Best in town. Was looking for a hard to find local whiskey. They had it. I was only visiting town too.

Upgrading from four to five stars. This has become my go-to destination for everything adult beverage related. No, it's not the biggest store in the city, but to my mind it has become the best. Why? Three important ways: 1) Best service, never fail. Walk in the store and they ask if they can help, but they stay out of your way if you tell them you don't. Try getting help in some of the other stores? Difficult, typically. 2) Superb selection. Everything I'm looking for and more is here, and the people working here are pros. I asked today about the 200 yr. anniversary Guinness, guy doesn't blink and said they had a run on it but expect to be replenished in tomorrow's shipment. Not an unusual response, particularly the workers in the back who really seem to have it under control. 3) Consistency, see #1 and #2. I get this every time I arrive. No shortages, no folks standing around with hands in their pockets, no bored "when is my shift ending" looks on faces, etc. I can even recycle my wine corks here. I like that. And yet I can still come in and get surprised at what I can find, and that really makes me happy. The convenient parking is also a real plus, and with the laws recently changed the store has gotten larger (no need to separate out things like glassware into another internal "store" etc. Just keeps getting better so happy to revisit this review. read more

This quintessential liquor store is where it's at. When I lived in Lawrence, we went to a smaller one nearby that had few options and a higher price tag. On The Rocks is a nice, large, easy-in-easy-out kind of place with really good selections. I went in hoping picking out a nice variety for a nearby event, and it was easy to find everything; good local brews, chilled wines tiered off by price, and a cart to haul it all around in. Service was pretty good as well as I needed a bag of ice and the nearby cashier overheard me and brought it over for me as I checked out. Between this and Cork & Barrel, the LFK liquor store scene is in good hands. read more

The knowledge and friendliness of the staff combined with an impressive selection of, well, everything, makes this the only liquor store I will go to in Lawrence. Fair prices, and a staff that knows which one of the IPAs has the most citrusy qualities. Impressive dense selection of cold white wines...and what's that? gourmet chocolates and cheeses to turn three stops into two, because you really still need to go by Wheatfields for that epi. Kudos, and thank you also for this location, which is right where I want it to be. New to town...didn't take long to stop looking for the best liquor and wine store in Lawrence. Or if there is a better one, it's further away! See you soon. read more

See all

On the Rocks...where the "just recently turned legal" staff waxes poetic on pricey scotches. Where the still wet-behind-the-ears bright eyed cashiers check your ID, and when they see your actual age exclaim, "Oh my god, you don't look THAT old!" Charming. Anyway, I'm a fan. They have an excellent selection of wines, from moderately priced, with a most excellent grade (La Vielle Ferme, aka The Old Rooster, and yes, that's me, young whipper snappers behind the registers!) to really freaking expensive (aka the stuff I assiduously avoid). The aforementioned scotches are something to write home about. I mean, they have Lafroaigh, or however you spell it ("does anyone speak Scottish here?") They have Most Wanted and 360 brands (made in Kansas!) They don't, however, have any absinthe to speak of. On the Rocks tries to have a convenience store attached that is separate because of some absurd antiquated law where stores can't sell mixers and/or foods in the same place as alcohol (yet, you can carry concealed weapons in this state). It is expensive and useless, because unless you are THAT drunk, you'll walk your ass over to Dirty Dillon's next door and get tonic, limes and lemons for much cheaper. Be warned...there is an undesirable element that hangs out in the environs and on the premises itself and I'm not talking about KU frat boys. These are the types that would seem more at home at the meth lab in their basement. One other thing: the sign out front makes me think that this is not a liquor store, but a Christian book store. They might want to get that changed. No matter, I will continue to get my Old Rooster and booze at On the Rocks. read more

On The Rocks - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Really helpful people. Always willing to walk me through various things. Great stock of everything you could possibly want. They're my go-to. read more

On the Rocks has become my de facto local liquor store, but even if it were not I would go out of my way to stop in there. On the Rocks features a full selection of liquor, wine, and beer. The central part of the store has racks and racks of wines in a wide selection. Similar to some other Lawrence liquor stores, On the Rocks includes some helpful-marketing information like the scores from Wine Spectator and other enthusiast publications. The liquor section of the store carries a substantial selection of spirits, including many flavored vodkas, a good amount of gins, tequilas, bourbons, scotches, and other sundry spirits. The shining star of On the Rocks is the beer selection. The back third of the store is the "beer cave", or gigantic walk-in cooler. All of the chilled beer and pre-mixed cocktails are located in this massive cold room. From the front of it, the beer is finely displayed as one would find in any liquor store or grocery. The selection is sizeable -- containing excellent brews from around the country and around the world. I like to think that even with Kansas's backward thoughts on booze that the location in the center of the country affords a wide selection of beer from all over. Entering into the beer cave is like stepping into a wonderland of a beer warehouse, with cases of a great variety of beer stacked up to chest level. On the opposite side of the refrigerated display from the cases of beer are the by-the-bottle selections. I love that about this place. I was introduced to the thought of doing mixed-sixes by a Lawrence institution -- Jensen's Liquor. On the Rocks does the same thing -- a whole selection of beers by the bottle, individually priced for you to build your own six-pack to try out all those selections you've been dying to taste but were uncertain if you would like enough to buy a whole six. The beer selection doesn't stop at the beer cave -- the store also has several shelves full of imported and specialty beers. Sure, the shop has the Boulevard Smokestack series, but they also have a large selection of the New Belgium Lips of Faith Series, and other special brews only available in 1 liter or 24 oz bottles. I love On the Rocks because prices are reasonable, and the selection is great for a Kansas-based liquor store and our sometimes archaic alcohol laws. read more

On The Rocks - What I dream about . . . a refrigerated cave of beer. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

I really wasn't expecting much going into the store. But, I was quite pleasantly surprised to see lots of check out lanes, staff helping people make selections, there was a tasting going on and it really didn't take me long to find the bottle that I had intended to purchase. And, about that bottle . . . . it's kind of a niche-y type brand. Not the sort of thing that you would expect to find in a smaller town like Lawrence, and I was fully expecting to have to drive to Kansas City to get it. So, while I have only had that one experience so far, I think it's safe to say that I will be back. read more

Looking for a great selection of beer and wine on the East side of town? Look no further than On The Rocks. As a beer lover, On the Rocks is a welcome addition to this part of town. A large variety of beers by the pack and individual chilled bottles make it a great destination . If it's distributed in Kansas, they probably have it, and have it by the bottle so you can try one before buying a six pack. The wine and liquor selection is great. Helpful and knowledge staff make this a winning place. read more

All the people who work here are awsome friendly and covid 19 safe . Matt is the coolest guy ever made my visits feel like I was part of the family I highly recommend on the rocks read more

First off: I want to steal the staff from this place and have them work for me because everyone here is always so happy, engaging, and polite. Wait! Forget working for me, I want them to become my roommates and I don't even have roommates. Secondly, five simple and wonderful words: Cold. Wine. In. A. Box. Thirdly: Dog treats that are not only offered to your welcomed dog, but everyone available comes over to 'oohh' and 'aahhh' as s/he makes a big slobberly mess eating said treats. Fourthly: Open hours conducive to those of us who decide we want/need wine now. Gentle Suggestion: Please start accepting Lawrence Give Back. read more

Excellent beer selection and lots of singles for sale. Perfect for an out-of-stater such as myself. I don't know if the prices are considered good for the area but compared to where I'm from, it's something like a 25%-60% discount (I pay $11-$13 for Prairie Bomb! at home. Here? $6). Seriously. I loaded up on beer and practically jumped with glee after seeing the price. The cashier definitely thought I was insane, rich, or both. I do not believe I am either of those things. read more

Can't say anything but good about On The Rocks. Their selection of product is great. Their staff is top notch. They are super dog friendly!!!! Our pitbull Adora is an escape artist and her favorite destination is On The Rocks. She gets lots of love and treats from the staff, and she lets herself in through the automatic door. I really can't say thank you enough given the number of times this happens. I'm sure I'll be in to retrieve Adora here again soon. Many Thanks! read more

My go-to liquor store. Close to my house and super, super friendly staff. They'll always help you find what you need and even entertain you by singing along to the MJ tracks. AWESOME beer selection and they have a great 'create your own' 6 pack option with so many bottles to chose from. They also have a large beer cave in the back, also. And it's pet friendly :) Can't wait for the ghetto Dillon's to reopen next door so I can get all my errands done in one place! read more

best liquor store in town. I usually don't like talking to people who work at stores, but everyone here is so helpful, nice, and relaxed. I've gotten quite a few recommendations that worked out really well (kraken cider, and dickels as a cheap whiskey are two that come to mind) plus, their prices are the lowest in town that i've seen. read more

Best specials, best wine, best staff in town. I get annoyed if I get stuck in a situation where I have to buy liquor somewhere else. Even though....when one of the guys called me a "good customer," I was like "uh oh, is that a good thing??" read more

I love their beer selection. They have a wide selection of microbrews from all over the country along with all of the Free State and Boulevard bottles. They also typically have a sample pack on special. The friendly staff is always willing to help with recommendations. Their walk-in beer cave is also a great hangout on hot summer days! read more

On The Rocks - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Went in with last minute rush for some wine and when looking at the chilled wine selection I noticed that there was a row on rose Pinot grigio and asked a guy at the counter ( there were 4 workers with no customers waiting) about the Grigio and he said what we have there is what we have. Another guy saw me in the back, he worked there and his name was Craig or Greg..he asked and I inquired about the chilled wine and he went to the front and showed me how the other selections of the Grigio.were stocked separately at the end. So the Craig guy took the time to do the customer service the right way. I mentioned to the cashier at the front and a dark haired worker interrupted and started to tell me how the first coworker ( did I mention there was no one else in the store) pointed me in the direction of the coolers...as that was good enough...no one was even speaking to her! She proceeds to attempt to shut the conversation down with "have a good holiday" and actually came outside to give me her version in the finger...I have purchased over a Thousand dollars (easy) in that store...but no more. I think they were either racist or racist sympathizers. Definitely not Lawrence workers.and def not trained in how to work with people of color read more

Kinda hard to miss this place as its housed in an old Family Video, the huge glowing tower out front beckons passers by to drop in. The place has a huge variety of wines, and a large walk-in freezer. In the back of On the Rocks sits more specialty and micro-brews than you have probably ever heard of. You can make your own six pack by grabbing an old box sitting next to the reach in coolers and filling it with what ever you're in the mood for. Its close to the student ghetto (Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio), and right on Mass. I didnt notice a huge difference in the pricing at On The Rocks compared to other liquor stores in the area. Great place to pick up some specialty beers you might not find at your run of the mill place, but it's not impressive enough to make me go out of my way. Stop by if you're in the area. read more

I'm so glad this place opened. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They always seem to be in a good mood. They have a in house beer fridge too which my husband loves. Jaegermeister is always in their freezer, all other liquor stores, you must call ahead to have it ready. I cannot wait until Dillons re-opens next door so you can do grocery and drink shopping in the same car park trip. I do also appreciate that they always card (sorry minors). It's nice to have consistency at the store. read more

I stopped by On The Rocks on my way home to pick up wine and a pack of Tank 7. After getting the Tank 7 and on my way to the wine, I realized there was no way I would be able to carry everything by myself into my apartment. So I decided to put back the Tank 7 because I can get that across the street from my apartment at City Wine. As I'm putting back the Tank 7, some douche who works there loudly says, "Picked the wrong one?" So I roll my eyes at him and curtly say, "No." I don't know about ya'll, but I have people point out my mistakes all day at work, which is fine, but I'll be damned if it's going to happen at the liquor store. read more

"On The Rocks" - the name speaks to how it serves the community well. Not only do they sell IPA's and plenty of alcohol, but at the check out, they give out dumdum suckers. On The Rocks will never fail you. If you are feeling something sweet, go pick up a sucker and a 40. read more

Found this gem thanks to Yelp. Gluten-free beer in the cooler, amazing! Lawrence is lucky to have a store like this. Very knowledgeable staff guided us through the store quickly. Wish we lived in Lawrence so we could shop here often. Keep up the great work! Bravo! read more

I still love this place and now they have tastings. Wine Wednesdays and Beer Fridays, from 4 to 7- a schedule of the upcoming tastings is posted by the front door. They have also increased the number of artisinal beers offerings they have. I also appreciate the wide variety of affordable wines they stock. The staff is super helpful and friendly. read more

Great great place. Prices are as low (or lower) than most places in town. The people working there ar efriendly and they have a great selection of everything. To top it all off, they give away candy. Candy and booze! read more

Best Liquor Store in Lawrence. Mix-n-Match, Beer Cooler, Excellent Variety. read more

Great selection of beer wine and other spirits. Doesn't cater as much to the college crowd so you can find the right stuff. Dedicated parking lot makes it easy to get in and out of read more

As a microbrew beer fan, this place is the best in Lawrence as far as selection and variety. If it's available in Kansas, On the Rocks has it. They also have a massive selection of wine and other spirits, but I am a beer guy, and this is the go-to spot in Lawrence for bottled beer. Of particular note is the large selection of chilled "bombers" (usually special editions and the like) found in the beer cave, as well as the large selection of individual chilled 12 oz. bottles from which you can make your own six-pack. Prices are in line with the industry average and stuff moves quickly enough that the beer is fresh as it should be. read more

Walk-in beer cooler. Huge variety. Legit prices. Staff isn't super knowledgeable about product. Oh well.

Extremely helpful staff. Having a gathering and was able to get excellent info and the extra details given had made this place my new Go-To Liquor Store! read more

We were in Lawrence for one night at the beginning of August and stopped in. This store has a great selection of beer. They cave is immense. We were looking for Boulevard in particular, as we cannot buy this beer at home. We got some great deals and left with more than we were planning on. The workers were friendly and helpful. read more

In my neighborhood and dog friendly! The staff always talks me into a bottle of wine that I wasn't expecting to buy, and it's always a good tip. read more

When a fancy liquor store opens up, I never have high hopes. I used to know someone who worked at Mass Beverage and I had in my possession a "10% above cost card". Not too sure how much of a markup they have but after visiting On the Rocks, I have a pretty good idea. I was celebrating my birthday a couple of years ago and purchased a bottle from Mass Beverage. Fine. When On the Rocks opened, I checked the price and even with a "discount", I still paid more than what their normal, everyday price was. After that, I had a new liquor store. Whenever I decide to consume adult beverages, I make sure to buy from here. Or Cork and Barrel, for separate reasons. They allow you to bring in your dog, which I highly enjoy seeing in this town. They have a wide selection of liquors, beer, and shooters. They have a small shop inside too if you decide to buy a mixer for your alcohol. For anyone looking for great prices on booze, I highly recommend this place. read more

While the sheer amount of wine at On the Rocks may seem overwhelming the friendly and knowledgeable staff are there to help you through it. Upon entering we were warmly greeted by an enthusiastic gentleman who assured us that he would be happy to help us find anything we needed. Not only do they offer a large amount of wine but they have something to fit every budget. Their beer selection is one of the best around and the individually priced bottles ensure that everyone gets exactly what they want. We will certainly be frequent customers. read more

Great selection, they have a variety of beers my husband likes. They also have a great selection of wines and carry the Eudora wineries wines which I love the best. read more

A wonderful selection with decently priced beers, wines, and liquors. The staff is friendly and unpretentious.

Awesome liquor store! Huge selection and great prices. Give them a try. You will not be disappointed

Won't be back. Was my go to and considered myself a "regular", but my GF recently ordered a specialty bottle of whiskey there for me, for my birthday...and yes they ordered it but they called to tell her that the owner decided to keep it for himself two days before my birthday when it was delivered. This particular type of whiskey is now completely out and unattainable anywhere in the area. Could have gotten it elsewhere but chose to ask them for it and got screwed. What a great business owner who obviously cares so much about his customers. read more

The crew over at OTR is amazing! Usually if I ask a question about a product then someone there can give me any information I need as well as other selections that may tickle my fancy. I love you guys! Some prices may be a little high, but for the most part they're pretty legit when it comes to that such. Today I stopped in and asked about some sour ales since I had never tried them. They didn't have information on the particular one I had in mind, but were able to give me enough of an idea of what to expect. And when I got home I realized that their information really helped me out in what to expect. Gotta say it may even turn me onto IPA's since I have a pretty strong hatred towards too hoppy tasting beers. But I can come in and propose an idea to a drink I want to make for home. And they'll often point me in the right directions (My wallet disagrees sometimes because I'll end up leaving with a lot more than expected.. these guys are good lol) But I've never left with a product I'm dissatisfied in. I'll say it again, if the staff there sees this "YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME LFK!" read more

I'll keep it really simple. I shop here because they have an incredible microbrew selection. They have more craft brews cold than anywhere else in Lawrence and an extensive warm singles section as well, easily bigger than Cork & Barrel. Seems like every time I go there they've added a couple new brews as well which lets you keep trying new things. read more