Having recently moved to Brookline, this liquor store has become me and my roommate's new go-to (due to locational convenience). Ironically, they have a poor liquor selection. Their beer and wine selection is much more extensive, but still nothing special. After all, the store is on the smaller side and can only fit so much. I do appreciate how much is refrigerated. On my most recent visit, I was taken aback by the prices. For 8 ciders and the cheapest bottle of sauvignon blanc my total came to $43. Wild! Especially considering the wine was $11 if I remember correctly. I have read reviews in the past complaining about how strict they are regarding identification. This is SHOCKING to me because I've only been ID'd there once. Once! And for context I'm 22...certainly baby faced and should 100% be getting carded when buying alcohol. In terms of customer service, I have yet to have a positive or negative interaction. Notably, I have never been asked if I need assistance finding something. There are often men talking behind the counter and no employees walking around the store offering assistance. I will likely continue shopping here just out of convenience, but would not recommend anyone going out of their way to visit this establishment. read more

Nice people, decent selection, total ripoff. $15.99 for a six pack of Shipyard Pumpkin Head. (Don't shame me...I wanted a light pumpkin ale). $15.99!! In a hurry - I sucked it up. read more

I've literally never left a review on anything ever, which means I'm sufficiently angry enough at my experience at this place.  I recently relocated to MA from out of state. I was visiting a friend in Brookline, and we decided to grab a singular bottle of wine on the way home. Gimbel's was convenient, and after my experience tonight, I can honestly say if I weren't gainfully employed with a full social life, I would gleefully devote a very significant amount of time to standing outside this place with a sign telling any possible customers to go somewhere else.  After walking in and browsing their terribly organized establishment, I found a bottle, headed to the cashier, and was told that he didn't think my ID was real. My very scannable ID. The photo is about 7 years old. I pulled out all of my credit cards that match the name on my ID. Pulled up old Instagram photos to confirm. I could've gone somewhere else, but at this point it was a matter of principle. My ID scanned, and when he threatened to have the cops verify my ID, I welcomed it. Finally my friend comes in to find out what the delay is about and the cashier tells him that there's a mole on my ID photo that isn't on my face. I've now wasted 15 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, so we just leave.  Once we got in the car, I'd calmed down enough to take in what he was saying about my ID. I look at it again. There's a tiny black sticky thing that got stuck on my ID, right above my mouth. I wipe it off. 5 seconds later. It's gone. No mole. THIS PLACE SUCKS. Stop going here, so your friends who are kind enough to make a beer run before stopping by don't show up in a sour mood with a mental note to never let you host ever again.  Wish this place the worst. read more

The staff are the best. They are very kind and knowledgeable. It also seems to be open when everything else is closed. And the prices are good. read more

I avoid this place at all costs. Consistently rude employees. Higher than average prices. Many other, better options nearby. I would recommend the Cleveland Circle liquor store or the one in Coolidge Corner instead, if you're looking for a similar (though more reasonable) price point. Example: Half of their beer selection is repackaged from larger boxes, so their 6-packs are not actual 6-packs. They staple labels on them and reuse packaging from different brand beers. Example: I asked for a second bag because the 6-pack and liter of gin I was buying was too heavy for one thin plastic bag. I was stared at, told it was "industrial strength" and that it would hold, and was finally given a small paper wine bag that definitely didn't help my 15-minute walk home. My opinion is that they only stay in business because of their prime location, but Washington Square deserves much better. read more

Gimbel's Liquors - Repackaged from a larger box; their 6-packs are often from different brands with a label stapled on the front. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

5 stars. Lived across from them for last 2 years. Everyone who works there is nice. Great selection. If there's bad reviews, just ignore them. Great people and place to shop read more

I dig the selection and certainly dig the location (around the corner from where I currently live), but I will tell you what I *don't* dig: Snotty staffmembers who treat their customers as if they are the scum of the earth because they are buying products from a liquor store. What's that scene from Clerks... where Randall is complaining about how he never gets to rent good videos?... and Dante looks at him with complete and utter disdain and exclaims, "you WORK in a VIDEO STORE!" .. to which Randall smirks and replies, "all the videos in my video store suck." Well, it's kind of like that at Gimbel's. I don't know if they're feeling all sorts of inferior in there in comparison to the Tremendous Twosome less than a mile away (Blanchards and Marty's), but daaaaamn, Gimbel's staff: you WORK in a LIQUOR STORE! Not everyone is a drunky-drunk-drunk. Most of your patrons - me included - just want the occasional somethin'-somethin'. So why be so nasty? read more

Man, this place is a real doo factory. I've been to this establishment about 4 times over the course of 2 years...which is about 3 1/2 times too many. I purchased a six-pack of HighLife tallboys that cost me roughly $9.43. I understand that it's Brookline and I understand we are in Massachusetts...but that is a fucked up price right there. And if the prices / selection weren't bad enough, the employees were real dicks to me. Now I've had many a cashier job in my day and I understand that when you're having a bad day, you're not going to be the friendliest person in the world...totally understandable. And I certainly don't expect to go to a liquor store and have epic conversation with one of the clerks. But in all 4 of my interactions with multiple employees, I've experienced absolutely no recognition as a human being. I would rather go get drunk off some mouthwash from the 7-11 next door than give these guys my business. read more

They have a limited Liquor selection which is jarring when considering their Business name. Their beer and wine selection is a bit more extensive, and their beers are fairly priced, not to mention that they deliver (though I haven't experienced their delivery service just yet--waiting for winter). All of these things combined make this liquor store pretty similar to most around Brookline, and all these things would make this place a place I would patronize. That all being said, I could overlook some of Gimbel's shortcomings if every time I went there, the owner didn't act like such an a**hole. If you read any of my reviews you'd see that I am a firm believer in customer service above all else. A weak product can always appear superior when paired with good to great customer service. In the case of Gimbel's I can't even stand to walk into the establishment since my last experience there left my skin crawling and my mind seething with anger. The owner double-taxed me on an item, and when I went back to discuss that he owed me money, he essentially laughed in my face and told me I he HAD to tax me twice. He then invited one of his worker bees over to share the laughter and mockery of my asking him to explain why he believed he needed to tax me twice. The two then spoke in Russian to one another, at which point I just walked away, and then the kicker: the Owner started yelling at me, in front of his other patrons and my friend, who came with me to pick up a 6 pack. Needless to say, I refuse to frequent this establishment until they pay me back, and that dimwit owner apologizes for his garish behaviour read more

My local liquor store from when I resided on University Avenue in Brookline; the providers of fuel for many a forgotten night. Sadly, I had to move away from this reliable little place to move out to Dorchester and buy my booze from shops straight out of "Boyz N the Hood," complete with chicken-wire covered counters and fat policemen watching from the corners. But lately, I've been stopping here on the way to friends' places in Allston / Brookline, providing some welcome nostalgia. Actually, walking into Gimbel's is like a flashback to the Cold War -- think "Red Dawn." I don't know what specific Slavic language the owners are speaking in there, but I know that Joe McCarthy would have been all over 'em fifty-some-odd years ago. In the meantime, I manage to temper my red-blooded Reagan-era jingoism to enjoy the perfectly fine beer, wine and liquor selection at perfectly average prices and efficient service. No more, no less. No SPETSNAZ parachuting in, no ICBMs flying, no KGB agents hiding behind the Remy Martin to debrief me at Lubyanka. Bonus points for a great location. Dasvidaniya, tsovarich! read more

I've been to Gimbels a handful of times given its location. At the time, it was the most convenient option for me, especially when it was cold out and I didn't want to be outside longer than I had to (#worstnewenglanderever). If you live in the Washington Sq. area and need a place to grab beers/liquor/wine quickly, this place is great. It's definitely more expensive than places in Coolidge Corner, but sometimes traveling that extra distance just isn't worth it. The selection here is fine. Nothing out of this world, but you can find some good beer, some generic beer, wine, and liquor. The staff has never been rude to me - usually they let me peruse and walk around without saying much or they offer to help me find something. read more

I am glad to have Gimbel's as one of the closest liquor stores to my place. Yes it's a bit small and a little bit over priced but they have basically everything, and their service is great! Every Friday you go in they are doing a wine tasting. The guy (I think the owner) seems to know alot about his wine and always steers you in the right direction. Also, I probably shouldn't let this secret you but they have 2 hidden parking spots right behind the building. Awesome since there is never any parking on Beacon! read more

Prices are standard, and the selection's actually quite decent: a decent variety of different beers, wines, liquors, etc. Service is okay as well. Generally speaking, it's a good place to stop and grab beers before you go to a party somewhere around Washington Square. read more

Ahhh Gimpy's!!! I love this place. I used to live (somewhat) across the street, and came in here all the time. Yes, some of the selection is overpriced by a few bucks, but I tend to overlook that because when I first started coming in, they had this completely awesome sale. 1977 Messia's port for 49.95 a bottle. So my first reaction is, of course, "that's gotta be the swill of '77, right?" So I bought a bottle, got home and within 10 minutes of trying it was back to purchase a case. Now, bear in mind this little find of mine happened many years ago. And thanks (in part) to me, all that port is long gone. But, if you keep your eyes out you can spot some solid sales from time to time, and that's what keeps me going in. Gimpy's. . I salute you. read more

After living in the Washington Sq area for the past two years, I can safely say that I have never once felt slighted or mistreated by Gimbels, so I don't know what everyone's problem is. They have a decent wine and beer selection, in varying price ranges; the staff is friendly and quick to offer help (or some friendly banter/conversation!); they DELIVER; and overall they are a nice neighborhood joint. If you want someplace fancy with huge wine selection, go to vino divino and have them force a $25 bottle of wine on you, or go deal with the obnoxious crowds at Trader Joe's. Gimbel's simply gets the job done. read more

I'm surprised by the reviews here that indicate the staff wasn't friendly - that was definitely not my experience at all. Maybe they just liked me or something. Gimbels is a very competent liquor store in a town that until very recently had a lack of competent liquor stores. On the several occasions I went in, Gimbels had what I wanted (Sam Adams Chocolate Bock), even though it was late in the season and in high demand. They had a couple of bottles of it, and it was pretty cheap, too. They also sold me a bottle of $100 scotch for 15% off, just because I took an interest in asking about the different varieties. The place is small and doesn't have the same breadth as a place like Blanchard's, but it's got what most people need, is convenient, and my experiences have always been positive. Go figure. read more

Thank you for a free market so that I don't have to go here. They claim to have gotten some kind of neighborhood reward but I'm not sure if/how they got that. In any case, their selection is limited, the Russian guys who own the store are jerks, and the young women who work in the store don't last. Luckily there are about two dozen other liquor stores within easy driving (and even walking!) distance, so that I don't have to put up with Gimbel's! read more

This place was so convenient for where I lived, and I do miss having it so close. But while they had pretty much everything I could ever want from Johnny Walker Blue down to Burnasty's (Burnett's) Vodka, there are still some downsides. 1) Some things tend to be overpriced, but hey, I can even get over that since it was literally down the street from my place. 2) The fact that the staff members were just so darn rude. Yes, I'm buying liquor. Please don't look at me like I'm a felon. 3) Continuing on the path of 2), If I can't find something, I'll ask before I give up. Don't treat me like I'm plagued with a deadly disease and look at me with a stare of hatred when I ask you to do your job and help me. I'd rather go to Blanchards in Allston and have a drunk hipster help me choose a drink of choice. read more

This is my first review on yelp, after using it for many years, just to say that Gimbel's liquor delivery was extremely convenient, quick and amazing. I called and was given suggestions based on what I usually drink, which were perfect. The delivery was less than 15 minutes on a Friday night, and only cost $5 (for the entire order). I will definitely do this again and continue to shop here! read more

Ok, I had to write this just to try and balance out all the previous (seemingly crappy) reviews. 1. Overpriced? A little. But this is Brookline, people. Everything is overpriced. If you don't like it, move to Allston. 2. As for the staff, if you are friendly to them then they are generally friendly to you. As for getting stuff thrown at you, a) he isn't a store clerk (read: owner) and b) he's actually a very nice guy who just doesn't come off that way, and probably doesn't care, either. 3. Beer selection is not amazing, as the focus of the store is mainly wine. However, for a limited selection, it is certainly more than you would expect to find at your corner liquor store and you will not go wanting for craft beers, belgians, or anything tasty. No, they may not have what you came in for, but they will have something you'll like. 4. As for the wine, you will not be disappointed and will always get great recommendations. Most of the staff is knowledgeable in this regard. 5. They deliver, 'nuff said. If you call 5 minutes before closing, however, then you are probably sh*t out of luck. Plan ahead. Overall, a nice, convenient store for the Washington Square community. read more

The owner (or the guy who is often working when I come in a few afternoons a year) is super knowledgeable about local and harder-to-find beers. It's a teeny store and definitely not the cheapest option, but it's close to me and convenient if you're in Washington Square. read more

This is my local liquor store, and they know us well. Believe me on that fact. I dont find them to be very friendly...AT ALL. They usually don't even speak, but for some reason they LOVE my BF and always make recommedations of new stuff to try for him. They usually just ignore me. They do deliver, but when I've been in there and someone has been on the phone ordering for delivery they ALWAYS say that they are not delivering at that time. So...I wonder if they really deliver at all. You can order liquor from Hurley's (I think that is it) for delivery through foodler.com. Which is great in bad weather. I mean you got be stocked up for that upcoming snow storm right? read more

I have lived in Brookline for 15 years and other than Trader Joes this is the only liquor store that I go to. I have found them always helpful and friendly. Once my then 3 year old took a bottle off the shelf and rolled it out the front door (no I don't know exactly how this happened, it was very quick). The guy at the cash register didn't react negatively at all. I paid for the bottle and that was that. They also have wine tasting on Friday nights and the guy is very knowledgeable and helpful. Yes the owner is Russian and some of the staff are Russian. We have a lot of Russians in Brookline. I think they might have less fake enthusiasm in their culture. I have never felt unwelcome, and they really are very helpful if asked. It is a real neighborhood store, not a chain store with a customer service training department. read more

We ordered on a Friday night, because the $10 fee my friend was charged was cheaper than getting a cab to a store and then coming back again. I got a really confused lady who answered the phone, who knew some of the stock but had to ask a lot of questions. Finally when I mentioned I wanted delivery, she said she was waiting on the driver and I had to hold for a few minutes until he came back to see how much he'd charge me. Apparently it was $15 and she placed the order; the whole thing was insanely expensive. When I called back, I got the same lady and asked to speak to a manager. I got who I presume was the owner, who was petulant, rude and argued about the charge. I'm rating a 1 because the owner was rude, refused to change the delivery fee and made a huge deal about canceling. When I pay as much as I did, I expect at least some decent service. On top of the delivery fee, everything else was overpriced. read more

Oh Gimbel's, you silly store. One of the closer liquor stores to my apartment, I'm here... infrequently. The staff is nice, to most people, and helpful, but they are just a tab overpriced. The beer is on average, although you can get it cheaper, but the liquor here is at least 2 bucks more than Marty's, Blanchards, Brookline Liquors, etc. While they do deliver... honestly I'm not that lazy. Honestly I'll deal with the walk down Comm. Ave. instead of over-paying by 3 bucks for a bottle of Jameson. read more

Fine and dandy liquor store. The selection isn't amazing, but it's a pretty small space and they do a good job cramming-in lots of options. The prices are relatively high compared to Coolidge Corner (where prices are high compared to Allston... the list goes on), but Gimbrel's fits the bill if you live Washington Square. read more

Cool neighborhood liquor store with a pretty decent selection for it's size. The staff is uber-friendly and always goes out of their way to be helpful. The best part? They deliver! No minimum order, just a small delivery charge. Awesome deal if, like me, you need a couple cases of beer but don't have a car to get them home in! read more

I have to really be out of beer and want one to go here..... So expensive, easily 25% more than the competition. And the people who work here...... Dear lord. Been here once, but never again. read more

I think having "Liquors" in the title is a tad bit of a misnomer. I feel like the selection of beer and wine is a bit wider than their selection of liquors. The liquors are all on one wall, and I couldn't really find much of what I wanted. They didn't have any Pernod Absinthe or any Plymouth Gin. I settled on a bottle of Hendrick's. In the future, I'll only come Gimbel's out of convenience. read more

While many people complain about Gimbel's high prices, look at the location: Beacon Street, Brookline. Everything is a little pricey. I give Gimbel's 4 Stars for their delivery service. There are plenty of nights when I am either way too lazy or too tipsy to go trotting down to the nearest liquor store. The first time my roommates and I ordered from Gimbel's we were expecting it to be like most alcohol delivery services in the area, being super slow and super overpriced. After we placed our call, we were pleased with the price and less than 5 minutes later there was a knock on our door. After the confusion settled we looked out our peephole to see a guy holding a case of beer. I almost died of shock. This wasn't a one time fluke either. It never takes them more than 10 minutes for our delivery to show up. The delivery driver is always a riot too. Kudos! read more

My favorite neighborhood packie! Gimbel's has a great selection of wine and eclectic beers, friendly staff (the Russsian owner is always great for recommendations), and best of all.... THEY DELIVER. If they don't have something you want, just say the word and its ordered. I also brought my dog into the store one time and they made sure she got treats when I was at the checkout counter. If you're anywhere near Washington Square, Gimbel's is a great place to check out. read more

I found this place in Brookline today trying to get few bottles of wine on weekend The owner of the store offered me help to find good selection of wine and beer. He also offered me a free wine tasting, which was really cool! I like the way they treat the customers, no pressure - just their professional feedback. the selection is good too not like others stores that have the same wine different bottle I will definitely visit it again read more

Gimbel's Liquors is my favorite liquor store!!! The staff has always been more than helpful and friendly. Thank you for all your help over the past 2 wonderful years. We will miss you - no other place compares. When we come back for visits, our first stop will be Gimbel's Liquors. :) Frank and Alison read more

I was passing by today in Brookline and stopped @ Gimbel's Liquors. I was pleased to find very nice and helpful staff trying to help me to find good selection of wine and beer for my party next weekend. They also offered to try some of those, which was really cool! I like the way they treat the customers, no pressure - just their professional feedback. I will probably visit it again if will be in this area. It is certainly good place to buy liquors. Plus it is open on weekend! read more

Gimbel's has by far the best selection in the area. The staff is always so nice and welcoming and have no problem answering any of the many questions I've had! This is definitely my favorite neighborhood spot and would recommend them to everyone! read more

one star for the fact that they had what i wanted & it wasn't dirty or dusty, but man oh man, i left there thinking i will never come in this store again. i hate when store clerks throw the credit card, receipt, and pen at you... and the lovely jerk at the counter did all of the above... oy vay, give me a break, i'm buying booze... give me a break! read more

Gimbel's is great. Started going there for convenience purposes and would never go anywhere else. Mike (the lovable store clerk) has such a great sense of humor. As long as you don't have a stick up your ass and need your boyfriend to coddle you when you can't appreciate sarcasm you'll be fine. If you're too fragile to handle the freedom and liberties taken at an independently owned business full of colorful characters that have always treated me with respect (maybe because I know how to interact with others socially)--You should attend Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits where you'll REALLY get treated horribly and cry to Yelp about something worth reading. read more

There is not much to complain about when a liquor store not only does free wine tastings but also DELIVERS liquor orders that only costs $5. Gimbel's Liquors is just delicious! I love the staff and the owner. You can get your 6-pack, liquor and mixers all in one spot. A few bottles can get a bit pricey but there is always something to find in your budget. read more

Gimbels has a wide variety of alcohol, and a few bottles of organic wine. (I always search for organic wine and not many liquor stores carry them.) The staff is friendly. Prices are a bit on higher end but overall I would recommend the store to anyone who is looking for an interesting wine selection. read more

Nothing like getting drunk on a noon on Saturday with the Gimbel's staff. We walked in looking for the last of the Shipyards when we are pulled into the back row to start wine tasting. Not only was it delicious but also entertaining. I told my roommate about the delivery service and he called and ordered the rest of the Shipyards. The staff has always been friendly and informative every visit. read more