Belmont Beverage - South Bend Ave.

Belmont Beverage - South Bend Ave.Belmont Beverage - South Bend Ave.
Belmont Beverage - South Bend Ave.Belmont Beverage - South Bend Ave.
Store

1621 S Bend Ave
South Bend, Indiana, 46617-1746
United States

(574) 233-4603 | map
belmontbev.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.13
Reviews:
21
Ratings:
25
pDev:
15.5%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of Billolick
Reviewed by Billolick from New York

3.92/5  rDev -5.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Typical mid sized box of a place....booze, wine and beer joint.

A bunch of these Belmont Beverage operation all over the South Bend general area...all are seemingly well stocked with a load of quality beer options from near and far. Ample local tall cans, offering from regional, national and international heavy weights....some of the more interesting locals (at least to me) seemed to be approaching "shelf turd" status, so take caution to check for dusty cans and freshness/canning dating information if possible....not sayin-just sayin....
Jan 07, 2024
 
Rated: 3.94 by mcrawford from Michigan

Aug 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by trxxpaxxs from New York

Oct 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by styleisking from Michigan

Aug 11, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Ronald612 from Indiana

Jan 17, 2014
Photo of crossovert
Reviewed by crossovert from Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -8.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
TO the left as you walk in there is some beer in the coolers. Some craft, btu mostly 40s and malt liquors of all types, or BMC.

The craft is in the back. Lots and lots of bombers, more than I expected. A good singles selection with a discount for every 6er. Plenty of 6 packs too. Seemed to have quite a few Indiana and Michigan breweries. Not many imports.

The service was good an knowledgeable. The prices were decent if slightly pricey. Heres to Indiana developing a craft appreciation like its neighbors.
Sep 03, 2012
Photo of cagocubs
Reviewed by cagocubs from Illinois

4.14/5  rDev +0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
A: Near the campus of ND this place has good traffic with students and the townspeople coming in and out. While they push alot of liquor sales it still had a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

S: The workers here are super helpful and friendly.

Sele: I was most surprised with their vast selection of craft bombers both refrigerated and not. They had a multitude of local sixers and popular craft makers. What blew me out of the water was the single beer selection. I was able to create my own six pack of local and quality beers. Good stuff.

V: Fair price, especially when it is so close to campus. I would recommend this place to anyone who cares about good beer.
Oct 14, 2011
Photo of zrab11
Reviewed by zrab11 from Indiana

4.41/5  rDev +6.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I was only in this establishment for about 5 min total but that's all I needed to be able to see that this store had a very nice selection and very reasonable prices.

The service was excellent... i stopped in here on my trip home from the KBS release and a few weeks before I had been looking for some southern tier and Josh responded to my post and said he had some in his store and even though he would be on vacation he would set the bottles i wanted asside. I got to the store and said is Josh in and they said no.. but are you Zach. I said yes and they said well Josh has u all fixed up. The guy went into the office and got the 4 bottles i has requested and rang them up and then i was on my way!

This would definitely be a store i would frequent if i lived in the south bend area!

Thanks again josh!
Mar 21, 2011
Photo of Another6Pack
Reviewed by Another6Pack from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Chose this place in search of a wide FFF selection in South Bend after reading other reviews. Good call.

Store was clean, well-lit, and spacious. No trouble navigating the aisles or finding what I was after. Got to meet fellow Ba and shop manager Josh, who was more than helpful and friendly. Reasonably close to the toll road exit for those passing through.

Most impressive was the selection, which included not only of FFF but Tyranea, Upland, Dark Horse, Boulevard, Stone, Bell's, Founders and many, many others.

The only thing missing might be shopping carts for those of us in the midst of a big beer haul.

Locals - please support this shop. I plan to return, and I'm counting on you to make sure it's always there when I come back.
Feb 27, 2011
Photo of betsona
Reviewed by betsona from Idaho

4.45/5  rDev +7.7%
Belmont has slowly become my go to beer store in South Bend. It has the best single bottle selection with breweries from all over the country represented. Their local selection is what keeps me coming back. With almost every current Bell's, Founders, Dark Horse, Three Floyds and many other more obscure brewers kept in good supply. The different sixers are also well extensive. Belmont cellars certain vintages and each that I have tried have been well done and worth the cost. The service is helpful leading to better selections and giving good information on new or upcoming releases. Overall, I have no problem spending an extra dollar to get what I know is a fresh beer sold by informative beer drinkers that want you to come back.
Feb 17, 2011
Photo of notredame101
Reviewed by notredame101 from Connecticut

4.65/5  rDev +12.6%
I'm pretty new to the whole world of craft beer and this is my go to place to shop at. They have a ton of things from breweries like Three Floyds, Bells, Dark Horse, Great Lakes, New Belgium, Dogfish Head, Avery, Rogue, and the likes. A lot of regional stuff which is nice for someone like me who won't be able to get it back home. Josh the store manager knows what he is talking about when you ask him a question. Actually most of the people there can help you with any beer related question. They seem to be always getting in the limited release beers and let you know what came in that week. Overall I really like this place and wish South Bend had more stores that actually take pride in what they sell. They have a rather large mix a six selection which offers 10% off a mixed six or 15% off a mixed 12pk. For the rest of my time here at Notre Dame this will be my go to store for beer hands down.
Nov 25, 2010
Photo of Beerenauslese
Reviewed by Beerenauslese from California

4.65/5  rDev +12.6%
Stopped in while I was visiting my sister before heading to Three Floyds' Dark Lord Day release.

Belmont has expanded their beer selection since the last time I was there about a year ago, but even then, they had notable beers. I took home some 3Floyds and some DFH 120 IPA that trip.

Notable to me, being from the west coast, they have a strong selection from our country's Central and East regions. Really good stuff. Had a long chat with Josh who is very knowledgeable.

I walked out with 3Floyds Behemoth (2008 and 2009 vintages), Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, GI Night Stalker, Hoppin Frog Boris (regular and barrel aged), Dark Horse Double Crooked Tree, and Southern Tier Iniquity.

Further, they offer a 15% discount on 6+ bottles. I regret that I could only carry 13 bottles back in my suitcases (well, I had to leave room for 8 bottles of Dark Lord).

This place seems only to be getting better. Will be back there on my next visit for sure.
Apr 27, 2010
Photo of gratefulbeerhead
Reviewed by gratefulbeerhead from Indiana

4.65/5  rDev +12.6%
This store is a recent find for me, and mostly because of the manager, Josh. Josh is one of the most incredibly knowledgable beer drinkers that I know of, and he can talk about any beer that is on his shelf. I don't know what the store was like before he took over, but it is my understanding that he has transformed it into what it is today.

There is a great selection of US craft beer and imports. Singles are offered as well as packs. Josh does a great job of getting some of the smaller special release beers such as GI Nightstalker, Founders KBS and Nemesis, Hopping Frog Barrel Aged BORIS, Bells Batch 9,000 and others.

Just recently Josh held a Dark Horse Tasting offering a very wide selection of their beers and offering a discount on their products.

Check this store out and look for more tastings in the future.
Apr 23, 2010
Photo of Lukafer
Reviewed by Lukafer from Michigan

4.8/5  rDev +16.2%
Within a year or so this Belmont store has become the go to store for micros in the area. They have a huge selection of midwest beers like Dark Horse, Mad Anthony, Brugge, Goose Island, almost every Bell's and FFF, New Holland, Mishawaka, Upland, Great Lakes, Barley Island and tons more. If you're looking for some out of region they have a lot of that too like Brooklyn, Stone, Rogue, Great Divide, etc. There's a great mix 6 selection, best in town, and you get discounts when you mix. There's also a decent import selection, but to be honest I'm usually too busy looking at their domestics to pay much attention.

If you have any questions about beer their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and the manager Josh is a really cool guy who really knows his stuff! If you're in the area, you should definitely check them out.
Mar 14, 2010
Photo of jdefont
Reviewed by jdefont from Indiana

4.85/5  rDev +17.4%
Belmont Beveage has come a long way in a short amout of time. It has recently become my one stop shop for micro brews. The entire rear of the store has been converted to a "mix 6" single bottle area. Additionally, the store has added a huge variety of micro brew 6-packs, along with a chilled 6-pack section. I'm now finding beers from all over the country, not just local brews. I was surprised to find Southern Tier, every Three Floyds available, Hair of the Dog, and Avery beers, along with a tremendous selection of Founders, Dogfish, Rogue, and many more. The prices are certainly reasonable, with a discount when you "mix 6" singles. I have yet to walk in and not purchase 6 from the mixed section. The knowledge of the staff is incredible, they obviously enjoy the art of micro brews as much as I do. If you are in the South Bend area, Belmont is a store you must check out!
Mar 14, 2010
Photo of dontcostnuthin
Reviewed by dontcostnuthin from Indiana

4.65/5  rDev +12.6%
A great store in the south bend area. The store consistently has excellent selection from the midwest breweries. In addition, they have a good number of foreign beers and non locals -- inculding boulevard, west coast breweries, dogfish etc. A good selection of six packs, many of which are cold. Best off all, there is a huge choice of mix six beers along the back wall, along with a great number of bombers.

Josh the store manager is a very friendly guy, he is very knowledgeable about beer and his current stock, as well as being informative about any and all upcoming releases. Josh has given me heads up to new things in stock.
Even for BMC products, belmont is consistently more reasonable and helpful than the dicks up the street at blarney stone. Certainly worth a stop for anyone in the area. It's located close to campus so anyone headed to a game could certainly walk over and grab a few good brews to tailgate with amidst the sea of lite beers in the parking lots.
Mar 10, 2010
Photo of kalkavekkian
Reviewed by kalkavekkian from Michigan

4.8/5  rDev +16.2%
This store has the best selection of micro beers anywhere around the Michiana area without a doubt. Josh the manager is the best and very knowledgeable about all styles of beer. I have been going there once a week for awhile now and he keeps me informed about all the new stuff that has or will be arriving. This place will keep getting better and more selections with Josh around. Best of the Belmont chain and only about 15 miles from me. If you are in the South Bend area and love good beer do yourself a favor and stop in.
Mar 04, 2010
Photo of LordAdmNelson
Reviewed by LordAdmNelson from Ohio

4.65/5  rDev +12.6%
Belmont has really been moving forward. It wasn't too long ago when the selection was crappy... but now they carry several selections from Bell's, Great Lakes, and Founder's. This is one of the only places in the area to consistently get DFH 120 min., FBS, Dreadnaught, and Hopslam. The guys there are nice and will sit and talk to you for a while about your beer. While the selection is good, I think it still could use a little improving (because I'm selfish and want more), especially in FFF (although Alpha King and Dreadnaught are consistently stocked), and belgian style ales (although there are some Allagash, Chimay, and Unibroue brews there).

EDIT 8-4-09

Selection is rising even higher at Belmont. Orval, Mikkeller, and even more bombers from FFF, Goose Island, Allagash, etc. are showing up daily. The people are great, especially Josh, a fellow BA. Check it out, it will surprise you!
Mar 20, 2009
Photo of alleykatking
Reviewed by alleykatking from Indiana

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
It had been a little while since I have been into this store and my my how they have changed. I remember a tiny micro section with some out of date beers and was not impressed at all with what they called selection. That was about a year ago. Since then I guess they got a new store manager who seems to know beer. When I first walked through the door I noticed along the back a bunch of single beers. What's this? How about a close to 120 different beer mix a six section. Now not all the beer they have is on the rack yet as I was told. Wow how things have changed. Sure there was a couple of older beers but I mean come on how many stores around South Bend doesn't have that. They have seemed to have opened up with the selection (Dark Horse, Dogfish Head, FFF, Bells, Stone, Coney Island, Rogue, Clipper City, Lakefront, Abita, Mad Anthony, Upland, Great Lakes, Avery, Breckinridge, Flying Dog, ect ect ect). I would recommend this store to someone who wants to try something new but doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg for something they don't know if they are going to like. I think this store is looking up and can only get better. But seriously...hands down best micro section in South Bend when it comes to mixing and matching.

Edit- I was promoted to store manager of this store as of last year. I will be working on getting everything up to date on here with what is in the store. Stop on in!
Dec 13, 2008
Photo of jeonseh
Reviewed by jeonseh from Indiana

3.45/5  rDev -16.5%
Belmont really is your average liquor store with a nice, but small amount of micros thrown in. It looks like your average a bit dirty liquor store thrown up behind a stone brick facade. It's setup and look kinda go with it being near ND and hence it is set up to sell alot of the BMCs as students flock their weekend after weekend to stock up on swill.

As for the selection, it is small but good. They had a good bit of regional beers such as FFF, Bell's, New Holland. Although they did not really have any of the harder to find of these brands since the FFF was mostly Alpha king and Pride and Joy and Bell's was the porter, pale ale, etc. Also carry local mishawaka brewing Co and the only place I have ever seen the SN Porter and Stout. Had a surprising amount of Unibroue and a rather vast selection of it, as I'd say they had about 6 of their beers. The Belgian selection was small but they did have small bottles of Chimay Red and Blue and I think that was the only trappist beers they had in the store.. Germans was also small but found some Celebrator Dopplebock so I was happy to find that one. They also sell some cases of beer too as you can buy whatever they have lying in the back and that varies a lot but is usually about SN or SA.

Service here is actually always pretty good. I always have someone ask me if I need help and today, the guy at the counter actually understood good beer. He thanked me for buying something other than BMC and talked aobut how they are trying to get in some better beer and improve the quality. He sounded like a true BA to me and we had a short talk aobut some of the beers. I hope they do try to get in some more beers and I can tell the quality has increased a lot from the last time I was there but the one downside is that the size of the store devoted to beer is so small. Also, i always feel like they are more expensive than Citywide so I do frequent that store a bit more than Belmont. i think they charge more because they get a lot of students who frequent it for its proximity more than its prices. Overall, a good place to stop and see what they got since you might find something good lying around but a bit price and small.
Jan 19, 2008
Photo of NDZonie
Reviewed by NDZonie from Michigan

2.55/5  rDev -38.3%
With several locations in the Michiana Area each store varies quite a bit in terms of cleanliness and service.

The Notre Dame location is more of a place that you would go to get a case of domestic macro beer. You can also end of smelling like an ashtray upon leaving.

However, the Portage Rd (South Bend) location is a nice and pleasant suprise. The retail space is much larger and not so cramp. On my recent visit, the sales staff went out of their way to help me find a cold 6-pack of Anchor Steam.
Jan 03, 2008
Photo of kdoc8
Reviewed by kdoc8 from Oregon

3.15/5  rDev -23.7%
I went here a lot because it was 1/4 mile from my house. They had an ok selection - lots of your more typical party beers because it was also walking distance from the tailgate fields. But they had some warm local and even some Belgian microbrews, in addition to a shocking amount of hard liquor. Oftentimes though those bottles were covered with dust. Mainly, this is the place to stop on your way to a party to pick up a your tailgate walkin' beer or a six pack (or 24 pack) of beer and not the place to find that special microbrew.
Mar 14, 2007
Photo of fightingirishcmk
Reviewed by fightingirishcmk from New York

3.15/5  rDev -23.7%
This is a review of the Belmont located in the plaza closest to Notre Dame's campus. They get a fairly high traffic flow especially during the football season. The quality of the beer available is rather average. Macros are the biggest moneymaker for Belmont (college campus). In addition to beer, they have a small selection on wine and an OK selection of liquor.

They have an OK selection of beers available. Aside from the macros, they have a lot of micros and craft beers available mostly from local/state breweries. nineG, three floyds, mishawaka brewing company are all represented. A few others are well represented, but overall, the selection is rather limited. Very few foreign styles.

Service isn't too bad. The workers are rather friendly and have helped me out on numerous occasions.

Value isn't too bad either. The prices are a little bit higher than what you can find at other locations in South Bend. Given it is the closest liquor store to campus, this makes sense. Overall though, not bad at all.
Jan 19, 2007
Photo of dirtylou
Reviewed by dirtylou from Oklahoma

3.65/5  rDev -11.6%
South Bend has some pretty good beer stores that really are made up of 2 chains, CityWide and Belmont. One of the things I liked best about the south bend beer store scene was the fact that you could find all sorts of different things at different places.

I revisited this joint this past weekend when in town for the ND-UCLA thriller. You can easily tour the campus, hit this belmont, drive down edison towards citywide mishawaka and hit mishawaka brewing company and have a nice little beer detour.

The selection is pretty strong...lots of mishawaka brewing stuff (mostly bombers but apparently they are bottling specialty beers now too as they had hophead and seven mules in 6 packs). If its stone you are looking for, you will have to head to CityWide as they dont have it here. Lots of indiana representation from NINE G to Mad Anthony and and Upland. Big bells representation as well as dogfish, rogue, new holland, and thirsty dog. Prices can be a bit steep especially on some of the bigger beers, but i think thats just the norm for the area.

I have definitely seen some old beers in here in the past but didnt notice that this past visit.

Right next to the shittiest college bar in all the land, The Linebacker. Its a college institution but I wouldnt get too comfortable because its a hole
Oct 22, 2006
Photo of aforbes10
Reviewed by aforbes10 from Iowa

3.15/5  rDev -23.7%
This is the closest Belmont Beverage to the Notre Dame campus, and, as a consequence, it has the largest selection of macro brews of any of the other BB locations. However, it can also be relied upon to provide any number of delicious craft brews. Regularly I have found Dogfish Head (60 min, 90 min, Raison D'etre), Bells (Expedition Stout, Java Stout, Cherry Stout, 2 Hearted), Samuel Smith, Mishawaka Brewing Company, Nine G, Lost Coast, Unibroue (4 packs and singles), Mad Anthony, St. Peters, Great Lakes (Edmund Fitz), among others. The prices are not the best, but they often have deals. Service is usually ok, although a buddy and i tried to return a six pack that was 4 years past its expiration date and had massive floaties in it (this was a pilsner) and the lady at the counter didn't believe it had gone bad. She finally "took our word for it" but then the sixer went right back into the cooler. Not good. Anyway, this place is ok in a pinch but you can't lose if you go to City Wide instead.
Feb 23, 2006
Belmont Beverage - South Bend Ave. in South Bend, IN
Place rating: 4.13 out of 5 with 25 ratings