As some of you know, Nikki's Liquors is planning on moving. What I had originally heard through the grape vine was that they were moving to the old pharmacy directly across the street from Julian's on the West End. However, I recently drove by a storefront at the intersection of Branch Ave. and North Main St. and saw a sign that said something like "Nikki's liquors coming soon." So I guess either the west end location was just a bullshit rumor or it fell apart some how. Anyone know for sure? Also, for those of you that know the spot, what do you guys think of the new location? As I said, it's at the end of Branch Ave. (where it intersects with North Main St.) on the same side of the street as Benny's and the Fire Station. As far as proximity, I think it's in a great spot. It's at the base of the East Side, which is pretty much where every good bottle shop in Providence is located, so there's obviously people who want craft in the area. Of course, there's lots of competition too. High Spirits, who have really stepped things up in the last year are just down the street. I think they'll get more people interested in craft in that area than their previous area. However, the location is not that convenient. Trying to take a left out of that parking lot is going to be impossible. The traffic that builds up at that light is insane, it's multiple lanes and that fire station always seems to be sending out crews. So a bit of a pain in the ass as far as getting in and getting out. It won't deter me, obviously. However, if I'm getting groceries at Whole Foods, my car is already parked in their lot, and High Spirits is right next door, I'm not going to see much incentive to go to Nikki's (unless, of course, the selection at Nikki's is excellent - which it very well may be). We shall see. In any event, I'm looking forward to checking out the new spot and I wish them all the best of luck. It'd be cool if someone in-the-know could tell us when they're opening. I'd love to swing by on opening day to load up!
They did try and move to the West End for over a year. I believe there were permitting issues, so they gave up after they couldn't make progress. I think the new location is great since its off I-95.
I read that there will be a vintage beer room and that this new place is significantly larger than their current location.
It certainly looks much bigger. I hope the new Nikki's is an impressive spot. The old spot has lost a bit of it's appeal to me over the years. When I got into craft it was the greatest thing in the world, because I could do the mix a six every time. I didn't really know what styles I loved and I certainly did care about freshness. Now that I've matured a bit, I'm looking for something different in a bottle shop. First of all, I could care less about mix a six. Give me a solid selection of sixers and I'm happy. Second, it's all about freshness at this point, be it IPA or pilsner. Nikki's freshness was hit and miss. Nevertheless, they always had a nice selection of German imports, which I love, so they've been and will continue to be a regular stop for me.
I couldn't agree more. I also like how they would cellar beers and pull them from the cellar after a few years. Saves me the trouble of cellaring something. From what they've been saying on their facebook page, it seems like they'll be able to be the beer shop that they want to be because they'll have the space for it.
Now they're going to be even closer to high spirits. The competition will be a lot higher so I'm hoping the prices between the two stores will be comparable. Times I'll go to nikkis and see a bottle that's 2$ more than the same at High spirits. Some times it's vice versa. I hope to frequent Nikkis a little more once they move.
It's definitely bigger (about 3X bigger). I'm looking for increased selection and a lot more cold singles. Vintage beer room should be cool, and I heard they'll be doing more tastings (wine, too).
They are going to have more front-opening coolers than anyone in the state from what they are saying. From the pics I have seen, it is really going to be a LOT of cooling space. The old location really was a pain in the ass to get to so no matter what the new location can't help but be better as far as I am concerned. It is certainly easier getting there from I-95. All in all, the move was needed and I am glad it is finally happening for them. I know they went through all kinds of pain and money trying to move into the Broadway location and they can finally move past that frustration.
More cooling space is great to hear! Honestly, I could care less about singles, cold singles, mix a six or a "vintage beer room." Give me fresh cold sixers and I'm a happy dude. Location of this joint is definitely more convenient, especially considering it's got easy access to both 95 and North Main St. In fact, I prefer this location to the building they were looking at on the West End (if indeed they were looking at the vacant spot across from Julian's).
From the April 18 <i>Providence Phoenix</i>: Two years ago, Nikki’s Liquors announced that it planned to move to a new location at the former DePasquale Pharmacy across from Julian’s on Broadway in Providence. But they got embroiled in a zoning appeal, which dragged on in the courts (and wasted thousands of dollars). But the story has a happy ending, with the recent news of a move to 32 Branch Ave (next to Benny’s, near North Main St), with 5000 square feet (2.5 times bigger than the current location, with a 50-car parking lot) to fill with craft beer (and wine and spirits). The store will have a 23-door custom beer cooler, a climate-controlled vintage beer room, and a high-end scotch and whiskey room in a walk-in safe. The opening is slated for late May/early June; check their Facebook page for updates and the grand opening date.
Thanks [I wrote it]! Here's the rest of that action-packed column: http://providence.thephoenix.com/food/158023-beer-on-the-move/ And the most recent one, where Rhody beer pros pick their fave underappreciated/taken for granted brews: http://providence.thephoenix.com/food/158465-drink-these-brews/
The new Nikki's -- 32 Branch Ave -- opened on Thursday:: https://www.facebook.com/nikkis.craftbeerfinewinespirits Big, beautiful, impressive!
Went today. They're still stocking stuff, but it's basically the same but bigger and cleaner. Not bad getting in to their lot, but you can't really get out to the left if you want to head up Branch toward 146. This is, obviously, not a real complaint. They've already got more glassware out and their discount stuff is all together in one spot.
I went through the back of their lot and drove about a mile or 2 and was able to take 146 around where the Admiral St. exit was.
I checked it out on Saturday. Awesome spot and I wish them all the best. The coolers were expansive. Nice to see some good bourbon in there too! Congratulations Nikki's!
