El Cerrito Liquor & Market

jbuddle

New York

4.94/5  rDev +1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

Visited on a trip to Palm Desert, which is about 1.5 hours away and well worth it. One of the best selections I have seen and I've been to the big stores in SF, SD, and where I live in NYC. This is truly a gem. Looks like an ordinary liquor store from the outside but I was greeted very quickly by the owner Jazz who noticed I obviously had not been in the store before. He was super friendly and had extensive knowledge of many styles, and he's obviously a beer geek. He apologized for not having any Pliny in stock but did mention it would be in the next day. Thankfully the shelves are packed full of rarities and vintages you wouldnt expect. Tons of RR, 3F, Port, Bruery, other BA stouts and barleywines and the more usual Cali beers. Good selection of sours. Also check out his personal stash of rarities in the case - I saw some cantillons, older KBS, KtG, Bruery one-offs, etc. After I racked up a big bill and trying to figure out how I would it all home, I was offered two rare Bruery beers. My only regret is only buying one of them!

Awesome store and service, definitely make the trek if you can.

12-22-2011 22:48:19 | More by jbuddle

DrewShalvoy

California

5/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

Have to agree with most other reviews in that this is the most unassuming place you would ever hope to visit. I lived in Corona for a year before I actually stopped there. The beer selection is great , but the reason I keep going back there is Jazz. The other staff there is friendly, but not nearly as versed as Jazz. I'm lucky to live so close to such a gem.

05-19-2013 19:13:49 | More by DrewShalvoy

Thirsty_Rob

California

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

The first time going to this shop you may start thinking, "Where am I going?", or saying aloud as you stand outside that this place couldn't possible have the greatest beer selection around. Well, you'll be wrong.

El Cerrito Liquor has a wide variety of craft beer and spirits. I can classify the prices as both reasonable and often times lower than the competition. On top of that, the owner, Jazz knows way more about craft beer and spirits than you and will continue to make your jaw hit the floor when he brings up the last beer he has had or the last trade he made or when talking about what beers are in his cellar. The man is a true legend in the craft beer community, and rightfully so. He's humble, willing and able to answer any questions you may have, when many other shop owners are either only humble or unable to answer questions.

On a personal level, he has helped me grow as a craft beer drinker and pushed me to expand my palate. He continues to be on the cutting edge of craft by bringing new beers from small breweries as well as rare beers from established breweries.

Whether you are from the area or not, I definitely recommend stopping by the shop to meet Jazz, having a chat with him and buying some awesome beers. You won't be disappointed!

05-07-2013 23:50:35 | More by Thirsty_Rob

Falcon91Wolvrn03

California

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

I was recently in Los Angeles and decided to visit the top rated liquor stores there to see if I could find anything I couldn't get in Northern California. El Cerrito Liquor & Market didn't disappoint.

What made this place stand out for me was the number of top rated beers they had available for sale. I hit the jackpot here. I picked up:

The Bruery White Chocolate & Malange No 3
Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Brut
Logsdon Peche 'n Brett
Evil Twin Aun Mas A Jesus (my new all time favorite stout)

When the owner realized I was really into craft beer, he showed me the collection he kept behind the counter. While this was his "personal" collection that "wasn't for sale", it was one of the most amazing selections of great beer in one place that I've ever seen. He even was kind enough to sell me a "Mother of all Storms" berleywine! How can I rate this place anything less than 5?

I highly recommended this store as the best place to buy beer in the Los Angeles area.

03-02-2013 18:44:47 | More by Falcon91Wolvrn03

4kbrianb

California

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

I pass by the exit for El Cerrito literally every day during the week. I typically buy bottles in Riverside by my work, but on a whim I stopped by based on what everyone has said on here.

No I know why everyone always says such good things about the place. Jazz was the man, and cruised over and gave me hints and tips and his opinion on close to 20 difference beers while I checked out the selection for 30 minutes. I picked a good time, because they were getting a nice sized shipment of many different options (hint hint: Elder if you want it). I walked away with 3 bottles, but only because I had to limit myself. I could've walked away with 2 dozen if I had enough cash on me.... I am partially glad I didn't!

The selection was awesome, the pricing was fair, and the assistance was just about second to none! I loved the good selection of Fantome and Cantillon! which is close to unheard of in Southern California. He stocks lots of nice mid west, and east coast beers. I could have stayed and kicked it for an hour or more just talking about what he is getting in soon, or what he prefers to drink.

I am a sour/saison/wild ale guy myself, and there is a great selection there which I love. I also like that the entire beer selection is as far from the front door as possible, no light and no temperature fluctuations. needless to say I think this might just be my go to spot from now on. I can't believe it took me this damn long to check them out! it makes the commute home from work a lot easier!

02-21-2013 21:43:12 | More by 4kbrianb

smac1094

Rhode Island

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

I was in the LA area a couple of weeks ago, and when I was looking for a place to pick up a beer found the El Cerrito Market was only about ten minutes away. After visiting, I would drive an hour or more if I was anywhere in the area. When you pull up you'll think, "This is it?", but wait until you walk back to the beer aisle. They have an awesome selection, with a huge rack of Belgian's. They keep the IPA's cold as they should be. Jazz was really helpful with some local suggestions, such as Sculpin and Knee Deep IPA's. This is a place that you can't miss. Huge selection, and Jazz is the best.

11-01-2012 16:35:17 | More by smac1094

WillCarrera

Illinois

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

Visited here a few weeks ago.

Great friendly service, Jazz is really helpful and knowledgable about his beers.

The selection here is really top-notch, lots of difficult to find stuff within a pretty broad selection overall. Lots of limited releases from the Bruery and Lost Abbey as well as stuff from Midnight Sun, the selection of Belgian beers is also awesome, including Cantillon, De Cam, Fantome and Tilquin.

Prices are very reasonable, I saw some "rare" stuff on the shelf and it was priced pretty much exactly where it should have been.

This is a definite stop for beer in the LA area.

07-25-2012 00:35:15 | More by WillCarrera

Lane1

California

4.94/5  rDev +1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

I've been here a handful of times since it is about an hour of my house. A first glance, people would just drive by because it doesn't look like much at all. You really have to go inside to see for yourself. The selection of beer that I have picked up from this place is nothing short of amazing. Cantillon, HotD, rare Stone releases, Lost Abbey goods, Alpine, etc. On top of the top of the line selection, Jazz, the owner, is a great guy. Very knowledgable, easy to talk to, and willing to help a fellow beer drinker out. Jazz also is good about updating customers with what they are getting via Facebook. Overall I'd consider this place the best craft beer spot I shop at.

06-20-2012 01:06:39 | More by Lane1

CEDAMA

California

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

Wanna start by saying that this liquor store is amazing!!!! when i first walked in i was amaze of the selection. If you are a beer geek come to el cerrito market & liquor.el cerrito prices are reasonable and they carry alot of hard to get craft beers. it is worth the drive. i was told about cerrito's by my friend JOSE. Jazz is very cool and he knows his beer. the service is very good and the store is clean. not hard to find at all.make sure you take your time when you choose your beer theres alot to look at.CHEERS

05-02-2012 03:55:51 | More by CEDAMA

fartmaster

California

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

Go here!!!
if you live near Corona or in Corona and havent been here your missing out.
So much good beer....the owner Jazz is the man!!! Got some really cool stuff and the price its supposed to be at. No overcharging, no shady business. Top Notch!

its very decieving because outside there are only macro beer signs, but the plethora of craft beer kept at the right tempature is a hidden treasure within. best place ive ever been to. If you have any questions you can call him or message him on facebook. do yourself a favor go! stop wasting time go! you 'll be happy you did yourself that favor

05-01-2012 04:33:40 | More by fartmaster