California Heights Market

albertq17

California

5/5  rDev +11.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

Stopped by to see if they had any Stone IRS. When I walked in I was immediately greeted, and as I was roaming through the well stocked selection of beer, Raza approached me and we talked for a while before I asked him for the Stone IRS. He said he hadn't received the shipment yet but quickly got on the phone with his distributor and told me he would have it in the next day. The following day, as soon as I stepped through door Raza said "Albert they are right over here".

I think the only thing higher than the beer he stocks on Raza's priority list is the service he yields to his customers. He even helped me with my box of beer to my car. A must stop for the craft beer lover.

06-06-2011 22:22:37 | More by albertq17

KMDouds

California

4.43/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I had been told about this local gem for approximately a year prior to doing anything more than a drive by. Finally walked through the doors in February as part of a 'research effort' to stock an offering for a neighborhood beer club- was pleasantly shocked by the range of brews that Raj has assembled.

While I didn't expect a small neighborhood market to compete with either the inventory or prices of say a Bev Mo or Total Wine, this one is plenty competitive. And as some have aptly pointed out, with the price of gas what it is, the distance to either of these larger retailers makes Cal Heights Market an even better deal- besides I'm supporting the immediately local economy!

I'm a bit conflicted about writing anything that would unduly
contribute to a run on this small local market (i.e., it's beer inventory), but mostly want for the success of the place that it might persist... altruism is never totally unselfish. Bravo to Raj, may your enterprise- the California Heights Market thrive!

05-15-2011 03:02:40 | More by KMDouds

jmgrub

California

4.64/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Hit this spot on my little Long Beach beer-buying excursion today. I hit it up right after Stearns Liquor, so it had some big shoes to fill, but it didn't disappoint. All of the CA regulars were well-represented and there were a few highlights (Marron Acidifie, Uinta Crooked Line Series, Black Betty). More than adequate for a neighborhood liquor store, I would definitely say it was worth the 25 minute drive (which is pretty short by LA standards-thanks Mothers' Day!). While the owner didn't necessarily seem like a BA, he was helpful and asked what I thought of the selection and if there were any good beers I thought he should carry. Short of being a BA themselves, it's hard to ask anything more of a store owner. Pleased that I stopped by and would come by again if in the area.

05-08-2011 23:55:33 | More by jmgrub

soze47

Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +4.4%
quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I'm really glad I checked out the directory before heading to Long Beach for New Year's weekend. My uncle and I went to this store twice. Once to stock the fridge for the weekend, the other for our Rose Bowl tailgate. I was surprised to find this place was only a few blocks from where I was staying. We were lucky. Prices were fair, selection was overwhelming, and all IPAs and short-shelf life beers held up well. The PtE and Blind Pig I got was less than three weeks old.

Quality: Great, fresh beer. It had more than I could've possibly been able to try on my trip.

Service: Very nice folks who seemed to have a great report with the neighbors and varying customers. They gladly answered questions and helped me navigate the selection.

Selection: Great amount of CA beers that I can't get on the East Coast (Russian River, Drakes, Firestone Walker). They did have very fresh selections of hard to find brews, but you have to ask the employees for certain beers kept in back.

This will be my continued shop of choice when staying in Long Beach in the future. Great, small, local shop with a selection that challenges the big stores like Whole Foods and BevMo.

01-12-2011 22:32:07 | More by soze47

drewmprs

California

3.8/5  rDev -15.6%
quality: 3.5 | service: 5 | selection: 3 | $$

Stopped by this place without knowing it had a good beer list. Everything is kept refridgerated in the back as well.

Raz is an up and coming beer manager. His selection is small but it is all quality. He is really looking to help out is customers and if there is something you want ask him, and he'll buy a case of it. I asked about some Cantillon and he called up his rep immediately and tried to order some for the next delivery. Strong selection of california beer here as well as belgian beers.

12-29-2010 22:22:45 | More by drewmprs

IKR

California

4.65/5  rDev +3.3%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $

Very reasonable prices considering this is not a large chain or huge volume stand alone store. Staff might be fairly new to craft beers in comparison to some more established stores but the staff do a good job in actually sampling their inventory. They also get their hands on new releases very quickly. Very courteous staff. I have a very short list of places I consistently go to on a regular basis. Between this store and a couple other stores I frequent I rarely find the need to go to the large chain stores.

11-04-2010 22:05:41 | More by IKR

fourplayed

California

4.3/5  rDev -4.4%
quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

A small market that appears to have once been a small 1000sq ft home that's been converted to a neighborhood mini-market.

VERY Good selection of quality beers in all sizes and shapes. I could spend and hour plus just window shopping. Beer kept in a refridgerated section as well as a shelf full of many craft brews and imports...Very nice! I'll be a regular here for awhile!

Take a moment to talk beer with these people. Best way to find out what new brews are coming in and more! Worth the time and effort. They'll do special orders or breweries they stock as well.

Prices reasonable. I've also shopped at the wine country over on Redondo where brews are not refridgerated, and are comparably priced.

Southeast corner of Bixby and Orange. Ample parking behind store on Bixby. They also specialize in cigars for those who are interested.

10-11-2010 21:33:38 | More by fourplayed

romwarrior

California

4.65/5  rDev +3.3%
quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Fairly new to the beer craft scene but happy I just found this place so close to my work. I will echo what others have said. A fairly good selection of craft brews. I believe there were three full coolers of single craft bottles, as well as at least two more of six- and 12- packs (of craft and some macro breweries). Also several shelves that are not refrigerated with even more selection. Overall a very good amount for such a small place. It is obvious the owner is really trying to focus on crafts.

Speaking of the owner, he was on the phone for the first few minutes when I walked in and as soon as he got off he apologized for being on the phone and spent the next 15 minutes or so helping me with suggestions and asking me what I liked and what I was looking for. He definitely seemed to know his stuff and was very helpful and made some good suggestions.

Overall I was very pleased. I will definitely be coming back. It's nice to find a seemingly typical corner liquor store with this kind of focus and I feel good that my money is going to someone involved in the hobby and not to a bunch of guys in expensive suits making decisions in a huge meeting room.

09-28-2010 16:48:48 | More by romwarrior

hiredgoons

Arizona

4.85/5  rDev +7.8%
quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I only recently discovered this place, and I really wish I had known about it earlier. The selection on the shelves is impressive by itself (all the California breweries you'd expect, with a decent selection of limited release bottles, and a lot of imports as well), but on top of that, the person working there (who I assume was the owner) told us he had more in the back, then offered us Pliny and Blind Pig. He also seemed very knowledgeable about their stock, and talked to us pretty much the whole time we were in the store. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area.

07-30-2010 22:58:40 | More by hiredgoons

acemathew

California

4.6/5  rDev +2.2%
quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I went in there just to see what they had to offer. I came out with a Pliny and a 2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout, these 2 were definitely a rarity. I hadn't been able to taste Pliny yet and had mentioned it to Raj and he went right to his fridge to grab me 2 from Russian River. I really enjoyed the conversation and the knowledge that Raj has about the products he sells. From wine and beer to cigars the guy knows his stuff he does his own research and relies on word of mouth(the best kind).

If you have a desire to leave your big box no personality beer and wine store please do yourself a favor and drop by. Even if you don't buy you can still make a list or ask if he can get something you haven't seen around here or something you have been dying to try. It is his store and he makes the purchases.

Nice new large fridge gives them the capacity to hold more Specialties. All of the fizzy stuff really doesn't even get exposure there I am not even sure if he sells their beers. The specialty fridge is right in front of the check out for you to drool over.

Seriously there is a REAL BEER SHOP IN LONG BEACH its called California Heights Market.

03-08-2010 17:08:50 | More by acemathew