Best Liquor Stores In Chicago

In recent years, Chicago has seen a blossoming of boutique wine, beer and liquor stores throughout the city. No longer do the large warehouse stores or corner shops dominate sales. In nearly every neighborhood, residents can find inviting storefronts with interesting designs and knowledgeable staff, welcoming customers in and sharing tasting experiences with them, making the best liquor stores in Chicago also great places to hang out.

Binny's Beverage Depot

3000 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-9400
www.binnys.com

Binny's is the go-to place for every liquor need. If Binny's doesn't carry it, it's unlikely you'll find it elsewhere in the city. Over the years, store owners have taken some lessons from their competition (even buying some of them out) and started focusing on raising their game with the non-liquor side of sales. Today many Binny's locations feature gourmet groceries, cheese shops, walk-in humidors and other add-ons. While not as charming as some of the boutique stores in town, Binny's can be counted on to serve your every liquor need.

Lush Wine and Spirits

1257 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 738-1900
www.lushwineandspirits.com

Although Lush carries a fine selection of all types of liquor, they excel at wine. Offering an outstanding selection, Lush holds free tastings on Sundays, which are guided by an expert in the field. Can't make it then? Lush is so dedicated to selling you exactly the bottle of wine you need that they'll willingly uncork one any day of the week to share their wares with you, their customer. The staff are skilled in helping people find just what they need, without any pressure to buy. Still, don't be surprised when you find yourself signing up for the Lush wine club.

Printer's Row Wine Shop

719 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 663-9314
www.printersrowwine.com

This South Loop neighborhood shop specializes in both beer and wine, with an emphasis on seasonal brews and an eclectic selection of wine. You can also find snacks and cigars on sale here, and wine tastings are a specialty. If you are in the market for boutique wines and specialty beer, Printer's row is the place to go.

West Lakeview Liquors

2156 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 525-1916
www.westlakeviewliquors.com

What began as a small corner joint has flourished, and today West Lakeview Liquors is one of the best places to buy liquor in Chicago. Although the wine selection is nice, the real reason to visit West Lakeview Liquors is the outstanding selection of beer (recognized by the Chicago Reader in 2010 as the best beer selection in town). The store also sells gourmet groceries, including bread brought in fresh each day. Beer and wine tastings are held on a regular basis.