Save-More Market

If you are a whisky or scotch fan, this place should not be missed! Unassuming from the outside, looks just like a normal city corner store. But their selection is incredible- many bottles I have never seen or even heard of before (and some very rare ones, if you feel like going big). I met George, the new owner, and Mike, one of his colleagues, and they are both awesome- kind, helpful, asked about my tastes, and made some great suggestions- but never made me feel pressured to buy, and were very happy to just chat and talk shop while I browsed. A great experience, I will definitely be a regular here.

I come this shop when I wait for the bus on Friday night every week. I really like the guy who is running the shop at night. He’s friendly and kind. He was also very kind patient with me, even though I go only come here for the cheap stuff (non-alcoholic beverages and candies).

Great store. Great experience. Great selection. But really the best part are the employees. Mike is the best night time cashier you'll ever meet.

Extremely rude and racist store owner who all but chased us out of the store. We simply popped in (dressed well and behaving politely, if it should even matter) and were in the store less than 30 seconds before having to leave. I'm not exaggerating by saying this was the worst interaction I've had with another human, service-specific and in general. Don't waste your time and certainly please don't give this store your money.

The guy who runs this store verbally berated my friend and I, he was incredibly rude and aggressive. He cursed me and my friend out for stealing while I was trying to pay for a 6-pack of beer. The refrigerators in this liquor store weren't even on, all the "cold beer" was warm. He also yelled racial slurs at my friend. This guy is definitely racist

This place is cool. Liquor on the shelves hasn't been dusted since it was put there, but there is a good selection of premium Gin, Whiskey, Vodka, and mixers. Bought a bottle of Anchor Old Tom Gin, but there were several others that I looked tasty. I'll be back. Also lots of fine beer.

I been here a bunch of times now and every time I’ve gone they guy had been extremely rude to me. Except the time I brought my wife where he proceeded to hit on her. This time around I was looking though his store and he followed be down his narrow aisle-way, as I went to pay he asked me if I was going to pay for something and to open my backpack. As if I was trying to steal something. This place is a joke, their beer selection has IPAs that are nearly four years old all over the place.

If you are looking for something and don't see, just ask Sam or Andrew, because they probably have it. They have a wide selection of wines and spirits, with the pleasant surprise of offering lower prices than you are likely to find elsewhere. In addition to all this, they have a wide selection of food items both gourmet and household staples. Truly the best part of shopping at Save-More, is Sam and Andrew who are always friendly and accommodating. You can trust this review, but better than that, you can stop by and pick up a few things and see what a great market this is, and how convenient it is for you. It is located on the corner of McAllister and Divisadero Streets where the 5, 5 R (outbound), and 24 (inbound) buses stop. Plus it is located right around the corner from Alamo Square park.

My recent experience at this establishment was extremely disappointing. Firstly, the staff member who assisted me was incredibly arrogant, which made the entire experience uncomfortable. Additionally, whether purchasing in person or through delivery, my alcoholic beverages never come with a bag to conceal them, as required by California law. It's unacceptable that the establishment fails to provide these bags, especially after learning that it's a deliberate choice made by the staff member. I sincerely hope that this issue is addressed and corrected in the future. Compliance with state laws and basic customer service expectations should be a priority for any establishment selling alcoholic beverages.

Holy whisky Batman! I ventured in from the rain after dinner at Brenda's Meat & Three to Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler with a bottle of red. I usually drink white wine so I needed help with a light red like a Pinot or Zin. Longtime employee Michael who works once a week to fill in and help the owner was super simpatico. He worked with my budget of under $25, found a delicious red by Paso Robles vineyard Rabble. It had a delicious balance of minerality and a sour cherry finish. It was the counterpoint to a Napa red I occasionally enjoy but am tiring of its insistent, jammy, fruit-forward note. Rabble was a good change of pace. While this store has been a neighborhood mainstay for 30 years, it was my first time wandering in. It's across the street from my dearly loved green grocer, Green Earth Natural Foods, so it's a convenient two-'fer errand. So grab your package of chicken and some endive- or a frozen burrito - and amble across the street and pick up something nice from Save-More. Save-More is famous for its whiskies so if you imbibe, you're in for a treat.

It's called market and says "groceries" on the outside but immediately when I walked in he said "what are you looking for" I said "just looking around" and then he said "you need to be 21 to be here" with an attitude. I said "I need to be 21 to buy a bag of chips?" And he said "yes this is a liquor store" so I left without my munchies. probably would've spent around $15 there on just food if he didn't rudely tell me to leave the store. I just went across the street to the other corner and bought all my stuff instead :)

Sam was very helpful when I needed some liquor and great prices. I'll be back for more and he have one of the best whiskey selection in the Bay Area Thanks Sam

Super negative reviews this my local market I might not always go in there but sam is awesome and has gotten items for me just because I'm the only perosn buying it so much and it was puppy dog food lol Great little place. Support your local businesses!! Thank you

Been here multiple times, and the owner has always been quite rude to me. I picked up a bottle to look closer at the label, and he rushed over yelling at me, demanding to know what I'm doing. Apparently it's not kosher to pick up a bottle at a liquor store? There might be an extensive selection of whiskeys here, but all are easily 2x+ retail price. If you're looking for special bottles, id recommend Bourbon county or even new Star down the street.

Closed at 3:30pm with no explanation even though they are supposed to be open until midnight. Completely useless store with managers who behave unprofessionally. They need to leave and let someone competent move in.

Went to Save-More after reading articles on its impressive selection. Purchased a bottle and was walking back to my car when I realized the seal was broken and the bottle was leaking. Because the whiskey market has such an issue with fakes, I took the bottle back to exchange for an actually sealed one. When I returned to the store, Sam was very short with me, denying the fact that his product had an opened seal. He ultimately gave me a cash refund for my credit card purchase saying he'd never had to do a refund before. He then told me our interaction had put a bad taste in his mouth and that I couldn't shop at the store. I should take my money and have a good day.

Very rude. I bought one bottle of beer. Cashier: You want a bag? Me: Is it required? (I meant it in legal terms) Cashier: It's up to you. You want it or not? I'm sick and tired of this type of behavior in all echelons of society. After reading other reviews I see this owner seems to have an issue with people who look like they don't have money or from a certain class. I was wearing sweats, was few days unshaven and walking my dog the night I went in and could definitely sense the owner judging me. Total a-hole. I've already been priced out of this city and hope karma does the same to the owner of this place!

Sam is fantastic; friendly and knowledgeable I have never left without having a great experience and a wonderful new to me whiskey to try

What does any person look for in a corner store? A great and affordable selection of spirits, wines, beers snacks and basics? Sam's got it! But what kept me coming back to Sam's for many many years is Sam himself! Always friendly and conversational, he'll leave you with a joke and a warm smile as you jaunt back home with your essentials and goodies. Sam is apart of the fabric of the Divisadero neighborhood, please consider supporting your local business during this hard time !! Long live Save-More!!

First time walking into the store I was amazed by the wine selection in the front as I entered as I walked around the store I couldn't believe that whiskey selection and the bourbon Sam Sam has on the shelves. Prices are very reasonable and don't ask about the selection. By far five stars all the way in selection and customer service .

As a Saucey delivery driver who works in partnership with Sam & his workmates, I am truly grateful of being in such a friendly environment. The store is relatively small, compared to big name markets, but holds a very respectable selection of beer, wine, whiskey, fancy and limited edition booze (including their own signature) and even gummy bears! (!) However, the most appealing aspect of Savemore is still the knowledgeable, yet humble owner, Sam. He can be seen pretty much 24/7 at the counter, being greeted and greeting his customers - which he seems to know as well as his merchandise, by name and in details - making the place a classic, heartwarming neighborhood gem.

My boyfriend and I refer to this place as "The Good Place" when we're discussing the neighborhood corner stores. It's the only convenience store that we visit these days. The owner and staff are personable, they know their product and they always have good recommendations. You can tell that they really care about the quality of what they have to offer, particularly their craft beer and wine selection but also other products, and they're always open to suggestions and input. They remember their regular customers well (for example, the owner regularly asks me about my dog) and work hard to maintain the Divisadero community vibe. Their collection of both beer and wine is incredibly impressive compared to their competitors in the neighborhood, and after you've visited a few times, they'll remember you for life. Thanks guys!

Neighborhood corner store. Great selection of wine, also cheaper price. I don't go anywhere else in the neighborhood for wine. We love Sam and his team. We live next door, and we want to support his business. One time I forgot my phone charger and needed to call someone in my house to open the door because I was locked out. He let me use his phone. I am confused reading the comment about him being racist, and would judge someone of color. He himself is an immigrant. I am a minority and I never get bad service from him, or the crew. He works so hard, everyday, 7 days a week. He even only spent a day at a family funeral so he can go back to take care of his shop. I know all this because we talk. This corner shop add to the community vibe in this Divisadero neighborhood. They know your names, know your favorite drinks. Sam and the crew are part of the community, let's support them.

Save-More has lots of beers, spirits in stock, all priced, some obviously overpriced. (haven't compared there pricing to the hood though). 5 stars for the vast inventory. 3 stars at most for the pricing. lots of other convenience items too, sodas, teas,,,, buys: inka chips "plaintain chips" 1.59 banana based, taste better than potato chips. notes: -very friendly, gracias service -didn't see any lotto tic signs.

This spot is more than just a corner store. They have a huge selection beer, wine, and spirits. Sam is always helpful in making a selection and steering you in the right direction.

I wish I could give a negative star. Guy with a moustache is a crook. He tried to sell me a bottle of tequila with a broken seal. When I complained he tried to say that the plastic wrapper was the seal. SO SHADY! BE CAREFUL. I won't be back! Will shop at Fell and Divisadero from now on.

Save more market is the best. Got a lot of wine selections and one of the best whiskey selections in the city.

Save More is a sweet little neighborhood booze store with an excellent selection. They've got everything from 40s to local craft beer; Jose Cuervo to artisanal gin. Plus, you truly get service with a smile!

Walked in here randomly to buy some Bulleit but the owener convinced me to try a a Buffalo trace that he personally selected and purchased the entire barrel. Wow, really good. I can see from the reviews that this is a special place and will be back.

When I moved to the neighborhood I used to go there almost every day (you know, it's open till late, and you always need something last minute). That is until I started realize that most of the things they sell are expired!! Yes, expired for YEARS, not days. When I mentioned it to Sam he got angry and practically kicked me out if the store. He's definitely not a person I would recommend. Also if you are a girl, I would avoid going there. My girl friends all had the impression he is a pervert, and never wanted to go back there after the first time they went by themselves. There is an other convenience store at the opposite corner, and - although I have to cross two lights when walking there - they are way nicer, and the quality is a lot higher with comparable prices.

This place is my go to for wine & beer and every time I need something super random it's always there. The owner is one of the nicest guys in the neighborhood and always willing to help you find what you need or a great wine selection!

I have to disagree with the other reviews. I love this place! Ever since I moved into this 'hood, the guy behind the counter has been super friendly. Once, I came in late-ish at night with a date and wanted a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to share with her. But upon drunkenly looking through my wallet I realized that I only had $30 on me. Real slick Mav. Real slick. What did he do? He sold me the bottle for $30. That's awesome. I love that guy.

Visited over a dozen times because of proximity, as many others have intimated there is an obtuse rudeness.

I used to live a block away from this market and would always come here to buy wine and Ben & Jerry's ice cream (they have a way larger selection than any of the other liquor stores in the area). I recently moved to a new apartment that's further away in the same area, and I STILL go to Save-More because the liquor store across from my apartment doesn't even come close. They have an abundance of great wine to choose from, and Sam, the owner, is always extremely helpful about helping me choose a bottle. He's such a smiley sweet man, and he never tries to sell me wine simply because it's expensive. He knows his stuff...so far every bottle he's recommended has been great and very reasonably priced (and I'm from Sonoma County, so I'm picky)! I don't believe the review that says he tried to sell a $50 bottle of cheap gin... I think their most expensive bottle is something like $12, and I know Sam would never try to pull a stunt like that. And there's certainly nothing creepy or unpleasant about his demeanor. He is always super polite, calm and helpful whenever I come in. I highly recommend coming here if you live in or are visiting the area.

Okay, we have three convenience stores at this intersection of Divis and McAllister (plus, a dollar store on the fourth corner), but I just wanted to give some kudos to Save More Market: the new owner has really cleaned up the space, added a nice line up of household and grocery essentials (including organic milk, fancy Italian pasta) and has always saved my day when we have run out of wine or liquor during a dinner party. A nice selecton of wines, beers and liquors, including french champagnes, Absinthe and other fancy stuff - along with a great attitude and nice service. Plus, he is much cheaper on the same items than the Organic store across the street, so now I hit Save-More first, and then skip across the street for the rest of it ...

I can't comprehend anybody reviewing this place with less than 4 or 5 stars. There are probably 7 convenience stores within a quarter mile of this place and this one certainly has the best beer selection in the area. The guy behind the counter has twice ordered beer - in less than one week - when he didn't have a particular beer that I asked for. This is a friendly store, well stocked for those with the munchies, equipped to handle even the pickiest drinkers, and has a cool guy behind the counter to top it all off.

Sam is awesome. He's a friendly old-school neighborhood shopkeep that remembers everyone's name and what they like. He has a great selection (just got produce!) and even better prices. I moved to the neighborhood about 9 months ago and this is my default grocery store.

I love Sam! I live around the corner from his store and I'm probably there every other day or so. Sam is always smiling, and always helpful. His prices are also better than the other shops in the area, with a better selection. Usually in corner stores, you expect just Ramen Noodles and cans of Hormel chili, but at Sam's you can get fresh produce, organic coffee, Amy's frozen foods (always good in a pinch when you're feeling lazy), and gourmet chocolate. Yum. I hope Sam never leaves. I always enjoy going in and chatting with him, and I'm so thankful I can get high quality food at low prices right down the street!

The very definition of your friendly neighborhood liquor store, or maybe drug dealer. I get my poison here 3-4 times a week and Sam (the owner) is always friendly and will shoot the sh*t with me even when I'm obviously intoxicated. He remembers faces and preferences, let's people bring their dogs into the store, and will go out of his way to find something for you in the store if he knows he has it. His prices are also a couple bucks cheaper than nearby alternatives too. I've never been to a friendlier liquor store. Once you get to be a regular you won't want to shop anywhere else.

I've never bought anything from this place. I wanted to yesterday, when I wanted an It's-It. I looked through Save-More's freezer and couldn't find any It's-Its. What's up with that? Every convenience store in San Francisco should sell It's-Its. They're it. They get a bonus star because of the cool painting on the outside. UPDATE: 6/22/12 ============== Save-More is up to four stars because they now carry It's-Its, they have really cheap soda, and the main guy is a character. He's not an annoying character; he's got character.

It's always a joy seeing Sam's smiling face! Sam and Andrew remember everyone's name, remember life events while chit chatting, and of course remember what I regularly purchase. If there's something you want that he doesn't stock, he's happy to try and get it for you. I'm a beer person, and he's got great prices on most anything you can think of -- Though I'm not a wine/liquor person, he definitely has a HUGE selection of both (with knowledgable advice to go along with it)

Just moving away from the neighborhood but our memories of the City will be peppered with visits to the SaveMore Market. The lady and I lived a block away and would come here for just about anything money could buy. Great local and exotic beer, large selection of wine, wide variety of frozen foods (good for those of us who can't cook well without the misses) and tons of those crazy European candies that I remember from my childhood (Kinder-eggs anyone?). Sam the shopkeeper is a very friendly, helpful guide through his store. Sometimes it can be hard to find a very particular item and Sam will not blink an eye as he hurries to find it after you ask him. In fact, if you can't find something and try to scurry out empty-handed Sam will make sure he knows what you were looking for, try to find it and if he doesn't have it in stock, will do his damnedest to order it. All in all, SaveMore was our go-to spot in our lovely neighborhood. We can only hope that we have a shop at least half as good as Sam's at our new locale. Sad to see it go, but sure that the SaveMore will thrive in this rapidly up-and-coming neighborhood.

Visited on the suggestion of a number of articles and good yelp reviews. Was looking for rare bourbons such as Elmer T. Lee. Even though they are rare, he wanted $130 for them and very high on the Weller too. High prices, and disorganized.

Save-More Mart is my other corner store. I like the new murals out front and the clerk is super nice. The space/layout is kinda cavernous and uninviting with an even stranger smell -- the occasional whiff of mulch is common. Their hours are a bit weird as they don't open until 1 or 2, but there are some deals to be found here: $1.90 Pbr; $0.99 RC cola, a midwest throwback cola I like more than pepsi. Good beer selection. I tend to choose Transfer over Save but I do find myself on that side of the street and pop in when convenient.

If you're Hispanic you probably don't want to go here. The owner will just eye you down and the place is disorganized.

Sam is amazing! I love this store - neighbourhood feel and really amazing service. Convenient place to shop with great prices!

This is probably the most efficient and well stocked liquor store in this area Nopa with believe me from the most exotic of liquors from all corners of the world to the most local products and guess what the most reasonable competitive affordable price. What more can one ask for! But wait, there is Sam the owner here who has the knowledge of most of the whiskeys, vodkas, wines, beers and what have you. He has a sweet smile to greet you and a very helpful attitude. If you feel like a drink don't forget to go here and nowhere else!! Last but not the least is the range of other necessary supplies. Just not much of fruits and vegetables that's all. But I go here for my alcohol so it does not matter anyway. Cheers!!

Great whiskey and liquor selection, has relationships with distilleries which provide him with select blends! Very well priced liquors. Of course always friendly service too.

Great market & customer service .. I live in the neighborhood and come here often. :)

One of the other reviewers (I won't mention her by name, but I think you'll find whom I refer to quite easily) of this fine establishment seems to have formed some kind of antipathy towards this place. Now, I was briefly roommates with this gracious reviewer (ok, I couchsurfed), and I do have to say that she is quite out of her mind. This place, by no means, is going to dazzle you with fine service and low prices. But it is a corner store, and it gets the job done. I go in, find a coke, and pay. Very simple. And lets face it, I'm just too lazy to go across the corner to the other corner store. This other reviewer seems to think it's worth waiting for two extra lights just to get to this other corner store. Like i said, she's crazy. Laziness or Friendliness. Take your pick. Unless, I suppose, if you live on the other corner. Then you can have both.

The friendliest corner store in the City--its selection is only matched by its value. The owner leaves helpful notes about his selection to guide his customers. Great murals as well.

Sams the best ... Hes an amazing guy and might hit you up with a six pack if you maintain a nice relationship. Has the best selection of whiskey in a long time, and has a great selection of local and imported wine at suprisingly really reasonable prices! If you need liquor sams the guy to go to !!

Amazing place to shop! Sam (owner) and Andy are amazing! When I moved into the neighborhood they were friendly faces. They gave awesome tips for what's fun and new in the area. Being from the East Coast Sam makes sure he has all the seasonal beers ready. If I find beer, liquor, and food that he doesn't have he will put in an order to get it.

Hidden gem. Sam is extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. Has an insane collection of rare bottles including some awesome bottles of bourbon that I have been looking for. Unlike a lot of liquor stores, he knows his inventory and even if he doesn't have something you are looking for he probably knows what it is. I will be checking back there soon hoping to find my unicorn.

This place has gotten a lot better since it was bought out some time last year. It's now my go-to place for beer -- good selection. The guy who works the counter (owner?) is very nice & inquiring. If I walk out without buying something, he always asks what I couldn't find. And he really pays attention. I once busted out in my quest for pork skins, but the next time I came in, he had a whole freakin' shelf of them. On the minus side, I recently bought a bottle of salad dressing that turned out to have expired a few months ago. I guess expired products is a common problem in convenience stores.

Sam is a good guy. A pleasure to see him whenever I pick up ice cream or occasionally some beer from an excellent collection and maybe even a bottle of nice scotch as a special treat... He always recognizes me and is always friendly. The new mural on the building is also quite beautiful - - I hope it stays and doesn't get tagged!

I give it for stars for Sam alone! He's what you call, a real character. He brings a kind of warmth and personality sorely lacking from the liquor store catty corner from him. His food's also a lot cheaper, and if he doesn't have something, tell him and he'll get it in the store. I have had many o late night conversations with him about all matter of things. I even sent his store postcards from Japan when I went there! Oh, he's got cheaper booze than the other guy, too. [Yelp Gods, please do not delete this post like you did my last. I still don't know why y'all did that. Thanks!]

Open on Thanksgiving! On one hand, I feel sorry for the guy running the store... but on the other hand, last second ingredient shopping, FTW!