Binny’s Beverage Depot (River Grove)

November 28, 2008
Stopped in to kill some time on a break from work. This place used to be one of the worst Binny’s as they used to offer nothing when it came to US micros and craft beer. A lot has changed though in the last few months. They now have 3 solid ailes of good beer. They had Bells Expidition Stout and Thirst Coast Old Ale which you could not find anywhere else in the chicagoland area. Clean store with massive wine and liquor selection. Finally a place to get good beer by the in-laws.

April 18, 2008 [ Updated July 22, 2008 ]
I am re-rating this Binny’s. A couple of months ago they decided to start bringing in good beer. This has continued until now where it has one of the better selections of beers around. Add this to its location where one would not expect to find this good of a selection makes this one of my favorite beer stores. I suggest that any one who has a chance give it a try and support their new policy. Believe me this place used to be awful.

March 29, 2008 [ Updated August 26, 2008 ]
the once proud gold standard liquors was bought up by binny’s and promptly turned into the worst of their lot. their selection and prices are atrocious and the service (in terms of knowledge of staff) is equally bad. this place is a sore on the face of binny’s and river grove. only a few miles away the selection at elmwood park is so far better there is nearly no comparison. this place is only acceptable if you are interested in perusing 10’ high stacks of 30 packs and the occassional deal on a mainstream import 12pack. american craft brewing is ignored outside of only the most common names, belgians consist of maybe 4 selections. ironically, they are open the latest of any of the binny’s, i dont understand it. [EDIT, may 2008: this place has really turned around! belgian selection has grown in leaps and bounds as has american craft. i dont know what set them off but its a pleasant surprise. throughtout april 2008 i have found new items almost every week, sometimes every day! nogne o, delerium tremens, achouffe, langunitas and much more! give them a chance next time you are in town!]

May 11, 2006
A decent member of the Binny’s family with an average (for them) selection. Not many micro bombers or singles. I was also expecting something new in an eastern European brew, but their goods were much the same as is available on the southwest side of Chicago. I’d stop in if I was in the area again.

August 19, 2005
For those who are really looking for the eastern European selection, this is it. In a heavily European area of Chicago (it’s right on the border between the city and River Grove). Monstrous Polish beer selection.