Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.

Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.
Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co.
Bar, Beer-to-go

1214 Ridge Rd
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607-6835
United States

(919) 832-5232 | map
ridgewoodwineandbeer.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.51
Reviews:
19
Ratings:
47
pDev:
8.65%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jel225:
Photo of jel225
Rated by jel225 from North Carolina

4.73/5  rDev +4.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4

Aug 02, 2015
More User Ratings:
Photo of Treyliff
Reviewed by Treyliff from West Virginia

3.81/5  rDev -15.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
Stumbled upon this place while visiting a Whole Foods. The place is a wine shop, that happens to have a beer bar with a decent bottle selection. It has a very swanky, upscale feel. There were lots of guys in suits having a glass of wine after work. As for selection, I found a few things that interested me and they offered a good variety of styles, but other than some 3F bottles that I don't usually see, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. The beer bar seemed to have about a dozen taps, with a focus on NC beers. I'd stop here again if passing by, but wouldn't go out of my way to go again.
Mar 18, 2020
 
Rated: 5 by Kwright from North Carolina

Jun 04, 2019
 
Rated: 5 by MephistosCafe from North Carolina

Dec 10, 2018
Photo of DoubleSimcoe
Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev -15.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
Ridgewood Wine & Beer was my last stop in a little beer trip to Raleigh. It is located in a strip mall not particularly close to anything remarkable other than a Whole Foods next door, a bead store for the wife while I shop for beer and an Einstein Bros bagel shop for breakfast (not bad).

The place is spacious, almost too big for what they carry. There is a register to the left as you enter, a growler bar right across from the register and the bottle shop proper in front of you just past the entrance.

"Great beer selection, just check out the wall of fame. An empty of just about every sought after beer you can imagine", said one reviewer before me. This might be true of their trophy empty bottles... but otherwise their selection didn't struck me as outstanding.

Unlike at Tasty Beverage in downtown Raleigh, I didn't find anything rare, vintage or unique here. Their growler bar is more interesting, though, and I was elated to get a growler of Prairie Bomb for just about 32 dollars (cheaper than next door at Whole Foods where it was close to 38 bucks).

I found the guys working there to be a little aloof/cold. I don't need a beer nerd accosting me in the aisle, but it is nice to have a smile and maybe an offer for help.

Good enough overall, but I will not revisit when I'm back in Raleigh.
Jan 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4.93 by racer15 from North Carolina

Jun 24, 2016
 
Rated: 4.93 by kingkong from North Carolina

Jun 22, 2016
 
Rated: 5 by Boston970 from Connecticut

Jun 01, 2016
 
Rated: 5 by katmandu72 from North Carolina

Nov 16, 2015
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Reviewed by RandyV from Arizona

4.33/5  rDev -4%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
Visited from Arizona recently. This is a very cool place to hang out for a while (nice sitting areas with music played at a reasonable level); have a beer on draft (very thoughtful selection); and browse the beer and wine for sale. The beer selection is respectable and reasonably priced. Raleigh is fortunate to have a place like this.
Sep 17, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by bostonbeans from Massachusetts

Aug 15, 2015
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Reviewed by Fusebuddy from Wisconsin

4.39/5  rDev -2.7%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Great beer selection, just check out the wall of fame. An empty of just about every sought after beer you can imagine. They definitely know beer. The selection was excellent, so good, I had to leave some behind for the the rest of you all. Actually, I just couldn't fit any more in my suitcase. Got some really good ones from Wicked Weed and others. Also several high quality brews on tap for sampling or take out. Top notch place, if you're in town on business like I was, this is a can't miss. Oh, I have to give them a prop for staying open on a day of ice and snow when the rest of the city (and bottle shops) had closed. The weather wasn't that bad!
Mar 04, 2015
 
Rated: 4.59 by Macsimus from North Carolina

Feb 02, 2015
 
Rated: 4.14 by Highbury09 from North Carolina

Jan 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4.69 by NCbeerfan138 from North Carolina

Dec 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.39 by GrayWolf1766 from North Carolina

Nov 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.14 by RyanAU from North Carolina

Oct 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Soto from North Carolina

Sep 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by raleighwho from North Carolina

Sep 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by OldhouseRecs from North Carolina

Sep 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Zimm from New Jersey

Aug 22, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Love2talkbeer from North Carolina

Aug 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by SFNC from North Carolina

Aug 03, 2014
Photo of CavemanRamblin
Reviewed by CavemanRamblin from North Carolina

4.86/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
This is my go-to spot in the Raleigh area. While it primarily functions as a wine shop, they have 16 quality beers on draft at all times and this usually represents the best tap list that you'll find anywhere in town at any given point in time. The owners and other employees are extremely knowledgeable and will go out of their way to ensure that your experience is top-notch and that the shop's high standards are maintained. The clientele is great as well, consisting largely of familiar faces and folks who really know their stuff when it comes to beer. However, newcomers and beer novices are always made to feel welcome as well.

The selection is significantly smaller than what you'll find at some other shops around town, but everything on the shelf is quality and turns-over rapidly, which means it's generally as fresh as possible. The prices are also extremely fair, both for drafts and packaged beer. 6-packs or bombers I purchase here are generally at least a buck cheaper than they would be elsewhere. Two of my favorite things about the place are: 1) they fill growlers and 2) they also offer small 4.5 oz. pours of all their drafts.

My only qualm is that they don't stay open a bit later (close at 7:00 most nights). But that's part of what makes the place so attractive - it's not a sports bar, it's a classy shop.
Jul 21, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by dmwcpa from North Carolina

Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by jak from North Carolina

Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by woodchip from North Carolina

Jun 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by struttinj from North Carolina

Jun 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Brewski from Pennsylvania

Jun 08, 2014
Photo of raleigh_blue
Reviewed by raleigh_blue from North Carolina

4.11/5  rDev -8.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Atmosphere: Ridgewood is in a strip mall anchored by a Whole Foods off of Wade Ave in Raleigh. That's the worst thing I can say about it. Inside the majority of the floor space is devoted to wines. About of third of the space is devoted to beer. Display shelves line the walls and they have two refrigerator cases for a few sixtels and some stop and go varieties. There are several varnished wooden tables (4-tops) where people can sit on backless chairs and drink socially as well as a few couches/lounge areas and a few tables outside, if you want to enjoy the strip mall parking lot ambiance. It is a fairly busy parking lot on most days but this is suburban Raleigh so what are you going to do? The crowd consists mainly of regular beer advocates. This place attracts people who love great beer at great prices, which despite it being way out of the way for me to frequent, I make excuses to visit them.

Quality: They clean the lines after each beer, will assist you in cleaning your growler if it's not god-awful nasty and you can use growlers from other places here as well. Cap on foam.

Service: I have been ignored in too many times, so I have to downgrade this rating.

Selection: Every time I walk into Ridgewood and look at the taplist I feel like proclaiming, "bring me the finest meats and cheeses" because the selection is the gold standard by which I judge all other establishments. They only have 16 taps, but there's always a sour, always a BBA, always a regional exemplar (Wicked Weed/No-Da et al) and always something I ain't never had before that routinely surpasses my expectations. They do not have the largest selection of beers, but they specialize in high quality seasonals / one - offs / allocated beer. When I tell folks about Ridgewood, I usually say, they don't have the most beers, but there is very little chaff - that is, they don't carry the least common denominator. They want their customers to be excited about their offerings.

Value: Ridgewood is consistently the most inexpensive place in all of RTP.
Jun 06, 2014
Photo of jerefreakinmiah
Reviewed by jerefreakinmiah from North Carolina

3.53/5  rDev -21.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3.25 | selection: 3.5
Have to say that I've been in here a handful of times an am not going back. Do they have cool beers on tap? Yes. They tend to be a bit pricey, but that's OK for having cool stuff on tap.

I'm not a fan of their policy on not breaking up packs so people can try different things out. Also, was a bit miffed by one of the guys behind the bar. Asked a simple "What do you like?" that was met with a bit of snark, "They're all good." I smiled and asked what was his favorite and got a short answer about how he kind of plays a big part on choosing the beers so they're all good. No smile or inflection in his voice. Quickly turned away before I could order. The other person behind the bar was nice though to get me a drink.

Great beer selection and cool customers.
May 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by tdm168 from Pennsylvania

Apr 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by bexley10 from North Carolina

Jan 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Packlifenc from North Carolina

Jan 08, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by flipdog0 from North Carolina

Dec 18, 2013
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Reviewed by RWLawman from North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Phenomenal spot for your favorite craft beers. You can have a seat in their "bar" section, which includes the unique touch of a digital screen behind the bar that displays how fresh, full, or empty a given tap is. Also, if you get into "Untapped," you can rate your beer, and an icon will display your avatar next to the beer you reviewed on their screen.

The prices here are very reasonable, especially at the bar for a pint. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, and willing to help you make a selection.

Highly recommended for your shopping, or just to kick back and have a few.
Oct 29, 2013
Photo of meschick
Reviewed by meschick from North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
There really was not as big a selection of beer as I was hoping for. On the plus, I ordered Carlsberg and they had it in next day. Wine selection is great too. Service was outstanding, no problem at all. I didn't get a chance to see what they had on tap, but they had a nice setup with tables and the bar
Jun 13, 2013
Photo of ncstateplaya
Reviewed by ncstateplaya from North Carolina

4.9/5  rDev +8.6%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
-First let me say, wine occupies probably 2/3 of the store, but don't let that fool you. This is a top tier bottle shop. Let's just say...16 selections on tap. There is always a beer available to appeal to your palate. One of the things most people tell me when I take them there for the first time is that they can't believe the draft selection, its comparable to the best beer bars in Raleigh.
-The atmosphere is very laid back and relaxed. You can pull a stool up to the bar or sit at a table...take your pick. I am a big fan of the couches and armchairs...so inviting and comfortable, it makes you feel right at home.
-The guys are awesome! Top notch and very knowledgeable. They are always willing to slow down and carry on a conversation or just ask you how your day has been. Its like being around a bunch of friends. And they value customer's input.
-Although their bottle selection is not the largest in the area, they offer a great variety of superb beers. Hard to find beers...check they've got'em. Local...Yep. Just being distributed to the area...Got those too.
-Of course everyone wants to know the bottom line...and they excel there as well. Ridgewood seems to always have the lowest prices around.

This is definitely my preferred bottle shop, these guys treat their customer's right and want you to enjoy your experience. Do yourself a favor and stop in...you will be glad you did.
May 08, 2013
Photo of phishbfm
Reviewed by phishbfm from North Carolina

4.69/5  rDev +4%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
-A GREAT selection of things you'll want to buy...maybe not the largest, but great selection.
-Incredible beers on tap always. Always surprises me when I see the things they have on tap. Beats out most bars in this respect.
-The staff is very knowledgable and will talk to you for however long you want to.
-Also, the best prices in town. Consistently lowest bottle price out of any of the Raleigh stores.
Apr 10, 2013
Photo of BeerXav
Reviewed by BeerXav

4.86/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Since its birth this February, this is my favorite craft beer joint in the triangle, probably in all of NC. The beers on tap are well priced and well poured. If the staff isn't slammed which happens on Fridays from time to time, they will gladly navigate you to a beer that arrouses your beer palate.

The atmosphere is a wood covered lounge with beers surrounding you on one side and a great wine selection on the other while listening to some chill tunes from artist like Nightmares on Wax. If you need some food as a base to your beer drinking adventure, stop at wholefoods(around the corner,next door) for a treat and enjoy the rest of that meal in ridgewood as you enjoy one of their 16 taps. Taps range from $3-8. Right now I'm enjoying olde hickory imperial stout for $5 with a 13 oz pour, their standard.

This is a great place to start the evening or finish your work day. They close at 7 most days but Friday is there special night were the stay open a little later. If your lucky and in good company you might experience some rare craft bottles that the RW staff has or some their loyal customers bring. That's the RW experience I've come to know and love, beer exploration with some education. Ridgewood is my jam! Come check this place out and have a bit of patience if you see they are busy. I'm sure they'll do their best to take care of you with a yummy beerski and help you find a tasty treat from their bottle selection. Thank you beer and RW!
Dec 07, 2012
Ridgewood Wine & Beer Co. in Raleigh, NC
Place rating: 4.51 out of 5 with 47 ratings