Twin Liquors

I so very much wish I had been able to give this local liquor store 5 stars, but the abominable customer service I experienced prevented me from doing so.
Please note: I am NOT a né’er do well who expects people to fawn over me or make a fuss. Indeed, I am well acquainted with the «slacker» customer service that defines many Austin establishments and am, for the most part, fine with it. That being said, the remarkably horrible and uniquely cold service I received on Thanksgiving Eve 2014 crossed the line so severely that even a hipster-​slacker would have been welcome.
I should preface this review by saying that I am a regular Spec’s Liquor customer. I try to go there when I buy liquor — and I always buy my spirits based on quality regardless of price (which isn’t terribly often since I don’t drink every day and because it’s expensive).
As Thanksgiving 2015 loomed in the 7:00-pm-ish hour, I eagerly decided to go to a closer liquor establishment, rather than make the trek to Spec’s in order to pick up a few essentials: (1) good tequila; (2) Bombay Saffire Gin; (3) limes; and (4) margarita salt. Because I had heard the name Twin Liquors, and especially because i enjoyed the idea of trying a new, close liquor store for my holiday needs, I was looking forward to trying a new place. Perhaps I would fall so in love with Twin Liquors that Spec’s would be a distant memory. Anything can happen, right?
I also want people who read this review to know that it takes a great deal for me to write a negative review, especially in light of the potential consequences to a business. I don’t take it lightly at all. I only wish my experience had warranted a positive review. Alas, the dream is dead when it comes to Twin Liquors on Burnet Road, and neither me nor my husband will be going to this particular location again.
Specifically, I was utterly ignored and the two clerks at the front were busy talking about their own personal business. I was not asked if I had everything I needed, and I was barely acknowledged. They kept talking as I was rung up. I even had to bag up my own items, while they talked and acted as if I was not there. It’s too bad — it’s a store with so many wonderful items, but the service I received means I won’t be going back.

So, they’re having their «Dollar Sale» (Aug 27−28−29) so I stop by to see if there’s a good deal on Crown Royal. I’m not sure where they pulled the name «Dollar Sale», since it’s just an average sale, no $ 1 deals. The signs should read, «a few dollars less than normal prices», NOT «DOLLAR SALE». It’s completely misleading and borders of false.

Meh. The only real plus is the people — the employees are solid and fun to deal with. My main issue is the pricing and poor selection. Some of the HEBs and Randalls have a better selection. If you want big brand, uninspired, mundane selections, it’s fine. Their liquor department is definitely better. But they need to rethink the quality of their wine buyer. Spec’s, Total Wine and East Side Wines are head and shoulders above the selection here. I understand you need to have a few of the standards, but branch out and show some creativity! There are fantastic small producers that people would love to see from time to time as a featured wine.
Doing apples-​to-​apples comparisons on prices shows that Spec’s is usually 10% lower on average. So, they aren’t competing on pricing, although, I’d be willing to pay more if the wine buyer did a better job. Maybe it’s management that is stifling the buyer’s creativity — don’t know. Just can’t see a reason to go unless it’s for a fun look at the flagship 41^st Street store.

I went here during the Dollar sale. I’m not sure about normal prices, but these were definitely the lowest prices I’ve seen anywhere. I was basically just seeking common brands, and these were well stocked. The service was just right. He even cracked a joke when I decided to go back in for a second trip to take advantage of the sale.

I live in Hawaii and I was having problems having champagne delivered to someone in Austin. I called Twin liquors main office and they refered me to JESSICA at their 41^st street location.
Both the guy who answered the phone (and thanked me in Hawaiian!) and Jessica were very friendly and Jessica somehow managed to whip up a gift basket for my friend the same day! And not just any day… Valentines afternoon! LOL Not to mention, I was able to pick out exactly what I wanted and Jessica put it together effortlessly! Oustanding service!

You have to appreciate service with a sense of humor. The employees here tend to ask me for my ID as soon as I enter the store. The last time I was here, I stopped at the register and stared at the guy before asking, «Sh-​should I show you my ID?»
He cheerily answered, «Well, since you asked, I may as well check it now.»
After inspecting it properly, he proceeded to shout out to the rest of the store, «HEY EVERYONE, SHE CAN SHOP HERE!»
The service here is always fantastic. Whenever I look lost, an employee comes up to me and asks me if I’m in need of any suggestions.
The only downside is that their inventory can sometimes come up short. One time I came with my sister in search of peach schapps, and they were completely out of the 750 mL bottles, so she had to buy the smaller flask-​sized ones. I still love you for trying, Twin Liquors!

Writing this update because the owner contacted me and apologized. I really appreciate that he took the time to contact me and find out what happened. I will say I’ll probably give them another shot… it’s just so close to where i live! and i can find some pretty good deals there sometimes.