Mountain Top Liquor

BEWARE! We come up to Idyllwild Pine Cove 4 or 5 times a month. Went in just to see and check prices. Wow, this place is outlandish and a true rip-​off to locals and visitors. There is a bottle of wine we like and we get it in the Coachella Valley for anywhere from $ 6.49-$ 7.99. That same bottle was $ 18.99 at Mountain Top almost triple in price. As well looked at all there hard alcohol and most where anywhere from $ 10-​$ 30 more than what you pay elsewhere. What I discovered is the gas stations outside of town one in Pine Cove and the other south offer smaller selections but much better prices for wine and spirits. Will never return!

Highest prices for lowest quality. Paid $ 4 for bottle of Gator-​Aide and $ 2 for 16 oz water. Was shown wines without prices. Paid $ 20 for a bottle of red wine. Name brand wines that sell for $ 7 are $ 20. Wines that normally sell for $ 12 are $ 40, and decent wines that usually go for $ 17 are $ 60 here. 45+ year old owner told me a particular bottle was his favorite. Swore it was a hidden gem & value. Even with my wine-​decanter — aerator, it was pure acid and I had to toss it down the drain. Ruined an otherwise great retreat at a secluded cabin… major bummer that he gouges and pushes products he knows is inferior to tourist he knows he’ll never see again. I know why no locals go there.

This is a wonderful store if you like exotic spirits. So many great beers, wines and mixers. There is a lovely mini humidor room that makes the whole place smell delicious. Imagine a tiny version of a Beverages & More.
Expect to pay enormously high prices for EVERYTHING. I went in for some moderately priced Cabernet. There’s swill, then you jump to $ 14.99, and then, THE SKY’S THE LIMIT! $$$$$
There were three staff members there:
1. A seasoned woman with a patterned kerchief on who’s countenance made me wonder if someone just force-​fed her a bowl of diarrhea?
2. A 20-​something man slouched behind the counter who apparently expended all his energy applying copious amounts of hair gel.
3. A medium-​aged cashier that was moderately helpful.
All of this goodness is waiting for YOU!
PRO TIP: The selection doesn’t make up for the price-​raping or the attitudes. Go somewhere else.

Stay far away from here! Buy at the grocery store or in Hemet before you come up. The Arab owner was an unfriendly asshole who charged me $ 90 for 2 bottles of $ 10 wine. Yea I chose to purchase them however he was such a jerk while he was ripping me off I regret it. I hope he stubs his toe and has nightmares.

I liked this place. went here each night I was in town for something or another. Wine, booze, popcorn, etc. It is the only place open past 8 pm or so, and also has actual booze instead of all the beer and wine licenses up there, so it’s a bit of a hang out.

Open til 1 am on Christmas Day. Thank you!!! The guy behind the counter was really friendly. Nice wine selection. A bit over priced but expected in a small touristy town, especially because it was the only place open on Christmas Day. I say, go a head charge me extra. Thanks for being open :)

Pre-​mixed Margarita Mix + Tank Top + Sun = Fun and Sun Burn
Went camping in Idyllwild last week… well our city dogs decided that hiking was NOT on their things to do list. We decided to hit the local beverage establishment and just relax with drinks at our camp site. The place is a bit of a dive and the prices are a little steep, but they have what you need and the next town is like 30 minutes away.
The girl working behind the counter was real nice too!