I've been coming to this beautiful new store in Stony Brook Village for the past few months and never had the time to write a Yelp review. If you think this is a traditional "Liquor store" with boxes and cases everywhere, erase all that nonsense in your mind. This place was built from the heart, you can tell a labor of love was put into the details. From the moment you walk into this warm and inviting establishment, you'll notice the wooden wine racks based on wine regions. The owner, Christos? (I thought he was Greek. I think everyone is Greek) anyhoo today we started BS'ing about wine and how I liked a Lebanese wines. He says, No problem my friend. I recommend you try THIS bottle, from Spain. Well looky looky, someone who is passionate about what they do. I love it! Not only do they sell organic and low volume wines, they also have a great selection of fine spirits. Armagnac, Eaux de vie as well as Sakes. Support a local business, I also took their discount card and added to my key chain. Come here over the weekend for a wine tasting! read more

Outstanding store, featuring wines that you would not normally see in the discount stores. That being said, if you describe what you like in a wine, the owner (Christophe), frequently recommends wines with a similar palette, at comparable or lower prices. His knowledge of wines is unparalleled, and he is also willing to order products that he does not have in the store. He is never pushy, and does not push you into anything that does not fit your budget. I've read some of the negative reviews. I am not a wine expert, and I don't buy expensive wine, but I love this place. What is interpreted as "condescending" is actually his sense of humor. My wife and I sometimes spend close to an hour in the store, just talking and laughing with Christophe. He also has a small selection of liquor, and he is willing to stock the items that we like. Truly great service. Those with a negative review might want to consider giving it another chance. read more

Take your money elsewhere to a business that respects and welcomes its customers, no matter how much knowledge they have about wine. The owner may know a lot about wine (from what I hear) but he knows nothing about Norma human interaction and customer service. This is not a misinformed, one off interaction that I'm basing my opinion on. I've been to this place several times and have had the same terrible experience each time. If it walks like an ass, and talks like an ass...you can guess the rest. I recommend Mora's Fine Wine in Setauket. Much smaller wine store but the owner Rich and employee Adam are wonderful and welcoming. They actually take the time to chat and find out what may be a good bottle for you/occasion. They have a good wine selection (different grape varieties at various price points) as well as great whisky selection. read more

There are a few negative reviews on here which surprises me because my experience today is quite different from what some others have said. The place is beautiful inside and has a small seating area. It's a bit intimidating at first because it looks very expensive. After browsing for a few minutes I realized that they carry both expensive and inexpensive wine. Yay. There is also a short flavor description next to each bottle to help you choose. The owner was very friendly and lively, and he seems like he really knows what he is talking about (I wouldn't know the difference, though...). While I was browsing a woman came in and told the owner she wanted a red wine, not too sweet, bold flavor, around $35. He immediately got up to assist her and after some conversation asked if it was okay to get a less expensive wine because he thought it would be exactly what she likes. He chose a $20 bottle for her and that is what she purchased. In no way whatsoever did he pressure her (or me) into purchasing anything expensive and he didn't scoff at the low price point. I ended up buying this Rosso for about $11. Very happy with my experience here and I'll definitely be back. It's a very pleasant place to shop. read more

Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique - a bottle of rosso - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Stony Brook, New York

Pretentious and condescending fellow couldn't have made me feel like more of an idiot for asking a couple questions. I know the French suffer no fools when it comes to wine, but Jesus--I didn't ask where he kept the Franzia! I came in looking for any Nova Scotian whites and a professional's perspective on the region. I just came back from visiting Canadian vineyards and was curious. I truly was interested in a conversation and education from an expert--like other customers seem to benefit from. That's why I'm in your shop instead of the liquor store! After some scoffing about "we don't do that," I got only attitude from Msr Wine Snob when he shoved a single Canadian icewine at me with the statement, "It's $91 and very expensive." Not sure if interest in Tidal Bay wines is correlated with being cheap or unwilling to shell out for good wine, but the owner's dripping condescension was more viscous than the icewine he halfheartedly unboxed. No offers from him on something else I might like to try. I walked out so stunned that a private business owner could be so rude about his passion. Have it your way. I took my business to the beer enthusiasts next door. read more

Upon walking in you will be impressed at the selection, atmosphere, and ambiance of this classy and high-end boutique. After looking around for an affordable bottle, I asked the salesperson for advice on which wines to choose for under a certain price point and to accompany certain types of foods. After I mentioned the price-point, the comfortable atmosphere came crashing down and became a tense, uncomfortable, condescending, if not a hostile one. Verbal jabs followed disregarding price point and how that was not relevant to a good or bad wine. Yes...that is true, but the point is that you can show me a great bottle and I will not be able to buy it: I am only interested in buying something I can afford. As a budget-minded college student I understand, us college kids are annoying because we are cheap and don't know the first thing about wine, but can't people appreciate that we are trying to learn about this fine art within our means and budget? At least we are not using alcohol to get wasted...we are trying to genuinely appreciate and respect alcohol and its history through wine. The condescension continued with the salesperson taking jabs at me for being budget minded. I'm sorry that college students are not the usual multi-millionaire clientele they can take advantage of, but a profit is a profit large or small. The best thing I learned about wine today is to buy a wine from a person that respects you for your interest - not on how fat your wallet is. I'm sorry that being a struggling college student is such a crime that makes me undeserving of wine or common decency. I will consider going back in the future if I need something high-end, but for the time being I have never been more offended by asking an honest question and will stay away unless I need access to their vast selection. For others, especially budget minded students, I recommend Hamlet Liquors past the LIRR station towards Port Jeff near the BP station- they are used to college kids and take their time and, often patience, to help you. read more

Found this cute little place by accident and decided to stop by to check out their selection. After asking the salesperson about a particular kind of wine, I can honestly say I have never gotten a more condescending answer. He said they only carry the "best kind" and he has never heard of it. Forgive me for asking about a $24 bottle of wine. You have lost any business you otherwise would have gotten from me or anyone I know. read more

Absolutely stellar! A beautiful boutique and the owner really knows his passion! He was kind, funny and definitely impressionable. He was amazing to help me in every way possible, me knowing nothing about wines or champagne. I recommend this boutique to everyone! read more

I visited Lake Side Wine today while I was in Stony Brook Village today for a business meeting. I was very imoressed by the appearance, selection, and the knowledge of wine the gentleman at this wine "boutique" had. I never really thought about ever leaving reviews on yelp for places I have visited since I feel its not my thing to do. Today - I decided I wanted to leave this extremely charming place a much needed great review after reading some of the reviews on here. I must say I disagree with those saying it's a pretentious place, or how brash the gentleman here is. As an experienced retail professional, I can understand the concept. You come here for a reason. You must understand the passion and the expertise. It is a place to find the "extraordinary" not the "ordinary" other liquor stores offer. Don't come in to browse and expect a lesson. Choose to be a customer, and you will be in for all the information you need on selecting that perfect bottle. I left here today with a case of wine that I cannot wait to kick back, relax, and know I will truly enjoy. Don't let negative reviews on yelp hold you back from becoming a customer to this amazing place. Guaranteed I will be a regular at this" fine wine" boutique! read more

I am not someone who usually posts reviews, but felt the need to share my opinion after a recent visit to my favorite wine shop. I'm a wine enthusiast/drinker/collector who has shopped at wine stores all over Long Island and Manhattan. When visiting those other shops, I was consistently reminded why Lake Side Emotions is the only place I should continue spending my money on wine. Christophe has a unique and high quality selection of a large variety of wines. He also offers the best values when purchasing by the case (which he always insists on carrying out to my car for me). His wine knowledge is vast and he always makes great recommendations. I was shocked to see a few negative reviews speaking to his character and one review even took the initiative to recommend a different shop for potential customers. Although that other shop may provide a pleasant experience as well, their inventory is not as carefully hand-picked as the offering at Lake Side Emotions. The process of selecting wine with Christophe is personalized and enjoyable, yet also taken seriously. If you're seeking mediocre, commercial-branded wine and/or focused solely on price point, then you should continue to shop elsewhere. Lake Side Emotions is a true gem and wine enthusiast's paradise. read more

Happy to be back supporting this business! Friendly and helpful, safe shopping experience. Very cool they offer free wine bottle chilling! It takes 7 minutes though, so plan or call ahead. read more

Literally the most rude worker I have ever come in contact with. We were trying to get some information on sweet white wines and the owner was very short with us. I apologized and said, "sorry we are still learning". He replies with "clearly, I can see that". He seemed annoyed we were asking questions. Just lost and sale and any future referrals! Bye! read more

Came to our rescue! Brew cheese was closed for technical difficulties. The gentleman was so nice and funny, he helped us pick out a beautiful bottle of Australian Syrah. It was the best beverage of the night hands down. Will definitely go back! read more

Each time I go to Lake Side Wine Boutique I am impressed with the individual service you get and the knowledge that the owner and staff have for wine. We've enjoyed their recommendations and look forward to our next shopping experience there. read more

i have been shopping at this wine store for a few years and was very surprised by the negative reviews. The owner Christophe is extremely knowledgeable about wine and has a fantastic selection in all price ranges. I have shopped at virtually every wine store on Long Island and several in the city and this place can hold its own with the best of them. Christophe has never tried to get me to spend more than I am comfortable with and often had told me that I needn't spend as much as I am willing to in order to get a quality wine. Top notch wine merchant. read more

This is a very special wine store--the proprietor is etremely friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help, whatever your price point. On several occasions he even suggested a less expensive bottle when I've inquired about a more expensive wine. When you go to this shop, you're treated as if you're in someone's home rather than a retail store. This retail establishment is a tremendous asset to the village of Stony Brook. read more

Have been here several times as I frequent several stores here. Always have felt a little uncomfortable with the attitude of the owner. This evening after Christmas shopping in the stores, my husband and I stopped in for a few bottles of wine. The employee followed me around and basically seemed to not want me to pick up the wine off the rack. I sort of felt like he was watching me-very uncomfortable. I found here a reasonably priced Pinot Grigio that I buy at wine guy..a few dollars more here but that was fine. As this employee did not want me to carry up my 3 bottles he took them to the counter. Upon checkout, I felt that the price seemed wrong.. a bit higher than I thought for the bottles. In our car I saw the mistake- somehow he charged us the 29.99 for Santa Margherita instead of the Pinot I had selected. I would never buy SAnta Margherita- i have known for over 20 years it is way overpriced and not too good. I wonder how this man that insisted on taking my bottles to the counter somehow gave me and charged me for a bottle of wine I did not choose. Wine Guy rocks- this place is for uppity pretentious types who don't mind over-paying. Will never go back or recommend. Is funny that if you come in and don't have a "look"they like , they follow you around as if you are a second class citizen. Too bad, I had a wallet filled with cash- won't be spending it here. read more

Some of the reviewers were wrong about having to spend a lot for a nice wine here. The proprietor tries very hard to match the amount of money you want to spend with a wine that is good quality. Although he is French and does have very expensive bottles, he is a fan of American and other wines in all price ranges. He is very knowledgeable and will gift wrap a $8 bottle with the same enthusiasm as he does for a $200 bottle and the gift wrapping is very very nice if you want to give a present. The store is lovely and on Fridays from 4-7 there is a wine tasting going on. read more

This is not Waverly next to stop and shop where they specialize in mass produced high volume sales (not judging, that type of shop has its place). I think this is a great place to buy wine,vey unique. I admit to being intimidated by this store the first time I went there. I got the feeling it was the type of store that you really need to know wine to shop at, But that's not really true. The owner is quite helpful. He takes great care in what he sells, that is true, a rarity these day, and he is well aware of how to stock good stuff that doesn't cost an arm and leg. He does have a very wide range of prices. The easiest way to navigate the shop is to ask and be ready for a real social interaction not just being pointed to a corner of the store. It's even a good opportunity to learn if you have curiosity. If you want to keep it under 10 bucks, go to Waverly. You'll still be more limited between 10 and 15, but what he might have will not be bad, and at a minimum will be something interesting. Given this arrangement it helps the owner a lot if you are ready to give him a little guidance (what type of wine you are looking for, and maybe a little more than just red/white, and price point). The owner has personality, and if feeling intimidated I can see how some people might take his lighthearted banter as condescending, I suspect the source of the negative reviews (he takes great care about wine, it is his living right?). A great shop, 5 stars to make up for the unfair negatives. Friday afternoon tastings are an good opportunity to get to try something before you find out it will be a good deal. read more