Highland Package Store

Bar, Beer-to-go

2228A Highland Ave S
Birmingham, Alabama, 35205-2902
United States

(205) 558-4337 | map
highlandpackagestore.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.21
Reviews:
19
Ratings:
43
pDev:
10.69%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.64 by JintheHam from Alabama

Jun 06, 2017
 
Rated: 3.61 by AmeriCanadian from Tennessee

Oct 02, 2016
 
Rated: 3.76 by Squire from Mississippi

Jun 27, 2016
 
Rated: 4.07 by StoutAtTheDevil from Alabama

Jun 07, 2016
 
Rated: 3.24 by Akfindlay from Alabama

Jan 29, 2016
 
Rated: 4.08 by richj1970 from Alabama

Oct 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4.02 by TheBeard89 from Alabama

Apr 05, 2015
Photo of Justinbshelton
Rated by Justinbshelton from Alabama

4.33/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Really cramped, but great selection.
Jan 23, 2015
Photo of Zachb4au
Reviewed by Zachb4au from Alabama

2.99/5  rDev -29%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 4.5
Great selection, but be careful, their hoppier bottled beers are often old from my experience. The employees know nothing about beer. Anytime you ask them about a specific brew they just say "it's good".
Jan 09, 2015
Photo of CIBoy10
Rated by CIBoy10 from Alabama

4.19/5  rDev -0.5%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.75
Not as pretentious as Hop City, but not as cool either. Cramped, but excellent selection including draft. A place to check out for sure!
Jan 07, 2015
 
Rated: 4.29 by Jenebauer from Tennessee

Dec 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Beer21 from Florida

Dec 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by thatoneguymike from Georgia

Oct 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by BlackNotesIII from Alabama

Sep 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by B33rcules from Alabama

Jul 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Vestlake from Alabama

Jul 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by justinm4bama from Alabama

Jul 05, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by J_Dill from Alabama

Jun 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Georgiabeer from Georgia

Jun 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by bongobeer from Alabama

Apr 26, 2014
Photo of brewskifan55
Reviewed by brewskifan55 from Mississippi

4.11/5  rDev -2.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Dropped in with CVM4 before we went to Slice. It's almost in the center of a strip mall/grocery store center. Very crowded with beer and liquor but very organized. Unlike Hop City, you can't buy singles. Lots of taps available for growler fills. And a big refrigerated area that you could get lost in. The guy behind the counter is very knowledgeable and eager to help. I think the only drawback to Highland is the cramped quarters. But if you're not gonna be shopping with a cart, like at Hop City, and you're in and out, Highland has a huge selection for quick pickup. Well worth the visit.
Feb 19, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Crimsontider22 from Alabama

Feb 02, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Eric15 from Alabama

Dec 23, 2013
 
Rated: 4.75 by ryan604 from Alabama

Dec 18, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by wshell1 from Tennessee

Nov 13, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by elkinbrown from Tennessee

Oct 23, 2013
Photo of Mojo
Reviewed by Mojo from Alabama

3.39/5  rDev -19.5%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3.75 | service: 2 | selection: 5
My main objection to this store is the tiny cramped aisles so narrow that it is difficult to maneuver a shopping cart through them. Add to that the boxes of beer sitting everywhere and it is enough to make the claustrophobic go screaming in terror. Selection is massive and the prices are fair enough. I did see lots of beer that I knew to have been retired by Terrapin over a year ago. They have a nice growler fill station. The service was non-existent. The only employee who spoke to me was the janitor and then to tell me to watch my step where he had mopped. The guy behind the counter was about as lively as a dead fish. Selection and price make it a worth-while store, but just the creepy vibe was enough to make me rate them down. Also I couldn't find any singles, not that I asked either.
Oct 18, 2013
Photo of dowen17
Reviewed by dowen17 from Alabama

4.09/5  rDev -2.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75
If you're looking for a particular beer in the Birmingham area this place more than likely has it. They have 72 beers on tap and a wide selection of 6 packs and singles/bombers of other beer.

They seem to know where just about everything they have is in the store which makes the service great and the guy behind the counter is always friendly.

I'd be a bit weary of some of the things I buy and really check the labels for bottled on dates, etc. I picked up a beer on 7/31/13 that was bottled on 3/2012 so pay attention.

I haven't had any problems with the taste of anything I've bought yet though so it hasn't been an issue for me, yet.
Aug 04, 2013
Photo of cvm4
Reviewed by cvm4 from Mississippi

4.31/5  rDev +2.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I first visited this place a year or two ago. When you walk in it's like there should be gas pumps outside because of the convenient store atmosphere inside. It's very cluttered and disheveled with really no rhyme or reason to the place. But, compared to a year or so again, the new shelving arrangement is a huge step up.

The selection and quality is the best there is in Birmingham. To me, Hopcity is really this place's only competition when it comes to the selection of beer. If you can't find a beer you want at one, then take a short ride to the other and it might be there. Service has always been good and the guy behind the counter has always been friendly. It's not a "sell, sell, sell" mentality and they let you browse around really without hassle.

Value/price is good and to me seemed on par with their competition. The 10% tax threw me off guard but they really have no control over that.

Fair warning, do not buy liquor here. I was randomly pricing bourbon/scotch and it was easily 25% - 50% higher than at my shops in MS. I'm not sure if that's his pricing strategy or some kind of Alabama deal.
Jun 13, 2013
Photo of Hopportunistic
Reviewed by Hopportunistic from North Carolina

4.03/5  rDev -4.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.25
Although this place is a pretty good haul from my home, when I'm on that side of Birmingham, I always make it a point to stop at Highland Package Store and just take it all in. The selection is excellent, and if you can't find at least SOMETHING to drink, you're either just too picky or you're looking for the Fountain of Youth.

The employees are friendly, although I agree with some of the other reviews that they might put the TV programs one notch in front of the customers. Not really a problem for me, though, because I enjoy looking around on my own and don't need a lot of assistance. I actually like places that DON'T have some over-eager, in-your-face "salesperson" with an agenda trailing you like a puppy dog.

As for the prices, I think they are reasonable. After all, take a few things into account : they are definitely marketing themselves as a high-end craft brew seller, not as a Stop-N-Shop to buy a 6-pack of PBR and a couple of Slim Jims. Also, because of their target market, they are located in a historic downtown area with pretty high real estate prices, so they have to make a little cash to cover their overhead. I've been to many high-end package stores with good selections, and overall, Highland is really no more or less expensive than the others. With craft beers, as well as with anything else, you generally get what you pay for, and the prices are first set by the brewers and distributors anyway.

If you're ever in the area check them out. Cheers !
Feb 07, 2013
Photo of GoblueMS
Reviewed by GoblueMS from Mississippi

4.36/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
I have promoted this place many times in the forums section of BA. They have become the go-to destination for quality brew in the region (with the only exceptions being Green's in Atlanta, and Central Market in TX). You simply must stop and check their selection out. In the last year they have added additional cooler space and shelving to carry their ever expanding assortment of micro-brew. These guys know an opportunity when they see one!

They are good people, and their pricing is par for Alabama (remember that tax is an easy 10% on top of your purchase in AL). Their selection cannot be beat in the area!
Oct 29, 2012
Photo of maleman
Reviewed by maleman from Mississippi

4.51/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Best place for brews in the Ham. Have one of the best varieties of choice. Have around twenty beers on tap that choose from. Service is friendly and helpful. When I told the guy I was disappointed that they didn't have any Hopslam he went in the back and got me some of his private stash! I always check them out when I'm in the area!!! They were the first in town (that I found) that had Green Flash available from San Diego. They are always easy to talk to and helpful in making suggestions depending on your favorite style of brew.
Apr 23, 2012
Photo of TrappistJohnMD
Reviewed by TrappistJohnMD from Mississippi

4.46/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5
Highland Package was recommended to me by my server at a local bar in the five points area. I was looking for a specific German beer and this place did not disappoint. They have a really good selection and I left with so much great stuff I probably damaged the suspension on our mini-van.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. There was a interesting cast of characters that are obviously regulars at this place. I enjoyed listening to them talk with the staff and I learned a lot.

There is a hodge-podge of singles in the middle of the beer section, so you really have to look carefully.

Probably a little pricey but a very cool place!
Nov 25, 2011
Photo of meigs3
Reviewed by meigs3 from Florida

4.94/5  rDev +17.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
The owners, Jimmy & David, are two brothers from Eastern Europe. They are very customer oriented and remember the name of the regulars who come in. They will order kegs for you and are pretty good at carrying a big selection of kegs. They even remember the types of beer that I like when they are telling me what kegs they have in stock. Jimmy is really the beer guy of the two brothers. Their variety of bottled beer is great and usually you can find the same ones in the cooler. If its a beer that can be obtained in Alabama they either have it or will get it for you. Much better atmosphere than at Vulcan.
Oct 09, 2011
Photo of dnrobert24
Reviewed by dnrobert24 from Alabama

3.84/5  rDev -8.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
If you are looking for a beer store in Birmingham that is most likely to carry X beer that you are looking for, you should start with Highland's Package store. Not much more can be said, except that they fill plastic 1/2 gallon "ghetto growlers" and have singles of some more rare beers individually priced. In the center aisle, there are singles from broken six-packs that can be purchased.

The owners have made it clear that they want to please the customers by having a wide selection, and while they are friendly, I've not had the customer service I would like to see in the beer store in Birmingham with the widest selection in town. For example, there is always a TV going, and whoever is working will stare at it first, then assist the customer second. One time I wanted to get a single of a beer that was not already in the center aisle, and they would not let me. Instead, they "helped" me by going through all the singles in the center aisle to look for the single I wanted. When it could not be found, a "special price" for my single was rung up--at a higher price than if it were in the singles aisle. The owner acted like he was doing me a favor by selling me the beer. Also, when I bought 4 singles of a Terrapin release that is normally in 4-packs, I had to pay a premium instead of the original 4-pack price because it was no longer on the shelf in 4-packs, but was in the singles cooler. Things like that make me knock the value and service marks.

As for quality, the beer has a fast turnover, so freshness is not usually a problem. One qualm I have is that they put the older beer out in the singles aisle. For most beer that doesn't matter, but I saw some older Sweetwater IPA mixed in there.
Jul 20, 2011
Photo of STKPICR0720
Reviewed by STKPICR0720 from Alabama

4.21/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5
This place pretty much has it all. Liquor, wine and the largest selection of beer in Alabama. Not too mention the ever growing selection of draft beer to go they have 55 beers on tap. Great place and a must stop for everyone. Here in Alabama we have to use milk jugs for the draft to go beer. Hopefully that will change one day. They also seemed to have large quantities of everything. The prices are reasonable to great. Like I said this store is doing very good at putting all the new beers that are now offered here in Alabama. If you need it they have it and if they do not they will get it for you.
Jul 06, 2011
Photo of uabjeff
Reviewed by uabjeff from Alabama

4.1/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
I figured I should at least review my regular beer stop, so here goes:

Highland Package now has 52 beer taps, which makes them the largest draft selection in the state. They have a good variety of brewers and styles to choose from, including Good People (the local brewery). They have loads of selection in bottles and cans as well. There is still a 16oz. cap on bottle in Alabama, so as an earlier reviewer stated, no 22oz. bottles, which eliminates certain choices from the get go. They have a couple of knowledgeable people that work there. And if you are interested, they also have a large selection of wine and spirits. I usually stop here at least once a week to see what is new and stock up. It is by far the best store in Birmingham.
May 11, 2011
Photo of yesferro
Reviewed by yesferro from Mississippi

4.8/5  rDev +14%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
As a beerstarved Mississippian we drove 3h just to go this place. I was impressed to say the least. Great selection, very good service, and 20something taps to fill 1/4gallon, 1/2 gallon and 1 gallon growlers. We also go to try some of the brews that were on draft and also available in 6'ers.
In AL it's still not legal to sell 22oz'ers so keep that in mind when you go in. They have a nice amount of Belgians, we picked up Corsendonck, St Bernardus, Saison Dupont, Duchesse de Bourgogne and some Dulle Teve from Oerbier. Pretty nice I'd say. They have tons of Bells, some Great Divide and Avery (who are being boycotted right now), Peg Leg, Good People... the list goes on and on and on. If you're anywhere near this place and need any brew, stop by, you won't be dissapointed!
Apr 24, 2011
Photo of CrookedStill
Reviewed by CrookedStill from Alabama

4.46/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
If you're in the Highland area, go here. The staff were friendly and very knowledgeable about what they had stocked and would be getting soon. They have a wonderful selection of "draft-to-go" at reasonable prices and in a variety of sizes. This is the only place I've seen in Alabama that sells Wild Heaven's "Ode To Mercy" (a wonderful beer from Georgia that's not yet bottled). A very large selection of bottled beers to choose from with many available as singles.
Great store that I try to visit whenever I'm in the area.
Mar 25, 2011
Photo of Bonhoeffer
Reviewed by Bonhoeffer from Alabama

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
Go here. On pace to have the single largest selection of beer in Alabama. Another review mentioned having a problem with the service, which is surprising. The proprietors are very friendly and strive to understand what they are selling, and they are usually very talkative and helpful. Yes, their prices may run a tad higher than some other places, but most other places only have a fraction of the selection. And some stuff here is very competitively priced, so it's a mixed bag on pricing.

And of course the draft beer selection sold via growlers is huge.
Dec 14, 2010
Highland Package Store in Birmingham, AL
Place rating: 4.21 out of 5 with 43 ratings