Insider Pages Reviews for Sam's Wines & Spirits

1 Stars: Avoid at all costs (by Andy D.)

Andy D. — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:53:00 GMT

I placed an order from these guys for a few bottles of beer including a rare vintage beer from 2000. The box arrived quickly, but inside was a bottle from 2007, not 2000. It took me 3 calls with customer service to even receive a response. Finally someone told me I could return the bottle and get my money back, and they sent me a shipping slip. The beer has been back in their hands for 2 weeks now but I still have not received the $30, and customer service is once again ignoring me. Furthermore, the 2000 vintage is still listed on their site even though the guy made it clear they don't actually have any, just sitting there waiting to rope in more suckers. This place is fraudulent and should be avoided at all costs.

5 Stars: Famous for a reason (by Annie W.)

Annie W. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Ever since I moved to Chicago, I knew about Sam's. There's a good reason for this. They have pretty much everything you could ever hope to find in one liquor store and their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Although Sam's specialty is wine, they also have an impressive stock of liquor and beer. (Plus the younger beer guy, Austin, definitely has a cute butt.) In addition, you can schedule private tastings and tours and later impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.

A word to the wise: do *not* order anything through their internet department. They are very backed up and disorganized. Either go to the store (recommended) or phone in to the call center.

5 Stars: Oh my God, it's full of liquor (by Brooke E.)

Brooke E. — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 17:34:00 GMT

If there is some sort of alcohol you want, Sam's will have it. Sam's carries a huge variety of hard liquors, and a massive selction of beers (some are microbews that you can't find anywhere else). Kegs are available in many varieties. I was able to find about 10 different varieties of German beer for my Oktoberfest party, and was able to find all sorts of great liquors. Plenty of parking in the attached lot, and they will bring your keg to the car for you.

4 Stars: Amazing Selection at a HUGE Liquor store! (by Adam M.)

Adam M. — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 08:32:00 GMT

Sam's is pretty much the largest liquor store I have ever been to. It could be compared to an entire supermarket devoted just to beer, wine and liquor! The wine selection is amazing - almost half the store is devoted to it! Also, employees are good at making drink recommendations if you give them just a few requirements. Liquor selection is also top notch - from Skol vodka to Louis the XIII cognac... very impressive. Plenty of cold & room temperature beer to choose from as well, with an assortment of foreign and small domestic marques. Great place!

4 Stars: Largest liquor store I have ever seen (by Kimberly S.)

Kimberly S. — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 18:50:00 GMT

Prepare to be overwhelmed when you go to Sam's. They have aisles upon aisles of wine, and a variety of just about any other liquor you may need. Staff is very knowledgeable and willing to help. Will take unopened returns, so it is a great place to go when having a party. I usually find beer cheaper other places though.

PROS: Large selection, helpful staff
CONS: You can get lost here!

4 Stars: Great selection, great prices (by Sara H.)

Sara H. — Mon, 27 Jun 2005 09:01:00 GMT

It may be pretty easy to find cheap wine in California, but in Chicago, you just have to head to Sam's Wine & Spirits. The selection is vast and it's conveniently located just north of the Loop.

5 Stars: A Wine Oasis (by D. R.)

D. R. — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 15:23:00 GMT

This place rocks. An enormous selection of wine and other beverages. Sam's carries cheap to super expensive. The staff is extremely knowledgeable. Take advantage of the numerous wine tastings going on at the store.