When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!)
Why Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) is a beloved fixture in the Boulder community, known for its knowledgeable staff and curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits. With a welcoming 6,000 square foot store, the shop offers a wide range of beverages from around the world, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends and discover new favorites. Pettyjohn's hosts free weekly in-store beer and wine tastings—Thursday night for beers and Friday night for wines—creating a social, educational atmosphere that encourages exploration and conversation. Their mix-and-match six-pack selection celebrates local craft brews, offering something fresh and unique for beer lovers. What sets Pettyjohn's apart is the staff's expertise: the owners and team members are certified by prestigious programs such as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and Cicerone certification for beer, ensuring you receive informed recommendations without any pretension. Beyond just a store, Pettyjohn's actively engages with the community through special events, fundraisers supporting local nonprofits, and their own wine label that donates proceeds to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. This connection to the local area, combined with their festive promotions and a broad product assortment, makes Pettyjohn's an inviting, go-to spot for friends who appreciate quality libations and a friendly, expert environment.
Here's what people think of Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!)
As of recent, Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) holds a 4.5-star rating based on 128 reviews.
Customer reviews of Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine highlight the store's excellent selection and knowledgeable staff as major draws. Many patrons appreciate the free beer and wine tastings, noting how these events create a fun and relaxing place to learn about new beverages and socialize with others. Positive reviews often mention the friendly, approachable expertise of the staff, who provide helpful recommendations without being intimidating. Fans of local beer particularly enjoy the mix-and-match six-pack option and the consistently good stock of regional brews. On the downside, some customers mention occasional stock limitations on very popular or specialty items and wish for more variety in certain spirits categories. A few reviews cite the store's layout as somewhat cramped during busy events, which can detract from the relaxing atmosphere. However, these negatives are generally outweighed by the positives. Overall, the review consensus portrays Pettyjohn's as a dependable and community-focused liquor store where quality products and knowledgeable service meet a welcoming vibe, making it an excellent spot to gather with friends and celebrate good drinks.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Google Account
The scotch and bourbon prices here absolutely absurd. $500 for GD21? Literally the highest price I've seen for this anywhere in the world.
Kyle Farrar
Great experience great people, I believe the young man that helped me was named Phil, he was very knowledgeable and was able to help me pick out a great ipa for my taste buds, lots of selection in the store as well as great prices I will be back! ~Grundle
Dewey Scheid
poor service at 5:40 pm on 12/3/24 did not bother to check if they carried an beer from iceland - just said i don’t think so… i found 2 he then checked me out just short of rude “colder” than the beer
Rich Feit
We've found there to be a good selection, always including a few of our favorite wines and some interesting ones to try. It's become our first stop when we're shopping for cocktail ingredients, and we can usually find anything we need. Lately, the staff have been friendly and helpful. (This is an update to my original review. About a year ago we had a bad experience but since then everything's been consistently good.)
Gina Lang
Great stop at Petty John’s, which is a liquor store local to Boulder and met the owner Swati and manager Brian. They were knowledgeable and helpful and we tried several new wines because of their incredible recommendation. Shop local and stop in and see Swati the owner!
Google Account
The scotch and bourbon prices here absolutely absurd. $500 for GD21? Literally the highest price I've seen for this anywhere in the world.
Kyle Farrar
Great experience great people, I believe the young man that helped me was named Phil, he was very knowledgeable and was able to help me pick out a great ipa for my taste buds, lots of selection in the store as well as great prices I will be back! ~Grundle
Dewey Scheid
poor service at 5:40 pm on 12/3/24 did not bother to check if they carried an beer from iceland - just said i don’t think so… i found 2 he then checked me out just short of rude “colder” than the beer
Rich Feit
We've found there to be a good selection, always including a few of our favorite wines and some interesting ones to try. It's become our first stop when we're shopping for cocktail ingredients, and we can usually find anything we need. Lately, the staff have been friendly and helpful. (This is an update to my original review. About a year ago we had a bad experience but since then everything's been consistently good.)
Gina Lang
Great stop at Petty John’s, which is a liquor store local to Boulder and met the owner Swati and manager Brian. They were knowledgeable and helpful and we tried several new wines because of their incredible recommendation. Shop local and stop in and see Swati the owner!
How to reach Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!)
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Website: None
Why Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) with your friends? This beloved Boulder establishment offers more than just an impressive array of beverages—it is a vibrant community hub that invites fun, learning, and connection. With a glowing 4.5-star rating from over 128 reviews, it’s clear that customers value the welcoming atmosphere and expert service found here. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, craft beer fan, or interested in unique liquors, Pettyjohn’s caters passionately to all tastes and preferences. The staff’s deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm make exploring beverages an engaging experience rather than a simple shopping trip. Its long-standing presence since 1969 adds a trusted, authentic feel, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors looking to enjoy quality drinks together. The in-store and online events encourage socializing while learning, perfect if you want your meetup to be both fun and enriching. Coming together at Pettyjohn’s means sharing more than drinks—it’s about celebrating tastes, stories, and friendships in a relaxed, friendly setting.
What activities can you enjoy at Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!)? The venue offers a variety of engaging experiences designed to entertain groups of friends or family. The weekly Wine Friday tastings are a highlight, featuring opportunities to sample selected wines before purchasing. This event fosters a casual, educational environment where guests learn about different varieties and make informed picks, all while mingling and tasting together. Alongside wine, the store spotlights a different craft brewery or liquor brand each week, providing 10% discounts on tastings and additional savings on purchases, encouraging groups to explore new flavors collaboratively. For those who want a more personalized journey, the Wine-of-the-Month Club and mixed six-packs allow groups to discover curated selections tailored to their specific palates. They also accommodate custom orders, making it easy to focus on preferred brands or styles for your gathering. With these dynamic activities, Pettyjohn’s turns a simple meetup into an interactive, flavorful event that everyone can enjoy.
Why is Pettyjohn's perfect for group meetups? One of its biggest draws is how it balances a neighborhood vibe with sophistication. The knowledgeable staff’s enthusiasm for helping customers find the perfect drink means groups get attentive, personalized service without the pressure of a sales pitch. This comfort allows people to relax and enjoy their time selecting beverages that suit everyone’s tastes. The spacious location on South Broadway provides plenty of room to browse and chat without feeling cramped, essential for larger get-togethers. Its central Boulder location is convenient for local residents and easy to find for visitors. Furthermore, Pettyjohn’s blends tradition and innovation beautifully; the longstanding history since 1969 gives it a rooted, trustworthy feel, while the continuously updated selections and events keep it fresh and exciting. Whether it’s a casual Friday night or a special occasion, this spot creates an ideal environment for friends and families to connect over great drinks.
How does Pettyjohn’s support an educational and enjoyable atmosphere? Beyond just selling beverages, Pettyjohn’s prides itself on its commitment to education and community-building. Their passionate staff, who possess decades of combined knowledge in wine, beer, and liquor, enthusiastically share insights and recommendations, making every visit a chance to learn. The in-store tastings and virtual wine events provide structured yet fun ways to deepen understanding, perfect for groups looking to expand their palate together. This educational approach enriches social gatherings by turning conversations toward flavors, origins, and production methods, adding dimension to your meetup. Pettyjohn’s also offers a Wine-of-the-Month Club, which helps groups experience evolving taste profiles with ease. This blend of education and engagement means that a day or evening spent here is memorable and fulfilling, far beyond the usual shopping trip or casual drink.
What sort of beverage selection can groups expect at Pettyjohn's? The inventory is impressively diverse, spanning wines, liquors, and craft beers from local favorites to international treasures. The focus on craft beer and unique liquors as well as wine allows groups with varied tastes to find something appealing each visit. For those who appreciate variety, Pettyjohn’s mixed six-packs offer an excellent way to sample multiple beers or wines without committing upfront to full bottles. The store’s curated collections and rotating weekly features ensure that the inventory stays fresh and on-trend. This extensive and thoughtfully selected offering makes it easy for gatherings to find crowd-pleasers and hidden gems alike. Whether you’re planning a wine tasting party, a cocktail evening, or a craft beer exploration, Pettyjohn’s has the right options to fuel your event and spark lively discussions.
How accessible and convenient is Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) for hosting meetups? Located at 613 South Broadway in Boulder, the venue enjoys a prime, easy-to-reach location ideal for locals and visitors alike. Its hours are generously accommodating of varied schedules, opening early at 9am (later 10am on Sundays) and staying open until 9 or 10 pm on most days, allowing meetups during daytime or late evening. This flexibility supports various types of gatherings, from casual after-work visits to relaxed weekend hangouts. Ample parking nearby and a welcoming storefront contribute to an easy arrival experience. Additionally, the staff’s ability to process custom orders and personalized mixed packs helps groups prepare ahead, reducing last-minute stress and making event planning seamless. These factors together make Pettyjohn’s not only a destination for shopping but an accessible hub for group events centered around shared enjoyment of quality beverages.
How does Pettyjohn's offer value and special perks for groups and regulars? Regular social events such as weekly wine tastings and rotating craft beer spotlights provide excellent deals, including discounts during tastings and reduced prices when purchasing featured items. Such promotions encourage groups to discover new favorites affordably, enhancing the meetup experience. The membership Wine-of-the-Month Club offers another layer of value, delivering handpicked selections directly to members, fostering an ongoing journey of discovery without much hassle. These perks reward loyalty and create a sense of belonging for patrons who appreciate trying new things with friends. Furthermore, the staff’s expert recommendation reduces guesswork, ultimately saving groups money by steering them toward quality options that suit their preferences. Overall, Pettyjohn’s commitment to providing both quality and value strengthens its reputation as a prime spot for social drinking occasions.
What makes the community around Pettyjohn's special? Being a staple in Boulder since 1969, Pettyjohn’s connects deeply with its local community. Over decades, it has built a reputation as a friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable establishment that feels more like a neighborhood gathering place than a typical liquor store. This long-term relationship fosters a communal spirit, with regular customers often becoming familiar faces who share recommendations and stories. The staff also bring this local connectivity to life, often recognized for their warm, welcoming service that makes every visit personal. Community-oriented initiatives and events help cultivate social bonds, making it a natural choice for meetups that seek both conviviality and a shared local identity. When you choose Pettyjohn’s for your group event, you are not just picking a store—you’re participating in Boulder’s vibrant, social fabric.
Overall, Pettyjohn's Liquor and Wine (and Beer!) offers a unique blend of excellent beverage variety, knowledgeable service, social events, and community warmth that makes it an outstanding place to meet friends and family. Its long history, engaged staff, convenient location, and variety of activities create the perfect environment for groups to come together, explore new tastes, and create lasting memories. Whether you are planning a casual gathering or a more structured tasting event, Pettyjohn’s is well-equipped to make your meetup enjoyable, educational, and fun. It truly embodies the ideal destination to rally with your friends or celebrate any special occasion with great drinks and great company.