Dobby's World Wide Liquors & Wine

Dobby's World Wide Liquors & WineDobby's World Wide Liquors & Wine
Dobby's World Wide Liquors & WineDobby's World Wide Liquors & Wine
Store

15 S Brockway St
Palatine, Illinois, 60067-6123
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.2
Reviews:
18
Ratings:
18
pDev:
9.52%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of MIA4IPA
Reviewed by MIA4IPA from Illinois

4.64/5  rDev +10.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
A diamond in the rough. The beer buyer Matt is top notch and straight up with you. If he says he can get it he will. Prices are very fare especially on rare releases, they never make you overpay for a beer. Jerry the wine guy is also a big craft guy and can always help out. Shelves are stocked with local beers here in Chicago except Pipeworks but they are trying to get it. Great selection of cold craft, nice range. Single btl selection is massive. Twice a month they do beer and wine tastings. They also have a beer club and great rewards program!!
Dec 07, 2012
Photo of crossovert
Reviewed by crossovert from Illinois

3.64/5  rDev -13.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Bigger liquor store on a busy corner. It is kind of barren inside though. Much of the beer singles selection has been picked over. Yet there are still some ofests and stuff still out in big displays.

One other customer in there was displeasure at some of the prices and I tend to agree. There is a lot of expensive stuff in this place. The employee blamed it on the distributors and breweries but a lot of the stuff I have indeed seen cheaper elsewhere. The selection is decent, nothing mindblowing. Some beer in the coolers. Even hard arnold palmer if your into that.

It is okay if you are in the area.
Nov 12, 2011
Photo of latackbeer
Reviewed by latackbeer from Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Been coming here since I first turned 21, here I went to my very first beer tasting that turned into one hell of a night.

The selection is awesome. I usually shop here for my 12oz bottles or any small batches I miss out on. The people inside are very knowledgeable and always willing to help you find a product. Jerry the wine/ beer guy knows his stuff so does Matt who mostly over sees the beer. It's really cool they know I work for Teddy's but always very welcoming.

I would come here over a Binny's any day!!
Sep 27, 2011
Photo of dabruddah
Reviewed by dabruddah from Pennsylvania

4.81/5  rDev +14.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Dobby's is a great place. Especially because you can buy singles of some fantastic and often hard to find beers.

They have a great selection, everything is reasonably priced (all is within range of any other place) and their sale prices can be great! There's nothing better than walking in and finding your favorite ridiculously expensive beer...on the cheap.

Definitely worth stopping by. I recently moved to PA (a nightmare of a state for beer sales, where you can pretty much only buy beer by the case or pay through the nose to buy a sixer at a bar). Every time I'm back in Chicago's NW, I make a point to come here and stock up on beers that I either can't get in PA or don't want to buy a whole case of.
Aug 02, 2011
Photo of Ninjabrew
Reviewed by Ninjabrew from Illinois

4.74/5  rDev +12.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
I really like this place and yes most BA's would drive right by this place, but don't make this mistake. Great selection and because they don't display as much of any given item, I find they have a fresher stock than even Binny's on some items. The stock changes regularly but yet they always seem to have what I need (and I have been going there for 4+ years now). Great place and if you are looking for a place to stop and eat (drink) whilst in Palatine, be sure to check out Bauer's Brau House 1 Block North of there.
Jun 18, 2011
Photo of emerge077
Reviewed by emerge077 from Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -2.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
2011: Some recent renovations have opened up the beer area for case displays on the floor, and they got rid of the little corner nook of imports. Now the imports and craft singles/bombers/750s are all along the long front wall. There are windows high above, hopefully no light hits the beer.

Expanded import selection, including Fantome, De Ranke, Mikkeller, Nøgne, and more. Boulevard 4 packs and variety packs on one side of the case displays. Staff was friendly and greeted everyone walking in. The popcorn and suit of armor are still there, doubt they'd ever get rid of those. It was great to see lots of craft beer on sale, which covered a wide variety of crafts (JP, Bruery, and more) and imports ($15 Duvel Triple Hop). A solid option for beer, with Bauer's, Emmett's, and Durty Nellies also nearby.

10-09-2006
Dobby's is worth a stop if you're in the area. Occasionally they have sales on craft and imports. When I stopped in, a case of Warsteiner was $10.99. Beer section is on the left-hand side of the store...once you swing past the suit of armor and around the checkout gauntlet.

Selection is good, their strong suit being american craft beer. Victory, GLBC, Goose Island reserve line (even singles of these), Avery bombers, Lakefront, DFH, 3F, Left Hand (limited releases), and others. Fall seasonals such as Nosferatu and Kaiser were around, which was nice to see. German and euro import selection is decent, and a few Belgians as well. German and Euro imports are in an odd little alcove, directly left and around the corner from the registers. Noticed a couple Belgian gift-packs with glassware, which was cool. In the coolers, there is a modest selection of import singles, and a walk-in case area around the doorway.

Apparently the selection of wine is decent and well-priced also, according to a family member of mine. Recently dropped by on a saturday afternoon, and there was a beer tasting going on. It felt kinda like an old boys club though. Rodenbach was the "nasty sour one" according to the group. Oh, and there's free popcorn...

Who remembers the giant bottles of Hopf Weißer Bock?
May 09, 2011
Photo of BeerLover99
Reviewed by BeerLover99 from Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -9.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
This is another beer gem here in the NW suburbs. I'm sure many beer geeks have driven past and thought nothing of this place, but you would be surprised. Friendly staff that are more than willing to help you find something.

They have a nice small singles selection. Good craft beer and import section. There were a few beers that were already sold out at local competitors, so either the beer guy here knows what hard-core beer geeks want or many people just dismiss this place.

If you are in the neighborhood, just down the street from Dirty Nellies (Palatine), this is worth stopping in.

SOLID BEER STORE, GIVE IT A GO!
Apr 28, 2011
Photo of Vdubb86
Reviewed by Vdubb86 from Illinois

4/5  rDev -4.8%
I can thank TMoney2591 for taking me here a couple of times. Before that I was unaware of it's existence.

This place looks like a traditional dirty liquor store from the outside. When entered is where the quality can be seen. I would probably say in this relatively small store 1/3 of the floor space is devoted to beer. The people who work there are very nice and friendly and know pretty well everything in stock. The selection at the store is the key. They have most everything that you can get at a Binny's in the area, but then there are some little extras. You can get singles of some bottles and create your own six-pack. There are some lesser seen Belgian beers. Some of the local craft brews that are hit or miss at other places are usually a hit here. If you're looking for the cheap stuff too, they got that in spades in the back (more so than at any Binny's I've been too). Overall a pretty nice place.
Oct 04, 2010
Photo of TMoney2591
Reviewed by TMoney2591 from Illinois

4.2/5  rDev 0%
After suffering a few failures at other area stores (damn places not having things I want...I can't shake my fist hard enough!), I decided to seek this place out. I'm glad I did. To the left of all the other boozy goodness is a decently-sized beer section, featuring a very fine selection of world-wide crafty goodness. Hey, check that out: the name holds true! Heyuck (y'know, the noise Goofy makes...)! Along with the usual suspects, there were also occasional elsuives (at the time, some SA Chocolate Bock and a couple o' Belgian gift packs). There was also a small aisle of singles, but not as many as I would like (though the bomber selection is pretty damn nice). Most of the beers are stored warm, but there are a handful of coolers in the back as well. In addition, near the entrance is a shelf with some nie glassware. The service was pretty quiet, but was quick to help when I approached them. (It was pretty early in the day, after all.) The pricing depended on the beer, with some cheaper than elsewhere, some more expensive, and some about the same, without any rhyme or reason. Best of all, they offer some free popcorn near the door. Score! Go grab some 'corn, baby!
Jun 07, 2010
Photo of schanker21
Reviewed by schanker21 from Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
I normally shop at Binny's, but after reading about this place I though I'd give it a go.

The shop itself is quite dated, however it's clean and the outdated look gives it more of a personal feeling than Binny's. Selection is quite good. Nothing you won't find in most other Chicagoland beer stores, however they did seem to have quite a larger selection of bombers than you see elsewhere, which was nice. Pricing is good. About on par with most other places, some things cheaper, some things a little more expensive, but that's how it goes at any store. Staff was friendly and asked if I needed help. The guy who I, baselessly, assumed to be the owner was very friendly and seemed to really be happy doing what he does (who wouldn't?).

What really made me like this place, however, was the mix-a-six selection. Holy crap. Unlike every other mix-a-six section I've ever seen where the selection is made up of a random selection of whatever is about to go past its freshness date, Dobby's actually had lots and lots of really good bottles to choose from. SN Bigfoot, SA Imperial series, 5 different Founder's, FFF Alpha King and Gumballhead, 6 different offerings from Bell's, 4 different Great Lakes, and a bunch of other great stuff that I can't even remember right now. I'm still in disbelief over what I walked away with in my makeshift six pack. It's definitely a great way to try out a lot of different great beers without having to buy $60 worth of six packs.

A great store, I just wish it was a little closer to my apartment. Oh well, something to consider the next time I move I suppose.
Feb 15, 2010
Photo of Bellabananas
Reviewed by Bellabananas from Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -3.6%
This place is currently my favorite due to their on-sale price of La Folie...$12.99. They have recently been making improvements on their store: making more room and improving the overall appearance. Despite these improvements, the place still looks pretty dowdy. However, who cares about the way a place looks when you are going there to pick up beer to take home? The prices are pretty reasonable. I have rarely seen lower prices elsewhere. The prices are pretty standard; usually the same or lower than Binny's. The service is pretty average. I didn't even get carded on my birthday, which was kind of a disappointment. I know my boyfriend goes here several times a week. It's rare to find better deals anywhere else. Selection is pretty decent.
Jan 28, 2010
Photo of Florida9
Reviewed by Florida9 from Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
What have I been missing? This place carries an absolute wonderful selection of microbrews. Ironically, I've been coming here for years for wine and have never bothered to partake in their beer section (as it is kind of hidden from the rest of the store). However, while the beer section is small in comparison to the rest of the store, they offer an impressive selection of import and craft beers with a lot of what they carry being single releases or the "lesser known" offerings. Apparently, the way they're able to do this is by only offering a few six packs or a case or two of each beer.

Offerings include FFF (including Apocalypse Cow), SN Southern Hemisphere, New Holland, Tyrenea, Crooked Tree (they had double crooked tree, but were sold out), and many others. Check out their website for what is available.

Not all of the staff is entirely knowledgeable, but they'll point you to the staff member who is.
Jun 29, 2009
Photo of bluemoonswoon
Reviewed by bluemoonswoon from Illinois

4.2/5  rDev 0%
A bit of a sleeper, it looks like a traditional macro and liquor store from the outside and even a bit like one when you first walk in, that is if you don't take into account the knight in shining armor when you first walk in the door. Smells like an old bowling alley and looks like one two but it gives it some charm.

Much better selection than Binnys plus a mix a six section that makes it even more worthwhile. Lots of Imports and domestic micros to choose from a lot from # floyds, they had cases of Dreadnaught which Binnys is lacking. Really a place to go and seek out, friendly service and great and relativly cheap selection of beers. I will be making a trip out here again soon.
Jul 20, 2008
Photo of younger35
Reviewed by younger35 from Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%
I love this place! Close to my house and full of goodies. They have a couple nice rows full of American craft brews (Three Floyds, Great Lakes, Goose Island, Two Brothers, Great Divide, Boulder Brewing, Founders, Arcadia, Left Hand, DFH, Rogue, and many others). They also have a good selection of bombers and limited release seasonals. They also have a whole other section of 12oz mix-a-six singles that you gotta love! The Belgium selection is very nice as well with the usuals and a decent selection of gueze/lambics. They have another whole section dedicated to European and German brews that is really nice as well. The service is awesome as there is always workers around and I'm always greeted when I walk in the store. I really like this place a lot and I'm really glad it's in my town!
Mar 28, 2008
Photo of pmatz2
Reviewed by pmatz2 from Illinois

4.15/5  rDev -1.2%
Butt ugly store with a solid beer selection. They are very helpful. Every time I've been in there someone has always asked if I needed help. Selection is comparable to the other chains in the other. They do seem to go deeper into a brewery than the other stores. Example first time I saw Dogfish Golden Shower Pilsner in the area. It's not to far out of may way heading home from work so I will usually stop by 2-3 a month. Turnover of the non-singles is pretty good. If you in the area it's worth a trip
Nov 22, 2006
Photo of rhoadsrage
Reviewed by rhoadsrage from Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -14.3%
The parking lot in front looks like a pay lot from the street but when you turn the corner the rows closest to the store are free. When you walk in you have to snake around to your right then to your left to get to the beer. I was not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. They had new releases of Dogfish Head and Three Floyds along with a big pile of fat tire. The beer section is kind of scattered around. If you are looking out the front window you have a little nock of imperial pint singles from Germany and the Eastern Europe, which is a pretty good selection. Then in front of you two rows of 12 oz singles for mix-a-sixer. They had some interesting craft beers that I wanted to try but didn't what to buy a whole 6-pack only to be let down. On the other side of the isle they have Adjunct lagers to add to your 6-pack.

The last row in that section had the big bottles including a 3L German Bock that was pretty impressive. They had some good Belgian selections also. The next section tucked back to your left is the 6-packs, cases and about 6 cooler doors of beer. They had a good selection and it wasn't really dominated by BMC like I was expecting.

They had hand written labels give specials and sales which was nice and the prices were pretty good. I had two different clerks stop and ask if I need help on their way to the backroom so that was nice.

Some of the bottles were a bit dusty so that made me a little worried but it looks like they get a good turnover of stock on the popular craft beers. If I'm ever out this way again I will definitely stop to see what deals they have that I can't resist. After you pay you have to snake around to the exit and there is a popcorn popper making popcorn right there. I’m not sure if this is for sale or for free?
May 01, 2006
Photo of TurdFurgison
Reviewed by TurdFurgison from Ohio

3.33/5  rDev -20.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 1 | selection: 5
2012: After dozens of visits over the last few years, I retract the bit about ugly attitudes in my review. The staff has been helpful and friendly for years. I often find beers on sale, making this a good place to shop against Binnys.

2005: My parents live nearby and I stop at Dobby's every single time I visit. The selection is completely good. There are the major Belgians, some obscure Belgians, many American micros, and God knows what else.

My only problem is I've never seen a polite employee. I mean it, they are miserable. This is based on maybe 6 total visits, with 6 intolerable people at check-out.

But if you're in Palatine you must stop here to get your beer. Just close your eyes to the ugly attitudes (don't try for small talk either).
Jul 17, 2005
Photo of GoCubsMatt
Reviewed by GoCubsMatt from Washington

4.3/5  rDev +2.4%
This was my beer store back when I lived in Palatine. The selection and quality are great here, the service is very friendly, and the prices are fantastic.

The quality of beer available at this place is good. While they do carry typical macroswill, it doesn't take up too much space. They have a pretty wide range of beers, from local brews (Goose Island, Bell's, Three Floyds), national good stuff (Rogue, Victory, Dogfish, Allagash), they have a decent selection of European stuff as well. You can put together your own 6-pack for a good price if you'd like.

The service here is solid. I asked the beer guy why they didn't carry Victory beer, and he told me he hadn't heard of it. A few weeks later, there was a row of HopDevil waiting on the shelves. They also host beer tasting events on occasion.

Prices are very good here. They carry Dreadnaught IPA for $5 a bomber (I remember some BAs saying this was going for $7 a bottle), and Bell's Batch 6000 was $14 a sixer (I remember hearing of prices up to $20 on BA).

I know there are some well-stocked chain stores in the Chicago area, but this is one of those few independent joints around that just gets it. Good service, good selection, good quality, good prices, you can't really go wrong here.
Apr 10, 2004
Dobby's World Wide Liquors & Wine in Palatine, IL
Place rating: 4.2 out of 5 with 18 ratings