Since my last review, I have now moved on to the east side of the river and this Friar Tuck is now…read morethe closest, "Big box" liquor store to my new home. Since I now live on this side of the river, Friar Tuck is satisfying one of my vices by keeping me stocked with craft beers and whiskey. On my recent visit, I was searching for mini bottles. I needed them for swag bags for a party I hosting. To my surprise they had an over-whelming selection. To my disappointment, they did not have the quantity I needed in the brand I choose. However, the sales associate checked the back stock and provided top notch service. She even gave me a lead of where I might find what I was looking for. Don't worry, she did not lose a sale. I still bought some craft beer and a couple of canned cocktails. The sale was just smaller and I am sure future sales will make up for the shortage on this visit. After all, the holidays are approaching. When: October 20, 2021 Why: Shopping for mini bottles

With six locations in Illinois and three locations in Missouri, Friar Tuck is a chain selling…read more'wine, spirits, and beverages' in the central Illinois/St Louis region, headquartered in Springfield. We stopped into the Edwardsville location for a quick visit, picking up a bottle of red (from Australia) and a bottle of white (from New Zealand), along with some other stuff. I really liked how the wine sections were organized with large ceiling signs, allowing us to focus on specific types and then narrow it down by price and ratings. Checkout was a snap, with friendly, helpful cashiers.

Bridge Taphouse and Wine Bar is such a gem in downtown St. Louis, and I can definitely believe…read morethey've been holding it down for around 15 years--what an incredible run for a spot that truly deserves it. The vibe is everything: dark, intimate, and just the perfect setting to kick back and enjoy amazing food and great company. I had the shrimp linguine and scallops, and both were absolutely phenomenal. This place is so #StLouisPescatarianApproved Don't get me started on the sticky toffee dessert! Wow! Shoutout to John, Mason, and Malik for being so fantastic--they made the whole experience even better. I can't wait to come back and dive into more of their menu (and maybe their wine list, too).

After making a reservation, I heard on social media that this place may be closing soon, but there…read morewas no indication of that on the restaurant's website or in-house. We arrived right on time for our reservation, stood for quite a few minutes in a half-empty house before being seated, then waited a very long time between visits from our apparently over-stretched waitstaff. The first cocktail I chose wasn't available; nor was the first entree. I settled on the "red wine flight", and it arrived in three glasses. The server recited their names, but I didn't catch them. Food was middle of the road. A smoked sirloin sandwich was tasty, though rather well-done. And the order of "salmon cakes", which the menu says is made of "smoked salmon, roast corn, tomato, cucumber, creme fraiche, and capers" was in fact just one cake (not cakes!), smaller than a hockey puck (about 1/2" thick max) and seemed to be made of canned fish, not the bright orange of smoked salmon. It was accompanied by five thin slices of cucumber and three or four halved grape tomatoes. No corn, no capers. It was so boring, and an overpriced disappointment at $23. If this Bridge is actually closing and focusing on the event space, they've gone out with a whimper. And if they're actually continuing service, I hope they get the food a little closer to the menu descriptions. Our drinks and water glasses were empty for long stretches. Our server was very pleasant and polite, but must've had way too much to do.

Stopped in since we were in the area on a Friday. Folks at…read morethe tasting areas were all friendly and samples were delicious! Multiple registers open so wait was minimal, but our cashier Ashley couldn't be bothered to act like she cares to be there. All frowns and barely a word let alone a "thank you" - everyone has an off day, but then maybe a less customer facing job might be better for her.

Back again at Total Wine for wine tasting event. This event was free of charge. It included sips…read morefrom across the world. This was my 1st wine tasting other than the tourist wine tasting. It was fun. Although I didn't taste many wines i was able to get good advice. The staff was awesome. The patiently help all that asked fir help. They could tell you about the different wines. One associated help me find some wine that wasn't even one of the wines they were showcasing. They had specials pricing on some wines. I believe i got a good value on my purchases. I left with 2 bottles of wine. Sea Fiore Maxx Strawberry and Grape and Casa Rossa Strawberry .

Saint Louis Hop Shop is a great go-to in the Cherokee area if you just want to grab a cold…read moresix-pack, mix some single cans, or sit and try a new local beer. Owners and staff are top-notch--helpful and knowledgeable! The in-store stock varies and is sometimes light during slow times (like January!) and I understand they've had some struggles; hoping the community continues to shop there and Hop Shop can keep doing their thing.

Visiting from out of town. I'm a brewer so I wanted to grab a bunch of local beers. I was excited…read moreto find this place. Upon arrival there were maybe 20 single beers total in the packaged coolers (4-5 cans of 4 or five brands.) Shelves were basically empty except for their own merch. There was literally nothing to buy. Clearly going out of business which is very sad. Seemed like it might have been a good spot once.

Randall's is a huge space filled with all your liquor needs…read more They have plenty of employees to ring you up when you are done and they are super friendly. I am usually looking for different local beers, and they always have someone willing to walk over and look with me, look things up, and help. All with a great attitude and a smile.

This place is massive! I've only seen Randall's passing by but never stopped in. I needed some…read morechampagne in a pinch and this was in the neighborhood, so I took it as an opportunity to check it out. This location feels a little hidden, but it's there if you're searing for it! There's a big parking lot with lots of space. I walked in and saw lots of specials on bottles and picked up a bottle of Pinot Grigio for myself ($4.99) and explored the rest of the store. It's super well organized and labeled to find what you're looking for. Whatever you need, I would assume they have it. I don't typically purchase mini bottles of champs or Prosecco because they can be pretty pricy, but I found 4 mini bottles for $8.99 which in my opinion is a steal. Staff was friendly and helpful, and I definitely plan on returning to do some wine exploring :)

Story of my weekend, stopping in close to closing but I had to have my Freshe tuna and they are the…read moreonly place I know that carry it. A new flavor! Siracha. I picked that up as well as the Aztec Ensalada and Provence Nicoise. They are so good, can't wait to try the Thai Siracha. There were several other people shopping but I wanted to head out instead of moseying through the aisles looking at all the great local and unique items. Checkout is a breeze, don't forget your rewards! No bag and no receipt by design.

They are always so friendly and helpful. Parking on the street or in the lot next to the building…read more Bring your own bags or they will provide a box if they have them. Food always looks fresh and great selection.

New location is great! Plenty of wine, beer and liquor options. I cannot get out without nuts…read moreand chocolates. Quality and very tasty options. What tops this store off is the expertise of the employees which can only be bettered by their friendly and professional approach.

This is a pretty great place to pick up a bottle of wine and unusual cheese - although the…read moreselection is small, it's mighty. I was able to find the tawny port that I favor here that I usually can only find at Macadoodles. They don't have a large staff, but they are still able to assist you if you can't find something or answer any questions.

Pretty good beer selection. I love to build my own 4 or 6 pack of individual cans/bottles of my…read morefaves and interesting new selections. Good location as well. I do still hugely miss Craft Beer Cellar and that whole vibe. Female staff are friendly.

Maybe it's because they just opened? Not sure but Craft Beer Cellar was far superior in my opinion…read moreif looking for craft beer. It appears this place is mostly wine and hard liquor. If that's what you're looking for then check this out. But they are lacking in the craft beer selection for now. I might check it out again in a few months. Also, it appears they removed the bar with taps therefore they aren't opening those big windows anymore and actually have wine bottles in front. There's nothing unique about this place anymore that makes me want to revisit.

I really need to shop in the store, but I also think I want to buy everything…read more This review is for the sandwiches and, despite a small menu, the sandwiches are SO good. You can order online and pick up once you arrive - you also get chips and a drink of your choice. They also always seem really happy that you've ordered from them so that's nice. Will be back here again for sandwiches and more.

First off- they do lunch here from 11-2 most days and it is outstanding and fresh. Do yourself a…read morefavor and pop in for a sandwich! This place is amazing. So cool. And such great service!! They have experts on everything you could ever need - wine, cured meats, preserves, pasta, and more!!! They have everything. Like I walked in asking about Gjetost (a Norwegian cheese) and they had it. They also have an incredible cheese monger by the way who I didn't get his name but he was really kind and knowledgeable. Cute decor too, very kind of rustic and homey. Reminded me of my time in Italy. Oh and they make fresh bread!!!! I've been looking for a cute little market like this so I can shop local and this place is just fantastic. Had a pretty incredible turkey sandwich too - I added speck to mine! Sandwiches all come with chips + a soda too.

Broad selection, good prices and friendly service. And a tasting bar! With a whiskey ambassador…read more I'll be back.

I stopped in searching for a spiced rum. My all time favorite, Old New Orleans spiced rum, straight…read moreout of NOLA, is no more. So I've been on the hunt for a new one. I love this place because of their knowledge and they usually have brands you've never heard of. I was able to chat with the guy who knows rum and he made a couple of suggestions and offered tastings. While I'm still on the hunt for a spiced rum that doesn't taste like Christmas, he introduced me to a new rum. It's a Jamaican and Barbados blend. I love when the molasses flavor comes through as it does on this one. It's a full bodied rum. I also believe he said it was new to the market. Thank you for your help especially since I arrived a little before closing. CHEERS!