Wally's

Wally'sWally's
Wally'sWally's
Store

2107 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, California, 90025-6330
United States

(310) 475-0606 | map
wallywine.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.22
Reviews:
19
Ratings:
27
pDev:
15.64%
View: Place Reviews
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Ratings by rxdrewthejew:
Photo of rxdrewthejew
Reviewed by rxdrewthejew from California

3.7/5  rDev -12.3%
Easy to find right off Westwood and Pico. No doubt this is a wine store. Beer is all stored in the fridge. Selection isn't really that good, but for the most part it's stuff you might not find too many other places. Seems like they always have Russian River Damnation in stock. Also found Stone seasonals (including Old Guardian), some Victory, Avery, plenty of German and Belgian brews as well. Prices were variable. The Old Guardian was only 5 bucks for a bomber, but Avery's The Beast was 8 bucks for a 12 ouncer. Staff is friendly, the cashier chatted with me for a bit about beers. Overall, worth going there just for the Damnation. I dunno if I'd go out of my way for this store but if you live in West LA it's worth checking out.
Dec 14, 2007
More User Ratings:
Photo of beeeeeer420
Reviewed by beeeeeer420 from California

1.4/5  rDev -66.8%
vibe: 2 | quality: 1 | service: 2 | selection: 1
Wally's was once the premier place to get craft beer on the Westside. They had an amazing selection, the beer was always fresh, the service top-notch, and the people who worked there were laid back and friendly.

Wally's was then sold and the focus shifted to high-end wine and opening restaurants. The beer selection shrunk, as reflected in some of the other reviews.

Now, the process is complete. Wally's no longer has a beer fridge at all, and the Westwood place that started it all will soon close. They plan to open a Santa Monica restaurant and "shop," just like in Beverly Hills. Since the BH spot has no beer whatsoever, I imagine this SM one will be the same.

Essentially, this place is off the map for beer.
Apr 09, 2018
 
Rated: 3.94 by drewone from California

Apr 20, 2016
 
Rated: 3.79 by Jason_cs from Florida

Apr 17, 2016
 
Rated: 4.72 by LADaveBN from California

Dec 14, 2014
Photo of mrcraft
Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.21/5  rDev -0.2%
I visited Wally's only a couple times since I live on the other side of town.

It's a high-end shop, but seems to cater to their wine clientele. I didn't think their beer selection was all that great, but still solid.

I don't think Wally's can compare to places I normally visit that's closer, better stocked, and more competitively priced.

When I visit UCLA or play golf on the Westside, I might swing by and see what they have that day. I think it's worth a stop if you live nearby or visit the area.
Nov 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.3 by wethorseblanket from California

Sep 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Rollzroyce21 from California

Jun 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SoCalBeerIdiot from California

May 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Bnoise11 from California

Apr 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Stevedore from Oregon

Jan 09, 2014
Photo of ficklenicholas
Reviewed by ficklenicholas from California

4.44/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I go to Wally's frequently, once a month or so, its kind of out of the way for me and a pain in traffic. Nice shop with great selections of wine and liquor. Get on their email list as you have a chance to buy over the phone and get down there at your own convenience. I always find a brew to try or something I have been looking for, although they sell out of stuff very fast. Can be a little expensive, but they have semi annual tent sales where all beers are 20% off and they have great deals on wine and booze. The beer buyer, Stephanie, is very nice and always down to talk beer if she has the time.
Mar 12, 2012
Photo of Jugs_McGhee
Reviewed by Jugs_McGhee from Colorado

3.98/5  rDev -5.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Wally's is my go-to stop in Los Angeles, as the only other store that's close is Ramirez - which has worse selection and service.

I frequently order from Wally's via phone after receiving their "Beer update" email delivered to everyone on their beer list. Calls are quick and efficient, and you pay on the phone for your beer. I love this system because it means I don't have to worry about rushing over to pick up beers that are being held for me but can still be purchased by others; it's first come first served and I know that once I buy a beer, it's set aside for me.

Stephanie, the beer merchant, is knowledgable and friendly. I haven't talked to her about what I'd like to see ordered more frequently, but I intend to.

Service is fast. They happily package your beer with bottle protectors, in boxes. Amex, mastercard, and visa are all accepted.

The pricing is reasonable for the area, but some of their beers are jaw-droppingly expensive.

It balances its emphases well; beer wine and liquor are all equally weighted in spite of the store's name.

Wally's also features a posh cheese shoppe, which I don't at all recommend because the prices are outrageous.

I've yet to encounter a better beer store in L.A. Trumps BevMo and Whole Foods in my book.

I would like to see them introduce a loyalty program/card or something to maybe give dedicated customers a periodic discount.

B+
Feb 20, 2012
Photo of beer2day
Reviewed by beer2day from North Carolina

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Nice wine and beer shop near the UCLA campus.

Tough review, since I spent less than 10 minutes in the shop while my wife circled looking for parking.

All the beer I saw was cold across the back of the store in ~10 cooler doors, with lots of single selections and signs indicating warm sixers were available. Nice split of import and micro selections. AleSmith and Stone well represented. Alaskan, Telegraph, Crooked Line all there too.

Service was nice at the checkout, but none offered while looking.

Nice destination neighborhood shop.
Sep 23, 2011
Photo of psiweaver
Reviewed by psiweaver from Washington

4.16/5  rDev -1.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
this place is very good for Los Angeles. I find that most of the shops in Los Angeles, aren't really bottle shops per se and most focus a lot on Wine.

This one is no different in that regard, they tend to have a very good selection of beer, though they don't have anything crazy rare as the selection is always fairly picked over due to the huge amount of foot traffic.

All the beer is kept in refrigerated coolers which is perfect and they tend to have RR, Alesmith and the other CA locals.

Service tends to be very good and they are always super helpful.

worth a stop by if your in the area as you'll find something tasty to drink.
Apr 23, 2011
Photo of SpdKilz
Reviewed by SpdKilz from Illinois

4.44/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Since I don't live in Santa Monica/LA (outside of it) I don't normally come unless I know they have some good stuff. When you walk in everyone always says hi. It is mainly a wine store, but they have a solid beer selection - everything they stock is relatively sought after - they don't waste space with the "common" stuff overall (i.e. Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, etc and by that I mean the 12 packs, 6 packs, etc.). Service is great - I am always asked if I need help and if I say no they leave you be...the perfect way to handle it IMO. The selection is actually pretty damn good overall. RR stuff, Victory at Sea, FiftyFifty Evan Williams, they DID have Abyss in the back, Sanctification, Tactical Nuclear Penguin (now on shelves), etc. Ask them what they have in back - got a Red Poppy today. As stated, pretty good selection. The value is about on par with LA, but that means it is a bit pricy because other places in CA have these for cheaper. But still, definitely worth a stop!
Mar 06, 2011
Photo of UCLABrewN84
Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4.7/5  rDev +11.4%
I have been to Wally's a few times now. Funny, I never knew about it when I went to school at UCLA, but it's somewhat close to the campus.

Wally's is a pretty upscale place that carries wine, liquor, beer, and even has a cheese shop. ALL of their beer is refrigerated in the back and there are about 8 cooler doors. All beer is organized very well by country or brewery.

They have a large selection of US craft beer that CA gets (Alpine, Ommegang, Avery, Lagunitas) and beers from Europe and Japan. I have found beers here I can't find anywhere else (Drie Fonteinen, De Dolle, Beer Here, Haand, Achel, Hanssens). Prices can be somewhat steep, but it's expected for the high quality beer they stock.

Staff has always been very helpful and polite every time I have gone.

I would highly recommend this place if you are anywhere in the LA area.
Feb 12, 2011
Photo of charlzm
Reviewed by charlzm from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.6%
Visited on Monday, Januray 31st about 1:00pm.

I had been looking for Deschutes Abyss 2010 and had been stymied everywhere I tried. Thanks to a helpful tip from the BA forums, I gave Wally's a call.

I have to give them a little ding for their website: beer is there (unlike some beer/wine/liquor stores), but it's a little difficult to navigate. An alphabetical list be brewery would be awesome.

Anyway, they gladly put the beer I wanted on hold. I showed up and picked it up later that day with no issues. Their beer selection is extensive, though not mind-blowing. They go for quality more than quantity and everything is refrigerated. Prices are on the the high end of the acceptable range, but nothing is gouged.

The staff was friendly and efficient.

There's plenty of free parking.

What more can you ask for?
Feb 01, 2011
Photo of DoesntMatter46
Reviewed by DoesntMatter46 from California

4.85/5  rDev +14.9%
This is the place where I buy my good beer.

The beer is located in the fridges in the back, and in the time that I've been shopping there they have expanded the amount of room dedicated to beer. Hopefully the take over will continue...

Very well selected, well organized, and with a sign reading something along the lines of 'if you don't see something, ask, we might have it in the back' you get the feeling that someone really knows their stuff. And those someones are Kathryn and Graham. Both really know their beer, and very willing to rummage around in the chilled back room to look for a request.

Simply put, this place has beers I cannot easily or readily acquire elsewhere. All the bottled Alpine IPAs, the most regular supply of uber fresh Pliny, a wide selection of Dieu du Ciel brews, FiftyFifty Eclipse bottles made an appearance, part of the small amount of Bourbon County Stout that makes it out West, well stocked seasonals from the Bruery, a nice group of new Euro brews- BrewDog, Nogne O, and Mikkeller, well picked classic English, Belgian, and German brews and a fridge door packed with more sour/ wild ales than I knew existed. The quality of their beer is a step above the rest. But it is not as massive of a selection as others, but if you demand your bottle shop have every adjunct lager from every Asia and Latin America country available in a easy to carry 6 pack holder, you might want to look else where.

And yes, I do feel the prices are reasonable, for the outstanding quality and service, a dollar-ish mark up is, in my mind, completely justified. Prices are more competitive with bombers and limited beers than your everyday six pack beer. For example, FW 14 was being sold for the same price here as at BevMo, and SN 30th Anniversary Grand Cru costs a mere 75 cents more at Wally's. Don't think that extra 75 cents is worth it? Sign up for the beer e-mail list. Trust me you'll want to.

Oh, and did I mention I live just a few blocks away on the same street? So, yea, I really like this place.
Dec 27, 2010
Photo of keithmurray
Reviewed by keithmurray from Connecticut

4/5  rDev -5.2%
Went yesterday to check out this spot on a suggestion. They have all of their beer located in a cooler inthe back of the store. They don't really sell six packs, rather they sell singles (but if you buy 6 of the same beer, they will kick in an extra 10% discount, which is worth something I guess). They had a decent selection of Germans, Belgians as well as American craft. I found some gems I wasn't able to fin at some of the other craft stores I visited in the area. Found some Kulmbacher Eisbock there for $3.25 a bottle, which is a reasonable price. Also found Hacker Pschoor October fest, which I also couldnt find inthe area as well as Dieu Du Ciel Rigor Mortis (was really happy to find that one!)

I also have to mention the customer service, there was a fella who asked me if I needed help and from their website, they said they had the Kulmbacher Eisbock, but had none in the cooler. The young man went to the back and got me three bottles of the stuff, so props to him for not being lazy.
Nov 04, 2010
Photo of Metalmonk
Reviewed by Metalmonk from North Carolina

4.64/5  rDev +10%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Not so much a great beer store as an oasis for drinkers who go for only the highest quality, whether it's beer, spirits, wine...even delectable foods that pair nicely with those adult beverages. And man, does Wally's have an insane wine selection. Their beer selection hardly rivals it in quantity, but the quality factor is seriously high. They throw no bones to the ABCoorsCoronaHeineken crowd -- I hate when otherwise quality stores stock that sort of stuff just to make an extra buck. Wally's don't play dat.

They may lack a number of Belgians I was hoping to see, and they may lack some of the east coast big boys (Southern Tier would fit nicely here), but for an easterner/southerner looking for southern Cali beers not available at home, it's a treat: Bruery (no Black Tuesday), Russian River (Blind Pig IPA, Pliny the Elder), Alesmith (Speedway Stout, Old Numbskull, IPA), Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, Ballast Point...right on. Picked up an Allagash I'd never seen before (Hugh Malone) and was damn pleased to find Portland's finest, Hair Of The Dog (Adam, Fred, Doggie Claws, Blue Dot). And various other offerings from the rest of the country, and the world for that matter.

It's a little cramped, but I was in an aisle that had a couple others perusing the beer and an employee stocking wine shelves behind us, so my cart and my big dumb ass seemed totally in the way of all that. But the service was excellent, and I'll name Graham H. as the guy you should talk to about beer; super-helpful, super-knowledgeable, super-friendly. The guy that rang me up was also cool, pointing out that he really digs the Allagash Hugh Malone.

A must-visit if you're in L.A. and want only quality stuff. Prices are a little high, but hey, consider the turf...
May 05, 2010
Photo of augustgarage
Reviewed by augustgarage from California

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
Wally's has for years seemed to me a place where quality trumps value - they have a very carefully chosen selection of wine and spirits, and aren't afraid to cater to the ludicrously high-end (e.g. $30,000 bottles of cognac). While they've always seemed to carry beer, it seemed more of an afterthought. Recently, I'd heard this situation was changing, and their selection of beer had improved significantly.

On my latest trip, I was happy to discover that this is true. One of the few places I've found that consistently stocks a (nearly) full range of Alpine products; along with this, they had bottles from Kern, Russian River, Alesmith, Lost Abbey, along with the usual suspects among California breweries. A sizable, albeit not exhaustive selection of Belgian, English, German, and other imports can be found in the four or five fridges as well. While there is room for expansion, this is a highly recommended spot to check out if you are visiting L.A. and want to try some superior (and more obscure) local offerings.

I would also commend this store on its immaculate condition, and the freshness of their products mirrors this.

Service is generally pleasant, but if you order online, don't expect them to contact you when your order is ready to pick up...also, some of the employees are a bit snobbish if you aren't prepared to drop a lot of money or aren't a recognizable regular. That said, I've never had a really negative experience here so far.

Prices, even for the area, are pretty high; although they don't mark up the beer to the same degree as some other drinks in the store.

They also have a nice selection of cheese, chocolate, and other food to pair with whatever your beverage of choice may be...
Apr 26, 2010
Photo of Foppie
Reviewed by Foppie from California

5/5  rDev +18.5%
This gem of a shop has become my go to LA beer stop.

They really do encompass all the traits that I search out when beer hunting:

The selection of beers is remarkable, spanning the entire globe. I am always sure to find at least one or two beers totally off my radar when I drop in for my bimonthly visits.

What really sets their beer department aside is the staff. Graham's emails are a dream come true for the beer drinker in search of the next great drink. If you are in LA, love beer, but are not on this list you are missing out!

I have never had anything less than extraordinary service each visit. Kathrine & Graham are always willing to drop whatever they are doing to help point out the latest and greatest bottles & cans. These kids are super sharp and kind. Unlike some other great beer spots I never become concerned that I have just found myself in an endless conversation desperately trying to find a way out! Their knowledge and enthusiasm is tremendous.

Bonuses like friendly pricing, rare beer tasting opportunities, cheese samples, ample parking and an immaculately kept shop keep me coming back with a smile.

Things just keep getting better as I am hearing they are now expanding their beer selection even further! I am going to need another fridge soon!
Apr 09, 2010
Photo of GRG1313
Reviewed by GRG1313 from California

4.5/5  rDev +6.6%
Wally's is THE place for wine. It caters to the entertainment industry so prices can be high but selection is great. It had a terrible beer selection as of two years ago. I fully respect Steve Wallace ("Wally") for his wine knowledge and the stock but beer was not his forte.

However, with Graham, the current buyer, the selection has become competitive with the better places. And, as of this week, Steve is actually giving Graham almost carte blanche to increase suppliers, selection and lower some prices! He is going to eliminate two more soda doors and fill them with beer. He is out to be one of the best places in Southern California. If he does with beer what he did with wine, this will be one of THE GO TO PLACES. Let's hope he continues with the efforts and follows through.

In any event, still a good place to try. Especially nice selection of small bottles of brews that you usually find only in the larger format. Check it out.
Mar 19, 2010
Photo of ghaverfield
Reviewed by ghaverfield from New Jersey

4.65/5  rDev +10.2%
I noticed that Wally's hadn't been reviewed for a few years, so I want to bring it's rating up to date. Wally's has become one of my go to stores as a beer geek in LA. Carl, the current Beer buyer has put together a nicely appointed beer section of American Craft Beer as well as Belgian and German brews.

The beer selection is improving every week... you can always find fresh DFH, Deschutes, Stone, Green Flash, Coronado, Rogue, etc... beers fresh and available by the bottle or 4/6 packs. Also, a few limited releases have made there way to Wally's recently with more to come. Deschutes Mirror Mirror, North Coast Rasputin XII, Carnegie Porter 2004, and Nora Ale are some of the highlights that have been brought just in the past few months.

On top of all that, Wally's will soon be selling a good deal of beers that are hard to find on the West Coast from: Mikkeller, Nørrebro, Nøgne-Ø, Jolly Pumpkin, and St Somewhere Brewing Company.

For those of you who have dismissed Wally's in the past, it's a brand new day, and for all you West LA beer geeks, check it out, you wont be disappointed.
Jun 29, 2009
Photo of Floydster
Reviewed by Floydster from California

3.7/5  rDev -12.3%
Located on Westwood Blvd. in West LA

Carry some hard to find beers like Anchor Xmas (both 50 ounce bottles and 12 oz.), Avery the Beast, Port Santa's Little Helper, Lagunitas Cappucino Stout, and Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Lots of their beers were way passed their bottle date, but still had good beers

Sell out of the Lagunitas seasonals fast unfortunately

Expect to pay a little more than most places

Have not tried any of the beers I have bought from here yet, but date says they are fresh

Cool little store with a loyal customer following, specialize in fine wines even though they have about 6 or 7 fridges of beer
Sep 08, 2007
Photo of Rumrunner
Reviewed by Rumrunner from California

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
A comment about Wally's and how they have dealt with craft beer over the years. About five or six years ago Wally's used to carry plenty of craft beer. It was one of the few places on the westside of Los Angeles to get quality beers. Before every grocery store or liquor store carried a few quality selections just because craft beer became popular, as it is now. About three years ago I ventured in to Wally's as I often did for craft beer and over night they had barely any craft beer. I went to the counter to inquire about what had happened to the craft beer selection. I was told bluntly, "It does not sell." Wally's had abandoned craft beer. Today was my first visit in three years. Happily they have expanded their craft beer selection. I do wonder though, if the craft beer does not sell this time around, that they might abandon it once again. Hopefully not.

Wally's is a wine shop. It is a good sized room and most of the space is used for wine. They have a nice selection of wine and spirits. A very healthy selection of bourbon for the bourbon drinker. They also sell cheeses and other edibles mostly catering to the wine drinker but could easily transfer to beer. There is a seperate building which is a humidor for the cigar smoker. A quality selection of cigars. I am no cigar afficianodo but I thought some were fairly priced and others were over priced.

All of the beer is in the cooler. A very good selection. They do get some one-offs, plenty of seasonals but only a few rareties. They list the beer on their internet site so I will give a limited list here: Anderson Valley, Lost Coast, Firestone, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Stone, Rogue, Stoudt's, Old Engine Oil, Fuller's, Flying Dog, Samuel Smith's, Unibroue, Kwak, St. Bernardus, Chimay, Abbey De Rocs, Leffe, Delerium Tremens, St Feuillien, Groten Brune, Veltins, Schwelmer, Ayinger, Riggwelter, Aventinus, Marston's, Young's, Casta and plenty of other beers. Some of the beers did seem over priced compared to other establishments that sell the same beer in the Los Angeles area.

The service was very good. The person who orders the beer informed me that they don't always have space in the cooler, or on the sales floor for all of the beer they have and to please inquire about beers because they may have other beers in the back cooler that they have not put out yet. Very helpful.

This is a very well maintained store, with a friendly helpful staff that is reaquainting itself with the world of craft beer. A beer drinker can only hope it will remain so.
Oct 30, 2005
Wally's in Los Angeles, CA
Place rating: 4.22 out of 5 with 27 ratings