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Clem's Bottle House
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Restaurants Sandwiches Beer, Wine & Spirits, Sandwiches [Edit]
4100 Adams Ave(between Kensington Dr & Marlborough Dr)
San Diego, CA 92116
Neighborhood: Kensington
(619) 284-2485
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Capriottis slow roasts Turkeys and Roast Beef every night, using only the the freshest homemade ingredients on our sandwcihes and salads.
90 reviews for Clem's Bottle House
Review Highlights
"This a great neighborhood liquor store."
(in 21 reviews)
"Great selection and reasonable prices."
(in 18 reviews)
"They have an amazing deli (really love their tuna."
(in 33 reviews)
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90 reviews in English
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Review from Erica L.
Paso Robles, CA
1/18/2012
This is a diamond of San Diego.
Beer, beer, and more beer. It was like the willy wonka beer factory!
I was so distracted by the beer that I didn't shake down the wine selection, but there is a section of that too.
Liquor- check
Candy- check
Snacks- check
Clean, neat, uber straightened and organized- check
The older gentleman behind the counter was humble and quiet, very sweet.
The chips, THE CHIPS! Best chip section I've ever laid eyes upon, just the creative whimsy put into the placement and layout of the display is reason enough to go into the store. It should be in the MOMA. -
Review from Melinda D.
San Diego, CA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clem's has a really great selection of beer. Maybe just a little too good since I walked out with about 4 bottles of beer!
It is definitely one of the more well organized beer stores I've been to - however, their prices can be a bit higher than some of the other establishments. Worth it though, for parking and accessibility!
And the little old men running the store are super awesome. -
Review from Matthew C.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
10/19/2011
Housed in an ugly, stand-alone building in an otherwise adorable neighborhood, Clem's stocks craft ales of type and variety which unabashedly caters to a niche market: beer aficionados. If you don't troll ratebeer or beeradvocate, the selection on offer here may go over your head.
There is a huge selection of hard to find beers, especially limited releases from the likes of Mikeller and Pretty Little Things,as well as numerous Portland brews (Upright, Caldera, Deschutes, etc.), San Diego standards (Ballast Point, Alesmith, Green Flash, etc.) and a multitude of other small breweries in the US. They also have a fair amount of quality Belgians (especially in the gueuze and saison varieties - nice Cantillon and Drei Fonteinen selection). They also stock a quality selection of whiskey, with a few ryes available.
The selection is excellent and the owner loves to talk about whats coming up next. Tip: get on that mailing list because they almost always get those rare limited releases you don't want to miss out on (think Deschutes Abyss, for example). The prices may be a bit steep, but its reflective of the relative rarity of many of the beers - and perhaps the Kensington location. -
Review from Chris B.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012
Rude employee extremely overpriced.Our family had shopped here for many years. We never had much problem overpaying for some items. That is until we questioned the price of an item. We were told the items being purchased were subject to the PAUL TAX. (Apparantly the boys name) . I assume this boys daddy owns the store. It makes us sick to think that the thousands of dollars we have spent over the years. There are other liquor stores around(not in walking distance for us).
Comment from Paul K. of Clem's Bottle House 2/6/2012
Aren't you the same Christopher B. who promised you would… More » -
Review from Dave J.
Miramar, San Diego, CA
1/20/2012
Everytime I have a sandwich from Clem's my mouth orgasms. I would write more, but I really don't need to.
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Review from Evan M.
Awesome selection of beer at Clem's and very meticulously organized. I always go in and have a hard time walking out with just one bottle.
I still need to try their sandwiches! -
Review from David H.
10/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I don't come here for the liquor, but they do have a very good selection of beer and wines. Very clean and organized store. If you come here during lunch time, they have the best hand made sandwiches and the ladies who work the deli are really nice and friendly. The sandwiches are huge and packed with good stuff. They have an awesome veggie sandwich too and I'm not a vegetarian. They have a good selection of root beers too. Butterscotch Root Beer? It was good! Good idea to call in your sandwich order ahead of time.
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Review from lauren t.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2011
just went there for lunch and it was the best ever! Very impressed with the selection they have and the cleanliness of the place. Awesome deli with fresh ingredients and bomb sandwiches. Reasonably priced. will definitely be going there again!
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Review from Jenny R.
San Diego, CA
4/15/2011
Clem's is one of the go-to stores for craft beer in San Diego. Local brews, imports, great selection. The prices might not be the best for things you can get elsewhere, but when it's something you CAN'T get elsewhere? You pay it!
The wine selection looks good too, but I'm not really knowledgeable to comment on the quality of the picks. I'm guessing that to survive selling wine in Kensington, it's gotta be OK. I do wish the hard liquor weren't behind the counter as it makes it hard to read labels and see what stuff is - they have a lot of unusual things and I'd rather not have to bug the guy just to look at things. But I guess they need to secure that more heavily than beer and wine.
Everything's well laid-out and they keep the store nice and clean. They've always been nice to me although the guy did groan when I pulled out my trusty BevMo 6-bottle compartment bag to carry stuff home in. (Best bag ever for bringing home bottles) I told him they should sell Clem's stickers for us to slap over the BevMo logo - I would gladly do it!
Do sign up for their email newsletter - they will let you know when they're getting rare beers in and you can reserve bottles. -
Review from Miguel S.
San Diego, CA
10/28/2011
I gave you two tries but you failed both times.
Short and sweet. Last month I ordered a chicken salad on Sourdough. The bread was great but the chicken salad tasted old and slimy. It was gross and way too much mayo. I thought it was way too expensive for the low quality chicken, I didn't finish the sandwich.
Second failure. Today I got a regular B.L.T. on an onion roll. Again the roll was great, that's why 3 stars. But the bacon. TOTAL FAIL! Are you serious? Dried out crusty super thin flakes of crumbled old bacon. Very slim portions and just low fast-food quality. Again way over priced for the quality of bacon served.
I know the economy is tough and good bread alone is expensive but don't sell me a $7 BLT and have it be lower quality than one from Arby's for $4.50.
Get it together guys or get out of the food game. -
Review from Eric H.
Updated - 2/20/2011
I am a little hesitant to update my review.
I like this place, I do.
I finally got around to trying their deli sandwiches, which are awesome, just a little on the pricey side.
They have this great rating system on all their beers and wines.
But their service is hit and miss, there have been many times when I've come in and felt welcomed and very well taken care of.
But this last time, it felt like I sh*t in this guys soup then rubbed said soup in his face.
I just wanted to buy a lottery ticket, but I guess the owner was having a bad day and decided to take it out on me.
I think I'll stay away for a while and hopefully later on the service will improve.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/7/2010
I'm not a big wine person, but my girlfriend is and she loves this place.
Great selection of wine,… Read more »
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Review from Christopher C.
San Diego, CA
5/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great craft beer selection with useful ratings...prices are a tad high but the selection is too good to be true.
Haven't tried the deli... Yet :) -
Review from Patrick C.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2011
Great selection, friendly help, very good deli counter (the sandwiches are so tasty!) Although I don't drink, I can see they have a wonderful selection of beers, wines and spirits. Be aware.. Take cash if you are going for a small purchase as they will charge a .50 fee for credit/debit charges for small purchases.
Get the deli sandwich here.. They do a great job! -
Review from Phee Y.
San Diego, CA
5/4/2011
If you should happen into this place and the owner's wife is making sandwiches, you have to get a sandwich from here. They are absolutely off the hook. If the owner's wife is not making sandwiches then cannot vouch for how good the sandwich will be.
Also this place has an amazing wine collection. But be prepared to shell out the benjamins. -
Review from Mike V.
San Diego, CA
12/25/2010
What happened to him,
I'll assume his name's Clem,
As I checkout at his counter we're exchanging small banter,
Then I leave to go home but I check my receipt,
I cannot believe it but have I been deceived?!
With prices this steep he must think I'm rich,
If I shop there much more I must be Clem's bitch. -
Review from Kelly O.
San Diego, CA
9/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Super BLT - serious love.
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Review from Lauren K.
San Diego, CA
3/17/2011
I really miss Clems after moving out of Kensington and try to make it over there whenever possible. They have a great selection of (alcohol if course) but their deli is also amazing. There's a wide variety of sandwiches and everything is fresh. The veggie sandwich on squaw is where it's at! Piled high with guac and other goodness, it's enormous, but still reasonably priced.
The family that owns it is really sweet and customer focused. Support family owned local bidnesses and go to Clems! -
Review from Cheryl c.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2011
Love this place!
Great selection of wine and beer. They also have a deli inside.
Service is super friendly and they're really educated in the stuff they sell.
Parking can be busy - but they have their own designated stalls.
Best bottle house in SD!! -
Review from Tyler S.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Clem's is the cleanest and best stocked liquor store in town. The owners are always friendly and they put effort into this business. The Kitchen is spotless and the sandwiches are amazing, fresh ingredients and flavor and generous servings with the meat and cheese. I also bought a lucky Lotto ticket so I am always more than pleased! Great job!
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Review from Brian P.
San Diego, CA
9/22/2011
Huge craft beer selection. Friendly and helpful staff. Reasonable prices. If you like craft beer you have to check out Clem's.
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Review from Jeff L.
San Diego, CA
9/14/2011
Moved in down the street from Clem's and this place is amazing. I have never seen such a well organized, diverse, quality selection of beers from around the world. Paul even recommended some beers that I might like (an australian IPA), based on the styles that I drink as he is very knowledgable. They also have a great deli, I just wish that they carried Boars Head Meats as that is my fav, but I won't ding them for that. Other than that, whenever I need to fulfill my craft beer craving (which is like twice a week) , this is my disneyland.
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Review from Ashley W.
San Diego, CA
1/22/2011
If you're looking for craft beers in San Diego you need to stop by Clem's. After eating dinner at Bleu Boheme nearby (you should also check it out), I decided to stop in after noticing the large beer selection. This is by far the nicest "liquor store" I've ever been to (which is probably why it's called a bottle house, instead of a liquor store :)
The beer selection was excellent and included local microbrews and also some favorites from not so nearby. -
Review from sarah k.
Pittsburgh, PA
1/20/2011
This place was OK. I will say, I have not tried their sandwiches -- of which I have heard good things.
It's way nicer than a 7-11 and I don't feel like a dirty hobo buying a 40 there, so that is good.
I would suggest it. I mean, if you're going there to get a 40 of Stella before an SDSU football game with the gals -- it's a good stop. -
Review from Scott A.
San Diego, CA
8/14/2011
Good selection but like most liquor store not a good source of information about the beer they sell. A bit overpriced also. If it wasn't 2 blocks from my house I would probably never go there...
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Review from nathan h.
San Diego, CA
9/21/2011
living right down the street can't be a good thing...
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Review from S. K.
San Diego, CA
10/5/2010
After experiencing the longest, most frenetic day at work EVER (and I have been there for seven years, so I KNOW frenetic), I was driving home, trying to get back before dark so I could continue my work as indentured servant to my dogs ("feed me, treat me, walk me, peep and poop me, snuggle me"). The closer I got to Adams, the more my stomach growled for a sandwich. And some alcohol. And damn it all if I wasn't going to serve MYSELF for once in that whole freaking demanding day.
Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh (cue heavenly glow):
Clem's!
My beacon in the darkness that was Monday. I saunter in all casual-like and, in a breathless, urgent voice ask, "Is the deli still open?"
Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh
It is! Until 7 pm! I felt the smile break across my face and smooth out those frowny lines on my forehead. I order THE BEST SANDWICH IN THE HISTORY OF SANDWICHES: the vegetarian on a roll. I have no idea how this simple concoction of fresh veggies, cheese, mayo and mustard on a thick roll can be as tantalizing and layered on my taste buds as it is. I have tried to recreate this at home many a time and have failed with the most utter of disappointments. My theory is that they cut the vegetables to order. And they pour the love. That's the secret sauce. And not in the gross way.
While waiting for my 'wich, I hit the chips selection -- what a variety! Every west coast flavor imaginable (I am still seeking the ever elusive dill pickle potato chips). Shelf after shelf, lined up all pretty like books. I then make my way to the wine cooler. A bottle of chardonnay, a cigar, and a slice of cheesecake later and I am gold. I am platinum. I am in gratitude.
I am home, surrounded by my creatures and my goodies, sinking into my chair with contentment.
Go to Clem's. Check out all the treasures hidden in the gorgeous gleaming wood corners. Serve yourself for once. I permit you. -
Review from Sarah G.
10/1/2010
As my friend said recently, Clem's is the classiest liquor store we've ever been to.
Normally when we get 40s, we just hit up a 7-11. But we were promised this place would have an awesome selection, and so here we came.
It lived up to the hype. There's beers here I've never heard of, including a bunch of local brews that I really like. My well-traveled friend even found an odd European beer she likes, which is apparently super rare. Bonus points.
This may be trivial to some, but the place was also really clean. Like, REALLY clean. I appreciate order in my life, and certainly appreciate it at a liquor store. Can't wait to come back for more 40s of odd beers. -
Review from Chi W.
El Cerrito, CA
4/11/2010
If I owned a liquor store, it'd be modeled after this one. I'm a little bit OCD and I LOVE good quality beers. However, I'd completely eliminate the wine section because 2bucks still taste fine.
We went here the day I unintentionally got engaged. We decided we'd splurge on beers to celebrate with friends. I was in heaven/dilemma trying to figure out which beers I should buy that I can't buy anywhere else. Well, it just so happened that the beers that I picked were kinda spendy about $40 on 4 IPAs. I think the prices are decent because some beers are hard to find bottled. You'd have to go to O'Brien's/Toronado on special days when they're on tap.
If Kensington was a bit closer, I'd be here often.
It's great to support your local craft breweries by buying from your local liquor store.Listed in: Homozygous Wildtype for the…
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Review from Adrienne G.
National City, CA
7/17/2011
I love, love, love the San Diegan sandwich!! Mmmmm my fav part of this sammy is all the thick avocado they pile on:) I always get mine on squaw bread. The ladies who work in the deli are delightful and know me by name, I always feel super welcomed. I've tried other sandwiches but the sd is so flipping good I can't seem to order anything else.
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Review from Jenifer N.
Santee, CA
6/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good selection of craft beer... but all good things must come at a price! Clem's is a double-edged sword... I want the beer but not those high prices... but because I want the beer I pay those high prices!
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Review from Maggie P.
9/9/2010
Not in the mood for a burger but don't have enough cash to splurge at Bleu Boheme?
Fear not. Clem's has a sandwich with your name on it. Price is reasonable and there is a bevy of drink options. I'm surprised it's not busier. -
Review from Laura M.
4/15/2010
Unbelievably good beer and wine selection. Right on-par, pricewise, with some of the most popular and competitive retailers in town. They carry craft beers from some of the big guns like Stone, Avery, and Allagash, as well as seasonals from Lost Abbey (think Angel's Share, Gift of the Magi) and others. Wine selection is amazing, with everything from Far Niente, Cakebread, and Opus One all the way to the elusive Barolos and popular guys like Layer Cake and Las Rocas.
The best part, though? The deli! I could survive easily on their San Diegan and vegetarian sammies. The sandwiches are massive, but nearly dirt-cheap, and the two ladies who work the deli are cheerful and efficient.
I spend way too much time and money. -
Review from John S.
San Diego, CA
2/15/2010
There's a BeerAdvocate rating tab under most of the beers which is incredible and is helpful even to folks who have no idea what BeerAdvocate is. The beer section of this wonder is tailored specifically to beer nerds in search of that highly obscure beer that will dazzle all their brew-groupie friends. I love it. I found a BrewDog Punk IPA that I have only, up until now, been able to find on the internet AND it didn't require me to trade my lovely girlfriend for it as far as price goes...which I would have gladly done for this gem of an ale (sorry, Jules A.).
Even the prices on the easily found beer is better than at most stores I've been to. A HUGE added plus: it seems that they have an entire refrigerator partition dedicated to the illustrious breweries of San Diego!Listed in: Beer Diego
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Review from ruggy j.
6/11/2008
This is the coolest, and cleanest liquor store I've ever been to. Seriously, you could eat your Wasabi Funyuns right off of their hardwood floor!
But, why would you do that? Their sandwiches are some of the best in town! I love a liquor store with a legit sandwich, and they've got some of the best sandos on the block. I'm all about the egg salad. It tends to be a little too packed with mayo sometimes, but by and large, it's quality.
The parking lot is kinda sketchy though. People speed into that lot, but it's a blind corner. I've had friends that have been smashed into on numerous occasions. Be careful, or just park on the street.
But really, the name? Clem's? How classic is that?! I'm gonna name my first born after a liquor store. Clem Joesten (boy, or girl). My granny will be so proud!Listed in: Sando GOLD!, Liquor Stores
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Review from Amy D.
4/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place makes me happy. The guy working there, mayhaps Clem, did not like us very much. But no matter! Great beer selection. We had Moyland Imperial Stout with desserts from Eclipse Chocolat last night and for an 8 dollar bottle, it was outstanding! I was very impressed/buzzed.
Also picked up a couple bottles to age. Age beer, you ask? Why yes, if it's over about 8% ABV it will generally continue to mature in the bottle. The little bit of sugar left over will ferment into alcohol and it will age like a fine wine (okay, I like 2 buck chuck - my beer palate is SO much better than my wine palate), but it will be so much better!
The beer selection is perhaps half of what Bevmo has, but I would much rather go to a small liquor store for my beer than big supermarket-style Bevmo most of the time. Also a plus, a lot of the beers had their ratings/pairings posted. Huge plus. I also saw they have a deli, which looked nice, but was closed, and a small cheese selection for enjoyment with, what else? Beer!
Clem's gets an A in my book. Even though crankypants didn't like us. We liked you! -
Review from Elena V.
3/17/2011
This is the cleanest and most fantastically organized little liquor store I have ever seen. Everything is all lined up and easy to browse as you walk along the nice hardwood floors of the store. They have a great selection of wine and beer. Not just the usual beers but hard to find imports and large bottles. Let's not forget the standard munchies fare of chips and dips. A small deli with tasty salads and and sandwiches to round out your meal. I recommend coming to this classy little store before you down your adult beverages and start acting like an idiot so you can at least start the night out with some class.
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Review from Melanio F.
San Diego, CA
4/30/2009
Clem's is a wonderful institution in Kensington. It is a pearl among swines of liquor of stores. You will get good product if you shop here for your wine, miscellany and they also make sandwiches during the daytime. I have never tried the sandwiches but when you see the neatness and arrangement of the products, you swear you were being welcomed into to the establishment.
I don't want to crown this liquor as the champion of liquor stores in San Diego but I certainly would like to name it one of the best in a sea of dirty establishments who maintain their stock like its the worst of grocery stock and then make you pay high prices.
Kensington, you are lucky to have Clem's. -
Review from Joshua K.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2009
Yes, it is "just a liquor store". No, it is not "just a liquor store". They are a highly, highly organized operation. From the outside, it looks like a giant building with who knows what inside. Go in. Wood floors! Not retail store wood floors, but like a pirate ship- huge old oak planks made for imbibing mead and rum and pillaging and swashbuckling. Please, no Swashbuckling indoors, sir. there is a nice park across the street for swashbuckling and pillage at the library.
There is a sweet deli in here! Good job! The people who work here are very nice. Look at the pictures of how perfect the shelves are stocked and rocked! Fair prices for bottled water, and the temperature inside is very appealing to shop there. Great time! -
Review from Joe S.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2011
Has to be the best place in san diego to find specialty beer. I discovered this place accidentally, just walking around kensington and when we went inside, my eyes immediately lit up with excitement like a kid in a candy shop. They have all your favorite imports and domestic beers as well as a very large variety of craft and specialty beers. They even have ratings and descriptions on most of their beer and wine if you want to try something new or if you arent sure what you are looking for.
I guess nowadays its not that uncommon to find these types of specialty beers at larger booze warehouses and high end grocery stores, but normally you have to hunt if you want to find a very particular beer. I even saw a limited production seasonal beer from one of my favorite breweries (achouffe) when I went in last. I saw a deli and some other random stuff inside, but I have yet to oblige so I cant comment on their other stuff. -
Review from Darren S.
1/24/2010 5 photos
My refrigerator was sorely lacking in football watching beer. Since it's the playoffs, I wanted to get some craft beers to celebrate the special occasion. I'm already familiar with many liquor stores and beer departments in my area so this occasion also called for a new addition to my rotation. Enter Clem's Bottle House.
For people driving from far away, Clem's is maybe twenty seconds from the freeway off ramp to their parking lot. Their signage is also easily identifiable.
Upon entering I was greeted. Two people helped me out and one of them grabbed a wine box for me to fill with my selections. Although wine and liquor wasn't my priority on this visit, my quick glances gave me the impression that they are decently stocked in both categories. Based on the size of their wine department alone, I can't say that their wine selection is very extensive (versus places like Wine Sellar, SDWC, La Costa Wines) but I'm pretty sure the beer department is meant to be their star anyhow.
After perusing the beer cases, again they don't have the best breadth of selection but they choose to stock alot of product I don't see in my regular stores. It seems like their beers are judiciously chosen and caters towards Beer Advocate fans. Bravo for that. After going over the beer cases twice I walked out with: Hair of the Dog Blue Dot 2XIPA, six pack of Dale's IPA, Sierra Nevada Harvest, Lightning Old Tempest, Port Santa's Little Helper and Bruery Saison Rue.
I've already had two of these beers while watching the Colt/Jets game and typing this review and I like them alot. Maybe 10+% ABV has something to do with that. I've also previously had some of Clem's in-stock beers. Based on Clem's having some of my old and new favorites, I am an instant fan.Listed in: Brown bagging it
