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Blanchard's Liquors
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
103 Harvard Ave(between Brighton Ave & Glenville Ave)
Allston, MA 02134
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
(617) 782-5588
- Nearest Transit:
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Harvard Ave @ Brighton Ave (66)
Brighton Ave @ Harvard Ave (193, 57, 57A, 66)
Brighton Ave @ Linden St (193, 57, 57A)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Eileen E. said: "Got all my holiday wine gifts as well as wines to enjoy for such reasonable prices. The wines we have had from Bin Ends have been excellent! They have a magnum of Valpolicella for $12.00 that is outstanding! The staff is friendly…" read more »
80 reviews for Blanchard's Liquors
Review Highlights
"...I had forgotten what a great wine selection these guys have."
(in 7 reviews)
"...getting my booze from Marty's, Brookline Liquors, or (my..."
(in 13 reviews)
"...organize lots of events and this is my go to place for kegs."
(in 11 reviews)
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80 reviews in English
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Review from Kerry N.
Allston, MA
10/29/2011
Really friendly and interesting help buying wine today. Learned a lot more about what I liked and why. Great conversation--would have stayed longer if impatient child hadn't been tugging. Tonight I try one bottle. Will add more if I'm hugely delighted or disappointed.
Feel good about going there to ask for help! -
Review from Lauren E.
7/6/2011
Blanchard's has a wide variety of decently-priced liquor and is the choice liquor store for many college students in the area. While my college days are long gone, I come here from time to time to pick up a bottle (or two) of wine.
The staff is very helpful. One time I was trying to locate some wine I bought in the past down in the Cape, and they were able to find me a few different varieties of the brand I was looking for.
Like I said, Blanchard's has everything you could possibly be looking for.
FYI: In addition to checking your ID at the register, they sometimes check your ID at the front door. -
Review from Scott M.
7/9/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Blanchard's has a nice selection of product and a large foot print for a variety of products. They do not carry cases of big batch products like Bud Select, which is what I was shopping for...
Personally if you are only going to carry 12 packs I think you should offer the case pricing to a customer who buys two 12s.
I did not explore the wine selection but it looks descent. -
Review from Lisa D.
A quick stop in here so I could grab a Corona to go with my nachos. These guys were conveniently located near Habernero's so I could run in and grab my beer quickly.
Headed to the register I notice .99 flavored vodka "nips" all flavors, so I figure what the heck, and grab a couple. I get to the register and am greeted as "Miss". I should give four stars just for not being called m'aam.
Prices were comparable to larger stores but service was friendly and personable. Yay, I'm a fan! -
Review from Jobin T.
Allston, MA
6/1/2011
On the plus side, the floor staff are friendly and helpful. The prices are good and the selection covers most things you might be looking for (save harder to find craft beer 6 packs).
On the minus side, the owner stomped a dog in the store. The security cam footage is on youtube... take a look... -
Review from Adrianna B.
Boston, MA
4/7/2011
Walking into Blanchard's is kind of like stumbling into Heaven... endless shelves full of every type of booze you could ever want to make terrible shameful decisions with. Blanchard's has a huge selection of decently priced liquor, and I'm definitely a drunken drunken fan. Also love the employees, always silly and polite. There are two reasons I gave it four stars, though: number one is that they check your ID not once but TWICE. Once at the door and then again at the register...? THE FUCK IS THE POINT OF THAT?! I don't know why, but it really gets my goat...
Number two is that they don't sell bum wine! Outrageous. I'm pretty certain that they used to... I want my MD 20/20 and Wild Irish Rose back god dammit!!
Regardless, I'd still recommend Blanchard's for most of your sloppy drunken needs. Cheers! -
Review from Nathan P.
Allston, MA
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Don't judge Blanchard's by the clientele (students, recent grads hellbent on finding a killer deal on Natty Light). Their liquor selection and prices are actually quite reasonable. Dings for staff that doesn't know a thing about spirits, and long lines. I also hate having my ID checked twice, but whatever.
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Review from Sam O.
Medford, MA
11/30/2010
This was my go to liquor store when I lived in Brighton. Good selection, great prices. The parking is horrible, yes, especially during peak hours. Otherwise, you'll find a spot. Where is it easy to park in Brighton though? No where. And you're in a liquor store, if you don't expect to show ID, you must be living in the stone age.
They had everything I ever wanted and all of it was much less expensive than everything else in the area. -
Review from Charles T.
Boston, MA
8/22/2011
Cheap booze and quick service. Plus a customer friendly layout. Not bad.
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Review from Tanya Y.
1/1/2011 1 photo
With liquor/booze prices sky rocketing at various restaurants nearby in Allston/Brighton, I find myself coming into Blanchards often to find an abundant selection of various wines, beers, vodkas, rums, tequilas and light drinks (Mike's, Smirnoff Ice, etc). I never leave empty handed and usually always find what I'm looking for.
I often do wish that they offered a wider selection of "girly drinks", but I can make due with what they have. My most recent purchase were all the ingredients needed for a Midori Sour. Nom!
They have their lot in the back and parking therefore usually isn't an issue. On busy nights, they often ID upon entrance, and if not, they'll ID at the register before you check out. The worker that usually helps me check out is very helpful and courteous.
No complaints here! -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
Updated - 3/5/2009
so Yelp HQ deleted my update because it lacked a "valid user experience."
Hmmm. Really? Being a regular, long time customer, makes my update invalid? Excuse me?! Sorry Yelp HQ but you can go shove it on this one.
How's about this for a "valid experience:"
Even before I knew of the cruelty charges I'd only been patronizing Blanchard's because of the proximity. They don't carry the brands of wine I fancy (and Marty's does) and their cold beer selection is limited in comparison with other local stores. Moreover, some of the staff are fine, but some act like you're asking them for the world if you need them to go unlock a display case or grab something for you (like the cognac my parents enjoy). Down the street the owner at Marty's found the last bottle of Frey's 2007 for me - despite taking 10 minutes to dig for it he brought it to me with a smile.
I'd heard whimpering behind a cash register on one of my last visits in. Had I realized that someone was keeping a puppy back there I probably would have stopped my visits right then and there as a liquor store is no place for a dog - and a tiny cage for a beagle puppy is not suitable. Knowing what I know now, and having seen that sickening youtube video, you can bet I'm taking my business elsewhere.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/14/2008
I guess it makes sense that even though I live about two doors away I've never ever written a review… Read more »
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Review from Brian D.
3/2/2009
One time, when I was in Allston for a party like maybe 8 years ago I bought a six pack of obscure micro brew at the Allston Blanchard's and I seriously thought the place was the cats pajamas. Then I realized that it wasn't obscure and that I could find a lot more beer at a lot of places closer to home.
In a giant nutshell: me no likey the Allston all that much anyway.
And now that Blanchard's is apparently a great place to beat on caged animals I will certainly never return to this fun spot unless I need to pee pee in it's parking lot. -
Review from Alex S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/2/2009
Q: What's dirty and dusty, often smells like urine, has a terrible parking lot, sells overpriced booze, and is owned by someone who kicks an innocent caged Beagle?
A: The worst choice for booze in Allston, Blanchard's Liquors.
I lived in Allston for several years, and rarely went here. In fact, I actively tried to avoid the place. I always found Blanchard's cluttered, pretty filthy, unfriendly, and just a rip off. I highly recommend going to Marty's or even Mall Discount over this place. Now that the owner has been caught on videotape abusing an animal, this confirms what I always knew: this place is absolutely terrible.
What a dump. -
Review from Jocelyn C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
3/2/2009
When I lived in Allston, I preferred getting my booze from Marty's, Brookline Liquors, or (my personal favorite) Mall Discount. Blanchard's just seemed unnecessarily stressful to me for some reason. Maybe it was all the rowdy college frat boys loading up on kegs for the weekend, or the accusing eyes of employees whenever I produced my ID.
Now, with this whole case of animal cruelty (complete with video on youtube!), they can DEFINITELY be sure I will continue to buy elsewhere when I'm in the area. This place does not deserve anyone's business after that! -
Review from Donnie B.
Cambridge, MA
1/13/2011
$29 handle of Sailor Jerry?! Sign me up!
BUT, the owner is a Grade-A Scumbag. -
Review from Kevin L.
10/16/2009
Impressive liquor selection.
Unimpressive staff.
Management could readily improve matters by teaching the employees to at least -act- like they care to help out. Oh, and possibly ensuring that employees are familiar with the products that are carried at the store.
I get that you have a bajillion different brands of a gazillion different beers, wines, spirits, cordials, etc. But for a simple question like, "Do you carry Aviation Gin?" to require looking it up in the inventory system seems kind of strange to me.
Or, I could just be spoiled by the local liquor stores back in DC, where they come across as friendly, knowledgeable, and on top of what's going on in their shop.
And on a completely unrelated note... is it normal to be carded upon walking into a liquor store -and- upon checking out in Massachusetts?Listed in: Allston, MA
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Review from Maile A.
Somerville, MA
3/6/2009
Dirty, filthy store. Overpriced. Rude owner. Puppy kept in a cage that's too small for it, which the rude owner likes to stomp on. Combination of awful store + animal cruelty = will never go there again, and hope that others will do the same.
Yelp- don't sell out. Keep these reviews.. people need to know the truth about Blanchards. -
Review from Amanda L.
Brighton, MA
3/18/2008
I think it's amusing how that one review talks about posting IDs on the door. Um....it's because they are FAKE IDS. It makes me chuckle.
Going by Blanchard's reminds me of the lunch guy at my high school that would fill the vending machine. His name is Mr. Blanchard....
Anyway, this place had anything that will fill your alcoholic needs. From the cheapest Bud to the finest champagne, as well as everything in between. They have a wide selection of ciders, and they have Lambic beers, which is the only kind of beer I will drink on a regular basis. They are very hardcore when it comes to carding, but that's a good thing IMO.
And ya, I like to laugh at the Fake IDs as I walk in. Stupid children... -
Review from Sandra G.
Allston, MA
7/1/2010
I think it's typical to have grouchy staff and too many bros walking around a liquor store in a college town; so I won't complain about those.
The selection that they have of wine, beer and the hard stuff is what makes them great. The prices are much better than any ma and pa place in the area and, well, at least they are doing their job when your ID gets checked twice in one visit.
It can also be entertaining on a Friday and Saturday night, watching all the pimply face freshman eagerly awaiting their hand picked homeless man to come out with their 40's that they think cost 8 bucks a pop. Goooooo homeless man. -
Review from Nate R.
Haverhill, MA
3/5/2009
I used to come here all the time when I would visit my brother who lived on Allston St. It was ho-hum as far as liquor stores go, nothing really out of the ordinary here.
What separates the good from bad with places like liquor stores are the customer service and ownership. In this case the owner stomps on puppies which separates this store from any other.
"Police have issued a violation to an Allston liquor store for an alleged act of animal abuse that occurred there on the afternoon of Feb. 6. police investigated the abuse, they found the management of Blanchard's Liquors uncooperative. Police also said the store's owner threatened to terminate employees after the video was posted on You Tube, and one witness, upset after seeing the incident, ended her employment with the store. Police issued a licensed premises inspection notice violation to Blanchard's for failure to notify police that a felony occurred on their premise and failure to cooperate with police officers." - http://WickedLocal.com... -
Review from Alex H.
Boston, MA
3/3/2009
WELL,
I used to not mind this place. I would stop in to grab something if I was driving home, cause hey, they got a parking lot! I recycle all my empties here, and that's probably about all the business I will do with them from now on.
I'm sure most Allston folk have seen or heard about the animal abuse that occurred here not too long ago. An employee posted YouTube video clip apparently details the owner crushing a beagle puppy in it's cage. Whatever the store behind it, they will not be seeing me standing in line again. Have a heart, go to Marty's, they're cheaper anyways.
Vid link posted below as it seems to have been removed from youtube.
http://www.thebostonch... -
Review from Sameer N.
New York, NY
1/7/2009
This place is hardball. They opened a new recycling depot behind here. I don't know what all these dudes are talking about when it comes to liquor but I sure as hell know how to return a bunch of black bags of cans. Listen, I normally wouldn't volunteer this information but I get enough pie and I am comfortable enough with myself to admit it. I return bottles/cans. My roommates put away like nine 30 packs a week and then we collect all the cans and bring them over there once in a while.
We get in rough fights with bums and people who are trying to heist our bottles/cans. One time I returned a mountain of these receptacles and went out and "spent it all on a necklace, God it's so hard not to be reckless" Kanye style bitch. I forgot to mention though, the necklace was in one of those .25 cent machines at the super market and it turned my neck green like Gumby. At least you can't transfer that to someone else, so I still hit it raw that night.
Point is, if you want to make some mean dough in the recession, walk around at night and collect bottles and cans. People are banking hard. Get a shopping cart to collect them all in too, it makes it mad easy.
And stop drinking wine coolers. They're for sissies. -
Review from David d.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2009
They have a great deal on Veuve and various nips (when you're feeling like a scumbag), but that doesn't make up for the owner getting all sp00ky on that dog cage!
But they still have a decent selection for one of the worst corners in Boston. -
Review from David V.
5/13/2010
Reasons to hate this place? Let's see...
-the dog stomping incident
-high prices
-having your ID scrutinized several times in the store
-dealing with annoying undergrads stocking up on natty and smirnoff ice
-poor selection, particularly for a store so big
With Marty's gone, one might be tempted to think this is the only game in town. Brookline Liquors is just a bit up Comm Ave, has a great selection of beer, wine, liquor and high-end stuff for those who can afford it, and the staff is usually friendlier. There's the one by TJ Maxx, which has cheap nips. And there's also the little one by Deep Ellum, which is a perfectly acceptable place to grab a 6, 12 or 30 pack. -
Review from Heather S.
Boston, MA
6/30/2008
I love Blanchard's. Not because it is a particuarly fantastic package store, but because it's a one stop lush dream for me.
Wine, for when I want to be classy? check
Cheap wine, for when I want to get tipsy? check
Beer, for when certain friends come over? check
Gray Goose, for me? check
Popov, for my friends? check
Mt. Gay, for when I drink with my sailing friends? check
oh, and champagne for celebrating my 500th review? check! -
Review from Charoline D.
Greenwich, CT
8/13/2007
Blanchards is #1 for kegs!
As we were throwing a huge rager of a house party this weekend, I was in charge of obtaining the keg. I had been recommended Blanchards, but was kind of unsure as to how convenient it was to drive out to Allston to pick up a keg, when we have a number of liquor stores in close proximity to our apartment, including another Blanchards. Upon calling for price comparisons, I found out that Blanchards in Allston, was by far the cheapest in looking for a keg of Miller Lite. Most places quoted anywhere from $50-65, Blanchards offered for a low, low price of $43.75. The keg & tap deposits pushed our purchase to around $112, but when knowing you're going to get that money back anyways, it didn't make much of a difference. We had 10 days to return the keg/tap and get our deposit back, and yet we were able to return it empty..the very next morning. -
Review from Roger L.
Allston, MA
11/20/2006
The collection of fakes in the front window is what pushes this store from 4 stars to 5. Definitely worth checking out.
Good prices, great selection, nice and roomy. -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
2/13/2009
It's Friday...I'm at the office...not drinking, but I might want to be.
I might want to stock up on beer...
or wine...
...or grab some glassware...
...or restock my bar.
At Blanchard's, I can do that!
I can grab two Rogues for $9, or score a deal where a beer glass is a buck. If I want to polish off a bottle of champagne tonight, I could grab one here as well.
I can park, because there is a parking lot!
What can't I do there? Buy booze if I'm not 21, since IDs are checked upon entrance and check out. I'd assume I can't steal a shopping cart either, since they appear to be seriously monitored.
The possibilities are endless, really, and so is [my love for drinking instead of working]...I mean, Blanchard's. -
Review from Erica S.
Media, PA
3/21/2008
Kegs! Yeah, I'm more years out of college than I'd like to admit, but I still love a good kegger from time to time. Admit it-- you love em too.
Kegs! Oh wait, I already said that. Well anyway, you can buy them here. You probably have before, or someone you know has. Even I have, and I don't even live in Allston.
Other types of alcohol! Yes, beer trumps all, but liquor and wine are pretty cool too. Wine and liquor and fruit= sangria. Sake is nice. Champagne is delicious (especially Andre, the classiest of them all). Port wines make a fine dessert.
This place has it all, plus a helpful, educated staff to go along with the great selection. I've never been disappointed by a Blanchard's run.Listed in: Raging Alcoholic
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Review from Emily F.
Newton, MA
3/15/2008
For a liquor store, five stars. Granted, I'm not a price-nazi and I don't search the city for the best liquor stores. Blanchard's has all I could ever need, it's huge! Feels even bigger b/c the shelves are low, opening up the space a lot. They seem to stock all the flavors and sizes of hard liquor (at least that I drink/can afford...including the delicious Rain vodka), they have tons of wine, and a good selection of lambics/other more "specialty" beers.
Parking lot, definite plus. If you buy a lot, someone will help you carry everything to your car. -
Review from Adam G.
Boston, MA
6/19/2009
So Blanchard's used to be great when Marty's was around (read: competition). They used to have the cheapest kegs around ($42.50 for bud light (!!!!!!!!!)) which was, needless to say, awesome.
Today it's a different story...
About 2 months ago they raised their prices to around $50ish, which was reasonable, especially with the AB buy out and high fuel prices, etc.
But now? $60. Marty's is GONE so price gouging is in full effect.
Blanchard's, clean up your act. I've been buying kegs of bud light from you guys for 4 years to supply my kegerator with cost effective drunk fuel, but now cost savings are almost out the window entirely. Do the math: 15.5 gallons of beer for $60 can almost be had cheaper in 30 packs.
Your Allston rudeness is NOT worth the hassle. I'll drive to the Newton Marty's and save some face.
And puppy abuse? Last I checked it's not acceptable or cool.Comment from John C. of Blanchard's Liquors 6/26/2009
First of all, thank you for the business. Budweiser raised… More » -
Review from Drew S.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2008
I am seriously impressed with this place. They have a huge selection of liquor and wine, and tons of those super fun packaged deal things where you get your favorite liquor and a little prize inside. You know what I mean... the bottle with a shaker, or some glasses... anything! It is basically like the cracker jack box for boozers. BEAUTIFUL.
I digress... back to the review at hand:
I think I can tell a lot about a place based on their Port selection (this is a recent discovery btw- i took a port class and learned about the wonder that is dry white port with tonic and lime. wow) so anyway-- they have a pretty large Port selection here... and like I was saying, good sign.
I am always on the lookout for Oregon wines, and while they do have a pretty good selection here, what really impressed me was how accommodating the employees are! I was spotted by an employee while I was looking over the Oregon wine selections, and he asked me what I was looking for. I told him nothing in particular but did ask him about a wine that I have not seen on this side of the country. He was gone for a moment and then came back to me with the name of the distributor and told me he would contact them in the morning to get the wine in if he could.
Not only that, but he told me the name of a place where I could get the wine for the time being...
now that is customer service.
yay blanchard's! -
Review from Ruth M.
Oakland, CA
5/21/2008
One of my favorite college experiences took place at Blanchard. My roommate and I were throwing a housewarming party, and had rented a zipcar to stock up for the semester. We got lost, and wound up with 30 minutes to shop, check out, drive home, unload, and return the car. Our budget for the trip - $250.
Let me tell you: $250 at Blanchard goes a really, really long way. My roommate got a basket and just filled it wantonly with liquor while I stood slack-jawed in front of the walls of beer. This was for the semester, remember. It had to be varied enough to keep me happy through papers, psets, midterms and finals. It had to satisfy my finicky friends and various hangers on. I loaded down a shopping cart and a half and dragged my selection to the register.
This is what I remember most vividly about Blanchard. My roommate was roping staff into hauling cases to the zipcar while I waited at the register and the clerk continued scanning purchases. One line over, this poor undergrad was buying a six-pack of PBR with a crumpled five dollar bill. Why this particular image is so thoroughly etched in my mind, I don't know. I totally should have invited him to our party, and may regret this forever.
But Blanchard - they were super helpful, incredibly well-stocked, cheap, and generally awesome. Five stars. Would buy again. -
Review from Anna B.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
11/25/2009
Dude, screw the puppy abuse...
I love Blanchards, and I'm quite proud of it.
It really is the Walmart of all liquor stores (or at least the one closest to Boston).
They carry out all of the cases for you and put them into your car, regardless of how much I spend at the store.
The staff is retarded, yes, but you must be retarded for not knowing your alcohol beforehand.
If I can get a 30 pack of Miller High Life for $15.99, I'm set.
If I can get a handle of shitty Cossack in green apple for $13.99, I'm set.
If I can get a liter of X-rated for $34.99, I'm set.
If I can get a liter of Barcardi Gran Melon for $18.99, I'm set.
If I can get a handle of Svedka for $19.99, I'm set.
If you can get me a handle of Grey Goose for $57.99, I'm gonna kick it with you. -
Review from Christopher M.
Somerville, MA
2/24/2008
Great selection of high quality liquors of all types and very knowledgeable staff (not all of them but if they're out of their league in the questions your asking, out come the big guys!)
As for Allston F's comments about them being in violation of HIPAA. . .huh? I've read the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act (In fact, when I go to doctor's offices, I play "spot the HIPAA violations") and can assure you that liquor stores are not considered health insurance or health care providers (though I'm sure some might argue for the latter). . . where did you get HIPAA violation?? -
Review from Felecia C.
Boston, MA
1/18/2007
Most of the time I don't place too much importance on where I buy my alcohol. Any liquor store within walking distance will do, so I go to Blanchard's. I am not super-adventurous when it comes to liquor, so finding a bottle of vodka at Blanchard's at a decent (for a college neighborhood) price is not difficult. Basically there is nothing too spectacular about this liquor store, but here is why I have recently become a much bigger fan:
Gluten-free beer.
Yes Yelpers, that is correct. Whilst perusing the refridgerated section for a 6-pack of Magners or another cider selection, I found TWO types of sorghum based beers. I had previously tried Bard's Tale, which according to "normal" people has a slightly sweeter taste than regular beer. But I was super-psyched to also see Redbridge, the new gluten-free beer made by Anheuser-Busch.
They are both more expensive than regular beers ($9-12 for a 6-pack) but that is a small price to pay if I can play beirut with actual BEER instead of hard liquor. Which never ends well, by the way.
I know that both of these brands are becoming more widely available...and I've read that I can get Bard's Tale at Sunset Grill...and honestly beer is not really something I miss or crave. But it's nice to now have that option.Listed in: No bread in Boston
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Review from Eron V.
Boston, MA
9/19/2009
Prices: Not that good. Not the worst, but not good.
Customer service: Bad. They screwed up boxing my order and were very discourteous to me after I discovered it at home. They took a very "thats your problem" attitude. I guess no one cares about their customers any more. -
Review from Justin I.
3/22/2011
They are pretty strict with ID's but I think that is a good thing because of how many college kids in the area. Besides the hardcore security checkpoint with sniper tower in the front they have a great selection of booze and the staff members are friendly. The prices are competitive and their beer selection in particular is very solid. We have friends that live within walking distance of this place so we usually go there to load up on goodies before heading over. The store is clean and well organized so there is nothing to not be a fan of. I am a fan of Blanchard's for sure.
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Review from Tim T.
3/3/2010
The only place to go if you want to buy a keg for a party. I organize lots of events and this is my go to place for kegs. Their beer selection is pretty standard but I'm not crazy about their wine selection. The only reason people go here, or should I say the main reason, is that it is generally agreed that this is the cheapest place around for beers, and especially kegs.
They are a bit fanatic with the whole checking the drivers license and DoB. I mean, there is no way anyone in the world would think I am under 21, even 31, but the 22 year olds that work here just love to ask, I hate it when i forget my ID!!!! -
Review from chungo m.
Brighton, MA
4/8/2007
too much money, and too many idiotic college kids.
The fake ID window display is amusing though, and you can usually find any kind of nasty alcohol you want.
Parking around back makes it easier to get a keg.
