Coit Liquor
Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Convenience Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill585 Columbus Ave
(between Green St & Stockton St)
San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 986-4036
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
75 Reviews for Coit Liquor
One of Coit Liquor's Favorite Reviews
Tim is the man!
So after a really shitty...and I mean shiiiiitaaaay day and now early evening in North Beach that included us getting forced out of Sotto Mare by a real piece of work, my friend Audrey suggested we come here for some vino lovin. At this point I honestly wasn't expecting much and my mood was about as foul as they come, but because I am a wine ho, well, I'm not one to turn down a glass and so I agreed.
When we walked in, it looked like any liquor store. There was tons of wine, some hard liquors and then there was a little standing room only area and Tim appeared with two glasses. Ahh yes, a man who gets me :) He asked how our day was and we both let out pretty battered and beaten sighs to which he responded, "That bad huh? Well, let's take care of that."
He poured our first glass and we sipped it and looked out the window and silently judged people. Hey, what else do you do while sipping wine? Talk? Sheesh. After finishing that wine, we walked back over to the register and were quickly shooed away and told we were bad. Oooh, you know it. He then sauntered back over and poured us another glass and as he was taking my glass, I went into my normal, "I want a full bodied, kick in the pants wine..." schpeal to which he shushed me and said, "Now, now, now, you can't rush into that, this is foreplay." I love this man.
We then finished our glass and the restaurant called us for our reservation and we had to head out, which is a shame, because I could have easily spent a few more tastes worth here. As we were paying, he offered us up a glass of something special. Apparently, it's a house made blend in the Pinot Noir family and it was so tasty. I don't normally like Pinot Noirs, but this was a nice exception and something I would definitely purchase a bottle of.
i will definitely be back again and hopefully I will be in a muuuuuch better mood. Either way, i know Tim and his wine arsenal can make it all better and there aren't many blokes in this world i can say that about :)
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These guys have a great selection, and have been friendly the handful of times we've gone in! We live very near and love the convenience, location & personality. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll try and hook you up.
The first time I came here, I was buying a nice bottle of wine for my friend who was getting married in Hawaii.
She wanted a pinot grigio and I had no idea where to start. So they asked me how much I was willing to spend and showed me a few bottles to look over. I was still dumbfounded but they were patient and weren't snooty at all like some wine places.
I've been back several times and I've bought cabs and port.
I really miss this place because I really enjoyed perusing over the bottles of wine. It had character and soul and they were always friendly and willing to help out.
I hope to find a place like this in NYC
They have a great selection. And the guy that worked there was really friendly and even recognized my brother. It's a convenient spot. See for yourself.
Once upon a time there were four young twenty-somethings who wanted to have a girls' night out. So they ordered a pizza and decided to buy a fifth of cheap liquor to pre-party.
So the four happy girls ventured to Coit Liquor, a nice-looking liquor store with a respectable wine selection. As they collectively paid for the gin and tonic waters, they chatted with the gregarious, hilarious shop manager, Tim. He offered them a deal they found difficult to refuse: he gives them wine to drink while they stand in the window and "snag customers."
What Tim got: What the girls got:
-10 new customers - Four glass martini shakers
-7 sales - Two mini vodka bottles
-Good natured banter - 2 glasses of wine each
-Four contestants for "guess my age" - 2 stargazer lillies and a rose
-Laughter and smiles. - Laughter and smiles.
The crowning achievement: getting a limo to wave at us.
...and park and come into the store.
A good time had by all, and by FAR the best liquor store experience any of us had ever experienced.
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Great liquor store. Solid wine selection and a really extensive, and constantly-changing selection of bourbon & whiskey. The guy behind the counter in the work jacket fluctuates moods between super nice and grumpy muttering on a completely secret schedule, though.
Great wine selections, great prices and excellent services. Have a question about wine, they will answer it to you. I like the fact that they sell Cigars. I bought a Macanudo, and it was fresh and very smooth. The best Macanudo and for a cheap price. Since I work around three blocks from there, I always buy wine and cigars.
I have been looking for a certain beer for the last 2 months. I have been looking everywhere. I found it here. "The Abyss" from Deschutes Brewery. They only had one bottle on the floor, but Jon allowed me to purchase an extra bottle from his own private collection. Check this place out. Super friendly staff. Nice selection of Italian and California wines. Great beer selection too.
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Great wines, good deals, and friendly staff. I cannot ask for a better liquor store in my neighborhood that have tons of wines, beers and other alcoholic beverages to choose from.
The reason why I love Coit Liquor is because it's the only place in the city where I can find the best Lambrusco (a naturally carbonated semi-sweet red wine) ever -- the Lo Duca Reggiano Lambrusco! The roommate and I can easily drink one bottle each anytime. For her birthday a few weeks ago, we bought a case (12 bottles) which was just under $100. Everyone at the party who drank it enjoyed it. We now have a few of our friends hooked on it :-)!
The staff are very helpful and the one working that specific day even offered to carry my case order home for me since I only live a few blocks away.
Taste some wine, then buy a bottle and bring it to dinner for a perfect evening :-)!
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Go and see Jonny here. He's the man that knows what's going on. Great wine selection and they mix it up a lot. Super nice fellas with solid knowledge of their products.
Great selection. Knowledgeable Staff.
They cool.
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A great wine is like a great woman, always intoxicating, ever surprising, and only getting better with age.
This is the only place if you want to buy fine wine. They have decent prices, great service, and excellent selections of wines. They are well knowledgeable in the products they carry.
Delivery? YES, saves me from driving to Napa Valley and buying wine even though I love going to Napa. There's nothing more enjoyable than driving out to the wineries and enjoy it first hand from the taste samplings.
Here are some of my Favorites:
ST. SUPERY Sauvignon Blanc 2003
CHATEAU MONTELENA Napa Chardonnay 2002
Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
DAVID ARTHUR Reserve Chardonnay 1999
BENZIGER Carneros Chardonnay 2003
Silver Oak Alexander Valley 2002
RIDGE Three Valleys Zinfandel 2005
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Very good selection of Californian and also the best selection for the Italian wines in North Beach. The service is really friendly and they always find what you're looking for!
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This place has been on my "must stop in" list for decades. I remember Vaughn, I remember the other night guy with the way kewl dog and I remember the original owner, as well as his sons who took over when he got sick then passed on.
I remember the really great wines and the "specials" of truly phenomenal wines they'd get on closeouts and pass the deals on to their trusted regulars. I remember the cheap cigs and the micro--brews being sold here when nobody knew what they were.
This is still a great place... good cheap jug wine and really good bottles of local and imported reds and whites and specialty stuff. Alas, nothing like 2-buck Chuck here, but, the "inexpensive" varieties won't break your bank. No more cheap cigs... the prices are fair and if you're eclectic then there's also the cigar humidor.
Their cheese varieties will outdo anything in the neighborhood, not a large selection but the choices run the gamut of unusual to rare variety. Staples like ice, juices and milk and party needs as well as bottle opener and corkscrews that actually work as designed are to be found here.
This isn't the friendly local corner liquor store it used to be, catering to a multiple coruscation of local denizens. However, even though its gone upscale and added a "tasting nook" its still a personable respite from the usual vice vendors found elsewhere in the city.
Kind of a friendly snobby place for everybody! :D
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I stopped by Coit Liquior last night, before seeing David Cross at Cobb's Comedy Club down the street. I picked out a bottle of beer for a friend and we headed to the park across the street. The shop had a nice atmosphere, and the guy behind the counter was courteous. He gave a comment that suggested he realized I was already a few drinks into my night, but he was cool about it.
I had forgotten to bring a bottle opener, so I cut my hand up a bit trying to get the beer open, but I was successful after I took a few wood chips out of the bench, banging the bottle against it. But aside from that snag, it was a successful trip to a lovely liquor store.
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I do not understand why they call this place Coit Liquor. They should really call it Coit We Have Such a Kick Ass Selection of Wines That You Don't Need Liquor. But, that would just be an incredibly long name then, wouldn't it?
Anyhow, when I lived a mere two blocks from Cost Plus (another great place to pick up some well priced better known "basics") I never minded walking the extra few blocks to Coit for something unique. They carry wines from several countries and regions, and plenty of them. Now that I no longer live in the neighborhood I feel a bit empty inside, and not nearly as slick as I used to feel with my wine collection.
Now for the most important reason for my love of this place. Here it goes....I do not know crap about Italian wines. So, I rely on someone else in this category to impress people with the great Italian wines "I" have picked out. Coit has always been this store for me. They will not hesitate to tell me when I have chosen something that is not worth the money, or when something is the deal of the century. I have never been disappointed with their recommendations.
If you like wine, or if you just need people to think you know what the hell you are doing when picking out a bottle, check this place out. It is well worth the trip.
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I had heard so much about Coit from my colleagues at work but only got around to going there this Friday. If you're up in North Beach, I'd recommend stopping in here, well of course to buy some wine, but even better to enjoy a wine tasting.
The staff is pretty chill, ready to offer up suggestions to fit your price range, and the wine selection itself is pretty well thought out (there is also some booze and beer as well). The cool thing is that any bottle you want to try, they'll open up and you can taste (you pay a $5 tasting fee but they work it so it's still a deal). The "tasting room" overlooks Washington Square Park, which offers up some nice views of people coming and going, while you sip.
My advice, taste a wine or two as your happy hour, then buy a bottle and bring it to dinner (here again, the staff is very adept at picking wines to go with your meal, be it Italian or something else).
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1 star for being in the heart of North Beach.
1 star for being next to Washington Square Park so you can buy booze to make your own drinks while listening to Jazzfest if you are not into beer, sangria or wine. (one of the guys in our group is on a low carb diet, and he swears he can only drink Jack straight up on the rocks)
1 star for having a huge huge extensive wine collection
1 star for carrying my favorite champagne
1 star for the nice staff offering tastings of the wines in their tasting room, of the bottles of wine that I was lingering by while waiting for our friend.
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Update.....
The owner contacted me and stated that he took over this business in 2004, after said sttabbing. therefore, i changed the rating form a 1 to a 3.
I was stabbed inside this liquor store in 2000 and the tape from the videocamera didn't work so the crime could not be solved. the ownership was less than helpful with the police, who were also less than helpful
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The name Coit Liquor does not even begin to describe everything that this place is. And while I'm going to try to do it justice in this review, I can't promise I'll be able to - just promise me you'll go in and check it out.
So, I walked in Sunday afternoon and literally stumbled out Sunday night - how, you might ask, did I spend over three hours in a liquor store?!! Here's how, as broken down by UF&C:
Useful facts:
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Their wine tasting - yes, it's a liquor store but it has a great little area for hanging out and tasting wine - works like so: you pick any bottle from their huge selection, and you get two generous glasses for half the price of the bottle. If you think about it, you're getting wine at retail prices, but wine bar (or better) atmospheres. Plus, everyone on their staff KNOWS wine. Tell them what you like, and they'll have a great recommendation.
I went there on Sunday and they had me hard core craving a glass of wine last night. Good thing it's on my bus route home!
Funny digression
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I'm the Product Manager here at Yelp. And while Jeremy keeps me super busy, it's kinda hard explaining what exactly it is I do. So I design stuff? No ... I don't have the artistic talent that Michael does. So I build stuff? Oh hell no ... you don't want me touching code - the nerds here will attest to that (and I'm using "nerd" as an affectionate term). Oh, and definitely don't let the word "Manager" in my "title" fool you. I am no one's manager, and I'm lucky when they're not laughing at me.
I was trying to explain this all to Tim, our wine expert, bartender, and all-around babysitter of drunks on a Sunday. As any great wine expert does, he helped me verbalize what it is I do and gave me a new title:
Tim: So what do you do?
Me: I work on Internet ... stuff ... [word to the wise, this comes across wrong]
Tim: Internet? What do you do on the Internet?
Me: ha ha [nervous laugh] I'm an Product Manager [kinda used to people not knowing what that means]
Tim: So kinda like a Web Master
Me: Kinda
Tim: Well, really (sly smile) you'd be a Web Mistress, since you're a female Web Master
Me: Well .... I wouldn't s....
Tim: [Chuckling to himself, with the telltale blue teeth of someone who spent all day already at the Zinfandel Festival.] No. I've got it. You're a Web Dominatrix!
Me: [silent and wide-eyed]
So there it is folks - what Tim thinks makes sense on my business card: Web Dominatrix. Trust me, this is not at all due to any potential HR violating behavior in the Yelp workplace.
Why Coit is Cool
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Between 2 of us, which soon turned into a group of 4, then 7, then 9 - as random new friends and old friends joined us, off the street or straight from lots of wine at ZAP fest or from stalking the Bushman in Fisherman's Wharf - we polished off at least 4 bottles of great wine, What we didn't finish, they gave me in a brown bag, which I promptly took over to Golden Boy to have with my post-drinking 2 slices of pizza.
Conclusion
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I'm useful, funny AND cool, gosh darnit! Now gimme my votes!
Addendum
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As if you can't tell, I was drunk. And as Erica points out, we were here on Saturday, not Sunday! But yeah, go see Tim on Saturdays!
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This place is alittle pricey, but they have such a killer location they gotta make the rent somehow. The wine selection is nice, and there is a younger guy who works there who is always helpful and nice.
So here is where im knockin stars off. One star goes off for the high prices. Other liquor stores in the area are cheaper. And four more stars go off for one of their employees. Theres a guy who works there who just gives me the creeps. Everytime i go in he says some off the wall, off-putting, borderline inappropriate remark/observation. Im not going to go into any detail about it, because i honestly cant remember any specific conversations, but when ever i bring friends in or something, they see what im talking about.
So as stated above, im adding a star for the wine, and another for the rest of the staff, who are all nice and helpful.
This is a great liquor store. They have an amazing wine selection and they are extremely helpful. If you tell them what you're having for dinner that night, they will tell you what to drink with it. They also have tastings and will open anything you want to try out before purchasing. Great spot.
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Granted, I don't ususally head to North Beach in order to visit a liquor store -- but if and when the need ever arises, this is the joint I will visit. Lemme tell ya ...
The wine and beer selection is so varied and eclectic, it almost defies gravity. Boy oh boy, do I wish this joint was in my 'hood. A couple of friends and I decided to spend the 4th of July on Coit Tower to watch the annual celebration of weapons of mass destruction, and we dropped by here to grab some beer and wine to quaff whilst watching shit blow up in the sky.
I was blown away (no pun intended) by the selection. These guys don't fuck around when it comes to carrying nice (and affordable!) Italians and Frenches and Californians ... it's almost obscene. No plastic cups, though -- I went to a restaurant down the street and obtained a couple, but no bother.
I abstain from giving them five stars, if only because they don't reside near where I live. However, I will always think of them; and whenever I happen to be in the North Beach area, I will grab a little bit of something to bring back to my hood.
'Nuff said. They're not a 'liquor store', per se. They're a 'wine purveyor' and you should be happy about it. Hell, I am!
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A double whammy (the good kind) - you can head to Golden Boy and Coit Liquour in the same trip to North Beach... I can't promise you any parking, other than a few expensive lots up the street, but I can promise you a great selection, and the best advice on wine and spirits. The staff here is very knowledgable, and not afraid to diss a $150 wine that should be a $70 wine... they'll also find you a nice bottle of a $30-40 wine that tastes like $200....
All the employees have their particular stance on wine and fine spirits... kinda like Miles from "Sideways", although I don't think any of these guys would steal from their grandma, and some of them even like fucking Merlot!
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5 stars. absolutely. small, neighborhood wine & liquor store. the staff there are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
they seem a little pricey. they are not bevmo or safeway. they don't have $3 bottles of wine. but if you compare the value of one of their $17-$25 of wine, you'll find its no more expensive. and you get a free tutorial. they also do tastings for a few bucks. and sometimes for free, especially around the holidays.
I hadnt been there in months. but one of the guys remembered what I liked the last time. he said he likes to get to know a customers palate so he knows what to recommend next time. um. I shop there 3 times a year. his brain cells could definitely be utilized on something more important than the guy who comes in 3 times a year to "splurge" on a $25 bottle of wine... but he did remember and does remember. and even that I my face doesn't get red when I drink italian wines vs california wines....
that's customer service.
and no "up-selling". just what's good is what sells.
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Great wine selection, great beer selection and great cigar celection.
Add to that, the fact that its right next to Rogue brew pub and it gets 5 stars.
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First, it's hard for me to think of Coit as a liquor store; it's clean, the people are nice, I've never been scared. Overall nice selection, I'd probably spend a lot more money here if I lived in the neighborhood.
Highly knowledgeable, unpretentious and almost always right on the mark. You can be a novice purchasing a bottle for a dinner or holiday party and they will make you look like a professional. Or you can dig through the floor crates for some excellent buys.
I have been going to Coit for almost 8 years and the new staff and owners have done something great with the place.
Highly recommended.
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This is my go-to corner liquor store and its been almost a year now of steady service. No one has been overly friendly, nor overly rude. The prices aren't cheap, but neither outrageous. They have your typical selection of beer, great selection of wine, and even some belgian ales (and even sometimes Delerium Tremens). They didn't give me shit when I came in and depleted their entire stock of red bull and tecate tall boys. Now that they've added the wine bar and I know I can bring my dog inside, why would I go anywhere else?
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This is one very good looking liquor store, and it's right in my (gf's) neighborhood... They got a wine tasting menu for around 10 bucks and it's a very good deal. We'll definitely be back to pick up some stuff...
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I really like this place. When we lived in AZ we discovered the Stephen Vincent Cab at a wine bar, and could not find it anywhere for months. What do you know... we live here for 2 weeks, meander into Coit, and not only do they have it in stock, but it's only $9.99!! The owner was very friendly, and made an effort to chat us up at the register. It has a great selection, easy layout, and personal service for excellent prices.
Here is a tip: Sign up for Jeff's mailing list on the coitliquor.com and get updates on tastings and specials. (Recent example "90 pts for under $8." Let's be honest, anyone willing to give you hints on how to get quality on the cheap in this city is a big deal!!)
Where to begin..hm..My mentor used to come here alot and tell me about the days he would come down here in a tank top and a pair of lounge pants. He still comes here for chocolate bars for his grandkids while picking up italian wines for drinking and cooking.
I happened to come by with him today and I must say, Italian wine is really delicious. A tangy flavor with a bit of sweetness mixed in. A really good place to come to if you need some fresh air. Other than that, we spent about 2 and a half hours in here checking out all the wine selections they have!
Fantastic selection of Italian wines + great service (if they don't have it they'll try and get it for you) without being pushy = 5 stars for Coit Liquor.
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Really knowledgeable staff and great selection. Incredibly well rounded selection for a small space. Love the new cheese section. A pleasure to shop there and reasonably priced considering the great location and service!
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Coit Liquor is San Francisco's equivalent of Los Angeles's legendary Wally's Wines in its early days - a fine neighborhood wine shop that evolved from a liquor store and became a destination for wine lover's throughout the city.
The difference between other San Francisco wine shops (and Wally's in L.A.) and Coit Liquor is selection and affordability. Coit's owners Linda and Jeff Branco have carefully chosen affordably-priced wines of both popular and lesser-known wineries from around the world. Manager Tim and his knowledgeable staff treat every one who comes through the door as if they were the most-valued, long-time customer.
Have a question? Or are you new to wine? There's no wine snobbery here. Wine education is part of the Coit experience. Tim or another staff member will answer your questions while guiding you around the store to show examples of wines that illuminate your conversation. Need advice on pairing with food? Tim or one of his staff will steer you in the right direction after learning what you like. Need to grab a wine and dash to a dinner party but know nothing about wine? Not to worry. Tim or one of his team will send you off in a flash with a bottle that will impress your host and please any palate... in your price range. There's never an attempt to sell "up" at Coit Liquor. Its easy to see why this gem of a wine shop has such a loyal following.
In the evening, Coit Liqour offers an intimate wine bar with a window view of Columbus Avenue and Washington Square Park. Make sure you sign up for Coit's email list to receive notices of the frequent tastings and in-store visits from winemakers and winery reps.
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A San Francisco institution! Love this place. Cool wine selection at every price point. Tim is a newer face here, and he really livens it up. Go for one of their wine tastings (yes, they built a little wine bar in the front)- you will not be disappointed! Friendly, knowledgeable neighborhood spot.
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Audrey T. hit the nail on the head with her review. So read it and love it. Yes this store has a great selection, a knowledgeable staff and good wine tasting. But I'm surprised no other Yelper has mentioned a fun little fact about the name.
Five years ago an Australian friend named Max came to visit me here in San Francisco. I took the time to play tour guide accompanying him all over to see the usual sights. One evening we ended up at Coit Tower to view the city and bay lights.
"Do you know what 'coit' means in Australia?" Max asked arching eyebrows.
"Haven't a clue." I said. Australian's have slang words and terms for just about everything- like a "liquid laugh" means vomit while a "gut full of piss" means one is drunk. So "coit" could have meant anything as far as I knew.
He laughed. "Well it means arsehole."
"Get out of here! Really?"
"Indeed."
My mind instantly made a connection. "I've got something to show you!"
We headed down the hill to North Beach. Standing at the corner of Columbus at Green and Stockton Streets I lifted both my arms up to the sign and sang aloud "COIT LIQUOR!"
Max started laughing uncontrollably. Aussies love double-entendres. He made me take his picture under the sign so he could show his friends at home. Subsequently when any of them visit they give me a call so I can take them over to the store to take their pictures as well.
Afterward we go inside to purchase something to support Coit Liquor, because this store needs to stay around for more Australians to enjoy.
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Not a bad place- the owner's are a good bunch who make you feel closer to home. Woo-hoo. 4 stars......
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I had a great Rioja at dinner the other night and popped into Coit to see if they carried it. I was pleasantly suprised to see they did. Great selection and great service. I love their new wine tasting bar too. It looks out on Washington Square Park. It's a great stop before dinner in North Beach. It's only $5 and you get that $5 off any bottle of wine you buy. They have a great selection of wines on their tasting list, so you can try before you buy. Or just try and try some more."
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Don't let the name fool ya... Coit Liquor is anything but a liquor store. They'll hook you up with Barolo, Brunello, Grgich Hills, Cotes de Beaune, St. Emilion, Rioja, Z.D., Cakebread, whatever.... You want a nice bottle of wine (or 5) this is the place to get it. It's pricier than Costco, for sure, but then again you'll find some wines here that Costco ain't never heard of.
They also sell Acme Bread, olives, and... duh... liquor!
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