When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Astor Wines & Spirits
Why Astor Wines & Spirits is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Astor Wines & Spirits, located in New York City's Greenwich Village, is a historic and expansive wine and spirits retailer that has been serving customers since 1946. With over 5,000 selections of wines, spirits, and sakes, Astor provides an unparalleled variety, making it an ideal destination for meeting up with friends who appreciate quality beverages and exploring new tastes. The store's rich history is complemented by its modern location in the landmark De Vinne Press Building, featuring temperature-controlled storage known as the Cool Room, ensuring delicate wines are preserved in ideal conditions. This attention to quality paired with knowledgeable staff creates an engaging and enjoyable shopping experience. Astor also offers in-store tastings with rotating selections, allowing visitors to sample different products — a perfect way to explore preferences together. Beyond retail, it houses Astor Center, an educational facility upstairs where enthusiasts can participate in classes on wine, spirits, and cocktails. The variety, ambiance, and commitment to quality make Astor Wines & Spirits not just a store but a social hub for those looking to gather, learn, and enjoy refined beverages with friends.
Here's what people think of Astor Wines & Spirits
As of recent, Astor Wines & Spirits holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1932 reviews.
Customer reviews highlight Astor Wines & Spirits as the premier alcohol store in Manhattan with an extensive and well-curated selection of wines, spirits, and beers that caters to diverse tastes. Many reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable and helpful staff who enhance the shopping and tasting experience. Customers often mention the convenience of shopping both in-store and online, with efficient delivery options. Positive feedback frequently emphasizes the store’s organized layout, making it easy and enjoyable to navigate the vast options. The regular in-store tastings and the opportunity to discover unique local and international selections also receive praise, creating a fun and interactive experience. On the other hand, some critiques stem from the lack of BBB accreditation, which, while not indicating poor service, may concern some customers about formal consumer protection. A few customers might find the large selection somewhat overwhelming without guidance, although most agree this is offset by staff assistance. Overall, the vast majority of reviews reflect high customer satisfaction with Astor Wines & Spirits, highlighting it as a trustworthy, quality-focused, and inviting place for both casual shoppers and connoisseurs, making it a destination well worth visiting and revisiting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Philip Branford
An astonishingly good store with a phenomenal selection of wines and spirits. The choice is unmatched. I even found dozens of wines from my little-known region in France. Very helpful and competent staff. Reasonable prices. The best wine and liquor store I’ve ever seen in NYC.
Zoey Tang
Astor Wines & Spirited has a wide range of selection from all over the world, it's so nice to see everything in the open and be able to browse freely! I don't drink so it's a great place to learn what's out there. The store has regular tasting events too. Chin chin
Pooja Gaikwad
This store has an extensive and impressive collection of liquor. The store is impressively large and very well organized. You get everything from rum, scotch, mezcal to wines. For every category, options with a wide range of prices are present. You can get wine bottles starting from $16. The famed Japanese whiskey is present. A special room for the most exquisite liquor is present. The store offers free delivery over a minimum purchase in NYC.
Charles Owens
This is a great store. I walked all over NYC looking for a particular item that was supposed to be the hot trendy drink to replace Aperol for the summer. NOBODY had it and then somebody said if it's in NYC it will be at Astor. So I went and there it was along with a lot of other amazing things. The service was friendly and helpful. Go to see it you WILL find something.
David Nuff
Consistently great selection, knowledgeable staff and tastings to help you discover new products. Good for finding interesting gifts.
How to reach Astor Wines & Spirits
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Why Astor Wines & Spirits may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Astor Wines & Spirits with your friends?
Astor Wines & Spirits offers an unbeatable combination of atmosphere, selection, and expertise, making it an ideal gathering spot for friends and family. Nestled in the historic De Vinne Press Building at the corner of Lafayette Street and East 4th Street in New York City, this legendary store has been a Greenwich Village staple since 1946. The environment itself invites socializing, exploration, and shared discovery. With a staggering inventory of over 5,000 wines, spirits, and sakes housed in an eco-friendly, temperature-controlled setting, every visit sparks curiosity and excitement. Your group can explore an incredible range of rare and popular bottles together, turning simple shopping into an engaging experience of collective tasting and learning. Beyond just buying bottles, Astor offers a vibrant social hub where your party can enjoy tastings, cocktail classes, and wine education in the adjoining Astor Center upstairs. The combination of an expert-curated selection, passionate staff, and unique event offerings provides a perfect backdrop for making cherished memories with your loved ones around drinks you’ll talk about long after. Whether you’re casual sippers or aficionados, Astor’s welcoming vibe and high standards ensure your gathering will be both fun and fulfilling.
What activities can you enjoy at Astor Wines & Spirits for a group meetup?
Astor Wines & Spirits is far more than a traditional liquor store. One of the highlights for groups is their regularly scheduled tastings, which are free to attend and offer a chance to sample a rotating selection of wines, spirits, and sakes. These tastings create a lively, interactive experience where you and your friends can compare notes and discover new favorites together without the pressure of a formal event. For those wanting to deepen their knowledge, the Astor Center upstairs provides educational classes and workshops hosted by expert instructors, ranging from cocktail mixology to deep dives on wine varietals and regions. These sessions foster bonding through learning and shared enthusiasm, perfect for friend groups wanting a unique outing. The staff’s deep expertise means your group can receive personalized recommendations tailored to your tastes and budgets, turning a shopping trip into an engaging adventure. Astor’s large, inviting store space encourages browsing and conversation, with plenty of room for groups to gather, deliberate over choices, and plan their next at-home tasting or celebration.
Why is Astor Wines & Spirits perfect for hosting a group meetup?
Several features make Astor Wines & Spirits an exceptional venue for group gatherings. First, the store’s historic and thoughtfully designed setting offers ample room to comfortably accommodate groups in a relaxed atmosphere. The temperature-controlled Cool Room ensures that all wines and spirits are stored at optimum conditions, enhancing the enjoyment of your selections whether consumed immediately or later. Being employee-owned, Astor benefits from staff who are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable, ensuring your group receives attentive, tailored service rather than rushed transactions. Its location in vibrant Greenwich Village puts it in the heart of a lively neighborhood with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby, making it easy to continue your gathering beyond the store. Astor’s dedication to sustainability and quality shows respect for the artisan producers they showcase, adding a meaningful layer to your social experience. With flexible shop hours, in-person and delivery options, and enticing deals such as free New York State shipping on most orders, your meetup can be seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.
How does Astor Wines & Spirits cater to different tastes and preferences in a group?
One of Astor Wines & Spirits’ greatest strengths is the sheer diversity of its curated inventory. With over 5,000 labels spanning international regions and styles, it’s easy to find something for every palate — from bold reds and crisp whites to rare sakes and innovative craft spirits. Whether your friends prefer classic wine varietals or adventurous new blends, artisanal liquors or crowd-pleasing favorites, the store’s depth means all preferences can be accommodated. The knowledgeable staff thrives on helping groups navigate this variety, offering tasting notes and pairing advice to suit your menu or occasion. Beyond bottles, Astor provides cocktail recipes and educational content to expand your group’s drinking repertoire. This adaptability makes it an ideal destination for mixed groups where each member’s taste can feel respected and celebrated. It encourages discovery and dialogue among friends as you sample different styles and share your impressions, strengthening connections through shared experiences.
What makes the shopping experience at Astor Wines & Spirits enjoyable for friends gathering together?
Shopping at Astor Wines & Spirits is a social event in itself thanks to the store’s inviting layout and enthusiastic staff. Wandering the isles together encourages talking through preferences, debating favorites, and exploring new options in a hands-on way. The staff’s expertise transforms shopping from overwhelming to exciting, as they patiently answer questions and guide selections with passion. Astor’s regular special promotions and monthly wine clubs add extra incentives to try new bottles and surprise each other with thoughtful discoveries. Signing up for their newsletter can bring your group exclusive discounts and advance notice of special events, enhancing the shared experience. The store also offers convenient options like a three-hour delivery window or free in-state shipping on qualifying web orders, which can extend the social experience to your home gathering effortlessly. This blend of personal service, breadth of choice, and convenient logistics makes group shopping feel like a pleasurable collective pursuit rather than a chore.
What nearby amenities and experiences complement a visit to Astor Wines & Spirits?
Situated in the lively and historic De Vinne Press Building in Greenwich Village, Astor Wines & Spirits is surrounded by numerous attractions and dining spots perfect for complementing your group outing. After selecting your favorite wines and spirits, you can stroll to nearby restaurants or cozy cafés to continue your rendezvous with food pairings that bring out the best in your beverages. The neighborhood itself invites exploration, with art galleries, boutiques, and live music venues adding cultural flair to your meetups. Planning your gathering around an event at Astor’s upstairs Astor Center is made even easier by these nearby options, which encourage a full day or evening of socializing. Public transit access is convenient, allowing your group to arrive and depart smoothly without hassle. This integration of location, amenities, and unique offerings makes Astor Wines & Spirits a hub not only for wine lovers but for anyone seeking an enjoyable, well-rounded social experience in one of New York City’s most vibrant areas.
How does Astor Wines & Spirits enhance group celebrations and special occasions?
Astor Wines & Spirits shines as a gathering place for celebrating milestones, holidays, or casual get-togethers. Its vast and diverse stock lends itself well to customizing selections for toasts, parties, or gift-giving, ensuring your event feels thoughtful and personal. The staff’s recommendations can help craft the perfect wine pairings or cocktail menus tailored to your theme or cuisine, raising the sophistication and enjoyment of your celebration. Astor’s educational classes and tastings offer unique pre- or post-event activities that can create memorable moments beyond just drinking. Their eco-conscious approach and employee-owned business model add to the meaningfulness of supporting this local gem during your special occasions. With flexible delivery options and a welcoming in-store environment, your planning and execution become stress-free. Whether it’s a casual meetup, an upscale soirée, or a group learning experience, Astor Wines & Spirits provides a perfect foundation for making your celebration truly remarkable and approachable.
Why do locals and visitors consistently rate Astor Wines & Spirits so highly?
The impressive 4.7-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews speaks volumes about Astor Wines & Spirits’ consistent ability to impress customers. Both longtime New Yorkers and visitors appreciate the store’s expertly curated selection that spans both familiar and hard-to-find labels, satisfying all levels of connoisseurship. Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable, helpful staff whose passion elevates the buying experience. The store’s location, spaciousness, and historic charm are often praised as making visits a pleasant outing rather than a routine errand. The addition of Astor Center’s classes and tastings further enhances its reputation by transforming it into a hub for education and social bonding around drinks culture. Many customers share that shopping there feels like an adventure in discovery, and often they leave with not just their intended purchase but exciting new finds. This strong customer loyalty and word-of-mouth praise bolster Astor Wines & Spirits’ standing as a must-visit spot when looking to socialize with friends over quality wine and spirits.
How can your group make the most of a visit to Astor Wines & Spirits?
To maximize your meetup at Astor Wines & Spirits, consider planning ahead by exploring their website for upcoming tastings or classes that might fit your group’s interests. Signing up for their email newsletter is a good way to receive exclusive offers and learn about new arrivals. When you arrive, engage with the staff, who can tailor recommendations and perhaps introduce your group to a unique bottle you hadn’t considered. Take time to browse their extensive collection together, using it as a chance to spark conversation and shared discovery. If your group wants to continue the fun after leaving, ordering delivery or scheduling a pickup can make hosting an at-home tasting effortless. Pair your visit with a meal nearby or plan to attend an Astor Center event to add an educational dimension to your gathering. By combining shopping, tasting, learning, and socializing, your friends and family can enjoy a rich, multifaceted experience that strengthens your bonds and heightens your appreciation for fine beverages.
In summary, Astor Wines & Spirits stands out as a premier destination for group meetups thanks to its unbeatable mix of legendary history, diverse and expertly curated selection, knowledgeable staff, engaging tastings and classes, and enviable Greenwich Village location. It’s a place where shopping becomes social, education meets enjoyment, and every visit has the potential to become a memorable experience shared with loved ones.