When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview

Why Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview is an exceptional destination for friends looking to gather around quality beverages in a welcoming environment. Located at 3000 N Clark St, Chicago, it's part of the Midwest's largest wine, spirits, and beer superstore chain, family-owned since 1948. This Lakeview location offers an extensive selection of over 30,000 products ranging from classic wines and craft beers to top-shelf spirits and unique independent bottlings. With its spacious layout, air conditioning, and well-maintained restrooms, Binny's ensures a comfortable shopping experience. Customers benefit from convenient onsite parking and flexible store hours from 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and an accessible Sunday schedule from 11 am to 6 pm. Binny's prides itself on offering the lowest prices and the widest selections in the region, featuring everything from everyday favorites to rare finds for enthusiasts and collectors. The store also hosts engaging events such as meet-the-winemaker nights, barrel tastings, and seasonal festivals like Rhone Fest and Amaro Night, adding an interactive social element that makes Binny's a vibrant spot for meeting up and exploring new tastes with friends.
Here's what people think of Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview
As of recent, Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1745 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview for its vast and varied inventory, knowledgeable staff, and competitive pricing. Many customers appreciate the convenience of the location and the ample parking available, highlighting their satisfaction with the store’s cleanliness and organization. Positive reviews often mention the friendly service and the helpfulness of staff who guide them in selecting beverages tailored to personal preferences or special occasions. The store's events and frequent tastings are also commonly cited as enjoyable experiences that add value beyond the usual shopping trip. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional stock shortages of particularly popular items and moments of long checkout lines during peak times. A few users noted that the store can be busy on weekends, which may affect the shopping pace but not the overall quality of service. Despite these minor issues, the overwhelming majority of customers express strong loyalty to Binny’s and recommend it for both casual buyers and serious connoisseurs. The reviews collectively position Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview as a trusted and inviting hub for beverage enthusiasts in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dr. George E Barsa
I always find what I need in this store! I love it ! Price is a little more than the suburbs but it’s cook county and Chicago city after all !
Wallace Griffin
Hit up Binny’s in Lakeview and spent about $45 on a 6-pack of Revolution Hero IPA, a bottle of Elijah Craig bourbon and a couple of whiskey glasses. Place’s stacked — tons of craft beer, solid spirits deal, and even glassware. Staff was chill, not pushy, helped me find the good stuff. Parking lot’s clutch too. No-frills, but damn reliable local go‑to for drinks. Cheers!
David Allen
Binnys is one of the best liquor stores in the country, despite being a chain. Huge selection and very knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Andrew Metcalf
TLDR: not worth it for big party. Generally easy to order online and pickup. Customer service is another issue. Big yikes. I spent almost $3000 for a party. Picked up the keg the day of. Keg wouldn’t tap (2 taps, kegerator, and the bartender across the street). Called… couldn’t care less. Wouldn’t accept the return, no store credit, not even a sorry. Felt like they were doing me a favor for providing the alcohol. Jeff was the only reasonably helpful person and extremely nice. 5/5 customer service. Manager staff (Tiffany I believe) is rude and she was frustrated by the return of other items. As the face of the storefront, she does not provide customer service required of her position. ***Wouldn’t go again for a big party.*** Update: Store claimed it tapped after I returned but I didn’t see it myself. Store policies are store policies I got it. But being rude and confrontational is not a way to run a business. All is takes is effort to have a caring attitude for any customer spending money. Next time I’ll find a competitor or a local distributor.
Marla Minnella
One of the best wine and spirits store I’ve ever been too! The shelves are always neatly stocked and there’s always somebody around to point you in the right direction! Wine and liquor from around the world, sometimes I’ll spend an extra 30 minutes inside just reading all the labels!! One of my happy places.
How to reach Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview
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Why Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview with your friends? Gathering at Binny’s is more than just a typical meetup; it’s a celebration of shared tastes and good times in a venue that caters specially to adults who appreciate variety, quality, and discovery in beverages. Located at 3000 N Clark St, in the vibrant Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, this storefront stands out with a cool, inviting exterior and a reputation that precedes it as the Midwest’s largest wine, spirits, and beer superstore. With a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 1,700 reviews, it’s clear that customers consistently rate their experience highly. This place opens early at 9 am, making it convenient for day or evening meetups. Beyond the massive selection — more than 30,000 products — Binny’s is a social hub for friends looking to explore new flavors, enjoy expert advice, and partake in one-of-a-kind events. Whether you want to pick the perfect bottle to share, learn about rare spirits, or simply enjoy the buzz of an enthusiastic crowd, Binny’s is tailor-made for memorable group experiences.
What activities make Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview ideal for group meetups? One of the prime attractions is the vast selection of wines, beers, and spirits, which caters to all palates, from casual drinkers to connoisseurs. Friends can come together to explore rare finds, seasonal releases, craft brews, and artisanal spirits in a single location, encouraging lively discussions and tasting sessions. Binny’s also hosts a variety of events — including virtual and in-store tastings — that make for interactive experiences where groups can learn and enjoy together. These events often feature themed tastings, meet-the-maker sessions, and educational talks, transforming a simple visit into a dynamic celebration of beverage culture. Additionally, the store offers services like bottle engravings and futures orders for collecting wines that are not yet released, offering unique opportunities for commemorating special occasions with friends. The knowledgeable staff enhances the experience by guiding group members through their choices, ensuring everyone finds something delightful.
Why is Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview a perfect venue for social engagement and learning? The store’s environment is tailored to foster connection and discovery simultaneously. Besides its huge inventory of over 30,000 products, Binny’s provides an engaging backdrop for groups that appreciate beverages as part of a social ritual. The extensive product variety ensures there is something for everyone's taste and budget, eliminating the stress of divergent preferences. Events hosted by Binny’s, ranging from Oktoberfest beer showcases to spirits master classes, encourage guests to deepen their appreciation for quality drinks while enjoying company. These occasions turn a routine hangout into a joyful exploration, promoting conversations about flavor profiles, brewing methods, and cocktail crafting. Moreover, the mix of casual browsing with guided experiences allows groups to shape their visit according to their preferences — whether that’s a quick trip to grab perfect party beverages or a full afternoon spent on tasting and learning.
How does Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview support convenience and variety for group celebrations? Convenience is a key factor for any successful meetup, and Binny’s excels by offering express online shopping with options for in-store pickup or delivery, perfect for coordinating last-minute plans. The vast inventory includes everything from popular mainstream labels to rare independent bottlings, ensuring groups can easily find complementary drinks for any event or culinary pairing. Because Binny’s has been a Chicago family-owned institution since 1948, it combines trusted customer service with modern convenience, making the shopping experience seamless and pleasant. The store’s hours, including weekends, allow for scheduling meetups around diverse group commitments. Additionally, the availability of customized services like bottle engraving helps personalize group gifts or party favors, adding a special touch to celebrations hosted at home or elsewhere.
What unique aspects make Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview stand out compared to other beverage stores? One distinguishing feature is Binny’s status as the largest beverage superstore in the Midwest, which means its sheer scale and depth of selection are unmatched locally. This extensive catalog is updated regularly with seasonal and rare offerings, ensuring that even frequent visitors discover something new each time. Their commitment to quality — reflected in staff knowledge, curated selections, and engaging events — creates an experience beyond simple shopping. Binny’s also fosters a community atmosphere with its wide variety of events that attract both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. Whether it’s a themed tasting focused on a particular region or a meet-the-distiller event, these gatherings encourage meaningful social interaction and shared learning. Finally, the balance between expertise and accessibility means groups feel supported rather than overwhelmed, empowering everyone to enjoy their experience fully.
How can groups maximize their Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview experience? Preparation can elevate a visit from enjoyable to exceptional. Groups should consider researching upcoming events ahead of time via Binny’s online calendar, booking spots for tastings or special occasions that align with their interests. During the visit, taking advantage of staff recommendations tailored to the group’s preferences can lead to discoveries that become lasting favorites. Planning a balance between browsing and structured activities ensures that everyone feels included and engaged. It’s also worthwhile to explore complementary offerings like cocktail recipe suggestions and home bartender tips available through Binny’s media resources. Bringing home bottles purchased as part of a futures order or personalizing gifts with bottle engravings adds a memorable dimension to group celebrations. Ultimately, Binny’s is designed for social enjoyment—leveraging its resources and atmosphere creates a fulfilling and festive outing for friends and family.
What makes Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview an outstanding choice for special occasions and recurring meetups? The combination of an enormous product breadth, expert guidance, and engaging programming provides a reliable setting to celebrate milestones or simply catch up regularly. For birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions, groups can find rare vintages or craft selections that elevate the occasion. Regular meetups benefit from the store’s welcoming vibe and diverse offerings, which keep gatherings fresh and interesting over time. With convenient location and ample hours, Binny’s accommodates schedules and group sizes, making it flexible for spontaneous plans or careful event preparation. The option to participate in or host bottle engravings or private events expands the possibilities for personalization and exclusivity. In summary, Binny’s Beverage Depot - Lakeview is not just a store but a vibrant community space that enhances social life through the shared love of exceptional beverages.