California Heights Market

California Heights MarketCalifornia Heights Market
California Heights MarketCalifornia Heights Market
Store

3766 Orange Ave
Long Beach, California, 90807-4229
United States

(562) 427-6862 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.37
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
38
pDev:
11.67%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by raclbc555:
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Reviewed by raclbc555 from California

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Although this place is a bit pricey, the owners are very cool and customer focused.

Great selection too

I read a few reviews that say these guys have strict limits. They do and for good reason.

To ward away these "people" who buy up all the good beer, not to consume but to try and resell!!!!

These people make me sick!!!

Go away beer poachers ...go away!!!

500 characters? C' mon man! Can we reduce that too 300? 400?

Because now I'm just trying to take up space, thank you for listening ;-)
Dec 18, 2011
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.69 by DVMin98 from North Carolina

May 20, 2016
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Reviewed by BeerME_562 from California

2.35/5  rDev -46.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 1.25 | service: 1 | selection: 4.25
After the the owner change this place hasn't been the same. The new owner is not a craft beer fan, I get the sense he's there to take advantage of the booming craft beer popularity.

Great selection without a doubt nice walk in fridge newly renovated with led lights. Great vibe and atmosphere. I'll recommend this place for hop head ipa, pale ale, or common/unpopular style, but Stout you'll notice a higher price tag about a 1-2buck more. An if that doesn't put a bitter taste in your mouth. If you have an eye for any Barreled age or rare beer expect a higher price tag base on its popularity.

example
bourbon county brand stout when release 12.99 for single 12oz same beer 3month later 25buck single bottle.
parabola 25 bucks last year parabola 40bucks
hellderoldo 25 bucks
Beachwood anything Barreled AGE 30+ bucks?

Keep in mind Beachwood brewing is also in Long Beach and is only a 10min drive away and still selling rye like an eagle for retail price 25 bucks?

Someone feeding this owner a whole lot of crap about craft beers or this guy just don't wanna sale beer

Buyers beware, if your balling feel free but there many establishment in long beach that gets the same beer and selection. wine country, stearns, us liquor etc...

The owners a joke

Cheers to a better beer community
Sep 21, 2015
 
Rated: 4.64 by Btip1969 from Oregon

Feb 22, 2015
 
Rated: 4.6 by kingston213 from California

Jan 06, 2015
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Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.47/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
From the outside this market is deceiving. It's a drive thru type market, but once you step inside you see the wealth of craft beers. I think I saw about 3-4 coolers next to the cashier with craft beers. Most beers are on shelves.

I thought their prices were along what most SoCal store charges.

I ended up buying a bottle of Abyss which I was not expecting to find today. I was looking for that one last bottle to send in a box to a BA friend in Michigan.

All in all a good day, and this place will definitely be visited by me again when I'm in the area. Very nice shop.
Jan 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by The_Jerk from California

Nov 19, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by HaoleToYouToo from Hawaii

Oct 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.4 by wethorseblanket from California

Oct 08, 2014
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Reviewed by Jchaps from California

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
Great place. I was down there a few weeks ago for work and Raj was very accommodating. We talked for nearly an hour and he took excellent care of me. They have a great selection and I didn't see any limits. Solid selection of difficult to find beers as well
Oct 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Justinsosmart from California

Aug 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by EJosesA from California

Jul 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by katonk from California

Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by SimcoeKid from California

May 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SoCalBeerIdiot from California

May 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by antonyliu from California

Mar 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.47 by StoutSnob40 from California

Mar 15, 2014
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Reviewed by USMCretired from California

4.83/5  rDev +10.5%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
This place has really picked its game up in the last 2 years. Beer selection has more than tripled. Lots of bombers, belgians and some rare stuff.

Wish there were a few more 6 packs and a mix a 6 option but oh well. Raj keeps prices very competitive and cheaper than Stearns. Abut half of his selection is refridgerated. Occasional discounts so its best to come often and ask if there is anything in the back. Not much parking but its ok for a liquor store.
Feb 14, 2013
Photo of RockMayock
Reviewed by RockMayock from California

4.81/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
California Heights Market easily has the best selection of beer and wine in the Bixby Knolls/California Heights area. Granted the prices are slightly more than you would pay at BevMo! or Total Wine, why not pay $1-$2 more per bottle to support a small independent local business.

The building is old but it has its charm.

Both Caesar and Raj are very knowledgeable about their brews and will make excellent recommendations if asked. Also, it pays to make nice with them because they keep the good stuff in the back for their regulars.
Feb 13, 2013
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Reviewed by Diesel76 from California

4.65/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 3
Came across CA Heights Market on recommendation of a co-worker. I love this place! I stop in about once a week to browse and look for some new tasty brews. I would stop in more often if it was closer to my house... or work, it is closer to work than home, but I do make that effort to stop in... it's worth it!

They have the best selection, by far, of craft and import beers I have seen in one place. I can not stress enough to go in and talk to the cashier, which is usually the Owner... and he knows his beers. And he is proud of what he carries. I told him about some brews I enjoy and he gave out some excellent recommendations.
May 25, 2012
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Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4.08/5  rDev -6.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
My last stop of my day in Long Beach brought me to this small liquor store/market surprisingly near my in-laws. The outside looks a bit dumpy but inside there are neat rows of liquor, wine, and beer. Most of the beer is out on the shelf but there are a good number of coolers stocked full of great beer as well. This place has a really good selection of beers from around the world including some beers I have never seen anywhere else before. They also have a section of the store with singles so you can build your own 6 pack if that's your think. Service was good with the cashier coming over to talk to me for a few minutes. Prices were a bit higher than other places but I gladly paid them for some beers I found that I had been looking for forever. I recommend this place if you are in the area and are on the hunt for harder to find beers.
Apr 03, 2012
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Reviewed by Cowcakes from California

4.64/5  rDev +6.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
This is one of my first stops when i visit my sister in long beach. He gets a lot of the beers I can't get up in Sacramento, and always has something new for me. Lots of great divide, hair of the dog, alpine, kern, etc. I've been there twice and have spent over $150 each time I go. First time I stopped there I thought I had the wrong place. Its a small little corner liqour store, but lucky for beer geeks about half of the store is dedicated to the good stuff. Both times i've been in there I get great service. He's always more than happy to show me whats new or what he has in the back. With some of the highly allocated stuff he does have a limit of 1 per person, but thats just so people can't go in there and wipe out his entire shelf of alpine for trades. Its a small place, but he packs a lot of variety on those shelves. I almost always make a stop here when i'm in the area.
Mar 14, 2012
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Reviewed by MichaelGV from California

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I was meeting friends for lunch today in the California Heights section of Long Beach and decided to swing by this place. From the outside, it looks like a small neighborhood market, catering to the surrounding residenial area. So what I found inside was quite a surprise-- a large selection of well-chosen craft and imported bottles, including beers from Hair of the Dog, Alpine, Russian River and various Belgium breweries. Prices were competitive and Raj, the man at the register, was more than helpful. Be sure and ask him what he has in the back. Whenever I'm in Long Beach again, I will be stopping here.
Nov 11, 2011
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Reviewed by MarkVegas from Nevada

3.6/5  rDev -17.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
BA helped me find this place a couple months ago and I had to stop by again last week.

First time I went I was able to secure beers that weren't that easy to find, (most of which aren't available where I live) some Lost Abbey/Port offerings that I'd been dying to try. I was even able to score a Pliny which was pretty cool.

Second time around I ended only getting a few brews two of which were Pliny and Blind Pig (sadly the Blind Pig was 2+ months old).

Overall, not a bad place to go if you are ever in the area. Please do keep in mind this place is tucked into a corner in a mostly residential area, don't blink or you'll miss it. A bit pricey, as some of their stuff is marked up a bit, but, not a bad little place with the most unexpected beer selection.
Aug 25, 2011
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Reviewed by bierkoning from California

3.35/5  rDev -23.3%
vibe: 1 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
I drove by this place probably 50 times after starting a new job near by and it's on my to and from home. I never noticed it as it appears to be just a ghetto, smelly, ugly, dirty liquor store. Then one day I was stopped at the traffic-signal outside of the store and noticed a small sign with a pink elephant on it! Needless to say I pulled out my smart phone and looked up the store on BA at once. All of the stellar reviews helped me to decided to stop by the next day on my way home from work. And what did I find when I walked in? A ghetto, smelly, ugly, dirty liquor store...with a decent selection of craft and exotic beer. No one said hi to me, the place smells like the stuffy incense burning typical liquor store, and they had Delirium right next to the Steele Reserve. They had a lot to choose from, some hard to find stuff, but it was pricey. Lots of stuff I can find at my local Bev-mo for 20% cheaper. One of the beers I bought (a single 12oz bottle for 9.99) was rotten when I opened it up at home, caked up, chunky sediment floating around, no carbonation to speak of, etc.

An okay place that I still will stop at, but only because it's so convenient. Otherwise I'd just as soon hit up Wine Country or my local Bev-Mo.

Don't avoid, but don't go out of your way.
Jul 28, 2011
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Reviewed by McFinnegan from California

4.71/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I read about this place on BA and Yelp, and the overwhelming positive reviews made me take a quick drive down there after work. As soon as I walked in the store the owner said hello, remarked how he hasn't seen me in there before and introduced himself, asked me my name, and shook my hand. This is not something I expect from liquor stores. I can tell that he tries to connect with his customers and that service is a top priority, I really appreciate this as I've found it in so few places (and not just liquor stores).

The selection at California Heights is superb, all the big names in CA and West Coast Breweries; Russian River, Stone, Bruery, Firestone Walker, Lost Abbey/Port, etc. He also had beers from smaller breweries (some I'm not familiar with) and plenty from out of state (Shipyard, Avery, Flying Dog) and country (Brew Dog).

From Russian River he had Pliny (I may have grabbed the last one), Blind Pig, Supplication, Damnation, Temptation and Beatification (all in the cooler). From Stone he had all the regular releases, a ton of IRS and Belgo Anise IRS, 10-10-10 Vertical Epic, still a few Old Guardian and OG Belgo. That's just to give you an idea.

The prices are what they should be, no high mark ups that I could tell.

If you're in the LBC area, or plan to be, stop by this place. It's a great little shop with a very friendly and accommodating owner who knows customer service.
Jun 09, 2011
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Reviewed by KMDouds from California

4.59/5  rDev +5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I had been told about this local gem for approximately a year prior to doing anything more than a drive by. Finally walked through the doors in February as part of a 'research effort' to stock an offering for a neighborhood beer club- was pleasantly shocked by the range of brews that Raza has assembled.

While I didn't expect a small neighborhood market to compete with either the inventory or prices of say a Bev Mo or Total Wine, this one is plenty competitive. And as some have aptly pointed out, with the price of gas what it is, the distance to either of these larger retailers makes Cal Heights Market an even better deal- at least for a local like myself-besides I'm supporting the immediate local economy!

I'm a bit conflicted about writing anything that would unduly
contribute to a run on this small local market (i.e., it's beer inventory), but mostly want for the success of the place that it might persist... altruism is never totally unselfish. Bravo to Raza Bains- may your enterprise- the California Heights Market thrive!
May 15, 2011
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Reviewed by jmgrub from California

4.64/5  rDev +6.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Hit this spot on my little Long Beach beer-buying excursion today. I hit it up right after Stearns Liquor, so it had some big shoes to fill, but it didn't disappoint. All of the CA regulars were well-represented and there were a few highlights (Marron Acidifie, Uinta Crooked Line Series, Black Betty). More than adequate for a neighborhood liquor store, I would definitely say it was worth the 25 minute drive (which is pretty short by LA standards-thanks Mothers' Day!). While the owner didn't necessarily seem like a BA, he was helpful and asked what I thought of the selection and if there were any good beers I thought he should carry. Short of being a BA themselves, it's hard to ask anything more of a store owner. Pleased that I stopped by and would come by again if in the area.
May 09, 2011
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Reviewed by soze47 from Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +7.6%
I'm really glad I checked out the directory before heading to Long Beach for New Year's weekend. My uncle and I went to this store twice. Once to stock the fridge for the weekend, the other for our Rose Bowl tailgate. I was surprised to find this place was only a few blocks from where I was staying. We were lucky. Prices were fair, selection was overwhelming, and all IPAs and short-shelf life beers held up well. The PtE and Blind Pig I got was less than three weeks old.

Quality: Great, fresh beer. It had more than I could've possibly been able to try on my trip.

Service: Very nice folks who seemed to have a great report with the neighbors and varying customers. They gladly answered questions and helped me navigate the selection.

Selection: Great amount of CA beers that I can't get on the East Coast (Russian River, Drakes, Firestone Walker). They did have very fresh selections of hard to find brews, but you have to ask the employees for certain beers kept in back.

This will be my continued shop of choice when staying in Long Beach in the future. Great, small, local shop with a selection that challenges the big stores like Whole Foods and BevMo.
Jan 12, 2011
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Reviewed by drewmprs from California

3.8/5  rDev -13%
Stopped by this place without knowing it had a good beer list. Everything is kept refridgerated in the back as well.

Raz is an up and coming beer manager. His selection is small but it is all quality. He is really looking to help out is customers and if there is something you want ask him, and he'll buy a case of it. I asked about some Cantillon and he called up his rep immediately and tried to order some for the next delivery. Strong selection of california beer here as well as belgian beers.
Dec 29, 2010
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Reviewed by IKR from California

4.65/5  rDev +6.4%
Very reasonable prices considering this is not a large chain or huge volume stand alone store. Staff might be fairly new to craft beers in comparison to some more established stores but the staff do a good job in actually sampling their inventory. They also get their hands on new releases very quickly. Very courteous staff. I have a very short list of places I consistently go to on a regular basis. Between this store and a couple other stores I frequent I rarely find the need to go to the large chain stores.
Nov 04, 2010
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Reviewed by fourplayed from California

4.3/5  rDev -1.6%
A small market that appears to have once been a small 1000sq ft home that's been converted to a neighborhood mini-market.

VERY Good selection of quality beers in all sizes and shapes. I could spend and hour plus just window shopping. Beer kept in a refridgerated section as well as a shelf full of many craft brews and imports...Very nice! I'll be a regular here for awhile!

Take a moment to talk beer with these people. Best way to find out what new brews are coming in and more! Worth the time and effort. They'll do special orders or breweries they stock as well.

Prices reasonable. I've also shopped at the wine country over on Redondo where brews are not refridgerated, and are comparably priced.

Southeast corner of Bixby and Orange. Ample parking behind store on Bixby. They also specialize in cigars for those who are interested.
Oct 11, 2010
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Reviewed by romwarrior from California

4.65/5  rDev +6.4%
Fairly new to the beer craft scene but happy I just found this place so close to my work. I will echo what others have said. A fairly good selection of craft brews. I believe there were three full coolers of single craft bottles, as well as at least two more of six- and 12- packs (of craft and some macro breweries). Also several shelves that are not refrigerated with even more selection. Overall a very good amount for such a small place. It is obvious the owner is really trying to focus on crafts.

Speaking of the owner, he was on the phone for the first few minutes when I walked in and as soon as he got off he apologized for being on the phone and spent the next 15 minutes or so helping me with suggestions and asking me what I liked and what I was looking for. He definitely seemed to know his stuff and was very helpful and made some good suggestions.

Overall I was very pleased. I will definitely be coming back. It's nice to find a seemingly typical corner liquor store with this kind of focus and I feel good that my money is going to someone involved in the hobby and not to a bunch of guys in expensive suits making decisions in a huge meeting room.
Sep 28, 2010
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Reviewed by hiredgoons from Arizona

4.85/5  rDev +11%
I only recently discovered this place, and I really wish I had known about it earlier. The selection on the shelves is impressive by itself (all the California breweries you'd expect, with a decent selection of limited release bottles, and a lot of imports as well), but on top of that, the person working there (who I assume was the owner) told us he had more in the back, then offered us Pliny and Blind Pig. He also seemed very knowledgeable about their stock, and talked to us pretty much the whole time we were in the store. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area.
Jul 30, 2010
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Reviewed by acemathew from California

4.6/5  rDev +5.3%
I went in there just to see what they had to offer. I came out with a Pliny and a 2008 Stone Imperial Russian Stout, these 2 were definitely a rarity. I hadn't been able to taste Pliny yet and had mentioned it to Raj and he went right to his fridge to grab me 2 from Russian River. I really enjoyed the conversation and the knowledge that Raj has about the products he sells. From wine and beer to cigars the guy knows his stuff he does his own research and relies on word of mouth(the best kind).

If you have a desire to leave your big box no personality beer and wine store please do yourself a favor and drop by. Even if you don't buy you can still make a list or ask if he can get something you haven't seen around here or something you have been dying to try. It is his store and he makes the purchases.

Nice new large fridge gives them the capacity to hold more Specialties. All of the fizzy stuff really doesn't even get exposure there I am not even sure if he sells their beers. The specialty fridge is right in front of the check out for you to drool over.

Seriously there is a REAL BEER SHOP IN LONG BEACH its called California Heights Market.
Mar 08, 2010
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Reviewed by liftthebadweight from California

5/5  rDev +14.4%
this is by far my favorite beer store. it has an amazing selection of crafts, belgians, and pretty much everything else. the prices are also very reasonable, most lower than ive seen anywhere else. the owner is really nice, knows what he's talking about, and if they dont have what you want he'll start carrying it just for you. i walked in just to look and ended up leaving with 3 bags full of bottles. its a little out of my way but definetly worth the extra drive time. f.y.i.cigars arent really my thing but it looks like he has a good selection of those as well.
Dec 17, 2009
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Reviewed by walows from California

4.35/5  rDev -0.5%
What a great little place, stumbled in due to curiosity. What a pleasant surprise. The owner is very nice and knows his beer. There is a pretty good selection of year round craft beer but the seasonal and speciality beers are a little lacking. They had the 090909 vertical epic. I also picked up a old viscosity for 5.99. The owner will also order beer for you if they don't have what you are looking for and he also has claims he has a lot more beer in the back that he doesn't keep on the shelf. Overall a great place with some great beer that is really close to my house. Great Find!
Oct 19, 2009
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Reviewed by Jajoro67 from California

4.15/5  rDev -5%
This is a relatively new beer destination. The owner is really making it a premier stop to pick up great craft beer. He has all of the big players Sierra Nevada, Stone, Deschutes as well as a great selection of hard to fing craft beer. His selection of European beers is also quite extensive, with a good selection of Belgian beer to anchor them. He will also take requests to get you what you would like.
His pricing is quite reasonable. Definitely cheaper than Bevmo.
I would definitely recommend that you stop by and support this shop. He is working hard to make a great craft beer selection.
Aug 07, 2009
California Heights Market in Long Beach, CA
Place rating: 4.37 out of 5 with 38 ratings