My first visit to Charles Street Liquors is going to be my last. As a customer I do not expect to have my taste preferences or opinions insulted by the store's staff. As a certified Sommelier I am dismayed that any wine merchant would dismiss anyone's opinion about wine so rudely. I do not wear my Sommelier certification on my sleeve. I expect that being a customer alone is a sufficient reason for my opinion to be of value. Unfortunately, this does not hold true at Charles Street Liquors. While shopping there for a Pinot Noir the other day I casually suggested to one of their "sales" staff that they should consider offering one of my favorite Pinots made by Sea Glass in California. This simple suggestion was greeted with a haughty "We do not compete with supermarket wines." Implying that not only is Sea Glass wine not worthy of being sold by them, but that I too must also have a "supermarket palate" for liking it; how silly and rude for anyone in business to treat a customer this way. Adding to the foolhardy nature of her comment were the many bottles of Kendall-Jackson, Columbia Crest, and Chateau Ste. Michelle, and other wines on their shelves that are available in Supermarkets. No high marks for customer service here. Overall, Charles Street Liquors has a similar selection of wines to the other wine shops in the area. Price-wise, they are all pretty much the same, some more, some less, depending on the wine and the producer. All things considered, I'll take my "supermarket palate" and business elsewhere. read more

After visiting and calling this store for weeks, this location is closed, it seems now for about six months.

I do tend to like this place, but I've also run into issues with them closing earlier than their posted hours. Sometimes can be a little inconsistent with their hours. read more

I love that this place sells singles so that you can try a lot of their craft beer before committing to a whole pack/ case. Also the people working are always super friendly! read more

Charles Street Liquors - the outside of the building - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I really like this place with its impressive variety on everything they sell. There are price points for every pocketbook from the inexpensive to the sublime. Thanks to Yelp friend and fellow bourbon drinker, Michelle S. for turning me on to Bulleit Bourbon. This discovery however has made it impossible for me now to to drink the more pedestrian stuff. So whenever I'm in a liquor store I look for Bulleit since not all places have it. But Charles St. Liquors has it along with quite an array of other higher end bourbons. Woodford is another favorite also found here. My other cold weather drink is scotch and here too you'll find a wide selection; the better single-malts included. And if you're here for wine or beer then you've certainly come to the right place. There are plenty of beers and ales I've never heard of along with all the well knowns. They sell them by the single bottle too so you can make up your own 6-pack! Yippee! The wine selections are so plentiful and varied I rarely choose to go home with the same thing twice. I recently spotted two Brunello di Montalcino wines that I hadn't seen before and I've come home with one of them that I can't wait to open. I've had great customer service and been impressed with the staff's politeness and willingness to help in any way possible. I hear there are occasionally tastings here, wine and other spirits, but unfortunately I've never managed to be here at the right time. The stock is neatly arranged, well-organized and clean. No dusty bottles here. Prices on some things are higher than I've seen elsewhere but that's the scourge of Charles St. stores. Nothing was priced astronomically higher than other places though, which can be the real shopping death knell for me on Beacon Hill. This is a nice place to browse when you're in the market for whatever your choice of spirits might be because chances are high they have what you want....and chances are good that you'll also find something new and interesting. read more

Wow!!!! Fastest delivery I've ever experienced for a special occasion delivery! I would highly recommend using this wonderful Business! read more

Don't let the neighborhood fool you; the prices here are the best we've found so far in town. They are consistently cheaper in every category by $1 to $5 per bottle of liquor. Cheaper than shops we've tried in downtown Boston, Cambridge, and Dorchester. They have a good selection, though not comprehensive. They have lots of great beers. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. And even with cheaper prices, you get little extras. For example, they remove the price tags before bagging your purchase. That's especially nice if you buy something on the way to a party. No one needs to know how much you paid for the wine or booze you bought, and you don't have to bother scraping the tag off with your fingernail. read more

One of the most comprehensive liquor stores I've had the pleasure of walking through including one seriously outstanding "beer wall"! Though my first visit was just earlier today, I foresee at least several more stops before I move out as there were just too many awesome beers to pick up all at once. Limited releases make their way here as well with the most recent one being Stone's Enjoy By 04.01.13. The selection of whisky is also to be reckoned with and I love that the staff here hold tastings every so often. Such a great resource in Beacon Hill =D read more

I hesitate to call this place a wine shop because it has so much more to offer - but I hesitate to withhold the title as well, as the wine selection is very impressive and thoughtfully presented. The place is wonderful, with an expansive, well-edited inventory and a friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist in its navigation. At the same time, Charles Street Liquors is relaxed, welcoming, and thoroughly cool without a smidgeon of pretension. Racks and racks of wine come with frequent descriptions and easy-to-follow classifications. The beer selection is astoundingly large and interesting, and even the hard alcohol surpasses expectation. On my first of two visits here in a two-day trip to Boston, my friend and I stumbled upon a gin tasting given by a small independent producer. If this could happen to me daily, I'd lead a dream of a life. I took home a souvenir of apple ice wine from Still River Winery, a local winery of which this sweet little bottle is the only product. I drank it last night a couple weeks after my trip to Boston. It was absolutely lovely, and it made me think fondly back to Charles Street Liquors, where I am sure to return if I ever find myself wandering about Boston in search of something good to drink. read more

Cashier was super helpful in helping us find a nice MA-based beer to take home after our visit. A gigantic selection of alcoholic things, not just beers and wines. I saw some bottles of hard kombucha, sparkling beer, and tiny little half-pint can of hard cider that I've never seen anywhere else. read more

Of all the liquors stores in all the world, I had to walk into this one. Their receipt boasts, "Award winning delivery services." Uhm, in my eyes, they have award-winning come-and-get-it-yourself service, for nowhere else in all of Boston (so far) have I found quite the awesome beer selection, including individual bottles for sale! Rogue! Dogfishhead! Great Divide! Ommengang! Sam Smith! Oh, my long lost friends! How I have missed you all! I swear to you, I stood transfixed and gibberishly happy in the beer aisles, just staring wide-eyed at the wonderful selection, which includes my favorite Norwegian beers. And Rogue. And Rare Vos. And Great Divide. And Dogfishhead. And LeftHand. And single bottles! And, and, and... I could go on and on about how thrilled I felt when I walked into this place and discovered this isn't your average liquor store. At least not when it comes to beer. ****RUDE DISCLAIMER INTERRUPTION*** This review is based solely on the beer selection. Heed at your own risk. ************************************************* So, uh, yeah. Can you tell I'm excited? You have no idea how much I wanted to find a place like this. Charles Street Liquors, I love you. I told the guys at the counter that this was the best beer store I've found in all of Boston. Then I asked if they ever got in Rogue's Monk Madness. "Doesn't ring any bells," I was told. "We'll look into it, though." They must! Imagine how awesome they'd be if they got in the Monk Madness. After all, they already carried a couple Rogues I had never heard of, including the Jazz Guy Ale I picked up. I selected all single bottles, including the Hibernation Ale from Great Divide (their winter brew) and one from Harpoon. It's so awesome to pick up a single bottle b/c you never know if you'll like the beer enough to want to drink the other five. Oh, yeah. Definitely check this place out if you love beer. And even if you don't, for they had aisles and aisles of wine to explore too. read more

Have Plymouth Gin and Green Chartreuse...will travel! No, Charles Street Liquors is NOT my local liquor store. It's actually three T stops away from my hood. And know what? It kicks the ass of any liquor store in my vicinity, so it's my spirits store of choice. The purveyors of this store take selection seriously, running the gamut in beer, wine and spirits. They have the cheap stuff and the spendy stuff. They have random-ass beers, wines for every occasion, price point and taste and their spirits variety can't be beat...they have like 30 different kinds of gin, both yellow and green chartreuse, and they carry cask-strength whiskey. The staff has been helpful on each of my visits, and ever so understanding when I had to come back in a second time in less than 10 minutes because I forgot the St. Germain on my first stop. As long as they continue to carry the variety, I'll continue to shop here above most other liquor stores. read more

If you don't like this place....well, basically you're a moron. I've only been there once (but spent about 45 mins in the store perusing)...so I'll revamp and add another star upon another great experience there. They have a better selection than 99% of other liquor stores (I'm sure there is some big liquor warehouse type store that outdoes them...aka BevMo back in Cali). They have extensive beer selection from all over, a solid wine collection with varying price points, and a pretty amazing liquor aisle. I've worked as a mixologist in a craft cocktail bar and I'm reasonably knowledgeable on booze and they have everything you could possibly want for fine craft cocktails and craft beers....admittedly I know little about wine, but my mom who does know quite a bit about foreign wine was impressed. Different employees have different areas of expertise, I met Justin the beer expert (very nice, knowledgeable and helpful). Their price points are fair and reasonable (a little high on some things, but outstanding and low on others). A few things to keep in mind when reading other peoples reviews about this place: 1) They can't carry EVERY single alcohol ever made. It's a pretty damn good selection for such a small store and in the middle of Boston.....So if you're a complete snob and are looking for that totally rare "aged" carribean rum that you had on that one island that one time...basically you're a moron. 2) If you walk into a liquor store, stare intently but don't ASK for help, then are angry that no one helped you....you're a moron. 3) If you expect every single employee at a liquor store with this big and varied of a selection to be an expert on every single area of alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)....you're a moron. 4) If you expect a small liquor store in Beacon Hill/MGH area to have REALLY cheap prices on every single thing they carry just because the store down the street has one or two things for cheaper...well, basically you're still a moron. Moral of the story, don't be a moron. Go check out Charles Street Liquors, be open minded, nice and patient and get yourself some booze!!!!!!!! read more

Zero customer service. Wow, did I walk into the wrong store? For a place that is so well reviewed in Yelp, I am extremely disappointed with my experience here. I was looking for some fine aged rums and while I looked at their ok selection I was in full view of the cashier, who could not, apparently, tear himself from flirting with some pretty young thing to come ask if I was looking for something special. I clearly was looking intently and did not want a bottle of Bacardi!. After checking out almost every bottle bottle they had (other than the cheap Bacardi), I decided to take my business elsewhere where I can get actual help. Furthermore, I had called and asked them to check if they could order a special rum for me. I never heard back. Not worth the trip. read more

Great spot in Beacon Hill for getting your wine and liquor. They offer a large selection of wines from all around the world at a quite good price. On Fridays they normally offer a free tasting of 4 or 5 wines. Their selection of beers (back of the store) is also quite decent. Not an expert in beers but I always found both the internationals and local beers I was looking for. If you are into whiskeys and vermouths, you will be satisfied with their selection. That is the only store in which I could find Yzaguirre, my favorite Spanish vermouth. Check it out, you won't regret! read more

The day: My 21st birthday The time: Just before dinner The reason: Treating myself to my first self-bought beer for my birthday dinner before heading out to party I had heard that CSL had a vast selection of great beers, and this was a very special, very alcoholic day for me, so I stopped in. As I went up through the back of the store to the wall of single beer bottles, I heard the angels sing, and the sky opened up and shone down on the selection, and the rest of the world blurred away. There was only me, and a virtual museum of beers. My faculties slowly returning, I honed in on a large single bottle of banana bread beer. For just over $5, it was a steal (it was the size of two bottles, I'd say). It was also one of the best beers I've ever had, and I tend to be picky about that sort of thing. Now, let me disspell some common misconceptions about CSL. People think it's expensive because they don't sell cheap liquor. Yes, they sell bottles of champagne that cost well over $100, and no, you cannot get plastic handle of Dubra here. Sorry. But when it comes to mid-grade to higher-class liquors, it IS the cheapest place around. A bottle of Smirnoff, for example, is way cheaper at CSL than it is at Jobi or Simmon's, believe it or not. So, unless you're looking to be REALLY cheap and get crap liquor, go to CSL and you'll actually save money. Bonus: There's a SALE rack where you can usually find a 1.5L bottle of decent wine for under $10, or a pretty nice vodka marked down to $20 from $35. There's also no pressure from the sales staff, which is nice. They don't need to bother me. I'm GONNA buy something. But you'll never get out of here without a new and exciting bottle of beer in hand... and that's a good thing. read more

The place is great, with an expansive, well curated inventory and a super friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist in its navigation. I forget her name but the women who works M-F in the front is always incredibly friendly and remembers what I usually get! Owner struck up conversation and seemed to make a good environment for everyone who he works with. Also 5* for having admiral nelson 24/7 read more

This place has perhaps the best beer selection in the city. It would be nice if they stopped selling cheap macro brew stuff, but it sells, so you can't blame them for keeping it in stock. The wine selection could use some work. In the last three months I've noticed a decrease in the number of different wines sold, and an increase in double faced wines and empty shelf space (great looking new paint job though). Most of the employees are super knowledgeable and have a good sense of humor; which I appreciate, but some people just don't know how to take a joke... it's not their fault. Also, I must comment on a previous review about employees being misinformed about the Lindemans lambic beer being too sweet. Count me as one of the many reviewers of this beer to say that yes, it is unusually sweet for the style (just check the beeradvocate reviews to confirm this). To each his own. Also, I enjoy the last minute recommendations that I get from some of the guys there. It give me something to put on my list for later. Customer service is extreme. As an added bonus, they put up with regulars bringing their dogs in at the same time every night just for free dog cookies! So bring your dog in too and save money on buying dog food! read more

I don't know to actively explain my love of this place. Without a doubt, Charles Street Liquors has the best, more interesting microbrews and single bottle selection in Boston. The staff I've encountered are knowledgeable, make great suggestions for me and are clever conversationalists. Plus, they remember me. Or, they act like they remember me. Or, I'm there every day and they have no choice but to remember me. (they might be afraid of me) They have great samplings every now and then... I've sampled (and bought) some delicious things like Goji Liqueur and what I can only recall as Free Range Vodka (I'm pretty sure let the baby vodkas roam free before they bottle them for us to drink... that, or it was just organic and free trade vodka). Bonus billion stars for carrying Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Now, where is that billion star button? read more

I happily give this place four stars. In addition to being in one of the best locations in all of New England, they had this classy place stocked with both fine alcohol as well as knowledgeable staff. Every time I had a question, someone answered it for me thoroughly and in a friendly tone. It's a bit pricier getting your goods here obviously, but well worth it if you need some advice before in picking out something nice. One of Beacon Hill's many great little treasures. read more

Sumbled upn this place several monts ago and have been meaning to review it ever since. ZOMFB let me die here. The scotch selection is solid, the rum seelction is good and the beer selection is ASTOUNDING. Fraoch? Seriously. . they carry FRAOCH *yoink* my fraoch now. Seriously, do you know how tough it can be to find that shit around here? And the staff? The mutt's nuts. Totaly cool laid back and knowledge out the ninny (that means ass for those of you not down) So props to my boys on the hill, if I lived closer (and wasn't abstaining from alcohol at the moment) I'd be in every day. Yeah, it's that's awesome. read more

Charles Street Liquors is the best liquor store in Beacon HIll/Back Bay. It has an impressive beer selection (mostly singles and 750 MLs) and a good wine selection. The staff is friendly and helpful enough, and sometime they have vendors sampling free booze. The main complaint is about their prices, particularly for their beers. They are outrageous. But, you are shopping here because you are a captive audience. Yes, you can find that tripel for $9 outside the city and it's $12 here - but then you'd have to drive out to the suburbs and lose your parking spot on the Hill. Come here if you need something on a whim or for dinner that night. Come here if you like good beer and wine. Don't do your party shopping here, and don't shop here if you need a six-pack of Bud or a budget wine. read more

Great selection of alcohol, and surprisingly not too much more expensive than any other Boston liquor store. The guy working (maybe an owner?) was very helpful and knowledgeable. I was looking for several mid-value bottles of different types of red wine, and all of his recommendations were delicious. There is definitely a wide selection of wines, from the cheap to the "value selection" to the wicked expensive. Though the store wasn't crowded, he was very attentive to the other customers as well, and seemed to have a lot of info on each of their choices. I also noticed an organized beer fridge in the back, as well as a wall of cigars (if you're into that sort of thing) in addition to standard booze selection. The atmosphere is cool - kind of dark and reminiscent of a cellar, which, in addition to the staff, sets it apart from other warehouse type places. Check out this liquor store if you need some guidance in choosing something appropriate for a particular occasion/dinner/whatever. read more

I bow before the wall of beer.... oh... and the wine selection is pretty awesome too ! read more

Charles Street Liquors - two cars parked in front of a building - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Not everything, but cool things. I work at the hospital right around the corner, so occasionally after work before hopping on the T home, I'll see what Charles Street has to offer. They seem to have a lot of interesting items, microbrew domestic beers are one example. However, the things they do have seem overpriced compared to even other stores in Boston. I wouldn't shop here all the time, but it's worth it to poke your head in and see if they're carrying a beer or wine that you can't find elsewhere. read more

An excellent wine, liquor and beer store with great prices. Generally, when one thinks of Beacon Hill or Charles Street, expensive usually comes to mind. CSL keeps prices competitive and the selection large. They have one of the best Scotch and beer selections in the city. They also have a large storage area, which allows them to purchase wine in larger quantities, thereby passing the savings to the customer. The staff is very friendly and has been in the industry forever so they know their stuff. When in this part of town, stop by for a bottle or jump off the MGH stop on the Red Line for a few seconds on your way home. read more

This will be my first 5 star review! I came here on my 21st birthday looking for some cheap champagne for my party. This isn't really a 'cheap' place, but nowhere in the area is, and the staff was very helpful - even though I made it very clear I didn't want to spend a lot of money. They managed to find me a couple of bottles of Andre - exactly what I was looking for (I'm a poor college student, I don't need real champagne). They also recommended a few other nicer, but still inexpensive brands to not share with my partygoers, and even offered to help me carry my 8 bottles up the hill to my apartment. I will definitely come here again, especially when I'm feeling like something a bit nicer than Andre... read more

I was in town for work, and after beer to bring home with me. I spent a lot of time looking at my options, but was not offered any assistance. Liquor stores are not often a place that where customer service is a high priority, but I was outright ignored, and only very cursory assistance was provided when I asked a question. The beer selection was good, but not at all what I would call great. I checked out another nearby option, and for beer this one was better, but I was a little disappointed personally. It was okay. If I lived here I would not object to returning, but I'd probably find another place to frequent. read more

Charles St. Liquors has an incredible selection of beers, wines, etc, as well as courteous staff and decent prices. I've been able to pick up beers both cheap and more adventurous, as well as other needed spirits. UPDATE: I wanted to add how convenient it is to try new beers as a result of Charles St Liquors. They've got an incredible two walls of single brews. Some are a little pricey, but there are some interesting picks among the many (everything from high end American stuff to Belgian and other brews). That, coupled with the large beer selection in the fridge and the large general alcohol selection make Charles St. the perfect place to pick up something good. read more

When I first walked in the door, I was pretty sure I had died and ended up in an alcoholic's worst nightmare. Never in my life have I seen some of the liquors they carry here. Did you know there is a liquor called American Honey, which is an actual honey-based American whiskey? Because I sure didn't. That doesn't even scratch the surface of the wide selection of alcohol they carry from around the world: they even have absinthe and sake! Oh yeah, and did I mention the beer and wine selection? As many others have noticed, it is equally amazing. Top it all off with a super-friendly staff and you've got yourself a 5-star establishment. read more

Great location, prices, and selection! My tastes run a bit esoteric, so I was delighted to find several of my favorite brands of Japanese liquor at Charles Street Liquors. I found a nostalgic brand of plum wine and even lychee liquor (back before the lychee liquor craze made it so widely available). The staff are always helpful and knowledgeable. If you're 30 or under, expect to be carded. I'm not a wine aficionado, so I can't say much about the wine selection. read more

Place was slightly hidden behind a tree. But, the service and selection was great. Cashier was courteous and kind read more

Behold thy Christmas Ale from Anchor Brewing Co. Beautiful label last beer of its kind on the fridge shelf and sweet aroma of alcohol on my breath. **also found Brooklyn Local 2 for my fance's secret christmas stocking! it's the perfect size! sssh! don't tell... read more

Pretentious selection at table wine prices, or at least as close as you will find in Boston. They know how to keep good wines in stock and balance their selection so you can always find a wine that you like at a price that you can afford. They also get mad props for their beer selection. They have tiger, elephant and most of the major trappist beers. Some of their beers can have a bit of a tag on them but nothing serious and most are very fairly priced. The straight-Liquor store focused on wine and beer What's good-very good selection fairly priced The slap-focused on more obscure beers so some of the standards aren't represented. read more

Being here many times over the years and like it. They have a large and decent selection of beers, both domestic and imported. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, and make good recommendations on the beers to select. read more

Was in the Coast Guard in Boston in 2009 and this was my go-to store for serious craft beer purchases. You guys were great :D If you look carefully you might find a really old well-aged beer lying around (found a 2007 Stone RIS behind some other beer [drool] ) read more

Very bad experience with a "new employee". Father is in town for the 4th, we went in on July 4 around 4:15 to get some beer. Found the beer we wanted but also decided to get some cider. Or super familiar so went up to desk, beer in tow to ask for a recommendation on a dry cider. When we asked, the employee looked right past us and asked whose next in line to buy. Needless to say, that was pretty rude and we said we are here to buy and also ask for a recommendation. Employee said something snarky that I can't recall. Getting frustrated we asked if he can help or not. He responded with "I don't know cider, it's for women anyway!". At this point we're both frustrated and decided not to push it further. Employee gave a VERY snarky "happy fourth" and after a little more back and forth we left. The employee in question, he claimed to be new. My wife and I have shopped here before with nothing but good experiences and this was a real disappointment. Hopefully this employee can be trained on the products you sell and not discourage or denigrate product lines. read more

The selection here is fantastic - lots of local and natural wine, beer, cider, and hard-to-find liquor, all well-organized and, they even have some zero proof options. But what really makes the store my favorite in the area are the knowledgeable and kind staff - who always offer to help and give great recommendations. The fact that they are dog-friendly and sell cute party decorations is the cherry on top! read more

They have the best beer selection in the area, and are in the conversation for best selection in the entire city. Its not the size of the collection there - you won't find shelves upon shelves of dusty stouts to pick through for hidden gems - its the curated selection that actually ends up on their limited shelf space. Their beer people know their stuff, and it translates to an always fresh and rotating selection of the best local beers and only the very worthy out of town brews. The beer buyers here are always on point, which makes it stand out from other craft brew sellers. read more

This place has a superb selection of beer, rum, whiskey, tequila, and cordials for such a small place. Too bad they price it as high as they do. It's understandable; the rent in Beacon Hill must force their hand. If you rarely ever purchase alcohol and are, say, buying a friend a gift, you could do worse. If you are like me and a bit of a collector, you could get ripped off for hundreds of dollars shopping here over the course of a year. read more