New Jersey, with its rich brewing history and diverse craft beer scene, is home to a wide range of options when it comes to buying beer. Whether you’re looking for a local craft brew, a rare international lager, or just a cold six-pack for the weekend, New Jersey has plenty of places to satisfy your beer needs. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to buy beer in New Jersey, covering everything from grocery stores and liquor stores to specialized beer shops and online options. Let’s dive in!
Understanding New Jersey’s Alcohol Laws
Before diving into where you can buy beer in New Jersey, it’s important to understand the state’s unique alcohol laws. While New Jersey is known for its diverse alcohol offerings, the state’s regulations around alcohol sales can sometimes be confusing. This section will provide a brief overview of the rules surrounding beer sales, including where and when you can purchase it.
Beer Sales by Location
In New Jersey, beer can be purchased in a variety of locations, but certain rules apply to each. These include grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, and specialized beer shops. One key point to note is that grocery and convenience stores in New Jersey are allowed to sell beer, but only between certain hours and only in limited quantities. Liquor stores are usually the best option for a wider selection and more specialized products.
Legal Drinking Hours in New Jersey
The hours during which you can buy alcohol in New Jersey vary by county and municipality. However, the general rule is that you can purchase beer from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., while Sunday sales are typically restricted to between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Keep in mind that certain municipalities may have different hours, and some may not allow alcohol sales on Sundays at all.
Best Places to Buy Beer in New Jersey
Now that we’ve covered the basics of alcohol laws in New Jersey, let’s look at where you can actually buy beer. We’ll cover several types of stores and locations where you can find a variety of beer options, from mass-produced lagers to rare and local craft brews.
Local Liquor Stores
Local liquor stores are often the best places to buy beer, especially if you’re looking for a wide selection of domestic and international brands. These stores typically offer a broad variety of beers, from well-known commercial brands to specialty craft brews. Additionally, many liquor stores in New Jersey offer tastings and can even help you select beers based on your preferences.
Popular Liquor Stores in New Jersey
The Wine Rack (Piscataway, NJ): Known for its large beer section and helpful staff, The Wine Rack offers a variety of both local and international beers. From popular brands to hard-to-find craft beers, this store has something for everyone.
Total Wine & More (Cherry Hill, NJ): With a massive selection of beers, Total Wine & More is one of New Jersey’s best spots for beer shopping. They offer everything from mainstream brands to specialty craft options, and their staff can help guide you to new brews to try.
Lynn’s Liquors (Wayne, NJ): A local favorite, Lynn’s Liquors is known for its knowledgeable staff and excellent selection of craft beers. Whether you’re looking for an IPA, stout, or something in between, Lynn’s Liquors is a go-to destination.
Why Liquor Stores Are Ideal for Beer Shopping
Liquor stores typically offer the best variety of beer, and many carry rare or specialty brews that are difficult to find in grocery stores. Additionally, most liquor stores in New Jersey have a wider range of both local and international craft beers, making them a great option for serious beer enthusiasts.
Grocery Stores and Convenience Stores
While liquor stores tend to have the widest variety of beers, grocery stores and convenience stores in New Jersey are also viable options for buying beer. They typically carry a limited selection, but they are convenient if you need to pick up beer quickly while doing your regular shopping.
Best Grocery Stores to Buy Beer
ShopRite: With locations all over New Jersey, ShopRite is one of the state’s largest supermarket chains. Their beer section features popular brands of domestic and craft beers. ShopRite often carries beer at competitive prices and regularly runs promotions, making it a great option for budget-conscious beer drinkers.
Wegmans (Woodbridge, NJ): Known for its high-quality grocery offerings, Wegmans also boasts an excellent beer selection. Whether you’re looking for something mainstream or a more unique craft beer, Wegmans has a well-curated beer section.
Acme Markets: Acme is another supermarket chain that provides a wide variety of beer options. Acme stores typically carry popular national brands, as well as a selection of local craft beers.
Why Choose Grocery Stores or Convenience Stores?
For many people, grocery stores and convenience stores are the most convenient places to buy beer, especially if you are running errands or need a quick beer pick-up. While they don’t always have the most extensive selection, they often have a range of well-known beers at reasonable prices.
Specialized Beer Shops
If you’re a serious beer enthusiast or you want something unique, specialized beer shops are the way to go. These stores cater specifically to beer lovers and typically offer a wide variety of local, domestic, and international craft beers. Many of these shops also offer rare or limited-edition beers that aren’t available in regular liquor stores.
Best Specialized Beer Shops in New Jersey
The Beer Authority (Westfield, NJ): The Beer Authority is a must-visit for anyone who takes their beer seriously. Located in Westfield, NJ, the shop offers an extensive selection of craft beers, including local brews, hard-to-find imports, and limited releases. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect beer for any occasion.
Cork & Keg (Red Bank, NJ): Located in the vibrant town of Red Bank, Cork & Keg offers an impressive collection of craft beers. With a selection of local brews and rare international beers, Cork & Keg is an excellent place to find something unique. They also offer beer tastings and have an online store for convenient ordering.
Climax Brewing Co. (Roselle Park, NJ): Climax Brewing Co. is not only a brewery but also a great place to pick up beer. Known for its innovative beers, this establishment offers an excellent selection of their own craft brews, as well as some unique guest beers. It’s an ideal spot if you want to experience New Jersey craft beer at its best.
Why Specialized Beer Shops Are Worth It
Specialized beer shops offer a curated selection of beers that you won’t necessarily find in larger liquor stores or grocery stores. These shops are great for people looking to explore new brews or try something unusual. The staff at these stores are usually passionate about beer and can offer expert advice.
Online Beer Retailers in New Jersey
In today’s digital age, buying beer online has become more popular and more accessible. Several online beer retailers offer delivery across New Jersey, allowing you to shop for your favorite beers from the comfort of your home.
Popular Online Beer Retailers
Drizly: Drizly is an online alcohol delivery service that operates in New Jersey. With Drizly, you can browse a selection of beers, spirits, and wines and have them delivered to your door in as little as 60 minutes. Drizly partners with local liquor stores, so the selection may vary depending on your location.
Beer Drop: Beer Drop offers a subscription service that delivers craft beer to your doorstep. You can choose your preferences, and they will send you a curated box of beers each month. This is an excellent option for those who want to discover new craft beers without having to leave home.
CraftShack: Another great online option for craft beer enthusiasts is CraftShack, which delivers a wide selection of local and national craft beers to New Jersey. With CraftShack, you can easily order beers by style or brewery, and they ship directly to your home.
Advantages of Buying Beer Online
The main benefit of buying beer online is convenience. You can browse hundreds of options from the comfort of your home and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. This is especially beneficial if you’re looking for a rare or hard-to-find beer that may not be available locally.
Tips for Buying Beer in New Jersey
While finding beer in New Jersey is relatively easy, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you’re making the best choices when purchasing beer.
Always Check the Date
When buying beer, especially craft beer, it’s important to check the date on the packaging. Beer, especially IPAs and other hop-forward styles, can lose their flavor over time. Make sure the beer you’re purchasing is fresh to get the best taste experience.
Explore Local Breweries
New Jersey is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries popping up across the state. Many local breweries offer their beers directly to consumers, so visiting a local brewery can be a great way to try something fresh and support small businesses.
Know Your Beer Preferences
It’s also a good idea to know what kind of beers you like before heading out to buy. Whether you prefer IPAs, stouts, lagers, or sours, having a general idea of what you enjoy can help narrow down your choices and make shopping easier.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual drinker or a seasoned beer enthusiast, New Jersey offers a variety of places to buy beer. From local liquor stores to specialized beer shops and even online retailers, there are plenty of options to choose from. Understanding the state’s alcohol laws and knowing where to shop will ensure you have access to the best beers New Jersey has to offer. So next time you’re looking for a cold one, remember the diverse range of stores and options available to you!
You Might Be Interested In:
- Where Did Root Beer Floats Come From?
- How Many Bottles of Beer Does It Take to Get Drunk?
- What Happens When You Drink Expired Beer?
