S & R Liquors

Location is great if you work in the area and are looking for a reasonably priced, quality bottle. The options are fantastic, if not surprising (I found quality cachaça there that I haven’t found anywhere else). The equally fantastic staff (especially Vinny) is attentive, knowledgable, approachable, and very helpful. I’ve been impressed with Vinny’s wine recommendations every time I’ve visited (thank you!). The previous Unilocaler commented that the real star is the booze — yes, it’s the selection, but also the people behind it.

S and R Liquors has the best selection and the best customer service in the city. Ask Vinnie for a suggestion and Vinnie will give you an education. Wine or bourbon he knows his product. Vinnie’s brother Ray also knows his stuff. They have frequent tastings of wine or liquor with reps to explain the product. Downtown prices are higher than the suburbs. But the service and atmosphere make up for it.

This liquor shop might arguably have the best selection you’ll find anywhere in DC. I doubt that it’s the most you’ll find, but in terms of quality I would be really surprised if there was somewhere that surpasses it, and I’ve been to all the really well known ones in the area (Schneider’s, Ace, Calvert-​Woodley, etc). The number of top-​end liquors is astounding, from rare scotches, bourbons, mezcal, armagnac, on and on. There is of course wine (some really nice Burgundy and Aussie Shiraz options), a huge sparkling section, sake, sherry, and a passable beer aisle. But the real star here is the booze.
Price wise, it’s a bit more than you’ll find in other shops, and I almost dinged them half a star for that, but to be honest I consider that the cost of convenience for a centrally located liquor store fronting this much premium selection. They even do multiple tastings per day, and not just the cheap stuff. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how many rare bottles on the shelves that I had never heard of from labels that I actually follow quite well. I know where I’ll be doing my Christmas shopping this year! If you’ve got a boozehound in your life I suggest bringing them here and watching them drool.