R&L Liquors named one of the top beer stores in America
One of America's greatest craft beer stores is located in Lewes. But be careful — if you're not too familiar with the area, you'll probably walk right past it.
In fact, R&L Liquors looks more like a house or a small town bakery than a corner liquor store.
Quietly located on 2nd Street across from St. Peter's Episcopal Church, the alcohol storefront appears to be nothing more than a simple brick building, with large front windows and white curtains. To further confuse unaware passerby, the second floor features an apartment with a screened-in porch.
"Yeah, we get it all the time," manager Carol Garner said. "People walk in and say, 'Wow, I wasn't expecting this.'"
The covert liquor store, which opened in 1974, offers an impressive selection of whiskey, liquor and more than 600 bottles of wine. The store also sells mixes for making cocktails like margaritas and bloody marys, peanuts, pickles and olives. But over the last few years, its craft beer inventory has been the talk of the town.
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As shelves and coolers have begun to carry more local craft brews, unique bottles and sought after cans, the liquor store has even earned statewide praise, and most recently, national attention.
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R&L Liquors was recently featured in Men's Journal's "Top 50 Best Beer Stores in America."
To compile the list, Men's Journal considered any store with a healthy stock and reputation for championing craft beer. The popular men's lifestyle magazine looked at selection, service, events, outreach and even how the beer is stored — preferably cold and out of UV light.
"It is a tremendous honor," she said. "I'd like to take credit for it, but it's all because of my guys. They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what we do here."
The guys — Tom Greenwood and Chris Banz — have also earned R&L Liquors a 100 point score with Beer Advocate, an online site that rates beers, bars and beer stores. Greenwood, who has worked behind the counter for nearly 20 years, describes the place as an oasis.
"We represent Delmarva," he said. "We've got brews from RAR in Cambridge to specialty releases from Dogfish Head and everything in between. And we have a staff that will help you. Picking out a new beer should be a fun experience."
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R&L Liquors
Where: 207 2nd St, Lewes
When: 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 6 p.m.
Call: 302-645-9183