Hey folks, I used to live in Campbell and then San Jose, but have been away for years. A work trip is bringing me back to Santa Clara (Great America Parkway). I won't have any chance to head to a brewery, but would like to find a local shop that might have some beers that I can't get in MA. We have good distribution, so even things like Green Flash, Coronado, and Firestone are easily available, along with the bigger names.
I will be there, and maybe at both. Looked at the beer list and 90% of it is available in MA. Bruery, Alesmith, Bear Republic, Lost Abbey, Port, North Coast...they all get distro in MA. Midnight Sun looks interesting. Prairie we don't get. Modern Times or Pizza Port either.
ISO beer in downtown SJ is a bar but also serves as a great carry out bottle shop. Near the corner of 3rd and Santa Clara.
If you go to Santa Clara, you need to be careful on the dates. They sell a lot of old stuff. I would vote for Wine Club. Not a large selection, but good pricing and variety. Nice people...
Yep, definitely Wine Club if you want to chat with the beer buyer (Nolen) who has tried most beers on the shelf. He gets some little gems here and there that you won't find anywhere else in the area. Not to mention very competitive prices. Santa Clara Liquors has a huge selection but the more "special" stuff is marked up quite a bit. Still worth checking out if you have time.
Wine Club Santa Clara is my favorite shop. They have more limited hours (9-7pm or something like that) so be aware of that. Jane's Beer store in Mountain view is very good Santa Clara liquors is good, but sells too much old stuff Royal liquors is good, but check the dates on IPAs Cask N Flask is a bit farther of a drive but they get a lot of good stuff. Again, check the dates. ISO Beers has good beers to go, the prices are hit and miss. Any Whole Foods in the area carries a pretty decent selection, but I'd use that as a last resort. Don't waste any time on Southgate Liquors or Boynton.
Bobby's Liquors also has a good selection and is really close to Great America. Also owned by same person as ISO beer bar in downtown San Jose. Also Smoke Eaters has a pretty good selection on tap and should be within 1-2 miles from your hotel. Might make for a decent beer selection if your grabbing lunch close by your hotel
