Gary's Wine & Marketplace

Gary's Wine & MarketplaceGary's Wine & Marketplace
Gary's Wine & MarketplaceGary's Wine & Marketplace
Store

121 Main St
Madison, New Jersey, 07940-2115
United States

(973) 822-0200 | map
garyswine.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.91
Reviews:
24
Ratings:
37
pDev:
17.65%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.76 by WheelsPSU from New Jersey

Feb 26, 2017
 
Rated: 3.79 by SebastianMandeville from New Jersey

Feb 10, 2017
Photo of MacMalt
Reviewed by MacMalt from New Jersey

3.86/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Gary's has an adequate selection of American craft beers but an excellent selection of european and other beers. It's well-lighted and easy to shop in. The staff is generally helpful.
Jan 23, 2016
 
Rated: 4.6 by NonicPanic from Pennsylvania

Nov 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.07 by WaterFurnace from New Jersey

Aug 04, 2015
 
Rated: 4.28 by mjk1979 from New Jersey

May 31, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by ArkyVaughan from New Jersey

Dec 03, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by muskiesman from New Jersey

Sep 16, 2014
 
Rated: 1 by Jemes21 from New Jersey

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by awires from California

Jun 19, 2014
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Reviewed by CHickman from New York

3.44/5  rDev -12%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Good beer place considering its a wine shop. If you know your beer and check for freshness then there are some good brews to be had with some prices on the cheaper side. Getting someone to help you or answer questions can be an issue, but the selection is very good and there are never really long lines. A good place to shop while I'm in the area.
May 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Resuin from Massachusetts

May 25, 2014
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Reviewed by Mineo from New York

3.88/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4
Selection is pretty vast -- they have a very long aisle devoted to craft, with about 5 or 6 fridges in the back devoted to it as well. Service is fine, but this seems more like a wine-focused store. They always seem to have local NJ stuff though, from the good (Carton) to the bad (Cricket Hill).

Too many IPAs that are 4-5 months old, though. Definitely gotta check the dates.

There are also lots of IPAs sitting at room temperature, while some less sensitive beers - like stouts and such - are taking up room in the fridges. They should start prioritizing IPAs to be stored cold, as to retain the hop profiles. I have to skip over an entire aisle when looking for IPAs in fear of getting old or not-stored-correctly product. Apart from that it's worth a visit though. Nice cheese and wine selection too.
Mar 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by JG-90 from New Jersey

Nov 10, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by acurtis from New Jersey

Oct 22, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by djrn2 from New Jersey

Oct 18, 2013
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Reviewed by Vylo from New Jersey

3.89/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Good selection here with a nice online site. Ordered some beer online, and did part pick-up, part delivery.

My biggest gripe is that they seemed to be very snotty and almost looked down upon people for buying beer instead of wine, which I found very offensive. You would think they would treat customers buying several hundred dollars worth of items better.

I never recieved my full order. I wasn't charged for things I didn;t get, but they never even told me that they couldn't find certain items. Face one fact: If you aren't buying wine, they don't care. Won't buy from them again, as I found a better place.

Prices weren't unreasonable.
Dec 18, 2011
Photo of BeerdedEric
Reviewed by BeerdedEric from New Jersey

3.15/5  rDev -19.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5
This is a interesting place, the way it's laid out. You walk in from the parking lot and the check out is off to the left. I feel as if I entered directly into the center of the store. As you walk a little further, going right, they have a huge selection of different cheeses that you can pair with your wine or beer. They also have a huge selection of hard liquor but that doesn't interest me since I'm here for the beer. While you keep walking, you think you have an idea of where the beer is located but you come across a huge selection of wine. (Wish it was beer). Off to the side are another set of registers. Finally, a glimpse of hope, I see a beer sign! I never thought I'd be so happy to see a macro fluorescent beer sign!

I walked down a isle and the beer shelf is discovered. They have a decent selection of Belgian beer, bombers, some beer I haven't seen in other stores, six packs, cases of beer on the next shelf. They also have a little section of craft beer cans at the end of the isle, on the right side. Then the fridge of beers, thay have a decent selection of cold beers.

This place is nice, nice atmosphere and a interesting layout. The beer shelf is a little unorganized. Some beers have no prices next to them and are in random order; some prices are completely confusing with two prices next them.

I had no one ask if I needed help. They had plenty of people working there, not even a peep towards me. I heard two workers chatting while they were working, which I don't have a problem with. As I walked away from their chatter, I overheard another conversation of workers who were bickering over a register that was going to be short. A few F words were overhead, no big deal but when you are treated as if you're a ghost; that does not fair too well.

When I was walking around, I heard a guy who was setting up for a Samuel Adams tasting mention my Samuel Adams shirt. We chatted and I was kind of shocked he worked there, since he was very pleasant. We were talking and then a Samuel Adams representative showed up. We all conversed for a little bit and I had some Adams to try. This place would have a failing grade, for customer service, from me, if they didn't have this setup.

Overall, nice selection; not the best. A few things I can't get from my normal shop. Mainly due to the customer neglect, I told the checkout cashier no thanks for their discount card, as I don't see myself going out of my way, to come back.
Jul 26, 2011
Photo of papat444
Reviewed by papat444 from Canada (QC)

3.53/5  rDev -9.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
Came here on May 21. This store is a sprawling place and is packed mostly with wine. The beer selection is all the way in the back. A big peeve was that they don't break six-packs which always bothers me. They were nice but i'm not sure how much the employees knew about their beer.

There was some Tilted Smile, Fort Collins, Terrapin, Climax growlers and various NE breweries. No Founders to be seen. They had BA shelf tags which was cool. Selection seemed pretty decent. Prices seemed reasonable but don't come here for singles.
May 28, 2011
Photo of nyrangerfan
Reviewed by nyrangerfan from New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
Very good selection for my neighborhood place (1 town over). Lots of Stone, Rogue, Southern Tier, Avery, Green Flash, Great Divide, tons of Belgian beers, some Stoudts, Hoppin' Frog, Chimay, He'Brew, Founders, Victory, plus many others. Large refrigerator section and a long isle of warm. Previous beer guy (Sebastien) was very helpful putting stuff aside. New guy is Vlad and he seems helpful over email/phone so far. Definitely the best place around in a several town radius and worth a trip if you're not too far.
Jun 08, 2009
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Reviewed by beerbully from New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev -5.4%
I went to gary's today since I saw it reviewed on BA. Good selection but a bit pricey. Six packs were $1 or 2 more than my usual place in Boonton. Cases were a little more than some other places that I have been to as well. Good place but I won't be making the trip down there too often as I can get most of the same brews in Boonton at a better price. I saw DFH 90 for $60 and Clipper City Loose Cannon for $9.00+ a sixer. I have seen both of these in other places for less. I pick up a bomber of Yeti Oak aged since I haven't seen this anywhere else. It was about 8.60 and a case of DFH 60 for $36 plus tax which I think is a little high.
May 21, 2009
Photo of Yetiman420
Reviewed by Yetiman420 from Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -4.1%
I've been driving around New Jersey to better BA bottle shops for the past couple of weeks and this second visit to a Gary's is among the better places I've visited.

I'm after the rare and unusual (capt. lawrence in NJ) and while I didn't find anything incredibly unusual, I was able to pick up a couple of bottles of the new Victory Wild Devil.

The guy stocking beers on the shelf as I was browsing didn't offer any help and I give them low marks on the service.

The selection is nice and if you're passing through the state and want to pick up some Climax and other regional beers, this is a good bet. I was also able to find Smuttynose 2008 Big A IPA on the shelf which I didn't see at other NJ bottle shops.
Mar 26, 2009
Photo of Kittenlynx
Reviewed by Kittenlynx from New Jersey

2.1/5  rDev -46.3%
Despite the plethora of positive reviews I have to disagree. As a regular patron of Oak Tree Buyrite in Edison and the Shoprite Liquors in Westfield I was disappointed at the selection. Also, I called specifically about a particular beer (KBS) and after being told it was there, drove 30 minutes out of my way only to find out that it had sold out 2 days ago and the staff member had gotten confused between the regular Breakfast Stout and the Kentucky, despite my SPECIFIC requests for the Kentucky version.

I did end up buying a growler of the Climax Heffe, however the Shoprite Liquors in Westfield carries Climax as well. In my opinion the trip to Westfield or Edison would better serve someone looking for knowledge and selection.
Mar 22, 2009
Photo of phantomwyse
Reviewed by phantomwyse from Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +11.3%
Have made the half hour pilgrimage to Madison a few times now--

The aisle that compromises the craft beer section is truly impressive. A great selection of craft American brews from the regionally active east coast to a strong pull from the west coast. Great Belgian selection and has a good variety of imports from other locals. It will take me a while to mine through all Gary's has to offer. Certainly the best selection in the area from what I've seen.

All the people that work there seem to have a chip on there shoulder though, they're helpfully but act as if you're lucky they deign to notice you. That's the only complaint, and it's minor, who really needs they're help anyway.

Have a gander, it's worth a trip.
Feb 25, 2009
Photo of BirdFlu
Reviewed by BirdFlu from New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +11.3%
This is one of my top spots in northern NJ.. They have an aisle with a sign that reads "craft/imported beers" and its a spot i've spent an abusrd amount of time trying to decide what to bring home.. I often find thigns there which the other great places in my area (wine and bev depot in totowa, Gary's in Wayne, etc) do not have.. Its also very nice to drive through Madison.. Ive found several rarities from Dogfish (pangaea and black & blue which I'd never found other places), smuttynose (big beer series), and most others.. Also, and quite possibily most importantly, they have cheese samples!!!
Feb 16, 2009
Photo of Augustiner719
Reviewed by Augustiner719 from Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev +7.4%
Visited this place many times but never took a look down the room temperature isle. They always had a nice selection in the coolers and they have a reasonably knoweledgable staff. They also have a great selection of singles.. a good amount of german beers and belgian beers with a wide variety of NJ microbrews as well as american micro brews. Some that stood out were trappist, rogue, green light, and stone. Great selection of german, belgian, and british beers aswell. They also sell growlers from a loacal brew pub which is an interesting touch. I highly reccommend this place!
Dec 21, 2008
Photo of caddybuyer
Reviewed by caddybuyer from New Jersey

5/5  rDev +27.9%
I have not been to Gary's in some time, but happened by there lately and it certainly is worth checking out. If you are in the Suburban NJ area West of Newark, it probably has the best selection around. Huge selection of Belgians, English, Domestics, Seasonals, you name it, in their huge isle dedicated soley to beer, with singles on the one side, and cases on the other. They also have a large selection in their refrigerated area, including some hard to find domestics (at least around here) like Gritty's. It is hit or miss, however, and if they have something one week, it doesn't mean they carry it regularly, as I went back there a week after my first visit to stock up and some of the stock changed. They also seem to have a lot of turnover, which is good, as you need to check dates with some of the other beer stores in the area
Dec 06, 2008
Photo of Hoppington
Reviewed by Hoppington from New York

4.4/5  rDev +12.5%
Gary's is primarily a wine store - in fact, most of the aisles of the store are devoted to wine. That being said, there is an entire aisle devoted to beer and Gary's comes through in the craft beer department! The selection is extensive - today I saw Mad Elf, Green Flash IPA, Troeg's Nugget Nectar and many others. Lots to choose from and you can do a mixed six if you want. In addition to the beer aisle, the coolers are stocked full of quality brews, so there is really something for everyone.

A great place to get beer in NNJ. If you happen to be coming through Madison NJ, this is the place.
Feb 18, 2008
Photo of dsa7783
Reviewed by dsa7783 from New Jersey

5/5  rDev +27.9%
Actually heard about this place from the website, and being impressed with the Gary's in nearby Springfield, decided to give this one a shot, not being too far from my house... visited the place the day before Christmas Eve, and it was mobbed, damn near impossible to find a parking... Inside, the place was very clean and well-organized... a huge selection of liquors, but the beer selection was absolutely awesome... every kind of beer from every brewery was there... I had never seen such a huge selection of beers in one place... everything from Wychwood, Allagash, Rogue, you name it... The single beer selection was great... alot of beers to choose from that I had previously never seen anywhere else... service was also exceptional, with at least four different people approaching me and asking me if I needed help... the quality was likewise terrific, saw no expired beers and saw plenty of beer gift sets which was an added bonus... the only downside was that this place was a bit pricey, but ignoring that, it's still a superb establishment... Definitely recommended....
Dec 23, 2007
Photo of Nutleybeer
Reviewed by Nutleybeer from New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
I happened to have stumbled upon this place the other day...wow, pretty impressive.

First things first, a vast wine and alcohol selection...it is a true market, where they sell food, cheese, etc...offer wine tastings and sell glasses, etc...fresh coffee too

From a beer perspective...it may not be the largest beer selection I have ever seen, but it is a quality selection....many Belgian, German, English, etc, brands I have never seen before...

One of the only places I have ever seen Climax beer available...

They carry all the NJ micro stuff, Flying Fish, Cricket Hill, Climax, Ramstein, etc...

Good choice of countrywide microbrews too...unique stuff I have never seen in other stores...many upstate NY and New England brand names

A good selection of single bottles available as well....which allows you to sample a style before investing in the six pack...

Great place...I hope to be in the area more often and if so, I found my new beer store.
Apr 05, 2007
Photo of StonyB
Reviewed by StonyB from New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +15.1%
I am long overdue for a review of Gary's. It is a hidden gem of a liquor store, an underappreciated oasis of good beer.

Part of the problem is that Gary's Wine and Marketplace is quietly tucked away in Madison, Morris County, not really near any major highways. It's also part of a mini-chain, and its reputation may suffer as a result. In the case of this store, it is definitely not deserved...

Upon arriving, head to the rear left for the cold stuff...be pleasantly surprised at the selection. Lots of locals like Flying Fish, River Horse, Climax, Troegs, Victory, Stoudt's...wait, did I say Troegs? As in Nugget Nectar? As in advertised at $10.25 a sixer, but actually on sale for $8.39? I kid you not....

And if you want to drink more globally, wade through the many offerings from Belgium, England, Germany, etc.... Although the selection, to be fair, definitely favors American micros from across the country (Green Flash IPA and Nut Brown? Hello.)

The beers seem to be kept fresh, whether they're in the fridges, or along the 2nd aisle from the left as you walk in. There's also a handful of cold beer to the rear right, after you pass an impressive array of cheeses, meats, and some other interesting gourmet food...

If you have any questions, just ask for Kyle. He's young (well, to me he is), but passionate and knowledgable about beer. And don't give him any crap about being a RateBeer guy...we're all on the same team here.

Search your favorite map site, and get your ass over to Gary's in Madison. And tell them Tony sent you...or not. But go anyway.
Feb 12, 2007
Photo of apintofknowledge
Reviewed by apintofknowledge from Connecticut

4/5  rDev +2.3%
Dropped in for the first time to pick up a few bottles of wine for my wife, and had no idea from the name that they even carried beer before dropping in. Very, Very pleasant surprise to find a whole section of 750 ml Belgians (and 10% off if you buy 6!). Also a nice assortment of British and German brews (more German that ShopRite in Caldwell, but not as many British if you are counting carefully... but still a good selection).

Happy to find good representation of NJ brews (Flying Fish, Cricket Hill, Ramstein, Heavyweight, plus Climax in growlers) and PA brews (Victory, Weyerbacher, Troegs, Stoudts). Seasonals were labeled and sometimes discounted, and past-season seasonals were labeled and discounted (though you take your chances). New shipments were also labeled, so you know with those you're getting something relatively fresh. Good selection of domestics all around, incluidng Dogfish Head, North Coast, Ommegang, Brooklyn, Flying Dog, Dales, and plenty of others. One of the only places I've found Three Floyds beer in this area so far.

RateBeer ratings were posted on shelves (I know, if only they used BA instead!), but still nice to see something there, along with descriptions from the brewery or from NY Times articles posted as well. Most craft beers could be found both on shelves and in the cooler, and some were available by the single bottle.

Altogether, a great find, and while I didn't ask for any help, I was asked several times if I did need assistance. My purchases were well packed in boxes, and everyone generally friendly. I'll have to check out some of the gourmet eats next time. I will definetely be back!
Aug 20, 2005
Photo of horndecker
Reviewed by horndecker from New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +11.3%
I've been back to this place a few times now, and have always found something of interest. Plus they always seem to keep up their stocks. Nothing outrageous and rare, but a solid source.
Square footage wise, it's mostly wine and cheese, but there's one solid aisle of imports and micros. All of the usual Belgians are there - Westmalle, Rochefort, St Bernardus, Dupont, Lindemans - and a few less usual - Duchess de Bourgogne, Vuuve, De Dolle, Fantome...Nice selection of Germans and Brits as well. Found 2 or 3 vintages of Thom Hardy and JW Lees. Prices are average, service is good, although I have never had to ask for anything unusual from the clerks. They let me use the bathroom though, so they do care....
Mar 19, 2005
Photo of cbl2
Reviewed by cbl2 from New York

4.05/5  rDev +3.6%
The title of this place does say it all. It caters more to the wine crowd. You enter Gary's, and are inundated with all sorts of wine, and glorious glorious cheese (almost as big an obsession of mine as beer...). After you've walked for a bit, you stumble upon the beer, nessled in the back. The selection in the coolers isn't spectacular, but it is quite impressive. What is nice though, is the one aisle, where you can create your own 6 pack. It had one of the most ecclectic selections of beer I've ever witnessed. I saw beers from all over the place (Belgium, Germany, and Pennsylvania seemed to be featured the most). I walked out with a 750 mL Dogfish Pangaea, a 750 mL Duchesse de Bourgogne, and a sampler including Eku 28, J.W. Lee's 97 & 98, Weyerbacher Quad, Victory Old Horizontal, and a SN Bigfoot. Overall I was quite impressed. The prices however were atrocious (though the J.W. Lees were underpriced at $3.75/bottle).
Definitely recommended.
Jun 18, 2004
Photo of GeoffFromSJ
Reviewed by GeoffFromSJ from New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev +3.6%
Going back to Gary's was an experience. I went to Drew University and turned 21 at Drew. Gary's was the goto place. It has expanded and has lost some of its forbidden-fruit syndrome, but it is still a great liquor store. More geared towards wine, but they had a decent beer selection, esp. for Belgians. I would go there for Belgians more than other beers. Their selection for non-Belgians isn't that great. But they have specialized in an area and they did well with it.

I saw some Victory, Flying Fish, and Weyerbacher. I can't get Climax in South Jersey so I picked up a growler off the shelf (hope it is still good). That was a pleasant purchace.

Btw, they sell very good gourmet food. I usually go for the smoked gouda.
Apr 16, 2004
Photo of ark57
Reviewed by ark57 from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +2.3%
This store used to have a better selection, but it is still worth a visit if you are in the Madison area. I still drop by on occassion to see what they have in stock. I have even found Cantillon Lou Pepe beers there, which I haven't seen at too many places. There is a fairly decent selection of Belgians, with a smattering of British and German beers and regional micros such as Weyerbacher, Dogfish Head and Victory. The store itself has been recently renovated to include a lot of gourmet foods as well. It is clear that the main focus always has been wine, but I have purchased quite a few beers here.
Feb 12, 2004
Photo of Dantes
Reviewed by Dantes from New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -1.5%
I’ve been shopping at the various Gary’s outlets for some time. When one opened in Livingston, I basically shifted most of my shopping there. However, the Livingston store was never quite as good as the original, and is now under new ownership.

Quality: The beer section of this store is basically limited to one aisle, cases on the right, 6-packs and singles to the left; with a cooler wall along the back wall. This section of the store is a bit dingy, but it seems as if renovations of the entire store are under way. There are some examples of “out-of-date” beers, but most of them fall into the barley wine/high ABV category. You won’t find old sixers of HopDevil here.

Service: In-store service is very good to excellent. They always seem helpful in finding things for me and answering questions. They’ll also break up sixers if you only want a few singles of a beer that aren’t already broken out. Most of the people here are serious about what they do and aren’t simply teens passing through. Other aspects of service are a bit less satisfactory. I will say that parking can sometimes be a real pain (it’s a small, awkwardly positioned lot), Main Street is a hassle to travel along, and prices are a touch more expensive than average for NJ (Madison is a fairly affluent area). The organization of the sixers and bottles could also be a bit better. Sometimes all of the beers from one brewery (not counting large format bottles) are grouped together. A side benefit of this is that sometimes little treasures are hidden away.

Selection: First, they offer singles of just about everything, which is rare for local NJ stores. Also, when I can’t find something at my other locals, this place will typically have it if it’s available in NJ. For example, they were the first to get the new DFH offerings like Au Courant and Pangea.

Backwash: Probably not a “destination” store, but one that, with a little work, could really be great.
Dec 05, 2003
Gary's Wine & Marketplace in Madison, NJ
Place rating: 3.91 out of 5 with 37 ratings