Bella Vista Beer Distributors

Bella Vista Beer DistributorsBella Vista Beer Distributors
Bella Vista Beer DistributorsBella Vista Beer Distributors
Store

755 S 11th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19147-2613
United States

(215) 627-6465 | map
bvbeerphilly.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.39
Reviews:
33
Ratings:
45
pDev:
8.43%
View: Place Reviews
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Ratings by woodychandler:
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +13.9%
Transcribed from notes dated T, 10 August 2010.

I was on a mission on this day. I had received a trade request for Sly Fox CANs and I was getting ready to head to Madison, WI that Thursday so I needed to reload and ship mos' quick. I had a list of all Beer Stores on BA Beer Fly at the time and I decided to visit as many of the ones that offered singles and sixers as I could, taking notes at each one.

I had been in here a few times before, usually to give Jordan Fetzfatzes (the owner) a good-natured bad time. We go 'way back with me having poured for him at numerous PHL beer festivals, especially down at the former Naval Shipyard when I would show up in my dress blue uniform. Today, I wanted to really look around and take some notes.

Located at 11th and Catherine Streets, it is an extensive building starting at the corner and progressing north. I rarely feel compelled to buy a case, but I always like window shopping at the distributors. This place looked like some of the better-run warehouses that I had encountered as a Navy Storkeeper (SK) logistician. Metal racks and shelves were meticulously laid out and organIzed by region of origin. Wow! There were coolers all of the way aft on the left-facing side of the space for selected cold cases. I was most intrigued and inspired by the selection of 5L mini-kegs which qualify as CANs on this site. They have become my new focus on The CANQuest (TM) and on a subsequent visit, I procured one of Bell's Best Brown Ale. Now, if I could just lay hands on a HopSlam ... Singles? Some Belgians to the immediate right of the entry including jeroboams of Chimay Bleu.

The checkout counter was laden with free newspapers, magazines and giveaways along with snacks and cigars for sale. Let's see, beer, snacks and cigars - all that was missing were the women of low moral values and some games of chance and I could have gotten in my vice fix for the day. Hee hee. Also, The Beer Exchange Program exists at the counter for CANs of room-temperature beer that you bring in to exchange for whatever is in the basket at that time. I am told that gems occasionally surface in there.
Jan 22, 2011
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by Bouleboubier from New Jersey

4.47/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.75
The interior of this joint is always spotless it seems. Clean and crisp... They've added culinary accoutrements and slushy swills in recent times.

I swing by here 3-4 times a year, and have been for years... They've got a bunch of British and Belgian fringe favorites that I crave too often... Despite many of the import beers being out of code for sure, I've only brought home one dud - a German roggenbier (it tasted fine, just gushed)

I've only engaged the services of the staff a couple times. They're always quite nice... But I usually know what I'm looking for, so I'll glide past them towards my wants... Huge selection. Gotta be careful.
Feb 22, 2024
 
Rated: 4.54 by zbelair from Pennsylvania

Dec 12, 2018
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Rated by sb17 from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +13.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
How can you not love a well organized depot-style distributor with a cat who wanders around the store?
May 04, 2018
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Reviewed by The_Kriek_Freak from Pennsylvania

4.54/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5
This is a great place indeed. Spacious, clean and with a great selection of US and imported beer. Friendly staff as well. The prices were very reasonable too especially considering its location near(ish) the city center.
Aug 19, 2017
 
Rated: 4.73 by sbeaver_44 from Pennsylvania

Jul 31, 2016
 
Rated: 4.43 by FightinIrish88 from New Jersey

Oct 05, 2015
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Reviewed by N17shelfside from California

3.86/5  rDev -12.1%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Place is basically a warehouse so can't say the vibe is great. Always nice, and have had some nice conversations with some workers, but have also had beer taken out of my cart on me as an account "had already purchased it". Something a bit odd about that.

If you want to buy in quantity at better prices than just about anywhere this is the place. Great for building cellars or buying for a party.
Jun 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by bigred89 from Maryland

Aug 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by soulcougher from Pennsylvania

Jun 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by KLReed from Pennsylvania

May 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by RobertColianni from Pennsylvania

May 23, 2014
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Reviewed by Treyliff from West Virginia

4.14/5  rDev -5.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25
Ran by here while in town. The building itself is a warehouse so there's plenty of room to move around, and it's cold inside, so bring a jacket. Beer is sorted by style and country. Service was good, a man greeted us as we walked in an explained the layout of the store. He checked on us later to make sure we didn't have any questions. Selection was ok, half of the shelves were empty and I didn't find the case of Dirt Wolf I was looking for, I did however walk out with a case of Jai Alai for $40. Prices were pretty good, but you have to buy everything in quantities of 24. Overall, this is worth checking out if you don't mind buying by the case.
Apr 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by seanchai from Virginia

Apr 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by baconfromwalmart from Pennsylvania

Mar 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by InspectorBob from New Jersey

Feb 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by hoppymcgee from Maine

Jan 14, 2014
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Reviewed by rikatine from New York

3.88/5  rDev -11.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This is now our go to place when traveling down from NY for a weekend in Philly. We have been here twice now and it is easy to stop here first before checking into our Center City hotel.

Service was fine. Check out easy. Parking is on the street and we parked right out front both times.

The selection has so far been exactly what we are looking for. Bell's, Port Brewing, Coronado, and Half Acre. They also had Russian River and tons of other stuff. Yes, it is buy the case, but we can't get this stuff in NY.

Head over to Hawthornes after for lunch.
May 09, 2013
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Reviewed by claspada from New Jersey

3.54/5  rDev -19.4%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Warehouse atmpsphere. Isles and isles of cases of craft and macro beer on the shelves. The front section has a small area for the current "seasonals" also in cases as well.

The quality is a as good as can be expected. Numerous brands and some decent rarities. I saw a case of Tilquin Gueuze, Stone Imperial Mint Chocolate Stout and various beers I can normally not find in Jersey like Great Lakes and Bells regular and seasonal release.

Service was non-exisitent. Guy sat at the counter and I could tell he had no idea what was up. Did let me friend use the bathroom which was nice I guess.

Prices were super super reasonable and a great value. Only problem is that you need to buy a case which is hard when you are visiting the area and are traveling via foot, cab or mass transit. Worth a stop if you have a vehicle but dont mock yourself and go without means of carrying one or multiple cases of beer.
Dec 03, 2012
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Reviewed by Rifugium from North Dakota

3.88/5  rDev -11.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Bella Vista is a great supplier in the Philly area, and you have to give them a lot of credit. They keep the good craft beer flowing, and help bring the rarities in for events like Philly Beer Week.

The actual retail store is located at 11th & Fitzwater, an easy walk from South Street, and just across the street from Hawthorne's. Not much to say in the way of atmosphere, as it's pretty much just a warehouse, but things are set up nice and neat and in a generally organized fashion. Service is fine and prices are reasonable. Beer selection is just fine, however, seeing how this is PA with our ridiculous archaic alcohol laws, it's still cases only here. So you really have to want what you're drinking, because you're dedicating yourself to a whole case of it if you buy here. They also keep a nice selection of glassware, with typical pints going for around $3, and some rotating stemware options: think Cigar City, Founders, Bruery, etc.

So basically, if you want a case of Dogfish Head or Troegs or Founders, this place is fine. If you're jonesing for a bomber or a mix-n-match 6-pack, look elsewhere...like Hawthorne's for example.
Jun 10, 2012
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Reviewed by mltobin from Connecticut

3.23/5  rDev -26.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4
A fairly convenient location, which is not very far from center city. As some of you may know, since this is a distributor, if you buy beer here, its going to be a case. That in itself, is a big turn-off to me, but that is the Pennsylvania law. Selection is good, including Great Lakes, Stone, Anchor, Sly Fox, Brooklyn and many more. Their prices are really up there however, for most people a case here is going to be cutting into a good slice of your paycheck. And this was paired with non-existent customer service. From the truck drivers who nearly collide with you while rolling dollies to the cashiers who do not even say hello when you walk in or leave. But, if you got the $, its worth picking up a couple cases.
May 13, 2012
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Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -7.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5
The famous Bella Vista Beer Distributors!

A beer-case paradise, with 13 aisles of all things beer divided by regions. They have a bit of everything, from the rarer names like Lost Abbey, Duck Rabbit and Russian River to locals like Weyerbacher (I so wanted that case of Double Simcoe!!) and Victory, plus Dogfish, Stone and all the big names in the craft world.

If you have the money to blow in, let's say, a $215-plus-tax case of Lost Abbey Deliverance, by all means do so! But there is also cheaper stuff, I remember buying a case of Dogfish 90 for around $40 a couple of years ago.

Service is nice, although I only saw the guy at the checkout register and not a "beer guy" cruising the aisles, but he was nice and helpful and had no problem explaining the infamous Pennsylvania case law. I'm sure he answers questions about it every other day!

If you have a car and money, come here and stock up. Then walk to Hawthornes for some singles and a growler.
Feb 16, 2012
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Reviewed by IdrinkGas from Pennsylvania

4.36/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
This place is a huge warehouse type distributor. They carry Cigar City, Russian River, Ballast Point, Lost Abbey, and most other highly sought after breweries that distribute to Pennsylvania. Prices are decent. They had cases of month old Jai Alai for $35 which I thought was a steal. They also sell tons of other beverages and some glassware. They also had a pretty big section in the front which was devoted to pumpkin beer. Probably like 30+ different breweries. Spent a long time in the place walking down every aisle two times because I didn't want to miss anything.

The best case distributor in Philadelphia.
Sep 06, 2011
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Reviewed by orangesol from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5
I stopped in here earlier today after the Monk's - Cantillon event.

Upon entering I realized that this is not a small place. Lots of aisles filled with all kinds of beers from all over the world. Most of the beers were clearly labeled with the info and prices but some didn't have either. As far as the service goes, I didn't see a single employee the entire time I was inside the store. It wasn't until I was leaving that someone finally came out of their office to help a fellow customer who had been waiting at the register for quite some time before they even noticed him.

The quality was very good. Most of the cases I was interested in where pretty fresh and reasonably priced. They also had some pretty cool glasses up at the register. While the quality was good, the selection was great. From cases of Russian River, Founders, and Bells to cases of belgians like Rochefort 10 and Saison Dupont, you would be hard pressed to find a better selection of cases.

Overall they have one of the best selections of case beer I have seen but the service can be a bit hit or miss it seems. I will return in the future.
Aug 09, 2011
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Reviewed by TheFightfan1 from Pennsylvania

4.74/5  rDev +8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
So this is the great bella vista I've heard so much about. I was hyped and this place didn't disappoint. Although it was extremely hot in there (I guess no air conditioner) I decided to start my search. All of the beer is seperated by region. The California and west coast aisle is all the way to the left. That is what I came here for. The local section was stacked with some goodies.The other aisle's I didn't venture too. Although the west coast was stacked I didn't have alot of money to spend so I ended up getting a case of Jai Alai for $38. The other thing that got me was how clean this place was. I've gone into alot beer distributors but I can't remember one not having at least a spec of dirt,or piece of cardboard lying around. Very well kept. The atmospshere was uncomfortable do to the the excessive heat and it did seem to have an effect on the employees. Other than that this is a beer mecca.
Jul 24, 2011
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Reviewed by papat444 from Canada (QC)

4.28/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Came to Philly for a quick day trip to get some Geno's and go visit Rocky! Decided to peek in here.

This is strictly a beer warehouse but what selection they have! Everything from the U.S. (craft-wise) is separated by region. Arcadia, Alesmith, Caldera, Cigar City, Dark Horse, Duck-Rabbit, Elysian, Lost Abbey and countless others. The racks seem to go on forever. The only catch is that everything is sold by the case, even bombers and 750mls. I didn't buy anything because my budget didn't allow it but i sure was drooling at the possibilities. Come here if you have money, it'll be worth it.
May 28, 2011
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Reviewed by Soonami from Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev -0.9%
Pretty reasonable prices for the city. The cases are kept pretty cold, they have a great selection of west coast and import beers. Last time there I saw cases of RR and Lost Abbey corked and caged bottles. Ballast Point, Founders, Bells, and Allagash were also well represented. They have a great selection, but the only catch is that since this is a Philly beer distributor, you have to buy a case of everything. I love Brandy Barrell Angel's Share, but I can't fathom spending about $200 for a case of it. This is not the fault of the store, but archaic PA liquor control board laws.

Great place to look around and buy something you know you'll love for a great price, but you definitely cannot buy a single or bomber to try. So I would recommend Bella Vista to the educated buyer that knows what they want or for small groups of people to split cases, but otherwise it's not the best store for many people.
Jul 28, 2010
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Reviewed by timtim from District of Columbia

4.5/5  rDev +2.5%
I've bought a lot of beer here, and not only has all of it been stuff I was dying to get, it has all been in fantastic shape and very reasonably priced. Best beer distributor in Philly, hands down. The ONLY place i know of on the east coast to buy things i don't even want to mention for fear of other bas catching on... you have to buy a case at a time, but you will get the bottles for much less than what they are on the shelf. Awesome. If you're in Philly and you don't stop by, you are missing out.
Jun 30, 2010
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Reviewed by erosier from Connecticut

4.35/5  rDev -0.9%
Walk in and it is very inviting. The place is clean, very well organized, and has a much higher selection of crafts than I was expecting. There was Russian River, Avery, Flying Fish, Dark horse, a whole lot of stuff that I didn't think I would be able to find. Kind of an overwhelming selection because you gotta buy a case of whatever it is, but really good. I could spend an entire afternoon in this place.
The quality was good and the prices seemed fair. Everything was divided by region so the local stuff had a large selection which I liked and also inevitably gives the consumer a small education where everything is from. I've been to places where people don't know where something is from and they just call it an import which drives me nuts. The selection seemed good and it looked like a good place to go, I would go back the next time I am in the area looking for a case of craft beer. The service was good, they have carts out for those looking for more than a few cases (like myself).
If you're in the area, try this place out.
Nov 27, 2009
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Reviewed by corby112 from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +5.9%
This is the best beer distributor in Philadelphia, especially since they moved across the street into the newer bigger building.

The selection is incomparable, carrying an incredible amount of American craft as well as a huge selection of imports. Once you walk in there is a whole section of the store on the right hand side that is exclusively dedicated to Belgian beers. They frequently get in beers that I don't see anywhere else.

The folks here are responsible for getting a lot of excellent rare beers, especially from the west coast, into the Philadelphia are market. Jordan does a hell of a job bringing these brands in and in the last year or so has stepped it up by landing all kinds of amazing beers.

The service is always very friendly and knowledgeable. Every time I'm in there it seems like I spend more time talking about beer than actually shopping for it. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for rare cases in the Philly area.
Oct 15, 2009
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Reviewed by Deuane from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +5.9%
Bella Vista is one of THE must beer distributors not only in Philadelphia but in PA. A major player in the import distribution field the folks at BV are on top of their game. Jordan and company are always striving to bring in new, quality, interesting and innovative breweries into PA.

I have ALWAYS received great service from the staff. Always with a, can I help you and have you tried this or maybe you would be interested in that.

They carry just about everything they can. So, while not perfect, as no one distributor in PA can, BV is about as close as you can get.

With the year old new digs, just across the street from the dirty, run down old place, the atmosphere of the shop is a HUGE step above what you use to encounter.
Oct 12, 2009
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Reviewed by Michadelphia from Michigan

4.55/5  rDev +3.6%
I have a few locations in NJ and Philly that I frequent for beer. Bella Vista is above and beyond the biggest and best selection that I know of. The prices are reasonable but I have found cheaper prices elsewhere for a few brands. However, I do feel more comfortable paying a few more dollars for something that I know is fresh. I have been burned by the cheaper case of Yards or Victory at other stores. You know that the beer has been taken care of at Bella. Since the new store was built, I haven't gone anywhere else. Especially on Sundays!
Aug 16, 2009
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Reviewed by MSL94 from New Jersey

4.65/5  rDev +5.9%
I made a visit to Bella Vista during the weekend and I have to say it was well worth the trip over the bridge to do so. Usually, residents of PA will migrate to NJ to make beer purchases because of the price; however, I went into PA due to the fact that there are several brands that are not available in NJ. I was very impressed by the setup of the store in which all beers are grouped according to its region or state. There were a few employees who offered assistance during the time I was there and they were very knowledgeable of what brands were in stock. A number of the beers that I tried at the ACBF were available at Bella Vista; however, I specifically came over to find Harpoon's UFO White, which was not a problem. All I can for those of us who live in NJ and visit Philly on a regular basis, it is definately worth it to stop by Bella Vista.
Jul 06, 2009
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Reviewed by CHADMC3 from Connecticut

4.5/5  rDev +2.5%
This place is unbelievable! Their selections is amazing including two deep rows of American micros, many of which I have had trouble findng elsewhere. In addition there are entire rows dedicated to German/Eastern European brews, traditional UK/Ireland stuff, and of course Belgians. A number of excellent cases can even be purchased cold if you wish.

The staff is knowledgable and willing to offer great recommendations based on experience. You're also bound to run into some other advocate in this store to engage in some quality conversation.

In addition there is even a nice selection of glassware and beeraphenalia in the front of the store.

I have a few friends in South Philly and always make it a point to grab a case for the road that I cannot find in CT.

Stop here if you can.
Mar 07, 2009
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Reviewed by Seanibus from California

4.35/5  rDev -0.9%
Given the stupidity of Pennsylvania's beer laws (case-only at beer distributors, with sixpacks and singles available only at bars and restaurants at shockingly inflated prices), Bella Vista is as good as it gets in Philadelphia for beer fans.

The new store, opened in 2008, is huge, bright, and friendly. The selection is simply the best in the city, with an astonishing collection of cases, including cases of 22 oz bottles of unusual beers, such as Stone's Oaked Arrogant Bastard and Avery's limited Ale to the Chief (expect to pay a LOT for these cases, but at least they are available). The 12 ounce cases include almost everything you can get in this part of Pennsylvania, from the macro stuff, to all the locals, to national winners like Bells and North Coast. A nice selection of imports, including Belgians (again, if you have to ask how much it costs, you shouldn't be buying - but at least they have it available).

Except for the exotic imports and the Bomber cases, the prices are competitive with other distributors in the city.

The store also includes a nice selection of beer accessories, including fun beer glasses, and the standard non-alcoholic beverage selection.

The staff is friendly and loves to talk beer.

Parking, which is never a minor issue in this part of town, is plentiful and convenient.
Jan 29, 2009
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Reviewed by william5586 from Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +9.3%
This is not the closest distributor to me, but it is well worth the extra drive. They have a great selection of hard to find beer along with a very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

The only complaint i have is that prices are not listed in the isles. This is only a slight inconvenience however. There is a clipboard at registers with all the prices that you can take as you look around.

I found out about the grand opening of their new building back in or October (across the street from their old one) though BA and decided to check it out. I was expecting a small tasting and a quick look at the new store. When i arrived it was a mini beer fest/block party. Amazing beer, food, and music all for free. I really cant say enough good things about this place and the owners.
Dec 06, 2008
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Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

4.35/5  rDev -0.9%
Bella Vista has certainly come a long way since I first visited them, and the new building just across the street from where they used to be is the icing on the cake. They've continued to grow their selection along with the microbrew market, and although I've tasted and reviewed thousands of beers in my day they've actually got some things that I've missed. The service is good and the prices are normal. It used to be that I would be in this part of town I would go to another big distributor (that will go unamed), now I go to Bella Vista.
Nov 14, 2008
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Reviewed by BWH3 from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +2.5%
Just came back from the grand opening of the new store. Was a nice free tasting.

Quality is top notch. Beers are fresh and plentiful. The selection of cold cases is expanded quite a bit. The shelves are not fully stocked and I am sure things are only going to get better. The friendly service and devotion to customer satisfaction is what this place has always staked its reputation on and that has not changed one bit. The new space is open and roomy and well laid out. They have even set aside a section for Belgian beers.
Oct 06, 2008
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Reviewed by LunaChick from Pennsylvania

4.65/5  rDev +5.9%
As a bar owner I normally shy away from reviewing places. I have to make an exception here. The guys at Bella Vista have saved my ass a couple of times. Not only that they have been very helpful in terms of helping me select what I have on tap and in bottles. Several of my selections have been on a reccomendation from them and I have yet to be disappointed. The selection is very good also. They have a great selection of local beer as well as beer from all over including great imports. Service is exceptional. We had a problem with a keg and one of the guys came over within an hour to fix it. We got a bad keg from another place (nothing against the other place, these things happen)but it would have meant having an empty line thru the weekend if we waited for a replacement. I called at 3pm and had BV there with something by dinnertime. And they know beer. Really know it. Whether you are an owner of an establishment or just someone looking to pick up a case of good beer this is definately a good place to go.
Aug 12, 2008
Photo of sconsi
Reviewed by sconsi from Delaware

4.85/5  rDev +10.5%
This place is definitely worth the trip. Came up to move into our new apartment in Philly and stopped by to pick up some refreshments on the way.

Parking may be hard to find, and we weren't sure where to enter (there's no door, just a big opening). Once we got through the doors it was beer heaven. A giant warehouse with beer stacked from floor to ceiling.

For your more common cheaper beer the price was nothing special, but prices were very reduced for higher quality beers. They even have the rebate forms out for many of the brands, which no one does anymore.

The selection was also exceptional. I really didn't look at all of the microbrews, but they had a ton. This place is the place to go if you want German beer. They had every German beer you could ask for, and at a great price.

The only problem with this store is the pretty much everything is sold in cases, so no buying just one. But for the prices, it's worth buying the whole case.
Aug 05, 2008
Bella Vista Beer Distributors in Philadelphia, PA
Place rating: 4.39 out of 5 with 45 ratings