Five stars. Well, folks, I strode into the legendary Alta Dena Market Drive Thru with the confidence of a man who has impeccable taste in snacks and absolutely no regrets. I requested a bag of peanuts and a natural juice drink, and let me tell you--they delivered with the precision of a championship pit crew. The peanuts? Bold. Crunchy. They tasted like they graduated at the top of their class. The natural juice? Refreshing, sophisticated, and exactly the kind of beverage that says, "I've got important things to do, but first... vitamins." The service was faster than a breaking news bulletin, the staff was friendly, and the entire operation ran smoother than a perfectly groomed mustache. If you're looking for a quick stop that leaves you feeling victorious over both hunger and thirst, Alta Dena Market Drive Thru is the place. Stay classy, Alta Dena. Stay classy. read more

It's super cool! I did not know we have a drive thru liquor store in San Diego until today. It was my son's idea to check it out and I'm glad he did. It's so fun and interesting how they come up with this idea, it's different and unique. They said they've been in business since 1960's but it was new to me. I was today years old when I heard about it and to be there myself and experience it in my own eyes, that was so much fun! read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm particular about milk. The use by date is important, but not necessarily accurate. The taste of the milk can get stale if the carton was waiting to be loaded into the coolers. The Alta Dena Drive/in has of course lots of Alta Dena products, I think their milk products are #1 in my book. The attendant was very helpful and pleasant. read more

I have passed this drive thru so many times and did.not even know it. It is off of Balboa behind the Burger King. There was no line for us when we got there so we drove straight in and pulled up and ordered some drinks. The cashier quickly grab them for us and we were able to stay in the car and pay. Very simple quick and easy. I think my kids will ask me to go there more often. It's a very hot day so they wanted some Gatorade. You could tell that the store was well stocked with beverages. There was also parking in front of the drive-through and around the exit. That would make it easy for people that wanted to park and walk in to pay and shop so if you're not in the mood to do a drive-through you can do that as well. read more

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I've seen this store advertised on IG as a drive-thru liquor store and stopped by on my way home from work. It's located right next to the McDonald's off of Balboa Ave. It's a convenient little store. The store has many different types of drinks and snacks you can choose from. You have a choice of staying in your car and using the drive-thru, or parking and going into the store since there's also a small parking lot attached. The guy that assisted me was friendly and knowledgeable and recommended a drink for me, which I ended up buying. Be warned that you do have to pay for alcohol at the register, so you must get out of the car in the drive-thru. They even have a sign that tells you as you pull in. read more

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I'm a bit confused. When I think of Alta Deana, I think of milk. I walked inside and am surrounded by every kind of beer and wine imaginable. I looked around and didn't see any milk. I had to ask where it was. The guy at the counter pointed to the corner. In that corner was the smallest display of milk imaginable. There was no indication as to the price. I took it to the counter. The cashier rang it up and said it was $4.50. I said that it was only a half gallon. He told me that a gallon was $6.50 . The last half gallon I recently bought cost $2.99. Did prices sky rocket in the last few days????? I'll never step foot inside there anymore. read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - Sign - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

Alta Dena Drive-In Liquor Store is a total game-changer! Drive in, grab what you need, and drive out. Super convenient and friendly staff. Worth every penny! read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

Great place to take friends! They all freak out when you drive into the store. They have a good selection of beer and other snacks etc.

Convenient! Nice to have it available when I don't want to get out of my car for 1/2 gallon of milk!

Shout out to the East Coast that knows about these drive up convenience stores. You can get anything from liquor to milk! Now I personally needed to grab some milk which was marked up a bit $5.50 for 1 gallon 2 percent milk but Alta Dena so it was ok to me. The guy in the store was friendly and nice. You might need to ask for your receipt. The point is if you had a rough day, the kids are acting crae this is a nice outing where you can be in your pajamas with your fluffy slides and no one will judge you. Bring more of these into Cali. Check it out! read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - a carton of milk - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

Such a cute concept and idea . Love being able to just drive through and get some snacks or drinks . Great for moms or just when you don't want to get out of your car lol read more

I've driven right past this place so many times and have only seen the sign peeking out above the roof as it is somewhat hidden off the main street. This place is so friggin cool! You literally drive your car right in and through the store. You can stop and get out of your car to browse the selections or if you know exactly what you want just tell the guys and they will grab it for you. I love it. I'll definitely be back to wow my friends. read more

This is the perfect place to grab the things you forgot on your grocery trip. I had to grab milk but didn't want to drag my kid to the store so we zipped through here. So easy! So convenient! It's a little pricey but worth it. read more

Brilliant and simply mind blowing. This type of business in Sacramento is unheard of. Actually, it may be heard of and maybe even pondered upon, but once built it would probably get robbed 7-13 times before ultimately getting burnt down to a pulp...all within a week. Back to the store: did I mention brilliant? Could definitely pass as a clever little tourist trap. And although I can see how the added cost may deteer locals, it's a definite must for easily amused people as myself. All liquor stores need to be like this. read more

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My boyfriend kept telling me about the drive through liquor store in Clairemont and Im thinking its like a fast food drive thru window. YOU DRIVE THROUGH THE ACTUAL STORE. The first time I went I felt so weird...my car was inside the store as if I had smashed through the glass window and ended up inside. How cool. Maybe its just for the novelty I would come here, but its an interesting concept. Only thing is you cant really see what they have like if you want a particular brand of candy or beer...you have to just ask i guess or know what you are looking for. This place is rad. I don't know why more people haven't reviewed this place. Its AMAZING. Bring your stoned friends here to impress them. Yes guys we are in the car INSIDE the store. ha ha. Its pretty cool. I wish I lived closer. I would be here all the time. read more

I've been coming to this market over 11 years. The guys working here are always very nice. Same staff as long as I can remember. It's more convenient then 7-11 being you don't have to get out of your car. Great for those who have a hard time getting around, or have children in the car, (that's usually me). In and out... if only there were more like this. Glad to have you guys around! read more

Brilliant!!! I went to a drive through market years ago back east and thought that it was the best idea.... and then I found this place. The point: I have three kids under 4 years old... If I need anything at all instead of unloading everyong just for a gallon of milk, 6 pack of beer, pretzles for the kids, etc, I drive through... Prices are not inflated either. KUDOS! read more

This place is the first and only time I've ever driven into the store to pick up a quick bottle of wine without ever getting out of my car! Everyone that works here does a wonderful job of making you feel welcome. This place is an experience worth driving through! read more

This store is the best, they really go out of their way to help you out when you need it. We really needed something special for today and they made it happen even in these difficult times. This is the way a local family run community store should be operated, to help the community and its people. Best store ever! Please support them with your business. read more

Especially appreciate this place during Covid-19 since I don't have to get out of my car.

You guys need to check this out this is the coolest store in town I don't think there's another drive-through liquor store anywhere in San Diego Danny and Armondo so cool and they got your back you need a soda they got it need a snickers bar they got it if they have something you don't have just let them know and I'll get it for you and have it there next day. Also a huge selection of beer and wine check this place out read more

This is the greatest gift to San Diego of all time. I love it!!! Everyone should take a few minutes on their commute home and drive inside and experience a uniquely San Diego establishment. I'm not sure on the protocol of turning off my vehicle while inside, but who cares! I can drive through and get items without leaving my car. Also they carry big red soda. read more

While I know this place is kinda gimmicky it is kinda cool. I grew up around this area and remember coming here all the time as a kid and I use to think it was so cool to drive in the store and ask for what you want. While you don't necessarily have to drive in because there are spots to park in and walk in yourself. It is quite cool to just to drive in and ask for something quick like a drink. This place gives me the ultimate lazy feeling. read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - Big blow up ontop. - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

What an awesome concept! A drive-thru convenience/liquor store! Too bad I failed miserably my first time here. I drove in, pulled up in the middle of the store, got out of my car to buy a pack of gum and get change, and then went back into my car and drove off. Lol Seriously cool idea though! It was amusing to know that I'm driving through an actual store. And I will ACTUALLY drive through the store next time, no getting out! read more

I would give this place 5 stars since it was the first place I bought beer without leaving my car, but that was the only thing that even warranted me to review the place. You can drive THROUGH the store. Not to a window were you order. You drive through, like your car goes through the front door, driving over tiled floor and under the fluorescent lights, your window is by the cash register and you just tell them what you want and they get it, put it in your trunk and even get your credit card and bring the receipt to you. Prices aren't the cheapest, but trust me. Drive through this place once, maybe just order a pack of gum, but check this place out! read more

This used to be around when I was a kid and my mom would use it all the time. Now I'm a mom and I remembered its existence and went looking for it with my kid asleep in the car. This is the best thing ever when you don't want to disturb a sleeping baby and I was able to get a jug of milk while she slept! I just drove right into the store, got what I needed, and drove out the other side! Didn't leave the car at all!! The attendant was super nice and the milk was not that expensive. The whole experience was as wonderful as it was quick and easy. The only downside I can think of is that they don't have full choices when it comes to groceries. It's a convenience store, really. I wish they had more of these around! read more

This place is awesome. I use to come as a kid and now am driving thru this convenience store with my 3 young kids so I don't have to take them out of the car seats and can get what I need, will probably be coming here all the time again. They need more stores like this great idea and convenient. read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - a grocery store - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

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Every time I see Alta Dena Drive-in I always want to drive in. Usually I'm in my work truck which is way to big to fit. So I have to walk in. Which leaves me with a slightly disappointing experience. But recently I was in the area with my own person vehicle and I drove in! I bought two bottles of water and drove out. That day I left satisfied. Wishing there were more like drive ins like this. Which will be helpful for Parents with sleeping children in the car. Or maybe you just want the experience like myself. read more

Sorry to spoil the perfect ratings streak, but this place is highway robbery. They charge $2.50 for a can of Liquid Energizer. I though they are supposed to be just over a buck at other places. The drive-through concept isn't bad. read more

I rarely come here. However, I really think this idea is super practical. It's just really cool: a drive in + a walk-in ... Don't you think? I dunno. I like it. read more

Didn't have to wake up my napping toddler to buy milk! This place is amazing and lifesaver for anyone, especially those with little kids!

I've been going to this store for several years. With three small kids screaming in the back seat, it's a LIFESAVER. Bread, milk, ice cream, and all the essentials are available. Plus, some cocktails and candy bars! read more

Alta Dena Drive-In Dairy - items range from essentials like milk and bread to luxuries like wyder's cider! - Convenience Stores Near Me - San Diego, California

It pretty much looks like someone converted a gas station garage into a liquor store. Genius. Prices are a little on the high side, but if you're in need of the convenience, or want to impress your friends with the only Drive-In liquor store in the state, well, come check it out! read more

This liquor store is extremely clean and very organized. Every time I walk in the employees are friendly and helpful. They always have everything I'm looking for and a great selection of alcohol. Highly suggest visiting this place for all your alcohol needs. read more

Ken I don't know how you got to be an elite member, but to give a place 3 stars over a pricing dispute is ridiculous. You don't have to get out the car to buy anything, so there is a surcharge for laziness don't you think? Yet you say the idea isn't bad. Pretty lame. This place is the best thing that has happened to clairemont since the 80's. If you can't afford luxury don't shop here. read more

Would give it more stars if the employees weren't often absentmindedly distracted or slightly snippy. I don't care if you're bored or unhappy I'm here to buy beer or snacks from someone with a smile on their face. That being said, they aren't always that way, and their selection of craft beers is pretty impressive. Also the novelty of driving through a liquor store in san diego is pretty awesome. read more

Drive right into the store and load that ish up with booze! This place is awesome. They have a good selection of beer and some good wines (though they only carry wines that are on the cheaper side...think $10 max). read more

Danny is awesome and so are the other guys. They always go a step above to serve you

Awesome. I read some reviews on the place and decided to check it out. It's the only place in my area or any place I know that has bottles of Poway's Lightning beer, Thunderweizen. It's cheap and I had great service. Consider me a regular customer as of today. read more

They carry the BANG energy drink here! If you haven't tried it stop here and grab one! preworkout beast drink! #HAWAIIANMAYANMMA