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Armanetti Wine Shoppe & Beverage Mart
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
3530 N Lincoln Ave(between Cornelia Ave & Hermitage Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 529-0288
- Nearest Transit:
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Addison-brown (Brown Line)
Paulina (Brown Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Armanetti Wine Shoppe & Beverage Mart
Review Highlights
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"It is still a great local liquor store." In 10 reviews -
"They have Bell's Two-Hearted, (very hard to find." In 5 reviews -
"Very friendly staff." In 4 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer K.
Chicago, IL
4/9/2012
I too, am a little surprised by the negative reviews, but all my experiences here have been fine, so that's what I'm going to write about. I used to live around the corner and frequented here and Pelly's quite a bit, but even now that I live in Bucktown I make the drive up here just about once every two weeks. Their craft beer selection has simply exploded since I lived there - they even had make your own 6 packs before Binny's made it cool (side note: I like Binny's just fine).
Every time I've walked in, the guy who has helped me has been really great and helped me find some beers that are similar to the ones I mentioned I'd like. They do free tastings most Fridays, and they even have a newsletter where they tell you what releases are coming in this week, so if there is a beer you are jonesing for, you can make sure to stop in and get it before its gone.
As far as pricing goes, I think their prices are well within the range of anywhere else you could go (some of the "hot" limited beers are more expensive that you might expect, but probably the same elsewhere). I've only bought wine from here once or twice, so I don't have much to say about their wine selection/prices. -
Review from Stephen B.
Chicago, IL
3/22/2012
I live quite literally across the street from this place - I would much rather walk a little farther to Pelly's than shop here.
The owner/shopkeeper has weird eyebrows and is very rude. Their prices are high.
I don't think I should feel privileged to spend my money at a liquor store. And you selling me a bottle of wine that's been sitting on the shelf for way too long doesn't amount to you doing me a service.
Stay away. -
Review from Kevin L.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2012
UPDATE (2/3/12): Originally gave 3 stars, but after having visited last night, unfortunately, I had to factor in the 'value' component of this establishment. Not sure what exactly happened over the last few months, but it seems that every recent major release has jumped in price at least 10% from what I remember being charged previously. Example: Boogoop - here, the price was either $16.99 or $17.99 a bottle (I was too shocked to recall the price with exact specificity). Around the corner, at West Lakeview Liquors, the price was $12.99. $4-5 more, two blocks away. Wow.
On the one hand, there are a number of things that this place does very well that surpasses what similar stores (Bodega Ramos, West Lakeview Liquors, Binny's) provide to their customers in the area. On the other hand, there are times when the little things and the way they are handled by the staff of Armanetti's make you think that you may be better off taking your business elsewhere - as noted in the numerous negative reviews posted over the course of the past few years.
With a carefully maintained beer selection that seems to be in constant rotation (this is a good thing), the variety that you can find here is only matched by Binny's and Lakeview Liquors in the area. What you won't get from the other places is the great communication that Armanetti's provides to those on their mailing list, detailing when certain 'rare' or new release beers are released. Does this lead to times when the staff are not on the same page as the owner? Yes. (This sometimes leads to potential 'snarkiness' as mentioned by fellow Yelpers). However, the mere fact that they provide a date (and, in the case of Bourbon County Coffee Stout, a time) when beer will be released does not mean that they should be derided for not having a particular beer at a particular time, or for the fact that they limit quantities (just like every other similar store in the area).
Are there better, more affordable options for wine and beer in the area? Yes. Does Mateo and his staff at Bodega Ramos provide a more welcoming and better customer experience (as well as better recommendations for affordable wine pairings) in the store? Absolutely. The competitive advantage this place has however is that they have the key relationships with their suppliers to get what people in the area want. For that, it is worth timing your visit to coincide with the latest releases. Above the supply advantage, simply avoid asking the owner questions about availability or craft beer in general (one must understand that the sarcastic responses you get are the result of he and his employees being asked dozens of times a day similar questions about the same rare releases) and you will find your experience here will be OK. -
Review from William L.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/25/2012
Well, I've been back twice since my last review a little over a year ago. If you want to get chastised for not buying more than you want, this is the place for you. When I asked for a recommendation on a bottle of Cabernet under $15, they showed me bottles for $30 and up. After reminding them of the price requirement, I was told "there are no good bottles for $15." Ok, fine, you lost a customer, I'll go to Bodega Ramos and get a fantastic bottle in my price range that Mateo recommends.
If you have questions about limited craft beer releases or craft beer in general, avoid the owner. You'll get a snarky response about how you are privileged to be shopping there and then he'll be of no use to you at all. Their selection is good, as long as you like paying a markup of 20% on six-packs and bombers. I've taken my business to other smaller shops (Lush, Bodega Ramos) as well as larger ones (Binny's) and will never go back to this establishment.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/13/2010
This place is my go-to for holiday shopping, whether it's wine or craft beer. I've always gotten… Read more »
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Review from Lauren V.
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
After reading some of the other reviews I'm glad I didn't have a run in with the owner, he seems to be a not so pleasant person. All I can comment on is the craft beer selection which was impressive. They had a few things we had been wanting to try and I really like places where you can buy beer by the bottle-that way I can just try something out without making the commitment of a 6-pack. I'm sure we'll stop in again, we'll just make sure to avoid contact with the grumpy old man.
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Review from Brian C.
1/27/2012
After 3 years of research around Chicago's north side, I can confidently say that Armanetti's is the area's best place to buy beer. Their mix-six selection is unbeatable. Binny's recently started doing make-your-own six packs, but the beers that Binny's throws out for mixers are often mediocre at best. Armanetti's has the cheap stuff AND the really good stuff available, priced on a per-bottle basis. Every time I come in, I manage to pick out 6 new types of beer to try out, which is made possible by their constantly rotating supply of seasonals.
MAIN POINT: If you're a beer enthusiast, or you just got on the craft-brewer bandwagon, you should be familiar with Armanetti's.
Also, if you want to see just how moody and polarized the local beer drinking community is on Armanetti's limited supply beer-rationing policies, just go to the store's page on Beeradvocate, where it's listed as a "Worldclass" retailer scored 97 out of 100 (http://beeradvocate.co...). When people are this opinionated about a beer store, there must be something noteworthy about the place. -
Review from William V.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2012
I do not have much more to say than the other negative posters. Last week I went to the store with my girl friend and Stephan (who is actually not the owner, his wife is) proceeded to yell at her and stated that she doesn't count as a customer when she tired to purchase a limited beer. It was quite a humiliating experience for her. He then said "may be this is not the store for you". He seemed to get that right, even if he didn't get anything else right.
I do not think that type of treatment is acceptable. Rather than merely complain on here, the Illinois Attorney General have a very easy process for filing consumer complaints against business with poor practices, which is the step I am taking. You cannot advertise that you have something, have it in stock, then proceed to yell in the face of a human being that they "do not count as a customer". I do not think merely shopping elsewhere is sufficient after the encounter we had on our very last visit to the Armanetti. -
Review from Julia J.
10/22/2011
I've shopped at Armanetts for a long time. Their wine selection is ok- it's just a local little place. What got them my business in the first place was that they carried a very hard to find cider that I loved and couldn't find elsewhere...until a few weeks ago when I bought a few bottles that were obviously skunked and tasted horrible.
Having read the reviews here, I decided to look elsewhere and found out that the Binny's in lakeview started to carry the cider at HALF the price.
Hate to support a big box store over the local merchant, but really, Armanettis? Twice as much? No thanks. Best of luck to you. -
Review from Sadat A.
2/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Sort of stumbled across this spot this past week. Super cool staff, huge selection of craft hard to find beers, and a nice size wine selection. The prices are fair and they actually had some good specials when I stopped by. Next time I'm in the market for some super dank beer then I'm swing back over to this spot. Two thumbs up!
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Review from Andrew C.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2011
I am pretty blown away by the negative reviews I've read here because I think Armanetti is amazing. The reason i come here EVERY TIME is because of the fantastic, knowledgeable service/staff they have here. Yes....they actually know about the wine and beer they sell!
And did I mention they are NICE?!? Non-snobs...if there is such a thing. The idea that the owner is rude and only cares about selling MORE booze has never even occurred to me. Just the opposite. I get friendly, knowledgeable, service every single time. They even help me haul it out to my car....with a smile!
Armanetti is a GREAT wine shop/liquor store and I'm grateful to have them two blocks away from my house. -
Review from Blake M.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2011 6 Check-ins Here
DO NOT GO HERE! As a man who knows and loves his craft beer, this could have been a solid addition to my craft beer store arsenal, especially being just two blocks from home. But with the horrid service, I avoid coming here altogether and strongly recommend you do the same.
The first time I came in, I had headphones on while I was checking out the store. Being my first time there, I wanted to look through the entire stock of beer to see what kind of stock they had and if they had any special releases. As soon as I walked in the door, I saw the large man at the counter (the owner?) put down his newspaper and could sense him watching me the entire time. He never asked if I needed help but just looked at me like I was about to steal something. Thanks.
Thinking that experience was a fluke, I came back looking for Bell's 25th anniversary a little while later. They were selling it by the bottle with a one bottle limit at a marked up price. I wanted to try it, so I grabbed one and another bottle of a limited distribution beer. I would have picked up more, but the prices just did not justify buying anything else. At the register, the owner gave me an irritated look, clearly annoyed that I was not buying more. "Just these two, huh?" Yes, I am just buying the beer I want to buy, thanks.
Being a glutton for punishment, I came back yet again, this time looking for Bourbon County Vanilla when it came out. I called ahead of time, asking very politely if they could please hold a bottle for me. No, I'm sorry, it's first come first serve. When would they be getting it in? When the truck gets there. Today? Maybe. Thanks.
When I walk in, the display is somewhat out of the way to really discourage people from getting to it, unlike the fanfare the special releases get at Binny's. It's like they don't want walk in customers to be able to buy "the best stuff." So I grab a bottle, walk around, and end up picking up two more single bottles of beer, a 12 oz. and a 22 oz. When I go to check out, the owner says, "Just the Bourbon County Vanilla and a couple of limited releases? I shouldn't even sell you these, I never see you in here." Shocked, I responded that I had stopped in a few times. "Oh yea, I think I remember you coming in to buy other limited releases. You never buy any of the regular stuff."
Wow. Maybe the reason that I only stop in for the limited releases is that I can only stomach dealing with this flagrantly offensive customer service when there is a new beer I really want to try. Oh, and when the prices are 10-20% over what you pay at Binny's, is there really a choice?
At this point I have made the firm commitment never to come back. After just a quick glance at some other reviews, the owner has sworn and kicked out customers and several were afraid of violence. Even without seeing that side of him myself, I had a good idea it was lurking. If you need a good beer store recommendation, message me, but please, for everyone's sake, do not go here. -
Review from Daniel N.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2011
I could care less that this place gets limited beers. The owner is probably one of the rudest human beings I've ever encountered and his business shouldn't be supported. Save your time and money and checkout West Lakeview Liquors around the corner.
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Review from Matt G.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2011
A truly awful experience - and judging from other reviews on here, I'm not alone.
The prices here are very high - a couple dollars more per large-format beer bottle than larger stores - but the extensive selection and convenient location seemed to make up for it. And, I thought I was paying for a higher level of service than the bigger chains.
A couple weeks ago, I spent over $100 on about a dozen high-end beers. It turned out the cork on one of them had dried out and hardened, and wouldn't budge. Even with a corkscrew and trying to carve through it with a knife, I could only get through it enough to get a bit of foam. The next day I brought it back, expecting a refund, or even just an exchange. When you're paying $11 for a beer retail, it's standard to expect this if there's any problem. For reference, Trader Joe's or Costco will take them back no questions asked even with nothing wrong - even an empty bottle if you just didn't like it.
The owner looked at the disintegrated cork, and tried to say there was no problem. He got a corkscrew and tried to open it himself, and was unable to get it out. Then he told me he wouldn't take it back because the cork wasn't intact. Umm, that's the problem, sir!
I expressed my disbelief at this policy, as the bottle was clearly defective and undrinkable. I explained that I have spent close to $1000 in his store. He said that since I am such a good customer, he wants to keep me happy and he'd make an exception and take it back - if I produce all my past receipts, on the spot, proving how much I've spent!
Then - I couldn't make this up - he said that I "must be a drunk if I've spent that much", and that his customers aren't drunks so none of them spend that much. Are you serious? You're a liquor store owner! And one who specializes in middle to high-end beer and wine at that!
I laughed, and he asked me to the leave the store. My girlfriend spoke up at this point and suggested that he wouldn't be in business long treating customers so poorly.
He laughed at her and said he hears things like that everyday. I believe it. -
Review from Zac B.
Chicago, IL
11/20/2010
Terrible business clearly run by terrible people. Decent selection doesn't make up for awful customer service.
My sob story? Bought some party shot glasses for a wine tasting down the street at Whole Foods, but turned out I didn't need them because Whole Foods provided them. Came back a few hours later to return them, unopened, unused, and got blank stares from the kid at the register and the blonde lady (manager?), as if I was making some kind of amazing request. They told me they had an "all sales final" policy and wouldn't refund them. Not even an apology or an exchange for store credit. I was told I could waste my time and come back in the week and talk to the owner. Ahahahahahah! Are you kidding? You won't ever see me again.
Seriously, how do you stay in business with this kind of customer service? Okay, so you made ten bucks off me today, but I won't ever come back here for any reason. So your ten dollars today just cost you an endless future supply of business. Dumb, dumb, dumb. This isn't communist China and you don't have a monopoly of hooch sales in the neighborhood.
I kind of always felt awkward in here, as other reviewers have mentioned there's an arrogance that can be felt, but I just want to thank you douchebags for finally giving me an excuse to write this review and to know with certainty I'll never come back. Of course, I'll make sure anyone I know doesn't shop here too. -
Review from Linda D.
6/9/2011
Whoa, I'm pretty shocked to read some of the reviews of this place that say the owner was really rude. I had a completely different experience. I walked in on a random weekday and met Steve, who greeted me and asked if I was looking for anything in particular. When I said, "No, I'm just looking," he was very friendly and told me to holler if I needed anything as he went back to his desk. I'm not an alcohol connoisseur, but Armanetti seems to have a decent selection of unique and imported beers, wines, and liquors with prices varying from college student (under $10) to ballin' (it's all about the Benjamins). I did, however, see a couple beer shelves that looked sparsely stocked. I don't know if it's like that all of the time.
I picked out two different 750 ml bottles and asked Steve what the differences were between them. He was very helpful and when he rang me up, he told me about the store's free tastings each week. He didn't pressure me to buy more or tell me to "Get the F out" when I asked him questions as I've read in some of the other reviews. Based on my own experience, I'd go back. -
Review from John H.
Updated - 3/29/2011
Armanetti continues to have a solid craft beer selection. I usually can't walk out of here without at least a sixer and a bomber of some fancier brew. I'm not sure what has happened to their liquor selection, though. Their liquor shelves have gotten progressively emptier of bourbon, brandy, and various other spirits. It looks like the place got raided just before a major storm.
This has been an exceptionally convenient location for me for several years now. But it's been quite a while since I was able to purchase any of my beloved booze here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009
When I was a kid, my concept of liquor stores consisted of armed robberies, bums, and sodas gone… Read more »
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Review from Mark W.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2011
It's been at least 3 years since I last went here. I was "scared" away by other reviews on yelp. The other day I went against what people said and stopped by. Glad I did!
Soon after I walked in a guy asked if he could help me find anything. I nicely said I was just seeing what they had. He said let him know if he could steer me towards anything and let me do my own perusing. I then picked out a few beers and checked out. Of the beers I picked up that trip was Sieria Nevada 30th Aniv. brown label. He proceeded to ask me if I had it or any of the other Aniv. beers. Also spoke about the yeast strain in Stone's Old Guardian Belgo helps this barley wine not need to age.
Nice conversation, well educated beer aficionado guy, and best of all friendly service. Things have changed here apparently. -
Review from Isaac L.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2012
Well, this is probably piling on at this point, but my story is similar to many others on here.
I went to Armanetti's not too long ago to track down a limited release beer. I don't live nearby this Armanetti's, and I had never been there before. I learned about this location because of the store's twitter account. The owner tweeted that they would have the beer I was looking for on X day at X time on a first-come-first-served basis. Cool. I made sure to make it up there in time for the release. While waiting for the beer to arrive, I browsed the wares. There is a decent selection, but nothing outstanding. They pretty much have what you would expect them to have. I grabbed a few things I had been wanting, at which point the owner walks over and asks me if I needed anything. I told him I was there for the release of the beer in question, to which he sighed and looked away. He told me something to the effect of "yeah, we're getting that in later, but it's only for our customers." Imagine my confusion, as I'm carrying over $50 worth of product. In case he had missed the massive amount of beer I was holding in my hands, I kindly pointed it out to him. To which he replied, "you just have to show us more love, is all." I wasn't sure if he was implying that I had to come to the store more frequently, or if I bought more beer that day he would sell me the good stuff. Either way, I felt fairly disrespected. "We do have 100 other beers, though," he said. Thanks.
Honestly, I don't have a problem with stores holding back limited releases for their loyal customers. If you are only getting one case, it makes sense that you would want to give it to the people that support your business. I take strong exception to Armanetti's practice for two reasons:
1) If you are holding back limited release beer for loyal customers, do not tweet that you're going to have it at a certain time on a first come first serve basis. That is extremely disingenuous and an outright lie. In fact, don't advertise that you're going to have it at all if you're not willing to sell it openly.
2) Don't insult me and tell me I'm not one of your customers when I am in your store with over $50 worth of product in my hands, ready to spend what would probably have amounted to triple digits if I were "allowed" to purchase the beer in question.
I saw on BeerAdvocate that this guy is doing a raffle to determine who can buy Goose Island Bramble Rye this week. If I were you, I would strongly question the legitimacy of the raffle. I have little doubt that the owner is going to parse through the raffle tickets and weed out names he doesn't recognize. Furthermore, I am fairly certain that conducting a raffle of this nature is illegal.
TLDR: Don't go here for limited releases unless you know the owner. Don't go here at all if you don't want to be treated terribly. The selection is okay but nothing special. -
Review from Eric n.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2007 3 photos
Hey all you NYC Transplants Our quest is over!!!
THEY HAVE BROOKLYN LAGER AND BROOKLYN IPA!!!
oh how i have missed this awesome beer.
This is by far one of the cleanest well stocked beverage stores i have ever been to. The owner Steve is very helpful and willing to search for your favorite beverage to put amongst his already ample stock of wines, liquors, and beers.
They have wine tastings from 2-5 on Saturdays
And are now having Beer Tastings next one is coming up Friday April 27 and it will be all about the Belgians.
Give Steve a call to find out more about tastings.
Tip: Parking in front is 15 min loading zone and there is a parking lot you can use Next Door.
Taking the EL Brown line it to Paulina and walk north on Lincoln left (west) side of street just before Addison -
Review from Rob L.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2008
I've been curious about this store for months. I finally went in and was pleasantly surprised. A pretty darn good selection of not only your hard liquor but some really great selections of wine and beer. Honestly the prices seemed fair, to good, nothing seems really outrageous. When I went the place seemed a bit empty, but after perusing the selection I settled on two imported reds, one for me one for a friend. I do wish they would have some more information on the wines like a few other shops I've been to have, or a rating or something. If you are slightly clueless as what to purchases, it helps. However if you have questions ask them, they are friendly and were happy to give me their opinion on my purchase. They also have a chilling area for some whites and champagne and a few cheeses, but not a huge selection of the cheeses. Plus they have a small free parking lot too, bonus!
I do have to say that some yelpers have said you can find cheaper prices at Sam's and Costco, hmmm I just have to say, I have found cheaper prices on some same items at Whole Foods versus Sam's. You can always find cheaper prices for stuff everywhere if you look hard enough. I don't like to scour the city seeing where I can buy the cheapest, I don't have that amount of time. If anything some things may be a buck or two more, but nothing horrible. -
Review from Mike C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/13/2010
The place has gone way downhill in my book over the last year. Not sure who the kid is at the counter, but I hadn't had to deal with him before this summer and I am not impressed. The guy in the back room who used to be helpful apparently must not like the way I look any more, or something since he never seems willing to help out when the kid has no idea what is going on.
Here are my last few experiences:
I was looking for a specific beer and they didn't carry it and the kid made a comment that he'd ask the distributor about it next time. I asked if he wanted my phone number or something so he could let me know. He said no. I asked about it next time I came in, he remembered nothing about our previous conversation.
Next trip in I'm looking for a 12 of Shandy and didn't realize that Lieni' switched the 12 packs to cans. I asked if they had bottles and got a short 'no, they don't exist'. Confused since I had had them the previous year I said, that they had existed last year. He said all that exists in cans. It wasn't until I got my Lieni's newsletter that explained the change that I knew why. You'd think the dude could have spent 30 seconds to explain this to me. My guess is 1. he didn't know and 2. he didn't care to help me.
A couple days later I bought two mini-kegs of Two Hearted on sale. The were both spoiled to the point where we couldn't drink them. If they are that old, an apparently stored that poorly, don't just put them on sale, throw them out. That same trip, I also bought a few other 12 packs and a couple other mini-kegs. I was never asked for my Armanetti's card during the transaction. As soon as I realized it, I pointed it out and the kid said it was too late, but I "only had a little over $100 worth of stuff I was eligible to get credit on. So, no big deal." After that visit I tossed my card since my loyalty there was now no big deal.
My latest and probably last trip there I was looking for three very simple things that could be found at any corner market or Jewel: Summer Shandy, Honey Moon, and Founders Centennial. They had none of them. No apologies, no offer to help me find a substitute, nothing. Just a short and arrogant 'no'.
So, I can no longer in good conscious leave my previously good review up. Walk the extra couple blocks to Pelly's if you have to. As much as it doesn't look as nice at least you know what you're getting. In fact, you can get essentially the same selection and prices at Whole Foods with a much better attitude. Why shop local when it just isn't as good?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2008
5 stars on the beer selection, service, and knowledge. Loss of one on the noted lack of wine… Read more »
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Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
8/4/2008
I have never experienced more knowledgeable, friendly, bend-over-backwards customer service than I get here. This place rocks!
Enormous selection of better booze.
Most folks only need the booze you can get at the Jewel. For the rest of us, there is Armanetti's! -
Review from Ingrid G.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011
Way to make the small business owner look bad, guys. Don't go to this place.
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Review from Nikkie H.
Chicago, IL
9/10/2007
I used to live a couple blocks away from Armanetti's and would stop by every other weekend to pick up some beer or wine. It has been a couple years, and wasn't aware that the father and son had sold it. They were absolutely great. Super friendly and knowledgeable.
You can find some very unique beers there and the prices weren't too outrageous. Yeah, some products you can probably find cheaper at other stores, but I consider Armanetti's like a boutique liquor store - some things are fairly inexpensive, while others are more.
I think it's worth paying a little more for great service and great recommendations. -
Review from Natalia K.
Chicago, IL
8/5/2008
Thanks to my primo location (I practically live across the street), this is my go-to place for booze. Even if I lived a block or a neighborhood away, however, I'd want to come here. Their selection is more than admirable for a neighborhood liquor store with a staff that is highly knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to beer and wine selection. Their discount card is a plus as well as the cleanliness of the place.
And they sell my favorite "kind of hard to find" beer: Lowenbrau.
Last time I went in, these two guys were trying to figure out what local brew to buy and the staff actually opened a bottle for them to try. Now that's the kind of service that will keep me coming back.Listed in: I Heart My Neighborhood
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Review from Daniel H.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2011
They have not re-stocked their liquor for over 3 months. A women at the register asked for cigarettes and she was told they do not sell them anymore.
Despite the great selection of beer and wine, I am a little concerned about this store. If you go to:
http://www.armanetti.c...
This store is not even listed. Not sure what's going on, but something is fishy. -
Review from Steve M.
12/7/2009
Holy beer selection, batman!!
A bunch of friends and I were going to drop in on a little holiday-spiral-cut-ham party last night, and decided it would be best to NOT show up empty handed. Luckily, Armanetti's was so close!
As the pictures show, their wine and beer selection is insaneo. There are bottles of almost every beer I could think of (save some crazy microbrew stuff from say, Portland). A nice big selection of cold ones, and pretty reasonable prices. I think we nabbed a 12 bottle sampler of Brooklyn Beers for around $12.
Next time I'm in this hood, I'll return to Armanetti's! -
Review from Scott C.
11/24/2010
I've been going to Armanetti's for years to pick up wine and/or beer. I have appreciated their wine selection - especially their wines under $10. I've countlessly found some gems here. The staff has always been helpful making good recommendations for wine they carry in the store. Better yet, they rarely try to upsell you and stick in your price range - not much wine snobbery here.
As mentioned, their beer selection is fantastic! I can always find Wexford, St. Bernardus and Tripel Karmelite here - which makes me very happy. Their selection of European beer and American micro beers is also pretty extensive and gives you plenty of choices.
If you haven't been here - give it a try, it's a great place to find a good beer or bottle of wine. -
Review from Kristen W.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2006
Nice, clean little wine & beer shop. I visited during Rock Around the Block, so their beer selection was somewhat depleted, but I was impressed by the selection. They had my favorite Ayinger Brau Weiss in stock, as well as a few beer selections I had never heard of! (pretty rare for me)
Nicely organized store and helpful staff. I anticipate going back and finding more treasures. -
Review from Molly L.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2009
I have driven by Armanetti's countless times thinking it was just another liquor store in a city filled with so many. After reading about the beer selection on Yelp I decided to stop in to check it out and was really blown away. There are two things that truly put Armanetti's in a class by itself...the selection and the service.
I'll start with the selection...unlike Binny's or some of the other places well-stocked with craft beers the people at Armanetti's take the time to try the beers and only stock the best. They have the customer favorites from midwest breweries like Two Brothers, Flossmoor Station, and Three Floyds but they have so many I have never seen or even heard of.
On to the service...Steve (the owner) and Tom are two of the most knowledgeable people I have ever had help me navigate the often overwhelming selection of beer and wine at a store. They are passionate about their product and eager to steer you in the right direction. I even picked up an expensive bottle of beer that they steered me away from saying that it wasn't worth the money. How many places in the city do that? Their expertise doesn't end with beer though as they recommended a bottle of Oregon pinot noir that was off the charts.
Armanetti's selection coupled with the fact that the people working there actually know what they are talking about and want to help makes this my new and only go-to liquor store. I cannot wait to head back for their Friday night beer tastings and obviously to buy more beer. -
Review from Meredith B.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2010
Armanetti is a great neighborhood gem - we are lucky to live so close by!
The selection of liqueurs is smaller than, say, Binny's, but the personal service and some of the more unique selections make up for it being a smaller store. The beer section is certainly expansive, you could try a different six-pack every week and not repeat for over a year!
Once, we dropped in on a Saturday and one of the women working there was hosting a little mini wine tasting. We tried some lovely wines from California, almost all of which had been produced in very small quantities. It was a real treat to have wine that would be hard to find anywhere else. Also, the woman hosting the wine tasting was extremely knowledgeable - you could tell she knew exactly what she was talking about.
Parking in the back is a bonus! I'll be stopping in later tonight to hunt for something unusual.... -
Review from Jonathan C.
Updated - 1/31/2010
It is still a great local liquor store... I can come in here on a Sat evening and expect to be greeted by friendly staff (who hopefully will be giving out samples of wine, beer, or liquor).
There beer selection is great, the whiskey selection is great.... I'm sure the wine selection is great but I'm not a big wine-head.
I have never had any complaints, only good stuff to say about this place. Also their kegs are cheaper than the local competition1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/12/2008
Its a pretty good local liquor store. Some people write that it is horribly over priced. While I… Read more »
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Review from Emma M.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2009
I enjoy coming here for a GREAT selection of wine, champagne, beer (beer heaven) or other liquor. The staff is really helpful when trying to find something to pair with food.
They also have beer/wine tasting almost every weekend so that's a nice treat.
They also carry limes, crackers, cheese, and other liquor accessories. -
Review from Jo El M.
Durham, NC
8/23/2009
The best beer selection on the north side of Chicago.
I have to admit: I don't like shopping chain stores. Armanetti's is a local chain of liquor stores in the city and extending to the burbs. I always feel much better giving my money to the smaller, family owned places. For example, West Lakeview Liquors is just a few blocks down the street from this shop. I would much rather buy my beer from them, however this Armanetti's (and only this one) always has what I'm looking for.
They always have the latest Flossmoor Station offerings before you can find them from anyone else. Plus the offer a huge selection of craft beer from the likes of 3Floyds, Avery, Great Divide, Southern Tier, Bells, Dark Horse, Ska, tons of Belgian and Europeans beers, and much, much more. Lots of individual bottles and, of course, six packs. -
Review from Onur U.
5/16/2009
They have the best beer selection in the area so they've been my beer store of choice for a while. They stock a wide of selection of quality with little to no filler. The selection changes fairly frequently and there is never any dust on the bottles, which I'm guessing means the beer moves fairly well.
Slowly, however, I have started looking at different stores. When you're spending 30-50 dollars on craft beer on every trip, you'd like to discuss the choices with someone who knows what's new and what's good. The staff at Armanetti's is friendly and they definitely try to help, but they just don't know very much about beer. For someone who knows what they're looking for, this isn't a problem, but it can be frustrating when you're interested in branching out or just looking to see what's new in the quickly changing world of craft beer.
I still visit now and then because they are fairly close by, but I definitely find myself going other places more and more. Can't beat their location though, right across the street from Paulina Meat Market. -
Review from Jacob J.
9/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is a NICE liquor shop. One look inside and you'll be hooked, that is if you have a penchant for great beer and good scotch. The best beers are on the racks, not chilled.
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Review from Jose G.
Brooklyn, NY
12/20/2007
This place is terribly overpriced. You can find cheaper options within a block or two. The selection isn't bad, but if you look, you can find just about anything they have here somewhere else for much less.
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Review from Lois A.
Chicago, IL
3/5/2011
Wow, from the reviews below I guess I'm lucky I haven't been harassed here. Very happy to find Smuttynose winter brew here since it is long gone at the other stores I go to. Can't say I will be rushing back after reading all these reviews below as I don't want to have a nasty run in with the owner. That's too bad because this place has a really nice selection.
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Review from Arlene A.
7/8/2009 1 Check-in Here
This place is fun! The variety is truly above and beyond all you could ask for. While picking up some staples (I found the liquor prices average), I wandered around looking at all the BEER! Armanetti's also has this yummy little number called Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, which is made in Chicago! Steve (?) was great, as the selection can be intimidating, couldn't thank him enough for his great suggestions. Will be back to really dive into those crazy beer selections!
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Review from Lindsay M.
Chicago, IL
5/28/2009
I was once a regular customer to Armanetti's. It's close, clean, and had what I thought was friendly staff. I STAND CORRECTED.
One night, some friends and I stopped by to pick up an inexpensive bottle of wine. We were asked what we were looking for and the man continuously attempted to sell us more expensive wine than we wanted. During this time, he asked 2 of us to quiet our other friend down. Now, we are the only customers in the store, and it's only 8pm on a Friday night.
After selecting some bottles, more than we wanted to spend, we decided not to give this rude man our business, so we put the wine back and started to leave. He asked why we were leaving and we said that we were a little offended by his rude comment. He proceeded to yell at us and tell us to get the FUCK out of his store. We were bitches, fat, ugly, you name it! It was ridiculously uncalled for.
I'm quite sad that this incident spoiled all the wonderful experiences I have had with other Armanetti employees and my overall opinion of the store. I will continue to boycott and will continue spreading the word to the many other friends I have in the neighborhood. A nice store and selection does not make up for uncalled for rudeness.
