O’Brian’s Liquors

This liquor store is down the block from my apartment. I don’t stock my apartment with a ton of booze (more for my own safety), but it’s good to know that it’s there when the need arises. I’m usually able to find what I want. It may not be the exact brand, but it gets the job done. I’ve found that the prices are a little higher than what you’d see at Sav-​More or Kappys, but sometimes you really need to buy a handle of tequila at 11am on a Saturday and don’t feel like getting in your car. Just sayin’.
What I DON’T like is the running commentary by the gentleman behind the counter. He gave me a hard time trying to find my birth date on my MASSACHUSETTS license. Really? Like he’s never seen one before? One time, he looked at my license, looked at me and then said «your hair looks better down». Maybe the prices are a little higher because you’re paying for the stand-​up comedy show? Who knows.
Bottom line: I don’t love the selection or prices of this liquor store, but you will definitely be able to find more or less, what you need. I’m pretty lazy, so I will continue to shop here when I’m in a rush or just need to pick up something quickly.

Eh. I’m with one of the other reviewers that it gets one star for existing, and another for being close by. Apparently they’re remodeling right now (March 2010), and the chatty woman at the counter has said the father and son who own/​run it have their share of disagreements… leading to SHITTY wine supply and no consistency in beer selection. Plus the younger guy’s courtesy level varies widely depending on the customer’s attractiveness, which is uncomfortable to be around when he’s being rude to someone. If they don’t get with the program and start carrying good table wines under $ 10 like EVERY other decent packy in town, their prospects aren’t good.
If you’re in that area, hit Somerville Wine and Spirits instead. They’ve reopened and they’re better than ever.

This store is really small, no big deal, ok for emergencies. You know, those Saturdays when it is pouring down rain, like a hurricane, and you don’t have a car, and this is the only liquor store within a mile.
Not a huge selection, but the beers are in constant rotation. So one day they have Newcastle, the next time they have Leffe, which is nice. The people who work here are really nice. They’re friendly and helpful, and provide good service. It is nice to see the same faces every time.
I downgraded to 4 stars from 5 because they are closed today! What liquor store with an Irish name is closed on St. Patrick’s weekend? I don’t know. But I’m miffed because I’m soaking wet (huge rainstorm just now), and I have no beer to comfort me.

This place is super small and has a limited selection of wine, seasonal beers and the usual standards. It’s the closest liquor store for most people in a 5 block radius and the people working the counter are always super nice and will try to help you find what you’re looking for if they have it in stock.
Most of the stars are for location and the fact that in a pinch — they’ve got what you need to keep your party going.

The first star is because it exists. The second star is because it’s right next to my bus stop, therefore convenient for a wine-​run on the way home from work… and because sometimes Family Guy is playing on the tiny TV above the checkout counter.
I can understand that a place this small can’t have quite the selection I’m used to, but what I find frustrating is that the few shelves they DO have aren’t even full! The wine racks are especially lacking, and what little they have is overpriced. Over the course of a few months, I think I was slowly buying them out of all the wine they had in stock. I even resorted to a double-​bottle of some pretty bad Merlot. I mean if you’re going to stock cheap double bottles, at least stock Barefoot… or even Concha Y Toro!
I only patronize when I’m too lazy to drive somewhere else (or when the cars on my street are so densely and poorly parked that I can’t back out of my driveway).