Thursday 2nd of February 2017 08:43:41 PM

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This Whole Foods is both a good beer store and a good beer bar. Seriously, if you're nearby, give it a shot. If you have a car, it's right down the street from Binny's where you will find a better bottle/can selection, but with the food and 1550 Bar here, it's worth a visit.

The 1550 Bar is always set up with a great selection. Buy a pint and go shopping. Just don't accidentally drop your glass while pushing your carts that unbelievably do not have cup holders.

Thursday 10th of December 2009 10:40:44 AM

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Expanded taps in the bar, expanded beer-to-go selection, large "food court" with plenty of choices if you want to eat and have a few brews. Best Whole Foods location in town for beer.

The new space is absolutely massive. The beer bar was along the east wall, if you walk down Kingsbury, the rows of glasses are visible in the window.

The bar is adjacent to a coffee bar, with some table seating along the east wall of windows. The glassware reminded me of Hopleaf, the glass shelves were stacked high. Many Bells tulips, Ayinger weizen glasses, Unibroue, and 3 Floyds glasses galore.

Service at the bar was quick, and they filled my little tray of popcorn twice in the course of one beer. On draft was FFF Banana Split 7", Founders Cerise, Bells Oberon, New Holland Dragons Milk & Mad Hatter, 2 Bros. Dog Days, GI "Pub Beer", 8 taps total. One was empty and one was Kombucha tea. All beers were local/regional, there were no bottles, just Old Style tallboys for $2. They charged tax on beers. One large flatscreen tv was tuned to sportcenter. Kind of sterile feeling, but the scene was at a grocery store. There was this little circular stage that looked like it was set up for live music...

After getting directions to the beer area of the store, I made my way to the center, on the left side of the island refrigerator. Sadly the selection had been scaled back, probably to reflect what sold the most. Notably absent were the Jolly Pumpkin (august 09: now there's Bam Noire & Luciernaga), Flossmoor, and T'IJ beers from the "old" store. The beer was entirely refrigerated, 2/3 were 6 packs, and some singles/750s were on the far right. Oberon mini kegs were noted, also Bare Tree 08 for under $7, Southern Tier, FFF, and a few other worthwhile options. Founders & Dark Horse were well represented in the 6 pack area.

The new store had an express checkout area, which was very welcome. Overall, i'm not sure that the selection has improved, but the bar is a definite asset. If they continue with the local/small batch taps, i'll check it out often...