All 600 state-run Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores in Pennsylvania closed their doors in mid-March to comply with government-mandated social distancing and shutdown measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Beer distributors, which are not run by the state, were allowed to remain open. But for a couple of weeks, the only way for folks to buy booze was through craft distilleries and restaurants offering online ordering and delivery or pickup.
The PLCB has reopened a limited number of retail stores for curbside pickup — about 120 across the state, including 10 in Philly. It also is ramping up availability at its ecommerce site at FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com. However, there are limitations, including:
- Limit of 6 bottles per order
- Only 1 order per person each day
- Selection may be restricted to best-sellers
Don’t want to wait? Here’s a list of where else to buy booze, beer and wine during the coronavirus lockdown.
Know another we should add? Email us.
Where to buy spirits
Philadelphia Distilling
This long-running craft distillery behind Bluecoat gin is turning its Fishtown HQ into a “no touch” drive-through liquor store. It’s also doing direct shipping to people’s homes for a flat $10 charge.
Order online here or call 215-671-0346 to place your order. Pickup hours are noon through 8 p.m. daily. When you pull up outside the distillery, you’ll be asked to show ID and your order number through the window of your car. Then staff will place the booze in your trunk or back seat.
“We do not want customers to get out of their cars,” said CEO and founder Andrew Auwerda.
What you can get: Gin, vodka, absinthe, whiskey, amaro
New Liberty Distillery
Located just off American Street in Kensington, this distillery that revived the early 20th century favorite Kinsey whiskey is offering online ordering with pickup or delivery. For pickup, head to 1431 Cadwallader St. between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
What you can get: Bourbon, Irish whiskey, rye whiskey, vodka, rum, agave spirit, brandy, liqueurs
Red Brick Craft Distillery
This tiny operation in a Kensington warehouse makes some of the best spirits in the city. There’s no online store, but if you call or text owner Brian Forrest at 215-605-4127, you can place an order for delivery or pickup at 2628 Martha St.
Everything’s being done on a custom basis, but most deliveries will be made in the afternoon. Curbside pickup can be scheduled for any time.
What you can get: Single malt whiskey, From the Woods “birch whiskey,” pineapple white whiskey, regular white whiskey
Stateside Vodka
In addition to its signature vodka, this Kensington spirit house is releasing a limited reserve of bourbon. They’re available via pickup at 1700 N. Hancock St., but also via “no touch” delivery. To order, either call 215-425-4200 (available 9 to 5 weekdays) or email ed@federaldistilling.com if after hours. Provide a credit card, and you’ll get a doorstep drop-off within 24 hours. The service is available throughout the five-county region.
What you can get: Vodka, bourbon
Bluebird Distilling
Though its Philly tasting rooms are closed, this Phoenixville spiritsmaker is leaning into delivery. Order at least $100 worth of booze online with code PHILLY LOVE and shipping is free to the five-county area (Philly, Bucks, Montco, Delco, Chester).
Your order will also come with some cool merch, like sunglasses or a t-shirt.
What you can get: Bourbon, single malt whiskey, rye whiskey, agave spirit, gin, rum, white whiskey, brandy, vodka
Manatawny Still Works
This Pottstown distillery is taking orders online for pickup at its 1603 E. Passyunk Ave. during designated hours.
What you can get: Whiskey, white whiskey, rum, gin, vodka
Boardroom Spirits
Anyone within a 20-mile radius of this Lansdale distiller can get delivery within 48 hours of placing an order online, with free shipping if you get three or more bottles. You’ll have to show ID and a signature for the credit card when you receive the order.
You can also drive over to 575 W. 3rd St. for pickup from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 to 4 on Saturday, and 11 to 3 Sunday. Bonus if you go in person: housemade hand sanitizer! Just bring a container and you’ll get a free 4-oz. squirt.
What you can get: Gin, vodka, rum
Faber Easy Drinking Liquors
This Pa. flavored vodka juggernaut is offering online ordering (3 bottle minimum) with same day delivery from 2 to 10 p.m.
What you can get: Vodka (in many flavors), gin, schnapps, “well” whiskey, agave spirit
Where to buy beer and wine
Stone’s Beer & Beverage Market
This family-owned mainstay at 1701 Fairmount Ave. with more than 500 options in stock is offering both delivery and pickup. You can order via the Drizly App or on Stone’s website. Credit card payments only, for now.
What you can get: Beer, cider, hard seltzer
Bella Vista Beer
The giant distributor in Bella Vista is pivoting to delivery and curbside pickup. Starting on Mar. 18, you can call 215-627-6465 or go online here to place your order. Payment is via credit card only.
Delivery is available to Center City, South Philly, UCity, Old City, Fairmount and Fishtown from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours at the store at 755 S. 11th St. are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
What you can get: Beer, cider, hard seltzer
Yards Brewing
The taproom at Philly’s longest operating brewery is closed, but you can still order online and then head to 500 Spring Garden St. during regular hours to pick up cases and six-packs.
What you can get: Beer, hard seltzer
Rybrew
This Brewerytown cafe is offering six-packs of beer via its new online ordering system. There’s Narragansett, PBR, and a variety of other brands — call ahead to find out what’s available.
What you can get: Beer
Di Bruno Bros
After much discussion, the family behind this string of gourmet markets decided to stay open to provide neighborhoods access to food and other goods — including beer and wine. Time of operation will be shortened slightly at most outposts, with opening an hour earlier and closing an hour later daily.
What you can get: Beer, wine, cider
GoPuff
Philly’s munchies delivery juggernaut is still operating its useful beer delivery service. Sign up easily with a phone number or email, and be prepared to show your ID when a driver arrives at your house.
What you can get: Beer, hard seltzer
Jet Wine Bar and Rex 1516
These sister restaurants on South Street West are offering wine and beer, respectively. Call ahead (215-735-1116 for Jet; 215-319-1366 for Rex) and pick up your order curbside from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
What you can get: Wine or beer
Quick Sip
The online ordering service run by the owners of the Cambridge and Wine Dive is fully operational, with delivery available 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
What you can get: Beer, wine
The Beer Peddlers
Call your order to 215-755-2337 or just head over to this large Pennsport shop at 1942 Columbus Blvd. to get cases or six-packs. Cash is still being accepted.
What you can get: Beer, cider, hard seltzer
Iron Hill Brewery
All locations of this string of brewpubs — which has outposts in Pa., N.J. and Delaware — are offering four-packs and growlers to go. Everything can be pre-ordered online for pickup. Note that you won’t be able to have your growler refilled, but you can exchange a previously-owned growler for a new one.
What you can get: Beer
Triple Bottom Brewing
The newish brewery at 915 Spring Garden St. is offering weekly curbside pickup of crowlers for orders placed online.
What you can get: Beer
Supermarkets
Many supermarkets around the city — including Acme, Whole Foods and more — now have beer and wine sections. If the shop is open, you’ll be able to get beer and wine when you visit. Call ahead to confirm.
What you can get: Beer, wine, cider, hard seltzer
