What is the deal with the local wine/ liquor stores? We've got 'em (STD, which is the best name ever, and Jobby) but they seem to stock randomly. Generally we find the selection is Yellow Tail although we did get familiarized with Smoking Loon from Jobby. Anyway, we're not big drinkers but enjoy a glass with dinner and typically want it cheap (have you been to Trader Joe's Wine store?). We're certainly not wine snobs and post this probably because we lack any real working knowledge of wine besides we like it or don't... really, we like to be able to go somewhere and ask but find that hard at these two places. What has been the consensus with the wine stores? Any good brands at either location we should try... anything we should steer clear of? You think if we asked for them to start bringing in VRAC or Goats do Roam they'd do it?
Jobby on E3rd St. near Church Ave.
STD on Church Ave. near McDonald (down from Subway)
9 comments:
I'm not a big fan of three buck chuck, but if these other brands are cheap and tasty then feel free to ask- I'm sure they'd do it.
Jobby apparently had a hold-up some years back where the owner was killed hence the bullet proof glass everywhere. I find the atmosphere and service aloof in there.
It sounds worth asking about ordering certain brands, just to know.
I usually walk to 7th avenue and 15th street (a 20-25 minute walk and a nice one! ... then take the bus back) and go to the wine store there, truthfully, or shop when i'm out in other neighborhoods. I have not tried the wine store on church avenue.
I've been to Jobby exactly once, for good reason. Chaotic display and poor selection have kept me from going back. And they make you feel like a criminal for walking in the place.
The one on Church just west of McDonald is good in a pinch and has a decent liquor selection. But the wine selection seems to run to either really cheap or overpriced. And it's not stored well, so if you get something out of the ordinary, it may have been around awhile.
I use my 4-pack wine tote and hit Astor Wines on the way home. It's the only way to go!
There's a liquor store on Ditmas btw 2nd and 3rd-ish that is OK. However, the best wine store in the area (by far) is TB Ackerson's on Cortelyou in Ditmas Park. If you're hoofing it all the way to the slope or manhattan for wine, it's worth the trek across OP. They are a relatively new store and I think are still building up their supply, but they do wine tastings, and co-ordinate events with the Farm on Adderly. Though it's one 'hood away, I still consider it supporting a local business!
STD liquors wine selection is actually pretty good in the European and south American varieties. Spanish Riojas, Italian Pinot Grigio's, Prosecos, also many types of French reds and whites. Good domestic varieties are harder to find though. And don't bother to ask about the wine. You won't get too much help. Its also a great place to buy Russian vodka. basically I think it's a store that caters to the makeup of the neighborhood. So if you stick with the cultural strengths STD is a decent store. If you travel to the Slope for wine then try Big Nose Full Body on 7th south west of the subway. Those guys know their wine!
anon 12:09
I usually go to Full Nose but would like to start using STD. I think if we all start going (and asking for things we like) the selection would change a bit (hope hope) while still catering to its current crowd. Any specific brands names etc you would recommend?
red white & bubbly on 5th ave
Try Concha y Torro from Chile or their other brand, Xplorador. They're nice merlot or cab savs. Caliterra is another S.American brand to try. Oxford Landing is a nice Australian brand, too. Gallo now has a line of nicely made affordable lines, not the nasty jug stuff.
Pk Slope has a wine/liquor store on 5th Ave around 14th St, I think. The prices are more reasonable than those on 7th and while the proprietors don't necessarily know as much about wine as the 7th Ave types, they do put info from Wine Spector & Robert Parker to help explain.
In Manhattan I go to Wine Warehouse on B'way south of 8th St. They have a knowledgable staff who will help you with selection/price, etc. I always pick up a few bottles when I'm in the area, if they delivered, I'd be in heaven.
Have you ever seen the lady in Jobby climb the wall to get something on the tippy top? It was the middle of the summer and she was STill wearing 2 pairs of glasses and the wool hat! (sorry, I just couldn't resist)
STD will stock something if you want it. The owner was there once and said he orders by request but he never seems to be there.
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