Hamlet Wines & Liquors

As a recent transplant from California, the wine prices and selection in Long Island liquor stores have been somewhat shocking. Most stores mainly stock a type of wine you only saw in gas stations back home (I’m looking at you, Apothic Red, Rex Goliath, and Bogle); wines that are better used as Easter egg dyes than for human consumption. To make matters worse, they charge $ 10 – 12 for these abominations, rather than the $ 4 – 5 you’d paid anywhere else in the country.
Not so with Hamlet Wines & Liquors. The owner refuses to stock gas station wines, instead opting to fill his racks with a mix of reasonably-​priced (for LI) and higher-​end tasty brands. In addition to being very nice, he also gives excellent recommendations. He is knowledgeable and actually listens to you, and because he has tasted every bottling he carries, he makes a solid recommendation every time. He doesn’t push his $ 100 bottles on you, either; he just recommends what he thinks you will like based on what you tell him. So it’s quite easy to come in and say «I’m making _​_​_​_​for dinner and I like _​_​_​_​» and leave with one or two $ 15 bottles perfect for your occasion. The store is small but has a better wine selection than nearly anywhere else, and is certainly the best for its size. I especially recommend the bottles by the cash register; he and his other employee must agree on every bottle that goes there, and they have very different tastes. I’ve never been disappointed.
The liquor selection is not as excellent as the wine selection. If you’re looking to make basic classic cocktails, you’re fine; but this is not the place to go if you’re a mixologist looking for an obscure liqueur or infusion. I suspect the love of wine is what keeps this store going, and that is in no way a criticism.

I had the nicest experience here tonight! I have friends coming over for dinner this weekend and I see all these kookie Vodka’s on TV. Birthday Cake, Caramel Kiss, Whipped Cream, It goes on and on. I like Grey Goose on ice with a twist so I never pay attention to the silly commercials.
I walk in and I need a sweet Vermouth and I;d like to buy a bottle of this trendy Vodka. The store is empty and the gentleman behind the counter points me to the sweet Vermouth and then the Vodka choices. I grab a Pinnacle Whipped Vodka and ask him what the heck do you do with this stuff?
I see he has a Mac so he looks online, I see some mixed recipes on the screen, he then prints out the list??? That’s just nice customer service and it makes me write a 5 star review to my local WIne & Liquor shop.
Nice French wines I see in the back, I always dug this place. They’ve been in business since I lived in the area, so 20+ years!

Young people take for granted how nice these guys are. They are courteous and even stay open 15 minutes late so that you can decide on your purchase. I had an awful experience at a wine shop the other day because I was young and on a budget. Nonetheless, who ever you are, these guys will always accept you and your business and give you the courtesy you deserve. The selection is limited because it is a small shop, but ask for some advice and they will recommend something decent.

This place is definitely worth checking out.
Whether you’re looking for drinks for a party, or in search of good wine to accompany a meal, Hamlet is the place to go. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and sometimes features unique deals I’ve NEVER seen in other places. I once hosted a party, and they sold me everything I needed to make Long Ice Teas (about ⁴⁄₅ 1 L. bottles) for $ 30! That sealed the deal for me. lol

A trusty place for booze. I’ve been coming here ever since I was a wee tot. AKA: freshman at Stony Brook –perhaps I shouldn’t disclose this information…
Anyway, they have a fair selection and prices are average.
The service has always been friendly and they’re more than happy to help if you have questions. I stopped in recently to replenish my supply of Kahlua & vodka, and was offered a free sample of their newly stocked Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka! I liked it!
Free shots earns this 3-​star establishment a solid 4 stars.