South Bay Drugs

South Bay DrugsSouth Bay Drugs
South Bay DrugsSouth Bay Drugs
Store

779 Palm Ave
Imperial Beach, California, 91932-1234
United States

// CLOSED //

Moving?
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.7
Reviews:
76
Ratings:
76
pDev:
6.6%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by fernz18:
Photo of fernz18
Reviewed by fernz18 from California

4.85/5  rDev +3.2%
This place is 10 min. away from my house so I go here about once a week. Like it was mentioned before, there is nothing spectacular from the outside but once you get to the cooler, astonishing. Averys, Alesmiths, Stones, Lagunitas, Russian Rivers, Lost Abbeys, Green Flash, Boulevard....why say more and just go to its website and see for yourself. They also have their specialty glasses for most beers. Joey is THE guy to ask for recommendations and does not tell you what he likes, he asks you what you look for and then recommends. For a larger quantity go to ASHUR LIQUOR which is like 1/2 a mile from here, BUT you wont find the quality that this place has...the downside...this guy runs out of things quick...Consecration sold out in ONE day...
Apr 16, 2009
More User Ratings:
Photo of NickMunford
Reviewed by NickMunford from Wyoming

5/5  rDev +6.4%
This was one of the best beer stores in San Diego County. And you would never know it from looking at the facade. The owner was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They had an amazing selection and competitive prices. They didn't just have new shipments, but also some that were set aside and purposely aged (a couple Nogne-O beers I got there come to mind). I say "was" because they're currently closed and moving to a new location. I look forward to their new location, wherever that may be. I just hope it's in a more central area (or at least closer to my house).
Feb 15, 2011
Photo of bikencycle
Reviewed by bikencycle from Illinois

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Have only ordered online, but have been very pleased with all of the Russian River, Ballast Point, Alpine, Lost Abbey, and other offerings. I have ordered 3 or 4 times and Joey does a great job packaging your items for shipping thanks to the styrofoam wine shippers he uses. They are moving right now so online orders are on hold for the moment, which is completely understandable under the circumstance. Haven't done a trade with the King yet bit maybe in the near future I will have something that he wants.
Feb 10, 2011
Photo of gatornation
Reviewed by gatornation from Arizona

5/5  rDev +6.4%
as i write this south bay will be moving to a new location after 27 years at same location my reviews is at the current location....

south bay is my favorite online store the service is exceptional..the selection is exceptional..the overall beer buying is great..joey pays attention to you as a person and treats your order as such..after a few questions on initial order and some clerical things its a snap to reorder..and as i said joey always keeps you informed wish this store was open where i live ..highly recommended
Feb 05, 2011
Photo of FARGO619
Reviewed by FARGO619 from California

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Have been in here several times. Great selection of micro brews. "Joey" is always up for talking about beers and recommends one if you are looking for something new. Would highly recommend this place. Great selection of hard to find stuff and local brews too. One of the best shops in SoCal. If you are looking for STONE, DESCHUTES, LOST ABBEY, ALPINE or anything that can go quick give this shop a shot. Check out his website...she ships! Keep up the great work and I will keep coming back for more.
Dec 28, 2010
Photo of marquinoftroy
Reviewed by marquinoftroy from California

4.7/5  rDev 0%
South San Diego is sort of a dead end. Look into any visitors guide to SD and you will see that South San Diego lacks a certain visitor-friendly appeal. No sports teams, no big colleges, no fantastic parks and no seals at our beach. There are only a hand full of reasons one would venture south of downtown. The outlet mall at the border, sand castle competition, the amphitheater and the drive-in are the most popular reasons.

But, if you fancy yourself as a beer-ophile and in the SD area, then you owe it to yourself to check this place out. Like what everyone before me has stated: amazing selection, nice people, shady location and an ugly store.
Dec 24, 2010
Photo of mulder1010
Reviewed by mulder1010 from Australia

4.65/5  rDev -1.1%
went in 2x while in SD

Q-- Huge drugstore, or is it just a lot of space?? with a smaller selection than I thought. But it made up in quality. That is for sure. Not the greatest area of Imperial but not arguing.

S-- Geoi is a good guy and easy to talk to and communicate with. Held 2 bottles of Victory at Sea for me. Very cool to do.

S-- Not a lot of stuff but it was quality. Goose Island to Great Divide. Avery to Russian River. Some of the harder to find CA beers to be found there. Notably Alpine. All the essential SD area beers at good prices. Lots of refrigeration as well. Able to buy singles is a huge plus as other stores will not let you. Had a good Belgian selection but not there for that.

V-- Good pricing on bombers and able to buy singles of Yeti and Goose Island are solid. Not the largest but a quality selection. A must hit if in Southern SD.
Nov 25, 2010
Photo of mistakebythelake
Reviewed by mistakebythelake from Ohio

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Geoi is an outstanding guy. Have not had the chance to visit the store out in the San Diego area, but plan on doing so next trip out that way. I have ordered from South Bay numerous times and Goei always answers any questions promptly and is a pleasure to deal with. If he doesn't have it he probably can find it for you. Has a great selection of hard to find local San Diego craft beers along with some other outstanding west coast breweries.

Has an up to date website with listings of new arrivals and things like that. Beers are packaged great and shipping is inexpensive and always arrives on time.
Nov 16, 2010
Photo of SpeedwayJim
Reviewed by SpeedwayJim from New York

3.05/5  rDev -35.1%
Visited this place while in San Diego for a science conference.

South Bay seems like its located in a very run down neighborhood. The store is a huge waste of space as half of it is blocked off for the storage of shipping materials. Still though, appropriate "sensitive" beers are kept in the fridge and others are out on the shelves. Dates on the bottles indicate that traffic is rather high so everything is pretty fresh. Not impressed with how the store looks though.

There was no service. There was one guy at the counter and he was so old and looked so fragile that I felt bad asking him to help me and show me around. Nice guy though.

I must be missing something with regards to the selection. Maybe they offer more on their online store? South Bay, the physical store, barely has anything, just a well stocked variety of locals. Again, I'll give the benefit of the doubt because perhaps they offer a lot more online, but I wasn't impressed here either.

Prices are very reasonable here and even border on the cheap side. Worth a visit if you know what you want and what you want is something local and easy to obtain. Otherwise, take yourself elsewhere.
Nov 14, 2010
Photo of WVbeergeek
Reviewed by WVbeergeek from West Virginia

4.5/5  rDev -4.3%
Here's my story, I've ordered from 4 online retailers thus far including Matt Maples Liquid Solutions, Vintage Cellar of Blacksburg, VA, Hi Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, CA. Now the infamous South Bay Drugs of San Diego.

This was the most complicated so far due to the fact that I wanted three cases of identical orders for three different guys. Here's the plan, my bro Dante', and our joint best friend Kolby are all jonesing for West Coast IPAs. We lived out there for a summer when we were younger.

Here we all our spread out all preoccupied with grad school and families all on different paths. Dante's is getting his doctorate in PT living in Acworth, GA. Our buddy Kolbz is getting his masters in real estate development, and I'm working full time as an RN with 3 kids going for my RN to MSN for a nurse pracitioner.

Needless to say we're stressed out, but guess what Kolby came up with this plan that every year coming into Christmas and our birthdays. We're going to do a joint west coast beer order with telephone conferenced tastings to get us through our classes. It's on Kolbz this year and will rotate until we see fit each yar.

Here's this year's haul all new beers minus one or two for some of us. Alpine Pure Hoppiness and Duet IPAs, Karl Strauss Big Barrel DIPA, Lost Abbey Carnevale (Kolbz is obssessed with Brazil), Alaskan Smoked Porter 2010, Russian River Blind Pig, Port Old Viscosity, Wipeout, and Hightide Fresh Hop IPA, Kern River Just Outstanding IPA, Maui CocoNut Porter (2 cans), Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast.

Joey was extremely easy to work with and we can't really complain about pricing because the cost is multiplied by the shipping costs but we knew that coming in. It was 80+ for the beer and about 50 or so for the packing and shipping costs per case. Yeah, we're crazy!!!
Oct 19, 2010
Photo of buzbuzzer
Reviewed by buzbuzzer from California

4.7/5  rDev 0%
Stopping here is a must if I ever find myself down that South. It is very easy to find in Imperial Beach.

The beer guy Joey keeps a pretty good shop, clean, simple, always stocked with good beer, usually beer that would be sold out anywhere in SD (I just picked up some Eric's Ale today). Although the City seems to be giving them a rough situation to drive them out, its a great stop while they hold on.

There you'll find the latest of Alpine, one of the best selections of locals to Belgian Beer, and just about everything else you would ever want.
Sep 19, 2010
Photo of JoEBoBpr
Reviewed by JoEBoBpr from Missouri

4.65/5  rDev -1.1%
Found this place online while looking for Pliny the Elder. I was surprised to find even more good stuff than just this elusive DIPA. Joey is an awesome guy to deal with. I was able to find the PtE along with great offerings from AleSmith, Alpine, Green Flash and some other Russian River. They constantly update their website and always have great offerings coming in. Once you make your first online order the rest is a cinch. good place to get some of the CA stuff that doesn't make it out of the state that much.
Sep 12, 2010
Photo of armock
Reviewed by armock from New York

4.35/5  rDev -7.4%
Wen to to this place Friday afternoon just to see what they have. Yeah that was a bad lie to myself a half hour later and $110 lighter I left with three 750s and nine small bottles. The quality of beer that this store has is crazy driving by this place you wouldn't even think they have Sierra Nevada here but they do and way beyond. The selection is pretty damn good probably ten cooler doors packed with craft and excellent imports. The guys working here are pretty cool willing to give you a hand finding something or getting you a box for your beers. This is a must stop by place if your in southern San Diego.
Aug 29, 2010
Photo of kbutler1
Reviewed by kbutler1 from Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev -7.4%
Was very pleased with the service I got from Joey in ordering online. I ended up ordering Confluence, Interlude, Hottenroth, and Consecration for my first order. Since then I have ordered 2 more times with great service. Professional box job that was sent to my work. Very timely and great communication. Can't wait to stop in when I go to Cali.
If you are considering ordering from here online but not sure, I would suggest doing it as they are great. Beer prices seem fair but shipping will cost a some $'s
Aug 24, 2010
Photo of irishgurl4
Reviewed by irishgurl4 from California

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Just visted this place for the first time yesterday. I was down in SD for the Stone event and just had to stop by from reading the other reviews. This place truly does not disappoint.

From the outside it looks rather non-descript and when you walk in your like huh? But then you spy the wall of refrigerators on the right. After you get past the first 3 or 4 nirvana begins. Whether singles, sixers, or bombers the selection is great.

I came here in search of Lambic and Gueuze, I was not disappointed. I was definitely in a little happy place. There were so many bottles of things I've never even seen in LA stashed away in that one fridge section. I walked out with 10 bottles of goodness and a lighter wallet but happy as a clam.

Talked with Joey for a few and he was extremely nice and knowledgable. They also ship so I can definitely see myself ordering some tasty brews from this place in the future.
Aug 22, 2010
Photo of tjfinkle
Reviewed by tjfinkle from California

4.8/5  rDev +2.1%
Been to South Bay drugs multiple times now, each time with a specific beer in mind, however every time I go there I end up picking up a lot more than anticipated. Don't let the location or exterior of this place fool you. You would never guess that this place is one of the greatest beer shops in San Diego. The Selection is crazy and Joey is so knowledgeable and helpful that I end up finding multiple intriguing beers that I had not anticipated on picking up.

I recommend making sure to make a point to speak with Joey when ever one visits there because while the rest of the staff is very polite, Joey is the one with the greatest knowledge and I am always surprised with what beers he can pull out.

Joey keeps a great stock of local beers as well as imports. Also, the store web page is updated quite often with the latest arrivals.
Aug 11, 2010
Photo of gdodd12
Reviewed by gdodd12 from Georgia

4.8/5  rDev +2.1%
I ordered a pick-6 from this place to be shipped to Georgia, and my experience was great. Joey is a nice guy and answered all my dozens of emails. Shipping is a bit expensive, but that's because of the distance. To be able to get West Coast beers in 1 week, is well worth the price. Actually, it wasn't even 1 week. he shipped on a Friday and it was delivered on that next Tuesday! That is really fast. I thought his beer prices were really good as well. Some of the bombers I got were extremely inexpensive. There is no doubt that I will be ordering from him again.
Aug 04, 2010
Photo of DoubleJ
Reviewed by DoubleJ from Wisconsin

4.5/5  rDev -4.3%
What a relief! After being held and questioned an additional 10 minutes at US customs, I quickly took myself and two friends to South Bay Drugs, as it was on the way back to Orange County. Be careful as you're driving and looking for the place though, as it is below street level.

You walk in, and on the right side you see a long line refrigerators extending as far as the eye can see. This is where you'll find the beer. Oddly, half of the sales floor wasn't being utilized. Ok, back to beer. It's all refrigerated with the exception of several cases on display near the front of the store. The bottles looked like they were in good condition, despite some being out of season (but discounted, whoppee!) The shelves of the refrigerators were all very well organized.

There are simply too many brands/types to list, but some examples include a number of Belgian gueuze, The Bruery, Alpine, Lightning, Avery, Saint Somewhere (rare in Cali), Full Sail, Mikkeller, Oskar Blues, Goose Island's Matilda and Sophie, Hitachino, Haandbrygeriet, Russian River, and so on. There's glassware for sale as well, but over at checkout. It *just* misses that 5.0 score for selection, but only just.

....I asked about Drie Fonteinen Kriek because it was advertised on their website. At checkout, one of the checkers told me he had to get it from the back, and it would cost $40. Being that much, I passed. But they both seemed really cool talking about beer, and one even gave me his business card and follow their website. It wouldn't surprise me if one of the guy's at checkout that night was Joey.

I wondered for years what this crown at Imperial Beach would be like. It's a lovely crown, and one that you'll naturally be sucked into if you're nearby.
May 20, 2010
Photo of psiweaver
Reviewed by psiweaver from Washington

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Geoi is a true stand up guy. I've been in once and sent my Fiance in a couple times while she was visiting family, each time he has been truly helpful and gone out of his way to make my experience great. The selection is always top notch including getting many limited releases that he's always willing to help out with. He is very fair about limiting the numbers should there be a limited quantity in addition to helping out both in store and online customers. Truly a class act with great pricing and a great asset to the beer community.
May 17, 2010
Photo of everetends
Reviewed by everetends from Alabama

4.7/5  rDev 0%
Geoi is a very personable and nice guy, too bad I didn't know I was talking to him when I was in the store. Ah well life goes on.
This place is a bit of a departure from what I am used to from a beer store. This is straight up an active pharmacy but the wall on the right is lined with beer coolers. Within these coolers you will find most of the greats you are looking for from SoCal. It was a bit like being in heaven staring into those coolers and having all those amazing beers staring back at you. I picked up a bottle of Red Poppy, Exponential Hoppiness and Hop Juice while I was in. I was planning on returning for more the next day but I ran out of time and had to head back to LA. They had a ton of great stuff from Alpine, Lost Abbey, Alesmith, etc.
Since everything is chilled and in coolers, space is limited but who cares with the quality Geoi is packing into those things. Everything was something I wanted or previously had and enjoyed. Fuggin redunk and I will be back everytime I am in San Diego.
Mar 22, 2010
Photo of pwoods
Reviewed by pwoods from Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +3.2%
Geoi is fucking nuts. You'd never know that one of the best beer stores in the world is actually inside of a pharmacy... and that's what it is first and foremost. Once you see the coolers and then talk with Geoi, it becomes so much more. The highest quality you can possible get, everything stored cold. Space is slightly limited but he packs in the best stuff. Prices are as good as expected. He even sold me something from his private collection since I spent so much money. He also has a good selection of glassware as well.

Geoi, I hope you get your own beer shop soon. I know you'll do it right!
Mar 19, 2010
Photo of mbudner
Reviewed by mbudner from Pennsylvania

4.85/5  rDev +3.2%
I placed my first order with South Bay roughly 2 months ago after several friends highly recommended doing so. I e-mailed Joey to ask some pricing and other questions before I actually called and placed my orders and he responded promptly, completely, and helpfully to each e-mail. When I finally decided on my order, I called up and Joey was just as helpful on the phone. I ended up staying on the line with him for about 20 minutes discussing beer in general, items soon to come in, our respective beer scenes, etc. He got my order out that afternoon at no additional cost as I was picking it up from a friends house in NY (can't ship to PA) and needed to make sure it didn't take the full 10 days. I would definitely order from him again. The website is updated fairly often with "coming soon" and "just in" sections. The selection is not the most extensive (granted, it is quite substantial,) but the mantra here is definitely quality over quantity. His access to San Diego area breweries means fresh west coast IPAs (specific favorites being Alpine brews and Sculpin) and Russian River beers makes placing an order worth it. Additionally, he carries dozens of other phenomenal beers. I had no problem filling up my box of 12 (in fact, I had trouble keeping it to one box.) With the absurd prices in Philadelphia, the beers common to both are actually cheaper coming from South Bay including shipping and handling (so it's more than worth it.) All in all, a great shop with stellar service.
Feb 15, 2010
Photo of hardy008
Reviewed by hardy008 from Minnesota

5/5  rDev +6.4%
I ordered from South Bay Drugs for the first time this week. The selection and the quality are both great. It only took 5 days for the shipment to be packed until it arrived at my front door.

I was able to pick from Russian River, Alesmith, Alaskan Brewing, Deschutes, and many other breweries whose beers are not available in Minnesota. Joey was quick to get the quote back to me, and shipped right away. Everything arrived in perfect condition. I would order from South Bay Drugs again in a heart beat.
Jan 23, 2010
Photo of gthornton
Reviewed by gthornton from California

4.65/5  rDev -1.1%
My good friend had been mentioning South Bay for several years now, and I finally had the chance to check it out this last winter break. I really wish i had done so sooner.

Joey hung out with us the whole time we were making our choices, and its clear that he respects his beer, because he has somehow managed to remember every detail about every beer in his well-stocked fridge.

The prices were great, which means we ended up spending way too much, because we knew we could get a lot of bang for the buck.

So, if you are an experienced beer snob, or someone still looking to get your feet yet, I highly recommend that you go so hello to this very friendly and knowledgeable place.
Jan 11, 2010
Photo of PlinyTheYoungest
Reviewed by PlinyTheYoungest from California

5/5  rDev +6.4%
South Bay Drugs has definitely become my go to bottle shop in San Diego. Even though it's at least a half hour round trip for me to get down to Imperial Beach and back to North Park, it's totally worth it. They have a very big and diverse selection of great beers and they are always at some of the best prices you will find in the county. Joey is a very friendly and knowledgeable guy, he knows his stuff and loves sharing with you about it. Also he is very responsive to emails and can generally set stuff aside for you if you ask. Even if you don't live in the South Bay I suggest you go check this place out.
Dec 11, 2009
Photo of rye726
Reviewed by rye726 from Colorado

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Great beer store located in Southern California. Joey the beer buyer does an amazing job getting in special release beers from places like Port, Lost Abbey, Alpine, Ballast Point and The Bruery.

Not only does he get in great beers, he does an excellent job shipping them to states that would not normally get a chance to purchase these fine ale. Communication is always quick and easy. Very fair shipping prices as well.

As I said, great selection. These guys get in new beer almost every week. Well worth giving them a try. Highly recommended.
Sep 14, 2009
Photo of Bung
Reviewed by Bung from Michigan

4.5/5  rDev -4.3%
The newest place added to my list of online stores to get hard to find stuff from out west. Alesmith, Russian River, Port/Lost Abbey, etc. Website is very straightforward, easy to navigate. Looks like the same people that did Beverages for less's website did this one. Prices are plenty fair, it's just expensive to ship across country. Didn't have a limit on Older Viscosity, which is not the case in most places. Of course, I only ordered 2 with the quality problems reported. Joey was very fast and professional to deal with.
Sep 01, 2009
Photo of Lerxst
Reviewed by Lerxst from Florida

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Ordered a shipment from Joey and was very pleased with all aspects of my transaction.

He has a great selection that I simply cannot get my hands on here in Florida. So, I was willing to pay to try some of these great beers I read about.

Joey was great to deal with. He was professional and prompt in all my communications with him. He also was very helpful and knowledgeable, suggesting other beers I may like based on my order. My order was shipped the next day after the order was placed! Now that is service! I received it quickly and safely. Everything was very well protected and all of my new jewels were safe and sound.

The price of the beer itself is very reasonable, but the shipping & packing fees are a bit higher than other online retailers. But when you are shipping expensive beer across the country, it doesn't pay to skimp on protecting them and Joey apparently does the shipping/packing at cost.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase and will definitely order from Joey again.

edit: I've ordered numerous times from Joey now and this guy is the man. Always on top of the situation, good communication and he is a heckuva nice guy to boot. I have never been anything less than totally and completely satisfied in my dealings with Joey and South Bay, so I am doing something I've never done before, upping my review to 5s across the board. Joey's earned it.
Jul 18, 2009
Photo of VaTechHopHead
Reviewed by VaTechHopHead

4.3/5  rDev -8.5%
Went here based on recommendation for a place to find great West Coast beers. Being from the East Coast I didn't really know what to expect but what a surprise. It's not the biggest store, but it does have a great selection in the beer cases. Offerings from AleSmith, Lost Abbey, Ballast Point, The Brewery, etc. and almost all the popular/hard to find West Coast beers. If you're looking for stuff made outside of CA it's just average, but I wasn't looking for that stuff anyway. The prices were right around what I expected...not many beers there over $13 for a 750ml bottle! Joey, the owner, definitely knows his stuff and can help you find pretty much anything you are looking for, if he doesn't have it already. Definitely worth the trip there to find some great West coast brew.
May 23, 2009
Photo of radshoesbro
Reviewed by radshoesbro from California

4.7/5  rDev 0%
it's somewhat unfortunate that this is considered one of the best stores in san diego. their selection is good (for san diego), but it's far from amazing. it's just SO small! they've definitely got some harder to find stuff, but if you're looking for that really rare stuff be prepared to get it immediately cause they have a tendency to sell out way quicker than a lot of other places. joey is great and he'll help you with pretty much anything you ask. if you're looking for a particular taste he'll steer you in the right direction. he hooked me up with a founder's double trouble (unfortunately i didn't think it was that good) which was pretty awesome! even though it's got it's drawbacks it's a very good store that i try to go as much as i can.
May 15, 2009
Photo of BZero007
Reviewed by BZero007 from Virginia

4.65/5  rDev -1.1%
I have made several online/phone orders from SouthBay and have to say I am inpressed. I have orderd from several other places where shipments communication was lacking and prices were high.

Joey's prices are reasonable and shipping is reasonable also. They have a great selection of beer's there at the store and keep accurate account of stock levels. If a particular hot item is out it will be updated on the website or you will be informed threw email. Their weekley emails of new products are great and informative. They have a great lineup of rare bottles and will release an email as soon as they are out. The packaging is top notch and great to reuse as well. Communication is great also and shipments are prompt.
May 06, 2009
Photo of Patrick999
Reviewed by Patrick999 from Florida

5/5  rDev +6.4%
Mail order, though I'm sure I'll stop by whenever I make it to San Diego.

Quality - Joey doesn't offer any crap, and the beer arrives well-packed, in fine condition. Plus, the beer got out of San Diego very quickly - that was very impressive.

Service - Helpful and responsive, to say the least.

Selection - lots of great West Coast stuff some of us can't otherwise get, some great Belgians some of us can't otherwise get. You've found your West Coast hookup, in case you didn't already know.
Apr 01, 2009
Photo of ckeegan04
Reviewed by ckeegan04 from Texas

4.85/5  rDev +3.2%
Down in San Diego for a day while on vacation in Southern California. Heard great things about this place so it was at the top of my list to swing by. Pull into the parking lot and my general thought is WTF??? What is this place. In a crowded little strip mall and just looks like a drug store from outside. Walk in, and it still looks like a drug store. See the coolers on the right and wander up...and quickly begin to understand why the place gets so many rave reviews. Not the biggest selection, but what they do have is remarkable. 4 or 5 coolers of allo sorts of west coast gems. Lost Abbey, Russian River, Deschutes, Hair of the Dog, Ballast Point, Green Flash, and many more. Grabbed a handful of hops and went to the counter where the guy behind the counter was showing the person at the counter a bottle of Angels Share. The guy behind the counter turns out to be the Joey I have heard so much about. I grab a bottle of Angels Share from him and he tells me about some more Ballast Point he has in the back, including Dorado Double IPA. Walk out $70 lighter with some awesome beers.

Definitely worth the trip. A little out of the way, but I will make the trip anytime I am down in the San Diego area. Joey knows his stuff and seems to be doing more to make the store even better.
Mar 28, 2009
Photo of magictrokini
Reviewed by magictrokini from California

4.65/5  rDev -1.1%
First off, I gave the selection an "exceptional" not for its size, but for the quality. There are stores with much bigger selections, but I saw beers at South Bay that I have seen nowhere else in San Diego (i.e. Boulevard Imperial Stout). Scored a Doggie Claws as well. Nice stock of rarer Lost Abbey (Serpents Stout). The prices are nice. You do pay for quality, but you don't get jacked. Joey is also the man. Very nice, vey knowledgeable. I heard he can order things for you not in stock, too. If only the location wasn't so far from my house.
Mar 04, 2009
Photo of Nesued
Reviewed by Nesued from South Carolina

4.85/5  rDev +3.2%
Was visiting San Diego for a conference and wanted to get a "feel" for the local beer scene.

Made a run to Stone and Lost Abbey and then proceeded to look up a few local beer stores to see if I can bring home a few...."souvenirs" from my trip to the "left coast".

I wanted to focus upon Lost Abbey, Alesmith, The Bruery and, if by chance, Russian River.

Joey's was the place to go.

Wonderful customer service, great attention to detail and most of all an outstanding selection!!

Don't expect to be overwhelmed by the decor, you won't be. In my opinion, that should be the least of your concern. Most of all the offerings are at refrigerator temp (I saw some Lost Abbey, Sierra Nevada and a few cases at RT) and a great variety ranging from sours to Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig.

I was particulary amazed by the variety of Gueuze offerings. Well done!!! If you are looking for wilds, Gueuze's and sours, this is very much the place to visit.

Coming from SC, I was very much looking forward to the experience of shipping. Joey didn't dissappoint. I came with list in hand (made from the beers listed on their website) and worked out a shipment of a 12 bottle pack and a 6 bottle pack.

I was able to find exactly what I wanted, and even snagged a Russian River Consecration for my troubles.

One digress here: Their website. BIG plus here for being exceedingly up to date! So many times locations will list their beers on their website but it is grossly out of date. Not the case here.

I was there on a Friday afternoon, and Joey was putting together his order for the coming week. I was able to see/hear the relationship Joey has with his distributors. It's outstanding. If it is available in Southern California, Joey will have it.

If I'm back to San Diego, I'll visit Joey's again. If I'm not, I'll be ordering from Joey's via their website and email group newsletter. It's worth working with and supporting a great guy/location, regardless of distance.

Frequent this place, order from this place, you will not be dissappointed.
Feb 21, 2009
Photo of kleffman
Reviewed by kleffman from California

4.5/5  rDev -4.3%
Not usually down by the border but finally found myself down here on a Sunday and decided to stop into South Bay for a quick look. Found about 3 or 4 coolers of very high end beer with reasonable prices. Some stuff I've never heard of, some far away hard to get gems, and lots of locals. Unfortunately being a sunday I wasn't able to talk to Joey, I'm sure there are more beers hidden away somewhere in the back. Ended up with a Boulevard beer and the latest Bruery offering that I haven't been able to find yet. Highly recommended stop if you find yourself this far south.
Jan 05, 2009
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Reviewed by JayQue from Virginia

4.85/5  rDev +3.2%
South Bay Drugs was my first experience with having beer shipped. The web site is well laid out, the selection is great and the directions on ordering beer are clear and make sense.

I spoke briefly with Joey on the phone as part of the process and he is friendly and helpful.

I ordered 6 beers on 22 Dec 2008 and they arrived in my office on 29 December in perfect shape. The beer was packed in a box with custom shaped egg crate material inside - 3 beers per layer. If you were shipping nitro-glycerine instead of beer, this packing arrangement would do nicely!!!!

Its cheaper to buy beer locally but I can't get Alesmith, Deschutes or Russian River in Tidewater Virginia.

I'm sure I will be ordering from South Bay again...highly recommended.
Dec 30, 2008
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Reviewed by Swimsum from Oregon

4.65/5  rDev -1.1%
Stopped in here today for the time (I'm not from the San Diego area but was in the area visiting). First impression was that it was a fairly small place for how much beer is listed on the website. Everything I saw was chilled although Geoi came up to me and told me he had stuff in the back that wasn't out and if I was looking for anything in particular to just ask. Geoi was very friendly and helpful and even gave me a Victory Hop Devil on the house. Prices were pretty reasonable and the selection was very impressive. As I was checking out Geoi reminded me that he ships beer (as others has reviewed) and to send him an email anytime. Since I don't make it to the San Diego area all too often and I can't get a lot of the beers he has in San Luis Obispo where I go to school, I have a feeling that I'll be emailing him sometime soon. This is a must visit if you are in the area.
Dec 23, 2008
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Reviewed by Reed415 from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +6.4%
I have never actually been in the store, but I have ordered off of Joey numerous times. He is always very pleasant and helpful. Living in Ohio, it is hard for me to get a lot of the west coast beers, especially the rare ones. Joey has shipped me some pretty good stuff, from Pliny to Isabelle Proximus. Shipping is always fast and the prices are more than reasonable. Needless to say, I will definitely be ordering from South Bay in the future. I definitely recommend checking out the website, which has a list of beers that are available
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Dec 03, 2008
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Reviewed by midaszero from Washington

5/5  rDev +6.4%
South Bay is how I use to get all my California goodness. Joey is awesome. When ordering online there is a pretty quick turn around and he is cool to deal with.

Finally got a chance to stop in on a recent trip to San Diego and check out the store. Boy is it smaller than I imagined. I mean it isn't small but everyone I know seems to order from him so it is kind of like where the hell does he keep all the beer?

They get a lot of good stuff and Joey is always very fair with how he handles all his business. Incredibly honest and easy to deal with. I just wish I could still order from them.
Nov 24, 2008
South Bay Drugs in Imperial Beach, CA
Place rating: 4.7 out of 5 with 76 ratings