Hayden’s Liquor Store

Good selection at reasonable prices. But the building is a Capitol Hill eyesore – owners don’t seem to care about investing in the neighborhood.

Probably more craft beer per square foot than any other liquor store in DC. Even though it looks tiny the selection is (relatively) huge. The secret at Hayden’s is that the cooler is in the back, so at first glance it looks like none of the beer is cold, and then when you go to check out it turns out that there is a cold one waiting for you after all.
Since dogs are allowed in the store, it’s quite tempting to «pop in» for an impulse buy while out with the dog. If their strategy is to capture the dog walking demographic, it’s working (at least on me).

They pack a lot into this small lot, making it a great place to stop and pick up some booze to go with whatever food treasure you found at Eastern Market. The owner/​manager clearly loves the community and is always super friendly and helpful.

Hayden’s is a good little corner liquor store. The owner is always there, and takes the time to get to know his customers. Not just by what they buy, but by who they are. He knows I love music and will sometimes tell me about concerts coming up. It’s a small store, so don’t expect a huge selection, but he only stocks the best.

Best liquor store in the world. I love the vegan, drummer, motorcycle-​driver owner and his vegetarian employee. I like how there’s always a TV on. Haydens Haydens Haydens!

Hayden’s does not look like much from the outside but they have a great selection of wine, beer and liquor. The guys there are super knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
AND… despite their narrow aisles they welcome dogs, given them a thorough run and offer a treat! (-:

Looks like a dive from outside but in great location. When you go in, it is very small space that is PACKED with craft beers, good selection of booze, and not a bad selection of wine. The limited space, its focus on convenience, and having something for everyone keeps it from being really incredible at anything… but I’d go back and I bet the locals love it.

First, Hayden’s has above average customer service for DC and a selection of beer that always makes me happy (they have Blue Moon, Bodingtons, Dogfish Head, Magic Hat, and Delirium Tremmens. Now if only they had Maredsous 10…). $ 11+tax or so for a slightly larger than normal bottle of Delirium. Great selection for such a small space. Don’t forget to ask if they have a six pack in the fridge behind the counter if you need something cold.
Their prices can be a little on the steep side for me. They definitely capitalized on their prime location next to Eastern Market and made BANK during Snowpocalypse…(there’s a bad pun in there somewhere…)
The owner and his dog, however, are friendly, and sometimes the price is worth the convenience and selection rather than walking all the way to Penn or down Barrack’s row to save a couple bucks. Eg. I would walk down to Barrack’s row for stock liquor or beer (ok, maybe an ABC in Virginia if I was really planning for a party)…but for a six pack of Belgian beer for a night in? Odds are, other places wouldn’t have the selection and Hayden’s would.
FYI the parking spots right in front of Hayden’s have different parking restrictions than the rest of the streets surrounding there. Corner of 7^th and Independence.

They have absinthe and a bunch of crafty beers. Not a bad place if you happen to be looking for either
+1 star for tallboys of PBR

I just called them to inquire about Dogfish Head Beer, and they said that they have the 60 Minute, the 90 Minute, the Aprihop, the Indian Brown Ale, and the Raison d’Etre. That’s pretty good for a neighborhood liquor store. I asked if he had the Black and Blue (with blueberries in it), and he said that he would try to get it at next opportunity.
I highly recommend.

Nick is correct about he dog, she’s not there much anymore, but she’s really sweet. They do carry a good selection, but not as good as Chat’s down on 8^th Street. Prices are normal for DC area. They’re very nice, and I mostly go there out of convenience, but if you’re looking for something rare call first.
One of the best things about Haydens is its location. You can go to the farmers market and figure out what you’re making for dinner then go to Haydens to pick up wine to go with it! I find that the clerks there are very helpful in figuring out what to pair things with, if the store is empty.
And Nick is wrong about one thing– they do carry the undrinkable swill like Yellowtail and Turning leaf. It’s cheap, so I occasionally buy it for when the good stuff is all drunk and we’re just past caring what we drink.
Ohh, and Hayden’s delivers if you have a big order!

Although I no longer live just a block away from Hayden’s, I make a point to go here for all my booze needs. They carry quality scotches and bourbons, a very nice selection of beer, and a solid array of wines — and it’s not overcrowded with undrinkable swill like Fetzer, Yellowtail and Turning Leaf.
Also, don’t worry about the dog — the store owner has been letting her accompany him to work for years and I have never seen her act untoward to anyone. She’s shy and prefers not to be approached by people she doesn’t know well — in fact, I’ve only seen her run away from people that approach her, and it’s rare to see her there these days anyhow.
At any rate, this is a nice neighborhood business that offers a more thoughtful range of alcohol than most liquor/​convenience stores in and around Capitol Hill.

Hayden’s is a good local liquor store. It is right down the street from Eastern Market, and so is extremely convenient for folks who live in the area. The selection of wine, spirits, and beer is pretty good. They carry a good cross-​section of price ranges too, even if what they carry can be obtained at most wine and liquor stores in the District.
Warning: the shop keeper has a dog that is often lying around the store. Do not go near the dog, and definitely do not try to touch it. If you even get close it will start barking at you and come after you.