Best Bottleshop/Bars in Allston?

Martignetti's in Brighton isn't too bad and they do have a pretty good selection. There is also Marty's Big Buys just outside of Union Square. I haven't been to Blanchard's in years but if you are looking for easy convenience it might be your best bet.

I don't think the prices at Deep Ellum or the Publick House are that out of whack for the area and both have great selections. Quality always comes into question with the Sunset but I don't know how founded that is of recent. Admittedly I haven't been there is about two years.

 

Honestly, Blanchard's is your best bet for variety but everything tends to be 1-2 bucks more. I often hit Marty's big buys to find some hidden gems but won't buy an IPA from there unless it's clearly bottle dated (I found Port Mongo there recently dated over a year old). Brookline liquor mart is good as well.

For bars, I hit up the Avenue often. It has a great selection and extremely reasonable prices...also cheap burgers, especially on $1 burger Mondays.

Sunset is ok but their menu is always a mess as they don't update it often enough and they never seem to have my first choice beer. White Horse isn't too bad as long as you don't go late Fri or Sat night. They recently have had Jack's Abby on consistently. I haven't been to Deep Ellum but I've heard its great...just pricey.

 

I mentioned The Avenue a few months ago as an Allston option for good beer.

 

I'm a little biased so I won't talk about bottle shops, but as far as bars go..

Avenue- revamped a bit ago, better selection now, decent prices and cheap food.
White Horse- good trivia (W/Th/Sun), selection ok but I don't think the tap lines are ever cleaned.
Deep Ellum- all-around great, can find some really world class beers here, especially when they host events.
Lonestar Taco- Great tacos, nice tequila selection. For beer, probably just go to Deep Ellum.
Sunset Grill- Just talk to the bartenders before you order and you'll make out well. Obviously great selection.
Common Ground- Has some OK taps, but I'd avoid on the weekends.
The Draft- Probably don't bother unless you're looking for $1 drafts.
Tavern in the Square- Good place to watch a game, but bro central at times. Lots of taps but I've found the draft selection to vary wildly between very good and very mediocre.
Silhouette/Model- You like PBR?
Wonder Bar- No thanks.
Soulfire BBQ- Has a bar. Mostly just seasonals and regular options.
Refuge Cafe- 3 taps, sometimes decent things for a sandwich shop. Pretty Things, etc.

 

Dollar slices at the Regina depot after 11pm.

 

Quality summary. Just to add:

The Draft isn't horrible for some cheap deals. Go there on Tuesday's and you can get a burger, fries and any beer (I usually end up with Racer 5) for 6 bucks. Nice patio too.

Big City is a good option if Sunset is too packed (right upstairs, same owners). Beer list is pretty much a shortened (though still long) version of Sunsets. Bigger bar area and a tons of pool tables.

Or just go drink cheap whiskey at the Model until you can't stand.

As far as bottle shops go my favorite is Brookline Liquors for that happy middle point between value and selection. If you're willing to walk out to Brighton a couple people mentioned Marty's Big Buys, some old beer but good selection and super nice staff. I also think Walsh's in Brighton Center is a really underrated smaller shop. Have stumbled into Heady Topper and KBS among other things there.

 

Blanchard's and Marty's Big Buys are the "best" bottle shops, if your main concern is a big selection. Beware of high prices and stale beer at both locations. Quality Liquors near Deep Ellum has some decent 4- and 6-packs of craft beer for reasonable prices. Brookline Liquor Mart on Comm Ave. also has a pretty solid selection. Deep Ellum is the only bar in Allston worth mentioning for good beer. If you're going to tolerate Allston hipsters (never tolerate Allston bros) anywhere else, you might as well just get twisted on the cheap at the Sil' or the Model.

 

Seconded. It's easy to get to - right on Soldier Field Road. Better prices than Marty's.

 

Stores:
Martignetti's gets my vote for value and selection combo...if I'm looking for something particular and are willing to pay a little more, I'd go to Blanchards.

Bars:
Deep Ellum is the clear choice for beer bar. We used to frequent Harry's Bar & Grill, on the corner of Comm Ave and Kelton St; decent beer selection and didn't seem to get overly rowdy/obnoxious.

 

Why?

 

agree with everything here except for deep ellum being the only bar worth mentioning. not sure why sunset always seems to catch so much flak but in terms of selection it's pretty much unmatched. they have a regular tap cleaning schedule (which they post), so the suspect tap lines issue would appear to be a thing of the past. it does tend to get crowded but not so much if you target off-peak times. any place that can boast several hundred craft options is worth at least an occasional visit IMO.

 

They don't have much of a beer selection, but I really like Myung Dong 1st Ave. A fun Korean bar that is great for a multitude of different flavored Soju shots and Korean bar food.

Sunset Grill gets way too much flack on this site. Great selection of beer and excellent nachos.

 

In the same vein, Punjab Palace makes some really good Indian food and has a decent bottle list. Had a Chimay White last time I was there.

 

damn good indian food

 

I haven't been to Blanchard's since the puppy kicking incident, but if you do go can you tell me if the dusty bottle of 840 IPA is still available.

When did Stone Coast cease production? 2009?

 

Used to frequent the Common Ground in Allston. IMO was a relaxing place to have a good beer & catch a game - total opposite of the douche hipster beer-geek scene @ Deep Ellum. I've heard the new owner re-hired some of the old staff who made the place enjoyable...will need to re-visit soon.