Visited yesterday and bought some specialty sodas. I understand carding for beer etc but I was carded for purchasing soda. They asked for me and my girlfriends ID. I asked "why do you need my girlfriends ID if she isn't purchasing anything?" She went on to tell us that it's her store policy and that she would be fired for not doing it. Seems like a pathetic Attempt to collect customer data and if so BE HONEST! nothing worse than a bunch of paranoid employees being scared into lying to and invading privacy of patrons. You've lost my business. read more

BevMo is.... BevMo - they're all the same in my experience, except for maybe each store's size. The fact is that they are a warehouse-type store, and most other warehouses (i.e. CostCo or something) are associated with bulk buying because of their significantly cheaper prices. Well...hate to tell ya - the prices are not cheaper at BevMo. I've found cheaper wine (obviously) at Von's (exact same wine brand/variety) or even some drugstores, to be frankly honest with you. But for some odd reason, because of its' warehouse-appearance, just when you're in the mood for some alcohol, it's like, BOOM!! A BevMo instantly appears and there's that small part of your consumer brain that thinks, "well.. just maybe they are becoming a true warehouse store, and they've wised up and lowered their prices....," only to be disappointed, yet again. It's like dealing with a bad ex- or something - It's always the same and their was a reason you broke up with them, even though you keep coming back for more - hoping they've changed. But the only person who can change oneself is oneself. And BevMo is BevMo anywhere in the US - it is what it is. read more

This is not really a review of the BevMo itself, but of Elaine -- the catering and delivery manager at this location. She coordinated two really complicated and last minute deliveries for me with such calm and grace. Everything was perfect and it was all because of her organization and follow-through. I really appreciate it when an employee of a large chain goes above and beyond (this doesn't happen very often). Thanks Elaine!! read more

Considering that this place is in the heart of wine country I expected a good wine selection. I was disappointed with the liquor, beer and wine selection offered, and they didn't have any chilled bottled water. Somehow this Bevmo failed to provide any of the items we were in search of and have found at other Bevmos regularly. I've been more impressed by most local liquor stores than this particular Bevmo. read more

Good: Big selection of BOTH wines and spirits, some great prices on specials, rarely have to wait in line, okay selection of chilled white wines. Cons: need to know what you're buying as some prices are rip-offs, annoying "Club Card" system, terrible parking, staff that pretends they know what they're talking about when they don't. All-in-all a decent alternative for booze shopping in Santa Barbara, but don;t think you're getting a great bargain just because they tell you you are. TJs has more consistent pricing while you can find better sale bargains at many establishments. But, for a change it's great and some of their specials really are good...but just some. Ge sure to get the "free" club card or you will be ripped off. read more

Stopped by to pick up some beer & wine on the way to a dinner party. After waiting in line the clerk at the register carded my girlfriend and I (who are both in our thirties). I produced my ID but my girlfriend had left her purse at home. The clerk said she couldn't complete my purchase because my girlfriend didn't have her ID. My girlfriend said she would leave the store so that I could finish the purchase. That would have been fine, but the clerk seemed paranoid and said that I also had to leave the store and could come back no less than 20 minutes later or else they wouldn't sell me anything. Absolutely ridiculous! I was not about to stand around waiting in the parking lot for 20 minutes because of some arbitrary policy. We ended up shopping elsewhere and were 45 min late for the dinner party because of the delay. Compliance with the law is one thing, but their unfriendly policy has nothing to do with any actual laws. Next time I will go someplace else with more sensible policies. read more

Great location. However customer service is horrendous. Very rude manager. Staff seemed to more interested in each other's gossip then helping customers with their shopping. read more

I just called asking about a Postmates order that I had put in, making sure they had the $150 bottle of wine I just ordered. The woman I spoke to on the phone, whose name I didn't catch (because she hung up on me), repeatedly told me they dont do deliveries with Postmates, when they do, I know this because my postmate was literally on the way to pick it up. Throughout this phone call, the woman acted incredibly rude from the moment she picked up the phone. After the conversation, I gave up on getting help from her. I finished the conversation by saying "thank you for all your help, but in future you should know that Postmates actually does deliver items from your store, so you dont get more confused customers" but she hung up on me before I could finish. I don't know if this woman had a bad day or simply doesn't like working at Bev Mo, but I can be certain I won't ever be giving my business to this store ever again. She was extremely condescending and rude. I've worked at many retail stores in my lifetime, and I can tell you that I'd be fired if I acted that disrespectful towards someone on the phone. read more

Aside from the wine selection being overwhelming, one thing I have noticed is a rapid turnover of staff at this store. That never seems like a sign of good business health. On a recent trip, however, there was some confusion over their ongoing 5-Cent "sale." Basically, it's a buy one specified wine, and get a second for 5 cents. More than once before I have gotten two different wines within the select few chosen for the "sale," and was charged for the more expensive one of the two, and charged 5 cents for the other. Either the employees who did that had no idea of the store policy or the policy has changed. Recently I went in to buy two different wines and had a very snotty response from the surprisingly older woman clerk that the store policy "didn't work that way," and she "should know," she's been there "more than six months." Admittedly that seems like a long term employee given the turnover there, but really, a response like that sounds like it would come from a middle schooler, not a middle-aged woman. I verified their policy by an email query to the company, and indeed, she is correct, that both bottles have to be of the same wine. It just seems as though there should be a more polite way of explaining the situation. Other than that, yes, the selection is large, the store is clean, and usually well organized. If you want a wine expert, it's hit or miss, as is courtesy. read more

Very disappointed to learn (just moved here) that what appears to be the dominant chain has such a mediocre (and haphazardly organized and displayed) selection of beer. I've seen better choices at Von's, Gelson's and Albertsons. It's a pretty sad state of affairs when supermarkets offer more, or at least more thoughtful, selections than a liquor store. read more

Steer clear of this place! Prior to my daughter's wedding last weekend one of their employees assured me that they would accept for return and refund unopened wine (with receipt and within 7 days). My sister surprised us by coming through with several cases of wine from her private collection and we ended up not needing most of what I had bought. The day after the wedding I tried to return nearly four cases I had purchased, only to be told by Asst. Mgr. Carol that she "wasn't able to authorize the refund" even though their refund policy was clearly printed on the receipt. There was no response from texting store manager Elaine on her day off (Sunday) either. Problem is, I was flying out first thing the next morning and wouldn't have opportunity to make third trip back seeking refund. Had to EAT a $350 purchase (give it to local family members). Needless to say I'm not happy with the misinformation (Asst. Mgr. called it "a training issue") and the cost of trying to do business there. I'm letting my local family know that BevMo can't be trusted. read more

I've been going to Bevmo since they opened the service was great @ the beginning but now they could careless. Went to the counter to buy 12 pk beer & couple of special beer. They were more interested in stocking than selling. There was a person in the office watched me put my stuff on the counter and didn't even call for a clerk or help me herself she also saw me walk out. Went to 7'11 cause when I walk in they recognize me and even say "good afternoon". Yeh the store looks nice but the service is awful. read more