Vendome Wine & Spirits

dbmernin83

California

4.16/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

This is by far the best Vendome and one of the best bottle shops for beer in my area. Two long rows of warm singles along with a "just in" rack, 8-10 coolers with more bombers and sixers. All the west coast favorites, Belgians, Germans, English, Italian, Japanese, etc. I make a stop here about once every two weeks. They do beer and wine tastings once a week, haven't gotten a chnce to partake though. I only rated this "a bit pricey" because I always walk out with more than what I intend to buy.

11-20-2011 10:54:09 | More by dbmernin83

SoCalBeerIdiot

California

4.02/5  rDev -3.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

The best Vendome I've been to in L.A. People say nice things about the Beverly Hills store but that one is cluttered and confusing compared to this place. This location is large and spread out. It has a bar inside and does wine and beer tastings. It does have a lot of space devoted to wine but it still has a decent selection of beers in bombers and 4/6-packs or larger if you drink AALs. Most beer is cold but you can find some at room temp and some room temp stuff on clearance. If you don't see what you're looking for, ask--they may have it in back. The help is very knowledgeable and I've had very good service most times. They have their own lot so plenty of parking available.

06-14-2013 18:10:20 | More by SoCalBeerIdiot

UCLABrewN84

California

4/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 5 | $$

I stopped by Vendome yesterday to check out this particular location. The atmosphere seems to be more about wine (they even have a wine bar) but they sell liquor and beer too. They have a ton of beer with an amazing selection but the only downside is that probably 60% of the beer is warm out on the shelf. I found more beers that I had never before seen here than I have at any other beer store hands down. I was able to snag some beers I have been looking for and picked some other gems up too. Prices are reasonable and they even have what appears to be a clearance rack for beers. Overall, this is a super awesome place and I will be back here a lot. Bonus points for being less than 5 miles from Tony's Darts Away.

03-25-2012 01:00:55 | More by UCLABrewN84

jmgrub

California

3.74/5  rDev -10.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | $$

I have heard that this place has gone downhill since their old beer buyer left, but I decided to give it a shot anyways as I was out in the valley running errands.

The selection is good but fairly disorganized, with a fair amount of stuff refrigerated and an equal amount of stuff sitting out on shelves. There seemed to be little rhyme or reason to what was refrigerated and what was not. Consecration was in the fridge while rows of Sanctification were sitting on the shelves. They had some good stuff like Duet and Nelson, but both were out on the shelves so I didn't risk it. There was a fair selection of Belgians and other imports, but nothing that really caught my eye. Additionally, they weren't grouped by style or by country, so if you were looking for something in particular, it may be hard to find. Better organization of the beer would be truly appreciated. Prices seemed okay, not a great deal but not much in LA is...

When I was there, there wasn't anyone knowledgeable about the beer to help me out, but I would imagine they do have someone that's there sometimes (they must, right). In any event, while I didn't regret my trip, I prefer the Beverly Hills location and would definitely go there given the choice.

06-02-2011 20:46:12 | More by jmgrub

Retsinis

California

4.2/5  rDev +0.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I stop into Vendome on occasion when I'm heading down to the Bruery from the San Fernando Valley, since it's just off the 134, since Toluca Lake is not exactly in my backyard coming from Northridge. However, the freeway access is pretty great, so if your anywhere near the 101 & 134 interchange, it's worth the time to head over.

Great selection of beer, with about 8 coolers, and another two aisles of non-refrigerated beer (well away from sunlight though, and most if not all non-chilled can hold up at room temp, i.e. RIS, Barley wines, Quads, etc.)

Most is well priced, though not always the cheapest. They do have access to some great seasonals, once a year, or limited release beers that they do secure if it's distributed, so always a good spot to check into if your on the hunt for something specific, or just want a much more varied selection then a Chain beverage warehouse.

The main draw is they do some great tasting events, of beer, wine, sake, whiskey, etc. Basically there is a small bar setup for this inside, though pretty sure it's just used for tastings.

All in all, a welcomed bottle shop, that actually knows to carry really good beer.

05-25-2011 16:30:03 | More by Retsinis

Luvzsurfrz

California

4.72/5  rDev +13.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

Vendome has been my go-to in Toluca Lake, which is just a few exits away from my work!

Whenever I am looking for something new or cool that has come out, or rather something to enjoy on the weekend 9/10 this store has exactly what I am looking for.

Several aisles of shelved beer, plus a full wall cooler. Be wary of freshness on some shelved items, but overall it's a nice selection!

Recently I had been looking for Marron Acidifie, and low and behold I got a phone call letting me know they had a bottle waiting for me.

Prices are competitive/slightly higher than my local markets, but the selection is unbeatable. I've also been meaning to go to one of the Saturday beer tastings, because I've heard its a great time, but have been unable to make one yet. Soon hopefully!

Staff is also very friendly and enjoy discussing whats new, and suggestions of what I should try.

OVERALL - great place!

05-06-2011 20:15:03 | More by Luvzsurfrz

doraex

California

4.3/5  rDev +3.1%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

The best time to go is on Saturday afternoons when they do their tastings. I think it happens weekly and it's always fun. I bump into people I know all the time there and it makes for a fun afternoon.

The selection is vast and it spans every beer region of the world. Lots of Euro imports and lots of tip top domestic craft brews too.

My only complaint is that they don't refrigerate most of their beer. I guess for some imports that get shipped at room temp thats okay, but I bought some Port IPS's there and they were on a shelf, not in the cooler. I can't help but think they would have been better and fresher had they been properly handled.

All in all the best beer store in the region with a knowledgable staff.

12-20-2010 20:18:32 | More by doraex

pword9d8

California

4.15/5  rDev -0.5%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Great selection of domestic craft and imports line a couple of aisles at the back. Plus, they have a full wall of cold storage. For the most part if it's available for distribution in Southern California, this place will get it.

They do not carry super rare brews but have some notable items. Had to minus one star for keeping some of the brew at room temperature.

Still worth a visit if you're in the area. Make sure to check the hotel rack towards the back of the room for their new arrivals.

12-20-2010 05:42:55 | More by pword9d8

missingsense

California

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

I prefer to support local businesses over chain stores, and this place reminds me why. Super helpful and friendly staff, 2 full grocery aisles (both sides) full of beer from all over the world, and they'll order just about anything for you. They even supplied the beer for my wedding! Even though I've occasionally been able to find stuff they carry for cheaper, I still buy the majority of my beer from Vendome, because they actually seem to care about the customer. In addition, they have excellent and varied beer tastings every Saturday that have introduced me to a myriad of different styles and breweries around the globe that I probably would never have found out about otherwise. Highly recommended!

05-22-2010 05:36:44 | More by missingsense

2beernutz

North Carolina

4.6/5  rDev +10.3%
quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | $$

Stopped in here while visiting Los Angeles based on a recommendation from several BAs. Holy crap does this place have a huge selection of beer! I managed to score a few bottles of the Stone Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter, which made my day.

Three full aisles of beer, one of domestic craft beer, pretty much anything you could ask for. Another aisle of belgians, and an aisle of high quality rare imports ... things I've never seen anywhere before. They also have a refrigerated aisle which was pretty much the same stuff they had on the other three aisles.

Ron was exceptionally helpful and funny. Even though we were there for beer, he gave us quite a few good wine recommendations as well.

Only thing that bothered me was that it looks like some of the beer on the shelves here had been there a while ... so try to check for dates if you can.

Definitely check this out if you're looking to score some good bottles. I felt like a kid at Christmas.

10-09-2009 17:05:12 | More by 2beernutz