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Marty's Liquor
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
675 Washington StNewton, MA 02458
(617) 332-1230
- Nearest Transit:
-
Washington St @ Harvard St (553, 554, 555, 556)
Washington St @ Craft St (553, 554, 555, 556)
Washington St @ Crafts St (553, 554, 556)
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Adrienne T. said: "Freshly remodeled, bright, well lit, spacious, clean, and well stocked are all descriptors that come to mind about this store. There are about 32 cash registers WITH clerks at more than half of them, everyone is friendly, and its a…" read more »
73 reviews for Marty's Liquor
Review Highlights
"...place to shop for new beers when you need a great selection."
(in 13 reviews)
"There is a ton of rare or hard to find microbrew beers."
(in 9 reviews)
"A nice deli counter and some good gourmet groceries..."
(in 5 reviews)
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73 reviews in English
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Review from Lime B.
Boston, MA
8/31/2011
Marty, you are awesome. Your selection is spot on, you have special order wines for me when I wanted and the wine tasting machine--fancy! I went to a party and asked them to pick out 10 different beers to bring (not six packs) and they know EVERYTHING about all the beers...who brewed them, where, when, why...it was like a class! They are passionate! I have bought cigars, snacks, deli-foods and even coffee and spices. Wow! This place is a staple of the community and they work hard everyday to please their customers. During the holidays they have gift baskets with a vast selection of items that will definitely wow people. Thanks Marty! You are the best!!
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Review from Chris N.
Waltham, MA
9/12/2011
Great selection can't be the only way to win business. Add to that Marty's is bit pricey and has poor customer service. Lose two stars for that.
If you need something particular they probably have it. But beware cuz you're probably paying top dollar for it. ie Balvenie 12 Doublewood other locations 35-45. Marty's $60 outrageous. -
Review from Wendy S.
8/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I wanted to fall in love with Marty's. I'd heard rave reviews from fellow oenophiles, boasting that its selection rivals my beloved Gordon's. Could it be true? Well...yes and no. Marty's is conveniently located next to Whole Foods, with a large parking lot which is a plus. Upon entering the store, I immediately noticed "We Serve Dom's" signs. Could this be true?? Marty's serves meats from my beloved Domenic's, and the scent is absolutely heavenly. I challenge you NOT to procure a sandwich whilst browsing for booze. Marty's has a major advantage over Gordons - gourmet foods. From crazy yummy Domenic's sandwiches to cheese and gourmet snacks galore, Marty's has it all. Here comes the downside.
The aisles are REALLY narrow, making them difficult to navigate with my admittedly oversized handbags. There is no possible way for more than one person to fit in each section at a time, making for difficult browsing. I also had difficulty locating corresponding bottles of wine underneath the display bottles, as they're all mixed up. That said, their selection is impressive and their bubbly, well, don't even get me started. I saw things I'd never seen, bubbly is my thang. They had me at multiple varieties of Krug, ok?
The prices at Marty's are far higher than Gordon's, which was disappointing. Why the 4-star rating, you ask? MULTIPLE VARIETIES OF KRUG, PEOPLE! Get on it. -
Review from Stephanie L.
Boston, MA
7/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My friend Ben P introduced me to this place recently, and I'm so thankful!
You walk in and are instantly greeted with a wide selection of liquor and wine. Walk to the far right hand side of the store and you discover their bar tools and beer selection.
I've been looking for a new muddler at a couple of liquor stores, and have yet to find one. Marty's also was lacking a muddler from their somewhat comprehensive bar tools selection.
Ah but the beer is what truly pleased me! Living in Munich for awhile, I became a huge fan of Weihenstephaner Weissbier and Augustiner Edelstoff. It is the rare booze shop that carries one of these, much less both. But Marty's truly came through for me with ample six packs of both brews in stock.
There was a good selection of beer, but not the widest I've seen, especially when it comes to single bottles. A large selection of the beer was chilled, so party ready to pick up on your way.
I probably wouldn't go too far out of my way to make it to Marty's, but would definitely stop by for a stock up of harder to find beers if I'm in the area. -
Review from Zach L.
Somerville, MA
12/16/2010
Prior to my most recent experience, I thought very highly of Marty's Liquor - amazing beer selection, friendly and knowledgeable beer staff, fun wines, great cheeses. But my recent trip with my younger brother was despicable, at best.
My brother and I picked up approximately 100 dollars worth of high quality beer, per usual, and were at the check-out line going through the motions. To be nice, I proffered my ID before the cashier even asked. He took it without a word and went through a lengthy grilling process - scanning it with a machine connected to a laptop, checking it for heaven's knows what and essentially treating me like I'm a minor. Mind you, I am 25 years old, I currently live in Somerville and was born and raised in Lexington - Mass resident through and through.
OK, you're thinking, not such a big deal. I agree. BUT, when they took my brother's ID, they went to the Nth degree to examine his ID.
My brother is 21 and grew up, just like me, around Boston. He, too, has a Mass license and they treated him even worse!
After 10 painstaking minutes, they gave back his ID and said they could not sell him beer. When I protested, they literally barked at me and told me to watch myself! When it came to pass that I had already paid for my items - the manager attempted to confiscate them saying I was providing for a minor. Right, providing my 21 year old brother with expensive beer, of course.
We somehow calmly removed ourselves from the situation but I am thoroughly disgusted by the service.
In fact, this was by far the worst customer service I have ever experienced, anywhere. I will never recommend this place to anyone again. If I could give this less than one star, I most certainly would. -
Review from Jessica G.
Boston, MA
8/24/2011
Honestly, if you are looking for selection there is no other option. Excellent options here, especially if you are looking for something niche. Prices are reasonable, but truly, the HUGE selection makes this place awesome. Deli and gourmet food items are a bonus too.
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Review from Ran D.
Bolton, MA
7/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is the place to shop for new beers when you need a great selection. It's the just got paid liquor store, let's get a fancy 12 pack with maybe a impulse buy at the check out counter liquor store. There are plenty of other 40oz and a scratch ticket liquor stores that leave you with enough change to get your dinner of the dollar menu
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Review from Ben P.
Rockville, MD
7/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Marty's Liquor is not just an ordinary liquor store. They have one of the largest wine and beer selections that I've seen in a liquor store! There is a ton of rare or hard to find microbrew beers. My favourite is a blueberry ale from Bar Harbor, ME! I took a beer-loving friend there recently and she found one of her favourite hard-to-find German beers there!
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Review from Emily F.
Watertown, MA
8/17/2010
The best thing I have found since my move to Newton, and its a good one! I just walk around in here, they have so much nice stuff.
The "beer guy" I spoke to, however, was a complete moron. So don't talk to him.
Wide selection of strange microbrews and foreign wines. Hooray! -
Review from Barry G.
Watertown, MA
2/13/2011
I am very happy to have found this place.
I like beer. a lot. But I like good beer, not cheap beer, and like to try new things.
The first thing I found out about this place, and what keeps me coming back, is their selection of Dogfish Head. now I know, you might be wondering " Well i can get that anywhere, and why would you go somewhere for one beer brand?"
But they carry a bigger selection of the DFH Occasional Rarities than anywhere else I have found (these are the special brews DFH makes, once a year or so, big 750 ml win sized bottles, higher alcohol content, etc). So finding a few to choose from is nice.
Also, they seem to over order (or maybe it is just that people in Brighton dont like DFH??)
But this worked out well, as they had DFH Punkin Ale well into December, which was lucky for those who enjoy it.
The first time we went, was shortly after they opened. i was able to have an intelligent conversation about beer with the clerk working, which was nice, and he told us about tastings they were having to try new things.
I was also introduced to 21st amendment beer. It is a craft brewer from the midwest, but in cans vs. glass bottles. I can honestly say I would not have tried it if not recommend, but the 'Hell or high watermelon' is a great summer beer! -
Review from Kenny P.
Middletown, CT
1/15/2011
Do you like beer?
Do you like wine?
Do you like liquor?
Do you like delicious deli sandwiches?
Do you like an assortment of gourmet cheeses, crackers, caviar, candy, jam's, and other quality foods?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should definitely go to Marty's and spend some time as I have, wandering the aisles, wide eyed and content. Seriously, they have a huge selection of beer, wine, and liquor, basically any kind you could think of or want. They have a pretty extensive deli case with a huge sandwich menu. The staff is super knowledgeable about their product and very approachable. My roommate was looking for a type of beer he had never tried before and they suggested he try this one that tasted like bacon.. Let me just say, it was delicious, really spot on. Its really anything you could want from a liquor store. Im just glad I don't live within walking distance of this place cause then I might be broke. -
Review from Angela H.
Boston, MA
12/5/2006
I love this place, not only because of the quiet aisles of booze I can wander through, but also for that delicious smell! Upon walking in here I am overcome with memories of the old Bread and Circus and the way it used to welcome it's small customers with exotic and foreign candies.
This is not your average liquor store, it is much more than that. In addition to bud light and a huge selection of wines, they also offer specialty foods, imported oils, teas, Iggy's breads, and like I said, amazing little candies. There is also a deli in the back which I've yet to sample, but it looks good, and makes sandwiches to order.
As far as the ID problem, they now have a machine that reads your out-of-state license (or any other I presume) in a jiffy, getting you on your way as quick as can be.
But my favorite part about Marty's is the annex redemption center outside to the left, where you can go with no hassle to collect the profits of your addictions. It doesn't smell like nasty beer and has a window to throw the cardboard boxes when you're done. -
Review from Erin G.
Fairfax, VA
5/2/2006
I went to Marty's Liquor next to Whole Foods in Newton once over a year ago. I walked in on a Saturday afternoon with the goal of purchasing three bottles of wine for a dinner party that night. I picked my selection and went to the check out where i handed over my driver's license. i have a Virginia license, but it's not a cheap laminated one, it has a security strip, holograms and everything.
first the cashier examined it. then her supervisor came over and examined it. then he ran it through some scanning machine. nothing being said to me at this point except some huffing about out of staters. then the supervisor makes a phone call, to whom i can't imagine. then he looks in a book of licenses. then he storms over to me and screams at me not to come back until i have a valid license.
what?! i stood there gaping at him, absolutely gaping. they told me i should carry my passport with me as out of state licenses are unacceptable as a form of identification in Massachusetts.
A friend of mine went there with her New Jersey license to see what would happen and they told her that the picture wasn't her and if she came back with it they would cut it up.
the moral of the story is that no one should ever shop there. i can't imagine being treated like that as a PAYING CUSTOMER. unreal. -
Review from Max M.
Long Island City, NY
6/20/2009
Why can't New York have a store like this? I'm sure there is some kind of law holding up being able to buy both booze & beer in the same place, but how awesome is Marty's?
They have a nice deli and specialty foods if you need those and are good for sauces, rubs, stuff like that.
Well stocked with wine, although I'm not much of a wine drinker so I can't say for sure about selection & price, but they sure have a ton.
Great booze selections and some of their specials are hard to beat. Big bottle of Knob Creek at one point was $20! I was so happy to find mint infused Maker's Mark on my last visit. I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy two.
Great selection of beers, good prices.
If only they could open up an NYC branch... -
Review from Karen K.
Cambridge, MA
8/29/2006
I love Marty's monthly newsletter. They usually recommend 6 wines, all hovering around the $10 mark. Their reviews are well-written and accurate, and I've never gone wrong by choosing one of these.
When I am looking for something else, the staff is always helpful, and really knows their stuff. I always leave with something new and interesting. That said, I do wish they'd start a frequent customer program like Vino Divino - keeping track of the wines you've purchased by computer. I'm terrible at remembering those things...
Bonus points for the great selection of chocolate and the fact that I can buy firewood at the register. -
Review from David K.
Belmont, MA
Updated - 7/1/2011
Still a great place...coffee bean price is up a couple dollars a lb.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/21/2010
If there is a beer you like, they have it. If there is a booze you like, they have it. If you like… Read more »
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Review from Virginia su m.
Boston, MA
12/20/2008
IDEA: let's get a big building, fill it with a shit load of booze, enough smokes to blow your lungs out, fattening sandwiches galore, and tons of snack food to munch on while you drink your face off later that night.
genius.
BEST beer selection, a PLETHORA of wine and liquor, and the sandwiches RULE. seriously, they make killer sandwiches and there's sooo many to choose from! i love it! snooty cashiers? maaaybe. a resounding "meh" from the audience. i don't need any Talky Tinas selling me my dogfish heads, thanks though.
go here to get things that are bad for you! it's the best! good cheese selection too! -
Review from Dennis D.
Brighton, MA
6/24/2011
Great selection, but you certainly pay for it.
The staff also has fascist tendencies. Nevermind the ID horror stories that others have mention. I had my bag searched after going to the store one night. I was the only one in there at the time, and I went straight to what I wanted and was at the register in 30 seconds. Despite the fact that everyone probably watched me the whole time, they still demanded that I open my bag and prove that I didn't steal anything.
I won't be going back. The folks at Gordon's are much nicer and the booze is cheaper. -
Review from Chris C.
5/29/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Move over Julio's liquors Marty's is my new favorite alcohol supplier.
The prices are low. The selection is the best I've encountered for both beer and liquor. The staff were super knowledgeable and friendly. The only bad thing is the parking lot which is way too small.
So I have to admit today was my first trip here even though I used to live about a mile away and shopped at the Whole Foods next door on a regular basis. God I wish I had known how great this place was when I used to live in Newton.
So this was my last stop on my liquor store excursion today and they had the Creme de Violet I was searching for. Not only did they just have it they had 2 different brands to choose from when no other store I called or visited carried it. They literally had every hard to find liquor I have bought or thought about buying here. I even ended up picking up some Batavia Arrack on the suggestion of one of the staff guys after a long discussion about less common cocktail recipes.
The beer selection was almost overwhelming although it was well organized and easy to navigate. If you like beer this is the place for you. There was even a beer tasting while I was there although I didn't care for the selection they had. -
Review from pete k.
4/21/2008
I go out of my way to get here. Not that its out of my way - but I would if I needed to. Lets start with beer, shall we? I love beer. I brew beer, I drink beer, I talk about beer, I go to beer fests, I watch movies about beer fests, I rate restaurants based on what they have on tap.. yay beer.
Now.. Marty's is partly responsible for this "yay beer" thing I have going on.. I remember the first time I walked in and was in AWE with the selection (this was many years ago now). Aisles upon aisles of brews I'd never heard of.. and NEEDED to try. So for a long time, I attacked the beer section and uncovered many great brews. Eventually I (perhaps after some heavy sampling) wandered over to the other end of the store, where there is, undoubtedly, one of the better delis in the Boston area. Seriously. Great sandwich menu, awesome meats, breads and always something on special.
The deli is surrounded by gourmet foods.. mustards, exotic sauces, pastas, snacks, frozen seafoods, spices, chocolates and one HELL of a salami and cheese section. And, you can sample cheeses. Mmmm, cheese - actually they sample alot of things over in that luscious corner of consumable paradise.
Several years after beer and sandwiches.. I found myself in the middle of the store. Surrounded by stupid amounts of wine and liquor, and plenty of people to tell you more than you ever wanted to know. Great selection of Malbecs, especially, and then a ridiculously affordable "specials" section. Oh, and there's that closeout section, closer to the beers, but I don't want to pay over $20 a bottle, even if it is marked down from $80. Chances are I won't know the difference yet.
I have yet to discover the cigar section - but its there. They also have good firewood (winter) and occasionally good charcoal and smoke woods (summer). Not the Cowboy crap - but they do occasionally stock Nature's Own and some others. The smoking chips are a great deal, even though I'd rather see chunks.
Service - the folks wandering around the aisles getting called on the overhead are your resources. And Marty himself hangs out in the store all the time - great guy and knows his STUFF. Beer, wine, liquor, whatever - its fun to quiz him on beers you cannot find. They'll get it, if you really want.
Oh and one more thing (there are probably a pile of others I am forgetting) - Clear Flour and Iggy's breads at the checkout area. Kick ass. -
Review from Irene F.
9/5/2006
This liquor store helped us out on many, many a night during the end of my collegiate career. Open til 11:30 on some nights, 11 on others, there were often frantic, last second rushes to get there. And the kegs...let's not forget the kegs...
Beer aside, they do have awesome wine prices. -
Review from Daniel M.
Waltham, MA
7/9/2008
Visiting Marty's is like stepping into beer heaven...wine heaven too. I believe there a greater variety of beers, wines, and spirits per square foot in Marty's than in any other liquor store in Massachusetts. The beer section, in particular, is the most extensive I have seen in my travels and offers the largest range of imports in the area. The wine section is noteworthy for having many hard-to-find specialty vintages and gift items. No other liquor store in the area has as many exotic varieties of hard liquor either. Added bonus is the deli, featuring excellect cheeses and breads...not something one finds in a most liquor stores.
The only thing keeping Marty's from a fifth star is the fact that it's not cheap. But if price isn't a problem and you care about what you drink, Marty's is it.Listed in: Packeys I Have Known
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Review from Kristen W.
Boston, MA
9/16/2007
My best pal Rebecca just moved to Newton and let me tell you I want to follow suit - but only if I can live near Marty's. This is the best speciality foods /wine /liquor store ever.
It is the store of my dreams. I swear it is a good thing I live nowhere near here for the following reasons:
1) I would go into more credit card debt due to purchasing much wine to sample - thus resulting in a need to drink a bottle of wine daily
2) I would gain 100 lbs. (As I would drink one bottle of wine on my own daily)
3) I'd become an alcoholic (did I mention I would be drinking one bottle of wine? On my own? Daily?).
Rebecca had a "thank goodness I moved back to the Northeast after 2 years of living in a red state" barbecue last weekend and I arrived early to help her set up. Setting up included a scheduled stop at Marty's to enjoy the HUGE wine tasting (5 tables!). We built in about 2 hours for this and it was a good thing that we did - what a great time. Educational and tasty.
I got a bottle of 2003 Domaine La Boutiniere Chateauneuf-du-pape for $25 (a steal) and picked up a few bottles of Savignon Blanc I like that were priced at $3 less than I normally pay. I also purchased a couple of gems from the tasting.
The beer selection includes local goodies as well as a HUGE imported section of pilsners, hefeweisen, and other german, belgian, and japanese offerings I have never seen or heard of but look darn tasty.
The gourmet foods and cheese section reminds me of bread and circus and had I not alredy spent over $100 on wine during my visit, I would have spent more time in this area of the store, thus doing more damage to my already precarious financial future.
Like I said, living near here would create problems. To you Newtonites who actually do live within a 20 mile radius of this place and manage to have savings, slim figures, and are not walking around in a wineinduced stupor - I salute you! -
Review from Mike D.
Brighton, MA
7/7/2008
Reasons for five stars:
1. They carry bitter lemon and half and half along with tons of other hard to find mixers.
2. Fantastic beer selection.
3[2-a?]. Good keg selection, plus you can special order a lot of stuff--seems like every other liquor store in the area just carries kegs of Piss or Piss Lite these days.
4. Fantastic wine selection.
5. Great bread, cheese, and deli selections at more reasonable prices than at the Whole Checks next door.
Other reasons if these didn't work for you:
1. Everyone who works here seems to be happy and really like their jobs--an increasing rarity in retail.
2. If you're into cigars, I would guess you'd be psyched about their humidor.
3. If you do need something from Whole Checks, they're conveniently located next door. -
Review from Sarah S.
Quincy, MA
3/20/2008
How can I describe Marty's? Heaven for wine drinkers? Perfection for beer lovers? Gourmet Foods Central? It's all of these things and more. For one thing they have a fantastic selection of decently priced cheese from Brie and Goat Cheese to Aged Parmesan and Manchego. Their deli counter features delicious Made To Order Sandwiches and an abundance of premade dishes like Sesame Noodle Salad (my fave) and Crab Cakes. But best of all is their wine/beer liquor selection which I will break down for you now.
Wine: Insane selection. Whatever you are looking for you will find here with a price to suit every budget from bottles that are 2/$10 to bottles that top out well over $200. And their staff is extremely knowledgable and helpful. I often go in and say "What can I serve with (insert meal)? and their reccomendation never fails. They also have a monthly newsletter that highlights their Wine Picks of the Month - very helpful when you want to try something new/ find a new favorite.
Liquor: Aisles of spirits from Anisette to Zambuca. Good prices and if you can't find something, feel free to ask an employee! They are happy to bring some up from their stock room if they have it.
Beer: Tons of well known beer as well as hard to find mircrobrews. I especially love their selection of beers by the bottle from around the world, so you can put together your own 6 pack of different kinds that interest you. -
Review from Sam M.
West Newton, MA
5/10/2008
A really good packie with a touch of Pretentious Fuck Syndrome. Certainly, considering the area, I expect some of that attitude from other customers but not so much from the staff. Maybe I got a little turned off by me and my husband - who happens to be a Person of Color (tm) - being shadowed around the store by an assistant manager type with wide, scared eyes who disappeared every time I turned around to ask for help finding something.
I'm not sure why. Were we meandering menacingly? Should I have grabbed a cart instead of a basket? Maybe because we were dressed in jeans and t-shirts on a Saturday. I don't know, whatever. We're new to Newton. Maybe there's a dress code we don't know about.
He made sure to stand right at the end of the register and stare down into our basket as I unloaded our purchases onto the counter. Yes, that's right. After all that, a half-pound of olive salad from the deli (this store's saving grace) and a six-pack of Smuttynose IPA.
Okay -- maybe that's the answer: we're cheap. Cheap, skinflint bastards who aren't trying to impress anyone in the checkout line with a cartload of Bolivian chardonnay and California merlot. We're not throwing a garden party this evening, just having a couple slices of pizza, a beer and watching a movie.
Marty's has a price and selection ranging across the spectrum of alcoholic wonderment. The deli is indeed a tremendously good thing. But the staff needs to lose the attitude. Marty's is essentially a full-service liquor retailer with a deli wedged in one corner and an afterthought cigar humidor beyond the cash registers. But it's trying to be a specialty liquor store, too. Unfortunately that goes against the essential nature of the full-service liquor store. They're just trying too hard.Listed in: The New Neighborhood
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Review from Lauren v.
5/12/2008
Five stars for having Pimm's. After a trip to London, I was dying for some of this delicious mystery concoction. Unfortunately, it was looking like I would have to travel back there to have it again. Enter Marty's.
Bonus- I didn't get the curled lip and "what the hell is Pimm's?" that I had grown accustomed to in trying to track this stuff down.
Bonus- They know how to serve Pimm's. "Make sure that you have ginger ale for that" when checking out.
Bonus- It was only $19.99. -
Review from Dave M.
East Watertown, MA
7/15/2010
Marty's is freaking awesome. Whenever I'm in a good mood on my way home from work (especially on payday) I'll stop in and just browse the massive beer selection for 15-20 minutes, pick out a couple 22oz craft brews and a couple sixers and head up to the checkout to drop my $50 on 15 beers. Expensive? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely.
They've also got an amazing wine and liquor selection, especially scotch if you're a connoisseur. There is also a deli that serves Boar's Head meats, a good selection of craft cheese, and a ton of other foodstuffs that you'd expect to find at a place such as this. They've also got a small but respectable selection of cigars at the front of the store near the exit.
The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars is the attitude of the stock boys who think that their knowledge of beer makes them gods. Listen, I may not be able to give an eloquent soliloquy on the underlying taste notes of my beer, but when I tell you that I don't need any help and I know the beers that I'm considering, just back off. I guarantee that I've tried just as many of these beers as Stock Boy has, but yet he feels the need to interject his condescending opinion into mine and my friend's conversation.... go put another bud heavy 30 into the cooler, pal. There's a difference between being helpful and just being a dick.
Still, a 10 second conversation with Stock Boy every other time I go in is a small price to pay for such a great selection of beers. -
Review from Zach W.
Newton, MA
8/6/2007
Great selection of beer and wine but what draws me in are the boars head sandwiches from the deli.
I usually go with the baguette and some cracked pepper turkey but if i'm feeling like my heart needs a workout I hit up the Brooklyn Bridge melted with black pastrami and swiss cheese.
All the sandwiches come with a pickle and there is rarely a line. No seating area so its a perfect place to get a quick sandwich to go.
Also as a nice bonus there are samples to snack on while you wait for your sandwich to me made. -
Review from Katia M.
3/5/2008
Amazing selection, right out the gate. That's one thing that'll get you.
I needed cranberry schnapps or liqueur for this special sangria recipe I made at my birthday party last year. I used to see Cranberry Pucker at stores in Ann Arbor many years ago, so I assumed here in Cranberry Country, it'd be easy to find the equivalent.
WRONG.
I must have called thirty liquor stores looking for it. I'll give the Wine Emporium in the South End props for offering to order it for me, but I was pressed for time, when I decided to call Marty's. And lo and behold, they had it! So if you're looking for an interesting sangria recipe, ask me, and if you're looking for the ingredients, look no further than Marty's! -
Review from Kimble M.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2010
I don't live in Newton, hell, I've never lived in Newton, and I love Marty's.
Marty's is one of those places that can cater any of your wants. If you're looking for the less-than-$10 bottle of wine, they have racks of those right by entrance so you can be in and out. If you're looking for help finding the perfect bottle, the staff member wandering around the wine section will happily help you without being obsequious. They carry a whole herd of obscure beers from random locales, so they likely have that beer you miss from back home, but they're also happy to introduce you to something new, but similar what you love. It's one of the few stores with a beer expert in addition to the wine expert, in this case an expert who is equally low key to the wine expert.
The prices are reasonable, the parking plentiful, and the food offerings enough to make this a one-stop-shop for a low-key party. They'll even take your out-of-state ID without the standard badgering, scanning it quickly and handing it back with a smile.
Marty's is easily the best all around package store in the area. If only it were closer... -
Review from Laura M.
6/11/2007
Marty's is great, especially when things go on sale. Knob Creek whiskey for $20? Hello! They also have a pretty large beer selection, and recently we nabbed a Victory sampler that came with a free pilsner glass. Also nice for scoring extra boxes when you move...
For gourmet food lovers, they also have a great selection of premium olive oil, imported goods, cheeses, etc. I found Israeli couscous here for my roommate once, when she couldn't get it anywhere else.
Also has nice wine specials and um, a decent variety of more upscale boxed wines, if you're freaks like us who purchase boxed wine. -
Review from Josephine P.
Boston, MA
1/20/2011
This place rocks. They consistently have the cheapest prices. Also, they sell this ridiculously cheap Australian wine that I CANNOT, for the life of me, find anywhere else. Honestly, I bet that even if I did, it would be like $5 bucks more expensive. Sadly, I no longer live in this area, but when we are nearby my boyfriend and I stock up like alcoholic miscreants. I dig that they carry pretty much the whole line of Stone Brewery beers from Escondido, CA. I used to live there and we discovered it right before we moved here. Needless to say it was a sad parting. The guys at the counter are super friendly as well. Always a pleasant experience Marty. Cheers.
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Review from liz b.
Watertown, MA
3/9/2010
The phrase opportunity paralysis comes to mind. Marty's has an amazing selection of pretty much everything I've ever gone in looking for.
Wine: check
Scotch: check
Champagne: check
Random non traditional candy at the checkout line: check (mmm gummy bears)
Beer: check, check and double check
Oh the beer selection... I don't think I've gotten out with a bottle in under 15 minutes but it's completely worth it. Their super friendly and knowledgeable staff always have suggestions or a quick to answer a question. Tell them a beer you liked and they'll be able to suggest two or three more to try. They haven't sent me down the wrong path yet! The selection is enormous and ranges from your liquor store standards to hard to find favorites.
During my last visit I found out they have a beer e-mail list they use to send out updates on special arrivals and tastings. Definitely worth signing up for. -
Review from matt m.
Allston-Brighton, MA
12/21/2007
Best beer selection around, period the end. I'm so glad I now live near this place. Staff is very friendly and helpful, especially the bald guy with the plugs.
Buy your beer here!! -
Review from Dennis L.
Wellesley, MA
4/6/2009
When you drive by this place, you can only think of it as sketchy, seeing the sign-plastered storefront and the dangling flourescent lights. However, when you walk inside, you may get a different perspective.
This is the place where I purchase like a stereotypical 20-something, my beer. They keep my staples (Stella Artois, Guinness, and Guinness Extra Stout) at reasonable prices and have a good selection of other things to try; sometimes I grab their 'mixtery' cases where they throw in 24 random bottles for $20 and I haven't been disappointed at being able to try from them. The prices in liquors are a bit higher than hitting up the NH State Liquor Stores, but they're a high-churn juggernaut. Marty's is a reasonable price, lower than other liquor stores I've seen in the area in general. The only place I've seen lower for anything around here is getting umeshu (Japanese plum wine) and xiao xing wine (a dark Chinese wine) at the liquor store in Chinatown.
In addition to the liquors, they stock decent amounts of gourmet foods, though somewhat pricy, but not overpriced. I purchase vanilla beans here and sometimes olives. The deli is alright, though the service hasn't been consistent for me, since the staff seems to have a varying experience level.
My sister is addicted to their dark chocolate covered raisins, it seems. They have a decent selection of chocolates that's at least different from the Trader Joe's down the street, sporting a large selection of Lindt, Fedora, and Taza primarily with several other brands. The staff has been friendly... not warm, but not cold. They'll answer questions for you fully and completely, but don't go out of the way, it seems. Marty's has still been a very reliable source for me. -
Review from Stephanie F.
Cambridge, MA
12/18/2010
I am very amazed at the super wide selection of beer that they have here They have a deli counter and a lot of gourmet foods. Very awesome.
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Review from Karl R.
Newton, MA
3/30/2009
Marty's has very good selection and pretty good prices. However there isn't much of a personal touch. It's not the kind of store where you can shoot the breeze and really learn about wine, scotch or beer. I do enjoy some of the smaller stores where you can strike up a conversation and learn a thing or two while you make your selection. Also, it's not the place to go looking for anything in short supply. When I've tried I am made to feel like I am foolish for even and asking, yet I feel they would get it for their really big spenders. I shop there probably 3 days week and easily spend $200-300 per month, but that is small time compared to the clientele I'm sure they get who drops thousands on wine and Scotch.
I wish they realized that I may one day be dropping several thousands on high end wine and Scotch and cultivate that relationship today with my meager requests. -
Review from Melanie C.
Southborough, MA
3/13/2011
This is where we got all of our beer and wine when we lived in Newton. My parents loved the store and found so much to get excited about!! Granted everything is expensive in Newton, but you can do the 2 for $12 wines (weekday consumption) or get something more expensive for your dinner party.
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Review from Michael N.
Newton, MA
1/18/2011
Unreal selection... Pretty pricey... Ran by and frequented mostly by pompous douche assholes... Send your business elsewhere... unless you are looking for something very specific...
They also have pretty good subs and other food... too bad the staff is so incompetent that they often get orders wrong... either that or they have trouble distinguishing ham from chicken... Its difficult... I know...
