Royal Liquors

Hate the jerk face who runs this store. He swore at me for taking too long to pick alcohol. He threatened me and said «you’d better buy after taking this long, I’m f-​ing serious.». I was trying to take my time deciding on an $ 80 bottle of whiskey. Guess I will take my business to a store that appreciates customers’ money. Seriously, this guy is a surly, classless person who doesn’t care whether or not he gets your business. I have been a regular at his store for ages now but he definitely lost a customer tonight. If you read your Unilocal reviews mister owner, you are a jerk. Your awful demeanor is why you lost my business, not that you care. You ruined my night. I hope you have a bad night too, d*ck.

This place is truly appalling. They kicked my friend and boyfriend out of the store for taking too long to make their alcohol selection! Instead of allowing them to pay for their alcohol they rejected paying customers. The guy standing on a basket to compensate for his short height needs to learn better manners in order to improve his customer acquisition and retention strategy. Honestly I recommend walking down the street to Bev Mo For better alcohol and top notch service.

I went here based on the reviews I read here on Unilocal.So I was expecting to be able to walk in and have a decent conversation with the folks that work there re: Whiskey’s, Scotch’s, and Bourbons. Have to say that I left with a less than desirable feeling.
Here’s what happened… As I walked in, I started looking at the selection of Whiskey’s and Scotch’s. The person working there, assuming it’s the owner, asked if he could help me find anything. I stated that I was interested in their selection of Scotch’s, Whiskey’s, and Bourbons. He pointed me towards the Bourbons. As I walked over, he asked if I was interested in the Buffalo Trace Antique collection. I said yes and then asked why is he asking, because most places were either out of stock or had not yet received their stock. He said (and this is verbatim), «yeah, but it’s for my loyal customers only. I gotta be loyal to the regulars. It’s all about paying the bills ya know?».
Sorry…but I know this was my first time there, but why ask me about a collection that’s very limited and then tell me it’s only for his loyal customers? Plus, he has no idea how much I spend on Bourbons each month and that when I find a place that has great customer service, I am a very loyal customer. So suffice to say that I probably will not be going back to this place solely on the customer service I received.
Oh…and one more thing… he told me he would be getting in the Yamazaki Sherry Cask (I was asking about the Hibiki’s that he had). Um… doubtful since those were release only in European countries and only 18,000 bottles were produced. NOt sure why he felt the need to tell me this but it didn’t change my decision to leave and never com back.
Now for the logistics: Metered street parking is available. There’s a public parking lot a couple of blocks away. Shelf stock is decent but there are some very good labels missing. Prices range from $ 2-​$ 15 higher than I’ve seen in other Spirits Stores.

These guys have the LAST Jonny Walker Green label, and they gave it to me– even though they said they were saving it for a special occasion. Great folks!

I miss these guys, best local corner liquor store you could ever hope for. decent prices, great wine selection, and the nicest and most loyal staff. Wish we still lied nearby :(

I love a local liquor shop as a rule, but am also always scared that they won’t have anything I’ll want. Royal has solved this problem for me, so far as I stay in the neighborhood.
The owner, Sammy, really seems to know his booze — and I say that in the most complimentary of ways. His store’s selection of whiskey is impressive, and perhaps even more impressive when you include the Scotch. No one tried to forcibly upsell me – we talked a bit about likes and dislikes in scotch, new brands coming out, and even the possibility of Scottish Independence.
All in all, a short, but wonderful shopping experience. As far as what I bought goes, I doubt I’d find cheaper prices in the West Bay, or for that matter, possibly much of the West Coast.

I’ve been coming here for a couple of years. The group of guys here are a really nice group. I always enjoy stopping by — they feel like (and are my) neighbors. I rate the customer service and friendliness as top-​tier. I recommend this spot if you’re looking for a nice regular store in the neighborhood. If you’re new, this should be your first stop.
The shopping environment is very nice. The store is laid-​out well, and they have an excellent selection of craft beers, wine, and liquor. Lots of options. I mainly stick to beer or occasionally wine/​sparkling wine. It’s a little pricier than some, although not outrageous by any means.
They also have Nag Champa as an impulse buy — and it re-​triggered my college era enjoyment of the delightful scent. :) Nice assist.

I love that I know I can get so many different kinds of alcoholic beverages here. Pretty much whatever I’m craving, it’s there. For example — Veev Acai liquor — 1 of the 1^st places in the city to carry. Pumpkin beer for seasonal drinks — there waiting for me to buy it!
Prices are reasonable, not too expensive & not dirt cheap. Friendly staff.

I am horrified!!! I am a 26 year old, hard working woman, and I go in there, yeah sure, bummin it with my bun and tshirt, waiting in line digging through my purse for my wallet and the clerk, also bummy looking, accused me of stealing! He said, did you just take a candy or something??? Are you kidding me!!! I’m not gonna say my race so you can think what you want but know you may or may not be wrong… I was shocked and teary eyed at first, but now laugh that he thought that about ME!!! Wow. It’s kinda funny now thinking, that I was digging for my wallet to give this creep money and instead, i said that was really rude and left, because I’m not one to make a scene of myself for some stupid ignorant cheap fool. that being said… maybe i’m still mad.
So if you go in there, make sure you warn him, you’re just getting your wallet.

Excellent selection of liquors, especially of minis, and hard-​to-​find distilleries.

Who would have guessed that treasure could be found at a liquor store on this part of Polk Street? And it gets better, the guy at the counter last night (Friday the 13^th of Aug 2010) was a peach and was really fun to yak with about Indian food and restaurants in the area.
I needed a bottle of something bubbly to take back across the street to Shalimar, and I was shocked by what I found in the fridge. .. I knew that no matter how the food would fare at Shalimar that I’d be one happy girl with a good bottle of bubbles to aid my digestion.
Love this shop, it’s destination, that’s for sure.

Amazing selection of imported/​hard to find spirits from around the world. You name it they might just have it. Example: If you are an ubersnob and insist on being a total label whore, they carry Roberto Cavalli’s vodka. Pleasant customer service and in a not too dicey area on Polk cement the four star experience.
P. S. Rumors are that they carry absinthe from time to time. Hmm… there might have to be an update.

One Word:
Crème De Cassis
Years ago, when I spent time in the company of a in-​house chef and the head butler, they made me dishes that were absolutely to die for, encompassing a wide range of exotic influences and unrestrained creativity. However, one dish that has always remained in my memories, was a simple melding of various textures and required the utilization of Crème De Cassis as an afterthought. I decided to make this simple dessert dish for W.
Of course, being pressed for time simply makes for a truly consequential event (horrid traffic, running errands earlier in the city and the week, and the Safeway above my gym lacked the elusive liquer out in Portrero) so we schlepped it here, to Royal Liquors. When my high heels clicked on the asphalt and over the threshold, I knew I had reached the promised kingdom: the walls were stocked with nothing but liquor and wines. Bottles upon bottles, glassy stares beyond recognition. I was dazzled.
No distractions. No smalltalk. No foreplay.
The young man behind the counter was extremely helpful and nice, which is something I was not expecting, given the somewhat «diverse» groups of people staggering around. A tweaked up woman sidled up next to me. He told her to wait with his hand.
«Hi, do you carry Crème de Cassis?» I inquired.
«Yes, we do. Follow me,» he led me along to a wall, and points out a splendid bottle, all done up. «You know, Chambord is Crème de Cassis?»
I was not aware of it.
«Did you need a small bottle or a large bottle?» I nodded when he pulled the smaller bottle and carried it to the counter where he rung me up.
I’m impressed. I’ve never had such awesome customer service for a $ 17 bottle of liquor. For future events and future liquor runs needed for the spur of the moment, I’m marking this establishment as taken!

Great family run store that I will always support. They have a truly extensive collection of liquors from all over the world and one that could even trump Bevmo with rare selections. They can and will order anything you want or need upon request.
Great to pickup some beer or wine here when eating at Shalimar or Tajine. Support the local stores!

Open ’til 2am and has a solid selection of your most necessary alcoholic fare. I’m keen on this place because I was able to pick up a favorite bottle that changed my mind about tequila, Don Alejo.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the service I received.

Not only a great selection but they’re open late too… just about the only thing nearby that is at certain hours.

I’ve been searching all over town for a bottle of Lemon Hart 151 rum and I was about to resort to ordering it online when on a whim I popped into Royal Liquors. There it was the ever elusive rum on the top shelf and cheaper than it would be if I had ordered it online. They also stock other hard to find rums at a decent price too. I will be back!

Too bad it’s hard to pair wine with Indian food, but if you’re determined this place is right across the street from Shalimar, which has no license of its own and hence no corkage fee. Nice but fairly small selection of just about everything. Found a great shiraz here.

this place has got it all, from the most famous cab to the most obscure liqueur. the staff is so helpful and the prices are reasonable. total adoration and appreciation.

Looking for a specific bottle of wine and having trouble finding it? Looking for a specific Liquor? Do you want just a small shot of a few different liquors? If this place doesn’t have it, no body does. This is a pillar of the community and it has been a local and tourist favorite forever. The owner & his son are wonderful people and the rest of the staff is very helpful and friendly. Great Liquor store to check out.