As luck would have it, I was in the area and decided casually to see if there were any good beer spots. Universal wasn't too far, and Yelp informed me of the amazing craft beer selection. When I pulled up, I have to admit, I felt i must have been punked. The outside looks just like any liquor and beer store. And even the first few aisles are pretty standard. But head to the back, and you'll find an amazing array of local and just damn good craft beers. I wish more of the hoppy ones could be consistently cold, but that would be challenging given the supply. (Most of these breweries print a canned date on them, so be sure to check.) I've never seen so much Other Half besides at the brewery itself, and they even had a 4-pack of a semi-obscure brewery in the central Connecticut that I adore. Can't wait for another excuse to come by. read more

Universal Beverage - Unassuming beer store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Carle Place, New York

Seen one beverage store and you've seen em all...well, that can be mostly true, and thinking that I'm going to be contradictory to that opening statement is incorrect. Yes, Universal Beverage is no different from your run of the mill beverage stop...in most ways. You understand what I'm talking about if you've frequented spots like this. Ya know, any place with "beverage" in the name that has an ice freezer and plenty of sodas and waters and drinks and such. Though where the money truly lies is in the walls and walls of craft beers that these stores supply. Problem is, just like with Universal, some of these beers generate a shelf life much longer than they're intended to have (i.e. dust covered bottles). Therein lies the major turnoff of any place like this. BUT, I have to return to the first paragraph and say that Universal differs from many other spots for one huge reason: Other Half. Maybe this means very little to some avid beer drinkers (especially if IPAs aren't your thing) and perhaps there are a few craft beer aficionados that shun OH (for whatever reason), but for me (and many others), Other Half has consistently been a quintessential brewery in the NY suds scene as they continue to dole out glorious beers week after week. My issue comes from the fact that I could never consistently lay my hands on some cans of OH without trekking to the brewery...until now. You see, Universal carries a massive selection of Other Half beer. I was amazed to see how many cases lined the floor by one corner of this small beverage storefront. Though true amazement came once I learned that OH had just released cans the day before and lo and behold, Universal had them in stock the very next day. Better yet, prices are the same as if you got the cans straight from the brewery. No uptick in prices which is extremely hard to beat. This trio of facts alone earns several Yelp stars for Universal Beverage. I'll move away from Other Half factor for a moment and give Universal a little more credit for their beer selection. They do indeed get a pretty eclectic and hard to find variety of beers from local spots and other areas that can be difficult to come by. A small case in point would be my desire to track down the Warhead sour beers from Artisanal Brew Works. There they were, sitting on the shelf when I first walked into UB. Though not that exotic it was still a great first impression to say the least. I will throw one other caveat out there with this place. Unlike many beverage stores that are all for you mixing and matching single cans, Universal tends to gear themselves at keeping things in the 4-6 packs that they are purchased in. This isn't necessarily a problem (especially for those that just gotta have some Other Half or something else of rarity and want the four cans the way they come), but I can't help but shake the fact that a few cans didn't make it into my beer fridge because I only wanted one, and that just wasn't an option here. Just a good piece of info to know. Overall, Universal Beverage is really nothing spectacular to look at. It's almost hole-in-the-wall-esque from its size and pushed back location on Westbury Avenue. But it's the treasures of knowing just what you can find there (specifically, but not limited to, Other Half) which puts this place on the map. I'll most certainly be back as I continue to follow them on Instagram as I wait for the posts of new cans they get in stock. Follow them too (the owner will be happy to know you're checking them out online) and perhaps you'll see a post that makes you venture to Universal Beverage for something rare...or just Other Half. Either way you'll be glad you went. read more

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I always took this place for granted. I would stop here all of the time over the years to pick up a quick 12 pack before going out or to stock my fridge. The more I went, and the more I drank, I started to realize just how amazing it is. They easily have the best selection of beer I've seen, and I've been to plenty of beer distributors. They get rare and hard to come by beers all of the time. They have great prices too! Other Half in Brooklyn is one of my favorite breweries but were only sold at the brewery. Universal Beverage sells their beer at brewery prices! That alone is a reason to go but beyond that they have an incredible selection of beer from around the world. Local craft brews and the big names too. This went from just a local beer spot to the only spot I go to! read more

Universal Beverage - a variety of cans of beverage - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Carle Place, New York

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This one of the best craft beer/cider spots in Nassau. The selection is great and the customer service they provide is as much or as little as you want and is very knowledgeable. Many options available as singles which I love as it lets you try different options without paying for a 4 or 6 pack. They use Instagram to communicate about new items in the store. It has a small parking lot that has yet to ever be full on my many visits. read more

Simply one of the best local selections of craft beer. Returned today for my 3rd official visit and when I checked in realized I haven't reviewed yet. My bad as I should be getting the word out! Family owned , knowledgeable and accommodating. I got an alert today on Beer Menus that they received fresh Common Grounds Time DDH APA- checked it out on Beer Advocate and knew it was a must try. Delicious, easy drinking APA at a bargain price for a single. Picked up a few singles including a DIPA from Night Owl for another day. Oh - free pint glasses with each YELP check in - for friends as this snob prefers Tekus and chalices! read more

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No, your GPS isn't messing with you - this place is seeming situated right inside a residential neighborhood! if you can manage to snag one of the handful of spots in the front, this place is a goldmine for great beers and friendly service, and the two times I've been here, I ended up walking out with some free beer-related swag - thanks! read more

I have been coming here for years unfortunately today they did not have what I wanted read more

Universal Beverage - the outside of a convenience store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Carle Place, New York

Easily one of the best bottle shops in Nassau county! Moved into the neighborhood recently and stumbled onto this place with little expectation. We were blown away! Fresh drops from some of the best local breweries. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful! Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place! read more

I was born and raised on Long Island. Live now in Indiana. Visiting my Mom for Mother's Day. Before heading back, I wanted to stock up on some local craft brews. Universal Beverage did not disappoint. I'm going home stocked for some summer fun with a variety Montauk, Blue Point and Brooklyn Brewery bevvies. read more

This place is fabulous. The owner is super knowledgeable, passionate about beer, and welcoming, the prices are great, and the beer selection is legit (super local, big craft brands, international, etc). It's not the biggest store in the world, but they pack a lot into a small space - I think it's by far the best beer store in the area, better than any of the other, bigger shops. My husband and I are big craft beer nerds, and this place is our go-to whenever it's time to stock up. For those who like macro, they have that, too! read more

A very good selection of beers at first glance and then you notice how many of them are old/out of date. Plus, whoever is working the register is usually just watching the televison and not real helpful. On top of that the prices are HIGH, as in 25% to 50% more than other beer distributors in the area. It's not bad but it's definitely not what it could be. Sad. read more

THIS PLACE ROCKS!!! Outstanding customer service from the extremely helpful and knowledgeable owner and his staff. The store is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. They easily possess one of the largest varieties of craft beers in Nassau Cty., and it would take most of the afternoon to just read the names of half of what they have on their shelves. I was thrilled b/c I found a beer I was certain was dc'd when the other stores I checked stated that they "couldn't get it" anymore. Eddie, the owner, told me they hadn't had it for awhile, but he bought plenty when it became available again. He also said they offer perks, promotions, tastings, etc. So, needless to say, they'll be seeing plenty of me in the future. read more

What a store! Incredible selection of craft beers. I showed up knowing I wanted the evil twin imperial biscotti beer but couldn't find it among their massive selection of beers. The lady behind the desk was very nice and directed me to where they had it. I was then going to grab the stone ipa and she redirected me to what she thinks is a better ipa by the same company. After, and she proceeded to take me around the store giving recs for other ipas to try. As I was checking out I showed her the Yelp coupon for a free mug. I expected her to roll her eyes but she instead smiled and pulled out a nice drinking glass Overall great experience. This will be my new go to place! read more

Universal Beverage - Decent price for some high quality beer! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Carle Place, New York

Love the place only bad thing it's so far from my home,they have a great selection of porters,stouts and Imperial bourbon stouts and they have great prices read more

Fantastic selection and great staff. The first time I walked in and saw their assortment, I found three beers I'd been looking for that I could never find between four other local and not-so-local distributors, so when I told the owner Edward that I was coming there from then on, he gifted me a beautiful Weizen/Pilsner glass as a thank you for my first visit and purchase. Now I only come here. Always friendly staff, great selection, and I get a real feeling of being valued as a customer. I work retail and I know how valuable that can be to attain return customers. I've taken suggestions that I'd never have tried on my own and found some amazing brews, and even beer types that I really love as a result, so I havent been steered wrong once. With such excellent customer service I feel inclined to be an excellent customer. Thanks again guys. Oh and sign up for a Belly card if you intend to come back often. Checking in on the tablet at the register earns you points that can be redeemed for rewards like glassware and mugs or discounts off your purchase, so that's a nice perk too. Much love, Universal Beverage. read more

Don't make the same mistake I did. Lived near here for 2 years, never stopped by. Went in today and saw the greatest assortment of beers ever. If there's a hard to find beer, chances are they'll have it. They have a plethora of fruity beers (grapefruit, black cherry, watermelon, etc.), six packs of sapporo, and big 1 pt beers from Rogue, Brooklyn, and others. They are also SUPER nice and extremely helpful! That is the ultimate selling point for me. Everyone in the store was laughing and having a good time. I am so mad at myself for not coming here earlier, but at least I know about it now! read more

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Easily one of the best selections of craft beer in Nassau County. If you enjoy drinking obscure microbrews, this is your place. Not to be missed. Eddy, the owner, is also the man. Not many nicer people around. read more

LOVVVVE Universal Beverage!!! I am truly grateful that this place is just down the street from my house! Has the BEST selection of beer around- you can literally find anything! Greatly appreciate they always have my Kona seltzers in stock. My fiancé and I made it part of our routine to stop here every time on our way out to the beach and fill up the cooler. And it comes in klutch whenever we throw house parties, which is pretty often. Our friends always walk down and come back raving about the awesome prices. Last I just want to say that the owner is super nice - he's helped me a bunch of times with my selections and even took the initiative to find me a hidden 12 pack in the back freezer to save me money when he noticed I was buying two 6 packs of the same beer! This place is a gem and one of the perks I always mention to people in regards to where I live. Definitely check it out! read more

I was not to thrilled today when looking for a particular brew. I was able to find the brew I was looking for. As i reached for the IPA he said you can only buy 1. Me knowing i was only buy an 8pack, because this brew only comes in a 4 pack, that was all i wanted. As I placed the IPA back he said your not going to buy, i explained to him, its no worth it. One 4 pack dosen't cut it. Im only buying an 8 pack. If you only bought a certain amount that's on the person who asked for the amount. You shouldn't be telling someone whose looking to buy an IPA only allowed 1 4 pack. You will lose customers that way, and you lost my business. Luckily there was another place not to far that let me buy the 8 pack IPA I wanted to buy from your store. Im sorry i will not be coming back read more

A good selection, but unfortunately, they don't do mixer sixers. Thankfully, the service is good and they update on Beer Menu so you can check out their seleciton before you show up. read more

This place is great. Great selection, nice owners and reasonably priced. I'm a picky beer lover being from COLORADO and love to try local craft brews as much as possible. These guys have a great selection of NY and especially Long Island beers. Easy to find using the Waze app. I'll definitely be back! read more

My brother is a beer snob and we have gone into this shop several times now. The selection is good and the also seem to update what they offer on beer menus which is important. The woman behind the counter is super client friendly and is full of knowledge. If she isn't the owner she should get a raise because she makes the place user friendly and worth coming to. read more

This is one of the cleanest beer stores I've been too. The selection is vast, and have many racks of hard to find craft beer. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and always have great recommendations. If you ask for something in particular that they don't have in stock, they will get it for you , haven't let me down yet. Definitely check out their beermenus to see the selection, which is updated almost daily. read more

WOW - this is a BEER PARADISE for beer lovers - I did not count the different beers. but there were at least 70!!! I bought St. Pauli Girl beer, which is actually a beer from Bremen, Germany - but it is not sold there, only produced for export. Therefore, I have to re-import it in my luggage and hope my clothes will not smell of beer and I smell like a drunk! read more

This company has a knowledgeable, helpful and FUN staff, and provides an excellent selection of products. The growler varieties alone would satisfy any beer lover, and there's usually a cider in the mix. Try some samples - you won't be disappointed. read more

Great Place and prices , They had me try Heady Topper Best Beer ever