Vendome Wine & Spirits

Vendome Wine & SpiritsVendome Wine & Spirits
Vendome Wine & SpiritsVendome Wine & Spirits
Store

3115 Yorba Linda Blvd
Fullerton, California, 92831-2307
United States

(714) 524-0800 | map
vendomes.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.95
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
37
pDev:
12.41%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by DoubleJ:
Photo of DoubleJ
Reviewed by DoubleJ from Wisconsin

3.65/5  rDev -7.6%
Update: Selection is still good, though not nearly as unique as it once was. The store has become messier over the years, and the beer tastings are long gone. Personally, I prefer Town and Country Liquor in the city of Fullerton. Despite all this, it was my first "oh shit!" beer store when I found Croatian beer in the fridge a few months after turning 21. I came here a lot during my CSUF years, but since I'm done with school, I don't stop by much anymore.

From the street, it looks like just another convinience store. But once you step inside this place, you'll be surprised how much bigger the store is to your first impression.

As you walk in, you can find a handful of shopping carts and baskets to your left. Beers are on the right side of the store, and boy do they have such a good selection. But one of the seperating qualities I like about this place are the gift baskets and sampler variety packs that can be purchased. Perhaps for example, you have a Heineken lover as one of your friends. You can get 'em Heine gift basket with a few bottles of Heine, Heine Light, and a pilsner glass with the famous red star. They also hold beer tastings on most Tuesday nights, so that's another reason to pop in here.

I came in to originally purchase one of those variety packs for beer reviews and tastings. But today, for the first time I've been in there, they had an assorted variety of individual bottles on markdown for 99 cents each. I picked out bottles of Avery IPA, Stoudt's Double IPA, and Prima Pils, which were markdowns. What a great store.
Feb 03, 2007
More User Ratings:
Photo of mrcraft
Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.1/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
Vendome in Fullerton is located in a small strip mall on Yorba Linda Boulevard.

I found most beers were in coolers. Maybe I didn't look carefully enough, but I got the sense that the selection at this location was less robust than other Vendomes I've visited over the years. That being said, I saw a bottle of Russian River Intinction, so I promptly put that in my basket.

The service was very good. Friendly staff. It's a nice place to pick up craft beers when in the area.
Aug 02, 2019
 
Rated: 3.65 by 2beerdogs from California

May 31, 2016
 
Rated: 4.39 by IceAce from California

May 07, 2016
 
Rated: 4.39 by FanbladeNoise from Arizona

May 11, 2015
Photo of riotontheroad
Rated by riotontheroad from California

4.71/5  rDev +19.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
Great customer service and selection!
Jan 16, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by AlexM from California

Sep 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by aoampm from Hawaii

Sep 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by fthegiants from California

Jul 09, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by Rollzroyce21 from California

Jun 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Yardie9 from New Jersey

Mar 06, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by g_jenkins from California

Dec 03, 2013
 
Rated: 4.75 by tastyville from California

Nov 30, 2013
Photo of cxr1037
Reviewed by cxr1037 from California

4.5/5  rDev +13.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I love Vendome! If I lived closer I'd spend a lot more time here. But I still make it up there at least once a month. I always find stuff I want to try that Whole Foods/TotalWine/BevMo don't have. They consistently have a great selection of new beers, too. If the big chain stores get you down, definitely check out Vendome!
May 08, 2013
Photo of Drinkerofales
Reviewed by Drinkerofales from California

3.74/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Not your typical liquor store. A full selection of craft brew available, with some stuff labeled as new, in case you visit often.

Many beer choices, and some difficult to find items, including PtE, and some BA versions I haven't seen before. They have a tasting section, humidor, tons of wine and spirits.

Pricing seems a little high on some things, while the Belgians are a little lower in price than others I have seen.

I can't say much about service, as it's pretty much a find what you need and checkout kind of place. Perhaps during other times they have someone there to talk beer, maybe during tastings?

Though this is one of the first places I came when I turned 21, it seems like the selection is a tad smaller than it was, but it's been 10 years since I visited.

Overall, a place worth driving to, especially since I live 10-15 minutes away. Probably not if you are farther.

DOA
Jan 19, 2012
Photo of webreedgreatness
Reviewed by webreedgreatness from California

4/5  rDev +1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
BEER TASTINGS ARE BACK!!

EVERY TWO WEEKS!!

I recently attended their Pliny Challenge, and it was an amazing experience.

It was a blind IPA & DIPA tasting, featuring Pliny the Elder at an undisclosed time, for the devoted to try and find. Personally, I am not a fan of Pliny, but there were others there who swore by it, and could not find it. Out of 35 people, 2 found it, and one of those was a brewer for Taps. They also included a score sheet so we could pretend to be a judge for a day, and once all the scores were tallied up, Pliny scored 6th out of 7 beers.

The beers they had were:
Hop Stoopid by Lagunitas
Pliny the Elder by Russian River
Hop Juice by Left Coast
Ranger IPA by New Belgium
Hop Wallop by Victory
Hercules DIPA by Great Divide
and
Ruination IPA by Stone

Stone and Great Divide were the over all favorite.

Aside form the beer tasting, they keep getting new craft breweries in, like Eel River and BrewDog. They keep a solid amount of beers to please anyone that comes in, and also have an ass load of wines and spirits.

My one stop shop!
May 02, 2011
Photo of Gobzilla
Reviewed by Gobzilla from California

3.65/5  rDev -7.6%
Good place for wine and some select craft beer. Lots of wine on the right when you first walk in and all the way on the right you'll come across the beer fridges that have all the beer. They carry mostly all domestics and craft brewa like dogfish head, hitachino, lost abbey, stone etc.. The do also have some warm brews on the shelf if you wanna pick them up that way. Good service with a decent little selection that can be a stop on the way to an angel game of a duck game. I believe they also carry some special releases when they get the chance.
May 12, 2010
Photo of pnkRed
Reviewed by pnkRed from Virginia

4.2/5  rDev +6.3%
This is a specialty store that offers a wide variety of alcohol and alcohol gifts. It's a bit dirty, but I've been in grimier places.

The workers there say hi when you walk in, but are unhelpful for anything else. I called and asked for a specific beer and the woman who answered had to transfer me to someone who knew their stock. I was informed they did have Pliny the Elder, but there was a limit of two per person. When I went in I looked through the cases and I didn't find my pliny and after 10 mins or so I decided to ask, who I assume is the manager, where the pliny was. He informed me that they keep it hidden since it was in such high demand. and I told him I would like two for myself and two for my girlfriend who was with me. He came back with 6! He thanked me for waiting and said I could have an additional two for being patient!

As for the selection, they did have some rarer beers, such as pliny, and had much of what we're all used to, such as stone. Definitely a reliable place to find something you will enjoy.

The price for the pliny was the same as where I've seen it at other places, if not a little cheaper.

I'll definitely go back, but if you need help you'll have to ask.
Jan 29, 2010
Photo of brokensail
Reviewed by brokensail from California

2.75/5  rDev -30.4%
I've been here before, and I must say, it is headed nowhere fast.

I walked in to see two employees in the store standing at the registers talking to one another. They did not acknowledge me or say anything the entire time I was in the store.

The beer is to the right hand side of the store, and I walked over there to see what they had. There was a box of what appeared to be damaged bottles (labels falling off/torn) that were on sale. Nothing really interesting though.

There are also some beers sitting out on the shelves, just sort of a mix of Belgian imports and domestic Belgian style beers. Chimay, Lost Abbey, Bruery, etc.

The selection of craft beer in the coolers has shrunk as well. There are about 3 or 4 doors of craft beer, and most of it is the usual Stone and Lagunitas offerings, some German imports as well. The best thing they had was probably some Abyss, but since I already have plenty, I didn't see a need to get any more.

Overall, a really disappointing experience. I hope these guys turn it around, but I'm not holding my breath.
Dec 27, 2009
Photo of beerwolf77
Reviewed by beerwolf77 from Wisconsin

4.44/5  rDev +12.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I made an online purchase from this store last month and was very happy. This was my first online purchase so I was a bit apprehensive. I've since found out my fears were unfounded.

I picked up a box of Pliny the Elder. Not knowing how fresh it would be I crossed my fingers. Well my package arrived and what do you know it's less then 3 weeks old. SCORE!

The website is easy to navigate and they do carry a great variety of things I simply cannot get in Wisconsin.

All in all it was a great experiance and I will be ordering from them again.
Nov 28, 2009
Photo of vacax
Reviewed by vacax from California

4/5  rDev +1.3%
Vendome has a nice variety of all types of booze, and their beer selection is no excpetion. Around 80% is in coolers, which is a plus, with the rest on shelves. I am not sure why some beers are in the cooler and others are not. For instance, there were some Ballast Point beers that I think probably deserved to go in the cooler over some Belgian ales that would be fine sitting on shelves. The organization in general could probably be overhauled.

One of the staff helped check for a beer I was looking for, so they seemed attentive, even if there wasn't much staff and they didn't seem interested in talking beer.

I have to say the selection is quite solid. All the usual suspects, plus plenty of imports, including a few more rare ones such as the Nils lineup from Sweden and I spotted an Ølfabrikken Abbey Ale. Too bad none of the porter was around. Prices were moderate to a touch above normal, though if you are looking for something just to drink they usually have something on sale. This is not a destination, but worth checking out if you are in the area. I spent $0 on my latest trip but there have been times I have dropped $100 here.
Oct 08, 2009
Photo of QUERCUSAGRIFOLIA
Reviewed by QUERCUSAGRIFOLIA from California

2.5/5  rDev -36.7%
Vendome in short has gone to hell in a handbasket. Beer tastings are gone, prices are higher than any other store in town now... I understand there's been inflation in manufacturing costs, but Vendome seems to be taking it a bit further.

In addition to letting some good employees go, they've also done away with beer tastings. They tried resurrecting them with a new girl who admitted she didn't like beer. She didnt know the first thing about the product she was serving, but was more interested in talking about how much she liked wine. Lame.

Way to throw your credibility in the trash Vendome.

If more Total Wines start opening up in the area, you're done for.
May 05, 2009
Photo of Floydster
Reviewed by Floydster from California

2.65/5  rDev -32.9%
I stopped here on my way home today after a long holiday weekend, this place is not too far off the 57 freeway across the way from Cal State Fullerton, I had heard some great things about this store but wow was I disappointed, I made my way to the back and saw an aisle of beer sitting out at room temperature, lots of this stuff was past its date and most of the bottles were covered in dust and sitting right out in the light, there was probably six different IPAs sitting out on the warm shelves including Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder, if only Vinnie saw that, they did not have any great things either, some of the standouts were 2006 Thomas Hardy's, Fantome de Noel, and Fuller's Vintage Ale 2007, then the fridges were too cold in my opinion, they had about ten of them total with only a few carrying macros, lots of the normal locals and Southern California micros but nothing special, expect to see Stone, Port, Alesmith, Ballast Point, Green Flash, and others, the store was filthy to say the least, there were empty boxes on the ground, it looked like it had not been vacuumed in weeks, not to mention it was very disorganized, looks like they have a wine bar of some sorts but could not really tell because there was so much crap laying on it, the sole employee working was no help at all, and gave me one word answers for the two questions I asked, not friendly to boot, selection is weak considering that Hi-Times and Hollingshead are not too far away, I will never go back to this place, not recommended
Dec 01, 2008
Photo of sweetbrew82
Reviewed by sweetbrew82 from California

3.7/5  rDev -6.3%
Visited on 11-12-08:

From the outside, Vendome doesn't look like a place where some of the finest craft beers are sold. But, once you venture past the impressive selection of liquor on the left hand side, you'll notice that their refrigerators are packed with tons of offerings from good micro-breweries. Including: Anchor, Allagash, Ballast Point, Firestone, Drake's, tons of Rogue, Bear Republic, Stone, Paulaner, and much, much more. As stated before, they don't have any of the really hard-to-find brews in CA, but they do have an impressive selection for what it's worth. No Deschutes, or Full Sail Reserve series, but their Belgian and German selection is impressive. I did, however, had to deduct points from their service because of the lack of knowledge and help from the staff who knew nothing about the products in the beer fridge(Beer guy, apparently, wasn't there at the time). The atmosphere of this place could use some sprucing up as well, as the store is musky, damply-lit, and carpeted through-out with old, brownish-red wool carpeting that isn't the most inviting I've ever seen. Also, the prices are a bit high, considering the local competition.

But, if you live close-by, and need some good beer, then this should be your first destination for sure. I do plan to attend one of their beer tastings on Tuesday nights, and will post my review of this event accordingly. West Coast!!!
Nov 20, 2008
Photo of OlieIPA
Reviewed by OlieIPA from California

3.85/5  rDev -2.5%
Again, this is one of the most frequent places I visit when it comes to beer purchasing. The overall variety is good, and the owners are very nice. The other day, in fact, they exchange a beer I bought a few weeks earlier...and they had no problem with it. They move beer pretty quickly, but new shipments come in within a week. They usually don't carry reserve beers (i.e. Abyss), but some of their selection includes ( but not closely limited) Ale Smith's beers (including Speedway Stout), Stone beers, Lost Abbey/Port Brewing, Sam Adams, etc.
Aug 07, 2008
Photo of athensbeermaster
Reviewed by athensbeermaster from Georgia

4.2/5  rDev +6.3%
Vendome was the first good store i found in the OC. Great cold beer selection. Some hard to find Belgian gems that you don't see at chain stores.
The wine selection was small but good wine was at hand for sure. They also do singles of any beer in the cooler. The only big selection of quality spirits,Beer and wine in Placentia! They had a good pic of cigars also and there tasting bar is real cozy and inviting. The prices are normal for a private owned operation. But pricey compared to corprate stores. The selection and good vibes in the store make up for the slight upcharge.
Aug 03, 2008
Photo of vince4953529
Reviewed by vince4953529 from California

4.35/5  rDev +10.1%
This is actually a pretty good liquor store. They have stuff that I've never seen in hi-time or bevmo. Selections not complete but essential. The German beers are the highlight of this store, followed by the Belgians, and then the Americans. And yeah this is one of the few stores where you can take out a single from a sixer. Not much service but the cashiers all seem pretty nice. I bought the newest Sam Adams Longshots here and a few Germans. This store deserved more attention and whoever lives around the Fullerton or Brea area should definitely check this place out.
Feb 09, 2008
Photo of Halcyondays
Reviewed by Halcyondays from California

4.2/5  rDev +6.3%
Just off the 57 Freeway in Fullerton, the Dome or Vendome Liquors is a quick left turn into a small strip mall type area, about 2 miles down on Yorba Linda Blvd. Walking in, the beer is on your right. Inside they have a large selction of microbrews, from Stone to Anchor to Deschutes, Bear Republic, lots of stuff. Most notable I saw were Stone Double Bastard and Allagash Victoria Ale. They have a large selection of Belgian and German brews too, including stuff I have never seen, such as Erdinger Oktoberfest. Picked up a De Ranke Bitter and Saison Voison, both in 330 mL, for $3.99 each, they do have a lot of the Belgian stuff in small bottles, so you can try them without having to pop for the $10 bottle of 750 mL brew, which is cool. Service was fine, the lady at the cash register rung me up fast and promptly. A good place to buy beer in Fullerton, if you are ever driving down or up the 57, check it out, it's a good store.
Nov 21, 2007
Photo of joecast
Reviewed by joecast from Australia

4.35/5  rDev +10.1%
man, the brea/fullerton area is getting serious about beer. dont know what the reason is, but i like it.

anyway, if atmosphere was a category here, i'd give this place a 5. really nice inside. well laid out, clean, and well looked after.

beer is located in the coolers along the right side after walking in past the check out counter. imports and domestic are separated with each organized by packaging (ie. 750ml, bombers, six packs).

good selection with the usuals you would find in most good beer stores. others that are less easily found like lost coast, lost abbey, and they still had two 3L of double bastard.

didnt have a chance to speak to the guy working, but considering how much they post in the forums, im sure they would be happy to help if you were looking for anything special.
when i finally make it to bevmo, this place will be a certain side trip.
***
ok made it back. had to up the selection after seeing the stuff outside the fridge. plenty more import stuff. belgian, german, and english. a lot of things you wont find in most places so if you're itching for something other places dont have, do yourself a favor and check this place out.
on the downside, i picked up a lost abbey here thinking it wouldnt be at bevmo, then saw it there for less! burned.
Jun 05, 2007
Photo of SwillinBrew
Reviewed by SwillinBrew from California

3.85/5  rDev -2.5%
I finally decided to review this place. I usually stop by here on my to or from my sister's house.

As you walk in the beers are to the right against the wall... walk way to the and there's about 8 glass doors/coolers full of beer not to mention about 3 aisles of no refrigerated beer as well. Most of the beers are cold and in easy view and reachability. While no one asked if i needed help, i didnt need them to. Everything was easy to reach. When i checked out, i was asked if there was anything special i didnt see because they would try and get it.

The selection is pretty solid and then some. While they have all the big name micros, they also have many brews you dont see unless you're at Hi Times, like many of the german beers ie weltenburger, and several mai bocks and ur bocks that you dont normally see. There's just many more micros.

On Tuesdays, they have beer tastings for $5 and i think that comes with a pint glass as well. Pretty reasonable and the people are nice. I'd make it a point to stop here if you're in the area. It's somewhat near Taps and BJ's Brea.
Sep 23, 2006
Photo of amoebalink
Reviewed by amoebalink from California

3.85/5  rDev -2.5%
Vendome gourmet liquor has a lot of selection at great prices.
If you live near here, it is a good place to visit.
I've been to Hi Times at Costa Mesa, CA, and Hi Times definietly has a better selection, but Vendome seems to have a better price compared to Hitimes.
For example, Hi Times had Chimay 12 oz for $4.35 while Vendome has it for $3.88.
A little less, but non the less, it is decently priced.

Vendome doesn't have the excessive amout of selection compared to Hitimes, but does have some selections that is only available here.
They have the Achel 500mL ($8.99)that Hi Times dones't have (HiTimes has the larger 750mL variety and sells at $12.99).
Take you pick which you want to buy, but it is a good place for beer.
They also have a beer tasting every Tuesday evening for $3.
The bartender seems to know a bit about each beer or brewery and sometimes have guest representative from the brewery itself present.
I think it is a good place to visit if you live near the Pomona area.
If you are a wine aficionado, this is also a good place to visit.\
Dome is also nice due to the tastings that they host. Every friday they have a great wine tasting and they are planning on amping up their beer tastings. They used to have a guy that planned them, but he moved on, so they are in transition. I did talk to the guy and he told me they were definitely going to try to work with some local breweries. This is excellent news.
Sep 15, 2006
Photo of PuckLSHS
Reviewed by PuckLSHS from Iowa

4.3/5  rDev +8.9%
I love Dome Liquors. Not only is it close to my location so that I don't have to drive the extra 20-40 minutes (depending on traffic) to get to Hi-Time. It is the place where I can pick up my Ommegang essentials, some Stone, Alesmith and some English and Irish beers. Also, they are pretty much all cold. You can get pretty much anything you want already chilled, whereas BevMo in Brea only has a few in the case.

Dome is also nice due to the tastings that they host. Every friday they have a great wine tasting and they are planning on amping up their beer tastings. They used to have a guy that planned them, but he moved on, so they are in transition. I did talk to the guy and he told me they were definitely going to try to work with some local breweries. This is excellent news.

When you go in, be sure to get on their mailing list so you can get the updates. It's worth it. The tastings are fantastic and the people you meet are great! It makes you feel like more of a "family" of beer/wine lovers vs. a sterile liquor store.
Apr 22, 2006
Photo of Rezzin
Reviewed by Rezzin from California

4/5  rDev +1.3%
I stop by this place once in a while to pick up beers as it's on the way to my friends house and never thought to see it listed on BA. Most of the beers are in coolers against the back right wall as you walk in. If you're facing the register - it's straight back. The selection is great and the prices seem decent. You really won't get help for the most part - just think oversized liquor store with an unusually good beer selection. It's no John's Marketplace in Portland but it's one of the better places local.
Apr 06, 2006
Photo of Boilermaker88
Reviewed by Boilermaker88 from California

4.05/5  rDev +2.5%
08-06-05 Review Update: Vendome still carries one of the best assortments of German beers in the area, IMO. They also carry a good selection of beers by Victory; Golden Monkey, V-12, Storm King, Hop Devil and my favorite, Prima Pils. They also had Stoudt's double IPA six-packs. Prices are pretty decent. Still worth stopping in if you're in the Brea/Yorba Linda/Placentia area.

---xxx---xxx---xxx---

Located on the north side of Yorba Linda Blvd in Yorba Linda, Vendome Liquor has a nice open layout with the beer section located in the right rear of their rectangular building.
Along the right wall are the refridgerated beers. In front of them are some low shelves stocked with a nice assortment of German, British, and Belgian ales. Notable on the shelves were offerings from Allgäuer, Aktien Brauerei, Ayinger, Paulaner, Schneider & Sohn, Späten, and Weltenburger Kloster from Germany, and a nice range of Fullers, Young's and Samuel Smith's plus St. Peters and Wychewood. From Belgium, I found Abbaye des Rocs Grand Cru, Maredsous 8 and Dobbel, Affligem, Orval, and a number of others. A large assortment of Unibroue beers, including Quelque Chose and La Terrible, are available as well as bombers of Victory's Golden Monkey.
In the reefers, I noted Flying Dog, Stone, Humboldt, Alesmith, Rogue, Lost Coast, Lagunitas, and a host of other U.S. craft brews. The craft brew selection is quite impressive as is the quality. The service was only average: in the nearly thirty minutes I wandered around looking at the selection, no one came up to inquire if I needed any help. The guy at the register was friendly, however.
Vendome Liquor has a wide variety of interesting brews as well as good regular standbys. Worth checking out if you find yourself in northeast Orange County.
Jan 26, 2004
Photo of AtLagerHeads
Reviewed by AtLagerHeads from Ohio

4/5  rDev +1.3%
Great store that has lots of good beer, virtually all of it in coolers. The selection is awesome and sports not only California brews, but imports and lots of Unibroue from Canada. Plenty of singles to choose from. Strip shopping center with decent off-street parking.

Almost missed this as the street sign is difficult to see and read; hard to tell if it says Vendome or Venidome on the sign. Glad I had the street number from BA Beerflys, almost always a great source of information for real beer hunters. BeerFly Guides in this state are really on top of the beer scene here.
Nov 02, 2003
Photo of jcalabre
Reviewed by jcalabre from California

4/5  rDev +1.3%
I normally don't go through Yorba Linda too often, but a few months back, I was in the area, so I checked this place out based on a tip from herbjones.

I missed this place the first time I drove by. It's on the north side of the street. Keep your eyes peeled!
They have a very good selection of micros. If you're in the Yorba Linda area, you don't need to go much farther than Dome for your brews
Sep 15, 2003
Vendome Wine & Spirits in Fullerton, CA
Place rating: 3.95 out of 5 with 37 ratings