October 24, 2009
An amazing selection in a questionable neighborhood. Beer is unfortunately stored at the improper temp. The chill the Old E but not the 20 dollar bottles of aged corked beer. Bizarre.

October 13, 2009
I used to frequent this place more when I was first getting into the craft beer scene. Located in what looks more like a C store, Big Star has quite the selection of beers from around the world. The problem is that the conditions (lighting) aren’t very good and you won’t get much in the way of beer selection help if you need it, although they are friendly and I hear they will do case orders if you are looking for that. Pricing has creeped up a bit in the last couple of years that make them at the upper end as far as my regular stops go. Worth checking out and often a place to find a bottle of something that has been sold out at other places around town.

September 21, 2009
Ambiance and beer knowledge of the staff leave much to be desired, but this is definitely a go to beer store for the selection and generally steady of supply of some stuff that others like Bottleworks sell out of quickly (most notably HOTD and Scandinavian brands) take your time searching the shelves b/c you will find some surprises tucked away; doesn’t seem to get as much limited releases, but does get some

October 28, 2008
Not as clean/organized as say Bottleworks, but it does beat the rest of the Seattle market on sheer volume. Lots and lots of beers, but not all are ones I’d necessarily want. I’d say Bottleworks is more curated, and anything ’special’ you’d find at Big Star you’d find at Bottleworks too. Exception is all of the European beers, particularly Eastern Europe, Russia, the Balkans. Tip of the hat to Big Star for these. Service is pretty hands-off, but I’m often hunting on my own. I’m sure they’d help where they could if I asked. Prices are a touch more than others, perhaps, but can’t really complain here. Bonus is a great selection of glasses.

February 12, 2008
Big Star is one of thee competitors in the market here in Seattle. Basically, the main assortment of people that go here are Seattleites too lazy to drive to Bottleworks, or Seattleites that simply don’t know about Bottleworks. Check out Big Star for your rarer odd imports from Eastern Europe and Russia. Lots of different cool sake to check into as well. About 50% of the brew is cold, and 50% is under horrid fluorescent lighting. Worth a stop, but most of you beer hunters will be good with a stop at Bottleworks.

November 14, 2007
With the exception of Lambics a big beer selection. Big, bright windows to let the daylight in. Probably 90% of the beers sitting on room temperature shelves. Asian corner market style service and attitude. With such a variety you’re bound to find something you want here, but know your bottling codes.

September 22, 2007 [ Updated September 14, 2008 ]
Great selection, but many were covered in dust. Staff knew nothing about the beers, and the prices were terrible. I won’t be going back.

August 31, 2007
Very good selection in the most unlikely location. It’s a strange place and the prices tend to be higher than they are at Bottleworks but some of the beers available at Big Star are rare enough to justify the extra cost.

July 5, 2007
Found this place by accident when I was in Seattle, killing time before a wedding! Was driving around and saw their sign about "largest selection of micros." Kept driving and then decided to investigate and flipped a u-turn. Glad I did! Can’t compare it to other shops in the area as I’ve not been there, but this one was pretty great. LOTS of stuff, especially Belgians. First place I’ve ever seen with Aventinus Eisbock!! Didn’t have the experience of Old_Mr_Crow of being over suggested to. Perhaps she figured I knew exactly what I was looking for? In fact, at first Myle was a bit quiet when I was talking with her, but when I kept talking with her and complimenting her on her shop she warmed up. Apparently they used to be a convenience store, but they decided to change to micros because there were so many convenience stores in that area of Ballard so after4ever wasn’t far off in his comment. Beyond the beers they also carry several mead varieties and I think I remember seeing wine as well. Don’t remember any hard alcohol though. Definately worth going by, especially if you’re in the area. They don’t do mail order, but you can always package it yourself to mail home. BTW: They had both Yeti and Oak-aged Yeti when I was there!!!!

October 12, 2006
Pretty impressive selection; some imports that Bottleworks doesn’t carry. Unfortunately, you can’t split most local microbrew sixpacks (no big loss if you’re local, but a pain if visiting I suppose).

Service was...overattentive if anything. The recommendations might be useful for a beer novice but after being recommended a dozen middle-of-the-road imports (without asking, mind you!!) this grew tiresome.