Been a long time customers of Cairo, and don't let the unassuming storefront tell the story, as their selection, pricing, and customer service is really solid across the board. This is a store that cares about their selection, service, and their customers. If you don't know what to get, ask for recommendations and they'll be honest, matching your tastes or your budget. Don't see it in stock? Ask for it, and they'll order it. Did you just purchase way too much than you want to carry home? Good news, they deliver! You can even order online now at www.dcwineguy.com or order via the app. If you want to shop at and support a true locally owned and operated store that cares about their customers, Cairo is the place for you. read more

This place is amazing! I call and place an order before noon and it's usually delivered before 5pm. The selections are huge and the prices are reasonable. The best part is that they have NO DELIVERY FEES, as long as the order is $50 or more. Very pleasant and courteous employees who answer the phone personally (no nonsense) and are very responsive to questions. read more

This is such a great liquor store. Huge selection of liquor and a very knowledgeable staff. They have Austin Eastciders, which I could never find at any other place in DC. read more

I have used Cairo delivery for years but somehow a glitch happened this last time. Perhaps a lucky thief got to the box before me! But.....Mitch st Cairo liquors replaced the goods and the delivery was made and in my hands. They are absolutely the BEST!! I recommend them seriously- for a small store with great inventory and staff. S Washington institution. Ellen Mercer read more

Hidden gem in DC! Great customer service and many allocated or rare bourbons which are reasonably priced.

Friendly staff with excellent and timely service. Are used delivery and it was a very professional and great experience. Recommend.

We've gone to this liquor store quite a few times. I always feel like we get decent wine for a good price. There are a bunch of budget friendly wines right at the register - for example, they have nice malbecs for $7-8 which is a pretty sweet deal. They also have higher end liquors and wines. It is a small spot with a good selection. Also, the folks in there are all really nice. I never feel weird given that its all men. They also make me feel welcome and are helpful. There are always people coming in and out but never crowded. This is a go-to for us and we always love supporting local businesses. Keep being you, Cairo. read more

Cairo Wine & Liquor - people shopping in a store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A great neighborhood small liquor store with friendly staff. Gary is especially great and always willing to help you find a great bottle of wine. Support your local small business owners. read more

This is not a wine store per se, they probably sell at least as much booze as they do wine, but if you look around a bit you'll find some surprises. Recently, when the rain forced him inside this shop, my favorite Washingtonian came back with some 2006 Mollydookers from Australia. "The Boxer" from 2005 was one we first came to love when we had it at Citronelle. It received 95 points from Robert Parker and was selected by him as the "Best Value Wine in the World under $20" We weren't able to find this wine in shops that claim to specialize in wine! I am glad Cairo's in my hood! read more

How should I say that I am conflicted about writing this review. On the one hand this store has great selection and excellent prices. On the other hand the service could be really bad. I have been a loyal customer for years and I have been treated poorly by some of the staff. Particularly, by the big guy with his name embroidered on his shirt. He yelled at me for asking about the total for the transaction. Then whenever I go into the store he refuses to greet or acknowledge me, while he extends that same courtesy to other customers in the store. I don't know why he is treating me in such a discriminatory fashion; especially when I have tried to be nothing but friendly with him and the staff, and give the store a lot of business. read more

Excellent wines and Service! Howie, owner gives great advice and goes out of his way to get whatever you want if not on his shelf. Highly recommend! read more

Has anyone seen the movie "Booty Call" with the two clerks that tease Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson about buying Saran Wrap at 3 am and sing a song that I would not type the lyrics to on Yelp? Those guys work here. I would come back here for the staff alone. There are a couple of guys behind the counter and they are hilarious. read more

We have been ordering from Cairo for our liquor needs during the pandemic and have been thrilled with the service and selection. The deliveries come quickly and it's so easy to order. I have spoken to a couple of the guys on the phone (when stuff was out of stock) and they are always helpful and kind. Definitely recommended - and they deliver for free in DC! read more

Cairo has a great selection. And prices cant be beat, considering it's in dupont... This place is crowded almost all the time, yet they are always friendly.. But, as others have mentioned, stay away from their groupon wines. They are not even good for cooking! and they don't let you substitute.. read more

Okay, Cairo Wine & Liquor is pretty much a godsent. Not ONLY do they know me (I live across the street for christsakes) but I'm fairly certain i'm putting at least one of their children through college with my constant purchasing. They only loose a star because they're slightly more expensive than a few liquor stores that are a block or two off of 17th street, but they're convenient as hell. Also, the (few?) times that i've come in slightly inebriated, I still received fantastic customer support. Observe the following reenactment: me: VODKA! guy behind counter: ...have you been drinking? me: of course not. Stoli me up. guy behind counter: that'll be $26! me: i love you? read more

It's a convenient location, but way too expensive. I rushed to this location because I thought it was the only place that stocked some whiskeys and Scotches that were hard to find. I checked their on-line store and found the Yamazaki 18 bottle I was looking for. Went into the store and realized the price was $185--$40 higher than the on line price. Went back and ordered on line so I could pick up from the store the next day. When I got there, the guy said I caught him before the prices went up on line. Great for me, not so great for him. What's worse, is that I stopped into Irving Wine & Spirits the next day and found the exact same bottle for $120, $65 cheaper than what Cairo would charge me had I not looked on line. If you're looking for the standard spirits like Grey Goose, Bacardi, Patron, then the prices are negligible (about $1-$5 difference which is made up by commute time/distance). But if you're looking for higher end items, you're better served by going elsewhere. With the money you save, you can buy yourself a cheaper version for guests that haven't quite learned to appreciate the finer spirit you're serving, or for everyday drinking. Some price comparisons FWIW: All can be verified by going to their on line stores. All are for 750mL Glenmorangie 18 year old: $140 @ Cairo, $90 @ Irving Wine & Spirits Hennessy XO: $240 @ Cairo, $180 @ Schneider's of Cap. Hill Johnnie Walker Blue: $175 @ Cairo, $165 @ Irving, $149 @ Schneider Couvoisier XO: $110 @ Cairo, $99 @ Schneider Martell Cordon Bleu: $147 @ Cairo, $137 @ Irving, $140 @ Schneider read more

I love Cairo Wine & Liquor. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They have a huge selection of beer (they have a huge fridge in the back where they keep cases and kegs...see the list next to the beer), a surprisingly good selection of wine, and all of the normal liquor store staples. All the guys who work there are great. They know you by name and always seem like they are happy at work--unusual for most places. read more

They sure pack a lot in this hole in the wall store on 17th Street. They literally have it all. I've come in looking for obscure things even, and sure enough it was on the shelf somewhere. The personalities behind the counter are really what keep me coming back. They treat you like family - the way family treats you when they think the neighbors aren't looking. One of the biggest perks is that they deliver at no charge. And 9 times out of 10 it's a hottie that delivers it, which is always an added bonus. I know - shame on me! And they are generally generous with the discounts when buying in bulk. Like, when I have to restock my liquor closet after a Tuesday night bender. Honestly - they're a great group of people, and I'm glad to consider myself a loyal customer. read more

I've been shopping here for many years. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, good selection, moderate pricing.

Four and a half stars. The booze-variety-per-square-footage factor is pretty impressive, the beer selection alone would make me happy enough. Great mix of micros and mainstream. Happy to see the smaller size option for St Germaine. Depending on which staff member you talk to, they may or may not have obscure items in stock; their last bottle of Old Potrero was hidden behind other whiskeys displayed behind the counter, and the less common sake my boyfriend loves was tucked into a corner of the refrigerator. Street parking was relatively easy to find around the corner. I'll likely be back when my personal bar calls for restocking. Some of their pricing is pretty competitive. read more

In an area where there are so many liquor stores to choose from, I did not think that the unassuming Cairo would be the one I would fall in love with. But when they were one of the few liquor stores nearby that consistently stocked Miller High Life, I decided to reward them with a little loyalty. And now I won't go anywhere else. I mostly just buy beer. And they have it all, from the low-end High Life, to the high end German beers, and most micros and mainstream beers in between. It is amazing the selection they pack into a tiny store. And though I originally came for the beer, it was the friendly service that solidified my love. The people behind the counter may seem gruff at first, but they are friendly and love to talk. read more

There are 3 guys that I have consistently dealt with here who are always friendly and helpful and joking around and fun. One time I was here with 2 other girls and we were getting some handles of vodka and several cases of beer for a party. We were going to carry them about 3 blocks which was doable, but was going to be a huge pain in the A. The guys saw us starting to carry the stuff out and insisted that they help us out - one of them carted everything to apartment with us for no charge! They also have a pretty decent beer selection and are very knowledgeable about craft beers. I have gotten some great recommendations from this place. The guys who own/run the store are the nicest ever. Most liquor stores I have been to tend to have sullen, indifferent staff who seem unhappy to be there - this is the opposite of that! I actually enjoy going here, which is a refreshing change. I wish I lived closer so I could go here all the time instead of the crappy Virginia ABC. Love this place! read more

I am in the unenviable position of being the "booze guy" for my office events, which means I get to source and purchase oodles of beer and wine on a monthly basis. When I started my job almost two years ago, we were going to the corner liquor store (which shall not be named). We're tax-exempt, but we were paying sales taxes and the store wouldn't give us the exemption! Enter Cairo... This store is the best for delivery and big orders. I don't buy liquor here, so I can't speak to the prices on individual bottles. I can speak to the outrageously good deals I've gotten on case discounts of wine. Here's how it works: I walk in, look around, brainstorm what kind of beer I want and how many bottles of wine (at what price) I want. I tell Howie or Mitchell to get me X number of cases in Y price range. They get me primo wine at maximum discounts. AND, they hook up the sales tax exemption. AND, they deliver for free. AND, they pre-chill the wine. AND, they are super friendly about it. AND, they show up on-time/early EVERY SINGLE TIME. Today, I got two cases of a $15.99 wine for $9.99, plus 5% case discount. Wild. And this is Wine Spector 92 sauv blanc! This is a top-notch operation. They know their stuff, they offer great bulk deals, and they don't jerk you around. I highly recommend them. read more

Twice now they have not honored their own posted price on beer. The price list on the wall might as well not exist because they apparently just make up a price when you get up to the counter, which somehow is always significantly higher than the publicly posted price. Then they look at me like I'm the fool for going by the listed price. I will buy my beer from Prego across the street and Rosebud one block up from now on. read more

Don't be deterred by the size and lack of space! It is awesome and the people there are really nice. I overlooked this the first couple visits, but there is a list of all the beers they sell beyond what you see in a back room refrigerator. They also sell 30 packs which are in the back that you won't see up front. It's far superior to the beer/wine store across the street and Rose Bud down the block. They also occasionally hand out free shots of new product. One last pro is they'll order in stuff for you. I had a friend get them to order whipped lightning (liquor whipped cream). Definitely recommended and will visit whenever I'm stopping by friends' places in the area. read more

Great neighborhood liquor store. A somewhat typical selection of wines in the 10-20 price range, but some great stuff when you're ready to throw down a bit more. They had a wine called RED that was about $12 and was great. It cracks me up that they close at 9.55 rather than 10.00 pm. read more

If I want wine or liquor, I come here. They sometimes have some great deals on nicer gins (and I assume other things) which has helped restock our liquor cabinet. EXTRA points for them, my dog knows they have frozen treats behind the counter and practically drags me in thereany time we pass. She's clearly in cahoots with management. The whole staff is super friendly and helpful. read more

OK... Having lived in Babylon by the Bay for 13 years (i.e., San Francisco), I have to admit that I miss BevMo--Beverages and More, a liquor warehouse that stocks booze the way that Home Depot stocks tools. No liquor store in the District even comes close, not even Cairo, but by virtue of their great selection of more esoteric (...and more expensive) libations, Cairo has become my "go-to" vendor. I mean...being the gin snob that I am, where else am I going to get both Junipero and Distillery No. 209? Cairo! read more

Some friends and I purchased the Groupon from the DCwineguy at Cairo. One person picked up their set of 5 wines first, and 2 of the wines were terrible. When I went to pick up my Groupon, I asked if there was any way to substitute other wines for the ones that were completely unpalatable, but the DCwineguy refused to make any accommodations. In a store full of wine, it seemed unbelievable that there was absolutely nothing I could get instead. It wasn't a matter of personal taste, these wines weren't even good enough for cooking. This is the first and last time I will go to Cairo. Bad customer service! read more

I never thought I would find a liquor store in the DC area with prices this good and feel safe being in there. The guys working there are super friendly and helpful. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this is my go to place for booze when I'm in town! read more

Just went back to Cairo liquor and could not be more happy. Mitch helped me choose just the right things out for my upcoming boys weekend away. He had a deep knowledge of everything in the store, helped me select some new things to try based on my favorites, and did it in a way that made me want to keep asking and coming back. It is the kind of liquor store you go out of your way for because of the level of service. Walk in, ask for Mitch, and you're guaranteed to get exactly what you need (even if you don't know what it is) My only complaint is that I can't give Cairo liquor a sixth star. read more

Are you joking? Cairo is an institution. Tourist attractions like Ben's chili bowl should bow down to real DC like Cairo. Cairo is everything you want in a liquor store even if you do not know you want it. The prices are exceptionally reasonable. You will not be disappointed. The atmosphere is pure barbershop comedy. I suppose they also deal with a lot of snooty self absorbed people. Do not be "that guy" and they multiply the fun of your experience. If you act like a jerk, they treat you like a jerk. Hating Cairo reviles an internal self loathing. read more

Excellent. It's pure comedy in this place, shelves are always well stocked and the guy behind the counter can tell when I've had a manicure (literally). I legit got a compliment. The prices are reasonable, the fact they stay open til 9:55 cracks me up and it's right next to safeway. Super convenient. Super friendly. A dupont staple. read more

I've lived in three different neighborhoods in DC (DuPont, AdMo, and U Street), and regardless, I always return to Cairo on 17th street for all my liquor needs. Their prices are the best and they often have sales (for instance, I managed to get a 1.75 L of Bombay Sapphire for only $33 once). Plus, they're one of the few liquor stores that sells Amarula, my favorite liqueur from South Africa. They also allow dogs and every time I bring mine, he always gets a treat from the owners, so he approves as well. read more

Employees here don't care about the customer and are really rude. I've had bad experiences here several times. One of those bad experiences: Online it says open until 9pm. On the door it says open until 8:55pm everyday. I arrived exactly at 8:55pm. They already had the closed sign set. They wouldn't open the door and were uninterested in anything I had to say. Terrible. I will not come here again. read more

At Cairo, you'll find friendly service and an excellent selection of beer & wine packed into a small space. This is definitely on my list of favorite neighborhood shops when I am in the area! read more

Cairo is truly one of those divey places, but it's history and ambience sort of make up for it as a solid shopping experience. The building is old, a little word down, small, kind of hot in the summer (there used to be NO ac in this place, but they have fixed that a bit since), and a throwback to another era. The spirits are sort of quickly labelled for pricing, but are about the going rate in the area. Some of the items also sit high on some of the tall shelves out of reach. Selection though is quite good, with this store mostly focused on wine and spirits, with a small shelf and a cooler for beers. The staff here is a trip. I swear they probably all grew up in this store or neighborhood and have never worked anywhere else. Some of the comments you have already read are probably true, cause I've seen and heard the dialogue that comes out from the staff. They are all hillarious and great by the way, help you with anything, order something special, keep an eye out for you for product you might be interested in. I went up to who I think is the owner, and he did manage to procure me something eventually, but in the meantime he gave me his card and wrote a 10% discount with next purchase on the back. I went in a many days later after it expired for some beers and gave the card noting that I forgot to use it sooner. The guy looked at it, and jokingly said... pfft you can come in and use that card anytime ya dang want! We both laughed. But no I haven't used the card since :) That being said the beer selection is a two edged sword. The stuff in the coolers is fine, the items on the shelves though believe me have been sitting. When I mean sitting, they have been sitting a LONG time, they truly gather dust. This is bad, for when you want fresh beer, but the flipside is the beers that age well, will still be around. I have found some real aged gems in this store because many beer geeks don't know about it, or would even consider shopping here. Also the beer selection is small. That being said, it's worth a peak for sure, and I always make a stop in when I can. read more

I kind of miss the Cairo. I can echo the reviews that I really like the staff here, they have a surly comedy to them that rings genuine. Their prices are a bit higher than other places in the neighborhood but for convenience, and right on 17th St., it makes sense. They also have no reason to lower prices since the place is always hopping. It's not usually my first choice but was when I lived closer in Dupont. Still worth a visit after Safeway across the street. read more

Rude and condescending staff that make you feel like you're an inconvenience to them. Too many liquor stores within a couple of blocks to take my money there, done with that. Benmoll on U street always make me feel like they appreciate my business, will make them my go to liquor store. read more

Needed to get an anniversary gift to our kids in DC in 3 days but we're in Seattle. Looked up wine stores near our kids and bingo! DCWineguy.com to the rescue. Great website, incredible selection (not easy to find Willamette Valley Pinot Noir that far east), easy navigation, good pricing and free delivery at the date & time of our choosing. Excellent email updates and follow up. On time delivery. Added bonus? The kids liked our choices. :) (BTW, they're .4mi from our kids.) Thanks, Cairo. You ticked every box plus some! We'll be back. read more