Central Market

Store

4651 West Fwy
Fort Worth, Texas, 76107-5489
United States

(817) 989-4700 | map
centralmarket.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.3
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
39
pDev:
6.98%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by natelocc787:
Photo of natelocc787
Reviewed by natelocc787 from Texas

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
Okay here is the deal folks:

This place has a big selection of craft brews AND you can build you own six packs. They don't charge an arm and a leg to break packs, you may pay $1 or $2 more per six pack.

Beers seen there regularly:

bear republic
unibroue
avery
westmalle
chimay
lindemans
brasserie de rocs
victory
lagunitas
dogfish head
many more...

Great spot in a place where it's hard to find craft beers...and they are all cold.

A few years ago I go a liter Chimay blue with a 2002 vintage for $25.99.
Jun 07, 2009
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.53 by jellibeen from Texas

Nov 21, 2016
 
Rated: 3.63 by needMIbeer from Virginia

May 24, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by Abbbp from Texas

Nov 30, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by ericaus from Texas

Jul 22, 2015
 
Rated: 4.4 by pnelting from Texas

Jul 07, 2015
 
Rated: 4.33 by heezythompson from Texas

Jun 21, 2015
 
Rated: 4.56 by Northtexan from Texas

May 28, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by Techichi from Texas

Nov 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by cam12 from Texas

Oct 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Jdotswizz from Texas

Aug 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Nuggetz from Texas

Aug 04, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by ORenIshii from Texas

Aug 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by TX-Badger from Texas

Jun 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by lurey1978 from Texas

Jun 10, 2014
Photo of thereal_adam
Reviewed by thereal_adam from Texas

4.45/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
The real nice thing here is the grolwer filling station. Not the largest selection of taps, but almost always a few hidden gems. I just wish they had a twitter or facebook feed that had an updated list (or close to) of whatever beers are on tap.

The beer selection itself is pretty decent, though the Specs just down Hulen and Total Wine are a little better. The ability to create your six pack does give Central Market a nice advantage over Specs. If you are lucky, you can sometimes find harder to releases just sitting on the shelf, found three Abyss just sitting on the shelf, where as everywhere else had sold out of it already.
Jan 05, 2014
Photo of gtermi
Reviewed by gtermi from Texas

4.58/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Central Market is the best place for me and my wife. We go here all the time to get food and quality beer. They make some of the best subs and nothing better but a good quality beer with that.
The beer selection here is the best I have found. I have spent so much money on the mix and match six packs that I am suprised that I have any money left. The beer variety is just amazing. it is beyond easy to drop 40 dollars here without a problem. I love trying new beers and if you feel the same, go here.
Sep 19, 2011
Photo of GarthDanielson
Reviewed by GarthDanielson from Virginia

4.33/5  rDev +0.7%
vibe: 2 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
This is a busy place, and if you haven't been there before and don't know about the little passageways through some of the walls you will be walking all around the maze set-up of the store until you get to the beer and wine section like I did. Awesome selection of beers, especially local ones. Also, the staff (especially JR) was extremely helpful, and willing to make phone calls to reps and distributors if they couldn't answer a question. Like I said before, great selection of brews. Also, they have the availability of doing mix and match 6-packs, which is always helpful if you are uncertain of what you want, or if you are trying to sample the local fare. Prices were not that bad compared to other places I've been to purchase loose bottles. Definitely a safe stop if you are looking for Texas brews.
Apr 29, 2011
Photo of videofrog
Reviewed by videofrog from Texas

4.1/5  rDev -4.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I rated the atmosphere low because of how insanely crowded CM can get. But, they have decent live music here on the weekends and good tastings and events. Always a go-to for Gelato after a good, spicy meal.
The food is of high quality,and the beer quality is good. They take care to keep fresh beers on the shelves and craft beers with great reputations.
The service is absolutely exceptional. They stay out of your way unless you look thoroughly confused or ask. Once you ask, they have a good knowledge of parings and the beer or wine itself.
The selection is good. Nothing outstanding. Always good Texas beer available as well as international and U.S. craft brews. No Sam Adams at all, though.
The food is good. It's easy to find a good paring for your beer and sit and chill with your selections.
Value is a bit pricey, but nothing out of sight. They seem to aim for the middle of the road craft sector. Very little BMC or rare/special brews.
Apr 03, 2011
Photo of htomsirveaux
Reviewed by htomsirveaux from Texas

4.05/5  rDev -5.8%
Have been to this CM and the one in Austin many times over the years. It is our go to beer place primarily because we can also get other 'foodie' (damn I hate that term) items at the same time (e.g. various fresh baked bread, parmesan, high dollar cuts of meat).

Service is helpful if you ask, unobtrusive if you don't need it.

Selection is good but seems slightly less than what is available at the Austin location. Today found Southern Star Buried Hatchet, Gubna and Ten Fidy (but $15/4pk, damn), St. Arnolds, various Magic Hat (which A likes for some odd reason), Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn and even a couple of Mikkeller.
May 09, 2010
Photo of jrallen34
Reviewed by jrallen34 from Illinois

3.7/5  rDev -14%
Central Market is a great place for all types of nice food, so I was expecting a great beer selection.

It had some nice qualities, but not great.

The best thing about Central Market is that you can take one beer from any 6 pick you can truly create your own 6 packs. This is aweseome!

However, there are a bunch of downsides. All the beers are in a cooler, which to me is a big no-no.

Secondly, the selection and quality weren't that good. They had a ton of beers but they were all pretty widely available, nothing that was high quality craft, and only a few local Texas beers.

Great, idea, but not executed well.
Mar 21, 2010
Photo of fjordhook
Reviewed by fjordhook from Texas

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
Compared to the Central Market in Plano it seemed to have the same amount of diversity as that one in beers, but the only added difference is the ability to make your own 6 pack. It's a nice perk compared to the other store. Other than that I still have the same complaint as the other store. I feel cramped with the small amount of space available to maneuver because of the wide selection of wines. Another thing was this store seems more busy and with the limited space it made it even harder to maneuver! Even with these complaints, I am just nit picking and I enjoy shopping at their establishment.
Jan 29, 2010
Photo of mjl21
Reviewed by mjl21 from California

4.35/5  rDev +1.2%
Whenever I go to Fort Worth I make it a point to stop here for beer, so I might as well give it a proper review.

This is a really nice market that has a ton of prepared food and gourmet food items. I would love to have one of theese where I live.

As for the beer selection, it is excellent. They have a very large cooler area stacked with all kinds of beers. What is nice is that you can create your own six packs.

I love coming here from my home in Northern California because they carry so many brands that I can't get. They have a good selection of Victory, Great Divide, DFH, Left Hand, Brooklyn, St. Arnold, Rahr, and many more. They also carry a ton of West Coast beers and some good Euro selections (750 ml's of St. B abt 12).

Prices overall are very fair and the people that work at the store are very friendly and helpful.
Apr 23, 2009
Photo of willyumlong
Reviewed by willyumlong from Texas

4.55/5  rDev +5.8%
finally made it to cm for the first time, been wanting to go for a long time but isn't exactly on the way to anything i go to. gonna be back real soon though. the mix n match six packs are perfect for trying new beers. online ad said they have over 300 different beers to choose from, i didnt actually count them but i dont doubt their claim. they also had rahr giving out several samples (buffalo butt, ugly pug, red, etc. tried and liked all of them) as well as sierra nevada. the hardest part about going there for me is deciding on which 6 beers i want to take home. the whole store is great, i could easily spend my whole check here. prices are a little higher than average but worth every penny to have the selection they do. really gonna miss this place if we ever move.
Apr 09, 2009
Photo of macktbone
Reviewed by macktbone from California

4/5  rDev -7%
Though I had the hardest time finding it with both sides of the freeway called the same thing, the market itself was pretty cool.
The selection was good for the area but still doesn't compare to the bottle shops on the west coast. Lots of DogFish, Left Hand, and Great Divide, but other than that not much other than local Texas brews. Great place to buy singles...though it screws up the six packs when your searching for a specific brew.
Pricing was a little high for 22 oz bottles, but great on the 12 oz...about $1.45.

P.S. It's in a strip mall type area....so if you pass the bunch of stores on the corner of the address, it's in there... no one told me and I drove around for 30 min.
Jan 22, 2009
Photo of Bagman007
Reviewed by Bagman007 from Texas

4.7/5  rDev +9.3%
A very unique grocery store with an excellent beer and wine selection. Probably one of the best in town. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff. Very rare for a store like this. They have isles and isles of wine and a long beer cooler. Great selection of Texas beer and they change their stock frequently so you can always get beer that you haven't seen there before. You can buy beer in a make your own six pack which is a great way to sample their various beers. A little pricey if you go that route, but better if you want a variety.
Dec 02, 2008
Photo of jwff
Reviewed by jwff from Hawaii

4/5  rDev -7%
I wish I could give points to location because this guy is located right between The Gingerman and The Covey. Nice selection that you can grab singles from and create your own 6 pack or more for a very reasonable price. Selection seems to be on par with other Central Market stores in the state but without the regional Texas brewery offerings as other locations. Worth a trip if I'm in the area. (397) Cafe on the run has some delicious food check out the Turkey Mozzarella sandiwich. (486) Check out the cheese selection too to find pairings for your beer. For a few bucks you can snag something that will go with your 6 and won't break the bank.
Apr 03, 2008
Photo of rgrholmes168
Reviewed by rgrholmes168 from Texas

4.65/5  rDev +8.1%
Thanks to Beer Advocate, I have finally found a place in Fort Worth to buy beer. We moved to Keller (20 minutes) in June and have been disappointed by the beer selections at every place we have been. Since we were in the area today we stopped by this Central Market.

It is overwhelmingly awesome. My wife said she had not seen this good of a selection since she left Jersey. I highly recommend.

The beer is priced a little bit high, but still in a reasonable range. The selection is broken down to make it easy to purchase. As with all Central Market's the atmosphere is fun.
Jan 27, 2008
Photo of MrHungryMonkey
Reviewed by MrHungryMonkey from Texas

4.7/5  rDev +9.3%
Central Market is a blast for a beer hunter. The best selection I’ve seen in Fort Worth all on one large, beautiful isle. Cool storage for all. And the best part of all is the mix-packs. Central Market sells everything (or just ‘bout most everything) by the bottle rather than the pre-packaged six/four pack. This is great for trying new brews, and for trying expensive brews.

Great selection of micros from the southwest and nationwide. Good selection of imports from all over. Good selection of high-end. Poor selection of low-end big beer – only 5-10% of the isle is the cheap stuff – how nice! Prices are decent, but sometimes a little steep. The staff is helpful if you have questions.

This is my favorite place to go, it’s like a toy store. On a tight college budget I can play around and not spend too much – like try 6 different Witbiers for less than $15.

If you haven’t been, then go. They also have a bunch of nice wine and food and stuff.
Jun 14, 2007
Photo of Dizzy
Reviewed by Dizzy from Texas

4.2/5  rDev -2.3%
Central Market has a great selection that competes with Hall's, without the concern for how long its been sitting on the shelf. Aside from specials stacked at end caps, everything seems to be refridgerated. Their wine selection is excellent as well.

Central Market always seems to get new products available in the area, but often isn't the best place to go because they will be gone before you have a chance to get there.

I can't speak to the service as I've never had any interaction with employees in the beer department other than being told they are out of something over the phone. The cashiers are sometimes rude. Also, the parking lot is a nightmare and the other customers are sometimes rude. This isn't a convenient place to go, but the selection can make it worthwhile.
Dec 10, 2006
Photo of BeerSox
Reviewed by BeerSox from Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
You can't go wrong with Central Market. There is an excellent selection of beers ranging from imports, to local beers. They also label which beers are brewed in Texas. For some beers they have their respective RateBeer label. The section is along with the wines toward the front of the store. Walk in toward the registers, then take a left through the isles and the selection is viewable.

The service is also very good. Knowledgable people are there to help you with your selection, and can give you all sorts of information, including: beer availablility, similar styles, their opinions, and when a beer will be in stock.

Don't come here if you are looking for anything like Budweiser, Miller, or Coors. All of their beers fall under the "craft" category, with a sprinkle of the macro type beers such as Killian's and Harp.

Single beers are reasonably prices. 11oz. to 12oz. bottles range from $1-$3 for most beers, and $5 or $6 for some Trappist ales. They also have a selection of larger sizes (bombers, 750mL, etc.). Six packs and cases are also available. They have a sixer-mixer available. You can pick either a single, or you can pull one beer out of a six pack. They only ask that you don't pull a beer out of a plastic six-pack ring or break open a case. There are also stacks of beers located throughout the store of seasonal styles.
Sep 03, 2006
Photo of assurbanipaul
Reviewed by assurbanipaul from Texas

4.15/5  rDev -3.5%
Don't know why I never reviewed this place, as I'm there almost weekly. If you're not familiar with the CM chain, it's a southwest high-end grocery store owned by HEB and modeled after the Whole Foods Markets. Specialty foods, international foods, organic produce and meats, that sort of stuff.

Included in that mix is the beer and wine selection, which I won't rate as the absolute top in this area but it's not far off. Most of the beer is in one long open cooler with a few cases sprinkled in other aisles for product placement. Staff is adequately knowledgeable (there's a dedicated employee for this section) and the beer stays fresh as it rotates often.

There are two reasons why I recommend CM to visitors over some other beer stores. First: price. They make their money off their groceries, not necessarily their alcohol. Buying singles is encouraged; you can even grab an empty carton and build your own six-pack. Bottles are priced individually, usually in the $1-$3 range depending on what it is.

Second: convenience. It's centrally located. It's next to an interstate. It has a huge parking lot. It's open "normal" hours (liquor stores have hours controlled by the state), including Sundays. Other places beat them in selection but CM carries all the micros and locals you could ever want. And if you want to grab a sandwich or a quart of milk, you can do that too.

Included is an in-store cafe with seating, and they often have bands and cookouts on the patio on weekend evenings (purchasing singles to drink outside is OK). If you want to drive further and pay more, there are a couple of other places to check out -- but if you're just in town for a few days, at least one stop to CM will cover most everything.
Aug 20, 2006
Photo of blitheringidiot
Reviewed by blitheringidiot from Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +2.3%
*** Best beer selection in Ft. Worth! ***
High water mark is on quality! Realizing that this review is about beer, any beer connoisseur can appreciate this place.

Beer selection consists of about 30 feet of an open cooler box that contains Euro & German beers to the left and craft to the right, such as Rogue, Flying Dog, Victory, some Belians like Rochefort and St. Bernardus. Notable offerings consist of local gem Rahr German style brews, Saint Arnold, Breckenridge IPA and Lefthand Chainsaw. A few other goodies await as well. A worthy shot in Ft. Worth, indeed.

Best part about Central Market for beer is that you can buy singles from the six packs.
Aug 10, 2006
Photo of goochpunch
Reviewed by goochpunch from Texas

3.7/5  rDev -14%
As far as quality of the beers, I, at one point, had a flawless record of getting fresh beers at this place, but on my most recent trip, I managed to get a few spoiled ones. Who knows? The only employees asigned to the alcoholic beverages section were way on the outer rim near the chilled food section. Only a little walk to get some help, I know, but I would've thought that they would be closer to the center. Selection when I first went there months ago was great. Some of the best selections in Texas I had ever seen outside of some Spec's locaitons in Houston. I would've given it a 5 if this were based off my first visit. It seems each time I go, some of the good stuff gets replaced with some subpar beers. No longer can I find Schneider or Baltika beers. They seem to have been nudged out by some others (one brewery in particular: the sub-par Independence brewery). Decent pricing. I really love the fact that I can buy by the single and it not bee too expensive.
May 26, 2006
Photo of skillerified
Reviewed by skillerified from California

4.45/5  rDev +3.5%
I love the whole store really, but their beer and wine sections are exceptional. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and (miraculously) available. The selection is excellent. There's no shortage of different beers to choose from. Plus they allow you to break six packs. It's easy to not just get something you want, but everything you want. The prices are extremely reasonable, even for singles. My wife and I regularly go forty minutes out of our way just shop here. It's worth the drive every time.

The wine selection is excellent as well and my wife loves shopping through their different and exotic coffees as much as I enjoy the beers.
Dec 11, 2005
Photo of kosmoraios
Reviewed by kosmoraios from Washington

4.5/5  rDev +4.7%
This is one of the absolute best places in the area at which to purchase beer. Their selection is unprecedented. Their staff are not only knowledgable, but are Beer Advocates! (At least the gentleman I spoke with was an avid Beer Advocate). Their prices are quite reasonable.

Last time I went, they had an excellent selection of singles, but would not allow you to break a 6-pack. I went today to this Central Market for the first time (the other being in Plano) and I found out that not only do they allow you to break 6-packs and 4-packs, they encourage it! I ended up walking out with a most excellent selection of ales that I had not previously had the pleasure of tasting. They also had cases upon cases of excellent ales like the Dogfish Head 90-minute IPA. I was so enthralled, my wife had to drag me away from the beer section. A must see for any beer advocate.
Feb 28, 2005
Photo of dauss
Reviewed by dauss from Colorado

4.05/5  rDev -5.8%
I stop by here many times a year. Probably the best selection in the DFW area(haven't gone to the Dallas Central Market yet). Very clean and brightly lit. New beers are stacked up in cases right across from the beer cooler. Organization is sorta lacking. Some of the belgians are all over the place, and it can take a while to finally look at everything they have.

I've never had good service here. I'll see the beer/wine manager just wander around and hardly offer to help. If I want help, I'll have to go to him and ask. Sure I may look like I'm 18, but I'm definitely old enough to buy alcohol.

Another gripe is the stock they have. I've been there 3-4 times in the past few months, and haven't been able to find a few beers that I could get at other beer stores(Rasputin, 90 minute IPA, Raison D'etre).

Prices are good though, probably the best in prices in town, but if your looking for limited edition beers, good luck, they've probably been gobbled up by customers long ago, even though they can be found elsewhere without great difficulty.
Feb 23, 2005
Photo of HardTarget
Reviewed by HardTarget from Texas

4/5  rDev -7%
One of my favorite beer hunting grounds.
An impressive selection and reasonable prices. They also let you take singles and offer empty 6 pack holders for the task (but have had to remind the cashiers a number of times that they are indeed singles). I often have seen reps in there stocking their brews, but actual Central Market staff are hard to come by. When I have found them, they are knowledgeable and friendly, just scarce. They carry a good number of the Unibroue line (was hording like no tomorrow, which for Unibroue, I'm afraid there won't be), Sam Smiths, New Belgiums, Youngs, North Coast, a few Rogue and Stone offerings as well.
I'm a fan of the place because they are also well stocked in other great foods as well. Outrageous cheese selection, great coffees, good breads, the deli is really first rate, and just good foods. Don't go looking for a loaf of Wonder Bread, this isn't the place to stock up on essentials, this is more of a specialty foods shop, and they do it well.
Beer hunting? There are other places in the Metroplex that give it a run for the money, but this is definitely one of the best places, and as a kicker, great food. Gets crowded at peak times, but all the more people watching opportunities. Seems a neat mix of hippies, yuppies, and odd balls.
May 23, 2004
Photo of hobbes2112
Reviewed by hobbes2112 from Texas

4.25/5  rDev -1.2%
This is the best place in Fort Worth to buy an amazing meal and the perfect beer to complement.

The staff is usually very helpful and friendly when around, there are even classes from time to time. Beers from six-packs can be purchased individually, so that you can put together an eclectic mix-and-match.

Summertime brings "Burgers and Bock" which is an outdoor BBQ with burgers and you guessed it...Beer!

If you are bored with the limited selection of other stores in the area try out Central Market. It is such a shame that TABC has put such limits on Texas beer availability or else CM would get a 5 in selection I am sure.
May 20, 2004
Central Market in Fort Worth, TX
Place rating: 4.3 out of 5 with 39 ratings