Denny's Craft Beer & Wine Cave

Store

4400 Heatherdowns Blvd
Ste 4
Toledo, Ohio, 43614-3182
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.35
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
25
pDev:
13.79%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by FLBeerGuy:
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Reviewed by FLBeerGuy from Florida

2.94/5  rDev -32.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.25 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5
Because of the rave reviews I had to stop in on the way down to Cleveland from Detroit on a Friday morning. I have to say I was pretty disappointed. They have a very small selection of quality beer, some singles, but I didn't see anything special or worth going out of the way for. No customer service to speak of. I was the only customer in the store for the 15 min I was there. Nobody ever came over to offer assistance. Not that I needed any, but ignoring a customer who is there for about 15 minutes is not good service.
Jul 27, 2011
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 2.5 by Matthew1788 from Ohio

Apr 17, 2014
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Reviewed by mdvatab from Indiana

3.25/5  rDev -25.3%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.25 | selection: 3.25
This bottle shop was "Temporarily CLOSED..." when I went by there today. The store unit that the shop is in also had a "For Lease" sign in the window as well.

Judging by the ratings of other reviewers, there are going to be some disappointed individuals... Not sure how long the temporary closure is for, so it would be advisable to call before making a special trip.

(Giving them "3.25" ratings to enable my review to post without dinging their rating average.)
Mar 21, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by spikechiquet from Ohio

Dec 10, 2013
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Reviewed by zerosiah from Ohio

4.21/5  rDev -3.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Tucked into the middle of a strip mall on the south side of Toledo you'll find Denny's Craft Beer & Wine Cave. The unassuming sign is somewhat representing of the decor inside. The Craft beer is located towards the back of the store.

There are a number of offerings from nearly all of the smaller breweries from Ohio and Michigan. The selection favors American micros with a select few Belgians and Germans. Nearly every beer in the store can be purchased by the single bottle, which is nice.

The price of beer is reasonable and the selection seems to be updated quite frequently. They also have some special releases for both growler fills and bottles, an added bonus.
Jul 12, 2013
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Reviewed by hoppybeers4me from Ohio

4.83/5  rDev +11%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Very excited about Denny M. acquiring the Beer and Wine Cave. He has exceptional knowledge and retail expertise in everything beer. PLUS... It's so nice to be able to support a non-chain, non-big-box "neighborhood" store. You can expect individual attention and expert recommendations. I will buy my craft beer from Denny when I am in the area.
Jul 10, 2013
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Reviewed by FacedinXiamen from China

4.86/5  rDev +11.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Denny's Craft Beer and Wine Cave is a gem in the heart of South Toledo. For those Toledoans, and those passing through, you would be hard-pressed to find a better shop selling a variety of incredible beers. This place always has some excellent finds that one cannot find in other shops in the region. I very much recommend a trip if you haven't been here.
Jul 09, 2013
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Reviewed by Scoti_Garbidis from Ohio

4.9/5  rDev +12.6%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
A neighbor tipped me off to the Beer and Wine Cave several months ago. Immediately upon walking in I was greeted with a warm smile and help finding what i was looking for.

I have tried many new beers thanks to the Beer and Wine Cave. I will continue to shop here because I enjoy the quality and service I receive.

If you haven't been to the Beer & Wine Cave you should check it out.
Jul 09, 2013
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Reviewed by watzo99 from Michigan

4.44/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
Immediately upon walking into this store we were greeted by Matt. We told him we hadn't been in before and that we found it on BA. He ushered us to the back, past the wines, to the beer section. Though it is a small area, as everyone has pointed out, the best part is that Matt was so helpful and willing to educate us. I told him we came in from Michigan to see what selections Ohio had that we couldn't get, and he started rattling off several good options.

It's definitely about the customer service here, and Matt will absolutely help you find what you want, and if he doesn't have it in stock, he'll try to get it for you. He loves to talk, and I would recommend you listen and enjoy! I can easily say this is among the best experiences I've had in any beer store.
Jun 08, 2012
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Reviewed by Dael5859 from Ohio

4.73/5  rDev +8.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
The BWC is a gem for craft shopping in south Toledo. It's true that due to limited floor space they can't stock a crazy amount of different crafts, but Matt is always up to speed with what is coming out, and he is eager to make any special orders that his customers ask for. Perhaps in that respect it's a better store for locals than it is for those "passing through". The available selection on any given day, however, is top notch.

There is always an emphasis on stocking and buying local, so you can expect to find great selections from northern Ohio and southern Michigan breweries.

It's unfortunate for the few negative reviews on here that the reviewers seemed to stop in when Matt was either out of the store or off that particular day. The regulars know that these reviewers would have had a completely different and much more positive experience had he been there. Unfortunately, the people who work in the attached butcher shop/market aren't beer geeks by any stretch and simply dont have the expertise to give us craft shoppers that Wow factor.

One thing would make BWC even better: growler fill station.
Jun 08, 2012
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Reviewed by BirdsandHops from Oregon

2.79/5  rDev -35.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 3
I stopped here in Toledo after seeing the pretty glowing reviews of the place. It's a nice enough little place, though having to walk through a meat/grocery store attached to it was a bit weird.

The selection was pretty underwhelming. I try to go to beer stores whenever I visit a new city and this store was definitely one of the least impressive, especially considering its ratings. It has one long shelf and about 3-4 coolers' worth of craft beer, so there isn't much room to begin with.

As for service, there was not another soul in the beer half of the store. No one greeted me or talked to me until I went back over to the butcher counter to try to check out, at which point a guy walked me back over to the beer half of the store, fiddled with the cash register for 5 minutes, and then made me walk back over to the butcher counter to check out.

The prices were decent. Not unreasonable, but not great.

Overall, I would not go to this place again. It's not bad really, but it's one of the few times I've regretted driving out of my way for a beer store.
Apr 17, 2012
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Reviewed by averse from Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Had a great experience at the Beer and Wine Cave today with Matt. I had never been before and I was in the area and I had read good things so I figured I'd stop in. I was greeted immediately by Matt and shown around. They had just so happened to get some KBS in which helped. I liked the way he was allocating it - you can buy one bottle if you buy a 6 or 4 pack of another Founder's beer, limit two bottles this way. Seems fair to me and it was a good excuse to buy more Founder's stuff. Overall, a very good selection in a relatively small place. I will definitely be going back here in the future.
Mar 15, 2012
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Reviewed by fantasyroach from North Carolina

3.94/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3
Stopped here thanks to the reviews from Beer Advocate while I was driving from NC to Michigan and was glad I took the time to pop in.

Matt was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the beers they had and had some good recommendations on new things to try. Only real issue I had was that the selection wasn't as big as I expected it to be after reading some reviews.

However, the stuff they did have was top notch, just left wishing there was more of it there. Would definitely stop in again, if nothing else just to chat with Matt about some great beers.
Sep 16, 2011
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Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

3.66/5  rDev -15.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Near UT to drop off a fedex envelope and B&W Cave is only a few miles away. Two tater tots in tow.

Atmosphere: The store is connected to a butcher and requires you to enter through there. BBQ sauces and other accoutrements dot the aisles on the way to the beer cave. Through an archway, you are there. Beer to the left, homebrew back past that. Wine to the right.

Quality: The beer cave has a few stools, most are up near the wine though. I wasn't expecting a wall of coolers...

Service: Service was average, nothing great and nothing bad.

Selection: I'll admit it, I'm stumped. The selection is good but that's it. Locals are plentiful, as are seasonal (pumpkin) beers. But the selection wasn't that deep and nothing wowed me. Great Lakes was in abundant supply, as were Flying Dog, Founders, and Bells. The selection, I'd say, is just below some of the regional Andersons stores, good but ordinary.

Food: Plenty of meats and related items to be had but we weren't indulging.
Sep 05, 2011
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Reviewed by Eriktheipaman from California

4.56/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
The guy who helped me out (I assume Matt by the other reviews) was great. Being from Ca. he showed me all the local stuff I might be interested in. He was very knowledgable and also homebrews and holds tastings.

I ended up buying about 30 or 40 dollars worth of beers. He also offered me his last Blushing Monk he had in the back and was fairly priced but I was going for more of a variety being I've never had access to a lot of those beers.

This would be one of my go to places due to the great service.And since they do tastings once or twice a week it's a great way to try new things.
Aug 11, 2011
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Reviewed by eMcBeerson from Indiana

3.94/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Stopped in a few weeks back while passing thru Toledo. I only had time to stop at one place and this was it. Matt was friendly and knowledgeable. Selection was small but high quality and it sounds like things sell and rotate pretty quickly. Picked up some local microbrews, Big John, and 21st Amendment. The 21st was a treat as I cant get this in IN or IL and I've never even seen it in SoCal. Sounds like there is a pretty active craft beer scene in the area. Meats and cheeses are connected in the store next door. Nice place. I would definitely return.
Jun 05, 2011
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Reviewed by lpritchard from Ohio

4.44/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
Great selection of unique beers and a small home brew supply shop in the back. Most of their beers are in coolers with a few on shelves at room temperature. They do have a good selection of wine if your into grape juice...

Some of the home brew items were a bit higher then you would find at other home brew shops in the area although its in a great location close to the Turnpike and many major arteries out of town. They do carry grain, hops and wyeast yeast in slap packs. Some bottling equipments including bottles and cappers.

The staff was very helpful
May 31, 2011
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Reviewed by sweatervest27 from Ohio

4.64/5  rDev +6.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Unfortunately I passed by this place many times. My fault actually, I dismiss "wine" shops in search for a beer utopia not even thinking about the beer selection being any good and I really missed a great stop for a while because of it. However, thankfully my buddy was running late in the area this week so I swung in just to pass time and I was truly surprised at this little place. The amount of beer is admittedly not overly impressive but the quality of the brew is outstanding. I found a few gems that I know for a fact I could not have gotten easily on my own, if at all (hopslam in may, really?!). They also hold beer and wine tastings every Wednesday and Thursday which I fully intend to frequent this summer. Locals bring in hard-to-get brews from all over and even some homebrew masterpieces to share. If you do stop in, which you should, ask for Matt. He is extremely friendly and knows his stuff. Im sure he would be more than happy to take down your information and form a "geeky beer wish list" for ya. I put down some rare stuff so that is left to be seen how that goes, but I have no doubt he will try his damndest to get it. Keeping my fingers crossed for that hunahpu! Oh I crack myself up...
May 08, 2011
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Reviewed by superspak from North Carolina

4.8/5  rDev +10.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I was in Toledo for a concert last friday and I made sure to hit up beerfly before leaving of course. Checked this place first, and scoped out everything before going to the next stops to see what was in store. I kept tabs on the selection, because I really wanted to go back. They had some of the very few cases of Goose Island Big John along with a few other goodies I was interested in. When I returned for the second time, Matt(the beer and wine guy) was there and was able to answer any questions I had, and even gave me a few suggestions when I was browsing around.

The selection here isn't mind blowingly large, but there is a fantastic variety of offerings, and they haven't been sitting around very long. Matt told me that he likes to keep the stock at a moderate level so that the freshest beer can be available for purchase without sitting in the store for too long. He also assured me that if I ever came back to visit Toledo, that I could shoot him an EMail and he could order in whatever beer I was looking for! Highly recommended for great service and fresh brews with a good selection variety as well.
Apr 26, 2011
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Reviewed by dbc5 from Arizona

4.86/5  rDev +11.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I stopped by the Beer and Wine Cave for the first time this afternoon. Having heard of it on numerous occasions, I thought it was about time I see it for myself. I must say I am pleased I did, as it was thoroughly impressive. Matt is an awesome guy and really takes care of his customers. Myself and another customer talked beer with him for a good 10 or 15 minutes. While it is not the largest store you will find, the stock is very high quality and Matt makes it quite clear that he is interested in the input of those frequenting his establishment as he grows the selection. Despite this being my first visit, he expressed real interest in what I would like to see added to their inventory. This needs to be a stop for any local beer lover interested in a great beer store with an even better beer atmosphere.

As a side note, there are weekly beer and wine tastings that sound very cool; something worth checking out.
Apr 14, 2011
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Reviewed by duffcalifornia from Wisconsin

4.44/5  rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
Went here on based on BA's recommendations. Had a great chat with Matt(?) the beer guy, who walked and talked me through his current stock. He was extremely friendly and helpful. If I spent more time in the Toledo area, I could easily see this becoming an excellent bottle shop, as Matt seems to really care about his regulars - he mentioned he tries to listen to what people/his regulars want and subsequently tries to stock it for them. For sheer amount, the Andersons has a much better selection, but you can't go wrong with the Beer and Wine Cave. I even picked up a Stone Vertical Epic 09.09.09! Will definitely stop by again when I'm in town.
Feb 19, 2011
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Reviewed by jvantress from Ohio

5/5  rDev +14.9%
Visited this place because of a friends strong recommendation. We stopped up to see what it was all about and ended up doing one of their beer tastings and the lineup was awesome. It is a great place to find rare and hard to find beers as I have never been disappointed. Matt (he runs the shop) had some Dogfish Head Squall IPA that I was looking for. If it's not in stock, just ask him and he will try his hardest to get it for you. Fortunately for me this store is rite in my back yard, but this place is definitely worth a day trip if you are not from around here. It has by far the best selection and service I have been able to find anywhere around Toledo or Southern Michigan. My friends and I love going out there on Thursdays for their Beer tasting and I recommend anyone in the area to stop on up there.
Nov 18, 2010
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Reviewed by frazbri from Ohio

4.7/5  rDev +8%
A non-BA friend of mine told me about the Beer and Wine Cave a while ago, and I've finally made it over. The location is in a strip mall across from the Stranahan in SW Toledo.

The first thing you'll see as you enter is wine. The front half of the store has racks of vino on both wall and through the center. Beyond the register lies the beer. The south wall holds shelves of room temperature stock, and the north wall is lined with refrigerators loaded with beer.

One of the most notable thing about the selection is how fresh everything seems to be. There are stores with more choices, but sometimes those choices are past their prime. Beyond that there is some really good quality beers here. Belgian ale and regional craft beers are very well accounted for, as well as some other surprises.

Service is excellent. Matt and company know and love beer. What more do you need to know? They do wine tastings Wednesday and Thursday nights. (maybe a little beer too) My only regret is not visiting sooner.
Oct 12, 2010
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Reviewed by blilly from Maryland

5/5  rDev +14.9%
Beer and Wine cave is one of the best places in the area to go for beer purchasing, especially when you're looking for uncommon goods. They keep an up to date stock, and do their best to obtain rare beers. They are great to work with as well; if there is a beer that is legally attainable in Ohio that they don't have, Matt will do everything he can to get it in for you. They do a great job of carrying more than the grocery store craft beers, and its always exciting to go and and see whats new in the store.
Mar 21, 2010
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Reviewed by Brenden from Ohio

4.55/5  rDev +4.6%
This place is located at 4400 Heatherdowns in South Toledo. It's connected to Meats and More and, from what I've read and heard, the owners and staff take great delight in being able particularly to pair their meats and cheeses with the right beverages. I'd say dedication and store space is pretty much evenly split between beer and wine. There's a nice selection of some good quality beers. A length of shelves against one wall with a large cooler area across and a smaller cooler on the end of the shelf in the doorway leading to the deli makes up a very solid beer selection. Since I've been there I've made more effort to talk to whoever's working and everyone seems to really know what they're talking about. I also don't have to wait very long for service. The owner, Matt, will put together an amazing tasting and really knows the business and beer in general. For our tasting, he actually made bruschetta, mushroom soup, and boursin cheese with crackers. He also took some of his own bottles of the shelves for us to try(for the record, Ithaca Flower power and New Holland Charkoota rye doppelbock). Another really nice thing about it is that they have alternating wine and beer tastings so that on a given night you can go and sample some choice brews. All in all a good place to go check out if you're in the area.

Edit: after a recent tasting, scores have been changed. I edited the original review.
Mar 19, 2009
Denny's Craft Beer & Wine Cave in Toledo, OH
Place rating: 4.35 out of 5 with 25 ratings