Vendome Wine & Spirits

Store

10600 Riverside Dr
Toluca Lake, California, 91602-2373
United States

(818) 766-9593 | map
vendometolucalake.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.24
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
33
pDev:
11.08%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by SoCalBeerIdiot:
Photo of SoCalBeerIdiot
Rated by SoCalBeerIdiot from California

4.25/5  rDev +0.2%

May 02, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of skeptictankx
Reviewed by skeptictankx from California

4.81/5  rDev +13.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 5
This place is amazing. Whether you're looking for craft beer, among wine, our "that Scotch you guys probably don't have"... Yeah they have it. And they know all about it too.
Jan 31, 2015
 
Rated: 4.8 by CBack465

Sep 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by PretzelCity from California

Aug 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by JayPeso from California

Jul 24, 2014
 
Rated: 3.97 by Resuin from Massachusetts

Jul 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by RoyFokker from California

Jun 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Kramerwtmf from California

Apr 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Rob_Harrington from California

Feb 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by GRG1313 from California

Nov 19, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by EB1 from California

Oct 23, 2013
Photo of UCLABrewN84
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4/5  rDev -5.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 5
I stopped by Vendome yesterday to check out this particular location. The atmosphere seems to be more about wine (they even have a wine bar) but they sell liquor and beer too. They have a ton of beer with an amazing selection but the only downside is that probably 60% of the beer is warm out on the shelf. I found more beers that I had never before seen here than I have at any other beer store hands down. I was able to snag some beers I have been looking for and picked some other gems up too. Prices are reasonable and they even have what appears to be a clearance rack for beers. Overall, this is a super awesome place and I will be back here a lot. Bonus points for being less than 5 miles from Tony's Darts Away.
Mar 25, 2012
Photo of dbmernin83
Reviewed by dbmernin83 from California

4.16/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
This is by far the best Vendome and one of the best bottle shops for beer in my area. Two long rows of warm singles along with a "just in" rack, 8-10 coolers with more bombers and sixers. All the west coast favorites, Belgians, Germans, English, Italian, Japanese, etc. I make a stop here about once every two weeks. They do beer and wine tastings once a week, haven't gotten a chnce to partake though. I only rated this "a bit pricey" because I always walk out with more than what I intend to buy.
Nov 20, 2011
Photo of jmgrub
Reviewed by jmgrub from California

3.74/5  rDev -11.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
I have heard that this place has gone downhill since their old beer buyer left, but I decided to give it a shot anyways as I was out in the valley running errands.

The selection is good but fairly disorganized, with a fair amount of stuff refrigerated and an equal amount of stuff sitting out on shelves. There seemed to be little rhyme or reason to what was refrigerated and what was not. Consecration was in the fridge while rows of Sanctification were sitting on the shelves. They had some good stuff like Duet and Nelson, but both were out on the shelves so I didn't risk it. There was a fair selection of Belgians and other imports, but nothing that really caught my eye. Additionally, they weren't grouped by style or by country, so if you were looking for something in particular, it may be hard to find. Better organization of the beer would be truly appreciated. Prices seemed okay, not a great deal but not much in LA is...

When I was there, there wasn't anyone knowledgeable about the beer to help me out, but I would imagine they do have someone that's there sometimes (they must, right). In any event, while I didn't regret my trip, I prefer the Beverly Hills location and would definitely go there given the choice.
Jun 02, 2011
Photo of Retsinis
Reviewed by Retsinis from Arizona

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I stop into Vendome on occasion when I'm heading down to the Bruery from the San Fernando Valley, since it's just off the 134, since Toluca Lake is not exactly in my backyard coming from Northridge. However, the freeway access is pretty great, so if your anywhere near the 101 & 134 interchange, it's worth the time to head over.

Great selection of beer, with about 8 coolers, and another two aisles of non-refrigerated beer (well away from sunlight though, and most if not all non-chilled can hold up at room temp, i.e. RIS, Barley wines, Quads, etc.)

Most is well priced, though not always the cheapest. They do have access to some great seasonals, once a year, or limited release beers that they do secure if it's distributed, so always a good spot to check into if your on the hunt for something specific, or just want a much more varied selection then a Chain beverage warehouse.

The main draw is they do some great tasting events, of beer, wine, sake, whiskey, etc. Basically there is a small bar setup for this inside, though pretty sure it's just used for tastings.

All in all, a welcomed bottle shop, that actually knows to carry really good beer.
May 25, 2011
Photo of Luvzsurfrz
Reviewed by Luvzsurfrz from California

4.72/5  rDev +11.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Vendome has been my go-to in Toluca Lake, which is just a few exits away from my work!

Whenever I am looking for something new or cool that has come out, or rather something to enjoy on the weekend 9/10 this store has exactly what I am looking for.

Several aisles of shelved beer, plus a full wall cooler. Be wary of freshness on some shelved items, but overall it's a nice selection!

Recently I had been looking for Marron Acidifie, and low and behold I got a phone call letting me know they had a bottle waiting for me.

Prices are competitive/slightly higher than my local markets, but the selection is unbeatable. I've also been meaning to go to one of the Saturday beer tastings, because I've heard its a great time, but have been unable to make one yet. Soon hopefully!

Staff is also very friendly and enjoy discussing whats new, and suggestions of what I should try.

OVERALL - great place!
May 06, 2011
Photo of doraex
Reviewed by doraex from California

4.3/5  rDev +1.4%
The best time to go is on Saturday afternoons when they do their tastings. I think it happens weekly and it's always fun. I bump into people I know all the time there and it makes for a fun afternoon.

The selection is vast and it spans every beer region of the world. Lots of Euro imports and lots of tip top domestic craft brews too.

My only complaint is that they don't refrigerate most of their beer. I guess for some imports that get shipped at room temp thats okay, but I bought some Port IPS's there and they were on a shelf, not in the cooler. I can't help but think they would have been better and fresher had they been properly handled.

All in all the best beer store in the region with a knowledgable staff.
Dec 20, 2010
Photo of pword9d8
Reviewed by pword9d8 from California

4.15/5  rDev -2.1%
Great selection of domestic craft and imports line a couple of aisles at the back. Plus, they have a full wall of cold storage. For the most part if it's available for distribution in Southern California, this place will get it.

They do not carry super rare brews but have some notable items. Had to minus one star for keeping some of the brew at room temperature.

Still worth a visit if you're in the area. Make sure to check the hotel rack towards the back of the room for their new arrivals.
Dec 20, 2010
Photo of missingsense
Reviewed by missingsense from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
I prefer to support local businesses over chain stores, and this place reminds me why. Super helpful and friendly staff, 2 full grocery aisles (both sides) full of beer from all over the world, and they'll order just about anything for you. They even supplied the beer for my wedding! Even though I've occasionally been able to find stuff they carry for cheaper, I still buy the majority of my beer from Vendome, because they actually seem to care about the customer. In addition, they have excellent and varied beer tastings every Saturday that have introduced me to a myriad of different styles and breweries around the globe that I probably would never have found out about otherwise. Highly recommended!
May 22, 2010
Photo of 2beernutz
Reviewed by 2beernutz from North Carolina

4.6/5  rDev +8.5%
Stopped in here while visiting Los Angeles based on a recommendation from several BAs. Holy crap does this place have a huge selection of beer! I managed to score a few bottles of the Stone Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter, which made my day.

Three full aisles of beer, one of domestic craft beer, pretty much anything you could ask for. Another aisle of belgians, and an aisle of high quality rare imports ... things I've never seen anywhere before. They also have a refrigerated aisle which was pretty much the same stuff they had on the other three aisles.

Ron was exceptionally helpful and funny. Even though we were there for beer, he gave us quite a few good wine recommendations as well.

Only thing that bothered me was that it looks like some of the beer on the shelves here had been there a while ... so try to check for dates if you can.

Definitely check this out if you're looking to score some good bottles. I felt like a kid at Christmas.
Oct 09, 2009
Photo of nokidz4me
Reviewed by nokidz4me from California

5/5  rDev +17.9%
I have had traveled all over LA looking for the right beer selection and the ultimate 1 stop shop for my suds. This place takes the cake, I was impressed by their selection, I was impressed with thier commitment to having the best beer selection in the Valley or LA for that matter. BevMo has nothing on them and can't compete. The only 2 wishes I had, better selection in the cooler, only because I wanted to taste my purhcase when I got outside, and the shelves are really low to the ground, hard to shop on the floor.

This is one of the best places to buy your beer.
Jul 16, 2009
Photo of supermanjace
Reviewed by supermanjace from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
Well, for the first time ever, I have a reason to be thankful for traffic. Heading to Red Carpet in Glendale, and dreading the upcoming traffic, I decided to poke into Vendome Toluca Lake. Having heard good things about it before, I figured maybe the off chance would occur where I wouldn't have to trek to G-dale.

Sure enough, the rumors were true. Great selection of domestic craft and imports line a couple of aisles at the back. Plus, they have a full wall of cold storage. For the most part if it's available for distribution in Southern California, this place will get. From fresh Dogfish Head to fresh Pliny and Blind Pig, White Knuckle, Lost Abbey's releases that are commercially available, Boon, Fantome, Mikkeller and I am sure a whole lot of other items that will make fellow beer geeks...well, geek out.

If there's something special, speak to Scotland. Great guy, who really wants to bring in great stuff. He knows his beer and it shows.

Plus, homebrewers can show their membership cards and get a nice 10% discount which is pretty rare for beer.

All in all a great find, that has saved me time and driving.
Mar 11, 2009
Photo of charlzm
Reviewed by charlzm from California

4.35/5  rDev +2.6%
First visit today (12/29/08), but it won't be the last.

The place is positively permeated with the aroma of quality tobacco from the walk-in humidor. Plenty of wine and spirits, but it's beer that brought me here.

Two non-refrigerated aisles of all sorts of import and craft beers and several refrigerated doors of the same. Some BMC shoved in the very back corner.

My haul? Ola Dubh 16 (try finding THIS one anywhere!), Schneider/Brooklyn Hopfenweisse, Boris IRS, Alesmith Yulesmith and Nogne Pale Ale. Nothing truly mind-shattering, but an awesome selection of what's available legally here in SoCal.

Prices are in line with the market and some beers (Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock) are well below BevMo ($10.99 here versus $15.99).

Was approached by an older, well-dressed gentleman. "Need help finding anything, young man?" he asked me. I'm 43.

:-)
Dec 30, 2008
Photo of SShelly
Reviewed by SShelly from Oregon

4/5  rDev -5.7%
A decent location in north hollywood, plenty of parking outside, and very easy to find. Just stopped by today to grab some old numbskull for bjcp study time. As per usual good customer service, wide selection, and a little something for everyone. The prices here are always pretty much on par with the rest of the market, nothing special but not overpriced. Overall this is a regular stop for me because of its position on my drive back from work. I would probably even go a little out of my way to hit it up if I was low on refreshments.
Sep 23, 2008
Photo of rxdrewthejew
Reviewed by rxdrewthejew from California

3.85/5  rDev -9.2%
The outside looks a bit unimpressive, as does the entrance/register area, but once you get in, this place is really quite nice. Tons of wine and a bit of booze as well. The beer is all in the back...about 3 coolers and two very full shelves. One shelf is almost completely Belgian, with a few other European countries represented, and the other is a mix of American micro's and German stuff. The coolers seemed to have a mix of everything, but mostly just the same stuff as on the shelves.
Selection is impressive. Lots of Belgian stuff that I had not seen before, and I saw Mikkeller for the first time here in SoCal. Tons of German stuff, and not the typical stuff you see most places. Good representation of West Coast micro's, particularly Cali stuff. I noticed Marin and Moylan's, Stone, Alpine, Bison, Hair of the Dog, and many others. A bit of an eclectic selection within each individual brand, but lots of stuff that's hard to find in this part of town.
Prices are fairly normal...it was around 30 bucks for four bombers. Not great, but that's just the way it is here in LA.
Staff seemed friendly and asked if I needed any help. Was too late for the beer tasting, but they do that on weekends which is extremely cool.
Will definitely be back at this place.
Aug 13, 2008
Photo of BucBasil
Reviewed by BucBasil from Rwanda

3.7/5  rDev -12.7%
Good atmosphere in this place. The store is very big and clean with a local homey kind of feel to it. There was a wine tasting going on at the time (which I didn't go to) at this small bar type area next to the fridges. There was a walk-in cigar humidor, which was different. The place is absolutely dominated by wine, and the beer is confined to two rows and a large fridge in the back, which I wasn't totally thrilled with, but the selection more than makes up for it.

There were tons of things in this place that I had never seen before. It seems as though they rotate their beer selection seasonally, as there was an abundance of summer ales and other lighter offerings. They did have several richer, darker beers as well, and I picked up a Stone RIS. I spent a while in there deciding what to get since there was so much stuff I hadn't seen. Selection is heavily imports from Belgium and Germany, and they even had a lot of Norwegian, Danish, and French beers, which surprised me. English and American were in the minority here. Not much macro to be found, which was good to see.

The only downside to my experience was the service, which left a lot to be desired. This could have been due to the wine tasting that was going on, and most of their manpower seemed to be taken up by that.

All in all it was a bit pricier than a place like BevMo, but the great selection made it worth it.
Jul 11, 2008
Photo of PagosaBeerman
Reviewed by PagosaBeerman from Colorado

2.3/5  rDev -45.8%
I've shopped at this Vendome store off-and-on for years because it’s close to my Dad’s home. It’s an old school liquor store that has had a good selection of beers.

However, the other day, the cashier totally overcharged me! They keyed in the prices by hand and without a scanner. The total seemed high, so I reviewed the itemized receipt the cashier had casually tossed in the bag. They added an extra buck on each beer! When I called this to her attention, she was not the least bit sorry and did not even apologize. She said, "Do you want it back? Because I can't re-credit your credit card!"

On top of this, I really think the quality has gone down. When I got home, all of the Belgian beers I bought (both cooler and off-the-shelf) were terribly old, oxidized, and skunky... some virtually undrinkable. It was very disappointing, especially given the premium price. Guess their beers sit around lot.

With all the great FRESH choices as places like Whole Foods, I'm not going back to Vendome anymore.
Mar 13, 2007
Photo of uberabr
Reviewed by uberabr from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
Stumbled across this place today, thought I recognised the name from beerfly. Turned out to be a good find. Tons of Belgian and foreign varieties to chose from on two shelfs and refrigerator that are probably 25 feet long. Domestic micros line the 3rd shelf and the fridge as well. I'm not a huge Belgian fan, otherwise I may have soiled myself. Managed to find myself a Moylan's Hopsickle, a couple Moylan's DIPA's, Hoptown IPA, some Alesmiths, and a Ballast Point Big Eye. They had some Lagunitas 6'ers but no bombers, and not the Hairy Eyeball I've been looking for. The staff were friendly, and the wine selection looks very impressive as well. All in all a great store to have.
Feb 23, 2007
Photo of jeffjfindley
Reviewed by jeffjfindley from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
It's Sunday morning, and I have one appointment. I am looking forward to getting on with an extremely fulfilling afternoon of drinking great beer and watching football. I'm thinking that Victory's Prima Pils would be outstanding session fare for the day. This is not terribly easy to find in SoCal. I know a few places, but few are on my way. I leave my client's house, and drive by Vendome.

I walk to the beer cooler, and yes, they have Prima. They also have Salvation, a Belgian pale brewed by Avery that I had previously believed to be unavailable in these parts. Further exploration revealed Tinkov, a Russian pilsner I used to love, but had forgotten about having not seen it for years.

It goes on & on from there. The selection is almost as vast as BevMo, but they keep everything cold. The prices are higher than average, and the cashier, who was far from the most knowledgeable I've met was very cordial and efficient.

I'll be back.
Nov 14, 2006
Photo of jsmurphy
Reviewed by jsmurphy from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
This Vendome was always hit or miss in the beer dept. I stopped going there even though it's less than 10 minutes from work. I was pleasantly surprised when I stopped in last week. The beer guy is doing a great job here now. His selection of Belgians has really improved, as well as domestic microbrews. He has culled a lot of the Euro brews down, but still offers a nice selection of German, Czech, and British beers. You can also grab singles of anything in the store. If you haven't stopped by lately, check it out.
Jun 15, 2006
Photo of DrewBeechum
Reviewed by DrewBeechum from California

4/5  rDev -5.7%
This is my neighbhorhood store. (It sits exactly halfway between home and work. for me)

Good things about this place is a good selection of Americans, Germans and Brits. (Belgians leave a lot to be desired, but hey.. can't have everything). Some of the micros do sit for a while and I'm always wary.

Stock changes very slowly with little seasonal differences except from Stone (notably). Some odd holes in the stock too.. Like they have all the standard Bear Republics, except Racer 5.

Sometimes you've got to hunt in the store and the regular help isn't really aware of the inventory, but hey nothings perfect and this is a shorter drive than Jug or WineHouse
Nov 27, 2003
Photo of WhatdaHec
Reviewed by WhatdaHec from California

4.15/5  rDev -2.1%
I stopped by this place yesterday. This is the best place I've been to for beer. Great selection including Victory HopDevil, Stone Smoked Porter, Unibroue La Fin du Monde, Spaten, Samuel Smith to name a few. The staff is friendly. I once asked for a sixer of Pete's Wicked Winter brew and the clerk pulled it out of the back room quickly. Lots of single bottles available and reasonably priced. The beers I have bought there (without a freshness date) tasted fresh. They also have a large selection of wine there as well as a walk-in humidor. They were hosting a wine-tasting there yesterday also. Overall a great place to buy beer...
Sep 12, 2003
Photo of mickeymac
Reviewed by mickeymac from California

4.2/5  rDev -0.9%
Vendome is a full-service, high-end liquor store with a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits and a walk-in humidor. The store is clean and well-kept. Other Vendome stores are located in Studio City and Beverly Hills. The beer selection, while not outstanding, is about the best in the L.A. area. Vendome carries some beers that are hard to find in L.A., including Victory brews. It also carries almost all of the top-notch CA breweries, including Stone, Alesmith, Bear Republic, Moylan's, etc. It has a very good selection of German and English beers. If the selection is lacking, it's in the Belgian department. On the down side, finding someone in the shop who is knowledgeable about beer is a hit-and-miss proposition. The service is passable but not overly friendly. Based primarily on the selection, it's been my main shop for the past year or so.
Dec 28, 2002
Vendome Wine & Spirits in Toluca Lake, CA
Place rating: 4.24 out of 5 with 33 ratings