If you are a person of color do not spend a penny of your money here. Two incidences happened to me on different occasions. They are racist in there. The first time I walked in with my daughter and the guy literally followed us around the store as if we were going to steal something. I complained and the cashier who is always there said she will speak to him. I let it slide and went about my way. I went in there New Year's Eve to buy Champaign and there was a white man in front of me who asked her how much the bags cost and the cashier said "oh these are free". When it was my time to check out I asked her how much the bags cost and she said fifty cent. When I asked why his was free she threw her manager who was standing next to her under the bus and said " they were free because she said" okay so why aren't mine free? Is it because I'm brown? She had no reasoning for it and right before I was going to swipe my card I changed my mind and said I'll spend my money somewhere else. They chose to lose way more money than fifty cent just because they didn't want to give me a logical answer. They didn't give an answer at all. This place does not like people of color and this isn't the first time I heard someone say this. I will never spend a penny in there and I'm glad I cancelled my transaction. These people are disgusting. I'll let everyone I know hear about this place. Racist read more

All I have to do is walk a couple of doors away. This huge store with plenty of options just invite you in. I must say compared to other stores I have been to they have the best prices. This is a gem right here on Queens Blvd. Great staff and a constant flow of traffic. read more

I have been coming here for years and never had a problem. Well tonight I was going to pay with the my debit card for a 7 dollar bottle of wine for cooking and was shown the sign for $15 dollar minimum. All I said was that is high and not sure if that set her off or that I was going through my purse for exact change. While I was counting out the change, I asked the woman behind the counter if she can let me know how much I stilled owed and she ignored me. So I counted it and asked her to let me know the price and she yelled the price at me. I let her know that she there is no reason to yell. I was looking for 3 cents and wanted to confirm and when I asked her again she yelled loudly again at me and told me "I already told you 3 times, why don't you count your money you bitch. I pushed the money over to her and said here you go and took the bottle. As I was walking away with the bottle she said that she didn't want my money, gave me the finger and called me a bitch again. I will also be posting this on Facebook, X and IG. THIS WOMAN NEEDS TO BE TALKED TO OR FIRED!!!! read more

Stay away I'm going to this store over 20 years.Never have any problem.I noticed they hired new young obnoxious sales persons who don't appreciate return customers Lots of liquor stores in the neighborhood they happily taking my money Reposting because yelp didn't like this review read more

Came here to pick up a few items as gifts and glad I did..... Walking in you are immediately right in the middle of their vast selection. Everything is sectioned; e.g. tequilas, wines, etc, which makes it much easier to navigate. They have a large selection of gift sets as well; e.g. Maker's Mark with Maker's designed glasses or Maker's Mark boxed with a Maker's 46. There wasn't only one option here and there, there were options to fit any need you may have. Also, if there is a specific wine, alcohol, or other liquor you're in search of, there is a good chance you'd find it here. The woman behind the counter was very nice, and mostly kept to herself. She was quick at checkout and there were no issues there. Some of the prices seemed a little high, but I mostly stayed away from those items. I'm quite happy that I found this place and intend on returning for future alcohol purchases as it really is a one stop shot for all liquor needs. read more

It's the best liquor store in the neighborhood. Great selection and prices to match. Lots of affordable options too.

Glad to see Empire's still open. Their prices seem to be lower than most liquor stores in the area. I don't know if that's temporary or if I'm just noticing that now though. $6 for a bottle of Yellowtail Chardonnay (and most Yellowtail wines), 750 mL, 13% ABV. They have social distancing markers leading up to the cash registers. I don't know that people really need to be reminded to stay 6 feet apart, but the markers are useful for letting people know where the line is, and more stores should have them just for that purpose. read more

The store is 5-6 times larger than the typical liquor store and has a large selection to match. There is typically 2-3 staff in the store. One who does cashiering only and 1-2 who stock the shelves and can provide advice if you ask. They have a large selection of California wines near the front and other wines are to the right, they seem to something from each region and prices starting at $4.99 for a drinkable Bulgarian wine and in my opinion a $6.99 for more drinkable Australian wine and some excellent French wine at higher print points. They also have good selection of sprints - plenty of scotches etc. and some Dom Perignon if you're out to mark a special occasion. The service is efficient and friendly. They do not mind chit chatting but if there are other customers to be served at the same time then it is all business to get everyone served as quick as possible. I have been going there for 20 years and willing to walk 10 minutes to go there. It is along a section of Queens Blvd were metered parking is often taken so bus or subway are best option if you are out of the neighborhood. read more

Great selection. Good prices. It's said to see how these nice people are covering beautiful windows against looters. I hope they will not get touched by this situation as I prefer them over any other liquor store in the neighborhood. read more

Empire Liquors - Liquor store is getting ready - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

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As neighborhood liquor stores go, Empire Liquors is relatively large. Located along a busy business strip on Queens Boulevard, the space feels bright and open from a lack of tall aisles. Wines occupy the right half of the store, divided by region, mostly Italian, French, and American, with small sections for other regions, and Kosher wines also. A large collection of champagnes in the back, including large format bottles. As typical of most liquor stores, their selection reflects neighborhood demand. Among spirits, vodka and whiskies are plentiful; for the whiskies, the selection takes up much of one wall and extending behind the counter, including American, Irish, Japanese, Scotch, and others. They even surprised by carrying two whiskies from Kavalan, Taiwan's first distillery. Gin and rum have fewer choices. Others like tequila, and particularly mezcal, have the fewest choices. Whether the selection by spirit is large or small, Empire curates well enough to carry not just the most popular brands for most, but sometimes a few more interesting choices. So among amari, not just Campari and Aperol, but Amaro Montenegro is available. The back wall has a good selection of liqueurs, often with more than one choice per type, such as two elderflower liqueurs and a few pear liqueurs. Empire is a good neighborhood liquor store; broad selection such that even for more obscure items, it is very likely to have at least one option for purchase. Prices are reasonable. The staff also tend to be consistent. A gem to have close to home. read more

Empire Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Pretty large liquor store with a decent selection. They are along a stretch of stores along Queens Blvd. Staff is helpful there if you need help finding anything. Meter parking out front. There are alternate side spots on the side streets if you can find one. read more

The selection is decent but they 100% racially profile. I've felt the cashier nod to a worker to follow me around the store and I've seen her do it to other Black customers. It's a shame. read more

Omg I don't normally write reviews but this place is absolutely amazing. Cheapest wine and liquor in Queens and on top of their already very low prices, if you buy 6 bottles, you get an additional 5% off! The staff is super friendly and helpful and always helps us carry our boxes of wine to the car. Really an amazing find! read more

Good selection. Convenient location. Call first if looking for something specific and more obscure.

Nice place, great selection and very friendly staff. They deliver too! My go to place if I need get a bottle or 7 (best deal) of wine. read more

I really need to speak to Empire Liquors president James Han. I've shopped at this place ever since I moved into Forest Hills 43 years ago. Never had a problem. Got along great with all the employees. Until tonight. An employee named My Park rang up my purchase. Then she decided she disliked my attitude. So she took back my purchase. Ordered me to put through my credit card for a refund. I was flabbergasted. I even told her I was sorry if I was rude her. But no. That was that. And as I walked out, she told another employee never to let me in the store again. So please, James Han, I need to speak with you. I'll tell you everything that happened and then you can decide what to do. Bobbrody@hotmail.com. read more

Empire Liquors is my regular destination for alcohol, whether it's the holidays or a gift. The staff is friendly, the selection is great, and I can always find what I'm looking for - great range of wines under $15. Anyone can find a good expensive bottle of wine - it's finding stuff under $15, that's the trick. Do your own research beforehand and you will not be disappointed. Also, given the ethnic makeup of this neighborhood, there is an ample supply of Georgian and Armenian wines. read more

Little on the pricey side but this particular liquor store always has what I need whether it's for me or for some party/event I'm attending. It's absolutely huge and probably carries every type of consumable alcohol there is to offer: liquor, champagne, wine, cordials, liqueurs (to name a few). For my faves: Vodka- holy heaven they have some BIG ASS BOTTLES; wine- they have an extensive amount from Spain to Long Island, including organic types; champagne- they have a holy hell load of this stuff... can't go wrong with the bubbly! I like that it's clean and organized, and that the bottles aren't friggen dusty like many of the spots I've been in. Sometimes, they also offer free samples- can't beat that! The only thing that stinks is that parking isn't easy, and I do come with my little Car-lina. For the ones who don't drive though, not to worry it's right by the train. Lastly, there's a $20 minimum for credit card purchases. I'm not a fan, as I never have cash on me, and sometimes I don't want to spend $20 on alcohol -___-. Oh well. If coming here I know to bring cash, and plenty of Quarters for the Muni Meter! read more

They say you only have an alcohol problem if you don't admit it. Well, I have a biiiiiiig problem with alcohol and it's that I can't get enough! Luckily for me, Empire Liquors is just around the corner. There is a vast wine selection - from Argentina to Spain, California to Long Island, and they even carry organic wine. They also carry a huge selection of the hard stuff - scotch, whiskey, vodka, everything. It's awesome having a liquor store close enough to home and the subway. It makes it much easier to pick up a couple of bottles of wine when heading out for events - even if it's not for me. :) read more

Decent place to pick up alcohol when I can't make it out to Astor Wines. Largest liquor store in the neighborhood with a nice selection. A range of spirits from cheap to top shelf and in assorted sizes (most importantly they have 1.5 and 1.75L volumes, I like the big bottles). For mixologists they carry the spirits that other smaller stores may not carry i.e. lychee. Wine selection is organized well and offerings include cheap wines for an impromptu picnic or cellar worthy Bordeaux from the Saint-Émilion regions. Champagne selection is a little lacking and on a totally different note, they stock some decent bottles of sake (they don't have Nigori and they should). Prices are fair, all within a few dollars of average prices, whether it be on the low or high end. Too bad there is no walk-in fridge here. The biggest downside is that parking is damn near impossible at this area. It's ok if I need a bottle or two, I'll just bike there, but if I gotta pick up multiple bottles for a party, forget about it. If only they had their own parking lot, business would probably go up ten-fold. Oh yea they should get rid of those glasses for sale at the entrance. First the glasses looked used as hell, nothing wrong with second-hand items, but it doesn't even looked washed. Secondly, it cheapens out the establishment, IMO. read more

My go-to store for liquor. They have a large selection of wine at good prices. The hard liquor is a little more expensive than what I'm used to paying, but the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It's worth paying a few extra dollars to support their business. Bottom line: clean store. Great selection. Good prices. Wonderful staff. Don't bother trying other stores just come here. read more

I've frequented most of the liquor stores in the Kew Gardens-Forest Hills neighborhood in search of good bourbon and rye, and Empire Liquors by far has the best selection at fair prices (well, for New York anyway). There's so much to choose from I easily could spend hours ogling the shelves. The customer service was great and the owner was very nice and welcoming as well. read more

Friendly staff. Large selection of wines. They check ID frequently...but what can I say? I have a young face. If you buy a case of wine (6), they give you like a 5% discount. read more

Great Selection and reasonable prices. There aren't any knowledgeable people working there so don't expect any good wine recommendations, but if you know what you want they probably have it. read more

Empire Liquors - empire liquors on the corner of the street - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Being a modest drinker who appreciates quality, you'll enjoy the range and massive selection here. For holidays and gift giving. I've found Empire better than many to most Manhattan liquor stores. Contrasted with other reviewers, I don't find Empire exceedingly overpriced. read more

I come here all the time for the past 3 years and the staff knows me that I am over 21 years old as I used to show them my ID. For this past year, I bought numerous wine bottles without showing my ID. Two weeks ago, the manager didn't recognize me and asked me for ID. Given that I have bought lots of wine from here without showing ID, I didn't have on on any id on me and explained to her that I come here all the time and she snapped at me saying "I don't know you!" She had a very condescending attitude and as a frequent customer, I felt offended. I told her you have a very bad attitude and she shouted at me, "it's my store! I can do what I want!" Ultimately, I understand. She needs id for all customers- okay I respect that. Today, I went in with my ID and was getting champagne. It was the usual staff that knew me and the manager was not there. When I got to the register, the staff just got off the phone with the manager who was looking through the camera remotely and directed her to not sell any thing to me. I told her I brought my id today and the staff told me, "my boss said to never sell anything to you." In my opinion, the store owner is very bitter, condescending and spiteful. From one encounter, she demanded her staff to never sell me anything. I am glad this happened because I wouldn't want to give business to anyone who is so bitter and condescending as she is. In the meanwhile, there is another liquor store one block away called Trylon Liquors. The staff and service here have been consistently positive. So, if you don't want a bipolar lady yell and diss you for no reason, save your self and come buy your drinks herr read more

I was waiting online this evening to make a request for some liquor Avenue which they were out of so I had to figure out what my sister wanted and the Chinese woman was very rude and just call the next person online and very rudely told me if you're not ready then get out of here read more

I have always been greeted, and offered assistance. It's nice to have women at the register; the store doesn't feel intimidating. They get bonus points from me for carrying a good variety of NYS wine including Finger Lakes and Niagara regions in addition to LI. read more

This is my new favorite liquor/wine store in Queens now! They have a HUGE selection of wine and I sometimes find myself taking 20-30 minutes perusing their collection just to figure out what I want. Considering that I'm just starting to build my wine collection, I know that Empire Liquors will definitely be a frequent stop for me. Overall, their prices are quite reasonable, but ultimately, the most impressive aspect of Empire Liquors is just the sheer size of this store when compared to other liquor stores in Queens. read more

There are a few bargains here to be had, both in wine and liquor. Don't look for advice on selection, however, as the folks here are all about stocking and selling the standard product. So it's a good stop for stockpiling a bargain but not a place to talk shop; in fact if you look through the smaller sections of wine - Portugal, Long Island, etc - you'll find wines from other regions thrown in. A bit disorganized but it is what it is. read more

I was trying to get a a case of a whiskey and I asked if i would get a discount price is buying 6 bottles and they said no because the price is already discounted ,but the original price is 40$ and they sold it for 39.99, which is not really a discount. Meh I guess I'll go to another store that will give me better prices. read more

If I could give them 0 stars I would. One of the worst experiences ever. Came in a few days ago for some wine. The girl working the front counter was disinterested and rude. I tried to ask a question about a dessert wine and she clearly had no idea what she was talking about. She just pointed to the sweet wine section saying that all of those are good, leaving me to choose randomly from a selection of 50 or so bottles. When I got home and opened the "wine" I bought, the color was completely brown resembling you know what and smelled like pure vinegar. I was too disgusted to taste it. I know they are a liquor store and not a boutique wine shop so I'm not asking for much but not selling old spoiled inventory should be the minimum. I'll go back to see if I can get my money back but judging by their level of customer service it's unlikely. read more

The prices are great compared to all of the other liquor stores in the area, I love the wide selection of both wine and liquor. I definitely recommend read more

The range of wine and liquors here is outstanding. The store is very neat and clean and the service here is quite excellent. Range 1 to 5 Vodka - 5, A huge section of all types of vodka. They got just about everything and every size you can imagine. They even got the Skull vodka in a liter size. It's a great lookin bottle, check it out! Whiskey/Bourbon - 4.5, They have a nice range of Whiskeys and Bourbons but they continue to fail at getting Pappy Van Winkle. Tequila - 2, Their tequila section would have to be their weakest point in the store. A very small section. I guess tequila isn't a big seller in this neighborhood. Rum - 4, They got the usual line of popular rum brands like Bacardi, Malibu, Captain Morgan, Brugal, and others. Cognac/Brandy - 5, They carry the usual stuff. Hennessey, Remy Martin, Martell, E&J, Christian Brothers, but I'm not sure if they carry Louis XIII. If they do, that's a gangsta bottle to have in your liquor cabinet. Champagne - 5, They have a butt load of champagne here so you can't go wrong. Liqueurs, Imported Cordials - 4, Pretty neat selection of stuff to mix. Prices here are great for Midori, Baileys, all Dekuyper and Hiram Walker products. And they also carry those other weird flavor patrons. Wines - 4, There's a wall load of kosher wines due to the Jewish Population in Forest Hills but their foreign wines are a bit limited. They have a decent selection of California wines but when it comes to French, nothin much goin on there. There's no Fine Wine Room for more of the vintage collection or anything. It seems like whatever that is on their racks/displays is what they got. As for their wine prices, it's excellent here. Gift Sets - 5, Awesome selection of gift sets here. Pints/Half Pints/Airplane bottles - 5, Name it, they should have it behind the counter. The only thing that is a inconvenience here is PARKING! There are meter spots along Queens Blvd but in this area, those are usually taken. And to find a residential spot, forget about it. You gotta be extremely lucky to find a free parking spot here because this store is surrounded by apartments! read more

"my store has very best for me, Booze Emporium, Booze Emporium..." this is truly an empire of liquor! huge variety, good prices, and friendly staff at this giant store. does it take up the whole block? it sure feels like it. it's like the League of Nations of alcohol up in this joint. they even have a clearance section for older bottles, overstock, and damaged packaging (as in, the box is ripped or partly crushed, but the liquor is still good) - holy crapola! lots of crazy liquor bottles you must fight to not spend your money on. like a huge bottle of Beefeater Gin inside a holder that's a scale model English phone booth (dooo weee oooooooh), or a bottle of cognac shaped like the Eiffel Tower. free samples from time to time, and gift certificates to purchase too. will I be back? of course, I'm running low on gin - down to four bottles on my shelf! read more

I am very unhappy here the fact that when I was getting a bottle wine last night in pouring rain and gave her my American Express card, she said "$20 minimum"!! REALLY $20 I really hate that the stores put a minimum to use of credit cardS, but $20 is pretty ridiculous UNHEARD OF IT!!!! For God sake go to a Starbucks or go anywhere, they are happy to put a charge on your card for $4.00!! I will still go here because its the closest one from me, and because other than that I haven't had a problem here, been here quite a few times. There is always couple of guys working on the floor ready to help you, behind the counter is a different story! I still can't believe the lady didn't just take my card, she knows me For definitely when Im in need of many bottles for birthdays, holidays any other special occasions I will go to Leiser's liquors in Flushing, they are wonderful and they are my favorite! Try them you won't be disappointed, if ever you can't find something and they don't have it either they will find it for you!! A little tiny smile can go along way for a good expression read more

O.k. there is a great selection and polite friendly staff.Thus it is a great place to find liquor especially if you are buying a gift or looking for an unusual presentation of a product.They carry a wide selection of Tequilla and packages with glasses or other promotional doo dads. They are a bit pricey on the limited selection of upper shelf whiskey but hey it is Forest Hills ,im gettin used to being micro finessed.The only real pain in the neck about this place is its arcane processing system for credit/debit purchases and my card gets denied 2 or 3 times before it eventually goes through..although my last experience on SAINT PATRICKS DAY of all days has soured me on This establishment.DENIED AND SHUTDOWN my bank card because of too many attempts..all i wanted was a bottle of BLACK BUSH ON PADDYS DAY..DENIED..Oh what a SACRILEDGE!!lol! Do yourself a favor and use cash untill they update their system.all in all okay. read more

My go-to liquor store in Forest Hills! It's the largest one in the area by far, with a respectable selections of wines and liquors from various regions and at various price points. Open 7 days a week. They have Flor de Caña Nicaraguan rum, which no other stores in the neighborhood seem to. They deliver, though I've never used that service. read more

I'm definitely a fan of this place! Although by name it's a liquor store, for me it's much more of a wine store. The wine selection is pretty vast. For me, and great for the area in general, the kosher wine selection is pretty huge & the prices are reasonable. I buy most of my wine here because it's so convenient. Great place. read more

So I came here a few times. Also on New Year's Eve. They made me and about 10 other customers wait outside because it was too over crowded. Very strange, they probably didn't want anyone stealing from them. Which is fine, but don't make us wait out in the freezing cold. Hire more staff to walk around. This place is pretty big. The girls seem nice. They have everything organized into sections which makes it easier for me to find what I'm looking for. read more