When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Gourmet Wines & Spirits
Why Gourmet Wines & Spirits is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Gourmet Wines & Spirits is a distinguished family-owned business proudly serving the Downtown Los Angeles area for over 35 years. This unique establishment not only offers an extensive and carefully curated selection of fine wines, beers, and liquors from around the world, but also provides a welcoming space to enjoy them on-site. Situated at the corner of Grand Avenue and 3rd Street, their location is easily accessible and perfect for meeting up with friends or colleagues. The store features a wine bar and an inviting outdoor beer garden where patrons can savor wine by the glass or bottle as well as draft beers, with specialties including $3 Stella Artois pints and $5 drafts for other varieties. Gourmet Wines & Spirits distinguishes itself by offering some of the rarest and most hard-to-find bottles, catering to enthusiasts and collectors seeking exceptional choices. For added convenience, they provide free delivery within downtown on minimum orders and shipping as legally permitted, ensuring that customers can enjoy top-tier beverages wherever they are. Open daily with generous hours and available even on most holidays, this establishment combines expert selection, comfortable ambiance, and stellar service, making it a desirable gathering spot for wine lovers and socializers alike.
Here's what people think of Gourmet Wines & Spirits
As of recent, Gourmet Wines & Spirits holds a 4.7-star rating based on 89 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Gourmet Wines & Spirits for its exceptional product variety and knowledgeable, friendly staff. Many reviewers highlight the opportunity to sample wines and beers in-store, appreciating the relaxed atmosphere of the wine bar and outdoor seating. The availability of rare and unique bottles often earns commendation, alongside the helpfulness of staff in guiding selections to suit taste and occasion. Positive reviews also note the competitive pricing and the efficient, reliable delivery service as significant advantages, adding great value to the overall experience. However, some negative feedback points toward occasional limited seating in the wine bar area during peak times, which can affect the comfort of enjoying drinks on-site. A few customers have mentioned that certain specialty items may occasionally be out of stock due to their rarity, though staff efforts to acquire requested bottles are widely acknowledged. Other minor critiques include limited parking options nearby and occasional delays in holiday hours updates online. Overall, the consensus affirms that Gourmet Wines & Spirits offers a unique and enjoyable destination in Downtown LA for fine wines and spirits, combining expert knowledge, a welcoming environment, and a commitment to customer service that outweighs occasional minor inconveniences.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Stephen Lee
What a great spot! An immense selection of your favorite spirits, wines, and beer!!!!! Prices are fair and in line with big chain stores! Bravo!!
Andy Jang
Quaint spot that has all day happy hour beers. Chill vibes and you can go after the museum and enjoy some brews. Great spot
Nicholas Abel
An amazing little find! Chill, with outdoor seating, 3 dollar stella and 5 dollar craft draft (Golden Road, for what it's worth) and no corkage fee! We picked the guy in the picture, grabbed a few glasses from the fridge, and went to town. I couldn't ask for more from a liquor store.
Rosa M.
Great spot but kind of hidden! Happy hour all day with $3 draft Stella and $5 Craft beer. I was ordering from Mendocino Farms when I saw this place. You can bring outside food if you order a beer or order anything from the store. You can't beat the happy hour price in DTLA. The staff is super nice too! Happy Friday indeed. (The store is in the cal plaza, lower level, underneath the Omni hotel, next to Mendocino Farms)
Barry Shaffer
Good selection of items here with some hard to find items priced just shy of gouging... but when you really got to have a bottle of The Yamazaki 12 they got it. Thought it was cool that they have a little beer garden as well with $3 Stellas
How to reach Gourmet Wines & Spirits
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Website: None
Why Gourmet Wines & Spirits may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Gourmet Wines & Spirits with your friends? Because this unique downtown Los Angeles spot offers an unmatched combination of atmosphere, selection, and social experience that makes any group gathering special. With a stellar rating of 4.7 from 89 reviews, Gourmet Wines & Spirits is not just a store – it’s an inviting venue where you can savor fine wines, craft beers, and exceptional spirits together while enjoying an inviting wine bar and beer garden setting. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, catching up with longtime friends, or looking for a relaxed place to connect with family, this place provides a vibrant yet cozy backdrop for memorable moments. The fact that you can purchase your favorite bottles and then enjoy them on-site with friends transforms the typical shopping trip into a social outing. Their carefully curated selection of rare wines and liquors ensures that there’s something special for every taste palette, while the friendly, knowledgeable staff enhances the experience by helping you discover hidden gems and perfect pairings. Add in the family-owned warmth and efficient delivery service, and Gourmet Wines & Spirits becomes an exceptional hub for socializing in the heart of Los Angeles.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at Gourmet Wines & Spirits that make it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, you and your friends can indulge in wine tastings right at the venue. The store offers a variety of wines by the glass or bottle, perfectly paired with their outdoor beer garden and wine bar atmosphere. This setup encourages leisurely drinking and conversation, breaking away from the typical bottle-purchase retail experience. Four different draft beers, including affordable pints like $3 Stella Artois, provide excellent options for beer lovers, making the venue appealing to diverse tastes within any group. Their outdoor patio space is ideal for relaxed socializing, where groups can come together in a spacious, open-air environment. Additionally, since consuming wine, beer, and champagne on-site is allowed, the venue naturally fosters a convivial environment perfect for celebrations or casual meetups. Staff’s enthusiasm and wine expertise help organize tastings or even small impromptu events that create a more engaging group experience beyond just shopping.
Why does Gourmet Wines & Spirits stand out as the perfect place for hosting get-togethers and meetups? Its prime location at 300 S. Grand Avenue places it right in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles, making it highly accessible for urban dwellers and office workers looking to unwind after a long day or week. The business has operated for over 35 years as a small family-run store, which contributes an authentic, personal touch that is often missing at larger commercial outlets. This long history also means customers can expect a reliable, warm, and community-oriented atmosphere. The selection of fine wines, beers, and spirits from around the globe is impressive and competitively priced, so groups can sample premium drinks without breaking the bank. If the group has specific tastes or needs rare bottles, the store sets itself apart by trying to acquire allocated or hard-to-find bottles quickly, ensuring your event feels exclusive. Furthermore, the free delivery service within downtown Los Angeles and fast shipping options add convenience if you want to extend the celebration elsewhere or provide competitive event gifting options.
What makes the wine bar and beer garden at Gourmet Wines & Spirits a great social setting? This feature adds a unique layer of interactivity and comfort that transforms the typical bottle shop into a venue for social connection. The availability of wine by the glass encourages exploration and tasting without commitment to a full bottle, which is perfect for groups who want to try different varieties together. The four draft beers, offered at exceptionally reasonable prices, make it affordable for everyone in the group to enjoy quality beverages without worry. The outdoor patio setting provides a refreshing, open space that encourages lingering and conversation, which is perfect for groups who want the flexibility of a casual hangout or a more lively gathering spot. It also creates a relaxed atmosphere conducive to meeting new people or bringing family along, as it feels less formal than a bar but more engaging than a typical retail environment. This combination of social drinking and gourmet selection crucially enhances the overall meetup experience.
Why is the staff and customer service at Gourmet Wines & Spirits crucial to its appeal for group visits? The staff’s extensive knowledge of wine and spirits, combined with their willingness to assist in selections, greatly enhances each visit. When attending with friends or family, this means you benefit from expert guidance tailored to your group’s tastes and preferences, helping everyone discover new favorites or choose the perfect bottle for any occasion. Their friendly, customer-focused approach fosters a welcoming environment that makes visitors feel valued rather than just another transaction. For events or group deliveries, the staff pride themselves on punctuality and efficiency, resulting in a seamless, stress-free experience for hosts. This personalized service is especially important for people planning meetups who want to ensure that everything—from selecting drinks to having them ready at the right time—is handled smoothly. Such professionalism combined with warm hospitality is a key reason people return and recommend the venue for social gatherings.
How does the extensive selection at Gourmet Wines & Spirits enhance group enjoyment? They boast the largest selection of fine wines, beers, and liquors in Downtown LA, carefully curated from around the world. This variety caters to diverse palates within a group, whether members prefer full-bodied reds, crisp whites, bubbly champagnes, craft beers, or rare liquors. The store’s commitment to stocking rare and hard-to-find bottles means groups feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem, adding an element of exclusivity and excitement to meetups. This extensive range also allows for customized tastings or pairing experiences, ideal for groups interested in learning and enjoying together. The combination of competitive pricing and diversity means everyone leaves satisfied, whether they want to buy a casual drink for the evening or invest in something more special. For meetups that involve gifting or celebrations, this selection transforms shopping into a shared adventure.
What logistic conveniences make Gourmet Wines & Spirits ideal for group events? Location at a central downtown address means easy access by public transport or car, reducing meetup hassle. The store’s delivery service is a major plus for office parties or private events, offering free delivery on orders over $50 within downtown, ensuring your group can receive purchased wines and spirits efficiently after planning in advance. They also ship legally authorized beverages widely, which helps coordinate gatherings beyond local boundaries. Their hours—open daily and covering the majority of holidays—offer great flexibility for groups to arrange meetups on various schedules. The option to buy on-site, drink immediately, or arrange delivery means that groups can tailor their experience from a casual visit to a fully organized event. This versatility is rare among similar venues and key to its appeal for social gatherings.
Why do families and friend groups consistently rate Gourmet Wines & Spirits so highly? The business’s combination of a welcoming, family-owned vibe, excellent product knowledge, and its inviting social spaces makes it feel much like a community hub rather than just a store. Customers frequently highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable shopping and tasting experience. The ability to consume wine and beer on-site encourages groups to linger and truly savor the moment, strengthening social bonds. Many reviews point out the smart pricing and wide variety that make it easy to cater to different tastes and budgets. This reputation for quality and service paired with unique features like onsite consumption, draft beers, and outdoor seating perfectly meets the needs of groups whether for casual meetups or special celebrations. This consistent praise is reflected in the impressive 4.7 rating from nearly 90 reviews.
In summary, Gourmet Wines & Spirits is much more than a wine and liquor store—it's a vibrant setting designed specifically with group enjoyment in mind. Its combination of an exceptional wine bar and beer garden, expert staff, rare and diverse selection, strategic downtown location, and flexible delivery options make it a standout choice for hosting memorable get-togethers, whether with close friends or family. The welcoming, family-owned atmosphere and focus on personalized service ensure that each visit feels like a unique celebration. If you want a place where you can rally with your friends or family, enjoy a great drink, and create lasting memories, Gourmet Wines & Spirits offers all that and more.