Kim R.
Yelp
Do you want a convenient wine & spirits shop, but just wish it had a little more... Port Authority Bus Terminal feel to it? Then you've come to the right place!
There are a decent number of wine shops in the FiDi area, but this one is the 2nd closest to the largest subway hub in the city. Despite that, I've never seen the place crowded. Maybe it's because their prices ARE a little high. Or maybe it's because of their customer service.
They're not exactly friendly, which goes a long way. They greet you as soon as you come in, but it's in a way that makes you feel watched or rushed. I usually ignore that and just ask them to let me browse until I have a question. That usually works. But it's too bad they aren't as assertive with pan handlers & the like.
I stopped into the shop yesterday looking for a bottle of wine to pair with dinner. Shortly after I entered, a guy stumbled in off the street, asking me for money for liquor. He was talking loudly & using the N word a LOT. Did they say one word to him? No. Not until he walked up to the counter and addressed the woman there face to face, asking for booze. Even then, she wasn't as assertive with him as she's been with me over taking whatever wine she's chosen. To make matters worse, there was a male employee in the store who stood several yards away, just watching.
I told this desperate beggar who was told me that HE HAD A KNIFE & had just been in a physical altercation with someone, that I had no cash. He responded that I could just put it on my credit card. The staff said nothing in response to that. I had already chosen my first wine & had placed it on the counter for purchase. But now this beggar was hanging out there. I heard the woman passively mutter something about preferring him to do his business outside. But the male employee just stood there watching.
I turned to the male employee & asked, "You're OK with this?" He just shrugged. But the beggar loudly stated, "SHE'S OK WITH THIS!" and laughed. So I told the male employee, "Since you won't ask him to leave, I'll leave." I then walked out empty-handed & made my way south to Simply Wine on Liberty Street, where the worst thing that happens there might be an occasional puppy fart. It was out of my way, but so worth it. Their selection & service rock.
I have worked with and around alcohol for many years, including my time as a bartender. If you can't control drunks & people begging for booze, if you can't protect or at least show concern for the safety & comfort of your paying customers, you're in the wrong business. This place won't be getting any more of mine.