So I waited after their grand opening to write an update just to make a more accurate judgement of how the shop is after they are established and officially open to the public. "Established" is a bad word here, as it seems Lyddie and Marnie always seem to be full of new and wonderful ideas to make their gem of a shop better all the time. It is always evolving for the better. At any given time, it seems they have at least 50 different cheeses available for purchase in any amount you like. There is always something new...trust me...I go every week! What is new since I first went? As expected, their excellent cheese selection has just about doubled, they carry a wine and some interesting beers, they have amazing olive oils and balsamic vinegars ON TAP that you fill up (for $5 bottle + $8-12 depending on what you want), they sell wonderful cultured butter from Vermont, cheese curds, various affettati like bresaola, prosciutto and salame, a liver and truffle pate...it just does not end...and is just amazing. The Cheese Cave has only gotten better. The girls, along with their mom, brother and boyfriends who help run the shop are always wonderful, informative and fun. Every time we walk out, it is like we just had a dose of happiness. Because we did. Thanks to my Cheese Babies! Yay! --Anthony :) Post Scriptum: Robert's review below with the measly 3 star rating is likely so low because he apparently likes his pizza, burgers and doughnuts a little too much. After going through his 5***** reviews, I think this helped me understand his tastes better. Perhaps the cheese cave should sell something greasy and plebeian like...deep fried cheese sticks for patrons like him? Who leaves a mediocre review without any sort of constructive criticism? The thought that anyone would give this place anything less than 5 is beyond me. (((sigh))) to each their own, no matter how profoundly retarded they are. read more

Cheese Cave - Make a fantastic cheese plate for a party! :) - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

Cheese Cave gets 5 from me. I was looking for a couple of Charcuterie boards for my mother's 75th birthday party and I looked at multiple places. Although the price for two boards was more than I had wanted to spend, I quickly found that spending less money was going to produce a sub-par result at different places that didn't specialize in Charcuterie boards. I went into Cheese Cave the week before the party, made the arrangements and the experience was perfect. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. The order processed and I picked both boards up the following Saturday morning before the party. They. Were. AMAZING! My family and friends of the family were amazed at how wonderful they looked and the contents were delicious. The cheese was amazing, the meats were delicious and the bread was the added touch that pulled it all together. I cannot express enough how happy I was with their boards and how great the overall experience was. The cost was well worth the end results. Thank you to the Cheese Cave and their amazing staff! read more

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Cutest cheese store ever! I got the picnic charcuterie board and I adored the pickles! Gluten free knowledgeable.

Definitely a 10/5. No negatives whatsoever. Wonderful customer service. Friendly and helpful. Delicious cheese and a great store selection. I particularly liked the beer/wine selection. A very unique array of drinks. It's obvious a lot of thought went into procuring. Word of advice: Stop by on Fridays for their grilled cheese. 10/10, best grilled cheese I've ever had. read more

Since leaving San Francisco for the Southland, I've always comparing Claremont to my old neighborhood. Tapas yes, shrimp burrito no, deep dish pizza no, gourmet ice cream parlor with oddly delicious flavors, no Not to say Claremont doesn't have its charms. AND with the cheese, for the first time, the city has something SF's Mission District doesn't! The owners/staff are enthusiastic, super friendly hipsters. Of the sort that might call what they do "curating cheese." Good selection, air shipments on their way. Chocolates and crackers and other goodies too. I bought a big chunk of stinky soft cheese -- tallegio - for only about $5. They also sell soft raw milk cheeses!! Aged 60 days, so allowed in the u.s. but very, very hard to find from cheese shops. Most raw milk cheeses sold in this country are hard, so a bite of Cheese Cave's selections are a revelation. read more

Hidden gem in lovely Claremont. Hands down-- the best place to buy cheese and any other specialty ingredient that a cheese shop would have. From wine to beer, to organic spices, chocolate, jams, crackers -- you name it! The prices reflect the quality.. and quality doesn't come cheap! read more

Great first time experience! I know nothing about cheese, other than the fact that I love it. During covid they have you text their company number for next day orders. Since I didn't know what to get, I ordered their snack pack & let them do the picking for me. I gave some suggestions of cheeses I knew I already liked & they ended up giving a great mix of 1 soft cheese, 1 cheddar cheese, roasted chickpeas, some dried fruit, two meats (extra), and a side of crackers (extra). Will be coming back for another snack pack, or a large platter if I have a couple friends over on a weekend!! read more

hmm...I didn't try a cheese I didn't want to wrap up with me and take home...it's that awesome. Marnie and Lyddie are the best and totally know what's up with their cheeses and other fine foods. Their store was packed with great stuff and it was only their soft opening. I can only imagine what the future holds for the Cheese Cave, but I think Claremont is pretty lucky to have you. read more

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My wife and I picked up a snack box of meats and cheeses. Everything in it was delish the store is very fun to shop in because they have a lot of interesting things read more

Cute little shop! Good selections of meats and cheeses. Staff was really helpful and knowledgeable. We got the "snack pack" of cheeses, comes with 3 cheeses, crackers, dried fruit and nuts. Came with a nice mixed selection. read more

Cheese Cave - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

Love this place. They offer an extends variety of cheeses, crackers and everything else related to cheese. I also like the display and how they sell books and other important accessories to make cheese lovers have a very authentic experience. read more

An absolutely gem hiding in Claremont Village! I was craving some quality cheese to snack on, and stumbled upon the Cheese Cave. The workers here are very knowledgable, and are willing to spend time with you to help find exactly what you are looking for. After coming here and sampling a variety of the cheeses here, my personal favorites are the Beemster XO and Gruyere. Both are hard cheeses and are absolutely delicious. The prices here are also incredibly fair for the quality of cheese you are getting. On average, 1/4 pound of cheese comes out to be under $10. I am very happy with the service and quality of cheese served here and will continue to come here in the future! read more

I LOVE THE CHEESE CAVE SO MUCHHHH!! Great little items in the store, they offer food, canned goods, chocolates, caramels, truffle oil, oils, and other things, but the CHEESEEEEEEE!!! They give you cheese to taste if you ask, the snack packs are awesome, 3 new cheeses to try every week. And you can add meats in it, it comes with corn nuts, dried fig and apricot, and the cheeses of the week! They're doing this new "grilled cheese Friday" thing, and I'm alllllll for it, was lucky enough to get my hands on it last Friday!!! So freaking good, all that melty cheese, delicious salad and a side of pickled veggies made there, so delicious!!! Try it! Friday's only! read more

New dangerous spot for my husband and I. We REALLY love cheese and have been looking for a place. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Great prices and variety. This place has rotating cheeses, dried fruit, olives, jams, olive oil, basalmic vinegar, etc. ALL you need from a platter worth fighting over with your significant other all the way to impressing/ entertaining your guests with. read more

Cheese Cave - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

I went here for the first time soon before I was going to graduate, but I think of it whenever I'm back in Claremont, and enjoying a couple of fancy cheeses out in the Claremont College's fields. Every time I've been here has been great. On the most recent visit, we ran the mile down from Harvey Mudd to the shop before it closed. We made it with a few minutes to spare. They have a wall of beer, including some harder-to-find things, like Hair of the Dog. We chose some beers for the night, and the folks helped us pair them with cheeses and crackers. Our cashier was super awesome, and even dug out a cold version of our beer for us. read more

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Love them so much. Very knowledgeable, they learn regular's likes, and can recommend new items based on that. True cheese mongers

Great cheese and knowledgeable staff. They have a variety of items to compliment any board you are putting together.

Very helpful worker. We didn't know what we were doing, but the man behind the counter took the time to explain any cheese and gave samples. They also have that glass chocolate milk the best read more

This place is for all you cheese lovers, so many choices and great flavors. My husband and I got to do some tasting and ended up with a wonderful assortment of cheeses, nuts, crackers and olives! read more

Took an intentional visit to this cheese heaven made especially for the cheese connoisseur. I should mention that I am a not the latter. I must admit I was terribly overwhelmed by the selections. I will also mention that the cracker selection is equally taunting. The staff observed us without any solicitation perhaps they didn't want to interrupt our intense search for the perfect cheese. Surely they had to know we were foriegners in need of a tour guide. Finally my husband gets some one to throw us a lifeline and lo and behold we made two selections with the help of our friendly cheesetender. I don't know the names of these selections the wrappers are in the trash but they were tasty and did not dissapiont. We also tried the snack pack of the week I'll post a photo of the menu with the contents but the camera was not in hand when the pack was being unveiled. Nevertheless the snack pack was #SODELICIOUS the only thing missing was the wine but we had to run and drinking and driving is not my thing. read more

Cheese Cave - Cheese tasting...... - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

Had the opportunity to attend their "American Cheese" class. I learned so much. The cheese offerings were delicious and (loosely) paired with tasty wines. My friends and I had a wonderful time. The hosts/owners were knowledgeable and sweet. They even opened the shop after class so I could go on a mini shopping spree. I'll be back for future classes. (October 2016) We went to the Alpine Magic Cheese class last night. Fabulous! The ladies have so much knowledge and readily share it. I learned a lot about the cheeses, the regions they come from, and how the cheeses are made. The selection was delicious and surprising. Amazing time! (January 2017) read more

Cheese Cave - Alpine Magic Cheese class - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

I have been meaning to check out the Cheese Cave in Claremont for a long time. I'm not by any means an expert in cheese (variety or price), but I must say this place sure seems very cool and I really liked the vibe. FIrst thing to get adjusted to is the smell of the store........that's right folks, being a cheese store and all, it smells like a cross between a high school weight room, sweaty gym socks, and Fromunda cheese...... it's pretty strong! Would be really fun to take some little kid in here and watch his/her face! The pungent, tangy aroma of spoiled milk products permeates through the store, but after a few minutes of entering, you quickly become accustomed to the "od-eur" of the goods...... The store has a variety of great, high end products, like honeycomb, wine, jams, olive oils, etc.....all at higher end prices. It sure looks, though, that all of the items are certainly high quality. The girl behind the counter (who later found out was one of the sisters), kindly let us try a variety of different cheese, all of which tasted great. It seems that the most inexpensive cheese start out at around $12 per pound, which isn't cheap by any means, however, it's really, really good stuff. The higher end cheese runs up to $25/lb. For a good cheese in general, I would expect to pay around $17/lb. Again, not cheap, but oh soo tasty. I selected three different types of cheeses and was on my way. They are all sooooooo tasty! On the way out, I asked the girl if she was one of the sisters who owned the store, to which she responded yes. I'm a big fan of Claremont, having gone to high school at CHS, and I fully support folks in Claremont, especially young individuals trying to make a dream come true and start their own business. I laud these girls for starting their own deal and will fully come back here to buy more cheese next time I am in Claremont. I wish them all the best! read more

Why oh why, cheese cave, must you be so far from me? This place is delicious, folks. They let you try stuff before you buy it and pretty much everything is fantastic. I love their sampler tray that they switch out weekly. Let's a very indecisive person like me have an easy choice. Love it! read more

Cutest local cheese shop EVER! And quite the selection! For lunch they offer sandwiches ($6) and the one I had last Thursday (pastrami with sage cheddar) was so off the hook. Best sandwich I have had in a while. Simple yet it packed such a punch! I saw a sign for a cheese tasting. Unfortunately it was last minute so I hope Cheese Cave offers more events in the future because I will definitely be there! :) read more

Cheese Cave - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

What a great place to stop in and try different cheeses from different places! Great customer service each time I've visited in the past

When Frog's Breathe in Orange closed I was heart broken. Luckily it turns out that the Cheese Cave in Claremont is even better. Marnie and Lyddie offer excellent cheese options and amazing customer service. They always allow me to sample cheese before making a choice. The best part is that there are so many cheese I can try a new kind every time . Parmigiano-Reggiano is still the King of cheese but I find new cheese whenever I go to the Cheese Cave. I also love their olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it is to die for. The most amazing thing about the Cheese Cave is that they make these sandwiches that everyone loves, literally everyone. Don't miss them, they change daily. When I am having a party and I want to impress my friends I use a cheese platter from the Cheese Cave. read more

Cheese Cave - King of Cheeses - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Claremont, California

Amazing food and the detail In making the cheese platters is beautiful. Customer service is on point. There so sweet and very accommodating . I plan to order more in the future . Thanks again read more

I came to this place to surprise my wife with something different and exciting something we both had never had! But none of the less it was not! From the time I came in to the time I got my board the board was gross come to find out they allow customers come in and trade there board for another re using the old one for another customer ! Nasty! Then when i went to pick my board up they had to be some of the oddest businesses owners I have seen thinking you would want a return customer. So when I complained instead of fixing the problem they said you don't need to come to our business anymore WOW So there are better ways and cheaper ways check out Trader Joe's it sprouts they have a really good cheese board section! read more

This place is an absolute gem of Claremont. We always make a point on Sundays to stop by and get our stock of cheese for the week. All of the employees are very knowledgeable and super friendly. My kids especially love the lambchoper cheese. I think I have one of the few five-year-olds who asks for artisan cheeses all the time. The owners are the nicest sisters. I love all of their food their salad, pasta, sandwiches you really couldn't ask for more. Their balsamic is to die for. I really could go on and on about this place but if you are in Claremont it is absolutely the place to go. Oh, I almost forgot their cheese boards are a hit. The easiest thing to do for a party. Love you guys! read more

Simply the best variety and value for specialty cheese, meat, wine, and assorted related gourmet items outside LA. Be sure to try their chocolate selection as well as their cheese! read more

Definitely a neighborhood gem. Stopped by for some cheese for a date night. Blue cheese, goat cheese and ewereka were our pick. Asked for recommendation and a sample as needed because there are many choices. Free street parking and friendly services. Credit card accepted. 0.10 cents for a brown paper bag. read more

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A very positive helpful and responsive experience just from making a phone call to the business. I asked about a product and was received with friendly customer service and follow up with a photo of the product I asked about. I did provide my cell number for the returned information and photo. Great job! read more

I LOVE cheese and i love this place! The employees are super nice and know their cheeses. The selection changes from time to time, so they keep things relevant and trending. Austin is a good cheese connoisseur and will help you find what you want and NEED to try. I've tried too many things from here to name what you should get, but the point is, if you want a little treat, come here. Also for the students and the deal seekers, sandwiches are $3 after 5pm with cash. Otherwise they're $6 but they're totally delicious and worth it too! Cheers, cheese fans! read more

I have been coming her for a while and usually has always been on point... have to to say there has been a very big down grad on not just the same cheese always but now the staff seem like there usual customers don't mater. They also could be getting out of ideas or just not care anymore. I can say maybe once or twice I would go but never again would I waste my time or money there. The staff like to be controlling and like to push back on everything you say speaking over you and not let you explain frustration. Well I can say I won't just be explaining my frustration at there store.! If you like to feel less the a real adult human go ahead and enjoy the snobby people in there also they have this policy where I can buy a cutting board and then you can bring that one back and they will give you a new trey and keep that one so I hope who ever gets the next cutting board thinks it could of came from there Also the owner has been sick all week and handles that cheese all day hands on no gloves read more

Their cheese sucks. Worst cheese place in LA I was exceptionally disappointed. Their Brie was hard as a rock and the staff were very rude.

NOTHING is better than this place...it's like a piece of Heaven in your mouth each time you go here. They are PROFESSIONAL, Knowledgeable, Helpful, Kind and Accomodating. The Variety is off the hook amazing and the flavors will have you traveling afar without ever leaving Claremont. This is a Very clean, and top of the line establishment, the owners here are as lovely as the staff. I can't say enough about them. You have NEVER had cheese until you have come here...... read more

We hired Marnie at The Cheese Cave to create cheese boards for our wedding of 120 people. I wish I had taken a few pictures of the board as it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The selection of meats, jams, and cheese made it unique and fun! The number of compliments we received from our guests was overwhelming, to say the least. If you are considering hosting a party and serving one of the cheese platters from Cheese Cave, give Marnie a call and prepare to be blown away! read more

A treasure to have such a cool shop in the village with amazing cheese, hand picked wine and beer selections. Plus it is owned and run by awesome people who are passionate about what they sell. read more

Recipes Recreated Local Guide · 75 reviews · 7 photos a day ago Absolutely horrible experience. My husband and I walked up and saw the sign that only 4 people allowed as it is a small store. So we waited and a person came out. We both stepped in real quick and were immediately told by a man in a condescending way, that only one more person was allowed as that would make it 5 people if we both went in. We understood so we both waited outside. While we waited, the same man came out and asked everyone in line waiting if we were there for pickup orders, we all said no. He then, in the same condescending tone, told us all to move. There is no sign or any direction for lines so we all kind of felt talked down to and that was frustrating. It was finally time for my husband and I to go in. Not 3 seconds after we did, a woman walks in right after us and goes straight to the counter and is talking away with another worker. So that makes 5 PEOPLE. We waited to see if any of the workers were going to please ask her to step outside as it is now too many people, same reason we got kicked out for. Nope. We were so disgusted that we chose to leave and take our business elsewhere. It's Valentine's Day and this was extremely disappointing. My husband did say something to one of the workers who then stated "oh she's just picking something up" Um. No. Thats exclusivity and allowing people you know or are regulars break your rules and make everyone else feel slighted and unwelcome. Trader Joe's has better customer service and alot more selection for these items. Small businesses run on customer service and this place was horrible. read more

The smell of cheese immediately hits you as soon as you enter this establishment. They offer a good selection of cheeses, uncured meats, fruit spreads, mixed nuts, and other assortments of foods to go with your antipasti. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable service behind the counter. I was looking to buy blue cheese and asked for help choosing a blue cheese to pair with honey comb. She recommended a German Cambozola Label Cow Cheese that was very creamy and mildly flavored. I was so happy with the service and her selection for me! I bought 1/2 lbs for around $10 and Marcona almonds. read more