This really isn't the same Famous from a year ago. They really have made it cleaner, more organized and TONS more wines that are not typical liquor store wines. I found some great options I have not seen everywhere else. They also do lots of tastings here that I appreciate and find new options without being stuck buying something I end up not liking. It's really close to my work and I find it our new go-to place. read more

I received their weekly emailed newsletters and went in to grab one of their wine specials on a nice Cab Sav. It saved me a few dollars when I mentioned the newsletter, so def check out their Facebook for the newsletter to sign up before going! read more

Famous Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

Since Famous Liquors is on my when heading toward the Eisenhower, it has become my designated liquor store to stop at whenever I work Saturday and need to get my drink on immediately when I get home. It's as large as *some* Binny's I've been to, but with the grimey-ass, unkempt vibe of a corner liquor store. I love liquor stops like this. Whether you're a wino, deadass alcoholic (they got a huge selection of them mini airplane bottles), or have a sophisticated beer palate, this joint got you covered. As a craft beer person, it has one of the more impressive craft beer selections for the neighborhood it's in (yeah it's close to Forrest/Oak Park but still on the west part closer to Maywood so it ain't boujee). I wish I had discovered this liquor store in 2013 when I was really getting into craft beer and lived out this way, because a craft beer selection like this was hard come by in these blue collar suburbs. Alas, I appreciate it's still accessible since I work nearby. This was a longer review than intended. Almost feel like I should do a "TL;DR". But that's lame as f**k and so is anyone who does it. So I'll just say that Famous Liquors is inclusive to whatever type of alcohol drinker you are, so don't sleep on it. read more

Famous Liquors - You know you're in the suburbs when... - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I like the fruity, niche adult beverages. They are often hard to find at the corner liquor store establishments because they are less popular. Chances are if you are stopping for a quickie, you are looking for something besides Mike's Hard Limeade or Grapefruit flavored beer. Well, regardless of your preferred spirit of choice, Famous Liquors has what you need. My fruity refreshers, 20 year Scotch, beer, hard liquor, snacks, cheese and so much more. The hours are late considering most establishments in the area often close well before 10p on week nights. read more

I just had a disappointing experience with their Forest Park location over an order that was never placed for a pony keg. I went up the store three weeks before a party I am planning, and spoke to a staff member about keg options. He took down my name and number, as well as some of my beer preferences. He told that he'd call me back, but never did. I went back to the store a week later, and talked to another staff member. He told that he'd call the beer distributor to order the keg of beer that I wanted, and then call me back. He called me back 4 days later, and told me that the keg had been ordered, and I could pick it up two days before the party. I went to the store two days before the party, only to be told that there was no record of my order. The staff member who was attending to me made an effort to correct matters by calling the distributor and offering other alternatives, but I had already decided to take my business elsewhere. I try to support locally-owned businesses when I can, but I'll be making future keg and wine purchases at Binny's. read more

I have been shopping at Famous since the 90's for wine, gin, whiskey and beer. I am satisfied (though prices have risen) and contrary to the petty complaints on Yelp, the staff will help me find what I am looking for and talk about it. I have learned things here about liquor.Some younger shoppers are easily put off by so many little things. I don't care whether someone greets me hello, though a thanks is nice. Their wines have descriptions and ratings that are helpful. Saturday is free wine tasting days. My only issue is that the store needs renovating. It looks old and run down. Floors are crappy. Lighting is weak. Slightly "slummy" appearance. Still, the best liquor store in F.P. Plenty of parking. Also, check their appetizer section. read more

Huzzah! A liquor store located just down the street from so many of Oak and Forest Park's BYOB eateries... aaaand it has a parking lot! A BIG ONE. Decent selection of craft beer, though most of it is on the unrefrigerated shelves and not so convenient for BYOBing, but luckily they do have a wine selection large enough to feed the masses. No disappointment there- but wine really isn't my thing. We did find a few select limited edition bombers perfect for tying one on at a Thai food joint just up the street and the price was fair. If in the area an unprepared (what's new, CG?) for a night of BYOBing with friends, coworkers, or family I know I can count on FL to have my back. read more

I go here almost every other day for wine (DON'T JUDGE ME, LOL). I go here because they have my preference wine cold & fresh. It's reasonably priced, and they're pretty close to my home. Most of the clerks are nice, there is this 1 clerk that serves me most of the time and she just seems to hate life or her job or maybe both. They should have her in the back!!!! That's why I didn't give them 5 stars because she annoys me. Other than that they have wine tastings and a nice snack section that I've purchased numerous items from. Check them out. They have good prices! read more

Famous Liquors/Wine Discount Center is the best place to buy wine in the Chicago area. That's saying a lot as there are tons of places around here. Binny's does have more wine on their shelves but you better go there knowing exactly what you want because there's very little assistance at the shelf. And when you do get help, Binny's sommelier-style assistance can be a bit abrasive and snooty for my taste. The Famous staff are excellent help and approachable to boot. Almost every wine they sell has a descriptive sign with the Famous review and score of the wine along with the national publication scores. It's the perfect way to learn about a wine and make a good decision. I don't think Binny's is cheaper necessarily. You can find some things cheaper at times, but others not so much. Famous is generally cheaper on well-rated (we're talking 90+ Robert Parker), affordable wine in the $9-$24 per bottle range. Famous has a wine email list and blog - fantastic for learning about their new, different, and hard-to-find wines. You can reserve what you wish and pickup at your local Famous. Sweet! The selection, personal attention, and passion is evident at Famous. Add in super affordable and it's a winning combo. read more

This used to be a great store. Sometimes the price was a bit higher but the service was spectacular. Staff would go above and beyond to help you or special order items for you. However it seems that management changed because the staff for the most part are rude. I called to ask to see if they had something I needed the girl that helped me was extremely nice. However, when called later a man answered and he was extremely rude, pass me to another man and he was also rude. When picking up the item the man was beyond rude! It is sad to see that such a great store is losing customers because of the attitude of most employees. The cashier was nice, but the people that suppose to help you are basically kicking you out of their store with their attitude. Don't think that we will go back there! read more

The locally owned equivalent to Binny's if not in size then certainly in knowledge...though it is a big space with a ton of offerings. Staff are ridiculously well informed which make the 'not so much or averagely informed' just a bit moreso once you leave this place. They'll get my business every time Full Stop read more

I went in to the store to get 2 items. They would not sell me them because they said that someone was buying the same thing that didn't have an ID. They were rude and treated me like a criminal. I would have expected them to be professionals. read more

So I call this store to order a keg for a party we're having this weekend. Sale associate comes on the phone, starts taking down my information, then says "oh, there's a customer here, I need you to hold on." And then she places me on hold without even asking my permission. I've always been taught that the customer in front of you (in this case, me) was supposed to be the priority. Apparently Famous Liquors does not believe that, so I will be taking my business elsewhere. And based on the most recent reviews, it looks like others agree that, in this very competitive business, Famous Liquors has become infamous. With so many other options in the area, why choose this place? read more

Been shopping at Famous it seems like forever. They always have a nice selection of Wines, Beer and Spirits. Many of my craft beer fanatic friends rave about the selection and make regular drives from the city and the surrounding 'burbs to check out what they have. While I'm not a total craft beer geek I have to admit they definitely keep their fingers on the pulse on what's hot in the craft beer world. Their wine section is large and very underrated and they have regular wine and cheese tastings which are nice (they also had a big craft beer tasting a couple months back which was awesome). The staff has always been friendly and very knowledgeable especially when it come to wine and beer. Their prices are for the most part on par with Binny's but their Scotches and Whiskies tend to be a bit more expensive but not outlandish. If you live in the area and want to try someplace other then Binny's, or are a craft beer fanatic definitely check out Famous. read more

Really has stepped up the craft beer game. Dan knows his stuff and is very helpful. I just moved from the area, but this was my go to beer stop. Regular supply of all local brews. Can be depended on for limited or seasonal releases, you just have to be a loyal customer to know what they have fresh in the back. read more

This liquor store and I are now in love. We may get married soon. Smooch Smooch. So glad this place is close to my house. The checkout ladies are always so friendly and welcoming. The place is a riot on the weekends when they have wine tastings. During ribfest that had a whole outside setup. The wine selection (as I finally discovered) is fantastic. Rows and rows of goodness. This is my go-to place for all sorts of libations. If you haven't stopped by, I suggest you do. read more

HUGE store with a huge selection of wine and beer. The cheese case seemed a little small for the fact it's called a liquor and cheese shop. I apparently don't go to liquor stores on Fridays, because I was so shocked at how busy this place was! Clearly everyone was ready for the weekend! They had two cashiers open to keep the lines moving. The cashier was helpful in answering the question we had and even went as far to tell us what distributor our item came from and why it was out of stock. If you want to feel like a kid in a candy shop, try this place out! read more

I decided to shop local and stop in for a specific bottle of booze for a party we were hosting. I found what I was looking for and went to the counter to pay. I had to wait a few moments for the cashier to saunter over. (She was talking to a coworker.) She told me my total, took my money and handed me my receipt. No greeting, no "thank you," nothing. The next week, I was at Binny's and saw that Famous charged SEVEN DOLLARS MORE for the bottle I'd bought. I usually don't mind paying a bit more to shop local, but with that crappy service and those prices, I'll stick with Binny's for my drinking needs. read more

I love wine. That's what brought me to Famous liquors in the first place - it's Barry, the "wine guy" that keeps me coming back. I usually stop by after I pick up my son from preschool. (oooh, that sounds wrong!) It's on the way! Purely convenient! ANY WHO! Barry knows his wine and always points me in the right direction. We saw an episode of Three Sheets featuring Portuguese wines and Barry hooked us up with some of the same grapes and lots more info on it! He also knows loads about books and movies too - not necessarily best seller and box office crap, but every other genre out there! If I happen to stop by on a day that Barry is not working, I just get the bottle he had recommended previously! The prices are fair - sometimes a buck cheaper than Trader Joe's, and tons of Selection - clean and organized. Meats and cheeses to go with your bottle of red (or white, if you must). Oh, and they do have beer and liquor too. Momma goes mostly for her "Peace and Quiet Juice", though. I would give 6 stars if Barry worked there everyday...(but that really wouldn't be fair to Barry.) The other wine guy (think is name is Jim) knows his grapes as well, in fact, I think he might be the #1 wine guy there - does a radio show as well. The ladies at the cashiers are super nice - a nice finish, you could say! read more

Famous Liquors - Famous Liquors - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Forest Park, Illinois

I can usually find what I'm looking for, it is a bit more expensive. Not to mention there are always cops, hiding out and pulling people over all down this street. That is one of the main reasons, I don't go there as often. The employees are great, they are always friendly, funny , and smiling! read more

I went today with a beer list looking for them. I finally asked for help, the employee said the review was written in New York, even though it was a beer review from the Chicago Tribune. He pawned me off to a Burke liquor distributor, who helped me find the brand, they were out of the one I was looking for. Then an issue, I think, happened with his delivery, so he left me in the aisle, not saying I will be right back or let me get someone to help you. Not good customer service, very disappointed. read more

This place has changed hands in the past couple of years and has really gone downhill. The wine selection, which is really what drew me in the first place, is much less exciting. Many of the bottles you find here now can be found at other nearby liquor stores or grocery stores. The prices are ok. The staff used to be extremely helpful- but now you are lucky if you can find anyone to help you. The cashier staff are also fairly unfriendly. They have tried to overcharge me several times and then argue with me when I tell them the price is wrong. I miss coming here and getting great wine recommendations. We have mostly switched over to binnys for wine purchases now. read more

This place has a good selection of bottled alcohol, wine and beer. They regularly rotate there beer depening on the season, and their prices are competitive. I like going here, because it is clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. read more

Very unpleased with the service, went into the store with a friend to pickup wine (4) bottles so quite naturally he had to give me a hand got to the register to purchase and they asked him for ID‍ how sway? I was making the purchase just needed help carrying the bottles and then was told I couldn't purchase because he didn't have an ID!! I'll never spend a dime of my money here again!! Shitty attitudes and very unprofessional manager!!! read more

I'm a beer guy. Love my Goose Island, love my Belgians, love my IPAs. Famous Liquors has a pretty good selection. They also try to keep a fair amount of stock from regional breweries (Goose, Three Floyds, Founders, Bells). A couple of weeks ago, I was able to snag a couple of six-packs of Hopslam and Batch 9000, both of which were out of stock at the local Binny's. I can't name names there, but I recognize a lot of the same people who've worked there for years, and they typically recognize me. If they don't have something in stock, they can try to get it for you, maybe even steer you to the other store on Roosevelt. I have only 2 gripes about the place. Prices typically aren't as low as you'll find at Binny's, and they recently stopped accepting American Express as payment. As for the latter, I totally understand the rationale. AMEX charges vendors a higher percentage than other credit cards. read more

Definitely a supermarket of liquor. They have everything. I like single malt scotch and they have more brands and I ever heard of. Friendly helpful service. Won't go any place else. read more

Have been a fan of this place since I moved to the area in '96. Great selection of beers and solid selection of wines. Hard Liquor selection is also impressive, oh, and they pop popcorn on Saturdays and it really is THAT good that I have to mention it. Best 2 dollars you will spend in the place is on the popcorn. read more

My go-to craft beer store. Since moving into Oak Park I've rarely stepped foot in a Binnys. In just the past year they have grown the craft beer selection to a mind-numbing amount of options given that the beer is still mostly configured to a few aisles . I literally pace the store trying to narrow down what to purchase each time I go. They also have a large selection of refrigerated six-packs and individual bombers which are perfect for the numerous BYOB eateries along Madison, but these usually just end up back in my fridge or cellar. read more

Again so wishing for the half star thingy. These guys almost get a 5 star rating, they are helpful in finding you the beer or wine or spirits that you are questing for. Not super fancy, but plenty of selection for everyone, from a "Joe six-pack" to a real beer or wine aficionado. read more

1st visit asked clerk for a white wine recommendation and he did a dynamite job selecting out a nice pinot grigio for $7. Invited us back for a wine tasting, friendly service, well stocked and clean. Highly recommended. read more

Best store of its kind in the immediate area. My ex likes wine and has had some good advice and service from the guy in the wine department. On Saturdays they often have tastings. I remember once they were tasting whiskeys. I am not typically a whiskey drinker, but I tried some unexpectedly tasty samples, and ended up buying a bottle of Speyside whiskey. I also learned quite a bit from the server who was himself very knowledgeable. They don't have the massive selection of Binny's on North Ave., but they have enough at Famous to keep me coming back. read more

The store is very very bad! The price is high and the store is dishonest tradesmen! The store show me buy 12 get 10 % off! I took one whisky to counter checking how many bottles in the store, they check it on computer 52 bottles in store right now! I asked them I taking all, and then the manager came taking care me! He called his boss get the lower case price, I heard a little bit about they were talking about don't sell me more, the manager told me only 10 bottles in store right now after the call! I asked him why don't sell me a case, he don't want talk with me! Finally I said buy 10 bottles, he brought me 10 bottles and I saw one more on locker. At the end, I only bought 11 bottles, I didn't get case price and 10% off! the store told customer buy more get cheaper, they only sell more to you but don't want you getting cheaper! Cheating customers! I wish everyone know what is the dishonest tradesmen doing! read more

Huge inventory of wine and they have a really cool cheese, sausage, crackers (etc.) area where you can buy delicious food to go with! Try the Apricot Pistachio Cream Cheese Spread and the Manchego Cheese, both are terrific! Customer service is good too and if you need help buying wine or beer the staff is friendly, helpful and willing to answer your questions. read more

It's the little things. I wish I knew who the clerk that was chatty and friendly and when she found out I was making a fancy beef stew aka beef bourguignon mentioned that she had had the dish served over tater tots! We served ours that way and it was excellent. Thanks! read more

Needed to have a gift "delivered" as a house warming gift. Although, they normally do not deliver, Jeff made special consideration, since we were calling from New Orleans. We do not live in Forest Park/Oak Park...but if we did, we would always shop Famous Because of their EXCELLENT customer service. read more

I was a frequent shopper at the Forest Park location until today. My card was double charged on a previous purchase of $120. I went to the store to speak to the manager, and I was simply told that it was a router issue and reimbursements from their bank are forthcoming but no idea when. The manager couldn't have cared less that I am now out $120 for who knows how long, for no other reason than I shopped there and spent a lot of money. Couldn't get me out of the store fast enough, despite that I have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars there. My business is forever lost to them. read more

Super, super friendly staff with a great selection of wines, beer, and other alcohol. They also have regular wine tastings and fun promotions. Great spot! read more

Decent wine, beer and liquor selection. Prices are ok, staff is friendly.

Inventory is bad service is bad employees on their phones. Asked for a certain type of beer guy said we don't have it and went into the back room never came back. read more

Bring earplugs! This store has pros and cons,boy does it ever. If you go shopping in the morning its a quiet store.. until you get to the register..be prepared for the surly cashier to talk your ear off about his co-workers and bosses. I just wanted to buy my wine and leave,not be privy to all the bs that happens behind the scenes. If i had to guess,hes sampling the goods on the job. If you shop at night be prepared for the short,young cashier to scream across the store in a rude, shrill,grating tone at customers and colleagues alike.. not conducive to a great shopping experience. If you bring ear plugs or can block out those 2 loud rude cashiers..there are some positives. The people on the floor know there stuff,no doubt about it. One guy was able to help me find a rare bottle of bourbon then steered me to another guy who helped me with finding a special beer for a beer snob relative AND some wines that were his picks. I like the prices and huge selection but the cashiers need to tone it down a notch. read more