Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor
1529 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, District of Columbia, 20036-1103
United States
(202) 332-0240 | map
Notes: Closed on Sundays.
Reviews: 39
| Ratings: 56
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Reviews by djhowell:
djhowell from Wisconsin
3.83/5 rDev -10.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Apr 30, 2015
3.83/5 rDev -10.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Apr 30, 2015
More User Reviews:
Zonian1 from Ohio
4.3/5 rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Although I've been to Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor a few times over the past few years, I had never rated or reviewed this unusual spot. Time to fix that. I recently stopped in the shop in early Feb 2018 while on a business trip. As others have said, this store is tiny. They really only have 2 or 3 stacks of beer-oriented shelves. So they don't have room for a broad selection of beers. But they almost always have something interesting. There are sometimes hefty price mark-ups, so don't expect to find any bargains here.
On my Feb 2018 visit, they had several cases of 2017 BCBS and BCBBW on the floor. Price per bottle was $14.99 (about a 50% markup from what I paid in KY on Black Friday.) But since I was not able to find a BW on Black Friday, I picked one up. A shipment of Singlecut's Punk with a Stutter had arrived that day, and they had a couple of cases of Heavy Boots of Lead. Also some Modern Times offerings, and FW XXI ($15).
The shop is conveniently close to the north entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro stop.
Feb 10, 2018
4.3/5 rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Although I've been to Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor a few times over the past few years, I had never rated or reviewed this unusual spot. Time to fix that. I recently stopped in the shop in early Feb 2018 while on a business trip. As others have said, this store is tiny. They really only have 2 or 3 stacks of beer-oriented shelves. So they don't have room for a broad selection of beers. But they almost always have something interesting. There are sometimes hefty price mark-ups, so don't expect to find any bargains here.
On my Feb 2018 visit, they had several cases of 2017 BCBS and BCBBW on the floor. Price per bottle was $14.99 (about a 50% markup from what I paid in KY on Black Friday.) But since I was not able to find a BW on Black Friday, I picked one up. A shipment of Singlecut's Punk with a Stutter had arrived that day, and they had a couple of cases of Heavy Boots of Lead. Also some Modern Times offerings, and FW XXI ($15).
The shop is conveniently close to the north entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro stop.
Feb 10, 2018
PrestigeWorldwide from Michigan
4.21/5 rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25
Dec 10, 2017
4.21/5 rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25
Dec 10, 2017
grover37 from District of Columbia
3.94/5 rDev -8.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Small but well curated selection. Typically a dollar more than most places on most large format bottles. Rare bottles tend to hang around an extra day or two here, so sometimes you get lucky.
Oct 07, 2017
3.94/5 rDev -8.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Small but well curated selection. Typically a dollar more than most places on most large format bottles. Rare bottles tend to hang around an extra day or two here, so sometimes you get lucky.
Oct 07, 2017
VABA from Virginia
4.25/5 rDev -1.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
A small but very good place to find some rare beers. The prices are a bit on the high side, but worth not having to run around to find those rare beers.
Feb 04, 2017
4.25/5 rDev -1.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
A small but very good place to find some rare beers. The prices are a bit on the high side, but worth not having to run around to find those rare beers.
Feb 04, 2017
Squire from Mississippi
4.43/5 rDev +3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
Jun 27, 2016
4.43/5 rDev +3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
Jun 27, 2016
stevoj from Idaho
3.79/5 rDev -11.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.25 | selection: 4
Small, but excellent selection of higher end beers. Prices match rarity. No bargains to be found, but all top notch. Easy to get to, very convenient to Metro and downtown businesses and hotels.
Jan 15, 2016
3.79/5 rDev -11.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.25 | selection: 4
Small, but excellent selection of higher end beers. Prices match rarity. No bargains to be found, but all top notch. Easy to get to, very convenient to Metro and downtown businesses and hotels.
Jan 15, 2016
Iamjeff6 from Virginia
4.25/5 rDev -1.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
Dec 09, 2015
4.25/5 rDev -1.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
Dec 09, 2015
ChrisinRI from Rhode Island
3.75/5 rDev -12.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Jun 23, 2015
3.75/5 rDev -12.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Jun 23, 2015
NickyHouHou from District of Columbia
5/5 rDev +16.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
For any newcomer to the craft beer scene, one hopes to find a retail outlet that has very knowledgable staff, an eclectic selection of readily accessible and hard-to-find brews, and the patience to help aforementioned newcomers. That place is Connecticut Avenue Liquors, right in the heart of DC's famous Dupont Circle. It's no wonder DCBeer.com lists them as a prime location to purchase beer. On a search for a limited release brew, I phoned them for an inquiry. Not only did they have it, but they said they would put it aside for me. After I got there, I ended up finding some other fantastic limited release items. I also ended up talking with the manager, and... Well, let's just say that I ended up walking out with an EXTREMELY rare find! If you're ever in the DC area, it is worth the trip to Connecticut Ave. Liquors!
May 08, 2015
5/5 rDev +16.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
For any newcomer to the craft beer scene, one hopes to find a retail outlet that has very knowledgable staff, an eclectic selection of readily accessible and hard-to-find brews, and the patience to help aforementioned newcomers. That place is Connecticut Avenue Liquors, right in the heart of DC's famous Dupont Circle. It's no wonder DCBeer.com lists them as a prime location to purchase beer. On a search for a limited release brew, I phoned them for an inquiry. Not only did they have it, but they said they would put it aside for me. After I got there, I ended up finding some other fantastic limited release items. I also ended up talking with the manager, and... Well, let's just say that I ended up walking out with an EXTREMELY rare find! If you're ever in the DC area, it is worth the trip to Connecticut Ave. Liquors!
May 08, 2015
lorenwhite7 from Virginia
4.22/5 rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
Mar 28, 2015
4.22/5 rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
Mar 28, 2015
31Sam13 from New Hampshire
4.5/5 rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Mar 16, 2015
4.5/5 rDev +4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Mar 16, 2015
DCgolfpro from Maryland
3.4/5 rDev -20.9%
Of the dozen times I've been here I've only had a good customer service experience once and that was 5 years ago. Their selection has dwindled significantly now that the don't bother with the gray market items anymore. You also often find that the good beer is reserved for "regulars", although they won't define what that actually means. My guess is that it means, "employees".
Dec 01, 2014
3.4/5 rDev -20.9%
Of the dozen times I've been here I've only had a good customer service experience once and that was 5 years ago. Their selection has dwindled significantly now that the don't bother with the gray market items anymore. You also often find that the good beer is reserved for "regulars", although they won't define what that actually means. My guess is that it means, "employees".
Dec 01, 2014
amstokesdb9 from Virginia
3.5/5 rDev -18.6%
I guess this place used to be better than it is now. I have been a few times and yes they do have some rare things but nothing to get really excited about, no out of distribution beers here anymore. I have never found the staff to be particularity friendly either, in stark contrast what past reviews said. The bottle shops in VA have better selecting, service, and pricing anyway. Overall, it's worth a stop if you are in Dupont but don't make a special trip.
Oct 21, 2014
3.5/5 rDev -18.6%
I guess this place used to be better than it is now. I have been a few times and yes they do have some rare things but nothing to get really excited about, no out of distribution beers here anymore. I have never found the staff to be particularity friendly either, in stark contrast what past reviews said. The bottle shops in VA have better selecting, service, and pricing anyway. Overall, it's worth a stop if you are in Dupont but don't make a special trip.
Oct 21, 2014
doremite from Vermont
3.75/5 rDev -12.8%
From Boston. Gave it a shot curious what I might find in the DC market. Wasn't blown away by the selection. Walked out with some decent bottles but don't expect any rarities. Selection didn't strike me as overly creative but that said plenty of good stuff to choose from. Just nothing that really excited me. Jolly Pumpkin, Allagash, Bruery, Mikkeller, Goose Island respectable larger production type inventory. Also found price points pretty high. Perhaps 10% higher than I am used to at pricey bottle shops in Boston.
Aug 31, 2014
3.75/5 rDev -12.8%
From Boston. Gave it a shot curious what I might find in the DC market. Wasn't blown away by the selection. Walked out with some decent bottles but don't expect any rarities. Selection didn't strike me as overly creative but that said plenty of good stuff to choose from. Just nothing that really excited me. Jolly Pumpkin, Allagash, Bruery, Mikkeller, Goose Island respectable larger production type inventory. Also found price points pretty high. Perhaps 10% higher than I am used to at pricey bottle shops in Boston.
Aug 31, 2014
LukeMarson from Texas
3.5/5 rDev -18.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Obviously not the beer stockist it was, the selection was reasonable but nothing great. Some nice rarities hidden between some 75cl bottles and Belgian beers. Not many rarities (I did get Maine Beer Zoe and Founders Devil Racer TIPA) and not wide selection. However, if wine and liquor are your thing then you've come to the right place!
Jun 20, 2014
3.5/5 rDev -18.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Obviously not the beer stockist it was, the selection was reasonable but nothing great. Some nice rarities hidden between some 75cl bottles and Belgian beers. Not many rarities (I did get Maine Beer Zoe and Founders Devil Racer TIPA) and not wide selection. However, if wine and liquor are your thing then you've come to the right place!
Jun 20, 2014
alexk307 from Maryland
3.45/5 rDev -19.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 2
Dragged my girlfriend all the way across the city to this place with the promise that they would have a good selection of rare beers and stuff I cant find around the area.
I was extremely let down. They didn't have ANY Founder's or Bell's. Nothing that interesting there and no traces of any of the other rare beers that have been mentioned in other reviews.
Good for a quick six pack of beer if you're in the neighborhood, but overall, a waste of time.
Jan 26, 2014
3.45/5 rDev -19.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 2
Dragged my girlfriend all the way across the city to this place with the promise that they would have a good selection of rare beers and stuff I cant find around the area.
I was extremely let down. They didn't have ANY Founder's or Bell's. Nothing that interesting there and no traces of any of the other rare beers that have been mentioned in other reviews.
Good for a quick six pack of beer if you're in the neighborhood, but overall, a waste of time.
Jan 26, 2014
Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor in Washington, DC
Place rating:
4.3 out of
5 with
56 ratings
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