Crespos is anything but "your usual west-side corner liquor store". I've been running a business for 4 and a half years across the street from Crespos and have been thankful for it. First of all this is a convenience store. For your convenience, this is open for you if you are in a bind and need batteries, gum, condoms, ice cream at midnight for your pregnant wife or cranky husband, a place to step into for safety or to get out of the rain, water if you're dehydrated, chips if you're starving, even the use of a phone in an emergency. Secondly, it isn't a finishing school and the guys working there might lack a little tact, but they are good people. This brings me to the more important part of the review. The owner is a highly intelligent and observant man who is doing more than providing convenience of everyday commodities for the Wicker Park community. He has a true care and concern for everyone in the neighborhood and reaches cross-culturally to bring people together. Without judgement, I have observed the owner catering to all customers with the same level of care. If he cuts-off the alcoholic it's because he may know his threshold. On this note, I've also seen the owner send out a few of his guys (subtly) after the "alcoholic" to make sure he gets to where he's headed to safely. The owner offers his employees a place to earn an honest living. These guys are some of the most funny and entertaining guys in the neighborhood. I've taken pride in this little corner that is actually quite culturally rich for Wicker Park. If you've ever wondered why this particular corner of Wicker Park can be so rich and diverse with such a wide spectrum of people while remaining peaceful and virtually crime free you can thank the owner for his compassion and interest to engage with each customer because he truly cares for the neighborhood's safety. I'm moving from Chicago and have to say that Crespos is one of those little places I'll miss the most. The owner has watched over me and my artists and students over the years, where despite "the robbers" one reviewer claimed to have seen and the "sketchy people" , "ne'er-do-wells settin by the door." has resulted in NOT ONE conflict, robbery, assault or negative experience since November 2005. The owner is a true gem of society, providing a mini cross-cultrual communication hub. it will be a sad day and a rough social transition if they ever have to close their doors. read more