Gilly's Craft Beer & Fine Wine

Gilly's Craft Beer & Fine WineGilly's Craft Beer & Fine Wine
Gilly's Craft Beer & Fine WineGilly's Craft Beer & Fine Wine
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

2009 Chapman Ave
Rockville, Maryland, 20852-1614
United States

(301) 770-5515 | map
gillyscbfw.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.92
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
34
pDev:
17.35%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by dexterk1:
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Reviewed by dexterk1 from Illinois

3.29/5  rDev -16.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25
Vibe is average and selection not bad. They do the best they can with limited space.
Service is pretty good. Value is bad. Overpriced for package sales.
Jan 01, 2015
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.45 by andypeters1971 from Georgia

May 17, 2019
Photo of daliandragon
Reviewed by daliandragon from Maryland

4.11/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4
The selection here is interesting and fairly well organized. The prices seemed really high, even for Montgomery County. The food looked good but I didn't try, although I did pick up a bag of chips with a mixed four pack of eclectic choices. This is a cool area of central Rockville, I could see this as a cool place to stop for a beer and a bite.
Mar 30, 2019
Photo of kjmom2014
Reviewed by kjmom2014 from Maryland

4.68/5  rDev +19.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
You won’t believe the oasis that hides inside this beer store. Amazing beer selection, you will find your new favorite. Knowledgeable staff. And please eat here- sandwiches are incredible!
Sep 29, 2018
 
Rated: 3.93 by Dirtyhands from Maryland

Apr 03, 2017
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Reviewed by Rammed96 from Maryland

3.85/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
They have a great selection of craft beers.
But, they are Super Expensive!!!!
Up to Double the cost of most places. But they have stuff you can't find else where.

Bitter sweet place.
Jul 01, 2015
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Reviewed by Inspired from Maryland

4.18/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I like Gilly's, but I can't recommend it...at least not as a bottle shop. Perhaps BA should consider adding a "Value" criteria to their rating process. You see, while Gilly's has a lot going for it, the astronomical prices of their beers (both bottles and growler fills) pretty much cause me to steer clear of the place when I'm shopping for beer.

In terms of a restaurant/pub, I have always had good experiences with the staff when I grab a bar stool and settle in for a beer and a sandwich. Speaking of which, their food, which consists mainly of sandwiches, is really good and their beer selection is about as good as you'll find in Montgomery County. As for the vibe of the place, it's kind of cozy and has a sort of "Cheers" vibe to it in the bar area at least.

So come for a pint and a sandwich, but if you're looking for a six pack to take home, you might want to look elsewhere or plan on paying a premium.
Mar 03, 2015
 
Rated: 4.4 by Kdowney1 from Maryland

Nov 20, 2014
 
Rated: 2 by Crveballin from Maryland

Oct 13, 2014
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Rated by wgassert22 from Maryland

3/5  rDev -23.5%
One of the best selections in Montgomery County, but the prices are ridiculous. The 40-50% markup comment is spot-on
Sep 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by bigred89 from Maryland

Aug 23, 2014
 
 
Rated: 4.5 by BuffaloBrewFan from Maryland

Jun 26, 2014
Photo of ArmOnFire
Reviewed by ArmOnFire from New Hampshire

4.03/5  rDev +2.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Visiting from NH for work the next day, it was a Friday and they were having a Lagunitas event. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.
It's a bottle shop, that has 16 taps, with a sub/ sandwich shop, what more could a beer geek ask for?
The only negative, is that they could probably use some more space. The small bar in the back was packed on the evening I visited, but the staff handled it very well.

I ended up enjoying a few pints while looking over the large selection of bottles on the display racks, fridge.

Sandwich was good, the beers on tap were great, I will be coming back here on future trips.
Mar 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Beer4MyBrajs from Maryland

Mar 12, 2014
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Reviewed by DCgolfpro from Maryland

2.55/5  rDev -34.9%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2.5 | service: 2 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
I want to like this place but there are too many fundamental flaws. The only reason I go is because it's across the street from Guitar Center.

Atmosphere - No complaints here. It always has customers enjoying conversation over good beer and food.

Quality - The place is clean, they have everything they can get in the county, but the customer service is horrible.

Service - I've been in the place 5 or 6 times and no one has ever greeted me. Not a smile, not eye contact, nothing. It's so bad that I feel bad for walking up to the front counter to be rung up for something.

Selection - No complaints. It's Montgomery county. They do the best they can.

Food - Only eaten there once, but it was good.

Value - Robbery. Some people say, "It's montgomery county". I've been into just about every store in the county and Gilly's is the most expensive by far.
Dec 13, 2012
Photo of Tenente
Reviewed by Tenente from Maryland

4.18/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
One of only three stores in Rockville with a real selection of brews. A lot of reviews on here mentioning how expensive their prices are...well, it is Montgomery County and they control the distribution of alcohol in the County and there is a significant mark-up on everything. If you want cheaper prices then you have to leave the County.

The selection is good, the staff is knowledgeable and they have recently added a bar with eight to ten rotating handles. They also have regular beer and wine tastings throughout the month. Their sandwiches are also really good, especially with a quality brew.

In all honesty, I don't buy a lot of beers here or anywhere in the County, but if you want convenience and a good selection then Gilly's is as good as it gets.
Aug 20, 2012
Photo of Smakawhat
Reviewed by Smakawhat from Maryland

3.86/5  rDev -1.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Situated in car culture Rockville, Gilly's sits in a strip mall sort of area. It's across the street from the guitar center, and traffic and odd street sort of make it hard to recognize or get to.

once inside the place offers a sandwich counter like atmosphere, but also a real simple selection of craft beers, and some wine. Staff are perfectly fine and can answer any questions you might have, their quite friendly.

Selection is slightly better than normal, but not by much. There is one standout here in that there are some Belgian items that I haven't seen anywhere else in the DC area.

However, the prices here are very high. With that in mind and the minimal selection compared to others I would probably head somewhere else.
Jan 16, 2012
Photo of MONKandTUCK
Reviewed by MONKandTUCK from Pennsylvania

2/5  rDev -49%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 1 | selection: 3
To save a few dollars on over priced under par beer at the hotel lobby. We went to a 6 pack shop near our hotel.

Gillys has a passable selection of the stuff other shops don't want. The prices are ASTRONOMICAL.

We were there, so we bought the beers. One of us had an off bottle, if not a bad beer. The complaint was made, but fell on deaf ears. I dunno about comping an unsatisfied customer. I don't own a business of my own and consider trying to satisfy all customers a potential pit-fall. That said, the staff had no interest in customer service or handling the matter professionally.... which I'm customary to in other shops.

With the prices they're charging, I guess Gilly's feels above respecting customers.

With Trader Joe's across the street and DFH in Gaithersburg, the only reason I can see for going to Gillys is bragging rights, but that's lost on me.

If you want good beer, go elsewhere.
If you want bragging rights, compete in an Ironman.

There's no reason to be had at this joint.
Aug 13, 2011
Photo of bum732
Reviewed by bum732 from Lesotho

4.33/5  rDev +10.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
One of the better beer stores in the god forsaken county of Montgomery here in MD. A couple coolers up front with a shelf of mostly 12oz singles. In the back is two huge shelves of 22oz and 6 packs. Domestics on one side and internationals on the other. Intermingled around the store is wine. There is also a large deli fridge near the back with chilled 6-packs and 12-packs.

Great selection overall, the best that MD can import. In particular, they have some great Belgian ales, although they are outrageously priced. This is a common theme, everything is expensive in this store. A typical 6-packs will run you about $15 average, some even more. I don't really understand some of their prices, Victory beers (from PA) are more expensive than beers from states further away.

They actually have some solid sandwiches using good artisanal ingredients. They also have a couple tables and 4 beers on tap. I love going there to have lunch, some beer and then walking around the aisles browsing. I think they had heavy seas loose cannon, Flying Dog Imperial Simcoe, Dale's pale ale and another Belgian i can't think of.

Overall, a solid place and great service, the girl behind the counter is fantastic. That said, the prices here are pretty crazy, even for DC. I'll generally hit Belby's first, then here if i can't find something there. Gilly's also has a mailing list which helps update what beers they have in stock as well as on tap.
Jun 21, 2011
Photo of instantmessinger
Reviewed by instantmessinger from District of Columbia

3.73/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
I want to love Gilly's. It's close by, they have a pretty good selection (a great selection if you're comparing them to anything else in Montgomery County), the employees are pleasant and don't pester you if you're browsing for a while, but ugh, the prices! I know this is partly due to Montgomery County, where beer and wine are generally more expensive than DC/VA/rest of MD, but I'll routinely see singles priced at least double what a comparable bottle shop in Northern VA (e.g. Norm's) charges, and bombers for $3-$5 more. They really do have some interesting selections that I don't see elsewhere - mostly unfamiliar Belgians and Eastern European stuff - so I still like to stop in from time to time.

So, if you're from outside of the DC area, I'd say this is in the second/third tier of bottle shops to hit. Don't go out of your way to get there, but if you're in the area, stop in. If they'd get their pricing a little more in line with the other craft beer centric stores in the DMV, I'd definitely shop there more often.
Jun 20, 2011
Photo of Bradthoc
Reviewed by Bradthoc from Nevada

3.9/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Just got back from picking up a sandwich and few bottles of limited supply Rodenbach and Rodenbach Vintage.

A colleague recommended this place and decided to go try it today. The place is a small deli, but the focus is definitely on the craft and unique international and hard to find brews, as well as decent size stock of worldwide and local wines.

Selection of the craft brews was average. They probably won't have everything you'd hope to find, but there is plenty available that you'll be familiar with and some you'll want to try.

Gilly's also has a rotating selection of three draft beers. I believe this selection rotates anywhere from 2-3 times a month with 1/2 pint/full pint servings ranging from $7-11 and $11 $15 respectively (while I was there today), depending on the beer.

Front end of store has a small selection of cold and ready to consume beers. Remind you, this selection is small and space is shared between sodas and juices for deli customers.

The food, from what I have had today is exceptional. The sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients on the spot and to order. A 6" is roughly $6.99 with 9" hoagies being anywhere from $9.99 to $13.

Enjoyed browsing through this place and will be visiting again.
Mar 18, 2011
Photo of captwalt
Reviewed by captwalt from Maryland

4.45/5  rDev +13.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I was very impressed by this place. I found the service to be outstanding. very friendly staff willing to talk. The mix a 6 pack is a wonderful thing and I wish more people would do this. The sipping pint while you shop is also a big bonus. They had lots of stuff that I haven't seen before. They did not have exactly what I had gone there for but there was plenty more to boggle my mind and bedazzle my palate. The price is somewhat high but reasonable. Overall this is the best beer store in this area and the sandwiches were good too.
Mar 04, 2011
Photo of glocks4interns
Reviewed by glocks4interns from Maryland

4/5  rDev +2%
I've not eaten here so I can't comment on the food. I'm pretty sure they also have been on tap for the cafe.

As far as the store goes it is alright. The craft selection is much better than most beer & wine stores but not nearly that of the top-tier stores (Perfect Pour, Chevy Chase).

It seemed to have a nice selection of Belgian and American beer but less of a selection of other beers. I found a few bottles here I was interested in but overall wasn't too impressed.

The biggest downside is price. The prices here were the same as something like Perfect Pour or Chevy Chase both of which have much greater selections. If I didn't work 10 minutes from Perfect Pour I'd be much more likely to come here.

Overall this is a fine beer store if you need to pick something up in Rockville but doesn't compare to a few other stores in the area. It is next to Urban BBQ which is amazing and a good reason to stop by (get the Soul Rolls).
May 13, 2010
Photo of biglite351
Reviewed by biglite351 from Pennsylvania

3.1/5  rDev -20.9%
The place was nice and clean. The bottles were not dusty Luke in a few other places that I have gone. The selection was good for a local shop, but I would not drive far to get there. Prices were not bad, but not near the best either. The one employee did ask me if I needed any help, but she was the only non-cook employee at th3 time so she was busy.

Bottom line is that if I was in Rockville and wanted some good beers, I would stop in. But if I was in another area I would not make a drive just for this place.
Apr 25, 2010
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Reviewed by WorldWideStout from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +14.8%
Gilly's has been in existence for over a year now, and I make sure to visit at least once a month, if not more.

I will try not to repeat too much of what has been said below, only add on, and explain if I disagree with another review.

They have a very good selection of Dogfish Head, with 120 IPA, Palo Santo, Midas Touch, and the more common ones always in stock. Seasonals and once a year brews come in as soon as possible, and thanks to the large amounts they purchase, stay around for awhile. Prices for these beers are consistent with other stores in the area.

They have a good selection of microbrews and Belgians, which are often a few dollars more expensive than you would find elsewhere in the DC metro area. They're not atrocious prices, just a little on the high side. They have some well-known and a few lesser known imports (Russian and Argentinian breweries) but not many German brews.

You can find most beers refrigerated or non-refrigerated. As stated previously, you can make your own six packs, and they will break up any four or six pack for you that already hasn't been.

Tim and Johna, the couple who own the store, are lovely people, as are their employees. They may not have tried quite as many beers as some, but they've had plenty, and are quite knowledgeable about everything that's in or been through their store. Every few months there is an "open house" of sorts with several breweries and/or wineries pouring, live music, and some good deals. Tim and Johna are constantly trying to improve their selection and the store in general.

The store is saving away cases of some beers, and plan to sell them aged. I'm sure they'll be more expensive, but it's still pretty cool that they're doing it. You can also tell how excited they are about beer and their store, which is part of why the service is so great. For those who like wine as well, the selection isn't huge, but everything they do have is good. They also have a decent selection of sake.

I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the DC area, as it's worth at least one trip to, and if you don't live too far away, a lot of them. Grab a pint when you first come in, order a sandwich, and then peruse the selection while you sip. Once your food is ready, you can sit down and talk, or watch the TV they have on. Then grab a mixed sixer or two, chat with the staff, and be on your merry way!
Dec 07, 2009
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Reviewed by Daniellobo from District of Columbia

4.3/5  rDev +9.7%
Gilly´s is an iconic reference for craft beer and fine wine in the region. After crossing them in many conversations and tracking them a bit on-line I was able to make a first quick visit.

Quite a fresh and dedicated establishment to a cultured way of drinking. Nice and reputed offer to have a beer while shopping, or actually sit down in one of the few tables, can be had with a few of the food-cheese selection that they also hold for nice pairings. The tap rotates quite a bit and I had a quick taste of the Chimay Cinq Cents.

The prices in general seemed average and above for the region and most craft beers Very nice and solid selection with some oddities. And also a nice cold range... If anything, I noticed an absence of barley wines, but I think it was probably a matter of the season and related availability more than anything else. Nice grouping of single bottles to sample instead of trying a whole six pack. Friendly staff and vibe.

Certainly a place to recommend, revisit, and keep in mind. A bit too suburban a location, but that may only apply to a few of us.... Active and savvy on social networks sites such as Facebook or twitter to help people keep updated on new arrivals, tap changes and other news (quite a nice touch).
Aug 17, 2009
Photo of Cunningham26
Reviewed by Cunningham26 from Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -8.2%
I stumbled upon this place having made a pilgrimage from Boston to go to my favorite bbq place on planet earth, Urban BBQ. a few years ago, a friend and I would go to enjoy delcious pulled pork, and then go into the quikiee mart next door to pick up some old bo to drink in foggy bottom with our hipster friends for irony. we were jerks.
but now, with craft beer, amazing bbq, and guitars within 100 yards of each other, it's like the trifecta. this place had a great selection of craft, including an immense selection of DFH. it looked like it was run by a husband and wife team, and while it didn't have all the usual suspects, it had enough that it could quench any BAs craving with something tasty.
Service was good, my girlfriend and i were just browsing but were asked if we needed any assistance, but not pushing anything, just the kind of service I love.
prices were around $2-3 more than most places, even downtown DC package shops. I'm sure Gilly's is still paying off the initial capital to get all the bottles in there, so if i lived in the neighborhood, i wouldnt mind supporting them.

Hopefully i will be back soon to enjoy some bbq, pick up a tele, and some brews next time i'm in rockville!
Jun 05, 2009
Photo of beermanWV
Reviewed by beermanWV from West Virginia

4.3/5  rDev +9.7%
Gilly's is the first beer store that I have been offered a beer while shopping. The beer was a Irish Red Ale that was made especially for Gilly's. I am pretty sure it was made by the Lancaster Brewing Co., but I cannot swear to but I am pretty sure. A very nice part of my trip to Gilly's.

I found out about Gilly's from link on the Gaithersburg Dogfish Head Ale House's website. Gilly's is not owned by Dogfish Head, but Dogfish Head was well represented with plenty of DFH at the front of the store. Even the employee was wearing a DFH t-shirt. Speaking of the employee that helped me, he was very good. He was very knowledgeable when I asked him a few questions about what was in stock. He even broke a few 6-packs for me when I was looking for some singles that were not currently stocked in the single bottle section.

Price was a little high on some things, compared to some other places in the DC area but the prices were fair. Selection is not the best as far as volume, but there were plenty of diverse selections to chose from. This might not be the place that you would go if you are looking for one specific beer from a certain brewery, but there is plenty to chose from so you are not likely to be disappointed.

Along with beer and wine, Gilly's serves sandwiches and a few other food items. I did not try the food, but I was told that nothing was frozen and that they pick up new bread every other day.

Check out Gilly's if your in the area. I won't say that Gilly's is the type of place that you should make a road trip for, but it is worth a stop if your in the area.
Apr 20, 2009
Photo of locomotive216
Reviewed by locomotive216 from Maryland

4.5/5  rDev +14.8%
I was told about this place by a friend and decided to check it out. as soon as i walked in i was asked how i was doing and if i would like a pint ( they have beer on tap as well).they had a good beer selection but not huge. they do mix a 6 and i wanted something out of the ales of scotland box and they just opened it up and let me add one bottle to the mix a 6. very friendly place and very knowledgeable. they always have tastings and other gatherings. plus there is a table to sit and enjoy your pint.
Mar 19, 2009
Photo of thekanna
Reviewed by thekanna from Maryland

4.5/5  rDev +14.8%
This is probably the best beer-shopping experience I've ever had.

Right after walking through the doors to this store, the guy at the counter asked me if I would like to try some Lancaster Brewing Co. Hop Hog IPA. He then proceeded to pour me a draft, which was so damn fresh, and inform me about the brew. No gimmicks, no catch, no talking down. Just a store owner who's clearly a beer aficionado excited about his product. I was very happy that he assumed I was equally well-informed, equally enthusiastic as he was about beer. This is what every good beer store owner should be like.

Their selection was great: a lot of craft brews in the coolers, a lot of one-off Belgians and Germans (especially heavy on the Belgians): Urthel, Trappists, etc. Their imports usually cost a lot more than their domestics, though. However, there are lots of singles so you can definitely mix-and-match and find what you need/ want to try. Needless to say, the service was quite amazing: very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Will definitely stop by here again sometime.
Feb 24, 2009
Photo of jjboesen
Reviewed by jjboesen from Maryland

4.5/5  rDev +14.8%
Having learned of the existence of Gilly's (and after signing up to their newsletter and receiving a coupon), I ventured out into the drab sprawl that is Rockville Pike to find this gem hidden among a bland strip mall, adjacent to a barbecue place.

It is a small store with a deli counter on the left, a deli that offers some very incredible array of cheese - but that is for Cheese Advocate. In addition to coolers on the right, there are also rows of shelves bearing a wide variety of bombers. In the back on the left you find additional coolers. As mentioned in previous reveiws, Gillys carries plenty of Dogfish Head; they also carry Victor, Weyerbach, Clipper City and (Yes!) most of Oskar Blues delightful canned beers: Old Chubb, Dales and Ten Fiddy.

The service was attentive and much attuned to us beer lovers. You can order and drink beers on sight. I will surely return.

There is ample parking as well as accessibility to DC's Metro - Gillys is a short walk from the Twinbrook Station. I strongly urge that all area BAs check this place out and keep them in business.
Feb 15, 2009
Photo of BinaryBeer
Reviewed by BinaryBeer from Maryland

3.8/5  rDev -3.1%
I first went to this store based on the recommendation of the DFH alehouse website, which the store deserves. They are obvious supporters of DFH, large display as soon as you walk in, and have a decent selection of the DFH beers.
Slightly disappointed by the rest of the store's selection. Do not expect to find a lot of beer variety, and I would suggest calling ahead it you are looking for a specific beer. I'd recommend this place to anyone who's looking for a close beer store and has an open palate. The service is outstanding and they always keep a beer or two on tap for tastings.
Feb 12, 2009
Photo of jamesdantes13
Reviewed by jamesdantes13 from Maryland

3.85/5  rDev -1.8%
This is one of the few craft beer stores in Montgomery County, MD. They have a decent variety of singles and packs. Although they don't have everything, they still have a good selection of some of the more widely avaliable brews (i.e. DFH, Clipper City, Stone). The staff is helpful and knowledgeable on beer and they will place orders for beers they don't have if you request. Their prices are reasonable, although a few things are overpriced; unfortunately the couple of beers that are overpriced are my favorites (Stone).

They are really big on Dogfish Head and have all their current beers. They sometimes have tasting events and have a deli inside if you want something to eat with your beer. Also, they have some glassware and wine.
Jan 16, 2009
Gilly's Craft Beer & Fine Wine in Rockville, MD
Place rating: 3.92 out of 5 with 34 ratings