The Deli Lama Store & Cafe

From the outside it looked like a strip mall gas station without the pumps. Inside, long horizontal aisles blocked the way into the store, so you have to pivot right and do a lap around the entire place. Fluorescent lighting, tile floors, LED framed coolers. Deli counter on the left. Pretty basic.

Beer selection was ok, however there were multiple empty spots and faded price tags. Stock seemed to be dwindling, and not especially current. Old one-off stuff from Pipeworks I remember from a couple years ago, FFF bombers and a smattering of imports. The advantage to this place is the walk in cooler where everything is available in singles. Some stuff was fairly old, so check dates. Picked up a couple of random things from Miskatonic and Kings and Convicts, which were undated and showed obvious signs of oxidation, so buyer beware. Allagash Little Brett was a year old and change. Not a lot of local area beers, didn't see any Scorched Earth or Zümbier for instance. Surly, Half Acre, Revolution, Off Color, a handful from each, nothing especially rare or obscure.

The guy working said hello after I did, and that was about it. Didn't seem interested in interacting at all. Overall I didn't really see the point as a beer place, it's a decent shop if you live nearby, but that's about it. The sandwiches do look good, I might return to try the food sometime.

 

Good Store with good selection and great sandwiches. Owner not as knowledgeable and helpful as some other places. Also somewhat of a more limited selection than some other places around.

 

I use to frequent this liquor store weekly. Unfortunately, the owner has become tough to talk to as Craft Beer has become more popular. Still has an amazing selection, but seems to be grumpy all the time.

 

Atmosphere: You walk in and it looks like your average liquor store. Bottles of hard liquors are right in front, along with a minimal glassware selection. To the left is the check-out counter and deli, but the real treat is to the right, where you'll find the walk-in beer fridge.

Quality: For far-northern suburban Illinois, I doubt many will find a better place. The brews all look pretty new- no dust on the bottles, not "shelf turds". What is old is gathered on a central table in the middle of the big beer fridge, stored haphazardly in four pack holds or even loosely. Not sure if there's a discount on these or not.

Service: Very friendly owner, and one that isn't hesitant to chat with you about beer or recommend one to you. He also, if you prefer, just lets you shop around, no judgement passed.

Selection: Huge selection of craft beer. I'd put a rough estimate of about 200 different beers available, which for far-northern suburban Illinois is fantastic. This is not a "happening" part of town, but this craft selection is far and away the best I've seen here. The beer fridge is dominated by craft- high quality imports are also present, but many of these fit the "craft" distinction or close enough to it (e.g. Chimay or Franziskaner). Macro beers can be purchased here too, but are relegated to the bottom shelf away from view of the superb craft selection. Selection is not dominated by bombers, though there are plenty available to purchase in a different refrigerated section of the store.

Food: Reasonable prices on deli sandwiches featuring Boar's Head meats and cheeses. Small sitting area near the counter with a single long table and a TV, where you can enjoy your sandwich and even drink a beer you just purchased from the fridge.

Value: Reasonable prices for craft beer in IL. Bought a mixed sixer for about $11, which included some top-of-the-line beers such as Victory DirtWolf and GI The Illinois.

Overall: If you live in Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Gurnee, or Grayslake, this is your go-to craft beer store. Fantastic. Would highly recommend.