Great little liquor store with a varied selection and super helpful staff. Love how they stored their wine bottles horizontally, making for a very interesting product presentation. Tons of interesting choices, some of which are less common. Prices seemed to be pretty reasonable as well. Will return the next time I am in Princeton to pick up another rare gem. read more

Public - Interesting wine storage! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Lots of wine, a good selection of beer. The beer selection, in terms of singles, is constrained to bombers and higher end selections. You're not going to build your own 6-pack here. The service is good and they'll help you pick out something to your tastes. read more

Walk in customer. Very wide selection and nicely displayed! Prices also decent. Found the wine I had over the weekend at a decent price. Two varieties were available, and the one "aged in rum barrels" is what I had enjoyed. Then a young man came over to help me. Asked me if what I had "tasted like rum". Well it didn't of course, that's not what happens in the process. So I explained that certainly did NOT taste like rum. Whereupon he said he was certain then I must've had the other variety (which I certainly did not!). Annoyed with this approach I stated that I think I would know what I was drinking and looking for. Before walking out I asked him if he had tasted this wine. He had not. Yet so certain he was. Not customer focused, and doesn't even know what he's talking about and ready actually to mislead me. I will take business elsewhere. Please watch it here. Plenty of other wine shops ready to take you seriously and not pretend to know the business. read more

My review is based on the fact that our daughter ordered a special bottle of champagne for our anniversary that was supposed to be delivered on the day of our celebration. The champagne never arrived. Our daughter, who lives in Manhattan, called to find out the status. The manager was friendly, apologized and sent the delivery later the next day. I suggested that since the champagne did not arrive on the correct day, my daughter should receive a refund. I was told that instead of a refund, someone would reach out to her and offer a discount on a subsequent purchase. No one reached out. I just find it very irresponsible that a local merchant whom I choose to support wouldn't even try to make amends for a missed delivery. Obviously, we won't be ordering from or making purchases in this establishment again. read more

When I travel, I stop into local liquor stores to see what they have available. While Public has an excellent selection, its prices are excessive even by local standards. They for example had Nikka From the Barrel in stock for $100. This is substantially more than the MRSP ($65) or the local competitor Princeton Corkscrew ($85). read more

Good Stella Atrois, Miller Lite, Fosters, splits Jameson, Titos!!!!!

Note: this business has changed its named from "Community Liquors." Best place to buy beer in Central Jersey and one of the best in the Tri-State area. I used to live in Princeton and Community Wine and Liquors was always my go-to wine shop. I don't even think they sold beer back then, but there probably wasn't much beer of note to sell. They obviously decided to ride the rising wave of craft brewing, though, because they now have as extensive a selection of excellent beers from around the country and the world as you're going to find anywhere in New Jersey, and I would say it's competitive with New York City, too. I only visit Princeton a few times a year, but I always make time to stop in here now. I assume the new name is meant to reflect their broader coverage of adult beverages. It's not just wine and liquor anymore. They even have a pretty damn good sake selection, which I have to point out, because good sake is hard to find anywhere. I've been a fan for a few years now, but there's only one store I trust that sells it where I live (Manhattan). Other places have it but almost as an afterthought, and the staff tends to know very little about it. Also, it doesn't keep very well, and who knows how long it's been sitting around. Public does the right thing by putting the sakes that need it in a refrigerator, which indicates to me they know what they're doing. The prices are also much lower than in the city. It actually blew my mind. Seriously, I practically wanted to back a truck up to their door and start loading it up with sake and beer. By the way, hoppy beer doesn't keep well, either. I mean, why would you want to drink anything that isn't fresh if it isn't meant to be aged? There are too many craft beer stores that leave inventory sitting around to go stale, charging the same in month six that they did on day one. Again, not at Public. They won't even carry something if they think it's going to go bad before it sells. Given the demand for the best beers, though, I doubt this is more than a rare occurrence. The point is, they know beer, they care about beer, and they also respect and care about their beer-knowing, beer-respecting customers. I'll add my voice to the chorus in praise of Gordon, the manager. Great guy. Great hair. Knows everything about beer. What's not to like? He even sold me a few items from his secret stash. If you know what you want, you just have to ask. Maybe you'll get lucky. For sure, you'll be back. read more

Public has the best selection of beer and wine in Princeton. Hands down. This is the kind of place that you go to if you're having BYOB dinner with friends and need to grab something really quickly. Why? This place is ORGANIZED. They don't just organize by region - which, lets be real, doesn't matter to anyone than the big time wine snobs - but also by price (by height) and quality (with colors). Each bottle has a hand written tag with the price clearly shown along with some notes about the wine. They also label staff favorites with red. Its easy to walk in, find your niche, and make a quick selection. The beer is also not that bad either. They have an entire wall of specialty beers and some local favorites too. With all that being said...I have a bone to pick with this place. They need to be more welcoming to ALL audiences. In the last 10 times I came in, staring at the wall of wines for 10 minutes, no one came up to help me. And these were mostly times when I was the only person in there. The only time I had a staff member perk up was when my parents came in with me. Then they had no problem suggesting a pretty pricey bottle of wine for them. Maybe it's just me, but the staff seems to quit while they're ahead. read more

Customer service was amazing. They helped me find what I wanted and I love the fact they are open till 10pm on Sunday!!!

Oh, Public. First of all I still call this place Community Liquors and I think that my review for Community Liquors pretty much still stands. Recently they changed the setup of the craft beer shelves behind the counter. I think it works way better. Just in case people didn't know this, you can totally walk back there even though it appears to be behind the counter. It's ok. I've seen people with timid faces who look like they think they're doing something wrong by sneaking back there but...it's ok. Relax. That's where all the good stuff is. There are lots of great things about Public! One, it's I think the only liquor shop in a town with some legit BYOBs (I'm lookin at you Tortugas). Two, their beer selection is choice. If you have a question, see if you can spot the brooding dark haired Gordon (Hi Gordon, I love you, you're my favorite part about this store) and ask him a question. Just don't make it a dumb question. Three, their wine selection is good too but honestly unless I was in a rush and needed both beer AND wine (for whatever reason) I would head to Corkscrew for wine and stay with Public for beer. They have the best selection, comparable prices, friendly staff, it smells good in there it smells like wine boxes, and if you know about beer and are looking for something special, it's the only place in town that has a chance to get some. Or they can point you in the right direction (hint: west, towards Pennsylvania). Dear New Jersey liquor laws, beer distribution laws, and wine distribution laws, I really don't like you. No love, Allie read more

Small liquor store in the center of Princeton. I appreciate their selection and the diversity of beers and wines. Craft brews and European wines dominate the floor space. Cool staff. Only downside is that they are limited in size so liquors are limited. read more

Best liquor store in town. It's the perfect place to go before eating at many of the BYOB restaurants in Princeton. They have a great, interesting selection of craft beers and wine. In my experience, the people who work there are very knowledgeable and can easily help you pick the perfect beverage(s) to go with your meal. read more

The best. They have a massive selection, including imported English and Icelandic beers, Japanese whiskeys and tons of wine. During coronavirus, they've also set up a really convenient online ordering system and will deliver to your door. They've happily done special orders for me, and the staff is the most knowledgeable of any liquor store in the area. read more

Knowledgable, friendly service with a large and good selection of wines. Best of all it's reasonably priced despite its location. read more

Public - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Wow. What a shitty experience. Used to live in the area so I've been here my first share of times, but this review is about a recent experience as it updated my opinion on this store. Usually this place has been rather helpful and unpretentious, which is why it has 3 stars. It has a good selection of beers wines and spirits. However, the person who approached me Saturday evening "to help" left a terrible taste in my mouth. I've been experimenting with different Italian varietals and while I love barolo, I rarely like the price point... Which I know... So I approached the conversation with the guy who worked there was based off of my knowledge of generally what I'm looking for but genuinely curious for his insight. I'd been recommended a ripasso because I like big wines, but at a smaller price point although I couldn't remember the word ripasso. So while I was explaining that to this guy I said I like barolo, but cheaper thinking we could brainstorm this together. Immediately the guy basically scoffs at me and with his nose in the air said you will NEVER find a cheap barolo. Inexpensive barolo doesn't exist. I continue to try and say 'no, what I mean is..." And and cut off by him basically just reiterating what he said louder and with more gusto. We weren't even on the page, but he was sure I was an absolute idiot and made it well known. I looked at him in true surprise and obviously walked out. Come onnnnnn.... read more

Great wine selection. If you are a fan of beer, this is the place to go in Princeton. HUGE variety of brews to choose from. read more

This place is great! Looking to diversify my family's wine tastes. Jason was very sweet and knowledgeable. Taylor was very kind as well. When you walk in, you feel like the staff is enthusiastic about what they do and that makes me all the happier swinging by! Greatly curated in the shop. Thanks guys! read more

Awesome degustation with an affordable red wine with 10% discount! They have been carrying a great selection of craft beers. The staff has been friendly. read more

As I was looking for a Princeton liquor store that carried certain spirits to have them delivered nearby (I'm in another state). Came across Public and they not only had what I was looking for - they charged a reasonable delivery charge & got them delivered same day! read more

Very good selection of craft beer. Do not be fooled by the size - they manage to pack quite a selection of quality brews into a pocket-sized location. Strong international presence on the wall shelves, but head into the back and some domestic gems can be found. I'm a huge fan of Rock Art Brewery out of Vermont. Definitely hard to find down this way; however, Public has it (you should get the Smoked Porter. Seriously. Get it.). If beer is your thing, I'd come here over Cool Vines. If wine is your thing, you should probably go there. read more

Shitty customer service. I am a regular customer who comes in all the time, and this time I felt disrespected by these guys. One of the sales associates doesn't ever bother to ID me because I come in so often. Came in with a friend who accidentally forgot his ID, and upon seeing the fact that we entered the building together they saw fit to deny my purchase as well. (He even had a picture on his phone of his ID.) When asking if we can go our separate ways and I could come back, they said no, not until a reasonable amount of time passes. What is a reasonable amount of time, Public? "A reasonable amount of time is a reasonable amount of time." - Public Liquor sales associates. Great answer! Not vague at all! Do you remember the soup episode of Seinfeld? There's literally no liquor stores in this town and Public won't let my sorry 30 year old angsty graduate student ass self medicate. It's not like either of us looked like undergrads. I guess they have every right to deny alcohol to anyone, but I am a regular customer. Don't forget your ID because these guys will not be reasonable human beings. read more

Nice looking store, but the prices are a ripoff. Look up bottles of wine they're selling on the internet--you can generally find them in other retail stores (including ones in NJ) for around 20% less. I get that it's downtown Princeton but still....also their selection of French wines could stand to be expanded. read more

Only been here once before. As a rule of thumb for me, I don't buy much in princeton because of how expensive it is. This place is an interesting acception. I thought surely because it's alcohol (normally decently expensive) and because it's in princeton, it will be a ripoff. I was pleasantly surprised when I found decent prices! In princeton! Wow! The beer selection is nothing to simply shake a stick at, it's quite large with many varieties. I'm not a wine guy so I can't vouch for their wines (I don't even look at them). The gentleman at the register was quite friendly and knowledgeable as well, making the experience all that much better. read more

My husband loves their craft brew selection. There are always great choices for beer and wine.

Definitely a bit of a snobby place. They don't sell single cans, 40s, nips, pints of liquor, or any of that good stuff so you're gonna end up buying at least a sixer or a fifth. not worth it but sometimes they're open when varsity isn't read more

One of three wine and beer shops within two blocks walking distance. This has the worst selection and, most strikingly, the least helpful and least welcoming staff. Their prices are also not competitive with the other shops. Very disappointing. read more