Spec's Elgin, and Askalon ARAK, A Little-Town Store with a Big-City Find…read more But Shhh, Keep It Between Us Stroll into the Spec's in Elgin, Texas and make a beeline for the spirits aisle. There amongst glinting modestly among the bourbons and tequilas sits Askalon Extra-Fine Arak (100-proof), an Israeli anise liqueur that drinks like liquid silk. Fennel-forward, softly licorice-laced, and astonishingly smooth for a spirit tipping the scales at a 100 proof, it blossoms into a milky cloud when you add a splash of icy water, which is perfect for winding down after dinner, on a hot Texas Summer evening. Better yet, this Israeli treasure costs just under $20.00, punching far above its price class. Around Central Texas, Arak can be harder to track down than a free table at Franklin Barbecue, yet Spec's in Elgin keeps it reliably stocked. The shop itself still feels like genuine small-town Texas, tidy shelves, wide aisles, and staff who greet you like neighbors rather than checkout robots. Need pairing advice? They'll walk you straight to the bottle and swap stories on the way. What other words, the Staff, Spec's best. One tiny favor I need from you, let's keep this discovery our little secret. If too many folks start snapping up Askalon, I'll be staring at an empty shelf the next time I need a bottle, and nobody wants to see a grown pastor cry over a missing digestivo. So yes, do try it... but maybe not all at once, alright? L'Chaim--and mum's the word! Opa

Spec's is a well known brand in the Austin area. This location in Manor is a little older but well…read morestocked with a great selection of adult beverages. I enjoy visiting with the friendly staff here as well. They are also community-minded and they have made donations to our rodeo association which have been greatly appreciated. Highly recommended.

One of the best Liquor Store around the town. Great inventory, reasonable prices, and knowledgeable…read morestaff.. The service is always consistently great as well.

Convenient and quick been my neighborhood liquor store for over 5 years and other than parking…read morebeing a bit inconvenience at times, they always give good service

Conveniently located right down the street from my work for those days when I need to point myself…read morein the direction of the closest liquor bottle. Prices are comparable to other smaller shops. Don't expect Specs or Total Wine prices but for the location and added convenience of bring connected to a gas station you can't beat it.

Super helpful in finding what I needed. Was in and out in less than 5 minutes! They have a great…read moreselection and I've always had an easy time getting help when I need it.

Old Spec's. What can one say? If you have EVER desired any type or brand of liquor, lemme tell ya,…read morethis place has it, or can get it! It's always a place you can go and shop around for the party juices or even some of their own snacks! Always staff willing to help you search for what you're looking for!

Best selection of alcoholic and NA drinks, the tastiest snacks and the friendliest people in…read moreAustin! I rely on Sunrise Mini Mart whenever I need to chill out, party down or just grab a bottle of wine for dinner.

Subash is great and personable. Already Knows what I want when I walk through the door lol. Highly…read moreRecommend this convenience store. They have quite a large collection of wine here too, 5 stars!

My spot for the 2 for $50 and the 5 for the $100 Shot out to G's LIQUOR they in the country but…read morethere prices worth the short ride

This store full of spirits is literally two minutes from my house. I was expecting the owners to…read moreprice gouge since it is the only liquor store in the area. That is absolutely not the case; I have experienced excellent customer service, and they have excellent prices. A man that I affectionately refer to as Mr. G is always in the store. I'm not certain if he's the owner or an associate, but he has a fantastic personality. I don't always need to go to the liquor store, but when I do it will certainly be this one.

Visiting my family I needed a drink. Checked the nearby liquor stores and it was close so decided…read moreto try it. That was the best part...it was close. Pulled up and it was unclear if it was open as the building looks abandoned. There was a car in front so I chanced it and went inside. The selection was ok. Hardly any Scotch so I knew I would only visit for whisky. Went to the counter and asked for the Bullet and realized it was about $5 more than I normally pay. Anyway, it was close. So I chatted with who I presume was the owner and mentioned we may look to move into the area. He proceeded to tell me that was a bad idea as I would pay more for gas, wear and tear, and waste time commuting. Gas is far cheaper here than I'm used to. I have a good car warranty. I work remotely so if I did have to commute into Austin it is still 1/2 the amount of drive time I'm used to. That didn't sway him. It was just a bad idea to move here. I'm not sure if that is a marketing strategy to run away business and to discourage growth, but it seems to be here. I made my purchase and said thanks and have since honored the advice to not come back.

I got what I needed. Yes this place looks like an abandoned warehouse. One car out front, no open…read moresign, but the inside lights shown through the dank windows just enough that I decided to try the door. Very clean inside with cases of booze neatly stacked across the room. The perimeter walls lined with stocked shelves of all the major alcohol groups. I bought some bottles of different varieties I'd never seen before, nice gifts to take back home to PDX in a few days. The Owner was friendly & helpful, I can understand why a review mentions his off-putting demeanor. We chatted about the growth happening in & around Taylor, which he doesn't plan on being around for, as it's a new era moving into town & I'm sure some young hip Folks will "do it up" for the town. Bottom line~ Booze ~ Wine ~ not so much Beer ~ Ice ~ (The refrigeration went out during the pandemic & it's been impossible to get some specific part. Yes he's had someone out for repair, more than once.) Go get your bottles & support the small businesses in your town. No thrills or extras, interesting conversation & some random Cool booze worth trying may come home with you. Go down a couple blocks to grab beer & ice!