The Urban Grape - South End

Store

303 Columbus Ave
Boston, Massachusetts, 02116-5284
United States

(857) 250-2509 | map
theurbangrape.com

The foundation of the Urban Hops program is the belief that there’s a craft beer out there for everyone, and that we should do everything we can to help you find it. With so many options out there, diving into beer can be an intimidating experience. The goal of our beer program is to remove the intimidation factor, and keep beer simple, fun, and unpretentious.

Our shelves are organized by beer styles: “Clean and Crisp," “Belgian-Style," “Wild & Hoppy," and “Dark & Strong." Our cider program is extensive, and we also carry specialty products like gluten-free beer, mead, variety packs, and large formats.

In our cooler, we constantly rotate the freshest bottles and cans. All of our beer is priced individually, so whether you want to create your own 6-pack or just grab one or two favorites, we’ve got you covered including local craft breweries like Lamplighter, Exhibit 'A', Night Shift, Trillium, Aeronaut, and more!

While we do showcase product along our sills, the windows have actually been treated for UV protection: no damage is incurred by the product.
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.28
Reviews:
7
Ratings:
15
pDev:
15.19%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by American_Hawk:
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Rated by American_Hawk from Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +8.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75

Mar 20, 2015
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.49 by jtk21351 from California

Jan 13, 2017
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Reviewed by INWarner413 from Texas

2.31/5  rDev -46%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 1.5
This shouldn't be on the map of any Beer Advocate in the Boston area. It's a wine shop first and foremost, and while many other places can balance the two, this one does not. First off, beers are in direct contact with sunlight, which shows (to me) a lack of care by the ownership. Service was non-existent. Selection was utterly terrible. Pass.
Jun 18, 2016
 
Rated: 4.1 by TBonez477 from Vermont

Jun 08, 2016
 
Rated: 4.06 by StoutSnob40 from California

May 24, 2016
Photo of chrisjws
Reviewed by chrisjws from California

3.59/5  rDev -16.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 2.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
Great selection, including Trillium bottles. Great customer service. Gets a huge markdown for having beer in direct sunlight in the window. That's a big no no by me.
Apr 06, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by Shellynix from Massachusetts

Mar 06, 2016
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Reviewed by NeoClassicist from New York

4.61/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
International selection of top notch beers (and many, many more wines).

Staff are helpful and attentive, good listeners who can help you find anything you want.

My heroes forever for introducing me to Rogue Shakespeare Stout.

Sleek, modern feel (no retro or throwback nonsense) that feels fresh and clean, almost luxurious, unlike many bottle shops in the hub.
Oct 18, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by tjb08 from Massachusetts

Jul 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by insearchofhops from Massachusetts

Jul 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by freeagent from Massachusetts

Jun 16, 2014
Photo of Justin_Armstrong
Reviewed by Justin_Armstrong from Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +9.3%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5
Great bottle shop with a well-curated selection of local, national and international craft beers. Regularly stocks hard-to-find releases and unusual surprises. Staff are helpful and knowledgable, and the shop is very close to the Back Bay T station.

A solid one-stop for locals and visitors alike. Highly recommended!
Feb 17, 2014
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Reviewed by Kyle_Robidoux from Massachusetts

4.82/5  rDev +12.6%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
Urban Grape South End has become my go-to spot for craft beer. Their Urban Hops program provides a solid selection of IPA's but also a ton of other styles. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and always available to help out. They carry many of the Massachusetts craft breweries including a ton of national breweries. Over the past year they've developed a strong inventory of 6 & 12-packs to compliment their 750ml and 22oz bottles. They also have a ton of free tastings to introduce folks to new breweries and have a chance to meet the brewer(s).

If you are from out of town, you can't beat their location. They are a 5 minute walk from Copley Square and right next to the Back Bay T station.

The few times I've bought wine the staff have recommended some solid and reasonably priced bottles
Feb 17, 2014
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Reviewed by ThirstyMavros from Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +9.3%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.25
This is my go to store and I think it's one of the best within Boston proper. A few things in particular make this place shine. The staff is amazing, friendly, and always willing to help you find what you need. The beer buyer, Ben, is a great guy and loves to talk beer with customers. If they don't have what you are looking for, they'll order it if it's available or will suggest an alternative if it's not. If you are from out of town, they can definitely recommend good local beers to try.

Mixed sixes! There are so few places that do mixed sixes and those that do often only let you pick from certain beers. But UG lets you make a mixed 6 from EVERYTHING they have in the store (you can also pick up a single of any beer). They also do pre-made mystery six bags if you are looking for some fun and surprises.

Price wise they are on par with Boston prices, so slightly more expensive than the suburbs.

Selection wise in general is very good, they have a wide variety of beers local/US and imported to choose from - the import selection is excellent. It is on par, if not better, with stores of similar sizes (boutique wine/beer store) in the area, but as I said they will order if it's available and do tend to have more/unique imports than other stores.

Overall, love the store, definitely check it out.
Feb 15, 2014
Photo of Justin42
Reviewed by Justin42 from Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +16.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Urban Grape is my neighborhood beer and wine store and has become a regular stop for me several times a week since it opened. Beer selection is awesome and very well curated. I'm mostly an IPA and stout guy (and there are plenty of those always in stock), but there are also a bunch of Belgium offerings, sours, etc. The beer manager (Ben) is very knowledgeable and has always been very good to me, giving me a heads up when something he knows/thinks I'll like is coming in. Recently they started selling singles of pretty much everything, which is a nice option.

Wine and spirits selection is top notch and surprisingly affordable, especially given the location.

Bonus for out of towners: it's literally around the corner from the Back Bay T stop.
Feb 14, 2014
The Urban Grape - South End in Boston, MA
Place rating: 4.28 out of 5 with 15 ratings