Central Market - Lovers

Store

5750 E Lovers Ln
Dallas, Texas, 75206-2921
United States

(214) 234-7000 | map
centralmarket.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.06
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
39
pDev:
16.01%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by kwill:
Photo of kwill
Reviewed by kwill from Texas

4.4/5  rDev +8.4%
Like others have said, a great beer selection. I picked up a mixed 6-pack, a couple 500 ml, and a 4-pack of Duvel that they had on sale. Just up the road from World Market so between the two you will be in beer heaven. In comparison to World Market, I was just a little disappointed in Central Market's singles selection, but it is nice that all of their beers are refrigerated. Their wine selection was also very extensive, and they even had a few different ice wines (although they were all pretty expensive).

I was a little disappointed in the service in the beer/wine department. I asked if they had a couple specific beers (Storm King Stout and something else) and I was just told 'no' and the guy immediately turned around and walked away. No offer to order some or any suggestions on something that might be similar. We also asked another employee if they had ice wine. He just pointed and said it was around the corner over there. We walked over there and it took us a few minutes to find the small ice wine section among a huge wall of different wines.

Central Market also had an incredible selection of groceries. They had the largest variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, cheeses, and everything else you could think of. They had very few of the mainstream grocery store selections - instead focusing on the harder to find and health/organic foods.

They also had an amazing cafe section where they would make sandwiches using their huge variety of breads, cheeses, and meats. They also had a wide variety some amazing looking prepared foods (Chicken Cordon Bleu, pork chops, steaks, sushi, Mexican food, Italian, pretty much everything) that you could purchase and eat there in their cafe seating area, or take to-go.

Overall a very interesting and unique store that I am definitely looking forward to going back to. (Sorry for being so long winded :>)
Jan 16, 2003
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.21 by ruzzal from Texas

Dec 21, 2019
 
Rated: 3.47 by zizouandyuki from Texas

Feb 15, 2016
 
Rated: 4.66 by MicTar from Texas

Nov 25, 2015
 
Rated: 3.94 by MattSweatshirt from Texas

Feb 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4.53 by TexasBrews from Texas

Jan 08, 2015
 
Rated: 1 by nategp from Texas

Oct 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Abbbp from Texas

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by BJasny from Texas

Jul 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Eddiehop from Texas

Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.38 by Domvan from Texas

Jul 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by street1891 from Texas

Jun 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by UtisTheLaw from Texas

Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by HoppySeb from Washington

Jun 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by spham from Texas

Jun 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by TX-Badger from Texas

Jun 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by GeorgiaBeerGuy from Georgia

Jun 04, 2014
Photo of DoubleSimcoe
Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.61/5  rDev -11.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25 | food: 4.25
Central Market is sort of like a Dallas-born Whole Foods. Huge store with all sorts of goodies (I particularly enjoyed the cheese selection and the low-priced, high-quality veggies).

As far as beer goes, though, this place won't have you writing yo mama to tell her how you fell in love with the selection.

Brews are located in the wine section, and I stress this because there is more wine than there is beer. A big long cooler carries a bunch of Texas brews, some good Belgium and German imports and the occasional sort-of-rarity like Dogfish 61 and a couple of Boulevard beers. Plus all the usual suspects like Stone, New Belgium and Sam Adams.

They sell every one of their bottles (but not their cans) as singles (you can break six-packs, basically) so that is extra coolness in their part. But- I don't know that you'll be tempted to break any packs here.

A helpful beer guy stopped by and asked me if I had any questions, which I appreciate. A little customer care is always nice.

I won't be coming back here to buy beer as there are many better options around the city of Dallas, but their food is worth a repeat visit and three.
Aug 07, 2013
Photo of claytong
Reviewed by claytong from Vermont

3.8/5  rDev -6.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
So perhaps for Dallas this is a great stop, but if youre from out of town I wouldn't go here. They don't have a lot of local breweries (they have some). They had theobroma which I almost bought but decided I probably wouldnt like it that much especially for the price.
Service was okay, the guy stayed around longer than I wouldve liked. I didnt really need to know anything except the prices on the singles (none were marked) but he was just trying to be helpful.
Prices were normal. Some were cheaper, some the same.
Jun 18, 2011
Photo of Daniellobo
Reviewed by Daniellobo from District of Columbia

4.35/5  rDev +7.1%
Quick dash through Dallas and this is my friend´s go-to store in the area, and for a good reason...

The selection is pretty nice, with dedicated sections to imports, US macros, and Texas-regional production. It includes quality choices with the odd rarity here and there, both in terms of seasonal availability, and stuff I do not get typically in my region.

I was introduced to the beer guy, and we had a nice and helpful chat about the Texas choices he had available. Pricing sits in a common area between "reasonable" and maybe "a bit pricey". But all in all I'd sure make this one of my regular stops if I were settled here.
Feb 16, 2011
Photo of Traquairlover
Reviewed by Traquairlover from Virginia

3.4/5  rDev -16.3%
For a grocery store this place has a pretty good selection. Fair amount of imports and craft breweries from throughout the US. Almost all of the beer is in cooler, even though some beers should be served warmer. Selection of individuals contained quite a few good Belgians and craft breweries but not many everyday beers. This last may not be that surprising but I was really only looking for a local beer to kill time in the afternoon. All Texas beers seemed available solely by the 6-pack, 12-pack or case. Shame, didn't get what I wanted this time, but I was impressed. Service was completely absent. Perhaps not surprising for a grocery store but still unfortunate as I did have some questions.
Dec 30, 2008
Photo of promethias405
Reviewed by promethias405 from Texas

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
I was very impressed to find such a great selection at Central Market. Came in to get some gourmet pasta, and walked out with some unique beer that I have never seen before. Didn't really expect such a good variety, but bravo Central Market. I love you even more haha. As far as service, there really weren't any employees around. Although it is a grocery store, so I wasn't too surprised. Prices were inexpensive in comparison to other beer establishments I have visited. Central Market is a great store, and the fact they have a great selection with great prices, makes it indeed a better experience. It would've been better to see some more store personnel around, but it was a busy Sunday, so again I didn't expect too much.
Dec 09, 2008
Photo of ckeegan04
Reviewed by ckeegan04 from Texas

4/5  rDev -1.5%
Dropped in this past weekend while on my search for Divine Reserve 6. Very long cooler of beers, both imports and exports. A good selection of craft beers with a limited representation from the macro breweries. Saw all the Texas beers I cant find in Tennessee such as Saint Arnold, Rahr and Sons, and Real Ale. Very similar to the Plano store but I felt the selection was a touch better at the Plano location. The help was better here though. Still struck out on my search for DR6...damn waiting lists.
Jun 19, 2008
Photo of MrHungryMonkey
Reviewed by MrHungryMonkey from Texas

3.55/5  rDev -12.6%
Minimal selection. Just the basics: Sam Adams seasonals, Sierra Nevada PA, Shiner special releases (they have a Black Lager special display right now (05.20.08)), AB microclones (Sundog's not so bad), and the who-can-live-without Lonestar. After that theres the same Big Beer stuff you see at any store, and lots of them. Definitely not more than 10% micro, but it is decent for a grocery store, and it is a nice store. I shop there weekly and their buy beer whenever I feel like getting something they have just for the convenience of it. It's not a beer store, but it's a hell of a grocery store, and in Dallas not all supermarkets carry beer.

Decent wine selection (on an unrelated note) with decent prices so long as you buy what's on sale.
May 21, 2008
Photo of Mora2000
Reviewed by Mora2000 from Texas

3.8/5  rDev -6.4%
I went to Central Market today to see if the Saint Arnold's Summer Pils was available, which it was. It was the first time I had been to this location (the one on Greenville) and I was fairly impressed. There was a decent selection of beers, but not as good as the selection at other Central Markets I have been to. The one thing I didn't like was that very few beers were available as singles. Maybe I have been spoiled from stores like Grapevine Market in Austin, but I really don't want to buy a six-pack of a beer I am not certain of the quality of.
Apr 12, 2008
Photo of Beertracker
Reviewed by Beertracker from Oklahoma

4/5  rDev -1.5%
Central Market H.E.B. is a Texas chain of specialty grocery stores with a huge selection of artisanal cheeses, deli & butcher block meats, fresh produce, seafood, plus health, gourmet, & international foods. I started visiting Central Market after the Whole Foods on lower Greenville lost Jeff Engle and the selection started waning. The selection here is fantastic with over 350+ imports & microbrews with some fresh locals in the cooler. Lots of wine for SWMBO! There's usually someone around that can check stock, but don't expect white glove service. This is a recommended stop and should be on any beer lover's map. Don't forget to check out World Market which is just across the way.

CHEERS! Beertracker
Feb 07, 2008
Photo of dgallina
Reviewed by dgallina from Georgia

3.2/5  rDev -21.2%
This is more or less the same as a whole foods supermarket. The microbrew selection is great by dallas standards. By national standards, however, id consider it only decent for a supermarket and mediocre compared to a better beer store. difficult to guague freshness in general. half to two thirds six packs with a third singles. could definately do with more singles. a few 750s but not many. prices are a bit high for some beers and generally uneven. seems overrated to me, but then i am only visiting dallas for a few months so not completely familiar with the area .
May 12, 2007
Photo of allengarvin
Reviewed by allengarvin from Texas

4.35/5  rDev +7.1%
One of the better places to pick up beer near downtown. In fact, I've often driven there around lunch to pick up a bottle of good beer and some quality cheese to take back to eat at lunch at my desk.

The selection is pretty darned good--though not as good as the Central Market in Fort Worth that I've been too, and not as good as Hall's, which probably has the best selection in the area; the Lovers' Central Market probably has 85% of Hall's selection (excluding the macros, which Halls has in huge quantity and CM almost none at all, but who cares about those?). They have most of the Belgians available in Texas, including all of the Trappists that are available here. Almost all of the better micros are available as well.

Wine selection is very good, and you should visit the cheese aisle too. It's the best selection of cheese in the area. The cheeses aren't laid out so well, so I've occasionally asked help in finding a particular type or style I liked, and the staff has always been exceptionally knowledgeable and eager to help. I've heard the beer/wine folk are as well, though I've never had direct contact with them. Except at the busiest time, checkout has always had enough cashiers to move quickly through the line.

If you're visiting Dallas and staying downtown and are not able to hit the better outliers in the area (Hall's in Colleyville, Mr G's in Plano), this is probably the best place to go for retail beer selection.
Feb 26, 2007
Photo of SwillinBrew
Reviewed by SwillinBrew from California

3.85/5  rDev -5.2%
This was the first place i came to on my way from DFW airport to my hotel. You first walk in to the produce department then head left to the store proper. The beer is towards the back middle thru the wine. Very nice store. It's like a cross between a Bristol Farms, Trader Joes and Wholefoods back home in CA. You can get garlic stuffed olives, craft potatoe chips,... there was a shitload of stuff but i was so tunnel visioned for the beer.

The selection is excellent for a grocery/gourmet store. There's a long open beer cooler. It felt funny because while i saw the usual suspects ie Fullers, Sierra Nevada, Youngs, Spaten, Chimay etc, i didnt see the usual West Coast beers ie Alesmith, Ballast Point, Stone, Rogue, Port Brewing, etc. Instead i saw Breckingridge, Great Divide, DFH, St Arnolds, Rahr, i think Live Oak, New Belgian - Victory - Left Hand brews that i cant get in SoCal, and many more that i just can't remember... i had a friggen hard on. Anyways, i left a pack of DFH Midas Touch, 6er of St Arnolds IPA, Great Divide Hercules and Yeti.

The service was fine. I didnt need any help at first, but later when i asked for it, i got it. We talked shipping rules in TX. I wanted them to ship several cases for me to CA. I really wanted some Rahr. I wish i knew you could break up the 6ers. I guess i should have asked.

Anyways, come here to get good beer. If you're staying in Dallas, come and stock up so you can fill your hotel room and never worry about having a tasty brew.
Dec 27, 2006
Photo of jdm
Reviewed by jdm from Texas

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
Good googly moogly! i have not seen a better selection anywhere. prices are comparable to a little more reasonable on items i have seen elsewhere. i live 90 miles from this store but it is worth the trip. this is a large grocery store and the whole place is amazing. its like a consumable six flags. i didn't really require any service to speak of or have any questions, so service was really un-observed but i did not want to score them down and distract from the amazing selection and good pricing.
Jan 22, 2006
Photo of kosmoraios
Reviewed by kosmoraios from Washington

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
This is the original Central Market, at least in the DFW area. The selection of craft beer is second-to-none, and the people who roam the beer/wine area really know their stuff. They recently started selling singles, which is a big plus to me, you can "build-your-own" 6-pack, just like World Market. The prices are better than any retail store that I've found on most ales. Some of their food is expensive, but a trip to CM is worth it - especially on the weekends, when they have dozens of food-tasting tables and a live jazz band. A wonderful place.
Oct 08, 2005
Photo of LiquidBreadMan
Reviewed by LiquidBreadMan from Texas

4.15/5  rDev +2.2%
My visit to Central Market was actually to their Cooking School, as part of a Christmas gift. We arrived a little early and decided to check out the store. I was already impressed with the place and then the maze took us to the wine and beer section. If you are in search of micro-brews from either coast (and everywhere in between), this is the place. If you you prefer stuff from across the pond, and beyond -- Central Market is the place. If you look closely throughout the store, you'll find Lambics and various other singles. For example, I found a Shipyard IPA single in the case with some organic sodas and wine coolers (in the cafe area).

Although some of the store's "partners" asked me how I was doing, no one really offered to help me find anything. I'm not going to be picky about this, because all-in-all, I was quite impressed with the service at the store.

I came home with a truckload of beer (lots of IPAs and a few other oddities); about five pounds of various blue cheeses (which the nice lady let me sample); several loaves of bread; a bagful of mustards; and one of the most beautiful whole Gulf Red Snappers I've ever seen.

Make the trip to Central Market. But make sure you wind your way from the beer section to the breads and cheeses. I plan to go back again, soon.
Jan 23, 2005
Photo of Quaffer
Reviewed by Quaffer from Missouri

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
I went to Central Market recently while I was in Dallas for business. All I can say is that I am glad that we drove and did not fly. And that we took a van with a large cargo capacity . . .

Central Market is just that: a market. This the one complaint that I have about the place. Like most grocery stores, it was fairly busy when I was there. All the people, combined with the horribly narrow aisles, made it impossible to sit in one spot for more than about 10 seconds. I was constantly moving my cart and myself to stay out of peoples ways. The only thing that kept me from getting totally frustrated was the fantastic array of beers that left me slack-jawed and speechless for quite awhile.

The beer selection was wonderful, and not just because they have stuff that I can't get in Kansas. It is just plain wonderful. Tons of beers from North American breweries that I have only dreamed about buying in a store, plus a supply of Belgians to keep me happy for years. Overall, I was extremely impressed. I completely filled my shopping cart before I reluctantly drug myself out of the place.

The people who work there that I dealt with were very helpful and friendly. They even gave me some complimentary wooden wine boxes that they normally charge for to pack my brew in. I doubt that any of them are very beer savvy, considering that this is a grocery store, but I didn't need help in that department.

Central Market is definitely worth the stop if you are in Dallas, especially if you are from a state that doesn't get a ton of beer.
Mar 09, 2004
Photo of HardTarget
Reviewed by HardTarget from Texas

4.35/5  rDev +7.1%
Went to Big D today, partly on an errand and partly to beer hunt. Hit 3 places, Central Market, Whole Foods, and the Liquor Shoppe. Central Market was the clear winner. More selection, better presentation, and just really good stuff besides beer. About my only beef is that after about 15 minutes of careful study of the inventory, I was never approached by any staff to offer assistance (they were out of La Fin du Monde on the shelf, wanted to know if they had some in back). Cashier was friendly. Most of their stuff is refrigerated, which given my 2 hour drive home isn’t a plus, but they also have a shelf of room temp. beer as well. I noted some dust on some bottles, but they were mostly things I was going to cellar anyway. Got a 6 of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, from 2002 (it’s 11/03). They also have a number of singles and extra 6 pack holders for you. If you are hunting, this is fertile ground.
Nov 05, 2003
Photo of Morris729
Reviewed by Morris729 from Texas

4.7/5  rDev +15.8%
This is an absolutely incredible grocery store with the largest variety of beers, wines, and food that I have ever seen under one roof. Not only is the beer selection the largest I have ever seen, the prices on most are quite reasonable. They also have a large selection of singles that makes sampling different brews all the cheaper. This place is located almost across the street from World Market, which also has a nice beer selection, so if you’re in the area, there’s a good chance that one of these two stores will have what you’re looking for.
Jan 06, 2003
Photo of tang214
Reviewed by tang214 from Texas

4.85/5  rDev +19.5%
I finally got a chance to go check out the good things I have heard about Central Market. The layout of the store is very confusing. I almost couldn't find my way out. They do have quite a large selection of beer. It took me a while to finally decide what I wanted. It's a good place and I'll probably go back when I am looking for something uncommon or unique.
Oct 04, 2002
Photo of usualpulp
Reviewed by usualpulp from Texas

4.55/5  rDev +12.1%
The absolute best place to buy beer in the area.They recently opened one in plano,tx and it has the best selection in the metroplex. The staff is very knowledgable and the prices cant be beat. I've yet to find a store that sells paulaner for $5.99 and Sam Adams for under $6.00. If there is a central market in your area I highly suggest you visit it. You wont be dissapointed. And if there is something they dont have, they can order it.
Sep 23, 2002
Photo of BeerAngel
Reviewed by BeerAngel from Texas

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
I was in jaw dropping awe at my first visit to Central Market in Dallas! I could not even begin to guesstimate the number of beers that were there...and the best part about it was that not one was from the biggies (macros). They had a large variety of Sammy's on sale that was about 1/2 price that I can normally get it. Some of the names that come to mind that were available were Samuel Smith's, Young's, Paulaner, Fuller's, Unibroue, Spaten-Franziskaner, and many, MANY more! The only downside was this is a grocery store that is set up like a maze and it forces you to walk by everything. Pretty intelligent marketing, but man I was antsy to get to the beer and it seemed to be about 3/4 of the way through the crowded maze. Of course that did add to the excitement. I didn't mean to knock those old ladies down...really I didn't ;-). Anyway, if you come to one of the larger cities in Texas and want an assortment, I highly recommend this place.


Cheers from Texas!
Rick
Aug 08, 2002
Central Market - Lovers in Dallas, TX
Place rating: 4.06 out of 5 with 39 ratings