I have been going to this liquor store for years and have never had a bad experience. The bottles are far away, but any time I would like to see something closer, they happily grab it from the shelf for me to examine. Many times I am unsure of what brand of liquor to purchase. The staff here has always been extremely helpful with recommendations. They will even ask me questions about what kinds of drinks I plan on making to further assist with what they recommend to me. When purchasing vodka I let them know what brands I typically purchase and then I ask if something similar happens to be on sale. They offer a great selection of mixers here. The last margarita mix I purchased was fantastic! (I don't recall the name) . It wasn't super sweet and full of syrup like many of the ones I have tried in the past. Do I sometimes wish the bottles were not behind the counter? Sure, but using the staff to help me with my purchases probably ends up saving me a ton of time because I tend to be very indecisive. Thanks for being awesome Kenton Liquor Store! read more

Gone downhill in the last couple of months. I miss that one guy who knew what he was talking about, haven't seen him at all.

More options to pick from. RTD's, whiskeys, mixers, allocated bottles and much more. Extended hours: Friday and Saturday 11am to 8pm. Sunday 11am to 5pm. read more

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Wow, amazing, impressive, unbelievable change for the better. I hadn't shopped here for over a year and a half. The entire store has doubled in size, there is beer and wine now in the store. The liquor selection has dramatically increased. All the bottles are up close and able to read prices and labels. There is a tone of mixer selection and a decent selection gift bags, odd and end drink related items. Oh and the employees are amazingly friendly, helpful and if they don't know something they ask others or look it up with the handy dandy Google search that I could have done, but they beet me to it. I understand ownership has changed at the end of last year and obviously their number one goal was to improve the shopping experience for the neighborhood and customers. They have successfully succeeded in a big way. I will drive out of my way to shop her exclusively going forward. Bravo read more

This is liquor store has made big improvements and the employees are friendly and the have some good suggestions if you don't know what your looking for read more

Super cool bag drinks i havent been able to find anywhere else! Friendly staff too :)

Lot's of new products and amazing customer service! Anything the don't have in stock they'll get it in and call me when it's in.

Look but don't touch. You can't get up close to any bottle you better know what you want when you come in because you're not gonna get to walk up to the shelf to see it. And they charge a premium. Would not be a return trip for me read more

Employee was SO helpful and kind. Was able to snag a solid bourbon. Would definitely recommend stopping by

1/29/2021 UPDATE: I'm about to walk from home to pick up dinner at nearby restaurants... I'm driving miles out of my way to another liquor store only because I cannot understate how much I HATE not being able to peruse shelves. Having 30-40 feet distance between the cashier counter and the shelves of liquor is UNACCEPTABLE, not to mention IMPERCEPTIBLE... and I refuse to carry my opera glasses to shop for booze. Lame. This translates into less sales when I do go there because I feel like I'm in the way if I stand at the counter asking to see various bottles ... so I go when all I want is an old stand by in stead of buying several items that look interesting to try. I guess the owner is ok with reduced sales. read more

Great customer service and all store servers are very friendly and smile the entire time during the shopping experience

Friendly service and a great selection to choose from. Happy to give input or recommendations

I can't believe that I already had written one bad review about this place, and now much less two now that I'm writing this one. I'm not understating when I tell y'all that my reviews are always positive because I am a very positive person! It's got to be pretty bad for me to give two bad reviews in less than a week! I've never done anything this before but here is my review. I just left Kenton Liquor Store about thirty minutes ago. I couldn't purchase my item because their card machine was not authorizing the transaction. This kind of thing could happen anywhere and was certainly not anything that I would ever complain about on Yelp. Machines malfunction; no worries. Saturday afternoon, every single Liquor Store in Portland was only excepting cash because their card readers were all down. This particular Saturday was a nightmare kind of a day for me so I was already kind of prickly. When I found out about the system not working, I made a non confrontational comment. "This just isn't my day" is what I believe I said. I can guarantee that my comment was not inappropriate, loud, or rude because I am just not turned that way. So when I was in the store today and my card was not authorizing, one of the male employees said to me," You got mad at us on Saturday because our card reader was down and then you stormed out of here. Now your card isn't working. How funny is that?" I asked him if he was positive he was not getting me confused with another customer and he said,"No I am pretty sure it was you." First and foremost, there is no way I'd "storm" out of a business over an issue that they could not control. And secondly, I cannot believe that this guy would talk to me like that and basically shame me out in front of everyone! That left me absolutely dumbfounded! Like I said in my first review on this business, the owner has no problems being rude to customers so it seems like he's given the green light to his staff to follow suit. I would most definitely advise anyone to drive the extra mile or two and give their hard earned money to the store in Jantzen Beach. To treat anyone so disrespectful twice in two weeks and especially a LADY, should not be working with the public! read more

Liquor can be purchased at a variety of locations and typically you get a gas station attendant style interaction with the people at the store... Not so at the Kenton Liquor Store! Genuinely pleasant, knowledgeable, and helpful assistance with someone who enjoys his job and isn't afraid to say- "Have a Blessed Day" Seriously I don't know if I will ever go anywhere else from now on! Thank you! Have a Blessed Day! read more

The woman there answered all my newb questions for a theme party I was having. She took all the time I needed and I never felt rushed. Great recommendations, too. read more

Love this place, staff is always friendly. Prices are consistent with other liquor stores in Oregon. Happy that I don't have to wander through a maze of shelves searching for what I want. I know what I want, and they seem to always have it, If I am searching for something new the staff lets me know if they have it, or if they can get it. I like that. read more

The guy that helped me was freaking rude and couldn't stop making unnecessary comments! Worst place to buy a bottle! I would not recommend this place at all. read more

I am sort of astonished at how many people complain about not being able to touch the bottles, because I don't think I have ever been to a liquor store in East Portland where that's possible. (Places I haven't been able to touch bottles include: the one by the lloyd center, the one that use to be on mlk, the one that use to be in the bowling alley building on morrison, and the one that use to be on interstate near skidmore.) So suck it up people, who can't touch bottles, unless you can name an overwhelming amount of stores you CAN touch bottles on the east side. Also, when you go to the liquor store--don't you know exactly what you want? It's not like this liquor store has a specialty liquor selection. If that's what you want, go to the pearl district to get your yuppie on. And lastly, prices are regulated by the state, except if there's a sale and then there is extra signage, that I can read; But maybe it's because I wear glasses allowing me close to 20/20 vision. Okay, now here is the real review: 1. I love the people that work here. They are nice, greet you, make small talk, remember you, and live in the neighborhood. 2. There is a lady that writes thank you in bubble font cursive on the brown paper bags. 3. They have a good mixer selection if you don't want to go to freddies. 4. It's right next to a head shop and pizza parlor- that's what I call one stop shopping! 5. They have excellent burnished copper lettering signage. read more

They are in my neighborhood. They sell alcohol. I like to drink. They remember me with each visit. It is sorta cute after a remodel 3 years ago. I wish the booze wasn't behind the counter...I like to feel the bottles to get a vibe for which one is right for me... but that is par for the course in Portland. Nice staff. Frequent tastings. read more

I really did give this place a fair shot, but it really disappointed each time. We just moved into the area, so thought we'd make a stop here since it's so close. First of all, they keep all of the liquor behind the counter so you aren't able to browse. That's a little bit strange considering you might be in the mood to try something new. Secondly, the prices are ridiculous. I can drive to Total Wine in Vancouver and spend literally 10-20 dollars less after tax on the same exact bottle! (Which is what I am going to do from now on, the prices are so much cheaper there!) Finally, the customer service was awful both times I went, and the one time my GF went there she said the same thing. Attitude, no knowledge about what they carry, just not worth it. I'm happy driving 20 minutes out of my way to avoid going here! read more

Absolutely awful layout. You need binoculars to see the bottles. Sure the clerk with the crap attitude will grab a bottle for you to look at but you can't browse. Oh, and you have to go right to the register to get help from the clerk, which gets in the way of other people wanting to browse. Essentially, only 2 or 3 people can browse at a time. This is one of the worst store layouts I've seen from an efficiency standpoint. I'd rather drive farther away for a better experience. read more

Great little liquor store, friendly staff, close to home, people who work there live in the neighborhood, clean. In stock Jefferson Whiskey, Don Julio Tequila, and other snobby liquors I love. read more

When I have a choice, my business goes to places where they're nice to customers. That connection is more important to me than fewer choices, slightly higher prices, and stuff like that. That said, I used to really like this place. I don't buy liquor very often and I'm not incredibly knowledgeable about it. But getting ready for a big celebration this weekend, I headed over to pick out some things. I had questions and needed time to consider choices. Now, in no way was I holding up the line. I made sure that I was out of the way of customers while considering the options. Even when there was no other customer in the place, and there were three clerks in clear view, apparently, they wanted me to do my "shopping" elsewhere and step up knowing what I want. I don't think I'll take my business there anymore. It didn't feel good to be treated like that. I guess all the others would have pretty much the same stock, right? read more

Very unhappy rude woman working behind the counter today. Buyers beware her uncanny ability to turn simple misunderstanding into embarrassing and rude harassment even after unnecessary apologies. Try being understanding next time and be nice. #rudeportlandcustomerservice read more

The staff are always so helpful...no problem special ordering the Couture Cocktails Perfect Manhattan product that I needed.

I come from a land where we can touch the bottles, and of course anyone would prefer it that way. After all, my eyes aren't so young anymore and they were never that good to begin with. It's not really that big a deal, but they do seem further away than normal in this shop. Also - if you are the one barrier to me getting my beloved booze, and I, a valued customer, shouldn't this be a pleasant win-win sort of situation? They are not very friendly here, esp the woman who waited on me today. And I have never been overly impressed with any of the folks behind the counter there. But I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that they sell little chocolate liquor bottles at said counter :). read more

The liquor is behind the counter so you can't browse and take your time trying to find something new. Just head up the road to Jantzen Beach to Stateline Liquor. read more

Meh. One of those "we don't trust you to browse the shelves by yourself" kinda places. All the overpriced liquor is far back behind the main counter which makes it difficult to see and obviously a pain in the ass to browse. read more

Lowering to one star, asked if I could see a bottle which was across the room, the clerk picked it up and held it up from 15 feet away. Are you kidding me, you don't trust me when I want to read a label? God I hate this liquor store. At least at St. Johns, where the bottles are also behind the counter, they are only a few feet away and you can see the labels and price. This place is ridiculous. Wish it wasn't my neighborhood liquor store or I'd never return! read more

Somewhat careless staff (check that they got the right bottle), and mediocre selection. Worth the drive to St Johns to a better store.

Want to give a shout out to the staff at Kenton Liquor. You folks are fantastic. Always friendly and helpful. If I am not sure what I want, you help me figure it out. You have never failed to give me good recommendations if I have questions. Now, since I tend to come in for the same things, you pretty much have my order together before I get to the counter. As a new-ish member of the neighborhood, you really have made me feel welcome. Thanks. read more

The product is so far away from the counter that you can't see any of it. If you ask for a price on something, they treat you like a moron. Worst service anywhere. I will gladly drive farther to avoid this miserable, rude experience again. read more

Had a terrible experience today I never been to this liquor store so I went in asked for two half gallon Vodka Monarch's. The lady that helped me gave me tequila instead I didn't notice till I got to my grandma's restaurant. so I called and spoke with Brandon, I believe his the manager I was told. So I was really upset to drive 4 miles back and forth during heavy traffic plus I was late to my job cause I had to return to exchange the liquor for the right ones. I told him I would be in and I hanged up the phone. I got to the liquor store the guy that assisted me on the exchange was being a smart one. I told him "can I just get the exchange so I can go" then Brandon the "manager" refunded me and didn't sell me the liquor! guess why? cause I hanged up the phone on HIM! I'm the customer got the wrong liquor was late to my job drove 4 miles back and forth to the liquor store in heavy traffic. So I guess the manager Brandon was more upset over me hanging up the phone on HIM, then my experience with the liquor store. NEVER DID I USE PROFANITY WORDS OVER THE PHONE OR DURING THE EXCHANGE IN THE STORE! honestly after he refunded me for no reason instead of helping me I did use one profanity word tours him. BEING IN CHARGE OF A BUSINESS AND TREATING CUSTOMERS IN SUCH A WAY THAT IS NOT OK IS UNPROFESSIONAL AND DOES NOT LOOK GOOD FOR THE BUSINESS! #FIREBRANDON read more

Fantastic Service. Always happy to help. They suggest items for guests and treat everyone very well. Having the bottles back has never been an issue I imagine it is a security issue. Keep up the good work Kenton Liquor! read more

Live in the area so its my go-to liquor store. Pretty large selection with typical prices, and regular sales on boxed promotions. Biggest complaint is the difficulty reading the prices and varieties due to product being closed off and at most a good 15 feet behind the counters... so it helps to go in knowing exactly what you want. Also the customer service varies. There is a gentleman with long hair that is always incredibly nice and helpful, yet you could be helped by the larger woman whom is very short and rude with customers and not appreciative of their business read more

2 times I've come here because it is the closest liquor store near me and both times I've had awful customer service. Extremely rude and impatient. I rarely ever buy liquor so never really know what I want, but like other reviewers have stated, they make you feel like an idiot for asking suggestions, are not kind to you asking for prices and selection when you can't even see what they have from how far the liquor is stored behind the counter, and seem to care more about getting you out than welcoming you in. Take your money to people who care about your service and deserve it. I went to the Pearl District's liquor store shortly after because I forgot something and the guy at the counter happily stepped out from behind the counter and walked me over to the open selection of liquors and explained what was most popular and best for me given what brands I liked. read more