(Shopped 12/24/21 FR @ 5:00pm): This liquor store was pretty central along this avenue!…read more
On Day 5 of my vacation as I visited a very dear friend for the Christmas and New Year holidays, we needed some various alcohol for the next couple of days for dinners and adult hot chocolate. We cased this joint the other day when we ordered takeout from Rizzo's Bakery which was directly next door. I was on the lookout for any wines from the area since I never found any from the New Jersey/New York regions in Los Angeles, and some Baileys to liven up the hot chocolate we've been enjoying in this cold wintery weather. Let's face it, I loved walking the aisles of any liquor store just to see the type of selection but also if there was something odd I couldn't pass up. Would this be a fruitful trip of libations galore!?
PURCHASE
Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur 750ml Bottle ($29.99): I loved Baileys either on its own over ice or added to hot chocolate which primarily was the reason for the purchase in this case - bottoms up https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=mGhj5PJ5r0IfrqqzNf_frw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw!
2020 Wolffer Estate Summer In A Bottle Rosé 750ml Bottle ($25.99): I
specifically looked for a white wine (I found a red earlier on my trip) from the area that I normally couldn't find back in Los Angeles, so this offering from the Long Island wine region in southeast New York was the only option that fit that criteria. A screw-off cap, watery dark pink color, sweet tropical aroma, low body, light sweet tropical flavor, crisp finish, dissipating cherry aftertaste, and low astringency - definitely something more suited for warmer weather but lovely nonetheless https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Mn64ZcYSGgXDWk0QS-Swug&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
2019 Chateau Haut Tuquet Bordeaux 750ml Bottle ($13.99): I've drank this bordeaux before, so it wasn't new to me. It had dark berries aroma, deep dark berries spices flavors, and a dry sweet aftertaste - an bold wine to be drank with a heavier meal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0yYdCjrcO6bKFDeR-x5plA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
SERVICE
Greeted by a handful of friendly women, I asked for assistance from one who had beautiful cat eyes to show me any wines in my criteria. She was able to advise only a couple bottles they carried which I bought one of them. The rest was easily found by my friend and I. We checked out easily and wished everyone a Merry Christmas - yay!
PARKING (FREE; N/A in this instance)
We walked, so parking wasn't an issue. Otherwise, there appeared to be plenty of spots along the main drag of Central Ave. and all surrounding streets - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A small/medium store fully stocked with liquor, mixers, and wines on several aisle shelves and along one wall while there was a refrigerated section mainly with beer along the back wall, and a pay counter towards the front door. Everything was visibly labeled and carried a decent assortment of products. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front windows and door while many electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs, but music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=MCTIcakRMJdm_Q7KzAM6fg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Temperatures were in the 40s, so I was bundled-up from head-to-toe. Otherwise, this place was totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I always loved neighborhood liquor stores and Central Avenue Liquors was no different in my book. The comparable prices, good selection although they appeared to lack local craft beers, and great service also made this a good choice. And, it was always a pleasure to support small local mom & pop businesses like this one https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=9uKfZWwamWlWk214NV6rFg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $75.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS