Wine Legend

RonfromJersey

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +12.7%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4

As the name implies, wine is the focus, but the back wall and one aisle are dedicated to beer. The selection is mostly the usual suspects of imports and micros available in NJ, but sometimes you find that one seasonal you can't find anywhere else (my last visit: Troegs Sunshine Pils, which I hadn't seen elsewhere). Store is big, roomy, clean. Upscale small deli counter in front. And they finally got rid of the old six packs of Independence that were hanging out.

09-21-2002 21:24:01 | More by RonfromJersey

dsa7783

New Jersey

3.35/5  rDev -5.6%
quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | $$

A huge store with a great selection of beers... There is a wide variety of singles offered here... everything from Wychwood to famous German names... They have a great German selection... Copped a four-pack of Ayinger Brau Weisse here, which is pretty hard to find in my area... Got a nice selection of seasonals too including a large number of pumpkin ales which I was happy about... Have to double-check some brews here though, because I have found some offerings to be expired, but nonetheless I like this place even though the service is basically non-existent, with the owners looking at you like a side-dish they didn't order if you ask them about a particular brew... you basically have to fend for yourself here, but the prices are pretty reasonable and the selection is great, so this place is definitely recommended...

12-16-2007 21:13:00 | More by dsa7783

maddogruss

New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev +4.2%
quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | $$

The quality of the beer was pretty good. A local microbrewery had all three of it's bottled beers here along with some Brooklyn beers. Since it is predominantly a wine store, the beer was hidden in the back. The service there was typical of a liquor store: go get what you want, we'll wait for you at the front. The beer selection that was offerred there was pretty good; a bunch of different six packs ranging from your "average" beers to your more "premium" beers, like Dogfish. I was hoping there would be more individual bottles sold but that was not the case. Overall, pretty good place and I will definitely be returning there.

11-26-2006 20:34:08 | More by maddogruss

Dantes

New Jersey

3.15/5  rDev -11.3%
quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5

This is one of my "regular" stops for both beer and wine. I've been coming here since it opened (As Madison Liquors), and went to the store in Madison before that (and still do on occasion). Unlike many other BA's (it seems) I generally have to frequent several places to maintain the cellar, as no one store is "definitive." (Note: I have yet to try Half-Time, Oak Tree, or the Somerville SuperSaver). Also, to clear up some things, this store is affiliated with, but no longer owned by the owner of the other Gary's.

At one time this place had an excellent selection of British ales (the only place I could regularly get the Fuller's Vintage Ale), Belgians, and American micros. Over time, the British selections have been decimated, and the American micro selection is average. For some reason, the Belgian section remains fairly strong. As mentioned, this place does have the capability to surprise you. Recent finds include: several vintages of JW Lees, Ramstein Winter Wheat, Allagash Tripel Reserve, and Orkney Skullsplitter. Prices tend to be higher than my other regular haunts; Shop-Rite, Bottle King, and Total Wines. At one time, they would look into special-ordering, but no longer seem as cooperative.

There is one long aisle of beers: with singles, 4-packs and 6-packs on the left; and cases along the right. About 2/3 of the back cooler-wall is beer, with one panel devoted to a weak selection of singles and large bottles.

The rest of the large store is devoted to wine, liquor, accessories, and a small gourmet department (olive oil, nice cheese selection, crackers, etc.). Despite the size, the wine selection is only average, and a bit over-priced. Even when Gary was there, I often had difficulty finding what I wanted.

Overall, slightly above average, but showing signs of decline.

03-26-2003 14:32:46 | More by Dantes