Hall's Grocery Store

halfwaytoheaven

Texas

3.85/5  rDev -0.3%
quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

I guess I've always been aware of Hall's Grocery. My parents used to buy wine there back when its sale was still forbidden in our backwards little town, but it wasn't until I got into beer that I came to appreciate this unique place.

Follow the giant, phallic propane tank and you will find a gas station/plant nursery/deli/grocery/beer & wine mecca that is like no establishment you have ever set foot in. Upon entering, it is impossible to miss the astonishing variety of wines, but push past all that (after checking out the variety of beer glasses in the window) to the far wall and beneath the collection of guitars and neon beer lights you will find the real draw: cooler after cooler of the world's finest beers. Belgium, Germany, Britain, Japan, a fair assortment of Texas brews - I even saw a Latvian beer last time I was in there.

Now, there are a few knocks against the place. First off, while the service is friendly, they aren't always knowledgable and they only rarely make their way back to the beer section to answer questions. This is somewhat mitigated by the oddball collection of beer enthusiasts that are drawn to the place. Go in at the right time and you will probably meet someone who can teach you a little something about our favorite beverage. Also, the beer does seem to sit and gather dust longer than I'd prefer. All the more reason, of course, to spread the word and get more people shopping there. In addition, the prices are a bit higher than Central Market's and they don't really encourage breaking six-packs and mixing singles. Another complaint is the organization. Beers are generally arranged by brewery, but beyond that you are pretty much on your own as far as finding what you're looking for. This is an especially glaring oversight considering how well sorted the wine selection is (country, style, price). I found Westmalle in one cooler, Rochefort in the next, Orval another over, and Maredsous, St. Bernardus, and Koningshoeven around the corner. Why not put the Belgian beers (or Belgian-style beers, for that matter) in one place? Or how about a section dedicated to Texas beers? I'd really like to see Halls show as much respect for their beer as they do their wine.

While the Fort Worth Central Market may have lower prices and a slightly better selection, the convenience of Hall's will continue to make it my go-to beer store.

06-16-2007 05:24:52 | More by halfwaytoheaven

BeerSox

Virginia

3.9/5  rDev +1%
quality: 4.5 | service: 2 | selection: 5 | $$$$

From the outside it looks like your typical gas station. It's located right off highway 121 on Glade Road in Colleyville. When you go inside you notice there is a large beer and wine section, with a small deli/grocery store in the back.

The selection here is absolutely incredible. I see beers that I haven't seen anywhere else. A lot of it is in six packs, and most of the singles are either in very large 750ml bottles, bombers, or other large sizes. Some of them are 11.2-12oz singles. Everything is refrigerated.

The major problem with this place is the prices. They absolutely rip you off. I didn't see one beer that was less than $2.50, and if you break a six pack you're probably going to pay $2.50-3.50 per bottle, even from a lower priced six pack. I even saw 12oz beers that aren't that special priced for around $10.

Overall, it's a good store. It has one of the best selections in the DFW area. If it wasn't for the horrible prices, I would consider going there more often, even though it isn't that close to me.

10-27-2006 20:07:40 | More by BeerSox

fragilehearted

Texas

3.94/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$$

What's to say that hasn't been said? Well, the most recent review has it right - this place now sells liquor so things are quite different on the inside than they used to be. (I almost went into the wrong door, heh.) Selection is still good, but not as good as it was before, unfortunately. I was there today, & there was good stuff, but nothing really wacky that I hadn't seen elsewhere - & unfortunately they were out of what I'd gone there to look for anyway (d'oh).

Never tried the food - don't care to.

Yes, it's a gas station, beer/wine/liquor, deli, catchall, etc. Yes, it's still a little overpriced. Is it still the store w/ a good selection of craft beer that is closest to my home? You betcha. Best selection you'll find in the area, but if you're elsewhere in the metroplex, you can probably find a better store (especially in Addison / North Dallas / Plano) w/ as good or maybe even better selection, probably better service, & definitely better prices. I'll still hit it up when I'm too lazy to drive anywhere else, haha.

Edit: upped the service a half point. They do have a guy (Fern) who goes out of his way to let beer nerds know about the new stuff. But he's never there at the store when I am. Punk! Still though, it's definitely helpful, and we appreciate his efforts!

12-28-2010 07:49:49 | More by fragilehearted

assurbanipaul

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%
quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 5

I used to live only a couple of blocks from this place. It always had a slightly better selection than the grocery store behind it, so I was a little surprised to see it listed in the Fly de Beer.

Having not been there in years, of course, I had to check it out. They've expanded significantly since last I was there. Don't let the exterior corner-gas-station appearance fool you, this little oasis has a beer and wine selection that rivals Central Market. It may even be a little better since I saw brands there that have never made their way into CM's shelves. Coolers and coolers of the stuff (mostly imports) with cases of macros taking up only a small amount.

Wine selection is also wall to wall and a "featured" beer (re: new purchase) is usually prominently on display. The staff tends not to know a whole lot -- just kids working counter at a gas station -- but they're friendly enough and will point out the new or interesting stuff. Didn't try the deli, not a fan of food and petrol.

02-20-2004 17:44:52 | More by assurbanipaul

allengarvin

Texas

4/5  rDev +3.6%
quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5

A coworker introduced me to Hall's about 3 years ago. It's a 10-minute drive from my home in Irving, out in the middle of nowhere, as far as DFW goes. An unusual store: it's a gas station/plant nursery/deli/beer-and-wine store. Over on the right as you go in, they have a small selection of beer glasses that varies from time to time. The beer selection is the best I've seen in the DFW area... it beats Mr G's up in Plano, or any of the Central Markets. Any beer that's available to any Dallas Fort-Worth distributors, they have it. And they usually get new beers as soon as they come available. Plus, you can break up six-packs and buy singles, which usually cost $2 apiece ($3 for some of the premium Belgian singles, depending on who is working the counter. In the morning less beer-knowledgeable staff will charge you $2 for them). On the left-side of their beer section are a number of non-alcoholic beers, rarely available in other liquor stores here. They're willing to special order, though I've never taken advantage of the service.

Prices on everything is at a slight premium above other retail stores in the area... usually 50 cents to a dollar more. They also have a very good selection of wines, including many Texas wines, but it's the beers selection that stands out.

07-22-2004 14:09:45 | More by allengarvin

raffy313

Texas

4.14/5  rDev +7.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$$

Been to this gas station/beer store only a couple times, as it's a little out of the way to be my go-to beer store. It always seems to carry that ONE beer that no one else in Fort Worth has. Good selection.

I heard about this store through posts on the BA forum that the beer-guy keeps updated. I've called up there several times and gotten some good help from him(ask for Fern, he's a good guy). Unfortunately, it's the times he's not there where the service was very lacking. Other employees there seem to be very uninterested in helping you find a particular beer and at times even rude when you ask a question. I could understand if the store was packed at the time, but the both times I've been, there were not very many customers around.

The prices are on the higher side of what I've seen at other stores closer to where I live. Which maybe why I generally only get that ONE, or two beers I came for. It's not ridiculously overpriced, just enough to pass on.

With it's selection, this store has the potential of being the place to go for things other than what I can't get elsewhere. They just really need to work on customer service.

*Updated 06-09-11: Seems they're doing a better job in the customer service dept. I've gotten less attitude, better help lately. "Service" ranking revised from 2.5 to 3.5.

*Updated 03-08-12: OK, seems there has been a 180 that has occured as far as customer service is concerned, since my initial review. Fern is still the man, but I've noticed others step up and have been very helpful(Jimmy, among others) in finding what I was in search of. Revised: "Vibe" from 3 to 4; "Service" from 3.5 to 4.5.

03-24-2011 18:02:34 | More by raffy313

4.15/5  rDev +7.5%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

You will drive right by this place without any trouble at all. Despite reading the reviews that warned about this, I still did it! As soon as you exit 121 (if you are going south), it is immediately on your right. If you are heading north on 121 when you exit, you will cross back under 121 first, then it is on your right. It really does look like a gas station/convenience store.

Quality was fine, despite comments in other reviews. I did not have any issues with the beers I purchased and later consumed. I didn't see any inappropriate seasonals. There was no dust and all, or at least the vast majority, of the beer was in coolers. It is exposed to light, but that is more the rule than the exception.

Service was fine. I was greeted upon arrival and offered assistance while I wandered around. Upon checkout, the fellow made a few accurate comments about one of the beers I had picked out.

Selection was .... strange. It was probably the best I have seen in Texas, but only by a bit and it had some odd gaps. I have seen other stuff elsewhere that wasn't here. For example, other stores have larger offerings of Lagunitas and Stone. Real Ale was absent (this may not count, as I have only heard it is in DFW area). Overall though, certainly worth checking out.

Value seemed a bit pricier than some other places I have hit in Texas. Decide for yourself -- Westmalle Dub, $5.19/12oz, Westmalle Trip $5.49/12oz, GD Hercules $7.49/22oz, and Stone IPA $4.19/22oz.

I would certainly advise a visit if you are in the area, and especially if you are looking for something you are having a hard time finding elsewhere.

07-13-2007 19:13:12 | More by

kosmoraios

Washington

4.15/5  rDev +7.5%
quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$$

Hall's is awesome. It's disguised as a Valero gas station on the corner of Glade and 121. Their selection beats central market and is kept up-to-date. They get specialty and seasonal ales in regularly and will store or procure ale on request. They get a few cases of Dogfish Head 120-minute IPA each year, which fly out the door.

Hall's also allows you to break six-packs, but as the sign says, "It'll cost ya!". The service is excellent, the guys there are knowledgeable and the gentleman I spoke with was a bit of a beeradvocate himself. A bit more expensive than I'd like, but I'll be visiting again!

01-05-2008 21:56:53 | More by kosmoraios

bmwats

Louisiana

4.15/5  rDev +7.5%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Well this place is very un-assuming.... a service station/convenience store, with a built in Deli, fresh goods grocery, and really impressive beer selection. You almost have to know it's there, or just happen upon it by accident. Really impressive selection of American micros (regionals and plenty from throughout this great land), Euros, and Belgians. They've got a little of everything, and sure to have something to suit your tastes. Although the staff is very friendly and generally helpful, if you need beer questions answered, you're probably going to be disappointed. Like I said, they're more likely to be able to answer your questions regarding Lotto tickets or how much gas you pumped. Very friendly though, so I'm definitely not complaining. If you happen to be around the DFW airport/mid-cities area, this is your place for fine brews.

09-04-2010 22:30:48 | More by bmwats

HardTarget

Texas

4.3/5  rDev +11.4%
quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5

Bless you fellow BAs, BLESS YOU!
I would have NEVER found this little beer shrine without your help.
It's a gas station! Not really shabby, but not up to the ritzy area it's in. The selection was impressive, had to be in the area of 200 beers to choose from. Prices weren't great, but not outrageous. They let you take singles, but charge you $2 a bottle that way (I think I got a break given the price of a 6 of Old Foghorn). Staff was friendly but I would trust your gut over recommendations. I found a Magnum of Anchor Christmas 2003 in the window for $14 that I had to rescue. A great beer like that shouldn't be left in the sun to die, and I'm expecting some damage, but that was the only case of bad storage I really noted. Hate to share this, but I scored a couple Unibroue 10's there as well. Overall a great beer buying experience.

03-24-2004 02:28:46 | More by HardTarget