Friday 4th of June 2010 06:05:37 PM

link

11.08
Stopped here today while doing some holiday traveling. The wrought-iron and wooden beam sign out front is kitschy, almost like it belongs in the Dells, especially with the giant barrel that hangs under it. Parking lot all around the building, even a drive-thru/carport that must have been functional once upon a time. Inside it was florescent lighting and tile floors, dingy in a charming way, if that makes sense.

Beer is straight back, coolers on the right, shelves on the left. First two coolers were free-standing, and held odds and ends like a lonely Rochefort 10, Bare Tree, Rodenbach 750s and other random stuff. Craft sixers and bombers were up next, FFF, Founders, Goose Island, Two Brothers, Victory, plenty of options from each brewery. The shelves seemed to mostly be storage for the coolers, there were a few oddities but mostly all the same stuff, just warm. The inside temp actually felt a little cool in the beer area, which was a good thing. Didn't see much dust or anything, bottle dates seemed current for the most part. Found an Avery 15 that had sold out in the city, so that was nice. Prices seemed pretty typical for most everything.

The lady at the checkout was friendly and wished everyone in line a happy thanksgiving. No one was on the floor in the beer section, but they may have been occupied in the separate half of the store that's only wine. Overall this was a decent beer store, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Thanks to rhoadsrage for the tip!

Thursday 9th of October 2008 09:05:55 PM

link
I happened to be in Woodstock so I stopped in on my way out of town. The beer is all the way in the back with a wall of ice cold beer coolers. and several rows of beer with one being soda pop and malternatives.

My purpose here was to find seasonals that disappeared several months ago in the rest of Northeaster IL. I was not let down. Several 6 packs of Breakfast stout, Bare Tree, and plenty of Avery 15. There were a good selection of bombers and six packs with a few variety packs.

This place is worth a stop in if you are in the area, and the owner is a pretty nice guy that pointed out which beers he liked as I checked out.

Monday 19th of March 2007 07:00:08 PM

link
This store is right up the street from where I currently work, on the West side of Illinois State Route 47, which as it runs through this stretch of Woodstock, is also known as Eastwood Drive.

The store itself is pretty much a dump. However, I ran in this past Saturday and found the craft section in the middle of a HUGE overhaul. Up until this visit, a 25 foot two- sided shelf run was partially filled with dusty bottles of DFH 90, Flying Dog, Mendocino, and a couple of other domestics on one side, with a mish-mash of Belgian's and Unibroue on the other, with a few British imports rounding things out.

On this trip, the shelves were brimming with the likes of Allagash, Dreadnaught ($9.99), Alpha King, DFH Midas Touch, 60 Minute, Lagunitas and Two Brothers full six-pack line as well and their Bare Tree.

The other side of the shelf had Chimay in neat rows, a newly revitalized British section, Okocim and a few other Europeans.

I spoke at length with the owner with regard to the change, and he displayed a real desire to build this aspect of his business. He is not a "beer guy", but rather a businessman who understands the opportunity the craft beer segment offers. He owns 7 stores and has chosen this one for the emphasis on this product.

I ramble...if you're in the area, check this store out. I think it's definately on the way up.

Beware the Unibroue!!! It's been there at least a year.

****edit**** I've been in twice since this review. An entire wall of new coolers is going in as well as the promised shelving. Atmosphere goes from a 3.5 to a 3.75. (03/31/07)