Some bonehead in customer service thinks his crankiness is coming from the outside. I've been coming to Lake Placid regularly for 14 years. I've been in fine wine stores for several decades, as well as the finest restaurants in the world -- REALLY. The woman who is the owner has only ever been the nicest shop owner I've ever experienced. Fine recommendations, and a real concern for your personal tastes. Nothing but niceness. Any reviews to the contrary? The problem must be with the reviewer. And NO, Mr. Snarky, I'm not a friend of the family. In fact -- I am no particular friend at all. I'm only a very satisfied customer. 'Nuff Said. read more

Buying wine and whiskey here is a joy. If i am in a hurry i just ask whats best and off i go. If i have time to browse its a delight to wander, knowing whatever i buy will be tasty! read more

Horrible service. Very rude worker who refused to sell to us and wouldn't give us names of other liquor stores in the area that we could go to. Would never go back and i would never recommend this place to anyone. Selection is great but not worth the horrible customer service. read more

This review is for both the Smoking Cork and Stouts and Stogies as they are by the same owner. We first went to the Smoking Cork where we were accosted by the owner's poor and highly unprofessional attitude. I'm surprised by the other reviews. They called the staff personable. I'm not sure where they got that impression. Perhaps the other two may have been friends of the establishment, hence the positive reviews. From a tourist perspective my entire experience was horrible. The woman (who had identified herself as an owner) seemed to relish in belittling and insulting her customers. She was extremely condescending and seemed annoyed that her establishment was open at all. With snide remarks such as, why should (we) take time away from (our) son to keep both locations staffed... Or asking for my ID three times as if I was dumb or deaf, practically screaming at me. Seriously I would have left the item I was purchasing right there if I hadn't been with another person. They might have a great selection; I don't know as I felt completely unwelcome and I didn't want to spend another second looking around the store. To the woman owner behind the counter ... A bit of advice from one who has spent years in customer service, If you are angry, annoyed, upset leave it at home. If you want to have a successful business you have to be friendly, give service with a smile even if you don't feel like it. If your locals even get one tenth of the treatment as I received today you will not be in business long. read more

They got the goods! I'm not a connoisseur of fine liquors, but we often purchase items here for gifts. The staff is really knowledgeable, friendly, and super helpful with suggestions. They've yet to steer me wrong! read more

This is my go to liquor and wine shop while in lake placid. Its perfect size and has lots of amazing finds that you can't locate elsewhere in town. The prices are good and the staff is well educated on their products. Picked a great Rose out last week!! read more

Guy behind the counter at stouts and stogies pushed this "half growler" on me for $10. Turns out the container is only 750ml, nowhere near a half growler. What a ripoff. read more

The Smoking Cork - an old fashioned glass bottle - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lake Placid, New York

We visit Lake Placid a few times each year and every time our first stop is to stock up at the Smoking Cork and just across the hallway at Stouts and Stogies. As with a lot of the small family run shops in Lake Placid, the owners are almost always in the store and couldn't be friendlier and incredibly knowledgeable. While I typically don't ask for help in choosing a purchase (whatever it may be), this place surprised me with a few amazing recommendations and ever since I rely entirely on the staff for recommendations. They talk through your preferences and tastes and than come up with some fantastic choices, many of which are well below the price points I was searching for. This place truly is an embodiment of what we love most about Lake Placid and is the reason we come back time and time again. Top notch service, cheerful and friendly staff, the best quality you can ask for and an experience in and of itself. read more

Super, well curated wines - very personable owner behind the counter who was a big help in picking out a new Pinot noir for a snowy Friday night. I am planning on going back tomorrow to take a bottle of yumminess home to enjoy post hockey tournament! Cheers! read more

Stopping at The Smoking Cork (and Stouts & Stogies) in Lake Placid is a necessity when in the village. With a price point and a preference they can easily point you in the direction of something that won't let you down. If you are looking to branch out, just say something and they will be happy to give you several recommendations (all while staying within your price range). The owners are helpful and willing to help out with a suggestion or recommendation from their stores, a good hike in the area, or what's going on around town! read more