Zinke's Village Market

cptnspeed1

Wisconsin

4.64/5  rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I usually only stop in the Dells on my way northwest, but when I do, I make sure to make a stop at Zinke's. The selection is great, with everything you'd expect and some things you wouldn't. Derrick is one of the most knowledgeable beer guys out there and is willing to share it without being pompous about it. The guy is truly a class act and will give it to you straight without trying to steer you towards an old sampler pack like some stores.
As expected with a place like this, the wine tends to appear to take over the place, but the ratio of craft beer to the rest of the stuff is better than a place like Woodman's or Binny's. Overall, its a great stop if its on your way, Hell its a great stop even if its a bit out of your way.

12-21-2011 21:33:27 | More by cptnspeed1

JosephThompson

New Jersey

2.94/5  rDev -31.1%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | $$

I seemed to miss the parts that makes this place so highly rated for some. I talked with the beer guy, and whilst certainly personable, there wasn't a level of being blown away with his niceness or knowledge to the level of rating the store higher.

It's a grocery market so there's not too much to be excited about. The beer is tucked away into one of the back corners. The walk-in is definitely nice and there are some interesting selections to choose from.

My trip was made since I found a 3F Behemoth but was still a bit disappointed with the overall selection. Bottom line, if you're in the Dells then you should stop in. If you're driving 94 and happen to stop in the Dells for a break or food, stop in. But there doesn't need to be a special stop planned.

09-09-2012 15:22:46 | More by JosephThompson

zimm421

Ohio

4.14/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Stopped in here while on vacation in the Dells. I was looking mainly for some New Glarus since I'm from out-of-state, but ran across so much more I wished I had the budget to buy.

At first, the beer selection looks very small and overpowered by the wine and liquor. However, I then noticed the walk-in cooler that customers are given access to, and was blown away. they had everything I was looking for, and more. I was hoping to not have to make choices, but I had to.

The only negative I have with regard to Zinke's is the lack of ability to buy singles. I really wanted to grab two of every New Glarus available, but was unable to do so. To get everything I wanted, I would have been forced to buy many, many six packs, so I had to pick what I wanted most.

Still, a great place for local brews as well as other things you may be looking for. Definitely a recommended stop if you're in the Dells for a day or two.

09-04-2011 02:43:25 | More by zimm421

DavidEddie

Illinois

4.58/5  rDev +7.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Zinke's village market is a must stop Wisconsin Dell's destination. It's easy to find with plenty of signage to help you get there. This village market is a nice local grocery store with a full size liquor department. The selection was great in there well stocked walk in cooler. Plenty of the usual Wisconsin brews as mentioned in other reviews. Pricing was very reasonable. If Derrick is available, be sure to ask for him. He's extremely helpful and great to chat with.

If your in the area or plan on going out of your way, you will not be disappointed.

Highly recommended!

08-31-2011 16:02:50 | More by DavidEddie

CourtneyBlows

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +11.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $

Just got back for a weekend in the Dells and looked this place up on BA before going. Loved this place and Derrick was incredibly friendly and helpful (thanks again for helping me out with some rare stuff and facilitating my beer babble). Selection was exceptional with Wisconsin brewers (New Glarus, Central Waters, Tyranena, etc.) and also contained several seasonal items from FFF, Founders, Bruery, Nebraska, etc. Will definitely go back whenever I'm in the Dells. A few beers of mention...

- Founders Blushing Monk and Devil Dancer
- Several Tyranena Brewers Gone Wild variants
- New Glarus Raspberry Tart, Belgian Red, Unplugged Cran-bic, Unplugged IIPA, Unplugged Abt, Unplugged Imperial Weizen
- FFF Dreadnaught, Behemoth
- Bruery Cuir
- Nebraska Black Betty Reserve
- Centrals Waters coffee stout, BA barleywine, BA imperial stout, BA cherry stout, Peruvian Morning, Illumination IPA

07-25-2011 21:14:18 | More by CourtneyBlows

rmackichan1

Illinois

4.66/5  rDev +9.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I was on a beer hunt while in the dells for New Glarus beers. They can actually be found in most gas stations and stores through out WI. However the prices range widely from one part of Wisconsin to another. Tourist towns tend to be a little pricier than regular towns. When I walked into Zinke's , they have a walk in beer fridge and they have quite a complete selection . Three floyds alpha king, new glarus regular beers and some unplugged items that will make you sing they are so good . I didn't have to drive to new glarus because I found some treasured beer there that the brewery was out of. And their prices are about a buck cheaper / six pack than many places in town. I found beers that we cannot get in champaign Illinois. Needless to say I did some retail therapy
The store staff was friendly , it's clean and well stocked with food products as well. I bought only beer though. I seriously believe they had the best beer selection in the dells at a reasonable price .

04-04-2011 02:27:47 | More by rmackichan1

Dhren1979

Illinois

4.01/5  rDev -6.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

Headed up to Wisconsin Dells for a weekend of relaxation and some alone time with my girlfriend...oh and also to get some local Wisconsin brews that I cannot get down in IL! Jumped on BA to see if there were any local bottle shops that have been reviewed for this location and saw that Zinke's Village Market got some nice reviews.

Those just passing though get off at Exit 87 from I94 and head East on state route 13 (Stand Rock Road) which turns into Frontage Rd. Go up a hill and you'll cross a damn and go under a set of train tracks. Once you do that you will be in downtown Wisconsin Dells where you'll see plenty of restaurants, bars and other shops. Make a right onto Superior Street and go a block or so until you reach Washington St. Zinke's Village Market will be on your left.

Drove up to the place, which is very conveniently located in the downtown area of Wisconsin Dells. It's not just a liquor store but a small neighborhood grocery store, so it's nice if you area staying a few days and this can be a good place to get some nice snacks to go with your beer that you pick up. Walked through the west end of the store and noticed that the beer/wine/liquor was at the east side of the store. Made beeline to the goods. Once there I noticed that there is a huge (15x15 ft ??) walk in cooler which all of the craft brews along with the BMC's brews were located. I would say that the 33%-40% of the space in the cooler was dedicated to craft breweries. Once in, I saw a good selection of FFF's (Behemoth, Gumball Head, Rabbid Rabbit, & Robert the Bruce to name a few), plenty of Founders, Bells, Goose Island, Central Waters (great Wisconsin local) and of course New Glarus (another great Wisconsin favorite). I picked up Coffee Stout and a couple 750 ml's by New Glarus. I also picked up 3 4-packs of Central Waters...more specifically the newly released Illumination (IIPA), Peruvian Morning (IS) & Brewer's Release Bourbon Barrel Stout (IS). Prices were reasonable and what I expected to pay. FFF bombers were about $10, Gumball Head $11 for a 6'er, $7-$10 for the Central Waters 4-packs (depending on if "Brewer's Release series").

Overall, I was very pleased with the selection and I would advise you stop in an treat yourself to some nice local craft brew. You will not be sorry!

Cheers!
Doug

PS. A BA member's family, Derek (DP34), owns the joint so send him a beermail and let him know you will be stopping in. I didn't get a chance to meet him this time around but will plan things better next time...at the very least say hello.

04-01-2011 03:45:43 | More by Dhren1979

herman77

Minnesota

4.58/5  rDev +7.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Heard about this place here on BA. Read the previous two reviews, so I beer mailed Derek (DP34) about their selection/current offerings, etc. and he emailed me right back with all the info. I was very surprised when he said they had Bitches Brew.

Its the only grocery store in Wisconsin Dells and Derek's family actually owns it. The grocery store had a nice small town/ family owned feel, didn't look around much or buy any food, but they have a good selection of wine and spirits. When you get there, ask for Derek and see if he has anything special. He did hook me up with two Central Waters shaker glasses. Zinke's has plenty of Three Floyds bombers, New Glarus, Central Waters, Goose Island and they still had Hopslam, Batch 1000 and one six pack of Bells 25th anniversary that I snatched up.

If you go to Moosejaw Pizza and Brewing, the Killbourn Hop Ale is brewed with hops from Derek's relatives hop farm.

03-14-2011 02:58:49 | More by herman77

dougofthefuture

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +17.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I was recently searching for the Central Waters seasonals somewhere between Hudson and Madison on I-94. I put out a request for help on BA, and a few people pointed me to the beer guy for this place, BA DP34 (Derrick). He got back right away and let me know their selection, also offering to set some stuff aside for me.

I have been through this stretch of WI before, and thought that it was all craft beer wasteland. This place appears to be a giant exception to that. Selection is obviously relative, but where they lacked in having EVERY beer they make it up by having beers that will be long gone in the larger stores. Batch 10,000, hopslam mini kegs, tons of 3 Floyd's, including Behemoth, and plenty of the Central Waters seasonals that I came for.

I was only in for a few minutes, but enjoyed talking to Derrick and the distributor for Central Waters, who recommended a great Scotch ale from Lake Louie. I'll definitely be back!

03-06-2011 23:35:08 | More by dougofthefuture

DonDonson

Wisconsin

4.7/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

Based on a recommendation I stopped in to look for some beers that are already sold out in the Milwaukee area. Upon my arrival to the cooler low and behold I see Batch 10,000, Hopslam 6 packs and barrel, plenty of Three Floyds (Behemoth, Rabbide Rabbit, Arctic Panzer Wolf, among others). I was also happy to see the Wisconsin beers well represented from New Glarus to Tyranena, Central Waters, Lake Louie, and Rush River.

Many thanks goes to DP34, who works at Zinkes, he helped me out, in fact set aside beers for me just in case any sold out. I am planning on heading to the Dells are again in September and will definitely stop in hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

When in the area this is a must stop in my opinion.

Update:
10/03/11
After e-mailing DP34 I was able to obtain a 6 pack of Oracle, which was very much appreciated. Again the beer choices and service are great. Must visit when in the area.

03-02-2011 04:40:52 | More by DonDonson