Binny's Beverage Depot - River North

I have been here several times now, mostly due to Rich the beer guy. Every time a special new beer comes out he blasts out an email, and then thankfully he's considerate enough to send out another one when it runs out an hour later. If it weren't for that I probably wouldn't come here. The selection and size of the store is much smaller than the Lincoln Park Binny's. The store is cramped and the set up makes it difficult to find things. When I'm here I just feel closed in. The selection is pretty decent, offering things that aren't most of the other stores, but its generally not stuff I would get. When I come for a special release I usually don't find anything that interests me.

Join Rich's email list, but shop at the other stores unless you're just in the area.

This place is located right in the middle of the touristy part of Chicago, which worked out well for me, as I could walk to it from my hotel. They have a solid beer selection with many regional beers that I was seeking. The liquor selection is even better. The only complaint that I ever have with Binny's stores is their nearly non-existent 'build your own six pack' section. I would have spent an additional $5 if I had the chance to buy singles of beers instead of having to commit to a 6pack or 4pack (had limited space in the luggage on the plane). Regardless, Binny's is always a store that I'll visit when in the Chicago area.

 

The entrance to this store is off the side of the street, adjacent to a gated parking lot. It felt a bit odd, but perhaps that's the way it is in big cities. The beer is down the entrance hall and to the left. Inside is a rather standard looking retail space with open white, metal rafters with hanging fluorescent lights. Stacks and stacks of local IPAs sit closest to the door with a dry, warm shelf holding beers for mix-six packs (which didn't come off as a very spectacular selection). Then one long aisle holds beer on both sides, mixing in 4 and 6 packs from all over alongside large format bottles. Imports were all together and in the back left corner of the shelves. Just opposite the long shelf of beer is a row of wall coolers which hold both local and regional four and six packs. Overall, there is a great selection with a nice focus on local, but also offering up the work of plenty and plenty of regional and national breweries. Service was good. They asked several times if I needed assistance and were able to answer both in-depth beer questions, and make suggestions for recommended beers. A great stop to pick up beer in Chicago!

talk about Chicago craft beer heaven!! Had a guy who helped me to make sure I bought the best of the kinds of beers I liked too. He even went to the back to get one that wasn't out on the shelf. LOVE this PLACE!

This is a huge establishment with a wide variety of domestic and international craft beers. Pretty much every Chicago microbrewery that cans or bottles was available. Very good prices too.

 

 

 

One of the smaller Binny's size wise, yet consistently has one of the better craft beer selections. They get all the big ones and are always on top of limiting bottles to be sure that people have a shot at getting it. The staff is for the most part helpful, friendly and ready with good selections.

Packed a lot of different beers into a tiny store. Service is good too - very helpful staff
Wide selection of Belgians and other non-US non IPA/stouts.

 

A very good liquor store for someone self-sufficient. Service is okay in terms of the basics (e.g. helping you find where something is), but the main attraction is the selection. Great beer, wine and spirits selection. Relatively good pricing too.

 

 

 

Warehouse style shop in the heart of the city. Many varieties of beer, including great local representation and beers from neighboring states (IN, WI, etc). Don’t expect great service.

During a recent trip to Chicago, I hit both this location and the flagship in Lincoln Park. This location pales in comparison to the other. much smaller place and not nearly as much selection (at least as far as local breweries). There is a dedicated parking lot, which is a plus for a location in this area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great selection, first come first serve no BS kind of place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selection here is great in terms of quantity and a couple of recent releases were still on the shelves but nothing overly rare or interesting was available when I stopped by. All the locals are represented well as well as many of the better out of state breweries.

The location is fantastic if you are staying in on or near North Michigan Ave.