Apple Valley Liquor Store #3

garymuchow

Minnesota

3.9/5  rDev -7.6%
quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$

Very clean and large store. Inviting presentation.
Solid collection of everyday craft beers (mostly in the refrigerator section on the back wall) and as noted before, a whole wall of mostly single bottles with strong emphasis on European imports. Plenty of Belgians and strong beers to select from.
I thought prices were about typical for the metro area. Not sure the personnel working have much info or much to offer - they made no effort to ask or check in - but they were friendly, and I like non-intrusive, especially if there isn't anything to offer.

06-15-2010 21:40:09 | More by garymuchow

beeeeeer

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +18.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

This is one of the best beer stores in the state. You gotta check it out. They have a huge selection of micros/imports and more Belgium beers than Surdyks and Blue Max combined. Far better prices too, Odell’s Woodcut is almost $10 cheaper here! It’s an awesome new and inviting store. However, I wasn’t digging the smooth jazz playing. I asked Greg the beer guy a few questions and he was more than happy to help and point out a few of his new favorites. This is a gigantic store, they have more beer, wine, and booze than I have ever seen in the state of MN.

07-25-2011 16:20:46 | More by beeeeeer

laymansbeerfan

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | $$

This place has a lot of choices, and great service. Other posters have it nailed down. Ask if you can't find anything and they can look into the inventory for the other two Apple Valley stores...

I really enjoy the non-refrigerated section along the north wall, as they have bombers and 4/6 packs of nice craft brews. Also, you can build your own (BYO) 6 packs too. Seasonal brews abound and they have some glassware as well. They also have some of the newer brewers to the state (Brooklyn, Alaska).

06-22-2011 18:12:23 | More by laymansbeerfan

mellowmark

Minnesota

4.14/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Great selection, good service, friendly staff. AV3 is a huge store with an enormous wine and beer selection. Large refrigerated beer section on the back wall with another large non-refrigerated section on the right wall. There is also a "beer cave" filled with cased macros, haven't spent more than 10 seconds in there to be honest.

It's easy to find what I'm looking for for the most part with large organized aisles. The friendly staff are not shy to look in their inventory for beers you can't find. I was told assistant manager Steve will listen to suggestions from customers and acquire said new inventory upon request. We'll see.

Rochefort, Surly, Chimay, Southern Tier, St. Bernardus, Great Waters, Huyghe, Ommegang, Unibroue, and much more. Reasonable prices all around.

Update: I've bought a few beers lately that were past their prime. The non-refrigerated section is pretty hit and miss, which is sad because that's where they keep most of their rarer beers. Many of the non-refrigerated beers are in direct light. Shame.

10-14-2010 21:41:39 | More by mellowmark

plumcrazyfx

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $

Updating my review 12/23/11 - The selection is better than average. Only 5 miles from the Blue Max, if you're going there you should stop by here. Rochefort, Unibroue, Surly, Boulevard, Central Waters, and many more. There are better stores - Heritage, Blue Max, Lyndale Liq. etc. But beats most chains in price and selection. Big selection of imports. I used to think this place was the greatest, was able to get a lot of the limited stuff here but since the demand has risen they don't seem to get a lot of the really hard to get stuff like they use to. Still a great shop and a good place to go to if you need something for yourself and a wine for the wife - they have a nice wine selection.

08-28-2010 13:14:11 | More by plumcrazyfx

jera1350

Minnesota

3.9/5  rDev -7.6%
quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$

Newest beer store in the area. Just opened up within the last year. As expected, very clean, neat and well organized. One whole long wall of refrigerated beers. There you'll find common imports and locals such as Surly, Summit, Flat Earth, Brau Bros. and Schells, but you'll also find other great crafts such as Flying Dog, Southern Tier, Founders, Victory, Avery, Unibroue and Bell's. They have a whole other wall dedicated to non-refrigerated crafts and imports. St. Bernardus, Thomas Hardy and Rochefort can all be found here. Awesome selection. One thing I noticed is that their prices are lower in most cases compared to other area stores including Blue Max. Didn't get any beer help, but the checkout lady was really friendly and helpful. Great place. I would recommend checking it out if in the area.

05-28-2009 16:03:24 | More by jera1350