This is for the bar, Leland Tap, which ajoins the store( which is also worth 5 stars). I rarely come here. I used to live in the neighborhood and would buy my liquor here. But each time I do visit, I am repeatedly met with good, regular old hospitality and a good drink. Nicolas, who coincidentally does not often work there is the owners son and is friendly and make a great Gin n Tonic. There is a new gin there too that I got to taste ( I normally order Hendricks) its called SkePtic Gin. I am now, unabashedly a fan of it, and as it turns out, is made by Nicolas himself. Dim the lights, come in for a chill evening and enjoy. Its another bar right off of the brown line at Western and is so convenient, you have no excuse. See you soon! read more

I bought a bottle of Tincup Whiskey in this liquor store today, 1.75l for $49.99. When it came time to open the bottle, the little tin cup on top of the cap was stuck. We couldn't get it off and ultimately tried to do so with pliers and the glass broke. Whiskey spilled everywhere and the entire part of the glass bottle under the tin cup was still stuck up there. I brought it back to the store right away, thinking they would replace it, but the owner wouldn't even let me tell him what happened. He kept talking over me and saying it was my fault I broke it. As far as I'm concerned, he owes me $50 + tax. This is the closest liquor store to me, and I promise you, I will NEVER ENTER THIS STORE AGAIN! read more

"Scotch with a side of...Cockroaches?" I knew I should have looked at Yelp before walking into this place, I knew it. Alas, I didn't and here we bloody well are. Yesterday, my friend and I were on our way to a dinner, but were a little early, so we decided to stop for a quick drink and a chat. Not being from the neighborhood, we just picked this place at random off the street. That was our first mistake. Because this place has a $10 minimum if you pay with a credit card, I decided to go for a scotch. I ordered a Dewar's (second mistake) with ice (third) and didn't pay too much attention to it as I took a few sips (you see where this is going). When I did look down into my drink, I noticed there were two small things floating it. Upon close inspection (and to my horror beyond all horrors), I noticed they were none other than: **TWO TEENY COCKROACHES** I know that was obnoxious, but I need people to read this for their own safety. Anyway, we told the older man - who was manning both the bar and the liquor store - then tried to pay for my friend's drink and leave. He didn't apologize for the incident, then tried to pour me another scotch from the same bottle (which I vehemently refused with words, hand gestures, and even backing away form the drink), and then CHARGED us for the scotch. In my opinion, if you're going make the skin crawl off the body of your patrons with your drinks, you should at least not charge them for it. Possibly apologize too? So, I know the stories about the prices at the liquor store are bad, but the bar is disgusting beyond belief - unless you want your drinks with a sprinkling of tiny critters. I mean, really. Is it that hard to clean? Or perhaps call the exterminator? I've already filed complaints with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the BBB. Dear heavens, please someone do something about this place. read more

To echo everyone else, customer service is not a strong suit at the Leland Tap. I went there on a Friday night with two friends, the place seemed quirky enough with an exposed brick wall and CNN on tv. Only one of us ordered something to start with cause we were still full from dinner. 15 minutes later we are ready and look around for the bartender/owner, but he was over at the liquor store side. We didn't mind, kept talking. He came back a little later and my friend said that we would all like a round of beer. He said no. I thought he was kidding, in a grandpa sort of way, but he was not. He started to exclaim that we were so rude, sitting there carrying on conversation while he was standing behind the bar purposely ignoring him, so he will not serve us girls. He did not ask us if we were going to order, he was just hanging out behind the bar, as bartenders do, and we were chatting. Keep in mind, there were only two other customers in the entire bar at 11pm on a Friday night. My one friend was very apologetic (not expecting to have been yelled at by him), and he kept repeating how we ignored him and no, we cannot have any beer. The other friend paid for her one beer and we left and went to Grafton Pub, which had a more interesting draft list and friendly service. read more

Roll back two weeks ago: We're having a great time, and run out of wine at my wedding. My brother and a friend run over to this store, and pick up 4 cases of wine-- 2 red, 2 white. The store employee scrambles to shove wine into boxes, and rings them up. Upon opening the boxes, we have 4 boxes of overpriced Chardonnay. Various wines, but all crappy, oaky, Chardonnay. I call the owner and explain what happened. All sales are final. I ask for an exchange, as a courtesy-- for less expensive wine. He tells me I wasn't there, that they got just what they asked for...and no, he does not want the wine back. I get "all sales are final" and can understand where he's coming from, but to be rude & accept no responsibility toward messing up the order is ridiculous. Anyone want some Chardonnay? I've got a few bottles to spare. read more

This liquor store is awesome. Yes its a mom and pop shop and it's been around for years for a reason.. first of all if you are so focused on customer service and you need that satisfaction of someone being nice to you when you purchase your liquor, then yea maybe you need to be running around trying to find the 'NICEST' liquor store owners EVER! haha,. but if you are like me, where things don't phase you and you want to be in and out and get your liquor, then this is a great place. Also, if you have no problem spending $10-$20-$30 on liquor, that .75 shouldn't really hurt you that bad.. but if it does, then yes bring cash. The older man that works there is extremely nice and funny. It's the old european traditional personality.. Don't be sensitive and take it personal, just be cool and he's cool with you. Personally, I think he is great, and he has been through different situations that have occurred in his liquor store that may make him more strict on his policies than others. I have no issue with that, if i was a business owner I would be the same way. In the end.. i love the store i love the bar, i love the family that runs these establishments. they have always been super cool with me, and I come here and get what i need, and I'm not sensitive enough to complain about a-z when my want is liquor, and when i go there, I purchase what i want and leave. at the end of the day i have my liquor they have their money and both parties are happy :) also, i'm a person who does exchange and return items, but I've never even thought of doing that at a liquor store, I've always kinda assumed all sales are final, that's typically how liquor stores are. read more

I'm not sure how places like this stay in business. Worst liquor store in the city. I stopped in to pick up some beer and wine before going to a friend's house for dinner. At first, the selection seems promising. However, they really don't carry anything you can't find at a hundred other places in Chicago and their prices are astronomical. As I was looking around, the old woman behind the counter was extremely irritated that I was taking more time than she apparently had to stand there and wait. She certainly didn't offer me any assistance. Me: Do you have any Rose besides the bottle in the cooler? Old woman: I don't know. Maybe. Ok then! I'm so sorry to have attempted to give you business. With the amount of dust on your wine bottles, you'd think you'd be happy to see a customer. Needless to say, avoid this overpriced dump. And the nasty people that run it. read more

Love this place. Quiet, not too crowded. It's a working liquor store and bar. So, you may have to wait for a drink, but, it comes with a smile and good conversation. This is a throwback, don't get confused with new bars. This place has been here for 50 years. Still kicking. Don't be confused by other reviews. This place is laid back. Built in the 1960's with the same mentality. Love this place! BTW, great old-school jukebox, packed with 60's through 90's some random indie thrown in. read more

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Regardless if this place is dead, you will have a fantastic time! They have practically any beer you want (since the liquor store is next door) and the owner is a very nice guy who will strike up a conversation with you if you let him. There's only a jukebox to get the music from, but if you're with some friends it won't matter anyway. This place is convenient and has some great history! read more

Great bar great atmosphere, this is a very good watering hole to visit. Family owned very friendly, I'm coming back to drink every time

Coming back from the German fest across the street, I was only waiting for someone that was using their bathroom while I waited in the bar area, some guy came up to me and asked for my ID and he made me feel like I was a criminal and I told him that I was just waiting for someone, but he wouldn't stop asking for my ID and then a buddy of his gang up on me and told me to leave, I hope the place loses business and closes down read more

This is the worst liquor store in Chicago. The selection is decent, but the craft beer is well over-priced and the owner and other workers are incredibly grumpy and rude. I'd rather buy beer from the 7/11 across the street. read more

Do yourself a favor and go to the liquor store half a block south, or any other. This is the worst liquor store I have ever been to. The owner is crazy. My husband bought a six-pack of beer and there was a weird charge on the receipt rung up separately from the beer. He politely asked what the charge was. The owner became enraged and started saying "you're not from Chicago! " When we said that indeed we were not originally from Chicago, he started yelling that we had clearly never bought beer in Chicago because it was a city tax. Then, after the transaction was complete, he said "Are you underage? Because you've never bought beer in Chicago before. This could be interesting. This could be interesting." Well, it wasn't, because we are 28 years old, and we have lived in Chicago for three years and bought beer many a time. Also, he charges extra for using credit cards. Wtf. We will never be back to Leland Inn Inc. read more

I used to go there all the time to get six packs of beer. Decent selection. Well, I knew the owner was kinda odd but it didn't bother me too much. A bit annoying at times though. I often look up new beers on my phone to see whats good and what isn't. He told me I wasn't allowed to and I had to put my phone away, harshly. It may not be a big deal but the guy needs to learn what customer service is and he crossed the line from odd to a guy I wont buy from again. Instead I go to a place that has slightly less selection but is ran buy a friendly group of Indians that never complain when I take forever on my phone to research. read more

A little like Grandpa's house, if Grandpa knows how to make a cocktail, store a few good brews and keep the jukebox stocked (and hopefully imbibes responsibly). A little rundown on the outside, but warm and homey on the inside. Everything is gonna be all right. Old fashioned prices, too. read more

Standard liquor store, from my experience, probably a bit better than most. Good beer selection. read more

I've been hesitant to patronize this bar because of all the negative reviews, but decided to give it a chance the other day because it was right next to Chubby Wieners and the weather was horrible. First off, I did not see any of those anti-cellphone signs that all the reviews talked about. Second, the owner was very friendly, if a bit clueless. But the drinks are some of the cheapest I've seen in Chicago. $5 pints of Half Acre and Revolution $4 imports such as Corona and Guinness , and $4.50 for craft bottles like nitro milk stout and metropolitan stout. They also have some $3 cocktails as well. I wish I had taken a picture of the menu. I am taking off one star because the bathrooms in the bar are locked and can't be used by customers...because beer doesn't make you pee or anything. All and all, if you're just looking for a cheap drink then this spot will do the trick. No one's going to beat you with a broom for having your cellphone out. read more

I came here on a dull night and was told by the grumpy old man that he couldn't make anything I asked. I asked what his specialty was and it was just beers. I guess that was fine, but he took decades to serve us our beers. It seemed like he could care less for anybody's business and wanted us out ASAP after we got our drinks. read more

I just want to back up Rachel, and Jessica. I stopped in for a 12 pack last night. Price 9.99. When I pulled out my debit card the crazy owner, became angry, and stated: "You not buying enough to use credit card!" I said: "What?" He forcefully tapped at a poorly drawn sign on his particle board counter top. "You need to buy $10 to use credit cards." He said, as if I were insulting his mother by trying to buy beer from him. "Its a penny." I replied dryly. Now he is losing it. "9.99 is NOT 10 dollars!" Again he pointed at his handmade sign. Sure enough, it said right on the sign: "9.99 is NOT 10 dollars!" "Okay..........I'll go somewhere else." I said. "Good!" He proclaimed and stormed off back to the seedy bar attached to this pit of a liquor store. Also, the place smells like urine. Do yourself a favor and head up the street to Cardinal Liquors. read more

I love this place, lets start off by saying this place is alway open, no matter if it is 7am or 1am, and not to mention Leland Liquors is OPEN every holiday, unlike Cardinal Liquors, if the in-laws are coming to town or it's a BYOB with the wife, Leland Liquors has been there. I think that everyone needs to look much further than a crabby old man, the beer selection is absolutely the best on the north side from micro beers on 6 packs 12 packs, and single bottles, I have lived in Lincoln Square for over 15 years and the beer selection at Leland only gets better, o yea and if you know of a good seasonal that's coming out, mention it, this store has brought in items they normally wouldn't, for the simple reason that they wanted a satisfied customers, and credit card minimums, wake up people all small businesses are implementing a standard charge, thank Rep. Dick Durbin, he took it to congress last year because small businesses like Leland Liquors were getting stampeded with Credit card processing fees and percentage rates. If you do not like it, CARRY CASH! OVERALL Leland Liquors serves it's purpose, it is a liquor Store, they have a great selection, and I hope others will join soon to add on to the positive this store brings to our neighborhood. I love you Leland Liquors, and yes even you crabby old man!!! read more

Despite bad reviews, I think the selection is legit, can always get the best beers. Guy that works there is funny. Old school greek guy.