Ah yes, the liquor store where customer service goes to die. If you've ever wondered what it's like to interrupt someone's day by trying to spend money, look no further. I walked in and must've triggered some sort of invisible alarm labeled "ugh, effort." She looked at me like I personally ruined her weekend, then proceeded to act like scanning a bottle was the emotional equivalent of climbing Everest. No greeting, no eye contact -- just pure, uncut disdain. Iconic, really. I didn't know one could radiate "I don't care" at such a high frequency. If you're into being treated like a burden for existing, this place is a five-star experience. Otherwise, save yourself the headache. read more

Love this place. It's my Friday afternoon stop :) The have a great selection of wines and other hard liquor. Friendly staff. read more

Central Liquors - a hand holding a bottle of wine - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

this was such an amazing store. The people were so kind and welcoming. I was looking for a specific wine and he helped me find it.

Very weird encounter. I visited Central Liquors to buy some red wine. I'm in the store, minding my business and perusing the wine selection. I make my way toward the aisle in the front of the store. I have about 2 bottles in my hand at this point. Suddenly, the cashier beelines toward me and asks "can I take these for you?" In my head, the answer was "no" because I had not settled on buying these wines yet. Because their store is so unorganized, there was a good chance I would put one of the bottles back for something that looked better. But before I could answer, this man reaches into my personal space and removes the bottles from my arms, and heads toward the register. At this point, my shopping is over so I follow him. At which point he asks, "are you done with your shopping?" Seriously, bro? Anyway, the Malbec wasn't bad. I might go back since it's only a block from my place, but not anytime soon. Just make sure to shop quickly when you're here or this man will become irritated. Maybe it's a POC thing, maybe not. Either way, this man felt way to comfortable getting in my personal space. Coupled with the fact that we're supposed to be social distancing makes it even weirder. read more

Stopped in because they had a sign out front saying "Complimentary Wine Tasting." There were people who were walking right by it! Maybe they were illiterate? Anyway, not only was there free wine, there also free beer! I didn't buy any because I was in a rush (too much of a rush to buy beer, not too much of a rush to drink it), but this place has totally earned my business next time I'm in the area. read more

Central Liquors - people walking in front of a building - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Nice folks delivering the essentials during a tough time (because c'mon... after quarantine, alcohol is essential; let's not kid ourselves). Ordered off the Drizly app and the order was packed and delivered within about 25 minutes by a very kind gentleman. Good online selection and competitive prices. Can't go wrong. read more

Beer review only: Prices are higher than most liquor stores here in DC. Selection is limited, but has random good beers (such as Racer 5). I would only come here if you are in the immmediate area and need to get booze quickly, otherwise I'd suggest going elsewhere. read more

This is one of my favorites! Super convenient and great customer service! They have a great selection of rare beers that you usually don't find. The location makes it super beneficial to go there as well as you can pick it up easily on the way home. read more

3.5 Stars Central Liquors has had a long and varied history in downtown DC. I started frequenting them about 25 years ago when the were located on 9th Street in the building currently occupied by Ruth's Chris. At the time it was owned by a former DC cop and was the only place in DC I could find Baltimore's National Premium beer. Fast forward 15 years and they'd move to F Street next to Cowgirl Creamery and it was owned by an Armenian gentleman. Personally, I thought their location next to a cheesemonger was perfect. Unfortunately rent got too damn high and they lost their lease (and Cowgirl pulled out of the DC market) but were able move, complete with iconic sign, to their current (smaller) E Street location. All that being said, Central isn't DC's best liquor store, but it is convenient if live or work downtown. Their forte is higher end (particularly French) wines and liquors; I was able to pick up a bottle of Pineau de Charentes here when I couldn't find it elsewhere On the downside, the beer selection is limited. Additional pet peeve: the pushy sales people. read more

Just for the sake of history: While in the service in 1956, I had a part-time gig as a comparison shopper for a DC liquor store. Central on 9th Street ALWAYS had the lowest prices. "How do they do that?", my boss asked once. I knew the answer but did not tell him. Central just sold more booze. Simple as that! read more

Undoubtedly the best liquor store in the city. Of course they do stock the standards, but Raj and crew are phenomenal at providing nuanced and considered recommendations for something new. Gin and scotch selections are excellent and quite variable. One easily comes across complex, yet affordable option on both scores given their selection. Care to try something entirely new? Various interesting aperitif options can also be found. The variability and people has led me to return regularly even though I now no longer live in that part of the city. Thankfully, they largely (albeit not entirely) stray away from the ubiquitous kitsch usually found in Washington liquor stores. And the team truly know their trade. On their wines, they have a large Californian and French selection. Although they certainly do have their share of Italians and Argentinians, on the whole I would say it is less of their strong suit by comparison. Pricing is very good, keeping quality with affordability. I can easily go in and pick up a decent $18 bottle of wine or an amazing $45 bottle, depending upon their fare and occasion. In either case, if you find yourself in pretty regularly (as I do) get to know the guys and you'll find they really do get to know you and your preferences and start recommending just the right thing depending upon the occasion. Couldn't comment on beer selection, no idea but I suspect not significant. For those who prefer good wines and liquor that is probably for the best in any case. All around, excellent place. Couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

Because of its location and "vintage" (i.e., crappy looking) signage, you might think this is another of DC's bulletproof-glass-and-40s liquor stores, but you'd be wrong. Central Liquor is one of the best liquor stores in the area, and certainly the best downtown. The store is huge--though narrow it goes on forever. They have an amazing selection of liquors, from your cheap frat party standards to really nice bottles you can bring to a grownup party. They also have an impressive selection of wine. The prices are what you'd pay anywhere else--not inflated, not bargain basement. Staff is helpful, though not always friendly. They're not going to offer their services, but if you ask for help they will not steer you wrong. If you're going to Cowgirl Creamery, stop next door at Central Liquor for some wine to go with. read more

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in. I looked to my right and saw the favorites: Chimay, the whole Brooklyn line, and some Hop Pocket. Mmm. The wine and liquor selection here was well above average for the city and head and shoulders above anyone else in the neighborhood. The liquor selection runs from rail-type bottles to high-end, good bottles. The wine selection is also pretty good, but there's a lot more shelf space than there is selection. My guess is that they have somewhere around 500 bottles in the store. This is an above-average store, but is brought down by two things. The staff isn't very friendly or helpful, and kind of make you feel like it'd be better if you weren't there, but it isn't bad enough that I'd get on a train to Dupont just to buy some beer. The other knock is that prices are higher than they are even other places in the city. Both at small guys and big guys, a six pack of Brooklyn usually runs $8.99 but was $9.99 here. If you live in the neighborhood like I do it's a godsend, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

There are a few fantastic liquor stores in DC but this may be one of the best...Alex and his team are great and "if you want it...he will find it". From the 100 different varieties of scotch to the bourbon to one of the best high end wine selections in the downtown area...ALL AT REASONABLE PRICES! Also, if you are looking to "taste" some weird stuff Alex keeps a fantastic tasting cart and will usually open anything if you ask... Go spend some money...you will not regret it. read more

I went one random saturday and was able to samble at least 5 different spirits. The owner Raj is nice and well informed on his products. If you're looking for a klassy liqour store this is your place. read more

A great downtown wine store. The owner Alec Akopov has a big book that you can sign to get weekly email specials and great wine recommendations. The store is massive and the staff are very helpful when you need to pair wine with specific foods. It is the best liquor store in the downtown area I've been to. Also check out Cowgirl Creamery next door. Here is one of his sample weekly emails: Dear Friend! D'ESTOURNEL 50%Mrelot-50%Cabernet Sauvignon Directly from Chateau Cos D'Estournel Saint Estephe 2005 89-points Wine Advocate Robert Parker Jr. (Bordeaux report 2005) "Proprietor Michel Reybrie and his winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats, have fashioned a brilliant blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dark purple-hued 2005 reveals a sumptuous bouquet of licorice, black currants, black olives, smoke, and damp earth. Fleshy and supple-textured with good tannin as well as decent acidity, this seriously-endowed, complex effort can be consumed over the next 10-12 years." E-MAIL PRICES $12.99/BOT CHATEAU de PARENCHERE Bordeaux Clairet 2007 50%Merlot-40%Cabernet Sauvignon (on the most exposed plots) -9% Cabernet Franc-1% Malbec Wine Advocate Robert Parker Jr. (web page) "A very impressive rose wine, with a full-blown, black-cherry and spicy oak-scented, medium body, fine purity, and a lot of muscle and richness in the long finish; it could pass as a classified growth in a blind tasting it should drink well for a decade. However, we need more wines like Château de Parenchere." 89-points Wine Spectator Dec 15-2008 With its intense aromas, this wine maintains however the fruitiness and crispness that make rose's so charming. Such being the case, it should be served chilled with all types of dishes, from fish to grilled meats, not forgetting salads and spicy dishes. E-MAIL PRICES $11.99/BOT " read more

Your prices are ridiculous, you must have just bought this establishment. Central Liquors was known for the BEST PRICES IN DC.

I'm currently standing outside waiting for someone to show up. It's 11:13 and the sign says they open at 11. There's also another sign saying "people love us on yelp" prompting me to write this. Either open on time or at least take your yelp sign down and save yourself the bad reviews. read more

Part of my is still bitter that I have to go to a specialized liquor store to buy liquor, but I guess I have to get used to it now that I live in DC. Central Liquors is on the small side and they have an ok selection of beer, wine and liquor. A bottle of Ketel One was around $30. I searched for Sailor Jerry's Spiced Rum and they didn't have it. It's close to home and the only liquor store that I know of so far. I'll keep going there. Nothing bad about it, but nothing great either. I saw that they have tastings so I might go check that out and update this review. But overall, ok liquor store. read more

Maybe it's just because I'm from Wisconsin, but I think this liquor store is just ok. It's certainly better than the holes in the wall filled with cans of malt liquor that are littered throughout DC, but the selection seems to be pretty limited. Firstly, it seems to me that they have more wine here than anything else. But, as some of the previous reviews have mentioned, there is a lot of variety but little depth. The place seems to have the standard liquor on hand, but no real surprises. And the worst department is for beer. They have two sliding door fridges with beer and that's all. There are a few standard domestic choices and then a handful of more off the wall micro brew stuff. The choices are just extremely limited for a liquor store that size. I think it would be easy to make a list of at least 30-40 brand name domestic and import beers that you'd expect to find there but don't. That being said, the guy who runs the place seems really nice. The prices are decent for DC and it's in a good location (about half a block from the Gallery Place metro). As I said, this place seems as good as any place in DC unless you're someone who likes to drink beer. read more

Disappointed! It's three strikes your out and in this case there were at least 3 strikes. 1. Saw a Whisky "featured" on their website and decided to go buy one. 2. Posted hours 11am-8pm. Arrive at 11:20am and doors are locked and lights are still off. Strike 1 3. Walk around and check out Chinatown Liquor while I am waiting. 4. Go back to Central and look around. Employee is on the phone most of the time. He did ask me if I needed help. I look around and the selection and prices are not great and not terrible but it's more of a wins shop that a liquor store. I used to buy a lot of wine at the old location before the move. 5. After not finding what I want which was the "featured" Hibiki 12 I decided to ask him. First he said it was sold out and even if they weren't it's reserved for "regulars" WELL then why in the world is it a "feature" on your website??!! Strike 2 6. A few seconds later he tells me there's one bottle in the back and that they don't put those out on the floor. That it's held for someone. So.... if I can't have it why would you mention that there's one in the back after you already made it clear you were sold out?? Seems a little rubbing it in my face doesn't it?? Strike 3! 7. After being Crystal clear that "regulars" were given priority he didn't bother to ask if I were a regular or if I had made purchases in the past. Hmmm. Considering I bought 2 cases of Pavie Macquin as well as other wines in the thousands of dollars I would think I was a customer. Now to be forthright I haven't bought anything in a while but I think my previous purchases qualify me as a decent customer IF I had been asked. - You're out!! read more

This is one my favorite liquor store in area, they have a very professional team.they've recently had a remodeling and lookd so good.

Every time I visit this store, I always end up enjoying a good tasting event. I like that I can taste my product before I buy! The staff is very helpful and polite. They carry a good selection of "regular" stuff but they specialize in all the hard to find products that no other store seems to be able to acquire. If they don't have something in stock, they can usually get it in one business day. Where else can you find Wasmund's Blue Top Single Malt Whiskey? You can't even find that at Jack Rose! Great store and great service . . . read more

If you're looking to get a hold of a rare bottle of something, keep a look out here. I had been searching for George T Stagg for quite some time, and they had it here. They said they deal with traders and collectors to get their stuff. They'll get in rare bottles often. Be sure to keep an eye on their website, if it's on there, they have it. I paid more then what a lot of places would sell Stagg for, but those places can't get it. You're going to pay for what the actual demand value is. If it's worth it to you, you'll have zero problems about their price. Competitive demand value. read more

This is not the Central that some of you (or your grandparents) may remember. The selection, location and the management has recently changed, and it is much improved in all regards! I found it because I was walking on 7th Street one evening and saw it just off the corner of 7th and E St, a block south of Gallery Place. I walked in looking for some gifts for co-workers, however I don't know much about wines or spirits. Despite my lack of knowledge, I found the staff to be witty, friendly and very helpful. The staff went out of their way to assist me locating a wine within my price range, and even offered me a sample to help me decide which one I should go with. Needless to say my colleague loved the wine that was recommended by their staff member, Michael. When I told my colleague where I found the wine, she told me that her grandmother used to buy liquor from Central Liquors "back in the day" and that busloads of people used to visit the store from all over the Eastern U.S. to purchase products that they couldn't get back home. This is consistent with what I heard from Central's staff, as I learned that they ship their products to customers in over 35 states around the U.S. So if you are a tourist visiting D.C. and you want to try something new, remember to grab their card, because they will probably be able to ship it to you if you can't locate it back home. Although, I do not frequent liquor stores, I have observed that many (without naming names) in D.C. often do not even greet their customers (through bullet-proof panes and unintelligible accents) and I have never heard of one that willingly offers to allow the customer to taste their products prior to purchasing. read more

These guys are awesome! I stumbled on this place several months ago and was totally blown away by the experience. I was browsing the burbon selection when the owner "Deep" stopped by and asked me if I wanted to try a "few". Fifteen minutes later we were 5 or 6 whiskey's deep and having a great time. My girlfriend (having finished her cupcake from around the corner) came in to see what was "taking so long", and in no time he had her trying a bunch of flovored vodkas and other things up her alley. All in all, this was one of the most enjoyable liquor store experiences I have ever had, and every time I go back, I receive the same level of service. Essentially, it seems like these guys will do their level best ot help you find (and try) exactly what you are looking for. No competition, Central is the place to go. read more

A limited beer selection with some of the highest prices I've seen in the city. Of the items that I priced, I saw at least 20% premium over competitors, with some reviews claiming a higher markup for expensive items. Given that the store closes early, the high prices seem logical albeit unacceptable for regular visits. This is a store to visit when convenience outweighs cost. read more

Thanks to their website I was clued in that they may not have my go-to brand of cheap cava, Freixenet. For those who don't know, cava is Spain's answer to Champagne and a whole lot cheaper. I called them up to check for sure before I left my hotel room on a dinner and alcohol quest and indeed they did not have it, but they did have a similarly-priced cava and the owner graciously offered to put it in the freezer to chill while I made my way over (I had asked if there were any in the cold case and the answer was no). Yay for cold bubbly! It was tasty, although Freixenet is still my fave. read more

Love this place! It doesn't look like much from the outside, but they actually have a decent selection and reasonable prices. The guys that run it are super friendly. The only downside is their hours suck and they're closed on Sundays. read more

I was excited to find a liquor store in Penn Quarter since this area (DC, VA, etc.) only sells liquor at designated stores, unlike anywhere else I've ever been. I took a look at the inventory online and headed over to make my purchases. BUMMER!!! Out of the four items that I selected from the online listing, the store had NONE. None. Zero, zip, nada, absolutely nothing. I wasn't looking for specialty alcohol, rare, hard-to-find items. My list consisted of Firefly (sweet tea vodka), Grey Goose Le Citron, Gentleman Jack (Jack Daniels), and Bacardi Ron Reserva. 0-4. There was a helpful guy there who came over pretty quickly after he saw that I was looking rather lost. He made lots of recommendations that I was able to take him up on. I ended up leaving with three items, no sweet tea vodka. The rating is redeemed by the fact that they carry the BEST whiskey ever... Belle Meade. Unfortunately, that wasn't a bottle recommended by the shopkeeper, but one I picked out myself based on previous knowledge. Three stars for convenience and Belle Meade, two stars down for failing to update their inventory online and in store (and the ubiquitous mark up). read more

Not good for beer, and weekend hours are too early for residents. But appears to have a great liquor and wine selection.

Solid selection of bourbon - nothing outstanding, but OK for my needs and the prices are fairly typical for the District. Super close to my office and convenient to the Metro, so I end up going there with some regularity. read more

Went to find some wines to serve on Christmas Day and when I walked in no one greeted me or asked me if I needed help in selecting wines. It was obvious that I didn't know what I was looking for and could have used some assistance. What made it worse was that they helped every other person who came into the store after me. (I am a female and everyone who came in after me was male) Hmmmm.... Not saying that that gender bias was definitively the reason, but makes one wonder. Would definitely not go back. Besides, their wines are way over priced. read more

Excellent wine/beer/spirits selection that keeps the standards in stock while introducing seasonal, local, or unusual selections to keep things fresh. Knowledgeable and helpful staff make sure you find your way to exactly what are looking for. Reasonable hours, especially on the weekends, prevent you from walking away empty-handed, unlike other stores in the city. Also worth mentioning is that they keep a decent selection of mixers and supplies on hand so you can consider this a one-stop-shop on the way to parties or gatherings. They even have regular tastings featuring local and new products you would never find outside of boutique bars. If you are in the area and are shopping for basics or something unique, you will not find a better shop than Central Liquors. I have been a happy customer for years. read more

Love this place. Excellent selection, service and expertise. I always seem to find something new to enjoy whenever I stop by. Their recommendations have always been spot on. Tasting license is a huge plus that most stores do not have. read more

I went here looking for a nice tequila for a gift. They had a couple that the NYT recommended in one of the "Spirits of the TImes" articles which is exactly what I wanted. I don't find this a great store in which to browse, I always feel like the staff are silently tracking me. So, it's a super functional liquor store, but it has little charm. read more

My office neighborhood liquor store. Great selection of stuff. I've only ever purchased their beer, which is all reasonably priced, with a nice selection of craft and local beer. The owner Vince is a really nice guy too. I will be back every Friday to pick up beers for my office. read more

I work on the same block and stop in some mornings to occasionally feed my Red Bull energy drink addiction whenever I forget to bring a can from home. The location is very good, on F between 9th and 10th NW. I was pleasantly surprised to find absinthe being sold here shortly after the U.S. ban was lifted a few months ago. Last time I checked, they were selling Lucid and Kubler absinthes and the "fake" stuff called Absente. They are probably never going to sell that Absente now that they have the real stuff on the shelf. I immediately snatched up bottles of the Lucid and Kubler upon seeing it for sale. I like the Lucid a little better than the Kubler. Both are good absinthes. The prices are a bit high here though. I have seen absinthe offered much cheaper at a few other places outside of DC recently. Overall, they have a pretty decent selection of beers, liquors, and wines in here. Whenever I'm in a rush to pick up some things for an event after work or foaming at the mouth and shaking from lack of Red Bull, I don't hesitate to stop in here. I'll sacrifice paying the extra few bucks for the convenience of the location. read more

Central Liquor is a decently nice liquor store right downtown in the East End neighborhood. I stopped in to buy a mini bottle of champagne for Valentine's Day and they had a couple to choose from. I browsed their selection and the owner/employee/manager (whoever he was) was very kind to offer me any assistance I needed. Their selection is just ok in the wine department. They seemed to have a couple bottles of each major wine region and varietal, but no depth within those categories. I looked at a couple bottles I already own or have purchased previously and their prices were a couple bucks higher than what I would expect, but overall not bad. It's not a discount wine store by any stretch, but the bottle of Cotes du Rhone they had on special seemed like a good deal, so I picked one up too. Also the mini champagne turned out to be on sale due to V-Day. So, all in all, not a bad buying experience, but I would probably go elsewhere if I wanted to browse a really deep selection of wine, or go to Costco if I'm looking for a really great deal. The employee was nice enough however to offer to special order me anything I wanted that was available through his distributor. A star off for so-so selection and another for slightly higher prices. I'd still recommend if you're downtown and need wine, beer or liquor in a pinch. read more

No selection. I checked the website which had a very good selection of single malts but when I got to the store they had nothing. No Aberlour, no Highland Park, no Balvenie and after that I walked out. I will never go to this store again. Don't waste your time. Go to Calverts instead. read more