Russell’s Package Store

Pretty unassuming liquor store. I saw they were selling Firestone Walker’s Parabola for a little cheaper then my hometown liquor store & had to investigate.
The two staff working were very helpful. Not being from the area I wanted stuff I couldn’t get in RI so they suggested some local craft beer I ultimately purchased. They even had a small but decent hard cider selection. Prices were on par with what I’m used to.
I didn’t care much for the set up. It’s kinda cramped in there & I was unfamiliar with the layout. If I was a local I’d definitely come back again.

This is really a fine liquor store. The staff are knowledgable and they’re very friendly. It’s the liquor store where everyone knows your name! I agree with the sentiment that it’s inhospitable to college students, but as someone who graduated college some time ago, I love that for once something in this town isn’t catered to the kids. I would say it’s like a smaller, more conveniently located (for the non-​driver) Spirit Haus. The prices are comparable to Spirit Haus.

So, I’m pretty sure this place is designed to keep the riff-​raff out. And by riff-​raff I mean, college students, aannnddd that’s the point of view you’re getting from my review. Maybe a more seasoned consumer would rate Russell’s more highly, but that’s not me.
This place is a little larger than my college dorm room with crates and shelves of alcohol stacked waist high. I get super nervous turning around in this store for fear of knocking lots of things over. It’s impossible to see the bottom two shelves of liquor against the wall, and the labels are hard to read from the distance, and because they’re crammed so closely together. I don’t remember ever seeing a price sticker unless something was clearly marked off on sale.
There’s a pretty good wine selection– the liquor selection is pretty basic; very well stocked but not very varied. Not a great beer selection in my opinion.
For service– I generally get ignored by the staff unless the proprietor is there. He’s really helpful and sweet, and saved me $ 7 but telling me I should get a magnum instead of two standard size bottles. If only he were there all the time!

My friend and I threw a cocktail party and we wanted to provide «grown up» drinks so we knew we needed to stock the liquor cabinet. The owner and proprietor of the store walked us through each area of selection offering awesome advice on getting the highest quality options for the best prices. We spent a fair amount of money but we got a lot and we got great value and advice. We also picked up a couple of nice bottles of wine for a great price and some specialty beer. It was a great experience! I’ll be back!