Boston

It continues to amaze me how much warehouse-style liquor stores (or "packies," as Bostonians are wont to call them) can screw up their whole operation: uninspired varieties, grimy bottles of microbrews from 2004, narrow aisles. Negotiate a turn too tightly and you'll end up busting ten bottles of Manischewitz and saying goodbye to your cash before you even hit the register. It's enough to make you quit drinking altogether . . . almost. Perhaps my despondence over this chaos is what fuels my new love for Downtown Wine & Spirits. Their aisles are navigable, they carry over 900 dust-free beers, including gluten-free, as well as 600 wines (with and without sulfites), and more liquors than you can shake a stick at. They also offer six packs of Harpoon and Mercury Brewing Company sodas. And the hipster staff is quick to offer suggestions and holds regular tastings. This place is made for the customer, not the bull in the china shop.

Photo:  Emily Doutre

If you ever find yourself in Somerville looking for spirits, check out Downtown Wines & Spirits. They claim that they offer a selection of almost 1,000 different beers and wines! As a beer fan, this was very exciting information. And wine, well, I like that stuff too. The store space is large and roomy enough to browse without getting in the way or knocking booze displays over. Because the selection is so large and varied, it is a great place to be adventurous and get acquainted with new wines or beers from all over the globe. They also offer weekly wine tastings, every Tuesday night at 6 pm. The other appeal of this booze haven is the music. Whenever I have been in the store in the evening, there is always some kind of interesting music playing at a pretty high volume. The staff is usually enjoying the music behind the counter. When approaching the counter to pay, I always feel as though I should duck in order to avoid a swinging arm propelled by a dance move. After experiencing this a couple of times, it became less annoying and almost enjoyable.

Photo:  Denyce Neilson