Southgate Liquors

About 12 4’x2’x2’ coolers full of cans in the far back. Initially I just saw 1/2 row of warm barrel aged beers and sours, maybe dusty, which was discouraging, until I saw the extensive selection in the coolers. Store was pretty packed despite covid. Very good.

I don't see how Mr. Hoppy's review and a 2.1 score go together. Anyways, I've been eyeing these folks for a bit on social media and Untappd but they are in a part of San Jose I don't often have a reason to go near. Thankfully, they decided to launch an app with delivery in light of COVID-19, so I decided to take advantage of it to try to make sure that I didn't (gasp!) run out of beer during what looks like an extended social distancing period. So first the downsides: I think I'm one of the first customers on the app to go into the corners of their selection. So the app was a bit buggy and the stock wasn't 100% up to date, although, like, COVID guys. This is a chance for market share and I respect them going for it. Upsides more than made up for it. So, the upsides. Selection is very good - focus on Northern California stuff from most of the big players (including a great Moonraker selection). Other big stuff from the rest of California (Firestone limited releases and vintages, Bottle Logic - these guys have good stuff). The owner / manager worked with me personally on my order (at some cost to him) and took some stuff out of his own cellar for me (always a good sign when the person running the place seems like a beer geek). Personalized service and flexibility. Willingness to just go for it during these bizarre times. Prices were reasonable (including for delivery up to Palo Alto). The rating on this place is criminally low. Service was excellent and selection is great. Once they clean up the app a bit this place could be a go-to - the delivery and selection combo is really a game-changer for when traffic gets back to being really bad.

Driving around on the weekend wanting to get good beers to drink with our thanksgiving leftovers and we found this liquor store called Southgate. We went to see that not only did they have liquor they had a very good selection of craft beers in about 6 different cooler doors. This place was like a bottle shop and they sell kegs too. It was great having so much variety to choose from and to top it off we got a chance to buy bourbon county brand stout. If anybody likes beer this is a great place to check out.