Adams Avenue Liquor

5.0 star rating
30 reviews Rating Details

Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits  [Edit]

2740 Adams Ave
(between Idaho St & Oregon St)
San Diego, CA 92116
Neighborhood: University Heights
(619) 284-5109
Hours:

Mon-Sat 11 am - 11 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Nick and Frank are the best always friendly and happy." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "And, like everybody else has said, the owners are so nice." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "Great selection of craft brews to take home." In 3 reviews
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

30 reviews in English

  • Review from Mark P.

    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/25/2012

    Fantastic selection of beers and wine at reasonable prices.

  • Review from Brad S.

    Wichita, KS

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I wouldn't claim Adams to be above a BevMo with regards to the beer selection, it's much nicer than you would expect to find if you were to judge from the exterior, and the wide selection of wine and beers is more than worth a stop if you're in the area.

    After carrying a handful of bottles to the register, the guy started talking about the great lengths he had to go to procure an order of 750ml Ballast Point Sculpins, and how they were hard to find. I'm not sure this particular beer was particularly rare, but it was amazingly interesting, and that was more than enough to warrant the purchase.

  • Review from Gabe H.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    What a great variety and so different than the typical SD Liquor store experience.

    I hope that more liquor stores will follow the example of Adams Avenue Liquor.  They carry a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits.  The employees are very friendly as well.  You can tell they are their own customers as they seem genuinely engaged and interested in their products.

    I only dinged them one star because I called ahead looking for a particular product and was told that they had it, but when I got there they didn't.  No biggie though, the guy was apologetic and made a few recommendations on alternatives.  

    I wish I lived just a little closer, I'm just outside of walking distance.  Regardless though Adams Avenue Liquor will make it into my regular rotation for my beverage needs.

    Listed in: Beer

    Was this review …?

  • Review from Heather W.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/30/2010

    This place is awesome!

    The guys who work here are really cool, and actually know their wines! Or at least the ones I've spoken with.

    A huge PLUS for me on this place is they carry St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc! The rest of their selection is pretty darn good, and their prices are very reasonable (that St. Supéry  is $9.99 vs. $20 a bunch of other places-just don't tell anyone)!

    Definitely legit. I drive from downtown to go here. And that's saying a lot!

  • Review from ruggy j.

    New York, NY

    5.0 star rating
    3/13/2009 1 photo

    Really, this is one of the best liquor stores around. Personally, I don't think anything beats Clem's in Kensington... but Adams Avenue is apparently chalked full of fantastic stores to buy the crunk juice.

    The guys working this joint are super, super cool. Rarely will you find a liquor store clerk willing to even make eye contact wit you, let alone actually TALK to you. Whether it's about the hottest selling Lotto ticket, or their favorite bottle of wine currently in stock... they'll actually take the time walk you through any questions you might have.

    Speaking of wine, they have a pretty legit selection. Many more high-end brands than you'll find at most run-of-the-mill spots in throughout the city.

    Good prices to boot! I really can't say enough good things about this joint. Czech it out sometime!

  • Review from Michael M.

    • 1 friend
    • 22 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/7/2010

    Every small business in the country should take their customer service cues from the gentlemen that own this corner store. I love it when I go into a business and the person taking care of me acts like I work hard for the money I'm about to spend and that they appreciate the fact that I've decided to spend it at their establishment.

    Beyond the exceptional service, they have a nice selection of beer, wine, and spirits at reasonable prices. What more could you ask of a liquor store? I've seen some posts about the hours they keep, but I think it's only the two of them running the store. I figure they probably put in twelve hour days 7 days a week split between them both so I don't hold that against them.

  • Review from Chris R.

    London

    UK
    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2009

    I like to drink...a lot. When in Rome. Wait, I don't think that applies here. Oddly enough, I too just moved into the neighborhood when Lucas O did.

    After spending many great years frequenting the Market Place in Banker's Hill, this place had a lot to live up to. Boy oh boy, do they ever.

    There is a great selection of wine, alcohol and beer as well as snacks and general necessities. Sure you can buy booze anywhere. But these guys are really friendly, take the time to chat a bit and get to know you. Over the last couple of weeks, I've been greeted by name when I come in. I like that, it makes me feel special...which my Mommy says I am, so it's a good feeling!

  • Review from Ly N.

    • 12 friends
    • 36 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/25/2009

    Nick and Frank never never never make me feel like an alcoholic.  They carry an impressive wine selection and there's typically a new seasonal beer to try out.  They know the entire neighborhood patronage by name and will always remember a tidbit detail of your life that makes your heart warm like you've just gotten 1st place at the 4th grade science fair.

    They remember that you love that organic Pinot Noir, that your neighbor is out of smokes, and ask how your out of town friend that visited last week is.

    But what really made me write this today is that it's Christmas and they're open for the eggs, bacon, and other holiday treats you don't have in your kitchen.  Nick and Frank don't celebrate Christmas, but will genuinely wish you one anyway.

    Here's the kicker:  They were out of eggs and Nick went to his house and gave us 3 eggs.  Don't expect this - my neighbors and I are special.

  • Review from Laurel T.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/20/2008

    The guys in here are so nice.  They always call me by my name although I am ashamed to admit I don't know either of theirs.  The service is always quick and efficient.

    There is generally one import beer on special for 9.99 a twelver which is always nice. The vino selection is very impressive.  When I check out they usually remind me of my need to purchase smokes.

    They are all together very personable and they take care of their customers.  I love having this place close enough to stroll.

  • Review from Eric P.

    • 52 friends
    • 17 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here

    Great selection of craft brews to take home

  • Review from Bart P.

    • 6 friends
    • 73 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/11/2007

    Frank and Nick go out of their way to make you want to return to their shop.  A nice and always growing variety of craft beers along with the staples make this a place everyone in the neighborhood can shop at.  I asked for Chimay?  Not only did I get Chimay in stock, but got some Piraat as well.

    This is walking distance from my house so the idea of not having to drive for great service sets this place above the rest.  The prices are market and not gouging, like the place at the opposite end of Adams, of which I will explain in another review.

  • Review from Lia T.

    • 75 friends
    • 168 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/2/2011

    Great selection of imported and craft beers. They even have secret stashes of some special beers. I won't say which because you have to be in the know. They also carry some fancy mixers, ginger beer, fever tree tonic etc. And, like everybody else has said, the owners are so nice. They remember your preferences and know how to make suggestions.

  • Review from Cheryl L.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/15/2011

    I love this store. I go out of my way to go here instead of the stores closer to my house becasuse it's so... pleasant. The store is kept very well,  the variety is good and the selection of wines and beers is great for a small place. The guys are great, they're helpful and super friendly, and they really make you feel welcome and glad you stopped in. Like the store in the small town I grew up in I am greeted by name and treated like a neighbor, something hard to find anywhere, let alone a metropolis. The unexpected warmth and customer courtesy is amazing, and I for one am very appreciative.

  • Review from Erin B.

    • 24 friends
    • 35 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2011

    I was walking by and realized how thirsty I was, so I popped in to grab a Gatorade. I was totally blown away at the selection of...well, everything. I went to the coolers where the soft drinks and things are, and they had a ton of really tasty sounding things I'd never heard of. I ended up getting a ginger ale and a raspberry lemonade, both of which were SO good. I perused the liquor selection while I was there, and I was impressed... they had a lot of interesting things. The gentleman behind the counter was SO nice and talked about keeping things the neighborhood folks like in stock, as an explanation for the different items I'd seen. I'll go out of my way to stop here in the future.

  • Review from Cindy H.

    • 56 friends
    • 34 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/22/2011 7 Check-ins Here

    I live within walking distance of this store.  So I always come here when I need last minute items or when I'm too lazy to drive to the grocery store.  They always have what I need and whoever is working is always very nice and helpful.  They have a good selection of craft beer here and will offer suggestions whenever you look sorta confused and they've been right on the mark every time! Probably the friendly-est liquor store ever!!

  • Review from Grayson C.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2010

    I love having this little store in our neighborhood.  Nick and Frank are awesome.  Always super friendly.  I love having them as neighbors.

    Good wine and beer selection at decent prices.

  • Review from Genia A.

    • 2 friends
    • 31 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/8/2011

    I am a happy customer of this buzz stop. If i've got a hankering for IPAs and Malts and driving down adams, maybe passing through to a friends shindig over in normal heights I'll pop in and grab something special. Not only am I greeted with vast selections and congenial counter-persons, what else can I really ask for? This place is the bomb diggity.

  • Review from Eric H.

    • 6 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/18/2009

    After a few visits here, Nick and Frank started welcoming me by name. At first I had thought my regular weekday-drinking had become a problem, but after a few more visits I realized that the guys there just treat all their patrons as friends as well as customers. Cool!

    I'm mostly a beer drinker. While their beer aisle is better than average, it's not the best I've seen. They'll keep the selection fresh with a handful of seasonals, and you can usually find a 22oz of something very nice. They've got an enormous wine/liquor selection, with regular sale prices. And if you're hungry, there's about two aisles' worth of snacks and such.

    I continue to visit here because I enjoy chatting with Nick and Frank, and I feel good about giving them my business.

  • Review from Michele D.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/24/2011

    This is the BEST EVER!  Everyone here is so nice and helpful.   Frank even helped me with my car when the battery died.  

    They always have a smile on their on faces and are truly happy to see their customers.  

    Big selection of beverages and snacks and a pretty good supply of everyday items you need, even pet food.  

    GREAT PRICES!

  • Review from Landin C.

    • 6 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/2/2011

    I use these guys everyday.  They are a huge part of the community.  They are friendly, helpful and we all love going there.  FYI: The prices on liquor are some of the most resonable in Metro San Diego.

  • Review from Madison B.

    • 366 friends
    • 393 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2008

    Took care of my Beverage needs for a good two years.  The guys here are great.  They even tell me when my tail lights are out, haha.  And use to make fun of us when we would come in a few times a night.

  • Review from Sid S.

    • 20 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Bonita, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/30/2010

    I still stop by just to say hi to Nick & Frank, and I moved 6 months ago lol. They will special order your favorite beer, wine, snacks, cigars, or cigs. Just a great place in general, a very neighborhood friendly store. Nice to know places like this are still around.

  • Review from Allison D.

    • 36 friends
    • 99 reviews

    Mountain View, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/14/2008

    One of the owner's looked at my license once and then remember me every time after then.  They have decent prices on their liquour and always will recommend the better deal.  My husband and I would frequent here often on the way home or just when we had run out of wine.  We were always greeted with a friendly "Hey boss, how you been?"

  • Review from Tim S.

    • 3 friends
    • 28 reviews

    La Jolla, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/2/2010

    Love: The location. The Wine Selection is great. The liquor selection rocks, some great specials. The Prices are good. The staff is extremely friendly.

    Not in love with: The hours (they close surprisingly early on Weekend nights). If I had planned ahead, I would have gotten something at the grocery store. The beer selection is so-so. Mostly some locals and the standard big breweries and imports. I'm a big fan of Witbeers and stouts, and haven't felt like I had more than 1 or 2 options there.

  • Review from Y N.

    • 110 friends
    • 117 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/19/2007

    They have a pretty good selection of wines.  The owners are really nice too. They gave me a solid recommendation on a Sauv Blanc, and then proceeded to tell me a cautionary tale about gambling.

  • Review from Brandi M.

    • 18 friends
    • 15 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/28/2010

    These guys are great. Nick and Frank really pay attention to people. I highly recommend Adams Ave Liquor and encourage you to go there!

  • Review from Jan F.

    • 26 friends
    • 227 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/20/2010

    Their wine selections are the best.  Some prices even beat Bevmo....REALLY.   I always ask Frank and Nick what I should try next, and they always choose a good one.  Love my wines and love this store!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      5/11/2008

      This place has a hugh selection of great wines!!!  Frank and Nick are
      great and are alway ready to… Read more »

  • Review from Julian V.

    • 8 friends
    • 28 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2009

    Nick and Frank are the best always friendly and happy.

  • Review from David V.

    • 0 friends
    • 30 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/31/2011

    This is my favorite liquor store!  The people are very warm and friendly, and always have some fine deals on beers and wine.

  • Review from Brian J.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2010

    Frank and Nick are awesome, super friendly and super helpful guys. They truly care about their business, and their customers. Proud to have them in the neighborhood, and proud to give them my business.

Deals Nearby

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

People Viewed This After Searching For...