Gary's Beverages

Gary's BeveragesGary's Beverages
Gary's BeveragesGary's Beverages
Store

806 US-1 BYP
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 03801
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.66
Reviews:
34
Ratings:
46
pDev:
13.66%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of TCgenny
Reviewed by TCgenny from New York

4.21/5  rDev +15%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Gary’s beverage is now called The City Tobacco and Beverage Center. I wandered into the very back and the owner came over, smiled, and checked me out. I told him I found this store via BA and he showed me the organization, selection, sections of the whole beverage area. Maine Beer company was $3 less per bottle than the stock shipped to Rochester,ny. Gotta say great experience, I found some great deals and loaded up. The register person said they were about to remodel, and the store already looked better than it did in the above picture.
Aug 03, 2021
Photo of Lone_Freighter
Reviewed by Lone_Freighter from Vermont

3.75/5  rDev +2.5%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Gary's Beverages has been in Portsmouth a long time and though they may not take care of their older "items," their vast selection if warranted by a knowledgeable beer geek can actually find a good amount of great beers in there. Just check dates. Service is mostly good. I only check it out if I'm in the area.
Jun 11, 2017
 
Rated: 3.65 by Squire from Mississippi

Jun 27, 2016
Photo of DoctorD
Reviewed by DoctorD from Maine

3.84/5  rDev +4.9%
vibe: 2 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.75
I have been shopping at Gary's for years - their main business is cigs, lottery tickets, and cases of macros but they also stock a good variety of craft beers in bombers and sixers (no singles). It's a dark, dank, cement floored warehouse with stacks and stacks of cases and no ambiance whatsoever. But where they really shine is the back room - if you hunt around a bit you will find cases of Dogfish, Green Flash, Maine Beer Co, Stone, Victory, and many more. They may not have all the rare one-off bottles (although I did find a bottle of Parabola once) but they do have great prices on cases. Be aware that their prices SUCK for just a six pack - it's the case prices that make this a great store.
May 30, 2015
 
Rated: 3.97 by JakerLou from New Hampshire

Mar 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by 31Sam13 from New Hampshire

Mar 07, 2015
 
Rated: 3.88 by mklisz from New Hampshire

Mar 04, 2015
 
Rated: 3.78 by katterbe from Nebraska

Dec 31, 2014
 
Rated: 2.91 by rjp217 from Massachusetts

Dec 21, 2014
Photo of johnnnniee
Reviewed by johnnnniee from New Hampshire

3.59/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3.75 | food: 3.5
I've been to Gary's a couple of times, most recently yesterday. Just outside of the main downtown area sits a non assuming beverage outlet. The kind of place you find near the beach or on the Mass border catering to the 30 pack crowd. They do have huge stacks of macros, which I assume is the crux of their business, but nestled in the catacombs is a pretty decent selection of craft beer. A couple of shelves of bombers, many cooler doors, pallets of Dogfish 750's on clearance for 5 bucks, Theobroma, yes please. A back room filled with stacks of cases with case pricing, oh hell yeah. A lot of what is available in NH can be found here. Probably the best pricing I've seen in NH for craft beer. Double trouble 4 pack 9.99 Smutty big beer 5.49 Harpoon 30 barrel 4.99 Discounts for cases out back. Chips, snacks, and soda available as well. I wandered around for a half hour or so and was never approached by anyone who worked there. I didn't need any help, but I don't think this is the kind of place that walks you through your purchase. 45 minutes from my house, but I try to stop in here whenever I'm in the area.
Jul 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Pwbres from Maine

Jul 16, 2014
Photo of Ty1975
Reviewed by Ty1975 from Maine

1/5  rDev -72.7%
vibe: 1 | quality: 1 | service: 1 | selection: 1
First time going there, the cashier was pretty rude, kind of looking at me like, "WTF do you want". She had a mean look on her face. So, I ordered a keg of beer on Monday, and was told that it would be in on Thursday. So, I get a call on Thursday from them and they told me that the beer I had selected is not being distributed anymore by them. So, I'm like, why didn't you tell me this BEFORE Thursday? Not only that, I go to the store, and there is a huge line. I finally get up to the counter and they barely had ANY 1/4 kegs or half kegs. The "selection" they had was all nasty LIGHT beer. Needless to say, I will never go there again. Terrible service, unprofessional, and pretty sleazy, run down place with TERRIBLE customer service.
Jul 04, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by mbonugli from Maine

Jun 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by portia99 from Massachusetts

Apr 30, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by slasich from Pennsylvania

Apr 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by JuliusCaesar from New Hampshire

Apr 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Rochefort10nh from New Hampshire

Mar 31, 2014
Photo of 11millsown113
Reviewed by 11millsown113 from New Hampshire

3.36/5  rDev -8.2%
vibe: 2 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4
gary's has a decent selection of microbrews both in six packs and bombers. dont expect to get any help or enjoy the atmosphere at all. they pretty much supply the product for sale and not much more. they give an honest price imo and have good beer. i go here when i want a decent beer but don't feel like going far for it. they also sell kegs and have a massive beverage selection of not just beer.

overall, its a good place to go and get beer if you know the beers and don't feel like getting into a conversation with anyone. get it, get beer, get out.
Dec 22, 2011
Photo of rbowser
Reviewed by rbowser from New Hampshire

3.54/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Gary's as many have stated is a decent bare bones place, with likely the widest selection in the city of Portsmouth.

This is not an upscale micro experience but is a simple beer in cooler, some on shelf, cramped, busy, inexpensive place with brisk and minimial service.

They have all the locals (Smuttynose, Gearys...) and generally all the big West Coast names such as Stone, Rogue, and these days also Green Flash. In general, they have most of what is avaialble in NH.

They also have kegs, a decent selection, including 1/6 kegs, sometimes with good options.

Check it out, if in Portsmouth.
Oct 18, 2011
Photo of Jeffers
Reviewed by Jeffers from Maine

3.26/5  rDev -10.9%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4
While not the "best" stop in Portsmouth, it's not the "worst" either.

A) It's just a metal shell building, with some coolers along one wall and stacks and stacks of beer on the other. No fancy decorations, but we're there for the beer... right?

Q) As far as I could tell, the beers were reasonably fresh. None of the beers I looked at were beyond their expiration date (if one was given)

S) Don't go in here looking for someone who can help you select a beer. I've never once been asked if I needed help, or a recommendation. Not a big deal for me, since I know what I like, and usually know what I'm looking for.

S) Decent selection. Good enough selection that I'll stop in whenever I'm in town. Only gripe is that some of the things aren't clearly marked with a price.

V) Prices seem on par with other beer stores. Where this place shines is in it's 12/24 pricing. Case of Smuttynose for $23? I can live with that.
May 05, 2011
Photo of arktos
Reviewed by arktos from Massachusetts

3.54/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Decided to check out based on reviews from BA site. Not the most inviting looking of places but who cares. Stopped in and ended up stocking up on a few cases of local brews before heading back home to MA. Service was nonexistent and pretty much ignored you which I'm fine with, I didnt stop in to make friends... Guessing they wouldn't have been much help anyways. Selection was good and case prices for the local brews was great - ended up spending quite a bit more than intended, but that's okay.

Recommend for the decent selection and good 12/24 pricing for the local brews...
Feb 02, 2011
Photo of beancounter
Reviewed by beancounter from New Hampshire

2.9/5  rDev -20.8%
I went to Gary's for the first time yesterday. A dank dirty warehouse style store. My wife was afraid to go in.The inside is reasonable but fairly cramped.

The selection is the best I've seen in Southern NH hands down. Certainly anemic relative to MA, but for a local place it's great.

There was a clerk moving a lot of kegs out. He kept on passing by me and was very friendly. The cashiers on the other hand were very grumpy and unhappy.

Maybe it was the beers that I selected, but the prices didn't impress me. They seemed pretty standard for the area. I purchase a six pack of Harpoon IPA for my wife, an Allagash 4 and a Berkshire Lost Sailor bomber for $23.25. I really don't consider that a bargain.

So, if you don't mind being treated like dirt, and don't mind paying standard prices for a place that should be fairly inexpensive, Gary's is the place to go for variety in southern NH.
Oct 31, 2010
Photo of papat444
Reviewed by papat444 from Canada (QC)

3.65/5  rDev -0.3%
First of three places i visited on my quick trip to Portsmouth yesterday.

Well, the place looks like a cross between a convenience store and a warehouse. As i get out of the car, i notice a guy loading his car with 5 cases each of Miller Lite and Bud Light. At least i know what i'm heading into.

Past the wine shelves lies the beer selection. All singles, room temp on the left and refrigerated on the right. Cases are on the other side. I must admit to have been left wanting with the selection. Lots of Unibroue, a few Belagina beers, a nice selection of English ales as well as Flying Dog, Cisco, Sebago, Geary's, Stone, Rogue, Victory, etc... The selection is good but i've seen better at Glen Beverage. I was frankly disappointed as it seemed that they only carried the mainstream craft offerings and only a few of the smaller micros. Only 1 Tuckerman and no Manchester and although they had Woodstock Inn's line-up, you can find that at most grocery stores also.

The service though was pretty good though. I called about 2 months ago to reserve a Smuttynose IS and they kept it for me. There was a big note attached to the bottle and it was behind the counter so kudos to them for keeping something that long when most stores wouldn't do that.

In short, it's your best bet in Portsmouth but it doesn't have the best selection in NH.
Aug 03, 2010
Photo of mavbrew
Reviewed by mavbrew from Massachusetts

3.35/5  rDev -8.5%
I wouldn't call this a go to place to buy craft beer, but it is the best place to buy in Portsmouth. They make their money selling macros, but they have a decent selection...nothing that would really surprise you, just the usual names and a pretty good regional selection (which I do like) with lots of twelve packs to the left of the store. The right side of the store contains the non-regional beers (rogue, sn, etc.) and singles, again a pretty good selection for the area.

If you're looking for a knowledgeable staff about craft beer this is not the place, maybe 1 or 2 people will be helpful. This is where I buy most of my beer mainly because it is close to me and has the biggest selection in Portsmouth. So, if you're in town and looking for reasonable prices,this is where you should go.
Mar 10, 2010
Photo of ElGallo
Reviewed by ElGallo from New Hampshire

3.35/5  rDev -8.5%
Everything about this place says "stay away," and perhaps that's why the locals love it. Dusty, dirty, dank, dour. Gary's survives on macro volume sales and affordable cigarettes, but their craft selection is not bad and definitely the most affordable on the seacoast. Their prices are very good for Smutty ($4.99 bombers), Unibroue, Allagash, Flying Dog, Sierra Nevada, DFH, and Rogue. I think their Belgian selection could be more diverse and priced better. They sell kegs, but does anyone even have "keggers" any more? I mean, seriously?

So you need a gift for your non-BA friend's housewarming. How's about a brick of Narragansett for $7.99? Sold, my brotha.

If you need assistance, the staff is not well educated on beer, which is a bit sad considering this is a "beverage" store that makes its money selling "beer", but I digress. Also, be sure to date check any hoppy beers, because this place frequntly stocks Stone products that are months past their "best by" date. (The dust layer is also a good indicator.)

Don't let youself get sucked in by the "Fire Sale" area near the front - 50% off, but it's all old, stale seasonal crap you wouldn't want to buy even if it was fresh.

You may think me a hater, but this is actually my favorite place to buy beer. I just call it like I see it.
Jan 27, 2010
Photo of bpkengor
Reviewed by bpkengor from New Hampshire

4.05/5  rDev +10.7%
I've been going to Gary's for years now. It has gotten much better over that time. As others have said, it is a deceptive place. It looks like a corner convenience store. But their selection has gotten progressively better. It is not a Tully's or Enoteca or a Carl's Meat Market in terms of variety but way, way above average with very good prices.

It does take some time to find what you want. They have a small set of shelves in the front area with their esoteric choices and another set of shelves way in the back with even more choices. And then amongst all of the stacks of cases of common domestics, with a bit of spelunking, there are all kinds of variety from most of the the East Coast craft brewers.

For me, it is a great combination of selection and price. It is my first choice.
Sep 11, 2009
Photo of SteveS1
Reviewed by SteveS1 from New York

3.55/5  rDev -3%
I was visiting my friend in Portsmouth and asked him where I could get a decent selection of beers. The only place that came to his mind was Gary's Beverages, which turned out to offer more than I expected.

Looks and feels like a typical corner store, but it's deceptively deep (as in long) and features a whole wall of domestic bottled beer, in addition to the typical corner store cooler fare. You can get several different brews by the pack (four bottles) or singles of large bottles (a pint or more). Prominently displayed are selections of numerous Sam Adam's ales and Smuttynose big bottles.

If you're in a hurry, it's a good place to find a nice selection.
Sep 02, 2009
Photo of Imstillthegman
Reviewed by Imstillthegman from Delaware

3.85/5  rDev +5.2%
Stopped in here before leaving Portsmouth for the trip home. I was a little surprised by what I found. I hadn't looked this place up or anything before my visit...I just saw it sitting back off the road and figured I would swing in. Looks like dive on the outside and on the inside. But the selection and especially the prices surprised me. Nice selection of locals. I picked up some Allagash at half the price I pay around here for it. I'll be back here whenever I am visiting Portsmouth...and this time I won't be nervous walking in!
Feb 11, 2009
Photo of Kegatron
Reviewed by Kegatron from Pennsylvania

3.7/5  rDev +1.1%
We stopped in here recently during a visit to Portsmouth. It was recommended by the friendly people at Smuttynose when I asked if they knew where a good local beer store was. Atmosphere is interesting. Very dark and dingy inside, like a Mom & Pop grocery or flea market. They had a decent selection of more widely distributed crafts like Rogue, Dogfish, and Unibroue and a good selection of New England locals like Smutty, Longtrail, Shipyard, Geary's, etc.

Prices were very good. We picked up a 750ml bottle of Unibroue for like $5-6, a bomber of Smuttynose Barleywine for $3.50, and a 4-pack of Redhook Treblehook for $11.99 (which was a dollar cheaper than at the brewery). We didn't get much in terms of service. The cashiers looks like they were more interested in selling cigarettes and lottery tickets than beer. All in all, as out-of-towners, it met our expectations. A good selection of local beer at a good price. We'll definitely check it out again next time we're in town.
Dec 28, 2007
Photo of joepais
Reviewed by joepais from Maine

4/5  rDev +9.3%
I get my everyday drinking beer here it has the best selection in Portsmouth
It is also dark cramped dusty and pretty much a dive. They do sell mad dog 2020 and Boones Farm need I say more. After saying that I don’t go here for the atmosphere it is the prices that keep me coming back again and again they have a few bombers and odd English brews. Always check the cases because they often have stuff that is not in the cooler even found a case of Sam’s triple bock last year .As stated below you can often get close outs from Shipyard I saw last years winter beer at $10 bucks a case. So don’t let the looks of the place scare you go in and snoop around its worth it
Dec 28, 2007
Photo of AlbertiusMaximus
Reviewed by AlbertiusMaximus from New Hampshire

3.55/5  rDev -3%
I don't have a lot to add that others haven't said already (i.e., it's a no frills kind of place w/decent prices). But, if you're looking for a good selection of Unibroue, this is a great place. I've been able to find virtually all of their beers at one time or another. If you're looking for DFH, Brooklyn, and the regional brews you can find them here but not necessarily a great variety of each brewery is represented. Decent variety of German, Belgian, and British beers and they're happy to order pretty much anything for you if you ask.
Oct 29, 2007
Photo of troutbumnh
Reviewed by troutbumnh from New Hampshire

3.55/5  rDev -3%
Just a quick note: I'm local and visit Gary's often. The certainly have the best selection in the Portsmouth area, and it is certainly among the least expensive beer shops I've ever visited. It's also a place for cigarettes and lottery purchases. The ladies behind the counter are awesome... they may not know the ins and outs of all the beer, but they know what's new!

I want to add that if you go to the back of the store, there are often additional cases that are not featured in the coolers or on any shelves. They acquire beer for local restaurants, so Kingfisher and Singha are back there. There are often some gems to be found... (I'll edit this to add some next time I swing over.) Last... there are often Shipyard seasonal cases going for as little as $11.99 at the end of any 'seasonal' run.
Mar 21, 2007
Photo of mnj21655
Reviewed by mnj21655 from Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev +5.2%
Gary's is a simple, no frills beer store. Service was limited to people working the registers but they were pleasant enough and if its not too busy you may even be able to get them to help you if needed. They have a good selection of local microbrews, some imports, and a decent selection of US craft brews. Smuttynose, Long Trail, Haproon, Geary's, Shipyard, Rogue, DFH and Unibroue were all represented in some way. If its available in NH its probably here. If you're able to visit frequently enough then you're sure to find some real bargians. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but be sure to stop by if you're in the area.
Sep 23, 2006
Photo of lordofthewiens
Reviewed by lordofthewiens from New Mexico

3.55/5  rDev -3%
Gary's is a hit or miss proposition. You can find some wonderful bargains at times, but overall it's kind of pedestrian. Lots of cheap beer, some good to great beers. Extensive Unibroue selection, lots of New England microbrews, some DFH. Prices are excellent. No sales tax, no deposit.
I've bought cases of beer there for as little as $9.99, and I've walked away frustrated because there's nothing there I want. The best thing is to live nearby and frequent the place every week or so. Second best is to come up and look for bargain prices.
Sep 21, 2006
Photo of GreatPondBrewer
Reviewed by GreatPondBrewer from California

3.75/5  rDev +2.5%
Thank goodness for Gary's. A wonderful stop going to or from Maine. No sales tax, no deposit and damn cheap cases of beer. I came back home with 10 cases of Smutty IPA which would have run me twice as much anywhere else I have ever been. The selection is not uber extensive but they do have a nice selection of local beers spreading down to beers found down the east coast as well as a smattering of German's and Belgians and Canadian beers. The service is non-existent really. Not that they are rude or uncordial, they just stay behind the register and that is that. All in all I recommend stopping by Gary's if you want to stock up on good stuff for cheap.
Sep 14, 2006
Photo of brewandbbq
Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

3.75/5  rDev +2.5%
Located a short walk from downtown Portsmouth, Gary's is a nitty gritty store with bare bones prices and service.
The good stuff is on the left, coolers on the left, warm on the right.
Cases are out back.
Mostly all that is available in NH is represented to some extent here, Smuttys, Rogues, DFH, Sierra Nevada, Anchor, Unibroue, limited imports.
Prices are as low as you'll find, with perhaps the best pricing on Smuttynose available.
Service is limited to the people at the registers selling mostly lottery tickets and cigarettes.
Cash only for under $10.00.
Selection is good for NH, but limited by Mass expectations.
Convienient if visiting Portsmouth, or driving through from Maine or Mass, otherwise, not a destination beer store by any stretch.
Dec 26, 2005
Photo of CharlesRiver
Reviewed by CharlesRiver from Connecticut

3.55/5  rDev -3%
From what I have found, this is the place to stop if you are in Portsmouth. Easy to get to at less than 5 min from 95. Place kind of looks well, dumpy but that has never stopped me. As you walk in, it reminds me of an old general store in northern NH.

Cases and cases of beer line the walls. To the left are the coolers. If you proceed past them, you will find the "better" beers on the right. You can always find the latest releases from Smutty and the 100 Bl series from Harpoon. Prices are great here service is lacking. I was there two weeks ago and found the new Smutty Winter selection. Plenty of snacks and ice if you are hitting the moutains, ocean or lakes. Easily worth a stop if you are in the area.
Nov 23, 2005
Photo of Hibernator
Reviewed by Hibernator from Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +9.3%
Gary's is located on Deer Street, right off of Market Street in Portsmouth and was pretty easy to find. I decided to stop by here to stock up for a weekend of camping in Maine. I have a few things to emphasize about this place; 1. The prices are unreal. For people outside of New England, New Hampshire doesn't have a sales tax and also doesn't have a bottle/can deposit return policy. These two details help your prices if you are buying in bulk. 2. The selection is really, really good.

This place has a country store or old market atmosphere. Not the cleanest or most organized place, but this is a beer store at the end of the day, so what do you want? The selection is beyond good. Some highlights include offerings from Unibroue, Long Trail (IPA, Double Bag, etc.), Dogfish Head (60 Minute, 90 Minute, Punkin Ale, etc.), Samuel Smith's, Smuttynose, and Magic Hat. Their selection of Unibroue 750 ml's, Smuttynose bombers (Big A IPA & Wheat Wine), Samuel Smith's bombers and Rogue bombers are worth noting. I was able to pick up a couple of bottles Smuttynose Wheat Wine, Rogue American Amber Ale and Unibroue Ephemere.

Here is a sample of some their great prices:
Smuttynose Big Beer Series - $2.99 (wow!)
Unibroue Ephemere 750 ml - $4.99
Rogue Bombers - $3.79
Smuttynose sampler 12 pack - $11.49

The bottom line is that I really liked this place. A perfect stop if you are in town visiting or passing through on I-95 and decide it's time to stock up on some fine beers. Check this place out.
Sep 26, 2005
Photo of ViveLaChouffe
Reviewed by ViveLaChouffe from Georgia

4/5  rDev +9.3%
Some of the best prices I've seen in New England. Sorry but that matters - sometimes alot. The quality looked to be good. Beer seemed to be handled well and was all well within freshness dates. Place was pretty crowded when I went through there so lots of turnover I expect.

A varied selection. In addition to the macros, this is the palce to go for cases and 12-packs of your favorite regional micros. Long Trail, Smuttynose, Harpoon, Sam Adams, Geary's, Shipyard, Magic Hat are all there. Some 750's of Unibroue. I did not notice alot of imports but I wasn't looking for those. I was there for some Smutty Big Beer. They had the Scotch Ale and the Barleywine. 2 bombers of barleywine came to less than $5.30 - no sales tax. Service was not partucularly knowledgeable but friendly and fun.

7/2005 This place still rocks. A bit disorganized but fun to find the hidden treasures. Cases in the back to sort through, lots of Rogue and Unibroue on the shelves. Mixed 12's of Smutty, Long Trail, Magic Hat etc. Still cheap too and no sales tax. I found Triticus here so look around for the unusual...
Jul 29, 2005
Photo of rousee
Reviewed by rousee from Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +9.3%
This place is about as bare bones as you get... if thats why their prices are so reasonable then I am all for it.. They have all kinds of convenience store items (chips,nuts, cigarettes,lottery ) when you walk in. I was hoping to find some local beef jerky which seems like it would fit in perfectly with this place, but no luck.

Poorly organized and somewhat poorly laid-out, this place is a great find. The prices are just so good and the selection is much better than the big beer store near my house. I got a 6pk of bottled 1/2 liters of water, 12-packof Smuttynose/Portland sampler, 2 6's of Smutty robust porter and a 750 of Unibroue Ephemere--the grape one and a 22oz oz Sam Smiths organic ale for $35. This seems like the best prices I have found for beer in a while and this is reason enough to make a stop at this place.

If I find the quality to be sub-par, I will edit this reivew.
Mar 21, 2005
Gary's Beverages in Portsmouth, NH
Place rating: 3.66 out of 5 with 46 ratings