Great Customer Service and the selection of Beer, wine and Spirits is phenomenal. This is my go to for all things Booze related

Nice selection. I was approached by the whiskey guy to see if I had any questions. Cool looking castle building. read more

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview - My bourbon purchases - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

For the location, the parking lot makes it easy to go in here to pick up bottles of mead for The Queen or single malt scotch for my brother, although it is small. Binny's always has a tremendous selection of beverages across all types, so I never have to worry about finding what I need. I will say that their prices are pretty decent. You can catch great sales there, which is when I tend to go so I can get my money's worth. Customer service is great when you can get some of their attention, but there have been times where they have been too busy chatting amongst themselves to notice that customers were in need of assistance. read more

Growing up in Canada, I was accustomed to bland government liquor stores with less than stellar customer service. Binny's is the exact opposite and is the shining star of alcohol emporiums. The selection is unbeatable - they have an amazing assortment of wine, beer and spirits that it is almost difficult to decide. That is where the exceptional customer service comes in. I am always greeted with a hello and it's never hard to find someone if I have trouble locating a type of beverage I need. One minor complaint - I wish they did not do away with the deli and cheese counters. This was always a nice add when picking up wine or when hosting a party. I hope they bring it back at some point. read more

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview - Wisers - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

During Quarantine a trip to Binny's is like a trip to Disneyworld for me. You can spend hours their pursuing the endless isles of beer, wine, and liquor. It's quite therapeutic when you've been cooped up inside all day, and it's too cold to take a stroll outside. Binny's also has the best prices in the city! While I try to support our small, local liquor stores as much as possible, sometimes I don't always have the funds to do so, so I hit up my local Binny's. (Which you can make an argument is local since they're headquartered here) Regardless, Binny's has amazing deals, especially on beer from my favorite local breweries. Their selection is second to none. The staff is also incredibly helpful, with someone always walking around asking you if you need any help. Pro tip: sign up for a Binny's rewards program, it pays off in the long run. read more

Been coming here for years. Surely spent thousands of dollars at this store. Today, walked in to ask for a box with dividers. Customer service person gave me unnecessary attitude and made me feel like a beggar off the street. It really bothers me when people with zero customer service skills and personality work at customer service desks. read more

This might sound crazy, but whenever I visit Chicago from San Fran, Binny's is always on my must visit list. In fact, the first time my Chicago friend brought us here a few years back we all wondered why we have never been here before. Here in SF we have BevMo, but that is child's play compared to Binny's - it is about 5x the space and has so many cool & unique cocktail fixings. We were over weight in our luggage coming back, but that's okay. I heart your Binny's!!! read more

Spent over a $1000.00 for my daughters Quinceneara set for June 10. Stopped at this location with my wife. After we put 20 cases of beer in the carts...without any help(we both in our late sixties) fom a worker just watching me, the manager came over and said he was cutting me off...I had to beg to get two more cases to complete my beer order....he told me he "had to stretch his supply" and the worker said something about bars buying up their stock...the manager was unapologetic and had a bad attitude because I told him this policy made no sense...later when he checked me out he had security there who he waived off as if he expected some kind of trouble. I ve had a Binnys card for years and bought for many family events and never had such an issue. Went to the wine section and bought 4 cases of wine and the help was fabulous there.. Avoid this store and make sure if you are buying in bulk they will accommodate you. read more

This location not only still had limited edition BCS 30th Anniversary glass ware (but was also very straight forward with inventory). I went to my local Binny's ... called others and went to Goose Island directly... with no luck. The $5.99 glasses (which were listed for $74.99 online) were there waiting for me when I called. They're legit and have one of the best inventories of the city. read more

I write this to make a point to the management. Many years ago when I was 33 and recently married I happened into this Binny's branch to buy some wine for a party. This was before Binny's had massively expanded. Anyway, there was a tool of an assistant manager who would not let me complete my purchase because my wife, 30 at the time and alongside me, did not have her ID with her. His failing boy-scout intuition was that a 33 year old man was purchasing wine (wine!) with a 20 year old and we were wearing wedding bands as part of the rouse. Never before or after has this happened in our lives. It pissed me off then and it still bothers me tonight 15 years later. I'll still give 5 stars because I love Binny's. But that guy... sheesh. read more

Man, I love this place. I need to make it a habit to come in here more often as this was only my second visit. I came in armed with a list of wines and one of the employees helped me get them all in mere minutes. I would have wandered for like an hour trying to find them. After getting all the must-haves, I was able to peruse for additional goodies. They have a great 'Staff picks under $15' by the wine desk so I picked up their recommended Sauvignon Blanc. The cashier helped me sign up for their discount card program and recommended me one of their cute bags with the wine compartments in them. It's the little things, you know? Also, great prices! I got a bottle of Moet and Chandon for less than $40, it retailed for closer to $100 at a bar I went to later that evening. I can't wait to return! read more

I've been coming here for some time. This review is long overdue. I've always been greeted with a smile when walking in. Sean and Jaime always go above and beyond whenever I have questions or am looking for recommendations. I always feel welcomed and never rushed. I moved away a few months ago but still make the drive here for the service. read more

I found these guys at Binny's to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful, especially Jim. He helped me out with the arrangement and packing of a special (Cardinal Spirits Songbird--a delicious craft coffee liqueur which you should definitely try) gift. While I have interacted in person with some of the staff at Binny's, Jim actually helped me over the telephone when I called to inquire if they had the item I wanted in stock. He was very accommodating over the phone as I explained how I needed the gift in special packaging due to a certain circumstance. He offered to pack the item securely and was able to take care of my order over the telephone so all I had to do was walk in Binny's and pick it up, which was a huge help and timesaver. I really appreciated the great customer service not only from Jim but the staff at the front desk and on the floor. read more

They have great customer service and their staff is knowledgeable about alcohol and what they have in stock. I never walk out empty handed. This store location is busy, but not too busy where you have to stand in line outside. read more

I can always trust Binny's for fair prices and a fantastic selection. No matter what I'm looking for, I can always find it or something similar. I'm more of a beer drinker than a wine drinker, so I spend most of my shopping time in their craft beer section. The local beer selection is always rotating with unique and seasonal options that can fit any mood or occasion. Whenever my family is in town, I make the quick walk over and stock up. The other day I was looking for a super particular liquor and while they didn't have exactly what I was looking for, the employee that stopped and asked if I needed help had a perfect alternative in mind. The Binny's team is doing a solid job enforcing social distancing every time I've been in during quarantine. They'll usually call people out for getting too close. read more

I was visiting Chicago this past weekend and needed some wine for our Lincoln Park airbnb. Binny's was a short walk away, and we stopped by after finding it on Yelp. And I'm glad we did. Very large store with a lot of variety! I got out of there quickly, because I was tempted to buy more than we needed just because it was a great store with so many interesting wines! read more

We come in with a vague notion or a desire for something not available and we get good suggestions from the staff. Often the picks are better than what we had in mind. Always someone who really knows wine is happy to help. Plus prices are better than most places. read more

I've been here before occasionally and got great, friendly service (and a lot of information on certain types of scotch), but after tonight I wonder if I'd go back. This is one of those places that is overly strict on COVID measures and they will make you feel dumb, including refusing to sell you stuff once you're at checkout if you don't have the right type of mask, or if the person behind the glass wall feels like you're not up to snuff, etc. Here we are at the end of all of this and they're MORE strict than before? I would pay a couple extra bucks for booze to not be hassled over miniscule stuff. The Walmart down the street didn't treat me like this, and I literally just came from there thinking I could save a few bucks on booze. Then this woman tries to chit-chat with me? I'm spending $100 on booze with this company? Why? read more

This might be my last review for a while. Y'see, my upstairs neighbor is doing workout tapes by Fonda and listening to music AND watching tv. It's nearly 4 in the morning. Yes, I have gone upstairs to give him a what for. He turned it down but he's a large man. Lumbering makes noise. Lots of noise. While I contemplate how to ki...talk to him again, I decide upon an adult beverage. And that leads me to... Binnys. I am not from 'round these parts. I didn't know their were multiple Binnys. So, for a while, when I needed beer/wine/booze/whatever, I made my way to Clark & Wellington and got a hook up. I made my monthly run this weekend and the place was packed. Where the party at? The store is huge and the selection is vast. If you don't have a card, prices can be a little over market. BUT, their selection is big enough to forgive that. I buy all of my beer here (only seasonal varieties; I keep my guests guessing). I score German reds here (my The Continental love doesn't believe such things exist). I bought the ginger beer that went into my ginger beer cake with chocolate cherry sauce entry into Iron Cook Battle: Ginger (totally got home-courted on that one). The Wild Turkey that made me rue 2008? Here. Um, what else? Oh. Those kitschy Absolut city vodkas...I got them here. If you can't find what you're drinkin' at Binnys it a.) doesn't exist; b.) is hobo chic; or c.) you're lying. It may not be cheap, but it's thorough. If it's dark outside, call ahead. Binny's doesn't stay open late and I can't hate on them for it. The workers want to go home/out and drink. Duh. Speaking of, maybe I'll just drink and pass out. I am too pretty for prison. read more

Can I order one Binny's for L.A. please? I stopped by two in Chicago with Janice K. and Michael K., and I would really like one closer to home. We did some shopping at this Clark Street location and browsed what Jan called the huge Binny's as well. The chain is ideal - like a BevMo mated with your focused semi-destination liquor store. If you're into booze, Binny's is like a playground. You know that feeling you got as a kid in Costco? That everything was fun and oversized and endless? Like that, but everything is alcohol. (No samples, though. Shucks, that.) The selection of beer and wine is vast and impressive, with a good mix of mass produced liquor available in your Von's and harder to find local wine shop bottles. It's fun to look around, and if you need help, someone will help you. And if you have a specific bottle in mind, you can look it up - a booze library. We ended up buying a few bottles of beer to tide us over from an early cocktail hour to a late dinner. We got them from the refrigerated section, but it turns out Binny's has a contraption that can cool any drink in seven minutes. Good to know. I know I have my favorite spots for buying liquor at home, but I wouldn't mind having a Binny's as an option. It would make BevMo sweat, but its new customers would be very happy. read more

Fantastic beverage store, really well organized. Amazing wine selection. My go-to place for cheap champagne for frequent toasting of everyday happiness. If you want to know what to bring to my house, it's Veuve Clicquot, sweetiedarling. But if I'm pouring you an elegant (IKEA $1.75) flute-full, it'll likely be Dibon (*snicker*) sparkling wine, recession-beater priced at $7.99 a bottle (less with your Binny's card!). read more

Does anyone get disappointed going to Binny's? Today's haul: Ardbeg Uigeadail 2 Padron 1926 Anniversary 40th Anniversary cigars. The huge advantage is that Binny's does not charge any additional tax when buying a cigar unlike many other cigar retailers that add on the 47% tax from city, county, state taxes. Binny's selection is unbeatable, last time I was able to haul home Templeton Rye Whiskey, Whistlepig, a jiggler, shaker, cocktail spoon, etc. It is a great liquor store and is the perfect one stop shop!!! -Another satisifed customer read more

A veritable cornucopia of all things fermented... grapes, grains, wheats, ryes, sugars, hops and the human tag-along knowledge...Plus parking out front! WIN WIN! read more

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview - Entered Binny's on Clark in 2018. But when we left, Mr Peabody and the Wayback Machine took us to 1978 at BGSU! Say FIZZZZZZ! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stumbled inside after leaving a Cub's game and then Murphy's Bleachers. As I walked in I noticed some people were dressed too nice to be buying alcohol. They were having a wine tasting! I only went inside to get a special bag of kettle corn that they have at the downtown location (check my review for it). The people that work here were very helpful with making sure I got my tasting glass and that I knew which booths to visit. The bad things about tastings is if I stay long enough I will start buying. I wound up buying three bottles of wine (2 rieslings and 1 moscato) for a total of $42. I never saw that delicious bag of kettle corn that I got from the location on Grand Ave :( read more

This is a fancy get-up for a very large liquor store. The exterior looks like some sort of historic Elizabethan castle remnant, but with modern exteriors added on to its parking lot side. If you like a nice variety of all sorts of liquor, check out the many selections in here. read more

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview - Binny's Beverage Depot - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This is my preferred Binny's of the two that are within striking distance of my home. First, the people seem a lot nicer than in Skokie. Second, the store is more pleasant and welcoming, in lighting, signage, organization, etc. Yesterday they were featuring a surprising variety of samples: St Germain (an elderflower liqueur), Harpoon beer, some froufy stuff that I avoided called Mimosa, and, best of all, Macallan scotch. Although their display instantly seduced me just before she spoke, the Macallan representative asked me as I walked past if I had ever tried their product. Ha, she had no idea. I told her yes, many times, and as a matter of fact, the Macallan 12 is the current libation in my bottom desk drawer at work. (I also told her the story about trying to tour the Macallan distillery last May but being turned away for lack of reservation. That tour is booked for weeks at a time. I tried to bribe both the counter-lady and the tour guide, but no dice. Those bastards have integrity.) Anyway, they were tasting some VERY nice scotches--17-year-old Fine Oak, 18-year-old regular, and 21-year-old Fine Oak. Frankly, my favorite was the 17, and I have now put it on my short list for the next bottle to buy (see, that kind of marketing actually works). I was impressed the highly professional setup. She rinsed the glass between tastings, offered a Hershey kiss to complement the 18, and once she ascertained that I know a few things about scotch, we talked at length about the product and our mutual experiences. PLUS, the tasting glass with the etched Macallan name was a free souvenir. So besides a wonderfully varied selection of domestic and imported beer (I don't shop for wine or spirits much besides scotch), this Binny's samples are top-notch. I always discover something interesting that I want to try, or an old favorite that I haven't seen in a while (yesterday it was Anchor Steam Porter and Wells Bombardier, respectively). read more

Alright, w00t to a warehouse liquor, wine and beer mart. I come here for all my alcoholic needs. No, I'm not an alcoholic, but sometimes I'm sure the employees at the register think we are. Each time we go in we come out with several bottles more than we need. Sort of like our eyes are bigger than our stomachs... just for booze. You can't beat the selection. I've rarely seen better (just at Friar Tuck in Champaign, IL). They'll have something to fit everyone's tastes and even have free tastings from time to time. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable and enjoy their jobs. You can tell by how helpful they are and can listen to your tastes and then pick out a few choices that you would like to try. Become a member of the Binny's club. It is free and it'll save you a few dollars here and there. You get a point for every dollar you spend on wine. When you hit 500 points, you'll receive $10 off your next purchase. Beer and spirits purchases don't count toward the point total, but the card will still get you special member's only pricing on many beer and spirits items. read more

I recently hosted a large party at a private event space. The caterer brought the liquor license and I was able to purchase the beer and wine on my own. I was excited about being able to do this and chose to shop at Binny's over Costco and/or other wine shops for my purchase as I believed I would receive excellent guidance and service as well as competitive pricing. Sadly, I was wrong. What I did receive was insults and insinuation from an arrogant employee who is a self-professed wine snob. Not only did this man not care to make more then one or two recommendations (and very mediocre ones) to me but he had the gall to tell me that he couldn't let me taste the wines I was deciding between because he didn't believe I was actually going to purchase anything. WOW!!!!! I would have walked out of the shop right then and taken my business elsewhere but I was in a time crunch so I assured him that he was wrong and, with the help of a second employee who he called over to take over, I went on to taste a few wines and, ultimately (and now begrudgingly), spent more then $1K there in less then one hour. It would never have occurred to me that perhaps some people do use Binny's for a free wine tasting afternoon or date night out but, if so, that is the cost of business. I am a Realtor...should I decline to show people the common areas of a condo building when asked for a more detailed tour during an open house and tell them I can't because I think they just came for the free cookies?!?! Honestly, how an employee could act that way toward a (insert any of the following adjectives here: well-dressed, clean cut, professional, etc.) customer who came in on a Monday afternoon asking for help purchasing alcohol for an upcoming event is beyond me. As the old saying goes, one bad apple spoils the whole bunch and I will NEVER shop at Binny's (especially the Clark St location where this--insert any of the following adjectives here: rude, condescending, assuming, etc.--man is employed) ever again. read more

I have been a loyal customer of Binny's since the days when it was Sam's. I am in the process of moving in the coming week, and I have a number of wine and liquor bottles to move. I stopped in the Lincoln Park (Marcey Street) store this afternoon and asked if I could take a few empty boxes to help me with my move. A very rude "manager" told me that "they weren't allowed to give out boxes." If he had looked up my Binny's account he would have seen that I am a good and long term customer. I've always found the selection and service at Binny's to be outstanding, but after the way I was treated this afternoon, I'm not going back. I guess they prefer that all that cardboard ends up in landfills. read more

ALL THE BEERS ARE HERE!!! Huge fantastic wonderland of booze. It's a nice bonus that it looks like a damn castle. While we were looking around (we live in Florida and were home for the holidays) to figure out what took the highest priority to mule home on the plane, I heard the front desk page a beer expert to give customer service. I was really impressed as I listened the guy walk the parents through various stouts. Their son had requested they pick up some beer with his only request being "a stout...maybe an imperial stout". Nice signage too. My only complaint is that you have to buy 6-packs of the loose beers, you can't just buy singles. That may not be up to them though. There's even a parking lot! read more

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview - Rogue brews - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Not bad for a Binny's, but it isn't my fav location either. That honor going to the location in Lincoln Park, on Marcey St. But this location isn't bad, if you need something in a pinch. I think I minorly prefer some of the suburban locations since you save a little bit on liquor tax, but it's fine for the 'I need it right away' jonesing. And they did handle their Bourbon County Stout 2nd release date pretty well, though I sadly narrowly missed out on the Barleywine and Coffee Bourbon County versions. :( At least this location does have samples, from time to time. And a cigar and cheese section, so I applaud them for that. The tax factor, and that I've always been the most impressed with the Lincoln Park Binny's for city locations, are the only things keeping this one from 4 stars. But it's fine for impulse purchases, and stuff like that. I often wish Binny's was open past 9pm, and till 10pm on certain nights like Friday and Saturday. But what can you do? read more

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview - Line for 2nd Bourbon County 9am release at Lake View Binny's. It extended all the way to northern end of parking lot! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Come here if you want a sour taste in your mouth the rest of the day. Their employees are extremely rude and condescending. I always leave in a worse mood, and I don't think that's worth paying a little bit less. You're much better off bringing your business to one of Chicago's many locally owned liquor stores. read more

Buyer beware! I spent $200 which included a $9.99 bottle of craft beer. Upon emptying my box that one item is missing. I called to have it made ready for return to pickup and they claimed camera shows it going into the box and nothing they will do. My camera shows its not coming out of the box. Big business wins taking 10 purchase from struggling customer. Told them that I won't shop there again and he didn't care. Go to your local liquor store and pay an extra buck to the ones who care about customers. I will. read more

Binny's new website lacks information and does not list wines I know they carry. If one searches Greek or Greece or Slovenia nothing comes up and they do cary Greek wines. I wanted a couple bottles of Egly- Ouriet Premier Cru single vineyard Pinot Meunier champagne and was unable to tell if they had it because the website is lacking information and the pictures of the bottles are too small for me to read the labels on the bottles. Shame on Binny's - the new website lacks information and is riddled with mistakes. - I prefer shopping on line and need to find another wine purveyor with a great website but for now I will drink from my cellar or stop at the local Whole Foods or Costco. read more

Shop at Garfield's instead...Binny's started selling food items to stay open and claim their staff as "essential workers" during the Covid pandemic but now are claiming their staff doesn't qualify as "essential" for vaccine purposes. Trash company culture it seems. read more

I've tried several times to order online. I receive order confirmations and never an "Order Ready" email. According to whomever I spoke with they're just busy. I am moving on!!!! read more

I was a loyal Binnys customer until 2001 spending around $3000 year on beer for company parties. Then the manager in 2001 decided to toll my car by mistake. Ever since then I have taken my business elsewhere. Be careful at this location. read more

You know Binny's. It's an awesome liquor store chain, with tons of stuff to choose from, but this location really steals the show in terms of service. Had a guy help me carry a couple six packs about 3 blocks to the BYOB restaurant I was eating dinner at. That my friends is above and beyond. read more

Oh Binny's. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? A summer's day falling down drunk, I suppose. I like walking in the door of this place. It's clean and well laid out, with wine and likka stretching as far as the eye can see. They have a great selection of all kinds of alcohol, along with mixers and garnishes and some snacks, just for good measure. Whether your tastes run to beer, wine, or spirits, they are likely to have what you need. When I was looking for Absente (legal absinthe), Binny's was my first stop. They had it. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, though sometimes it can be difficult finding someone, especially during off hours. Last Easter, my hostess had very specific requirements of the wine she wanted for dinner. A salesperson was able to help me find what she wanted, and recommended a wine varietal I was unfamiliar with, which was a huge success. I agree with Jayson that the name leaves something to be desired. But what (to continue the Shakespearean theme) is in a name? One bit of trivia: the building in which Binny's is located used to be the Ivanhoe Theater, which is why is has the funky exterior. Worked well when it was called The Chalet; less so for Binny's. read more

Some of my favorite beers live here: St. Bernardus Abt 12, Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale and Ommegang's Three Philosophers. And... the elusive Malheur 12! Yes, I am drinking it right now (tip: it gets better and better as it warms. Brown sugar + figs + raisins + sweet dough = BLISS). If you haven't yet tried a Belgian quadrupel, you should... Malheur 12 and St. Bernardus Abt 12 are fantastic barometers of this heady creation. Of course, Binny's also boasts a deep selection of wine. Entertaining tonight? Pick up some cheese from the well-curated selection in addition to smoked meats, pastas and chocolate. 'Cause wine whispers but chocolate talks! I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to deduct a star because Binny's has become too "big" in this big city. Fuck it... I'm only shaving off a star for the strange man (employee?) planted in an aisle doing nothing more than looking on... shoplifting bottles can't be easy in 90-degree weather after all. Creepiness factor aside, Binny's is le bon (like Simon only younger). read more