This place has an exceptional selection of both the mainstream and the hard to find. Could spend an hour just browsing the Amaros (Amari). Wine, whisky, you name it. We visit anytime we're in town. read more

It was great that they had Strega which I bought and so many kinds of rum but the ambience was at first not great with every store worker not greeting me when I came in except for the Spanish speaking gentleman who greeted me and asked if I was looking for anything specific. He was very good with proper customer service. I really appreciated his positive working attitude and willingness to help. read more

This is a very wine-forward store but still full service. I've never been a wine drinker but if I'm bringing a gift to someone who is, I stop in here and always find something. read more

Great wine curation at good prices and fantastic staff Addy Bassin's is my go-to wine and sprits store. I also appreciate the opportunity to buy Bordeaux and Burgundy futures. read more

Easily the biggest and broadest selection of fortified wines in DC. Prices are comparable for the area. Staff is very friendly. read more

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Having been in the wine business back in the 1980s, and spending as much time every day/week as I do talking about, thinking about, reading about, and shopping for Wines, I feel like I am the perfect person to make the determination that this is an amazing wine store! Great selection. Very helpful staff. Well labeled shelves. Did I mention that they have a GREAT selection and Helpful Staff!?!? Order online if you must; go to visit in person whenever you can! You will be very glad that you did! read more

Most of the staff are nice and helpful. But unfortunately there is one guy, Tim, who is often nasty, always condescending, and seems more interested in being angry and mean than helping customers. I buy thousands of dollars of wine every year and I used to buy most of it here. It has one of the best selections in the DC area. But I had one too many experiences with Tim just being obnoxious and decided there are other options, especially since the lack of parking can be very frustrating and the prices are usually on the higher side. So, the reason to go is the selection. Avoid Tim. If he starts being obnoxious I would suggest just disengaging and asking one of the other (nicer) people to help you. read more

Called ahead to see if they had three liquors because I could not find one of them (Allspice Dram) in Virginia. They had all three and the one more expensive one (yellow chartreuse) was about $8 cheaper than in Virginia ABC. Parking was tricky but I found a spot. It took me longer to get on the parking internet site and set up an account than shop for what I needed! Luckily that's done for next time! When I walked in I looked around and it seemed very organized and well stocked. Someone helped me right away and I was in and out. I like this place!! read more

Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Best wine and liquor store in DC - haaaands down. I drive all the way across town to go there regularly. Unfortunately what makes it so good also makes you spend lots of $$ there because you want to buy all the good stuff at great prices. Kind of like Trader Joe's. This is the place that Robert Parker (yes, the infamous wine guru) spent his early days learning all about wine. Why do I go there? 1) Best selection. Especially European wines. 2) The wine tastings on Saturdays are the best in DC. Where else can you taste $100 wines for free, sometimes several at a time? I'll never forget a double Barolo tasting where they had 20+ wines from one of the most elite regions of the world. Or the 100-year old cognac tasting... 3) Best prices. Spanish riojas, French burgundies, heck, even the vodka is $10 cheaper than other places in town.... The only downsides are that it's far away from most people in DC (unless you're lucky enough to live in the Palisades), you end up over-spending, and it's closed on Sundays. But it's still a go-to. Tim (Italy and bourbon/scotch expert), Phil (Spain and Germany expert), and John (French and other expert) are very helpful in picking wines at whatever price range I ask. read more

Had a wonderful experience! The selection is really expansive and diverse. We got some really excellent advice from one of their wine experts on a good CA wine to get for a friend who grew up on French wines. Highly recommend! read more

If you live close by Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages, consider yourself lucky; if you don't, consider the drive to be worth it. The selection is fantastic. Anytime I'm looking for something a bit beyond the grocery store line up, this is my go-to. From my favorite small winery in Paso Robles to Georgian qvevri wines, Addy Bassin's does not disappoint. They even had a specific brand of ginger beer I was searching for to recreate a Bermudian dark & stormy. I've been in much larger wine & liquor stores in VA and not found what I'm looking for. Staff members are all helpful and skilled, present and responsive but never pushy. I can describe what I'm looking for - beverage or occasion - and the price range and get a great recommendation. I've also found prices to be reasonable. There are also store tastings and events that I have sadly not had a chance to attend, but it's on my to-do list! read more

I really wanted to like this place. It's close and has a great selection of wine, however, if you're not one of their long-time customers, expect no service (at best) or to be talked down to if you ask a question. This is based on multiple visits. read more

Great selections of beer, wines, and spirits! We stopped in after lunch at nearby Kotobuki, and we ended up browsing for quite awhile. They have wines from all over the world, including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and much more. If you need help choosing a wine, there are plenty of wine consultants at the store to help you out. There's a large selection of beer too from all over the globe including local breweries like DC Brau. All the spirits you can imagine, from bourbon to gin to cognac. Impressive range of whiskies from Macallan 21 year to Colonel E.H. Taylor to Redemption Barrel. The prices are very, very reasonable especially compared to some of the other liquor stores in the area. After much perusing, we ended up purchasing their last bottle of the 10 year Whistle Pig rye whiskey, which was only $73. At the ABC store in Virginia, the same bottle of Whistle Pig costs over $90. The folks here at super friendly and helpful. I'd recommend anyone looking for wine, beer, or spirits to drop by. read more

Addy Bassin's MacArthur Beverages - 10 year Whistle Pig - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I grew up in Dallas where wine, beer, and spirits were all sold under one convenient roof at the major crossroads of every neighborhood -- none of this beer-and-wine-in-one-place/hard-liquor-in-an-ABC/no-alcohol-for-sale-on-Sundays nonsense we have in these parts. I have fond memories of stopping by these corner stores with mom and pops, scooping up the free Dum Dums those shops set out just for kids like me, and eating sweet-and-salty Beer Nuts from small foil bags my parents sometimes bought us as a special treat [if you're thinking about calling CPS, don't bother: no children were harmed in the purchase of alcohol. Not to mention the statute of limitations has expired]. When I stepped through the doors of MacArthur Beverages for the first time, I was instantly transported back over 20 years to those beverage stores I remember from my youth in Texas. This place is stocked. to. the. GILLS with alcohol in all of its glorious forms. I would venture to say there are *thousands* of wines packed in here. Every type imaginable, from German riesling to Australian shiraz (but boooo on MB for not carrying Virginia wines. Come on, aren't we *past* that (totally unwarranted) stigma at this point???). And while most of the wines kind of *are* on the pricey side -- I've spotted bottles for $160! -- a few are very reasonable, around $8 - $20, and there always seems to be a nice sale going on. Aside from the inordinately large wine selection, MacArthur Beverages also carries an eclectic and interesting assortment of beers [Smuttynose! Lambic!] and liquor [Pimm's No. 1! The Glenlivet!]. Not to mention the mixers and sake. MB is literally a one-stop shop, the perfect place to stock up for a party or to grab a bottle of something lovely to go with dinner. I haven't experienced the aloof customer service others mention, either. When I stop in I'm practically swarmed by friendly staff members asking if and how they can help, always eager to make a recommendation or steer me in the right direction. And guess what I've spied here with my little eyes?! Beer Nuts. Oh, yeah. read more

Wine is the greatest hobby of all, yet it is very susceptible to snobbery and a disdainful elitism. MacArthur Beverages is an excellent wine store with some fabulous prices on high-end California wines, but I was shocked at the rude treatment I received from one of the employees when my wife and I visited for the first time a couple Saturdays ago. I was looking for two particular bottles, neither of which the stored carried. The employee in question told me that the store could order them, but after I mentioned the title of the first bottle he scoffed "That wine is crap." I mentioned that I disagreed, really liked it and that Wine Spectator gave it a high score. The latter comment caused him to then denigrate Wine Spectator and again disparage the wine I mentioned. I told him that his comments were inappropriate; he does not have to agree with my palate, but insulting the customer is simply unacceptable. He did immediately back down, apologized and offered to make amends by ordering me a bottle of that wine (usually, he said, special orders require a 12 bottle minimum). I left him my name and number...and never heard back. And so MacArthur Beverages has lost a customer and earned itself a negative review. At least the story ends well for me: last week I went to another wine store (The Curious Grape in Arlington) and the employee I spoke with there was happy to special order the bottles I wanted. read more

If you love wine, you will enjoy shopping at MacArthur Beverages...it's that simple! I just wanted to throw this place another 5 Stars...hands down my favorite wine store in the area. They carry nothing but quality and their pricing is fair to better than anyone depending on the wine. I also love the ability to order online and have it waiting to go when you get there...plus they deliver. read more

what an awesome wine store. i come here (and I'll be honest, only before or after going to one of the allegedly good restaurants in the palisades) to try and find wines that we can't get in VA due to ABC laws that for whatever reason restrict us from getting certain wines. They've got a great selection - the prices run from cheap but good value to high. I am like a kid in a candy store in there. Awesome part was that when i checked in on yelp, it said I could get a 6 bottle wine bag for free! some people may not be impressed by that but i LOVE wine totes ha. score! customer service was a plus. i don't expect much from wine stores especially in DC but they greeted me upon entry and i was asked if i needed any assistance read more

I've been to a lot of wine/beer/liquor stores all around the country and this place ranks among the best. The selection is huge, the prices are low compared to other stores, and the staff is friendly and very knowledgable. They also have tasting events, one at which i was allowed to drink way too much. They also have a great website where you can order and then pick up not too long later. It also has a classy feel to it--there are black and white pics of various dignitaries who did their shopping here back in the days of Vietnam Watergate. Those officials would have needed a lot of scotch to soothe their guilt for making such poor political decisions. Thankfully Addy Bassins was there to help these people cope. read more

One of the grand old wine shops of the city, maybe the grand old shop. A certain lawyer from Monkton was known to trod the racks back in the day. Not sure if that's such a glowing recommendation these days, but there you have it. While the shop does seem a bit dog eared now it certainly packs the goods. Strong selections in several categories (CA, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy, Germany, Alsace, Rhone) and reasonable in most others. The prices are on the whole fair, in some cases quite good. The occasional gray market wines seem to end up on the shelf. I've noted such list only wines as Peay and Thackrey on the shelf. I do not think there is a better selection of German wine in the region (and if there is someone let me know). The staff has been uniformly courteous and helpful. Not the warmest and fuzziest bunch you'll ever meet, but there's no doubting they are pros. I've been steered towards several great wines, and not the top shelf high dollar picks either so kudos there. There are frequent tastings and events. If you're a high flyer they do Bordeaux futures and those type things. You can even get a bottle of Domaine de la Romanee Conti if you're feeling flush. There is a solid selection of beer and spirits, though that is not why I go here. The only slight downside to MacArthur's, and it's a very small quibble, is its location in Palisades. It takes a bit to get to from anywhere around town being hemmed in by the river and on the other side of VA commuter traffic around Georgetown. Still I've never had trouble parking there. If you're a wine lover in the Washington metro are you need to know this shop, it's that simple. read more

As Jason Z. pointed out, we "do not have to agree with [anyone else's] palate." I wholeheartedly agree, and with that said I write this review to come to the defense of MacArthur Beverages. Quite simply, MacArthur Beverages is probably the best wine store in DC. [FN1] They have outstanding French and Italian collections, along with a formidable German/Austrian contingent, good representation from California, and some choice picks from Iberia. Their Burgundy selection is tremendous, and I don't think I've had a bottle of Burgundy from MacArthur that I haven't liked. [FN2] But wine is not all they have. They have an excellent selection of liquors and spirits, unlike what Andrew W. noted, and a few dozen types of beer. Many people note that the location is a pain to get to, but MacArthur can't really do anything about that at this point. And, as many other reviewers have noted, there are ways to get to MacArthur--including public transportation! [FN3] One commentator noted that you could find better prices online for some of the wines they carry. I don't know if that's true (I compare prices all the time and MacArthur usually comes up ahead), but even if it is the problem with online shopping is that you have to pay for shipping... and have your wines shipped. You can pick up your bottles at MacArthur, or you can have them deliver for a flat fee of $5.00 in the DC metro area. However, the biggest set of complaints levied against MacArthur is that the staff is rude or snobbish, or that they don't offer to help customers. I have not ever seen that behavior, and I have always been helped whenever I walk through the doors. I have had experiences at other wine shops where the proprietors have been actually mean or condescending, [FN4] and I suppose that sort of behavior is possible at any wine shop. If so, it is inexcusable, but I have been to MacArthur at least five or six times and have never been subject or witness to rudeness. What you'll find at MacArthur is deeply knowledgeable, personable wine stewards who will help you pick out a solid bottle of wine. They value repeat customers (I now deal almost exclusively with Phil Bernstein, whose knowledge of Burgundy is profound), and with their collection of wines it is easy to become a repeat customer. Don't let the negative reviews taint your view of this DC gem: there's a reason it's been around since 1957, [FN5] and there's a reason why it's my favorite wine shop in the District. FOOTNOTES * * I feel so strongly about this review that I am ANNOTATING it. How's that for a review? FN1. I also love Schneider's of Capitol Hill and often compare prices and inventories between the two for older or rarer bottles. For instance, a few months ago both stores offered the 2001 Penfolds RWT Shiraz (http://tiny.cc/3t3fd), and MacArthur's won out at $69.99; Schneider's won on another instance for its selection of Ridge Zinfandels (http://tiny.cc/fpsrc). FN2. They carry not only great premier and grand cru Burgundies, but also village- and basic Bourgogne-level wines. You should check out either of their offerings from Aubert de Villaine--winemaker at Romanee-Conti, who also has his own operation--or the basic Bourgogne from Domaine René Leclerc (http://tiny.cc/7tx94). FN3. Take the D6 line, which picks up in downtown and goes past Dupont Circle, north of Georgetown, and down MacArthur Blvd. It nearly literally stops right in front of MacArthur Beverages. FN4. For instance, Potomac Wines and Spirits (http://tiny.cc/q0e23) or Le Petit Vendome in Pasadena, CA, which is run by an autocratic, cranky, can't-be-bothered old man. FN5. For those wine drinkers who love Robert Parker (I don't say this sarcastically--I admire Robert Parker): Robert Parker got a big boost from Addy Bassin, the original proprietor of MacArthur Beverages. Bassin gave Parker his client list, which helped Parker publicize The Wine Advocate in its early days. I would recommend reading The Emperor of Wine by Elin McCoy, which is a fascinating biography of the rise (and slight decline?) of Parker. read more

A nice store in the Palisades neighborhood. The selection of single malt scotch was great. The price was higher for the same bottle I bought in Chevy Chase so to give you an idea. There were some less common brands so if you were a collector of single malt scotch you would find something new here. read more

One of best liquor shops in DC. Awesome collection at reasonable prices.

Best wine shop in DC by far! And I'm a wine nut, so I've been to most of them. The French wine selection is amazing. They even give full coverage to some of the more obscure French bargain wines (Red Loire, Corbieres, St. Chinian, etc... They also have strong German, Austrian, Italian and California sections. The staff is very knowledgable and polite. I particularly like to hear what Phil or Joe have to say about any wine I haven't tried. I buy a lot of my wines here and rate them at www.WineOutpost.com in case you want a sampling. read more

I had one experience that rubbed me the wrong way but have since changed my mind about the place. The selection is fantastic.

I was in California, my GF works in DC.. I called them to buy a bottle of Champagne to deliver to her job for her birthday.. same day service super fast and helpful. They had an awesome Grower Champagne we love.. they told me about the different gift bags available.. they delivered fast and for a good fee. Awesome service. Thanks read more

I have found my local wine store in the DC area!! I dragged my boyfirend to a number of wine stores on Saturday so that I could get a better understanding of what DC has to offer. MacArthur stood out. The wine selection was very good, including such CA cult classics as Turley, Spottswoode and Ramey. The Italian section was amazing, and I am looking forward to learning more about Italian wines through the helpful MacArthur staff. As another reviewer said, prices were not the best when compared to some online stores however, they were much better than I found at other wine stores in the area. Sometimes, you don't want to have to wait for wine to arrive... read more

I know, I know...where? I still think "Where?" about this whole neighborhood, and I live here. After hearing about this place from a friend, I finally made time to stay on the bus a whole 3 minutes longer than I normally would just to swing by today, and my jaw literally dropped when I walked in. Now, I'm not the hugest wine connoisseur that ever there was, but laying eyes on the rows and rows of amazing wines (categorized by type) literally made me drool a little bit and I TOTALLY don't drool in public easily. Actually, in the spirit of honesty, I should amend that by saying "I don't drool in public easily when I'm awake and not on public transportation...but enough about that... I have to say that you can probably find something that's good enough for your next dinner party, or post-break-up self-imposed quarantine at the local Safeway or Costco...AND you'd undoubtedly save a few (or more) bucks doing that. I know that. But I also have to say that there is something so refreshing (and not to get all post-postmodern, but even MEANINGFUL) about having a conversation about something you want with someone who knows more than you do about what you're looking for. Does that make sense? The atmosphere was definitely not that of a stuffy store that might make you feel a bit oafish for just being in there. AND the staff actually seemed to welcome interaction by--get this--approaching me and asking me if I needed help! And...they actually stood there anticipating an answer from me, knowing full well that I might actually have a question to ask! It was amazing, and such a rare experience in a specialty store. Bottomline: The selection is comprehensive and rich, to say the least, the reputation that precedes it is sterling, and the service is great. I fully intend on staying posted on their in-store events and tastings, and I look forward to making the most out of living down the road from what is, by all accounts, one of the nation's best wine stores. read more

Zero customer service. Apparently, they're too busy serving their one-percenters to deal with anyone else. Their online search engine doesn't work properly, and they don't respond to emailers requesting help. Too bad; they used to be good. read more

Being new to blue laws, I'm amazed that DC-metro has so many outstanding liquor stores. McArthur's has an amazing selection of beverages, including a decent representation of the standards. But it's the arcane that makes this place really shine. The in-store consultants are incredibly knowledgeable, and have so far turned me onto things I'd never tried before and now adore, like St. Germain and Aperitivo Cocchi Americano, as well as one or two that I've not ended up being so crazy about like Purkhart Pear Williams brandy. They're also the only place I've ever been to that has Bols Genever in stock. I understand that their wine selection is outstanding as well, though I've not perused it yet. Between this place and Calvert Woodley, I'd say the latter has slightly better prices, but we're talking perhaps 5%-10%. read more

I've been looking high and low for a very specific bottle of wine (Jack Larkin 2006 Merlot) that I had while dining in Napa, CA. I've searched high and low for this wine and no one anywhere had it (including the vineyard). Until I found MacArthur Beverages! I placed an online order on Monday for 6 bottles, and by Wednesday it was delivered (and I'm in Chicago!). Most impressed. The wines were packaged very securely and I love that I received my order super fast. I am all about instant gratification! I'll definitely be ordering other wines from them in the future. read more

MacArthur Beverages is the best wine store I have been to in the DC area. The only reason I don't buy all of my (offline) wine there is because it takes me 45 minutes to get there from Loudoun County. With that long drive in mind, when I do make the trek, I know exactly what it is I'm buying. This helps address the issue of customer service for me... I don't really need help. But each time I come, I tell myself I'm going to be in and out in 5-10 minutes but end up spending 30-45 minutes there, either geeking out over the selection or chatting up the very knowledgeable and friendly staff. So really, my experience is at odds with some of the others that have had a negative customer service experience. I can certainly imagine situations where people come in and need help, because the sheer size of the in-store selection is overwhelming, and that isn't even everything they have for sale. My first few times there, it only took a couple of minutes before someone would say "let me know if you need help with anything". So, know what you want going in if you can, and if you don't, ask for help. I know that the process of educating yourself on wine can be intimidating for some and that wine connoisseurs can give off an air of snootiness, but I really don't think you'll encounter that at Macarthur. As a final tip, yelpers should know that MacArthur has the best overall prices on Rhone wines... in the nation. read more

Selection of liquor and wine is INCREDIBLE. While the location is sort of inconvenient, that is minimized by their awesome delivery service within DC- when I last ordered from them, it was $5 and they managed to get it to my office within the same day. Staff is super friendly and they know their goods. I will definitely be returning (or ordering!) read more

absolutely the best! I have them ship to me in New York, they have great prices and a really nice selection.....the staff is tops !!! read more

This store is my favorite source for mid and high-end German, Italian, and French wines. The store's inventory is impressive and can be searched online. Their regular prices are competitive, and wines in their flash sales sometimes carry the lowest prices in the US according to wine-searcher.com. The wine tastings offered by this store are also the most enjoyable in the metro area. They use real wine glasses instead of plastic cups, and are not reluctant to pour very expensive wines. read more

Great selection of beer and wine at this place and if they don't have it in stock, they can order it for you. Coming from Arlington it is a little bit of a ride, but the selection makes it worth it! They are really good when it comes to ordering you specialty items as well. The staff here really knows their selection as well and are very helpful with helping you load your vehicle. read more

I agree with Kelly Y's review for the most part. Its a classic, well-established shop that is worth knowing if you have an interest in wine. They offer a strong selection, particularly of French wines, and the sales staff are generally quite knowledgable. We've been there many times, but I don't feel that we've quite reached "regular" status yet. We are always treated courteously, but perhaps a bit impersonally. The parking situation is typically a hassle. The bottom line is that its an excellent wine shop, and the best we've found in DC so far. read more

Best wine/beer/liquor store in DC all because of the staff. You won't find a more knowledgeable, friendly, helpful team at any other store.

This place is not very accessible in terms of location, but it might be the best selection in DC -- especially their French and Italian selection - but German, Austrian and Spanish selection is solid as well. Some really interesting wines and limited wines and their prices are reasonable. Some of the folks are more approachable than others....but they really know their wine. read more

My new fave beverage spot! Extensive selection. Excellent price points. And extremely kind, helpful and knowledgeable staff!

The customer service in this store is horrible. I was browsing the store and was passed by the same clerk twice and was not greeted nor offered help. At one point I was standing right next to him when he offered to assist a patron that was in an aisle across from him. I am being extremely nice with the one star. I couldn't even enjoy their wide selection that many post speak of because I was completely turned off by their lack of customer service :-( ...I didn't feel welcome in this store at all!!! read more