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Hercules Fancy Grocery - CLOSED
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Food Grocery Beer, Wine & Spirits, Grocery [Edit]
27 Morton St(between S 7th Ave & Bedford St)
New York, NY 10014
Neighborhood: West Village
(212) 929-6546
- Nearest Transit:
-
Christopher St - Sheridan Sq (1, 2)
Houston St (1, 2)
W 4 St (A, B, C, D, E, F, M)
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
About This Business:
Warehouse Wines specializes in great values, low prices, an incredible selection and a huge inventory. We offer warehouse values and warehouse… read more »
14 reviews for Hercules Fancy Grocery
Review Highlights
"I've never seen a selection of beers like @ Hercules."
(in 3 reviews)
"a six pack of Magic Hat for $13.50."
(in 3 reviews)
"...this dear friend, a treasure to find in the West Village."
(in 4 reviews)
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14 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda F.
PRINCE, NY
9/23/2011
This place sounded wonderful, but it's closed, and there's a for sale sign in it's window so I don't think it's coming back. I wish someone would update this page.
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Review from Daryll H.
New York, NY
12/12/2010
Support your local mom and pop beer store!
He's big on the belgians, but is generally knowledgeable about whatever beer. He recommended a new Sierra 30th Anniv bock that I never would've considered (to replace an Amber that was going to be in my beer tasting party lineup), and it totally hit the spot.
I worry that the bigger places (like the Whole Foods beer room) are going to put shops like this out of business. Don't let it happen! -
Review from Javier M.
New York, NY
8/6/2008
Oh, you lucky West Villagers! What I would give to have this grocery near my neighborhood!
I happened to stumble upon Hercules Fancy Grocery w/my friend Mariam in hopes of finding some booze to bring to a party; reluctantly we entered thinking that we might luck out in securing a meager six pack of beer or Smirnoff, instead, we were shocked to find a most impressive selection of import beers and rarities. 2 big bottles of Raspberry and Apple flavored Lambic were quickly selected from the countertop (but there were other flavors I had never seen before!)
Then we met Hercules Dimitratos.
He struck friendly casual conversation which somehow evolved into a 20 minute chat; and the stories he had to tell! This sweet old man, a true lover of beer, told us about the benefits and differences of certain ales and breweries; he told us about his life in New York and about his store. Apparently a New York institution, he remembered having met Aristoteles Onassis (not a nice man he said) and Robert Redford; he also recalled a charming anecdote that involved JFK Jr. entering his shop and flirting with Daryl Hannah. All in all, a trove of New York memorabilia, which would be even more appropriate if Hercules added some bar stools and retrofitted his grocery into a full fledged bar.
Before we left, the nice man gave us two Duvel beer glasses free of charge, smiling throughout and biding us a good night. So of course I'm going to yield my Yelp star dispenser in this man's favor; such powerful might, this Hercules has. -
Review from LG L.
New York, NY
3/8/2009
They should rename this place, "Hercules Specialty Beers"
If you are looking for varied and interesting beers, you will not be disappointed. Prices do seem a little high, but this isn't a major grocery store. The owner (Hercules) is a great guide to what is available, happy to make recommendations.
One of the interesting details is that for certain high-end ales, Hercules actually carries versions or vintages that don't make it into major markets. Great resource for those who enjoy beer. -
Review from pat b.
New York, NY
1/27/2009 4 Check-ins Here
what makes this a fancy grocery store anyway? I demand an answer.
Sure, they sell Rogue, a GREAT Oregon classic brew... for 9 bucks / 22oz. plus tax. cash only. Hell, I get 2 for that price AT A BAR (Press 195)...
a six pack of Magic Hat for $13.50 ? It might be cheaper to drive up to their eclectic brewery in Burlington, VT (complete with free happy hour that they happily get you boozed up at)...
[and yes, I just ended this review in a prepositional phrase.] -
Review from Leizl M.
New York, NY
8/3/2009 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend and I stopped in out of curiosity one evening and found ourselves pleasantly surprised: The beer selection is pretty varied, always changing, and altogether fantastic, all without any hint of pretense. If you're just looking to pick up a six-pack that you can find at any random bodega or grocery store, this place probably won't be your cup of tea. Hercules is cash-only, and I suppose the argument can be made that things are slightly overpriced, but I think it's worth the extra pennies to support a local business, especially one run by such an endearing man. He always has a recommendation or two at the ready for his customers, which is rather convenient when staring at a wall of labels you've never seen before.
If you're a fan of beer and like to try different, sometimes obscure brews, and also want to support local business, this is a great place to go.Listed in: West Village Living
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Review from DJ W.
New York, NY
8/8/2008
This is my local bodega...well, mainly Hercules deals in fine beer.
Located at 7th and Morton St, you'll find a plethora of fine and rare brews here. Not only that, but Hercules is a great shop owner. Super friendly and courteous; he's always cordial and ready for conversation.
He stocks Westmalle Tripel 750ml for a few bucks cheaper than I've found it thus far in Manhattan.
If you're in the West Village, give Herc some business; we want to see him remain a staple of the neighborhood. -
Review from James G.
Foster City, CA
7/20/2007
A true gem ! 5 STARS all the way...
This was a real bright spot in an otherwise terrible day...
I happened to stop in here on the way to the subway from work thinking it was just another local grocery. Boy, was I wrong. I was just looking for some M&M's and I found an incredibly friendly proprietor, Hercules, and a treasure trove of beer from around the world. I thought the store specialized in beers from Belgium but after close inspection, Hercules has quite an esoteric selection of brews. I quickly got some great recommendations from him and an education of not only beer but the history of their shop from his gracious and friendly wife, Fay.
Sadly after 27 years (?) in one location they lost their lease and have been in this location for 8 (or so). It's a great little store. There's a collage of pictures posted of the original store. Ask Fay, to show them to you.
The store is very clean, orderly, and organized. I didn't notice any dust on ANY of the bottles. I'm sure it's not because they have no customers and all they do is sit around and polish bottles all day. My theory is he's able to have his inventory fly off the shelves with lots of loyal repeat customers who enjoy his and his wife's company and the beers they sell.
I ended up with a great French Golden Ale from "3 Mont" for $12.00. Pricey yes! Tasty yes! I've never seen a selection of beers like @ Hercules.
NOTE: CASH ONLY ! ! !
If you're in the neighborhood of the West Village and looking for a unique shop, come to Hercules Fancy Grocery.
see pix... -
Review from Alexa B.
New York, NY
10/11/2008
AMAZING selection of beer, way beyond the lambics mentioned in other reviews. We were sucked in last night and spent all the cast in our wallets on the tastey rarities. Perfect Beer Store. And they sell toilet paper and candy bars too.
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Review from Liana A.
New York, NY
8/14/2010
My boyfriend and I happend to wander in there. It initially does not look like much at first. But when we went in. WOW! First of all. The owner Hercules is a wealth of knowlege. From beer to NYC. We gave him the flavors we were interested in, in beer that is. He directed us to a great bottle. What a selection he's got there! We we're very pleased with his selection. We are definately coming here again!
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Review from Neilson A.
Brooklyn, NY
7/21/2006
Contrary to the name, this place sells no groceries, only beer. The selection is great with some old standbys such as Fullers ESB and London Pride with lots of other more obscure ones. I'm a big fan of the Rogue Brewery in Oregon and I often find their beers here. The one drawback to this place are the prices but where else are you going to find most these beers?
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Review from Abby G.
New York, NY
6/25/2010
Hercules is great! This man found a package 5 days after I had left it in his store. He found my number and called me to pick it up. Also, he knows just about everything about Belgium beer.
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Review from Tom C.
Chicago, IL
10/30/2006
In antiquity, Hercules was known for strength and courage . These days, if you're in the West Village, Hercules is known for his friendly, old-school demeanor and outstanding selection of imported and domestic craft beers.
This guy is a neighborhood gem. Sure, the prices are a bit higher (even by local standards), but if you engage him, Hercules will leave you entertained and with a more informed beer choice in hand.
Make careful note of the signs posted in a few corners of the shop: "NO WINE". Don't even ask. -
Review from Natalie W.
New York, NY
11/21/2006
Around the corner from my little home, you'll find Hercules the Greek plucking the strings of his tattered guitar from behind the countertop, almost camouflaging him and sometimes his robust wife admist the chilled beers lying in the display case. No, you won't find groceries here, so-to-speak, but you will find an incredible selection of imported beers and a scruffy cat with six toes walking about. I've befriended this dear friend, a treasure to find in the West Village. He's really knows his stuff, always warm and full of helpful suggestions. If you stay for a bit, he'll peruse the shelves of plentiful imported and hard-to-find beers to tell you about his favourites and those special bottles that are almost out of stock so you can snag one home before its too late. And If he has a warm spot in his heart for you and when available, he'll pull a beer (that you would otherwise grab from the shelf) from his chilled selection so it's already cold to crack open. He always has your experience with his fine beer at best interest. And though his prices are a bit high, I support and encourage a business like his anyday.
