I too am close to being a fan of this very nice liquor store, literally steps away from my neighborhood. I am probably more snobby in my alcohol consumption than many folks. And it's just in the selection here that keeps me from being a true fan. That being said I can see myself stopping by, or maybe even stumbling in without a car if ever the need arises;) My first impressions were promising. Wide open aisles without case stack displays everywhere. Leading off the first aisle is local NJ wines, for the most part sweet ones but with a few decent dry also. Prices were pretty much inline with other local retailers. There is overhead and floor signage to find specific sections easier. The French offerings are pretty sparse, but you have a few $20 ish and slightly higher options. Regrettably I skipped the Italian section completing so that will be in my list for the next visit. I did see 2 higher end Barolos in a glass display that housed other more expensive bottles. The California offerings were slightly better, here you will find a few bottles over $30 from know growers. But I noticed a few more widely known items were a buck or 2 higher than other local shops. In the spirit category, there are decent selections in Scotch and possibly tequila, less so for bourbons. But the catch is you have to chose from available choices, not necessarily what you came in looking for. That could mean finding a new fav. Or something you'll end up using as a mixer.... The beer and lighter drink section left me wanting for more. There were a few interesting brands I've not heard of, but really no sours or ciders to speak of. I eventually made my way to the back of the store where there is a non refrigerated section of less mainstream items. Here I noticed a few local brews and ciders, and my eventual purchase, Rodenbach in euro pint cans. I've never seen them before so yes, I did find something I wasn't expecting here! Customer service was friendly by all 3 employees I encountered, I was even asked if I needed any help. I have a few items in mind I saw there that I may have to come back for too. Great option for Hamilton residents not wanting to go to large box stores. This one was not too small and crowded, nor too big and imposing. 3.5 stars and counting read more

Wine Republic - Great to see local wines represented and at the front of the store! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Trenton, New Jersey

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After picking up our Covid-19 take out celebratory dinner across the road at Szechuan House, we stopped in at Wine Republic for a 12 box of beer to enjoy with our spicy Chinese feast. Put on my mask and gloves and walked in for the first time. It is a big warehouse style store, with good prices and friendly staff. I found my way to the rear where the cases of pilsner were piled up on wood pallets. The large display of Corona caught my attention and the irony was inescapable. Modelo Cervesaria has stopped production of this line due to its name association with the pandemic, but that didn't mean they weren't going to allow their distributors to sell what was already in stock. Why not? After all, it isn't labeled "COVID LIGHT". That might give me pause. So, I pulled a box from the stack and proceeded to the cashier. In another time my appearance with mask, gloves and black hat would have set off alarm in the employees, and maybe even a sawed off from under the counter. In this new reality I was met with a smile and gratitude for stopping in. Their wine and whiskey aisles seemed to lack much variety compared to the big boys, but it was more than adequate for a quick booze purchase. I would certainly visit again when in the vicinity. read more

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This is a very nice store, and I am inclined to give it 5 stars, but I've only been there twice, and have bought the same sort of wine each time. I'll probably go back within a month and will get a variety of drinks for a summer barbecue party. The prices are good -- at least on par with Joe Canal's -- and so is the selection. I'm partial to Spanish and Portuguese wines, and they have a few that I like. They could possibly stock a few others, but overall, I can't complain: I'm finding what I like. The store is bright, but unlike other typical liquor stores, it's not the usual, harsh fluorescent lighting (it might be fluorescent, but they're not the usual kind of industrial bulbs), and this place has attractive flooring. The resulting ambiance is welcoming, which makes me want to linger a bit longer to see what else they have. There is a decent beer selection that I can see -- though, I haven't fully explored this. And, if you're inclined, you can get some harder stuff as well. Bagged ice is available by the door for less than $2.00. The man who works behind the counter is friendly and efficient. I don't get over to that side of Hamilton that frequently, but I will make a point to come back here soon. read more

I really, really would like to give Wine Republic a 5-star. The selection is large, and the largest in such close proximity to my home (within 3 miles). Prices are pretty good for beer and fair for most of the liquor selection. Popular selections for the area can be slightly overpriced, but I don't mind that, I actually expect it. I'm not sure about wine prices as I buy wine very rarely. I really like that they have a large selection of nips out for your convenience, and the selection behind the counter is even larger. I visit at least a few times a month because it is so close to my home, so about 9-10 times now. However, I haven't had a positive (or negative, to be honest) experience here. Now I know that is a contradiction in itself. Let me explain. My experience in this store is always perfect until I walk up to the counter to purchase. I'm not expecting world-class service, because I do understand it's a liquor store. But I am the kind of person who will always greet my cashier with a smile, and some form of the phrase "Hi, how are you today?" And I always leave with a smile and a "Thank you, have a good one." On absolutely every occasion I have purchased something from this store, I have never gotten a courteous response. Half of the time my greeting is ignored all together, and my total is mumbled in-audibly low. The other half of the time, the response is just "ID?" I have never gotten a "Thank you", "Have a good evening" etc. As I stated earlier, nothing monumentally negative has ever happened to me here. I just always feel uncomfortable due to the lack of common courtesy. The looks I get always make me feel as though I am an inconvenience to the cashier, or whomever else is working in the store. I have never felt welcomed as a paying customer. I know that is quite long-winded, and maybe a little silly. But I am giving you business. If I speak to a worker, I'm not expecting to be flat-out ignored. That is plain rude. Almost every job I have worked has dealt with some form of customer/client contact. Small pleasantries go a VERY long way. Unfortunately I have had enough of the rudeness, and will now go elsewhere even though it is not quite as convenient nor is the selection as large. read more