McGrath Beer & Wine

The new ownership is so nice! They are a very engaging family business, and we talk about our families. Great to support a local business!

Now under new ownership, this place really has turned around. It is now part of my regular Star Market shopping routine, and I always enjoy the smiling faces, decent selection, and remarkable customer service. Way to go! Amazing improvement!

The only thing this liquor (beer and wine only) store has going for it is convenience. It is located inside the newly remodeled Star Market on the Cambridge/​Somerville line, with plenty of parking to be had. You can now pick up your beer to go with your BBQ, your wine to go with your bread and cheese.
The selection is poor and they do not seem to restock the shelves very often, so if you are craving a bottle of Barefoot or Yellow Tail, or a 6 pack of PBR, you may be out of luck.
There is often a hand made sign on the door saying Back in 5 Minutes. Often.
As Scott has noted, the service here is astonishingly poor with one exception, a middle aged man who seems nice and friendly. The rest of the staff rarely engages, and rarely stops doing paperwork, eating, or talking on the phone. So you stand there, waiting… waiting…
Depending on who is working that day, the desk/​checkout area can be a total mess with papers and half-​eaten food all over it. There is one woman here who is the biggest issue of all. She is filthy (check the fingernails) and licks her fingers before getting your bag and counting out all of the money that she gives you for change. I’m sorry, but hygiene really counts in my world.
I thought this place would be an asset to the neighborhood, but I’m disappointed.