Though definitely a more expensive option, this was the closest liquor store to my house, and better than shlepping all the way out to Allston and then taking home my purchases on the T. This place’s main attraction is the staff-- they do have a fair selection of rotating seasonal beers, German and Belgian imports, and some very reputable mainstays (the only place I could reliably get Dale’s Pale Ale), but everyone there is knowledgeable about beer-food pairings, what’s coming in, and treating returning customer’s with respect. It is in a Kenmore Square basement location which made me a little reserved about giving them my business, but the place is warm, clean, brightly lit and well kept. Loved the people and the location more than the price, but as long as you buy your harder stuff elsewhere this place is great.

Small store next to the Kenmore T stop. Help is always offered at least once during a stop. There is a rather limited selection, due to space, but you can usually find something that is not available at other nearby stores. Prices are as expected for the real estate. UPDATE - the beer selection here has gone way down hill...unless you are in Kenmore for other reasons, there is no reason to visit this store for rarities.

The guys know their beer, and they know beers that they don’t stock, which is almost as important to me. I want them to be able to recommend something similar to what I usually drink if they don’t have that. Also, they seem to not only keep the stock fresh, but they also change up what they’re offering fairly regularly. Not much macro-beer which makes more room for all that delicious micro. Awesome shop though small. I think around 300 beers, give or take (including macro). They carry some really esoteric beers, which is awesome.

Tom and Diane are two of the nicest, most helpful liquor store employees you’ll ever meet. Either one will sit and talk to you for as long as you want about beer and wine, and a very knowledgeable. The selection is pretty good for the size, and the prices are decent. Not somewhere to go out of your way for, but definitely worth stopping in if you’re in the neighborhood.

I was staying near Fenway and happened upon this place - nice looking little store that has a similar, tough not as varied, selection to Charles Street - it gets points for being the only store I’ve seen in the area over the past year that still has Speedway Stout on the shelves - the prices are pretty similar to most places (12 for the Speedway, 12 for Ommegeddon, etc.) - kind of small area dedicated to beer, but a decent selection none-the-less.

In the basement with windows from street level letting in plent of daylight. Didn’t get offered or ask for help so score left in middle for now. Tastings held here alot and are posted on website. Good selection of things. Nice blend of local, national & international. Think its 4 cooler doors and about 32 feet of shelf space for beer. Not as big as the Brookline location though. Prices might be a tad high, but not totally out of whack. I can’t find my notes on the specific beers that were available, but should find something good here.