Palm Springs Liquor

Palm Springs LiquorPalm Springs Liquor
Palm Springs LiquorPalm Springs Liquor
Store

4301 Palm Ave
La Mesa, California, 91941-6504
United States

(619) 698-6887 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.69
Reviews:
20
Ratings:
29
pDev:
8.1%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by srandycarter:
Photo of srandycarter
Reviewed by srandycarter from California

4.16/5  rDev -11.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Checked this place out because I was running errands in the area. It wasn't until I pulled in that I realized that I had been here years ago to buy a Utopias.

Booze and beer in spades! Place is not huge. However, tall, tall walls, filled to the ceiling with beer. You could get neck strain trying to see what is on the upper shelves. Lots of refrigerated. Lots of stuff I cannot get a Bevmo, or even some of my other favorite liquor stores in the area.

The guy said they even had a case of Kern's Citra, but was all taken in advance orders.

Picked up some favorites in St. Bernardus, etc, and a few I haven't tried. Even Pretty Things!

Did not break the bank, either. My kind of place.
Feb 08, 2012
More User Ratings:
Photo of mrcraft
Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.65/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75
Palm Springs Liquor is located in the suburbs of La Mesa outside of San Diego. It's located in a stand-alone lot with a large sign, so you should easily find it from the street. There is plenty of parking.

Once inside you see coolers and shelves full of quality craft beers. It's one of the best I've seen. You have special releases, local craft beers, and your imports. I ended up purchasing a new Russian River sour that I believe they bottled for the first time. You can spend a lot of time just perusing their inventory stacked high up to near the ceilings.

If I lived closer, I'd be here all the time. Great bottle shop!
Aug 04, 2019
 
Rated: 4.64 by Yermomsfavorite from California

Apr 15, 2016
Photo of VDubDJ
Rated by VDubDJ from Arizona

4.66/5  rDev -0.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Randy is a great dude! Cool little place you would miss unless you knew about it on your way in or out of San Diego proper.
Jun 24, 2015
Photo of rawfish
Reviewed by rawfish from California

4.59/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
This store looks like a shady blue shack on the outside but it's also a craft beer gold mine.  The largest selection of interesting domestic and international bottles stuffed into every nook and corner of the damn place.  It also has a large clientele of people buying Bud and 40s as well as being a quickie market for the locals so traffic is fairly high. 

Ask the employees about new stuff in the fridge if looking for IPAs and they can always help you get to those hard to reach bottles. Give yourself about half an hour to just browse around and be amazed, look high and low there are always interesting beers to be found. Ultimately the best bottle shop in the East San Diego region.
Jun 03, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by aoampm from Hawaii

Sep 06, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by iSrALE from Mexico

Jul 18, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by James_NelsonIV from California

Jul 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by nebuchadnezzer from California

Jul 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4.39 by StoutSnob40 from California

Apr 12, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by heffIPAlover from California

Jan 22, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by abach1179 from California

Nov 26, 2013
Photo of EyePeeAyBryan
Reviewed by EyePeeAyBryan from Arizona

4.12/5  rDev -12.2%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5
I enjoy stopping here when doing my rounds from AZ. One thing I hate is how the guys working there want to take me by the hand and show me everything new in the cooler from CA. Guess what guys...I don't care. Please let me shop in peace!

Selection is always some of the best in SoCal and while the guys do want to push new brews on me, they are very nice about it and I know it's coming from a good place.

Be sure to look HIGH and LOW because you could miss some stuff!
Sep 10, 2013
Photo of ShimberShanks
Reviewed by ShimberShanks from California

5/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Not much else to say besides this is the best selection and bargain for kraftbier in town period. To have all the latest and exclusive brews at your disposal just come here: Bear Republic Cafe Racer 15, Stone 17th, Stone R&R Coconut Collaboration, and of course Pliny the Elder. Quick, hands-on workers, who actually sample the product, are there to make sure you get what you came for. Mos def going back again and again.
Aug 21, 2013
Photo of Saint-Amour
Reviewed by Saint-Amour from California

4.98/5  rDev +6.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
It's absolutely stupid this place should ever rank low in service and in stock. They have every newest IPA in San Diego. For the German enthusiasts they carry all the varieties of Aecht Schlenkerla (Authentic Rauchier). Ask Hector! He does have it. I dare anyone to ask if they carry "it" or not. They probably do.
Aug 15, 2013
Photo of Carnasses
Reviewed by Carnasses from California

4.85/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
This is the place we consider our hidden gem. If they don't have it, they'll look for it and try to get it for you. The prices are a little below most places that have the rare beers. They limit the rare stuff so everyone has a chance to get some. If you ask the owner for a specific beer, he goes out of his way to try and find it for you. Be careful when asking for recommendations or you may leave with more beer then you expected to purchase.
Aug 11, 2013
Photo of DoubleJ
Reviewed by DoubleJ from Wisconsin

4.55/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Looks are deceiving. There's an oddly placed painted mural covering where the windows of the store should. It gives me the feeling that I'm at one of the many small Mexican joints around my house. Except I was at a liquor store. But with previous comments already known, I knew I shouldn't be fooled by a first impression.

Call this is medium sized store, but with an inventory that can rival the bigger stores, and then some. The aisles can seem small at times, especially when people are trying to get passed you as you admire the beer selection. Along the back walls is where you'll find the beer. Much of the beer is kept cold, and you can tell there is an effort to do so. There are even tiny Red Bull-like fridges housing bottles of beer around the store! While I did find a few dusty bottles, in general the bottles are clean and not too old.

Let's get to the meat and potatoes. Palm Springs Liquor is loaded with beer. In addition to what's in the coolers and on the shelf at room temp, don't forget to turn your head upwards, as there are additional bottles of beer located near the ceiling! There are literally hundreds of brands available, and among them are Knee Deep, Alpine, Bear Republic, Bootlegger's, Schneider Weiss, Reissdorf Kolsch, Black Diamond, Yeastie Boys(!), 8 Wired, Baladin, and Erdinger. Obviously there are more brands, but I won't spoil the rest of the list.

Another strong point is the service. I was approached by a few employees on the floor if I needed help, and the guy at checkout was easy to converse beerinese. Pricetags on the all the beers adds the finishing touch to an excellent service score.

Was it worth the trip? Totally! Now I need to find more excuses to drive out to east San Diego County.
Jan 29, 2012
Photo of dimce
Reviewed by dimce from California

4.6/5  rDev -1.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
As the last reviewer stated, from the outside, does not look like much of a store. However once you go in, man is it packed! Yes, lots of beer, but jam packed.

A lot of beer selections, however too closely packed all into the store, narrow aisles w/stacks of beers on shelves. Diff. to get a good view of everything since your literally standing about a foot in front of everything esp. when other customers are walking past you.

Prices seem about on point not marked up.

Lots of sours, belgians, locals, some imports. The worker up front, average service, just bring your stuff up, pay and go. No small talk. Nonetheless, well worth going to, just watch your elbow room.
Sep 06, 2011
Photo of BdubleEdubleRUN
Reviewed by BdubleEdubleRUN from California

3.25/5  rDev -30.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 1 | selection: 4.5
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but when you get inside you can tell its definitly a beer place. The store is extremely crowded and almost difficult to navigate around the shelves of beer. Lots of beer in the coolers and on shelves, but the store did feel air conditioned.
On to my customer service problem. I had been calling every shop in SD to make sure I got some Citra, I got a call back Friday from Palm Springs and Holiday Wine, Palm Springs called first, I told them I was out of town and won't be back until Monday. The employee responded by telling me he will hold it for me, I was impressed with the offer and accepted. When Holiday called they offered to take my card info and place it in the back until I got there, I declined and told them to go ahead and put it on the shelf so someone who hasn't gotten it can have a chance, as I thought I had one at Palms. Get to Palms Monday after work and the guy behind the counter, who appears to be the beer guy, doesn't know anything about holding beer and tells me that Citra is long gone. I understand the demand of this beer and if they would have told me on the phone I'm sorry we can't hold it for you I would have understood. Don't lie to me, or if you made a mistake call me back and let me know.
They do have a very good selection of beer, but I doubt I will be shopping there anytime soon.
Aug 30, 2011
Photo of FARGO619
Reviewed by FARGO619 from California

5/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Have been in here a few times in search of some htf stuff and they usually come through. This is a nice place and worth checking out. Their selection is wide and their prices are reasonable. Always surprised to find the things that I do. Their stouts are cooled and always next to something good. Love this place. Like a cool candy store for kids. Keep an eye out as their beers are spread out in a few coolers and on different shelves as well. Good variety and they have almost everything. Have fun in this place and go with cash 'cause you'll most likely see a few things that you need.
Aug 01, 2011
Photo of Cisco619
Reviewed by Cisco619 from California

4.78/5  rDev +1.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Great shop. Great selection, helpful staff & reasonably priced. What more can you ask for? Definitely worth the trip. Definitely go when you have some time to kill cause you'll be here a while. It's easy to pass this place by as the facade is non descript, no idea that, as it's name sake, it's an oasis. I routinely find things I haven't seen on shelves for a while. That alone makes it worth the trip to me. I really like the environment, no stuffy beer geekery. Just friendly people who are more than willing to lend a hand. Stop reading. Go there. Be merry.
Jul 19, 2011
Photo of badboyrsl84
Reviewed by badboyrsl84 from California

4.88/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This store is the best bottle shop in east county San Diego. I love coming here just to browse and most of the time I can't leave empty handed. The bottles selection is one of the best and the pricing is beautiful. Very very reasonable. the guys in charge have always been super nice and are always willing to help me out if I'm looking for something. I love that I can come here and get bottles sold out in most places. I almost feel like writing this review will kill my little secret. I hope not .
May 16, 2011
Photo of bs870621345
Reviewed by bs870621345 from Iowa

4.74/5  rDev +1.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
Went here because of a recommendation from a guy at the PtY tapping last night...so glad I did

Its a liquor store jammed full of beer. Mostly everything is in coolers and there is really no rhyme or reason to most placement, so spend time looking around.

Quality was great. Saw some RR sours and some other things and asked if there were more and got my fill.

The person helping me was great, very helpful and went digging and looking for all kinds of things.

Selection is vast. Lots of sours, belgians, locals, and things of all sorts. Its worth the trip 100%.

Its a short walk from the trolley orange line, but bring a large backpack or something.
Mar 16, 2011
Photo of domtronzero
Reviewed by domtronzero from California

4.7/5  rDev +0.2%
Lots of bottles, most of them in coolers away from sunlight. Some more bottles up above on the racks. Great selection. Nothing too hard to find, but it is a little hidden gem that carries Alpine, Russian River, Lost Abbey, as well as Deschutes and a great selection of Belgians. Prices are reasonable, nothing noticeably marked up. The guys working are really nice and some of them know a little bit about beer. I can almost always count on them getting the slightly harder to find releases such as Dissident, Lost Abbey, and others. Definitely worthy of my money.
Jan 10, 2011
Photo of sise
Reviewed by sise from California

5/5  rDev +6.6%
I had driven by this place before and didn't think anything of it -- the bright blue exterior with colorful art made me think it was just another beer store. Husband said he had heard good things, so we went on in. Came in expecting to find the usual local Stone and Green Flash -- was amazed to find a GROWLER of Alpine's Hoppy Birthday hiding in plain sight. The growler was not labled, but we had to know what it was. Then, we heard the magical words -- "It's Hoppy Birthday!" and it was all over. New favorite beer store! Beers as far as the eye can see, and all the staff that we encountered were genuinely friendly and helpful, unlike some big chain beer stores *cough*bevmo*cough*. If you're in the area, DEFINITELY come here. You will NOT be disappointed. Great selection of Russian River and Lost Abbey. We'll be back soon!
Oct 31, 2010
Photo of churry
Reviewed by churry from California

5/5  rDev +6.6%
Palm Springs Liquor is a great liquor store. Their outside wall is covered with a mural of a sunny beach, definitely a nice touch that adds to the friendly atmosphere.

Inside, you'll find an excellent selection. They've got all the popular microbreweries like Stone, Rogue, Port Brewing and Lost Abbey, the list goes on. They have just about all the trappist brews (save for Westvleteren), American abbey ales from Allagash and Ommegang, some rare offerings from Russian River, Lost Abbey, etc. Also the German section is great, with Weihenstephann, Schnieder (including the Eisbock), Ayinger and more. Lots of great weissbier.

The owners (father + son) and other staff are very helpful, and it's obvious that they value their beer-loving customers. I truly enjoy giving them my business over some large chain like BevMo.

To sum it all up, there are three reasons I go to Palm Springs Liquor: their great selection, their great service, and their close proximity to my house! Now, back to the Pliny the Elder I just picked up (only 10 days old!), so I can move on to La Fin du Monde!
Sep 09, 2010
Photo of Radiodred
Reviewed by Radiodred from California

5/5  rDev +6.6%
Man if your are looking for beer in the area, you don't need to go anywhere else. This Son and Father spot has a great selection of local SD brew and just about every great micro brewery too. The prices are awesome....most bottle shops have a huge mark up, but not here, they are just spreading the love. Just went in there recently for some supplication (Russian River, Parabola (Firestone), Just outstanding (Kern River), World Wide Stout (Dogfish head), and more. Most places have one fridge of good stuff, but this place has great stuff in every nook and cranny of the joint. Quick to deliver the limited stuff and the classic stuff always in stock. La mesa and east county in general used to have to go to Santee or SD to get anything good, but now we have a great spot in our backyard. Thanks for everything guys. Your new loyal repeat customer...Gabe
Jun 10, 2010
Photo of gerrick
Reviewed by gerrick from California

4.8/5  rDev +2.3%
This place is a hidden gem. Almost all the beer here is in coolers so you can enjoy right way. I have found some bottles here that everyone else was out of and it was 100% fresh. Daniel helped me out twice so far and was great. The prices are fantastic. I think they use a basic cost plus model instead of simply raising the prices of the rare stuff. The overall selection is great. It is not a big store but they do have a lot of beer. It does not look like much on the outside or the inside for that matter.
May 12, 2010
Photo of d0ggnate
Reviewed by d0ggnate from California

4.2/5  rDev -10.4%
As others have mentioned, Palm Springs Liquor is certainly a hidden gem. Neatly tucked away in the far side of La Mesa, Palm Springs has an abundant and surprisingly unique selection of bottles. Unlike most shops in San Diego, I found Palm Springs to have bottles that others just don't have. As I browsed the cooler doors, I found local favorites, Belgians, limited releases and many other great beers. Choosing just a few was difficult, but I managed by telling myself there will be a next time. If you're in East County and are looking for something specific or just want to mix it up, I would definitely recommend Palm Springs Liquor. They just might have what you're looking for and more.
Oct 09, 2009
Palm Springs Liquor in La Mesa, CA
Place rating: 4.69 out of 5 with 29 ratings