Connecticut
Ancona’s Market
720 Branchville Rd.
Ridgefield, CT 06877-6129
203-544-8436
The owners are wonderful: a husband and wife, their son and his wife. They play great jazz on the store’s sound system.
Idaho
Marcellar’s Vintage Wines and Brews
431 Park Ave.
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-523-0503
A diverse selection of wonderful beers. The shop also has a small bar with six taps and several tables where customers can relax, catch up on the local gossip and enjoy their favorite beverage served in the appropriate glassware. Proprietor Marcella Medor always manages to track down a keg of something fun like Delirium Tremens to keep the local beer club happy.
Boise Co-Op
888 W Fort St.
Boise, ID 83702-5525
208-472-4500
Hundreds of beers from the region and around the world. Knowledgeable staff includes a certified beer judge. Friendly group of people ready to share experiences with various beers and more than capable of explaining beer styles. The beer section is also coupled with an extensive selection of wines.
Illinois
Sam’s Wines and Spirits
1720 North Marcey St.
Chicago, IL
800-777-9137
www.samswine.com/beer/index.asp
In Chicago, the top store, bar none. If you can think of it, they’ve probably got it. The same goes for wine and spirits. Next door to the Goose Island brewpub where you can enjoy a delightful pint after shopping.
Binny’s Beverage Depot
multiple locations in the city and suburbs
Chicago, Il
www.binnys.com
Iowa
John’s Grocery
401 E. Market St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
319-337-2183
www.johnsgrocery.com
A family-owned corner grocery store that happens to specialize in great beer, including about 130 Belgians. Well-informed, enthusiastic staff conduct regular tastings. John’s organizes tours of Belgium, as well. There are even plans afoot for staff ex-changes with beerstores and breweries in Belgium.
