I dropped by for a wine tasting featuring South Africa's first Black woman winemaker this past weekend. After many years of passing Chat's I had never gone in. I rarely buy liquor and live so close to a grocery store that picking up wine there is my easiest bet more often than not. But since this place is next to the newly opened Civic, I saw them promoting the tasting on their social media as they plan to carry wines from this maker at their location once they are able to serve alcohol. Either way, I was around the way so I dropped by and was pleasantly surprised by how nice everyone was as well as the sense of community that felt present among folks that dropped by for the tasting. Most people I spoke with lived nearby and represented all walks of life. It was nice to just chit chat with folks and sample wine in a warm, cozy and unpretentious environment. I'll definitely be back to support now that I'm more aware of what they have to offer! read more

Interesting store that has a quality selection of sprits and wines. It's a small treasure trove here. Found a bottle of Aquavit (from Norway) which I've been in search of for quite a while. Truly happy about that. Picked up some Bombay Gin's Bramble, a pink gin that's been scarce due to the pandemic. The staff is knowledgeable, and the on-line ordering is reliable and efficient. read more

Chat's Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and other liquor shops along Barracks Row, Chat's Liquors is a no-frills, small shop with kind service and a good selection of wine, beer and other alcohol. I usually go in for the chilled white wines in the back. read more

Chat's Liquors - the inside of a store - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I came to Washington, DC for business and states in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. I wanted some wine, but not a whole bottle. When I stopped in on. Saturday, there was a wine tasting that was run. Happy to taste Washington wine I'd never had before. I asked if they, by chance, had any half bottles. Burnie said they just has sparkling wine in splits, BUT he had a Malbec in a can. I usually steer clear of wine in cans, yet I acknowledge I'm can curious. Cheers Burnie! I'm enjoying some Malbec before heading home. read more

Called ahead to see if they had a specific tequila and I was very surprised at how friendly they were on the phone! About an hour later I showed up for the tequila and was greeted with a smile and a pleasant demeanor. If you're having a bad day, head over to Chat's for a mood pickup and some liquor/wine/beer. Customer service is top notch and although it's a small space I found it very well organized. I also received a coupon via email for $5 off my next purchase. I will definitely be returning soon! read more

Reasonably priced liquor store. Somewhat small selection, but in a great location. Was holding a tasting when I visited.

If you are looking for the best spirits and wines, this is the spot. A full service experience, very knowledgeable with unique brands. Many local and small brands yet full of taste. Owner is generally there handpicking the selections. read more

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Chat's is a longstanding family owned liquor store that has the best service I have ever found (though I am used to VA ABC stores....). What sets Chat's apart is that they carry a very expensive stock of drinks that are hard and/or impossible to find otherwise. For example, they are the only store in the area that carries Wyoming Whiskey, my favorite. As far as service goes, Burnie is your man. When I mentioned that I would love to get multiple bottles of the WY Whiskey for gifts, he instantly offered a discount for a bulk order. He promptly followed up with me via email, informed me of the next shipment, and set aside a box. Now I'm set for birthdays and holidays to come. Thanks, Burnie! Also, if you are ever walking by and see a man in the window (Burnie!) who appears to be offering tastings, stop in! He is very knowledgable of his stock and picks fun, new items for you to try. read more

Chat's Liquors - Sandwiched between Ophelia's and Ted's - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

4.5 stars, rounding up for service. So I'm not gonna mince words - this place does not look appealing from the outside. They have old signage and wine in the front window, which is usually a MAJOR red flag for me (light degrades wine). Go inside anyway, and you'll find a high quality selection at very reasonable prices and a helpful staff. I came in to try and find a fortified wine for cooking (turns out you can't sell that with a wine and beer license in DC, so you need a liquor store!). The woman behind the counter took one look at my grocery bag, knew exactly what I needed, and went to find it for me. I follow her back, and she's rummaging like crazy among the boxes. Above her, I see a $20 bottle of what I needed and mentioned that I saw it. "That is for drinking," she said, "and you're cooking, right? Let me find you the lower priced stuff I use for cooking." She kept looking and found me the $7 bottle (of the same size) of what I needed, passing up the opportunity to sell me a more expensive bottle I didn't need. So I started going around the store, and their selection of wine and liquor is excellent. I wound up buying a local mead that I love and can never find, as well as a bottle of Riesling from a New York producer I adore. Their prices were quite reasonable for the area and given that they're local rather than a big chain (a couple more dollars than Total Wine, which is absolutely worth it to me to not have to trek to Virginia!). So look past the exterior and come on in - you'll almost certainly find what you need, at a fair price, and the staff will help you do it. read more

I've never been to a friendly liquor store, but Chat's was just that! My roommate and I stopped by to grab the ingredients for mules, and we could get our liquor, ginger beer, and limes all here. Prices were standard, and while the store is cramped, there were plenty of options at a range of prices. No judgement for showing up in sweatpants with a clear intention to have a lazy Saturday night. read more

Needing some last-minute liquid gifts for meeting up with Dr. HIPAA and his lovely wife, we wandered into Chat's since it was conveniently right by Eastern Market. Although this joint isn't extremely spacious, and I felt extremely aware of 1) how buzzed I was from my Delirium at Matchbox, 2) how close the aisles seemed, and 3) that with my Timbuk2 bag on my back, I could make for a fantastic tall Asian Godzilla, just ready to knock over wine racks and send bottles scattering all over the floor. Fortunately, that didn't happen, but I sure was nervous about it. For those that dig white wines, head all the way to the back, where you'll find some fridges full of already-cold crisp vintage. Bottles back there seemed to be pretty reasonably priced between $10-$20, with a whole array of different labels and types. While I didn't notice much in the way of a plethora of microbrew beers, I wasn't paying that much attention. They do have cases of the more typical things one might find in a grocery store. It seems like the focus here is more toward the wine selection. Also, yay for the cashier lady for being engaging and chill while the boy and I did our typical fight-for-who-gets-to-pay routine. I have to say that my hand-in-the-butt-pocket-to-prevent-extraction-of-wallet technique was pretty smooth. read more

I live in NY but my Mom lives in DC. I called to have them deliver something for Mother's Day. There was a mix-up and the delivery didn't happen as scheduled, which was disappointing, but they apologized, offered me a discount, and rectified the situation as quickly as they could. Mistakes happen. I don't judge businesses when they do. I pay attention to how they deal with it and that's why Chat's gets my highest recommendation. Any future business I have in the area will be theirs. read more

You can always find what you need -- and more -- here. The staff is very helpful and are always on-point with recommenations. I haven't attended a tasting event here yet, but its next on my list. For it to be SUCH a small establishment, they sure seem to have plenty of items you just can't find in this area. I would go here AFTER using GOOGLE to find something I needed. (That says a lot.) read more

Bernie is Best on the Hill and Tone Loc is special to. I do not get down in that area to see them that much. But, he has the Goods!

The very best of Capitol Hill - a fantastic selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff and who doesn't love just chatting with Bernie?! Anything you need, you'll find here and if it isn't in stock - they'll find it for you! read more

Still amazing! Bernie, Anna and Marcus are the BEST! Top notch service and master sommelier-level service. A neighborhood gem!

Friendly staff, fast delivery, good selection of wine, liquor, & beer! I called over the summer to ask about a random French liquor. They recommended an alternative that they had in stock and ended up ordering it so it was available for my next order. I appreciate neighborhood businesses like this! read more

This is my favorite liquor store in DC! Not just because it's close to my house, but because the customer service is top notch! Great selection and truly knowledgeable staff. A huge bonus is the frequent tastings they do! I think they're typically on Fridays and Saturdays, but I often seem to just luckily happen upon them! Some very unique and high end tastings with no high pressure to buy, but if you do there's a good discount to take advantage of. Especially if you buy multiples. Chat's is one of the few places I know of in DC that regularly has Charm City Mead in bottles and cans in all available flavors in stock, which has become my go to drink these days. This is a great place for last minute host presents, a bottle for yourself, or a case for a party. read more

Chat's Liquors - Friday night Champagne tasting! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

You don't go to Chat's just because they have a great selection; you go to Chat's because of Burnie and the staff. Though I don't go there regularly (I don't drink that much), hen I do I feel like a regular. Burnie doesn't even know how to not smile. He greats everyone with a huge smile, he knows people's names, he is genuine and makes it a point to talk to everyone. But wait, there's more. Whenever I've asked Burnie for suggestions or just had questions (what's the difference between the different port wines or what should I take as a gift to an Easter dinner), Burnie educates you to expert level using lay explanations. His knowledge is limitless. The staff follows the lead and treats everyone as family. Go there once and you'll be impressed. Twice and they'll remember you. Three times and you're family. read more

Love this place! The staff is always so knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. They have a pretty diverse selection too, which I appreciate.

Here's what's most important to me about Chat's- If you walk in not knowing what you want and only having a vague idea of what you might be cooking, Bernie will take the time to help you pick exactly the right beverage. The selection is outstanding and always well stocked, but if you want something weird or rare, call first to see if he has it. If he doesn't, he'll special order it for you. It's also one of the only liquor stores I've seen that regularly carries Brudladich and cuchaca (and I have no idea if I spelt that correctly). It's a typical hill place, crowded and kinda dark, but you can't beat the service! read more

I've been selling wine for nearly 10 years and I think Bernie is doing everything right. The service in this neighborhood beer/wine/liquor store is exceptional. Not only that but shopping here makes me feel like I belong to this community, that I think may be the highest compliment I can give the shop. Chat's may not have the most cutting edge selections, but you will always be able to find something interesting. If not, please ask, that is why wine merchants and shop owners are there. They know their inventory better than anyone. There are some good deals to be had there as well, feel free to poke around and dig throught the bins, you're likely to find a hidden gem. I can't find a better price on Bollinger than Chat's. read more

Chat's has supplied me with alcohol on i think just about every occasion I've ever needed. From a sangria party to a night with a recommended bottle of vodka with friends. From a "wtf that day sucked" i need some beer at home to a "I wonder what kind of wine she likes? Why didn't I think to ask her earlier? Should I text her? But then she'll know I'm over thinking. Eh...I'll just buy a bottle I know I like so at least one of us is guaranteed happy. I mean it's better for 50% of people to be happy than none right? Plus this way I'll end up buzzed and maybe that'll be more fun and she'll think I'm a funny drunk even if she doesn't like the wine" errrrr...calm, cool, and collected me before meeting that special someone. Chat's, you've always been there for me. Fist pound homie! FYI-That particular girl was not that special someone. Not even the previously mentioned bottles of wine, vodka, and beer combined could have made this girl 'that special someone'. read more

This place is more than just a liquor store. Burnie is an amazing businessman and is always willing to offer a suggestion and a smile. The wine tastings on Saturdays and the occasional Friday night are excellent and always show wines of all price ranges. Burnie never hesitates to give a suggestion when needed and can pair a great wine at any price range with whatever food you might be cooking at whichever price range you might be looking in. In addition, the staff is incredible and always friendly, the selection is outstanding (not just of wines but beers and liquors also!) and who doesn't enjoy supporting a local business that is a 2nd generation family business! read more

This place is great and very underrated. Great selection of wine and liquor and super knowledgeable staff. Ask about the wine and they'll give you exactly what you need! Hidden gem! read more

Brought my husband back two nights later. There was a man and a woman working there. They also were SO NICE! And very helpful. I love how the people that work there are friendly and will talk to you. Well and yes help you pick out wine. read more

I walked by because of an impromptu sign promising a wine tasting and a wine tasting is what I got. The wine rep was knowledgeable, friendly, and made some great recommendations. The store itself was very clean and wine and liquors were easy to find. We ended up buying a bottle of something he recommended and couldn't be happier. I'd love to stop by again and check out more of the selection. read more

When I lived on the Hill, this was THE liquor store. Bernie Williams, who runs the store, is an outstanding guy who really likes wine and is trying to change the place's identity. That said, selling $5 bottles of gin still pays the bills on 8th St. The wine selection is decent and he has weekly tastings to introduce new wines. It's not the best selection in town (or even on the hill, as Schneider's beats it out), but it is convenient and Bernie makes good wines accessible. The beer selection is good but not great: too many singles take up fridge space from Belgians and hoppy ales. Chat's is worth it if you live in the neighborhood, but not worth a trip out of your way. The owner has a great heart and good scrap, and this really could be a great neighborhood place if he continues to get good support, but it's a tough slog for anyone in this location to make money and give quality experiences. read more

Good Prices, Nice people, Better selection soon Came here before a National's game, because I was visiting nearby bars. They did not have miniatures that I could sneak into the game so I bought a small bottle. After leaving and considering it logically, I decided to bring the bottle back. There was no way i could sneak in and finish this entire bottle without getting arrested or something. Anyways, they were nice enough to let me return it. They also said they are planning on starting to carry miniatures soon! read more

Chat's is responsible for helping me look like I actually know what I'm talking about when I talk about wine. They have super sweet free tastings every Saturday (and sometimes other days too). At the last one I frequented we got to try a number of $50+ wines and champagnes. At another one we got really generous (free!) pours of a number of wines, one of which I went home with. The staff is really friendly and helpful. The wine selection is small, but the quality is good. Definitely worth checking out! read more

I purchased a nice bottle of bourbon from Chat's website for delivery as a birthday gift and they did a wonderful job - not only delivering it on the exact date I requested, but also putting it in a nice gift bag and including a note for the recipient. I didn't ask them to do this! Their customer service was top notch- they were so nice to text me when the delivery was made and gave me peace of mind the gift was safe. I'm happy to support this business. Highly recommend! read more

Fantastic staff, great selection, & they are even dog-friendly! Every few weeks I wander into Chat's with my dog in tow to try something new. They always have a very diverse selection of wine, beer, & liquor. For a small store, they carry a great variety of inventory. On several occasions I have asked for help in selecting something. Each time the staff has been extremely knowledgable & very eager to offer recommendations without being pushy at all. I will be coming back for a very long time! read more

I loved the customer service there. You feel like you're an old friend coming to visit. It's not a 5 because I need more visits! LOL. Family owned for many years. A DC landmark. read more

If you are new to DC or Capital Hill or just looking for some expert advice on what wines to buy - Chat's should be your first stop. The owner, Burnie is an expert. He can guide you to the right wine for your dinner party, wedding or special event. The Chat's staff is educated on wines & spirits and they are all very pleasant to deal with. Hit Chat's first... you will not be disappointed. read more

I LOVE CHATS!!! Burnie and Ethel are the BEST!!! I have lived on the hill my entire life. Despite the many,many changes around me this is one of the few true staples left of capitol hill neighborhood. I know that Burnie's family has owned this establishment since the 70's and that Chat's liquors was one of few places to buy alcohol back in the early 1900's. I remember as a kid going in there with my father as he ran in to play his lottery tickets and it just being such a warm and friendly environment. Not much changed as I got older and then became of drinking age. Years have past and like a fine wine chat's gets better and better. I'm always telling people about this Jewel! Prices are great and the selection is incredible. Prices are great! Don't see something you want ask and more than likely they can order it. From Wine tasting to Tequila tastings there is no question they can't answer. Burnie is such a wine connoisseur - You say you are planning to cook anything and I guarantee you will walk out of there with a wine that will enhance the taste of your meal while tantalizing your palate. They make you feel like family when you walk in. Burnie always greats you with such a warm smile. So if you are ever on the hill you must visit CHATS. read more

They also have wine tastings every saturday from 3pm-6pm except for august and january

Just called regarding Dogfish Head beer (a regional microbrew, made in Delaware). They currently have 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute IPA, and Aprihop (spring seasonal). read more

This is one of my favorite places to buy my libations from! Bernie is knowledgeable and he makes you feel like you're the only person in the store! read more

Chat's is a small, unassuming storefront from the outside - but inside is a passport into the world best wine. The owner is always friendly and helpful. He always imparts his knowledge minus any of the douchey-ness that you often with wine expert types. We always appreciate his input - and have found all of his recommendations to be fantastic. I highly recommend Chat's to any and all. read more

Chat's Liquors is a good shop. They have a great wine selection, and Bernie is very knowledgeable about his stock. In fact, I sometimes forget the store's name is Chat's and call it Bernie's a lot! Haha! All of the staff is very friendly and always smiling. read more