Latest reviews from Lakeland

“Stopped for lunch after hike. In strip mall. Decor nothing special. Store nicely laid out with decent selection but nothing overly exciting. Bunch of drafts but again fairly standard fair. Nice enough staff“

Jow 1277 days ago

“Interesting location with scenic water across the street, a school and a ghetto hotel. Parking was near impossible. Beers and service were solid. They had pricey bottles to go.“

SHIG 1595 days ago

“Huge production facility just off from I-4. The tap room is massive and their selection was vast. They also have beers to go in coolers. Service was prompt and decent. Worth a stop for a hydration.“

SHIG 1595 days ago

“Really nice bottle selection focusing on sours and a few nice big stouts. Some rare gueuzes including Drie Fonteinen. About 15 drafts with various styles, typically at least a couple of IPAs, a sour, a stout, some local stuff, etc. Draft list can be found online. Comfortable environment in a beautiful old house serving quality food. A burger, fish n chips, fries, grilled cheese, etc. One of the best, if not the best, places to get a beer in the area.“

Cassadamius 1667 days ago

“Of all the ABC’s I’ve been to in central Florida this is probably the best. It’s the biggest, the cleanest, in the nicest location and has probably the biggest beer selection (but not by leaps and bounds).

They even have their own restrooms in here which is a surprising thing to see. Must not be any homeless people in the vicinity.

I didn’t get a chance to peruse the freshness dates on the shelved beer bottles, though I’m inclined to believe they’re probably as old as the stock in other ABC stores (this chain is notorious for carrying out of code beer).

Still, this store has a really nice look and a huge selection. Not being into wine or liquor I can’t comment on those inventories other than to say it certainly looks big. They also have a cigar section and cheese and other snacks. So basically everything you need for a party you can find here.“

ChadPolenz 2868 days ago

“As a package store this is a 3/5 at best, but as a beer store it’s a 1 or 2. I’m only interested in the beer section but it’s pretty tiny. Pretty much just one shelf next to the cooler and one more display rack of new arrivals.

I’ve combed through the beer on the shelves and most of it is ancient. I let the employees know but they don’t really seem to care. ABC seems to have old bottles at every store I go to. This one isn’t any fresher. Probably because so few people come here for beer I bet.

The cooler selection is actually pretty decent. Better than a gas station but nowhere near as good as some other ABCs I’ve been to. If you want the big industrial brews they’ve got em here pretty cheap. The craft prices are pretty good too, but the stock tends to be old. I got a sixer of Cigar City Jai Alai IPA for about $10 that was only a month old. That’s pretty much the only thing going for this store.

The few times I’ve been to this store it’s been completely quiet and empty: what does that tell you? Also, for such an empty store it always takes me forever to check out!

I will say the store is always very clean, neatly arranged and free of riff raff and bums, etc. The liquor and wine selection is probably smaller than average for a package store. Prices seem nice, but variety is lacking.

Really, this place isn’t THAT bad, but there’s another ABC a few miles south that’s about double the size of this one so why shop here?“

ChadPolenz 2868 days ago

“FINALLY! A real bottle shop in Florida! I’ve been to ABC and Total Wine, but Lakeland’s Beer Revolution is the kind of beer store every beer geek needs. Unlike those chains, this is a beer store first and foremost which means they actually speak the language. Secondly, you won’t find ANY BMC products here whatsoever. None.

That being said, the selection is pretty good, but I’ve seen bigger and better selections (but not in Florida). Prices are surprisingly low. I was expecting a boutique like this to have Manhattan-like prices, but it’s remarkably affordable. Well, some stuff is just as expensive as ABC and TW and the like but that’s to be expected on imports and elite brands like Mikkeller.

What’s really interesting about Beer Revolution is that it’s not just a beer store, it’s also a bar! They have ~10 beers on draft which you can drink at the bar or lounge on the couches by the window. I assume these beers are available for growler fills, too?

Every time I’ve been there, no matter how early in the day, the bar has always been full. Of course, they’re all older people and likely retired. Probably not the kind of place you take a date on a Friday night ;)

The owner Mike was cool. I got an old bottle of Lagunitas and didn’t realize it until I got home. It tasted nasty and even though the beer was gone, he still did an even exchange for another beer of the same value.

Oh they also have Apple Pay here AND they’ll E-MAIL you a receipt instead of printing out a hard copy - how modern!

All that being said, I do have a couple (minor) grievances

1. The store is organized by STYLE, not brewery. Sorting by style is great for a menu at a beer bar or restaurant, but at a store I’d rather be able to see all the beers from one brewery all in the same place. It makes it easier to find if you’re looking for something specific. People tend to drink according to mood when they’re out, but when they’re shopping they’re just looking for what looks like a good buy.

2. There are only two coolers: one of singles and one of select six-packs. Plus there’s a $1 increase in price if you drink the single at the bar. Kinda lame.

Still, this is a pretty awesome beer store and I’m so happy it’s only a stone’s throw from my house. I’ll be stopping here weekly for sure!“

ChadPolenz 2868 days ago

“This may be a little biased, but I love this place. I’ve been coming since the beginning and, although I only visit irradically, I’m always recognized and greeted. I can sit here right now and witness multiple tables full of happy, enthusiastic, and satisfied people discussing everything under the sun. Everyone is eating and drinking and all is well in the world. The beer selection is just as good as any major brewery and the house ales are as good as some of the ’big dogs’. Almost everything is available in growlers and there are tours of the facility. Its clean and slightly eclectic here as far as ambience is concerned and just a really nice place for our slightly backwoods Polk County residents to enjoy a night or day in a post-prohibition establishment serving classic examples of our craft beer movement in the USA. Cheers (with the pinky out and a handlebar moustache, if you have one).“

S_Side_Smitty 2883 days ago

“Jen was awesome once she noticed that i was in the tasting room . only chance to try topling goliath in the area. Good stuff. The house barley wine and thunder axe Baltic porter were excellent.“

hoppy2beerhere 2969 days ago

“Huge facility that can be seen from I-4. Modern, somewhat industrial chic taproom with bottles and taps from clients they brew for as well as some under their own line and some cool stuff. Check the coolers as they had a boatload of Cascade sours one time and their barrel-aged barleywine the other time. They contract brew for BJ’s, Cigar City, JDub’s, Toppling Goliath, Green Man, and many others, so their beers are usually on in the tap room. Service has been pretty good and the people know beer pretty well. Growlers, yes. Worth a stop if passing through Lakeland.“

markwise 2986 days ago

“very good craft beer selection. if you don’t see your beer they order for you at best price“

bhavesh 3024 days ago

“A solid and nicely arranged store where everything is available in singles and packs alike. Virtually everything is warm shelf, and as with many other Florida beer stores, old stock is a problem here but maybe not quite as rampant as, say, Knightly Spirits. Focus is more on American micros than imports. Small beer fridges toward the back with apparently popular-selling stuff like Cigar City Jai Alai cans. They also have tap offerings (about 10 or so, IIRC), which you can drink on premises (they have a few tables and a couch and such at the front) or get growler fills for take away. Almost certainly the best place to get bottles in Lakeland, and the taps certainly take it up another notch. Recommended.“

Ernest 3062 days ago

“Visited here in mid-November ’15 while in the area for business, Huge, warehouse like spacious interior. Very corporate and modern feel, nice and shiny and clean. Waitress had a water for me the second I sat down - great service. Decent selection, several of their own which are available at any ABC in Florida and several contract brews - never seen BJ’s outside of a BJ’s - odd. About 25 or so on tap. Food was hit and miss, the pretzel appetizer melted in my mouth, but the chicken tacos, reminded me of something I concocted in 7th grade Home Economics. Kind of strange, of their own that they had on tap that were not the stuff you find in ABC which was about a half dozen, at least four were brown ales. Do they just brew one big batch and add treatments to make different beers? Worth a stop.“

PorterPounder 3081 days ago

“The inside is nice, spacious and modern. They have a cool outdoor area but it would be better if they weren’t literally right next to the highway. Servers are friendly and helpful if asked. Their selection is excellent. Since they have the contract brewing, there are a lot of breweries not available anywhere else in Florida. Prices are average. Overall, this is definitely a must visit place if in the area. Their own beer is very good and the contract breweries’ beer is excellent as well.“

WVHouseofBeer 3123 days ago

“It’s the cheapest place to grab a drink in Lakeland. As a result, expect bad service and a crowded bar. Its noticeably cramped which will facilitate discussions with other bar patrons. 4 beers on tap, mostly of the BMC variety. Due to the cramped nature of the bar expect to be bombarded by smoke because they allow smoking indoors.“

butter14 3342 days ago

“A huge corporate looking and feeling brewpub. Everything is shiny and nice, tons of money here. Lots of helpful staff and service to the table. An app to keep track of the beer on the board if you want it. Cheap taster flight and they will give samples. Beers were all over the map as they contract brew tons. You will get lots of Cigar City regular beer though and the occasional surprise. Their beer is hit or miss, but I did find 1 or 2 I really did like. Worth the stop as it is right off the highway as well.“

Ferris 3354 days ago

“House beers were pretty good with a few gems. Lots of guest taps. Huge facility. Food available.“

jtclockwork 3355 days ago

“A great find in the middle of nowhere. Surprised its not rated yet. This is a partner brewing facility run by a former AB manager, where regional SE microbreweries can scale up some beers for regional distribution (bottles and kegs). Facility is also used bu West Coast and Northern breweries which want to sell in the South East (Firestone Walker and Founders had a few beers). They do have a kitchen and they serve some tasty sandwiches (chicken curry salad...delicious) with kettle chips. The do always have a few beers of their own which are OK....a must if you are travelling in the area. They are planning to open a few more of these places in the US (next one is St Louis).“

Lubiere 3393 days ago

“this place is great always knowledgeable employees and a great selection of craft beers from all over the world. the prices are very competitive. “

bartowcraftber 3641 days ago

“Great selection and knowledgable staff. Best craft beer and spirits store in the area. “

Notlostyet 3727 days ago

“If they don’t have it, you don’t want it.“

Yankeecane 3734 days ago

“good selection, most things are kept in cooler and can grab singles of. can find some gems located there sometimes.“

BSchnab 3924 days ago

“The owner of this store was extremely rude to me. Have always had a great experience with the employees but will never shop here again. I will not shop at a place that speaks to there customers this way, completely unexceptable.“

BSchnab 4013 days ago

“This was a nice lil’ place. The selection wasn’t huge, but VERY diverse. It would be hard to not find something you like.“

Chipalsa 4072 days ago

“I drive from Winter Haven quite frequently to buy from here.Staff is always friendly and the selection beats everything in this area easily.“

subucni71 4094 days ago

“Great selection, good people, best value, Almost everything can be bought in a single and almost everything is cold as well.“

masspike84 4123 days ago

“To my knowledge, Grapevine is the only serious craft beer store in Polk County. They have a couple employees who are quite knowledgeable -- they are eager to help and have never let me down with a recommendation.“

brewskimebrian 4127 days ago

“Awesome new place for craft beer in the area. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of their products. Overall the selection is by far the best in Polk County. B.Nektar, CCB, Bruery, and others to name a few. Prices are pretty standard for the beers they are offering. Great new place worth checking out if you’re in the area.“

OmegaX 4139 days ago

“This is a hidden gem that I have been avoiding to review simply because it’s a great place to find hard to find bottles. Located about 1 mile off of the Polk Parkway, easy to get to when traveling between Orlando and Tampa. For us locals, it’s the only stop for craft beer and they do no disappoint. Huge selection and always has fresh Jai Alai and other CCB favorites. Always well stocked with Bell’s, DFH; including 120 and WWS, Stone, B Nektar Meads including Zombie Killer, even a few Cascade sours. The best thing about this place is some of the harder to find CCB bottles such as 110k OT Batch #4, 2011 Sugar Plum is still available and many others. This is a must stop for any local and well worth a stop whenever traveling between Orlando and Tampa. Located in the Publix shopping center on the corner of Lake Mirim and S. FL ave.“

dbelcher5761 4271 days ago

“Grapevine is the only place in Lakeland where you will find a huge selection of craft beers. Knowledable and friendly staff. If they don’t have what your looking for they will do their best to get it for you. They always are getting new stuff in so I frequent this place throughout the week. -UPDATE- I now work here so come by and check out the place!“

Seminole 4301 days ago

“Nice atmosphere but very overpriced.“

BeerLover111 4620 days ago

“Not the best beer store, that’s for sure. This is the ABC with the smallest beer section I have seen. The store looks somewhat dingy, but ehh...who really cares. They do have Bernardus, Unibroue, and at one point, Infinium, which is the best reason to go there. Publlix probably has a better overall selection of beers by now. Anywho, It’s better than a lot of places for beer but not anywhere who takes pride in craft beers.“

OmegaX 4660 days ago

“Some rarities, among them the prices are very nice I’d have to say. Selection overall isn’t impressive, but given the location you get all you could ask for. Assistance is ehh.. depends on who is there - some people really know their brews and others have no clue. We’re not all beer people so I can’t hold that against them.“

Chipalsa 4710 days ago

“Standard ABC store with slightly less beer selection than I’ve seen in other ABC’s (Gainesville, Melbourne, etc). Tons of generics, some imports, and a few rarities (Belgians, IPSs, etc). Maybe I’ve been spoiled by stores in other towns but this ABC disappointed.“

papajohn56 5075 days ago

“with only three taps and just over a dozen bottles to choose from, red door has a selection of desirable craft beer unmatched within lakeland. the warm atmosphere lends itself to conversation. overall, a refreshing change of pace.“

Odde 5175 days ago

“decent offerings in one of the busier south lakeland shopping centers. thorough line of rogue and dfh singles, the standard belgiums, cigar city brews and other southeastern beers. very few if any rarities.“

Odde 5226 days ago

“They have the best selection in Lakeland at this time, but thats not really a feat by any means. No uncommon beers. You can BYO 6 pack from anything they offer, but their offerings aren’t very extensive. Worth a stop if you want something that Publix doesn’t offer without leaving town.“

Odde 5238 days ago

“New liquor store in the Highlands City Publix development. Basically only 4 and 6 packs. Various offerings from Unibroue, Rogue, Bells stuck out and a modest selection of other micros. Hopefully the singles selection expands in the near future. Good service and atmosphere.“

Odde 5306 days ago

“just stopped by today...they are stepping it up a notch due to a manager there who is a beer lover...happened to stop by and saw 25-30 unopened cases of new stuff...lots of belgian goodies including a saison, saw something from ommegang, tommyknockers, acme, old rasputin...lots of interesting beers...damn good selection now for lakeland...anywhere really...they are have a beer/wine tasting on thursday...stop in!“

jeffdog22 6422 days ago

“ABC isnt known as a place to get good beer, but this store isnt bad. Over 100 beers easily. The best of what they have includes Duvel, Unibroue, Chimay, Ayinger Celebrator, Weihenstephaner, Youngs, Sam Smiths, Rogue Choc Stout, Flying Dog, Titan IPA, Hercules IPA, Anchor, Sierra Nevada including Celebration....I also saw Sea Dog and Shipyard.....as well as the usual tons of macros and imports. The best beer selection in Lakeland, but that aint saying much.“

Wingnut 6657 days ago