Martin Wine Cellar

Martin Wine CellarMartin Wine Cellar
Martin Wine CellarMartin Wine Cellar
Eatery, Beer-to-go

714 Elmeer Ave
Metairie, Louisiana, 70005-2054
United States

(888) 407-7496 | map
martinwine.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.13
Reviews:
16
Ratings:
18
pDev:
9.44%
View: Place Reviews
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Ratings by Vengeance526:
Photo of Vengeance526
Reviewed by Vengeance526 from Louisiana

3.5/5  rDev -15.3%
Sadly, this place has really gone downhill over the past year or so.

It seems like the beer section is always in a new location every time I visit, and it always seems like it is getting smaller as well. There is a small shelf that has only American beers and a larger shelf on the opposite side with the import selection.

American selection...SABL, SN Kellerweiss, a few selections from Rogue, say Dead Guy, Chocolate, maybe Shakespeare. From North Coast, they had Old Stock and Scrimshaw, advertised Old Raspy but didn't see any. The most expansive selection seemed to be from Bear Republic and Stone. Oh yeah, and they had a ton of Bud Light and Abita...

Belgians...Chimay, Westmalle, Rochefort, Duchesse, Saison Dupont, St. Bernardus. A few others but nothing too special. Other imports included Spaten, Paulaner, Ayinger and they did have Schneider Aventinus. They even had one offering from Mikkeller, was the All Others Pale.

The selection was better back when Buddha was there, but it just doesn't seem like there's much to it anymore. The best thing is everything is sold by the bottle so it might be nice just to go mix a Stone pack maybe. Others have mentioned the great wine and liquor selection, but that doesn't factor into the beer part so can't really call that a plus here.

The service is still good. Somebody will find you within about 30 seconds to make sure you're good. Again, not as knowledgeable as the Buddha...it was fun to see them try to make recommendations for styles they weren't equipped with. That really should have been a sign that they need to work on the selection but I'm fairly certain nothing will change. But at least they tried to work with what they had.

All the prices seemed reasonable and again it is nice that you don't have to commit to a whole 6 pack if you just want to mix and match. Overall though, Martin isn't nearly as good as it was about a year ago. The selection might be better than the typical grocery, but there are better places out there just down the street really.
Jan 30, 2010
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.49 by Squire from Mississippi

Jun 08, 2016
 
Rated: 4 by kmahe from Washington

Apr 29, 2014
Photo of megahurts4
Reviewed by megahurts4 from Louisiana

3.7/5  rDev -10.4%
Over the past few years, this place has declined for beer. At first, it was great with a number of good brews to pick from. Now, the beer section keeps moving and reducing. Dorgniac's grocery is almost right across the street and provides a greater beer selection in both volume and quality.

They do have plenty of staff that was available to help. They had given me some good wine recommendations, which I believe is what Martin's does best. I hope they rekindle their beer fire once again. That would make me more eager to visit.
Oct 08, 2010
Photo of Ell
Reviewed by Ell from Alabama

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
Wow - what a great store. Sadly, the beer selection is only slightly above average, but everything else here is top notch. There are only about 100 beers here - and nothing terribly out of the ordinary.

There is an incredible wine and liquor selection here. The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable about the wine and liquor - not as sure on the beer as I didn't have too many questions.

They had an impressive selection of imports - the craft section left something to be desired.

The deli here is awesome as well. I've had a couple of sandwiches there that are top notch as well as the meat and cheese plate. Great place.
May 23, 2009
Photo of tommy7777
Reviewed by tommy7777 from Louisiana

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
I went in last friday to pick up some beers I'd been looking for. Martin's has really gone out of their way to increase their beer selection from years past. Jeremy was really helpful even though he was pretty busy. I hope they continue down their current path. Southeast Louisiana has been lacking decent beer selection for a good while. Some of the selection included:

Mikkeller
Troegs
St. Bernardus

They have bottles in the cooler if you're looking for cold offerings, but much more in back at room temperature.
Their beer guy (beerbuddha) posts regularly about new offerings, and has been great about getting things in when requested. I'll definitely be back as long as they continue to offer new and hard to get beers.
Nov 12, 2008
Photo of cvfish
Reviewed by cvfish from Louisiana

4.5/5  rDev +9%
Being new to the "good" beer scene (i.e. breaking away from Corona and Bud) I had no clue where to start. I think what really made Martin's shine was first building a friendship with Jeremy (aka the BeerBuddha on BA). Even though he could not brouse the shelves with me because he was the manager, he did take the time to write down several selections to start with on my way to become more than just a casual beer drinker.
The quality was good, if your going for mass produced, skip this place. Also has all the Abita and Dixie brands for the La beer lovers.
Nov 10, 2008
Photo of GuinnessHero
Reviewed by GuinnessHero from Mississippi

3.85/5  rDev -6.8%
My friend and I had just finished our tour of the Abita brewery and made a quick trip to New Orleans on the way back to Mississippi. We saw on BA that Martin's was one of the highest rated Beerfly reviews on the site and decided to go there. Together we spent over 100 dollars. Coming from Mississippi this is the equivalent of a beer Mecca. Chimay, many triples, Flying Dog of all types, and an incredible selection of wine and liquor made this a trip worth driving for. The reason service is a 3 is because we did not receive any help at all until we reached the register. The register staff was really nice, but it could have led to a better overall experience to at least be asked how we were doing. None of the bottles were dusty; nor, were they old. Overall, I would visit again. If only this was across the street from me!
Jul 11, 2008
Photo of midnighthour12
Reviewed by midnighthour12 from Louisiana

4.5/5  rDev +9%
Martin's is my favorite place to go for beer in New Orleans. They've got the largest beer selection of any liquor store in the area, along with a nice sized wine/liquor selection. The deli in the store is a nice touch with great sandwiches for lunch. I gave the selection a 4/5 since they do have the largest selection in the area, but the American micro choices are pretty thin. However, understand that this is a distribution issue, not a location issue. Jeremy (BeerBuddha) is always trying to get new beers to the store and if it's a new micro, he'll be getting it in stock. Whole Foods does have a few North Coast beers, but other than that, Martin's trumps them in overall selection.
Jun 22, 2008
Photo of Razoul
Reviewed by Razoul from Louisiana

4.5/5  rDev +9%
Went to Martins a few days ago. Beerbuddah picked out some really good beers(including some Nugget Nectar) for me to try even though he was rather busy. Its a great store with great service. The selection is the best I have found in the Metaire area. Being able to purchase individual bottles is a big plus since I am exploring to see what I like. I always find something good to try out when I go there. If only the beer section was a bit bigger....but then again I would probably say that no matter how big it was. Can never have to much to choose from. I haven't tried the deli there but it seems like a good place.

Anyway Martin's is a must stop for beer lovers in the area.
Jun 21, 2008
Photo of theghost3
Reviewed by theghost3 from Louisiana

4.05/5  rDev -1.9%
Martin is known more as a wine store than a place to buy beer, particularly with people from out-of-town. They also serve a good gourmet lunch. That being said, it has one of the better selections of beer in Louisiana. I scored some Charles Wells Bombardier, Troegs Nugget Nectar, and Aventinus among others.

I stopped by on a Saturday in the late afternoon after not going there for about 3 years. One of the first things I noticed was that the beer area seems to be a little smaller than it used to be. The selection has improved (no doubt thanks to Beerbuddha). Very good selection of Belgians and beers from the UK. I would have liked to have seen some more American craft brews. There are actually 2 areas of beer. The larger area is surrounded by the liquor selection, and there is a section of their refrigerated area dedicated to beer. I would prefer more beers available in the refrigerated area.

I particularly liked the signs under certain beers indicating how they're graded on Beeradvocate.com. I found it helpful.

The service is good, although it seemed like some of the staff was really looking forward to closing up even though they were open for another hour. Overall, this is a very good place to buy beer in the New Orleans area.
May 25, 2008
Photo of Butch
Reviewed by Butch from Mississippi

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
Great beer store. Excellent selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and reasonable prices. Plus you can buy every beer as singles, and most are available cold if you'd like. What more could you want?

The selection was organized by region, with Belgian, Germans, and Americans making up the largest chunk. Lot's of variety, especially with the Belgians.

The best part is the staff who really seemed to enjoy what they were doing and went out of their way to talk beer and see what they can help with. It didn't hurt that the awesome wine and wine paraphernalia selection kept The Wife busy so I could peruse with leisure.

I'll be back the next time I'm in town and I'll probably make a special trip down for my next beer run.
Feb 27, 2008
Photo of deepsouth
Reviewed by deepsouth from Mississippi

4.15/5  rDev +0.5%
martin wine cellar is a great place to buy beer in metarie. they have a very nice selection with representatives from every style i can think of. i went at christmas time, so they obviously had a very nice selection of christmas brews including many gift packs.

it is very nice to be able to buy singles that have not been cooled yet either. a big plus.

the service is great and the staff is quite helpful. i even had someone help me get my boxes to the car and loaded.

i'll always make it a point to stop there on my way through and even make the occasional special trip over to restock my closet.
Dec 20, 2007
Photo of barefootbrewer
Reviewed by barefootbrewer from Mississippi

4.15/5  rDev +0.5%
This is an excellent place to look for beer in New Orleans. There are many standard selections plus several Belgians and even others I'd never heard of. Add a few microbrews into the mix and it is an eclectic selection to say the least. They also allow for every beer to be bought as singles, which is nice for someone interested in exploring different brews. The staff is friendly and enjoys talking about beer. They are also open to suggestions, which I think is great - a willingness to learn and explore! After talking with the staff, I think this place will continue to get better and better.
Aug 28, 2007
Photo of rafjr00
Reviewed by rafjr00 from Louisiana

4.85/5  rDev +17.4%
I love this place! I have been going here for the past 4 year for liquor to make drinks. Then last year when I got into beer this was the first place I went to and have never looked back. BeerBuddha has done a great job of updating the beer selection.

Jeremy ( BeerBuddha ) is always helpful even when he is busy. Everyone that works here is very knowlageble and always helpful. More then once I have gone to check out and been asked if I found everything, when I tell them an item that I could not find someone runs off and comes back with the item.

Just a great place with great people working there.
Aug 26, 2007
Photo of acrawf6
Reviewed by acrawf6 from Louisiana

3.2/5  rDev -22.5%
Update: They really seem to be slacking in the beer department. The manager who cared about beer and pushed to get more into the store has left, and the selection has suffered. The customer service workers are focused on mainly wine and liquor and most of them dont know much about beer...i've seen a couple recommend some shitty beer. If you go, i'd say talk to the stockmen.

First off, i will say i have worked here. I dont want anybody think i am pimping this place. I have been a customer long before i worked here so i think i can give an impartial review.

It, in my living in new orleans, is the best beer selection for a store.

I know, from working here, that the beers sell quite regularly at the store, so nothing stays on the shelf for too long. Good and balanced selection, i think over 200 beers. Belgiums, i think, it its strong point. Great belgium beers we cant get anywhere else. All other countries have some good representation, but not many out of the ordinary beers. They have some good scottish beers though that are a little rare.

Overall, i think the best place to pick up some beer at a pretty decent price. If you have time, eat at the deli, great gormet food at a reasonable price.
Jan 10, 2006
Photo of WTexas
Reviewed by WTexas from New Mexico

4.15/5  rDev +0.5%
This is a must stop when you are in New Orleans and need something more than the Circle K or local supermarket can offer. Great selection of Belgian and German brews with a smaller selection of U.S. and other international choices. Individual bottle prices let you sample more of their selections without emptying your wallet. Great service by a knowledgeable and attentive staff. Even the checkout was very attentive. My individual 500ml and 750ml bottle purchases were packed in liquor cases rather than bags. This made for much easier transport and reduced the likelihood of breakage. Website has a detailed listing of beer selection so you can see what usually stocked before you go.
Jan 03, 2005
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Reviewed by Gagnonsux from Texas

3.85/5  rDev -6.8%
This is the best of the couple of beer stores I went into on my New Orleans trip. Selection ties for the best of any store I've been to in Louisiana. Plenty of good German, English, Belgian, and American beers to be found. Plus a few oddballs from countries I never find beer from in Houston. Overall, I wish more American craft brew was available in Louisiana, Rogue is probably the best one that I constantly find. This store is fairly large, clean, and offers deli food and other food specialties. The only problem with Martin Wine Cellar is that not enough of their beer selection is in coolers. Sometimes you need cold beer to go. If you're out in Metairie this is the place to shop.
Oct 11, 2004
Martin Wine Cellar in Metairie, LA
Place rating: 4.13 out of 5 with 18 ratings