Otto's is my nearest liquor store and so I visit from convenience. What I've come to find is that it's a good store. They have quite a decent selection crammed into a small store. The staff is knowledgeable if you ask them, but they leave you alone if you don't ask for help. That's good and bad, because they never suggest or up-sell. I've asked about the same bourbon on every visit and no one has ever offered to put me on a wait list. Other shops would have seized the opportunity. The prices are competitive and the sales prices are excellent. The cameras and security guards are not welcoming and somewhat put a damper on the shopping experience. read more

Wait what, I've never reviewed this location yet have been shopping here for about a decade?! To be fair, I am usually getting the same things BUT they have good prices (sales often) for what I buy and lots of options if you want a selection. I'm not sure of the rules around this, but they will possibly order you something special if you request it and buy a case or if they see it as a possible selling item. The store is employee owned and it seems they don't have much turnover with employees which is a good sign. Another bonus? Covered parking which is nice in inclement weather and just because no one wants to find street parking. Sometimes the lot can be busy at peak hours but they get people in and out quickly. Remember to pull up as close as possible to the wall or people can't get through. They also have security guards at night for sure, mostly because of thefts in the past but I've never seen anything weird happen when shopping. Ott's on Oakland is most certainly my go to liquor store because they have the best prices and selection combined in the area. read more

Otto's is our local liquor destination. Why do I use the word destination you ask? They literally have EVERYTHING! From less expensive options to high end, liquor to beer to mixers to bitters, there isn't anything beverage related that we have had to go elsewhere for after a stop at Otto's! My best pro-tip for Otto's is that they often have sales on some of the higher-end liquors, you just have to be on the lookout for their neon sale signs posted on the price tag of the shelf. We have scored some great deals on Oban, Casadores, Grey Goose and Glenfiddich in the past, so you can't go wrong there. The checkout staff has always been super friendly, but there is a gentleman there who can be a little gruff sometimes - when asked where I can find something or if he can unlock a cabinet so I can access a bottle, I have been met with "well it is over there on that shelf so you can get it yourself" comment, which was slightly off-putting, but also, very accurate at the same time. Don't forget that the parking lot is a one way -- enter off of Oakland, angle park, and then exit into the alley! read more

What an amazing selection at this unassuming liquor store. Terrific prices on high end tequila, bourbon, and other spirits. Eclectic wine selection with tons of hidden treasures. I like that they also provide the placards for wine enthusiast reviews where appropriate - some serious bargains in here if you are knowledgeable about standard pricing on spirits, many of which were 20-35% off of any other store I've ever seen. Great find if you overlook the gruff charm - if what you care about is a terrific selection at some amazing prices, this place absolutely has it. read more

Please don't advertise free merch / glassware with purchase if your employees don't know where the merch / glassware is. This has happened to me twice in the last month, you owe me 2 Terrapin glasses and 1 special edition New Belgium glass. I'm done spending my money here. read more

Awesome selection. Super duper comprehensive. Huge wine selection, killer beer choices, any type of liquor you could want. Anything, really. Some weird eau de vie? Fernet Branca? Bear Republic and Rogue beers and Silver Oak Cellars' wines? Ruffino Chianti Classico? Wait! Arg! does. not. compute. It's strange. I mean, for being near a college, their selection is amazingly amazing. But they're oft thought of as a college liquor store. But they're doing it right. Though, Otto's is not organized terribly well. In fact, it's kind of confusing. I think its proximity to UWM means that Otto's makes a killing off of cheap beer and cheap booze, but they also stock awesome. I like it, don't get me wrong. My brain just doesn't know how to make sense of it all. Does. Not. Compute. (... in a good way.) read more

This liquor store has a huge selection. You can probably find anything you need here. I could have used some more signage because I wasn't sure where everything was. On a bumpin' Saturday night, though, they have plenty of staff and they knew exactly which direction to point me and other customers. I like that they have a covered parking lot but it's cramped and the spaces are terrifyingly small. read more

Noice! been going to ottos off and on for like 5 years now. always great prices, good selection of sake and whisky, always helpful staff if you ask question. 20 bucks for a bottle of jack, cant go wrong there read more

Let me be honest....this place is getting 5 STARS because I drove all over Glendale & Shorewood looking for Ciroc Coconut & they were the only place to have it.....score! Besides that....they have an incredible selection of liquor, beer & wine. I couldn't believe all the choices I had at a place that's considered a college liquor store. Otto's go all out - they had everything I needed that night and in the future as well. Otto's has found another loyal customer in me for sure. The people who worked in their were very friendly and made it a warm environment - I know not what you expect at your neighborhood liquor store haha. read more

I lived in Milwaukee during my time studying in the MA philosophy program at UWM. Otto's is the place I would always go for beer and wine--they have a great selection of both (and their prices are better than other nearby liquor stores!). Their specialty bottles of beer seemed to rotate seasonally; I always liked perusing the beer aisle to see what they had in. My favorite is when they have Avery's Maharaja and Alpine's Duet. Also, the staff is always friendly, and they are helpful if you have questions. Sadly, tonight is my last night living in Milwaukee. But I am enjoying a 3 Sheep's Waterslides thanks to Otto's! read more

DISCLAIMER: I am making my review solely on the beer side of things. I've never been a wine person, and liquor and I had a nasty falling out years ago (I got to keep my liver in the divorce, thankfully), so I really can't speak to those aspects of Otto's. With the explosion of interest in craft beer, a benefit is that you can find a few decent selections pretty much anywhere you go, including your local Pick 'N Save. So why go elsewhere? Well, for the special stuff. You know, the Bourbon County Stouts, the Central Waters specialties, the Hopslam, and the like. The stuff that the chains won't keep. What's helpful is that Otto's usually has what I'm looking for even when all the other craft beer vendors around the city are sold out. They have competitive pricing and a very decent selection. On their beer selection, there's a good amount to chose from without being overwhelming, and the lack of stock means that the beer is always fresh (or at least I've found it that way). And the staff is always very helpful to make a recommendation if you're looking to stray from the beaten path. If it was possible, I'd take off half a star for their parking situation. While they have a dedicated parking lot (a plus on the East Side), the spots are *very* cramped and near pillars, which always makes me afraid I'm going to hit my door on them getting in and out. I'd totally make Otto's my go-to shop if it wasn't a bit out of the way for me. But don't worry, I'll be back! read more

I'm here so often they know me (but still ID me every time!), which is probably not something to brag about with Wisconsin's binge-drinking record, but this is my favorite liquor store in the city. Their prices are unbeatable and their selection is fantastic. They have parking, helpful employees, and a convenient location. Within the past month or so, they've done some reorganizing and it's a fantastic improvement. Even if I'm not even on this side of town, I'll usually make the trip over here because it's so worth it. read more

My go-to place for ALL THAT IS beer, liquor, and wine. I live about four blocks away from Otto's, which is basically the main reason but they also have a really good selection of beers and wines. Killer selection and I find that they are usually cheaper than say a Pick-n-Save or Kensington Liquor in Shorewood. Otto's does an decent job at organization, which is good because you can be in and out in less than a minute and dodge the craziness that is 9:00 rush to the nearest liquor store. Oh, and they I.D. Every time. I get the same cashier every time, the dude with the white beard. He's cool. Always friendly staff. Gets my approval of best liquor store in MKE. read more

This is my go-to spot for a great beer selection and reasonable prices. The covered parking is nice when it is raining or snowing outside.

This place is a very impressive liquor store. They have a fabulous selection, great specials, discount bins, and great service. The beer selection is very impressive. You can buy by the case etc or they have a selection where you can pick individual bottles to make a six pack. The hours are typical except for Sundays, that sucks because they are only open till 6. read more

I just love Otto's. Everything from their wonderful selection at fair prices (including my favorite and a somewhat-hard-to-find Wittekerke) to the awesome guy with the long grey beard (who is always smiling with his eyes). The employees overall have great knowledge of their stock and if they can't help you, they will find someone who can. My only complaint (which as you can see by my rating is not big at all) is the parking. I know they do the best they can but that parking garage sucks...I'm over it, it is the east side. read more

Otto's in one of the Milwaukee area's great liquor stores. Now that says a lot right there, doesn't it? Otto's has a great selection of both beer and liquor. Not as extensive as some of the others but you won't have an issue finding several items to match your interests. This was the go-to shop when I was an undergrad at UWM and it still is today. If you go here late on a Friday or Saturday the beer section will be crowded and there will be a line. Wine selection is good, with a range from table on up. If you have something particular in mind you may not find it but if you keep your options open you won't be disappointed. Service is typically very good and friendly. You don't see a lot of people on the floor helping out as you will at Discount or Consumer but if you ask a question you'll get an answer. If you are under 40 there's a decent chance you'll be carded. These folks are pros when it comes to fake IDs and they have the trophies to prove it. read more

Let's make this simple. It's a liquor store for goodness sake. + Lots of beer to choose from Good representation of Wisconsin products in all booze departments Bike rack outside Parking is convenient if there are spots still left. Otherwise you have to park on the street. - Low amount of the beer is refrigerated You have to ask for limited edition stuff. Oftentimes it behind the counter. They do bottle limits for rare beers (as all good shops should do). read more

Ottos Wine Trickery at Shelf Level 100% of the on shelf Wine labels ( Eleven) in Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that promoted a "90 Point or 92 Point Wine of a Brand and it's Year.....the year of that wine advertised as 90 points was not on the shelf. Other years of that brand were on the shelf. As anyone that knows wine even a little recognizes the year of a high point rating matters with a wine. This is total deception. I spoke to an owner Melanie Rochelle at check out and she just shrugged her shoulders. Beware! read more

I love the electronic doors. They're so OLD! Once your eyes adjust (see Joe vs the Volcano), it's all good. Easy to navigate. Good selection of whatever gets distributed to MKE. Save a few bucks on the staples. Helpful/friendly staff, in general. (I especially enjoy the older, mannerful gentleman.) I'll dock a star for the inevitable fender-bender, in the "parking lot". When it becomes kitsch, I'll add it back. read more

Fantastic store with the finest selection of booze from ALL classes. Great selection of beer, wine, spirits and other stuff to get you really drunk. Decent hours and they have a large parking lot. Great service too! read more

I was on the email list for a long time. You would get some pretty great deals. I feel like there was a change in management and the customer service aspect really changed as well. The store seems disorganized and cluttered now as well. read more

Shopping for a xmas gift for a friend--Nice selection-Good prices and everyone on the staff was so nice and friendly.Best thing was they have gift boxes for the liquor bottles--Great experience . read more

Good prices, great selection. Not always the most helpful, but still an institution.

I thought this was place was okay. I bought several items that were on sale and did not ring up with the lower price, so I would watch all the prices as they ring them up! read more

Excellent liquor and beer selection at good prices. Parking is convenient and free. Staff is friendly, knowledgable and helpful. Great place to go to. read more

Don't bother walking in if you're not 21, even if you're not buying (with parents or a friend) came from Chicago to hang with a friend and she wanted to walk in so I followed and at the counter was asked to show my ID, told them I wasn't buying just with my friend and was told I would be let go this first time even though there's no sign that says don't walk in even with your friends/family who are 21. Told my male friends about this (who walked in prior to being 21 as well) and this had never happened to them. read more

I was ID'd 3 separate times in one visit to this store. There was no communication between staff. All the requests for identification slows down transactions and makes you feel like they don't want you in the store. Just ID upon entry and the problem is fixed. There is no point in shopping at this liquor store when hundreds of others aren't this ridiculous. read more

My favorite liquor store in Milwaukee! Great selections for a deal. I was so pleased to meet Jessica, who is extremely knowledgeable on champagne - she helped me pick out some fabulous bottles, all in-budget. Thanks again, Otto's! read more

Love this place!! They have everything you could possibly think of, and if they don't (I requested a micro brew) they will order it. Their prices are competitive and I think lower then any other place on the area. They also have great staff. I love going in and chatting to the man with the long beard and the lady that works Sunday morning/afternoon. read more

For the most part, Ottos takes care of a diverse range of tastes. They have cheap beer when the moment calls for a 30-pack of Red Dawg. They have local beer for cheaper than the rest of the neighborhood too. They stock an impressive amount of wine and spirits, and have a good amount of deals. Plus, it's convenient and close. Good in all categories read more

Poor service. Many other better stores within walking distance. Very unfriendly staff. You won't catch me here anymore, that's for sure! It seemed as though they were actively trying not to sell to me.. looked at my i.d. for about five minutes, then told me they wouldn't sell to me as they thought I was selling to minors. Not sure why they thought that, but they won't be missed! read more

Great liquor store. The prices here are great. I have not found better yet. Also the reason I give this place 5 stars is anytime I have come in the store I am greeted by an employee looking to help and wow can I say these people know what they are talking about. On one occasion I got a whole history of champagne, and to find out the lady helping me is a sommelier. Umm yes I love to learn from people who know what they are talking about. read more

I would avoid this place like the plague, especially if you have a legal, out of state ID. This place takes great joy in confiscating IDs they suspect are fake. It wouldn't surprise me if the owner of this store made the employees take a rigorous, 12 week class describing the history and changes of IDs in America spanning 1920 - 2014. During my first week in Milwaukee, I went to purchase alcohol at Otto's Wine and Spirits as it is conveniently located 5 minutes away from my house. They required an ID from both a friend and I, who is also from the same state (MI). After looking at both our IDs (which are exactly the same style), they were wary about mine. The employee opens up a jank book, which apparently lists what every ID from every state should look like (most likely assigned reading from the owner himself), and compares it to my ID. From my ID to the book, there was a subtle difference, which resulted in the confiscation of my legal ID. Keep in mind that IDs are changing from year-to-year. Now, I get it. They want to prevent kids under 21 from buying alcohol. Fine. But here's the kicker. This one star rating comes from what they did afterwards. At no point, did they request to see other forms of identification. Credit card, college ID (from Michigan), hell, even my library card has the same city on it as my ID. Why not step outside and look at my car license plate? At this point, I had to call the police to get my legal ID back. The cops got a kick out of the employees too. As he entered, she told him my ID didn't match the books and said it was a fake, to which he promptly replied "I'll be the judge of that". Turns out it was real and I got my ID back. I received no apology, no compensation for the ordeal and my 1 hour wait for the cops. Nothing. In fact, when I asked to talk to the manager, I told him I was new to the city and I'm never shopping at this place again. He told me "Good. See you never." I didn't catch the name of this gentleman, but he was an older, bearded-fellow. In my 2.5 years of living in Milwaukee, I have not had another problem with my Michigan ID. I recommend choosing ANY other liquor shop on Oakland avenue for your adult beverage needs. read more

Oh Otto's, we have a history don't we? I used to live close and your convenience and relatively low prices (UWM standard mark-up) made for a good thing! I liked us...I did. Sadly, your store no longer does it for me...The staff here tends to treat me like an underage thief. I am neither. I only wander your aisles because the layout does not make sense...not because I am searching for a break in your lingering gaze to hustle some booze. I am sorry that when I intended to purchase a bottle of wine for a girls night in that I had no idea my friend's drivers license had just expired (& due to the month+ wait for the new dmv version) that NEITHER of us would be able to purchase alcohol despite having multiple forms of ID verifying both our ages...I understand the need for precautions but outright denial of service is insulting. You're not the only good deal in town Otto's and while you remain in a mentality of adventatious freshman booze-mongering, I have moved on. read more

Horrible service. Refused to sell to me at all, even with my ID and being a frequent coustomer. Will not go again.