Want Some Cheese With That Wine?

You South Loopers are a lucky bunch. In the last month you’ve gotten both a Sam’s Wines & Spirits and a Binny’s Beverage Depot.

These legends in the Chicago retail wine and liquor world have built their reputations on solid selections and knowledgeable staff. Now they’ve built new stores just a few blocks from each other.

There’s bound to be stiff competition. They both offer in-store bars, where you can either taste wines or you can purchase a bottle and drink it on the spot with no corkage fee, and you can sample selections of cheese and charcuterie (Sam’s range from $12 – $18). Sam’s has a roof-top deck overlooking Soldier Field, and Binny’s is hosting several bottle signings with celebrities like Lorraine Bracco, Tommy Lasorda, and (drum roll please) Coach Mike Ditka.

Looks like I may be heading south for the winter.

Binny’s Beverage Depot, 1132 S Jefferson St, (312)768-4400, Mon – Sat 9 to 9, Sun 11 to 6
Sam’s Wines & Spirits, 50 E Roosevelt, (312)663-9463, Mon – Wed 8 to 9, Thur – Sat 8 to 10, Sun 11 to 6

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