Portland Center Liquor

This is by far and away my favorite liquor store in Portland! The owners and staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgable, and have been embedded in the Portland industry scene for decades. PLEASE support this store the next time you roll through this lovely, iconic area of SW Portland!!!

One of the best whiskey selections I have ever seen, and a friendly staff to add to it. Great liquor store!

Walking into this store reminds me of what Portland used to be. The whole staff is awesome! Super knowledgeable and friendly as all can be! I don’t think I’ve ever had to open the door to come or go, always someone there to say hello. I’m not sure how they can fit so much in the space they have but continue to amaze me with their selection.

Never an issue here. I always find what im looking for, and the staff is always friendly. Best liquor store in Portland!

Staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. Great selection available.

Helpful staff and a good selection for such a cozy store. All you can really ask for. I'll be back.

This is the place you can find Turkish Rakı. They have most popular Turkish rakı brands Yeni Rakı and Efe rakı. We are still struggling to find Turkish beer in Portland. Hopefully they can start to bring Efes or Tuborg beer too. Thank you guys!

Very nice staff. Glad they're close by. I just noticed the funny picture! See photo

Been there three times, all good. Very nice selection of different spirits (for me). Convenience store adjacent.

They are the best and have the best customer service including someone opening and holding the door for you everytime you come in and leave. The man and the woman at the register are so helpful and dope as fuck. We appreciate you guys!

Two years later and I'm still using this as my one-stop-shop for all my liquor needs. The collection here is not only expansive, but it keeps on expanding. Due to the location and environs, it comes across as your average OLCC outpost, but don't let the shabby-chic charm fool you. They may not have a fancy-pants location like a few other spots, but the selection is deep. Todd knows what's up when it comes to quality liquor and stocks some really interesting stuff. Just the other day I scored a bottle of Hibiki 17, as well as some tasty Weller 107. Hibiki 17 is not something you see on shelves every day. And just to inform those less in the know, Weller, which you can often find on shelves, is the same bourbon used in Pappy. Some folks call it the 'poor-man's Pappy' yet I prefer the more apt title of 'smart-man's Pappy' since it costs a fraction of the price, tastes pretty much just as good, and you can find it often year-round. Anyway, enough bourbon education for one day. Stop by Portland Center Liquor (if you can find it - just map it on Yelp) and do some digging. You don't have to dig far to find many solid labels.

As a bartender, people often ask me for advice about where to buy their spirits. Oregon has a state agency called the OLCC that regulates the sale and distribution of all alcoholic beverages, and prices are carefully managed so that they are essentially the same at every liquor store. That being said, how and why would you choose one store over another? In my mind, it all comes down to customer service! Stores have to set themselves apart by demonstrating competence and stellar customer service, since they can't beat each others' prices. This is good news for you as the consumer! When considering selection, we refer to Pearl Specialty Market & Spirits at NW 9th and Lovejoy. They have the best displays and the best selection. However, their customer service is often poor, which is always a bummer. : / When considering overall experience, we always refer to Portland Center Plaza Liquor located at 2075 SW 1st Ave!! Their phone number is (503) 241-9354 and they have free parking in the lot. They've been there for years, and the owner knows everything. I highly recommend this outstanding small business.

The man working today was by far the rudest person I've encountered in customer service. I couldn't figure out which pint I wanted behind the counter so I moved over to let those behind me make purchases. So rudely he thanked me for just moving out of his line so he didn't have to help me anymore. Yo, buddy, if you want to help people behind me, obviously I don't know they're there because my eyes are on the front of my face, just ask me nicely to help the people behind me. My dad owned Raleigh hills liquor for 25 years. He'd never treat someone this way and he would fire this employee on the spot. So would I.

I have been coming to this liquor store for years and have had great experiences with the owner and staff. I was looking for a particular bottle, and on the website it says to call in advance to make sure it is in stock. After calling for 15 minutes or so with no answer, I decided to make the trek downtown to check in person. I asked for the bottle when I arrived and received a gruff, "No." I asked if they answered their phones, and was answered with a "sometimes in the early afternoon", and then sarcastically with, "Oh, you see, there is this thing called voicemail, and if you had left one, then maybe we would have called you back", along with some other taunting language as I continued my shopping. The taunter then walked out of the store. My other interaction with the other employee was fine. As I left the store, the taunter was outside smoking. As I expressed my displeasure of my treatment, he began screaming at me about coming into HIS store and disrespecting him. He then began to approach me with his fists raised and shouting, "Are you ready? I was built for this! I was built for this!" I managed to placate his ego and left. So, great store and selection, just make sure you are speaking to the tall young man with the curly hair and glasses with "respect". Otherwise you might have to fight your way back to your car. I doubt I'll be back.

This is one of the best liquor stores. Ever. I went in looking for something special, and I was so delighted. Lee and Lila and the gang always take care of me. First of all, the bitters selection was amazing. And I've been to other stores that gouge you with stupid prices on bitters. They have variety, and they are priced at a fair price. Second, the people that work there are really amazing, too. If you have something special you want, they most likely have it. Their limes are reasonably priced. Forgot cocktail picks? No problem, they've got you covered, and won't make you break the bank by overcharging for simple extras. Don't know what you want? They will help you, and be gracious . . . and here's a concept -they're nice, too! Love these guys. Go here. Buy stuff. You won't be sorry.

I wonder how can such a small store have such a huge assortment?! The store is organised very well and I was able to find what I needed within 2min, and I'd never been here before. Even with all the choices they offer you don't feel overwhelmed. They have very good and fair prices and have nice customer service. They are also located just next to a plaid pantry which is nice when you need extra chasers or snacks.

Its a block away so I can't give it less than 5 stars ;) It's hours are bsaically the best....open till 10pm, open on sundays til 6pm......Im sure you catch my drift. I usually kind of stick to my usual vodka purchases but when I'm feeling adventurous or lost, the employees have been very knowledgeable. They also had a lot of variety of the non alcoholic variety like mixers and garnishes. Their selection of each liquor seems to be very vast so I will need to need to start trying new things. Doesn't hurt that plaid pantry is next door if you need any other munchies or mixers....or champagne :)

I don't remember how I even found this place. I'm sure that many others that go here don't remember much afterwards either. This place is in a low key shopping center with a couple other stores not too far away from PSU. Every time I go to drop off or pick something up at the dry cleaners next to it I now have an excuse to stock up on some booze as well. They have just about every brand and flavor to choose from in whatever I'm looking for, at a reasonable price. Visually it's an ordinary place with no bells and whistles, but with extraordinary products. Great service, I'd have to say the staff are practically humanitarians by having this place open to serve the community.

How can this place not have reviews? Yes, it's tucked in a strip mall and kind of out of sight, but it's the closest liquor store to me now and I'm diggin it! They're well stocked and prices are on par with other stores and service is very friendly. I don't feel hesitant or stupid in the least to ask for recommendations on any kind of spirit. Great that they're open on Sunday.

First hand account from someone I trust, "Tonight I went in and I commented on the fact they're using plastic bags. I commented that apparently there are no rules anymore and said something about the protests. I said "I'm here for it", meaning that I support the protests and the protesters. He clearly misconstrued, saying that he was hoping he could "bring my AR down". "

I've been searching and searching and calling around all these different liquor stores in search of 1800 golden margarita mix - the great mix with 1800 tequila already included. No one seemed to have it. Well I called this store and yes again - came up zero.. BUT - As soon as I hung up she called me back to tell me I could search on www.oregonliquorsearch.com and that would tell me if it was available anywhere. Given how controlling the OLCC can be that didn't surprise me.... Well sure enough - I guess OR doesn't sell this product!!! WTF. I could find it in WA but not in OR. She was so helpful I know where I will be shopping for liquor needs from now on.

GREAT customer service! I wanted to have a delivery made today for a client, and the woman I spoke to was very helpful! She explained state liquor laws and was very accommodating when I needed a courier service. She offered without prompting to put the bottle in a bag, with tissue, and included a card. That kind of thoughtfulness and extra effort is SO APPRECIATED. A very professional experience with people who go out of their way - and they know their LIQUOR! Thank you!!!!

Nice little neighborhood store that makes you feel like you walked into a candy store. They've added more selections over the years. Very helpful staff. They pointed me to where I could find Carpano Antica before most stores began carrying it.

I had such a great store experience with the employees! Very friendly and welcoming and funny. Bought our liquor and got the hell out of there

Strangely, Oregon has designated "liquor" stores, where they only sell liquor, no wine, no beer, a bit of other beverages. But yes, 95% of what they sell is liquor..odd. Whatever, my stay in Portland was strange so why not, I just went with it. The staff was super friendly, they had a great selection, that's about it. Thanks!

My favorite in town. Friendly, lovely people. Booze is booze and the OLCC makes certain there are no deals, so it makes a difference to buy from nice folks.

Convenient location in south central Downtown. Salespeople were really nice and helpful, and they tossed a bunch of limes into the bag for me for free when I bought my rum, evidently because I'd mentioned mojitos while I was rum-hunting. Thanks!

Nice staff, nice selection of bourbon. The man at the counter was knowledgable about his selection. It was a bit difficult to find - tucked away.

Really friendly staff, who actually saved us money on our purchase. Word to the wise: two half-litre bottles of Jameson cost less than one 1 litre bottle of Jamison. Who knew?

Portland Center Plaza Liquor (PCPL) is by far the nicest PDX liquor store I have been in. It is very clean and well stocked. The staff is friendly, and they carry a wide variety of products, including a large selection of high-end liquors. Since discovering PCPL this fall, I have gone there on a few occasions looking for higher-end liquor to use for Christmas and Birthday gifts. I received honest opinions about my selections, and found their advice to be quite helpful during my selection process. The location can be tough to see at first because they are tucked into a strip-mall type business complex....however it's actually quite convenient, because they have a parking lot, which means I didn't have to drive around the block for 20 minutes looking/paying for a spot. I give PCPL 2 thumbs up!

Clint and Daniel are beyond helpful if you need assistance. Being a bourbon enthusiast, I have difficulty finding new and hard to find gems, but they have little problem helping me! Thank you!

This is the best liquor store downtown, and possibly in all of Portland. The bottles are out on shelves, so you can look at them and you don't feel like you're doing something frowned-upon like those shops with all the booze behind the counter. The staff is really friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to guide you to the best purchase, accounting for price and taste. Also, The owner is a super friendly old man in a sweater- It's almost like I'm buying whiskey from Mr. Rogers.

This is my go-to liquor store. They have an extensive selection of liquor (including tons of local stuff!) and mixers at very reasonable prices, and the staff goes above and beyond to be friendly and helpful. I swear, they've probably tried every single item in the store because whenever I ask for recommendations or advice, they're able to give me a pretty comprehensive rundown of the subtle differences among the items I'm choosing between. As an indecisive person, I know that I can just walk in and get a rec for anything, and I've never been led astray thus far.

My hats off to all the staff here.iv never had such great survice at one of these stores before and I've live all over the country.iv lived down town Portland for a year now and every employee here is amazing.not only are they friendly but they know they're customers well.they have my order ready before I even walk in the door 90% of the time.the service is great and the selection is huge.i recommended this store over any in the down town Portland area.

Wonderful selection! The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. This is the only liquor store in Portland that I go to. Easy downtown parking.

I found this liquor store on accident while walking to get a pedicure, and I am so glad I did! Very friendly staff and a huge selection of vodka, whiskey, bourbon, etc. They also have almost every size you could want. I will definitely be going back here for all of my hard alcohol needs.

This place was awesome! Super welcoming, informative, great with suggestions and sensitive about price points. The gentleman here ended up teaching me quite a bit about tequila and his suggestions for drinks turned out to be fantastic!

I was I Portland for a business conference and, after it was over, just wanted to kick off my high heels and relax with a stiff drink, but didn't want to have to pay room service prices for rail liquor, and much less call prices. The Portland Center Liquor store was within reasonable walking distance of the hotel and had a variety of quality bourbons (my drink of choice) including several I had heard of, but hadn't tried in 375 ml bottles at reasonable prices. The manager was very knowledgeable, recommending Buffalo Trace as a nice sipping whiskey, and she was right. Back in my hotel room, and feeling much more relaxed.

Nice store, clean, free parking, very large selection, no homeless hanging around in front. I'll be back.

I don't drink a lot but I came in for a couple birthday gifts since it's a convenient location and was surprised by the customer service. I'm short and I look under age even though I'm 24 so I always hated going into these stores because I felt they were skeptical of me. These guys were friendly and helpful, they even asked if I wanted a cold bottle of the one I was purchasing, not something I've experienced at a liquor store. All around polite and I didn't feel like a criminal, this is a luxury! (Short people, you know what I mean, the struggle is real.)

This is the friendliest liquor store in the world hands down. We were instantly greeted and helped from the point we walked in the door. I just came in to grab some cheap vodka whiskey and a few limes. They helped us find mixers and then on top of that gave is a bag full of limes for almost nothing. On top of that this place is open till 10!

I travel to Oregon often, I always make it a point to stop in at Portland Center Liqour Store. They have a great selection with friendly helpful staff, The owner/manager Todd is very knowledgeable. They stock the finest scotch whiskeys. rums, tequilas and vodkas. Truly an epicureans paradise.