Rutherford Wine Shoppe

Rutherford Wine ShoppeRutherford Wine Shoppe
Rutherford Wine ShoppeRutherford Wine Shoppe
Store

270 Park Ave
Rutherford, New Jersey, 07070-2328
United States

(201) 964-9463 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.17
Reviews:
13
Ratings:
17
pDev:
10.31%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4 by muskiesman from New Jersey

Sep 16, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by markgugs from New Jersey

Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by mk_ultra from New Jersey

Jun 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Latarnik from New Jersey

May 26, 2014
Photo of ianmatth
Reviewed by ianmatth from New Jersey

3.79/5  rDev -9.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75
Decent selection, but seems a little small compared to some other places in the area. I have only been there once. The store could be laid out a little better, especially when it comes to the beer section, but the staff was helpful and I was able to find what I was looking for.
Aug 29, 2013
Photo of TempusRob
Reviewed by TempusRob from New Jersey

3.96/5  rDev -5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 3.75
I've been a Rutherford resident for a couple years now, and this has been a regular stop for me!

A wine shop by name and by inventory, but the beer selection does not disappoint. Staff is laid back and friendly, and always asks if I'm looking for a suggestion or for something in particular if they see me browsing. They seem knowledgeable, and like to discuss the stuff I bring to the register (what they think of it, what others thought of it, what I think of it).

The craft selection in the cooler isn't huge, but changes frequently. I'll often try something new only to go back a week later to find that it's gone. But on the bright side, if you like to try new stuff all the time, you'll have plenty of opportunity to do just that.

Also a nice selection of warm 22oz/750ml bottles. This doesn't change as much as the cooler, but it's also a much wider selection.

Prices are fair, and in line with trends, and with the area in general.

The atmosphere/aesthetics, as others have mentioned, isn't the greatest. Lights. Shelves. Far from fancy. But I'm not there for mood, I'm there for brews. It's not like the place is dirty or unsanitary. Just well-worn. And in some ways, that's a good sign.
Feb 08, 2013
Photo of charliebrown3
Reviewed by charliebrown3

3.09/5  rDev -25.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
So this is my fourth or fifth time coming to Rutherford wine shop and it gets worse and worse everytime. A decent selection but you have to get past all the dusty/old beer to find a keeper. Staff is good but if you get stuck talking to the one older gentleman you realize this place is going down hill. It's more of a wine store than beer but the beer is being over run by low-end craft beers. I'd rather see this place go back to what it is was when it was more quality then quantity. When you first walk in you are greeted by cardboard, broken beer and hand trucks. For this store to get back into their glory days changes should be made in the upper management. But til then good luck to the staff. and also luck to future customers locating the store because of an old store sign that you can not read or see because of lack of lighting. i probably won't return for some time.
Jul 28, 2012
Photo of koopa
Reviewed by koopa from New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -7.7%
Went here as per a recommendation from my local barkeep. Decent craft selection (including KBS when it was released) that would keep anybody living within 10 minutes happy. Staff was fairly friendly and fairly helpful but definitely not big time beer geeks. Both cold and warm bottles are available. Place has a mini mart feel to it though. I'd go back if I was in the area again but as its 25 minutes from my house, I'll stick to closer and better options like Ramsey Liquors and Glen Rock Bottle King.
Sep 12, 2010
Photo of harryzwd
Reviewed by harryzwd from New Jersey

4.7/5  rDev +12.7%
i've been going to this place for years and as other have stated, the selection here is second to none if you are a true hop head. its always a sure bet that you will find something to like (if not your favorite beverage) on every visit.

the selection in the large cooler is always well stocked with plenty of staples and usually a large selection of seasonal offerings. take your time and walk to the back of the store where there are even more excellent beers on the long three-four tiered shelf, which are all room temperature.

the staff here is laid back and very helpful. all of them are into a style of beer or wine or liquor from which they can draw on to answer any questions you might have. even knowing what i like its still good to talk to someone once in a while to find out whats new or what the best kept secrets are.

if you are in the area you have to stop by and check this place out, you won't be sorry.
Apr 03, 2009
Photo of jerseyjoe
Reviewed by jerseyjoe from New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
Drove by this store a million times and finally stopped in for the first time a month ago and I have now found my new local beer store. Best selection in the area, knowlegable and friendly staff and reasonable prices. Inside is a tad messy but I think this has more to do with the small size of the store.

The store has plenty of six packs and cases to choose from that are both cold and warm. In the back of the store there are two large shelves filled with 22 ounce and pint bottles. Freshness seems to be up to standard as far as I have seen.

Not just for beer they have a large selection of wine and booze.
Highly recommended.
Dec 24, 2008
Photo of baldycmu
Reviewed by baldycmu from Texas

4.15/5  rDev -0.5%
I go here faily often as its the closet place with real beer. The staff is pretty knowledgable and they do a good job of carrying interesting seasonals and have a good mix of 6-packs and some bigger size single bottles. The price is pretty decent considering its the only decent place I know of for a good distance. They do have a ton of wine, but I feel like the staff really cares more about the beer. The price seems pretty good for what they have as well. Sometimes the stock seems a bit dusty and old, but other than that I'll keep coming back.
Dec 13, 2008
Photo of jaluria
Reviewed by jaluria from Connecticut

4/5  rDev -4.1%
Having read previous reviews, I decided to check this place out last weekend. Clearly, the focus of the store is wine, but the beer selection is good, though not extensive. 3/4 of the cooler along with left wall are occupied by 6-packs of local (Brooklyn, River Horse), regional (Weyerbaucher, Victory, Southampton, Sly Fox), and other microbrews. The back shelves are filled with singles and 6-packs as well. A good grouping of Belgian ales along with a handful of German beers (Paulaner, Spaten, etc.). There were a few nice finds that I came across like the 2007 edition of SN Harvest and 2006 edition of Fuller's Vintage ale.

Overall, I like this place, especially the people. I was asked 2 or 3 times by different people if I needed help. The selection is good, but nothing overly special that merits a lengthy drive. I happen to live about 10 minutes away, so I'm sure I'll be visiting the store often.

I wish the store carried more local beers like Climax, Ramstein, Sixpoint, etc.
Oct 25, 2007
Photo of ShAkYdAN
Reviewed by ShAkYdAN from New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
Great place to go! The selection is impeccable! The staff is fun and knowledgeable. The owner is a friendly guy who will bend over backwards to try to get you something you want.
I have been to various stores checking them out but this place is my favorite. I always try to check out the back shelf to see if any obscure sixer is back there. They always have what I want. The owner Scott always stocks up on my favorites. I'm a huge barlywine fan and he still has Bigfoots, Old Foghorns and more floating around. What a steal!
Now you must be saying, "Shakydan, It's summer, why in gods name you talking about barleywines?" Well I love em and store them until the winter. I've seen guys pick up 10 cases at a time.
Now don't get me wrong I don't always punish my liver with barleywines. The selection of summer brews is awesome. They still have one of my favorite beers Hanami ale still floating around. When i'm down for some Latin fares for pounding theres Negra Modelo, Sols, Quilmes, Tecate cans, Especial Cans, Presidentes, (even in bombers!) Caribs (Even the Shandys! yum yum give me some). Me and my buddy Petey Hustle enoy slamming back some sol 40's. Perfect for a hot day and after stickball. He usually needs them more than me!
I usually come in during the day during the week to check out the store. There is always 4 or 5 trucks lined up in front. I have never seen a small store take in so much inventory! Those guys must me geniuses to get it all to fit! I asked my buddy Matt V. (i still don't know his last name) how they manage to flip stock and he says, "Dan its a group effort, all guys rotate stock, all guys work their tails off, everyone cleans and organizes otherwise half the guys that work here won't fit down the aisles. Have you seen some of these guys? A little on the portly side if you ask me."
Well even though the staff looks like they're training for Beerfest, they know their stuff and are helpfull. Check this place out.
Jul 01, 2007
Photo of HaVoKnYnJ
Reviewed by HaVoKnYnJ from New York

4.85/5  rDev +16.3%
I love having this place down the street from me. Though their selection is constrained by space, they definitely cover their bases, and do it well. I first fell in love with them when they had a small selection of Avery Brewing company products on the big beer shelf. Though that has since shrunk to just the Reverend, they have started carrying the 6-packs from Avery. For a Jersey place to carry a lesser known colorado beer that is still mostly unavailable on this coast is pretty cool to me. They have a ton of (to me) unknown breweries, and are very knowledgable and friendly. I've been to bigger shops...but I'm not sure if I've ever been to a better shop.
Mar 14, 2006
Photo of RonfromJersey
Reviewed by RonfromJersey from New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
08-27-2005
Updated to say, things are pretty much the same, which is fine.



09-21-2002
The store was previously a slighty larger than average neighborhood pharmacy, before forced out by the big boys. So, it's a little more cramped than the typical former supermarket Liquor Store. And you have to duck in and out of aisles when deliveries come. And it's street parking, and the meter maids are relentless. BUT, while the selection is not mind boggling, they do a good job with the popular micros and imports, cover the seasonals, and keep things fresh. The owner and some of young guys are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and they sample the products. I may not find everything here, but I do feel at home.
Aug 28, 2005
Photo of TomN
Reviewed by TomN from New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +3.1%
You can compare this store to any in the area and you won't find a better selection despite it's cramped quarters. They are always well rounded with US micro's (esp. Eastern states), Belgian's, Euro brews (including some real gems) even some of the Canadian stuff I don't see anywhere else. I always seem to find something I wasn't expecting. They offer multiple choices on seasonals and occasionaly some great sale prices on things like Mendocino Brewing's beers.

You may have to bob & weave a bit in the aisles to let others by when their busy but I think it's worth the effort. I'll back up what a previous reviewer said that I don't see out of date beer and the staff is very friendly, knowledgable and helpful. I frequently see them offering help carrying large purchases which you'd probably have to ask for at other places and even then it would probably be a hassle to them. I'm lucky to have this place nearby.
Mar 20, 2004
Photo of UnionMade
Reviewed by UnionMade from New York

4/5  rDev -4.1%
I travel down to Rutherford, NJ for work every now and then, and I was lucky to find this little gem on one of my first trips.
The store is located in a little commercial area, right next to a convenience store. The parking is on the street, but I never seem to have an issue with finding a spot fairly close.
Walking inside, the place is really small and cramped, but the beer selection is pretty impressive. They stock various micros and imports, including a few I've never seen anywhere else. The usual NJ and PA breweries are featured, along with some more unusual bottles on a warm shelf towards the back. Most of the place is wine and liquor, but the beer occupies several coolers on one wall, plus the shelving on the back. I thought the selection here was better than most of the larger stores I'd managed to stop at.
The staff here is very helpful and friendly. The young guys are pretty cool, and I've chatted with them a couple times. The prices are decent, no more or less than anywhere else. It's also nice not to have to pay deposit on bottles. The selction must rotate or turn over fairly quickly, because I've yet to get or find a beer past it's date.
Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. The selection is more than enough to supply an out of town BA with a few new beers to bring back home on any given trip.
Jan 14, 2004
Rutherford Wine Shoppe in Rutherford, NJ
Place rating: 4.17 out of 5 with 17 ratings