully I had given myself a fairly limited budget, because I could have spent a lot of money at this location. Prices seemed pretty standard for the Metro area when it came to most of the imports and non-local domestic craft, but some of the local stuff seemed a buck or so pricier than a lot of other retailers in the area.

Overall, I was very happy with my experience here. My only concern was with freshness on some of the products, which is a concern I have with most places with a selection this size. I saw Surly Blakkr, for instance; a hoppy February release on the shelves in late June raises eyebrows. With that said, even as much as I despise being in the suburbs, I will definitely be back there again.
Jun 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by mothman from Minnesota

Jun 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by JJWIGHT from Minnesota

Jun 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by greenspointexas from Texas

Apr 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by SlightlyGrey from Minnesota

Apr 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by TGanyone from Iowa

Apr 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by MykeJ from Minnesota

Mar 13, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Hopstout from Minnesota

Mar 10, 2014
Photo of emerge077
Reviewed by emerge077 from Illinois

4.43/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5
Drove by wondering if this was the right location. Old and worn building, in a little wood-shingled strip retail building next to an old bakery and a vacant space for lease. Nothing on the outside really clued us in to the amazing selection inside.

Once inside and past all the non-beer stuff, there is a huge wall of assorted bombers/750s/etc. Some things had "NEW" tags which was great to see, and some bottles were vintage dated by the store, which was also great. Noticed some limited stuff from Olvalde Farm (Rhubarb Saison), Odell (Imp. Peach IPA), and Boulevard (RIS). Many imports, some traditional lambics like Lambickx, Lambrucha, Cuvee Rene, and Hanssens (I think). Locals from Olvalde, Surly, Life Bridge, Indeed, Lucid, and more. Even 40's of Evil Eye, if that's your bag.

Counter guy directed us to the Surly cans in a small cooler facing the register side.
Surly cans were a couple bucks more than Blue Max, our only other beerstore stop in MN, which is the only thing I can knock, but he did give a case discount, which was cool. The clerk knew his beer well, and chatted about the local scene, as well as Pipeworks in Chicago.

Highly recommended!
May 20, 2013
Photo of nmann08
Reviewed by nmann08 from Virginia

5/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
My wife is from MN, so any time I am in the twin cities, I make it a point to stop at Heritage. I have visited Heritage 8 times now and my last visit was no different from the first 7. Being from the DC/MD/VA area, I am spoiled by different state distribution channels that in one way or another provide me with a great selection. However, Heritage blows me away with the amount of options they have every time I am in there. They are always stocked full of Surly, which is a plus in my book. More than likely if its available in MN, Heritage has it and everything is always reasonably priced.

The service is incredible. Ed and the other staff members know their stuff, are really nice and happy to make recommendations of local brews. They aren't pushy in any way and only look to help you find what you want. Honestly, some of the best service I have encountered in beer stores.
Oct 09, 2012
Photo of JosephThompson
Reviewed by JosephThompson from New Jersey

4.31/5  rDev -7.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
The only real knock on the score is the looks of the place and looks are deceiving in this case. Standard, even dated, exterior liquor store but inside Ed has done a masterful job of putting in place some excellent brews.

Took me some shuffling to decide what to purchase but ended up with an Olvalde Russian Ship, a De Troch Xmas Geueze (which is harder to find in States), and Alaskan's Perseverance (which Jersey doesn't really get). Needless to say, there were four to five other bottles in my hand but decided my wallet had been bruised enough that day.

Ed's a good man to talk with. Enthusiastic about the craft world but always welcoming with help or interest in your knowledge. I'm very jealous of the Cities locals who can enjoy his annual early December gathering where he puts out some of his cellar and has vintage tastings. Believe he said first Saturday of that month.
Sep 11, 2012
Photo of GRG1313
Reviewed by GRG1313 from California

4.88/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I asked for recommendations for the area on this site before I left Los Angeles for a trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul area. There were many solid recommendations and all are relative. I wanted, of course, a place that has the greatest selection of beers that I can't get in Los Angeles. I also travel a good amount and frequent "the good places" where ever I go.

Well, there are lots of good places in the area but Heritage was, in my opinion, the best for a person from So California. Shelves and shelves of stuff one just can't find in California - so, for me, it was a gold mine!

It also had a wonderful assortment of the local items that I found piecemeal other places but all in one place at Heritage.

To finish things off, Patrick and Frank were very knowledgable and had great recommendations. They were also very friendly and without the attitude a "guy from L.A." sometimes gets.

Great place. Can't wait to go back.
Aug 01, 2012
Photo of jpbebeau
Reviewed by jpbebeau from Washington

4.94/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I live in Seattle, but I'm from northern Wisconsin originally, so when I flew into MSP and hopped in my rental car, I already had plans to stop at Heritage Liquor (thanks to BeerAdvocate).

Doesn't look large or like much from the outside...

My wife and 15-mo old daughter walked in with me and we were greeted kindly. After brief browsing (eyes wide) small talk ensued.

Flew in from Seattle? First time here? Here's a free Surly pint glass. (Score!)

Great suggestions, a discount with 6 individual bottles. I picked up Surly Furious, Central Waters, Bell's, Tyranena, Founders, Brooklyn.

I was asked if I was looking for anything else Surly in particular. Since I saw all the cans in the cooler already, I half-in-jest said, "Darkness." You want Darkness; what year? Um, yes, any, thanks!

Up from the cellar with a 2011 Darkness and something in a small cup...What's that...a sample of Surly Five from a keg you've got down there? Wow.

They also gave my wife a restaurant suggestion and looked up directions for us.

I cannot say enough about the service, the quality of the beer, the selection, and the prices. Walked out with it all for under $50.

Will be back every time I fly into MSP and have time and a rental car.
Jun 14, 2012
Photo of Wuitz
Reviewed by Wuitz from Minnesota

4.55/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Amazing selection. Didn't even begin to crack the iceberg. Unfortunately I was on a time constraint. I would've wanted to spend a couple of hours looking at all the selections. I am used to 1/10th of the selection and 1/2 the price. Didn't mind spending a bit more considering what I grabbed. Finally found the New Belgium Frambozen. Picked up a Rogue Santa's Private Reserve. Odell IPA. Bell's Expedition Stout. Samuel Adam's Imperial Stout and finally Weyerbacher Quad. I would definately be in trouble if I had more money and was closer to this store. Staff was very friendly over the phone giving me directions form the mall and even more personable once I got in there. Showing me the new arrivals, where there different selections were between bombers and belgians, and to watch for the red tags left from their christmas sale that were of cellar aged brews. Whenever I make it down near there again I will be sure to swing off. Very impressed.
Dec 24, 2011
Photo of niftyjon
Reviewed by niftyjon from Minnesota

4.88/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
It's a tiny place, so small that you might miss it while driving past. So small, you may wonder how it could possibly be a destination beer store.

Once you step inside, you'll quickly realize you're in the right place. You'll be greeted by people that really know their stuff, and are friendly and helpful. You won't find any pretense or elitist attitudes from anyone working there. Visit regularly and it won't take long for them to get to know you.

Outstanding bomber selection..always the freshest local beers..and a fantastic selection of singles for make-your-own-six-pack.

After my first visit, I knew I would become a regular, and now it's the only place I go for beer, wine, or liquor, as Big Ed and his crew are knowledgeable about everything they offer. They will take the time to help you out with whatever you need.

Weekly tastings...Beer Geek Christmas...and other in-store customer events are fantastic. Their cellar has many rare vintages of some of the best craft beer anywhere, and they give some away in prize drawings, and if they've got a lot of something, they'll put it on sale for the event.

These folks work hard to earn the loyalty of their customers. And they're a lot of fun.

Easily one of the top five, must-visit beer stores in the Twin Cities.
Nov 07, 2011
Photo of wrycon
Reviewed by wrycon from Minnesota

4.78/5  rDev +3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Heritage is at least a once-a-week stop for me. It's on my way home from work, which makes stopping in wicked easy (though my wife accused me of modifying my route home, so that I end up driving past it - I won't say she's wrong).

Walking in goes like this, every time.

"Hey"

"Hey"

Then they let you take your time and peruse. At the perfect moment they graciously ask if you're looking for anything in particular or need any help, as they know most everyone is either overwhelmed by their massive craft selection or hunting for something specific.

They immediately drop what they're doing to answer any and all questions (however inane) and direct you toward something they think you might appreciate.

No airs are put on, no judgment is passed... Just a bunch of really cool guys (and some girls) who know their stuff and love beer.

The first time I walked out of there I knew I'd be back. There's customer service and then there's Heritage.
Oct 28, 2011
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Reviewed by laymansbeerfan from Minnesota

4.58/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I've been here a few times, and each time I go I'm impressed with what they have. As of late, they have a BOTW (bomber of the week) and it's usually one brewer or beer in which the bombers are 20% off that week. There is usually a tasting of that brewer/beer on Thursday from 5-7 too. Pretty cool idea!
Service here is phenomenal, ask any employee about a certain style/beer you are thinking about trying and they'll either give you their opinion or get one from another employee if they haven't tried it yet. The prices are in line with the Twin Cities, so it's definitely reasonable to shop here.
Oct 05, 2011
Photo of skipanoka2
Reviewed by skipanoka2 from Minnesota

4.78/5  rDev +3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Heritage is my go-to beer store and I normally make a walkthrough about once a week. My frst question is always "what's new?" and the staff is great at pointing out the new arrivals and giving me a thumbs up or down on anything I have questions about.
I've found that prices are a little higher than some other places, but that is more than made up for by the knowledgeable staff and the selection. For fresh Surly, there's nowhere nearby that compares.
Lastly, what's more fun than Beer Geek Christmas?

Overall, I give Heritage two thumbs up.
Oct 03, 2011
Photo of Tballz420
Reviewed by Tballz420 from Minnesota

4.01/5  rDev -13.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Kind of a small store, but about half of the shelf space is dedicated to beer, so that's good. The cooler is average sized for a small store, and doesn't have anything too wild.

The main draw is the very large single bottle selection. There is a large mix a six shelf with 12 oz bottles, and a couple of large shelves with bombers, 500s and other large bottles.

You can definitely find what you want here, and the prices are good, maybe just a bit higher than some of the cheaper stores.

I wouldn't say this is in my top 5 stores in the metro area, but it is good and I might go back out there some time.
Sep 25, 2011
Photo of Ungertaker
Reviewed by Ungertaker from Minnesota

4.94/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I am probably just echoing what everyone else has said about Heritage, but here I go, anyway.

Ed has built Heritage Liquor into one of the best establishments for beer that I have ever seen. The store has changed considerably since the first time I went in there (four years ago) looking for the commemorative bottles of Fat Tire; in turn, so has my taste in beer.

The selection of single-bottles is unrivaled (at least in anyplace I have seen). They always seem to receive a large volume of hard-to-find product. Also, Ed cellars a lot of what he does receive and tends to pull some goodies out at random, unannounced, thereby rewarding those who frequent the store (or just so happen to be passing through at the right time). Beer Geek Christmas (Every December, check the store for the date) is just plain awesome, plenty of goodies come out of the cellar throughout the night and the samples are flowing like mad in the basement.

They also have tastings pretty much every Thursday. The offerings at the tastings vary greatly from week to week.

The prices are always fair. Mark-up is said to be the same on every beer in the store (which I have seen no reason to question). Even most cellared beer (when brought to the shelf) is the same price as it was upon arrival (or the same as its current counterpart).

It is an understatement to say Heritage is worth the trip to Maplewood, whether you live in Hudson, WI or Eden Prairie, MN.
Sep 04, 2011
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Reviewed by TheDudeRules from Minnesota

4.88/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Certainly a hole in the wall, but they themselves will tell you that up front. Selection is bar none. They have it, had it, or are getting it. Ed and Frank are exceptionally knowledgeable. I can't tell you how many times I've walked in and just ball parked an idea of what I'm wanting and they have paired me up with some damn nice beers. Shooting the proverbial shit over beer and all kinds of it is welcomed here.

My first experience there was what cemented my opinion. I came in wearing some Surly clothing. Ed and I began talking. He was telling me stories of Darkness Day. Surly 4 was brought up and I had mentioned that I wanted to try it but I missed out on buying any. He asked if I wanted one. Of course I said sure. He went into his cellar and sold me one. Class act. Made my month hands down.

A can't miss.
Sep 04, 2011
Photo of TIMMYJ21
Reviewed by TIMMYJ21 from Minnesota

4.88/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This is my go to place on my way home from work, it's not far off 35E for easy getting to, great beer selection, singles and tons of stuff in the cooler, Surly, Odell,CW, Etc... they also seem to get new releases before most bottle shops. Always greeted when walking in the door, can get a bit busy, so questions can take a bit longer to get answer sometimes, all the staff is very knowledgeable. If your in the area make sure to stop here,might get lucky and enjoy one of there tastings they have throughout the week. never had a bad experience here,ever!
May 27, 2011
Photo of IshDish
Reviewed by IshDish from Minnesota

4.64/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Finally, after reading multiple reviews of Heritage Liquor, I have made it to said destination. From the street the store doesn’t look promising at all, but as soon as you enter…things change entirely. Heritage Liquor is extremely beer focused, with practically every square inch of store space taken up by shelves and stacks of beer. To this date, it has to be one of my favorite selections of singles (domestic and international). Most importantly, the two individuals running the place could quite possibly be the most knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and friendly people I have ever met when it comes to anything beer related. The only downsides for me were travel time and pricing on a few of the domestic offerings. Otherwise, I can’t say enough great things about Heritage Liquor and its owners!
May 23, 2011
Photo of KarlHungus
Reviewed by KarlHungus from Minnesota

4.65/5  rDev +0.2%
Heritage Liquor is a great place to buy beer. The selection is one of the best in the Twin Cities area. The have a lot of American craft singles and bombers. Their import selection is larger than it is at most good liquor stores with a lot of unique/obscure Belgian beers. Their make your own six pack selection is one of the largest I've ever seen. Service was great. The guys there really know there stuff. Prices are on par with other stores in the area. I would highly recommend shopping here to any beer lover looking for something tasty.
Feb 14, 2011
Photo of PailsOfAle
Reviewed by PailsOfAle from Minnesota

5/5  rDev +7.8%
Stopped by this place today when driving through town to see if it was as cracked up as I heard it to be. From the onset the place looked a bit questionable from the outside but once I entered everything changed. The total square footage was small but it was all packed with quality brews both domestic and imported that I couldn't find anywhere else. The employee on hand was extremely friendly and went through my wish list and pointed out where everything was. If they didn't have it (which was rare) he even told me of other places where they might carry the brand. I ended up spending much more there than I planned but it was definitely worth it, who knows when I'll find myself in such a paradise again. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by, you won't regret it.
Feb 08, 2011
Photo of MilwaukeeCrusher
Reviewed by MilwaukeeCrusher from Wisconsin

5/5  rDev +7.8%
This is the place I immediately want to go in the Twin Cities. On visit it was obvious the passion worker (maybe owner?) had about beer. Singles of everything you would want to try, some in coolers and some on floor. If you want unchilled beer, they will go get it for you out of their stock. Even dug around in back (don't know how often it happens) and pulled out a bottle of Surly I was looking for after mentioning of my travels and passion for beer (and the presentation of a want list). Thanks for the people at the St Paul Beer Fest that told me about this place. Perfect scores across the board.
Jan 13, 2011
Photo of Krampus666
Reviewed by Krampus666 from Minnesota

3.5/5  rDev -24.6%
Located in an older part of Maplewood, this is a nice little beer store with an above average selection of craft and specialty products. Their selection is more substantial than that of the Four Firkins but not as much as Dennis Brothers or Blue Max. Pricing across the board was reasonable and I did notice a discount on singles which is similar to the aformentioned stores.

I heard about their Xmas tasting but my timing was late - perhaps next year? Met the owner who is a pleasant fellow. The other product lines (spirits and wine) are fairly atypical.
Jan 08, 2011
Photo of kbutler1
Reviewed by kbutler1 from Minnesota

4.65/5  rDev +0.2%
Stopped in on 12/9/10 for their Beer Geek Christmas. Greeted and helped right away by an employee and even offered some nice samples of Bell's Batch 10,000 and Tyranena Double Down and Dirty (score!). The store has a wide variety of beers with most styles represented. They even had some Surly beers that I have not seen in a while including Abrasive and Wet. Ed introduced himself and we chatted a while about upcoming releases. I was very satisfied with my visit and will be back in the future! The only downside is that it is a little far away from me.
Dec 09, 2010
Photo of hardy008
Reviewed by hardy008 from Minnesota

4.15/5  rDev -10.6%
A much smaller store than I expected. When I walked in, I saw a nice selection of beers, arranged by brewery. They did not have as large a selection as i hoped, but had a lot of good stuff for a small sized store.

The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and asked if I needed any help, which I always appreciate. I really did not need help, because they did a really nice job of arranging the beers. I could tell pretty quickly what was available, and was able to make my purchases quickly.

I don't normally go to the east side of the Twin Cities, unless I am going to Hudson for a beer run. I stopped in because I was in the area anyways, and will stop in again if I am nearby. A good store with a nice selection, but a little pricey on some items. Very reasonable on others. If you are in the St. Paul suburbs, be sure to check this store out.
Oct 10, 2010
Photo of doctormo
Reviewed by doctormo from Minnesota

4.3/5  rDev -7.3%
I have been visiting Heritage for a while now and it is becoming my go-to place. They have a good selection and seem to obtain all new styles when they are available.

The store is small and unassuming from the road. Inside, they are careful to not be all things to all people and do not carry every wine, beer, or spirit. They are heavy into craft beer and seem to carry the best of each brand.

Most the stores in the metro area try to carry all things which dilutes the selection. Heritage focuses on craft beer so the selection is better than most for the beers that I like.
Sep 12, 2010
Photo of blackie
Reviewed by blackie from Oregon

4.65/5  rDev +0.2%
the place looks very modest from the outside, just like any other corner liquor store

selection was huge with tons of singles and a shelf packed with bombers and 750s, all arranged by brewery, lots of for but certainly not limited to the Midwest, with imports separated from domestics, pretty pointless to go on about the selection here - just know that it's top notch, Surly cans of course, Brau Brothers, Lift Bridge, Flat Earth, a big range of the Boulevard Smokestack 750s, it just goes on...boo for weight limits and checked bag fees

the gent working the store was exceedingly friendly and knowledgeable about the product, and chatted us up about some of the upcoming events in-store, Surly tours, and general beer advice for the area...just wish I'd be around to take advantage, as it sounds like they do some pretty cool stuff
Aug 28, 2010
Heritage Liquor in Maplewood, MN
Place rating: 4.64 out of 5 with 71 ratings