Palm Tree Liquor & Food Mart

I enjoy this place. They have a great selection of alcohol and with great prices. I take time to talk and make friends with the works and the friendliness is returned. They have great suggestions on new items and have really help (for good or bad) my liquor selection expand upon what occasion I have rockin’. Over all, I really dig this place. You smile and they smile back.

I came in here to grab one thing really quick. There was no line at the counter and the guy working there could have been confused with a deaf mute (maybe he WAS, but I highly doubt it). I said hello and then asked him two questions. Neither of which he ever answered.
It appears (based on what I saw in the parking lot) that most of the people that are here are coming in after work to buy beer and possibly aren’t in a friendly mood :(
I think I spent a total of $ 1.50, but next time, I will give my money to someone else before I stop in here.
…the guy at the counter left a big bad impression on me…

Alexis B. always takes me to this liquor store when were in the area (LB) so I can get my lotto fix: D. Stopped in yesterday to load up on some goodies&scratchers for the hotel and the service is nothing special. I think this guy is just set in his ways and doesn’t know how to be friendly. I always try to strike up a conversation with him just to be nice but he seems standoffish. They do have a good selection of all my favorite junk food & scratchers so I can’t complain about that! Maybe if I won lotto at his store he’d turn the frown upside down and be happy! ^_^

If you go, ask for Al.
I don’t know what charm school these guys flunked out of, but they need reprogramming, or a lawsuit!
This shop is the nearest to my gf’ home. I’ll buy Lotto tickets about twice a month, with my Guide Dog. I am blind. They hassled me the first few visits, then another customer backed me up, telling the guys that my «…Guide Dog *is* allowed in their shop, and any other store I visit.» They didn’t like my stories, but would take my money for the tickets! I was always polite, but firm with them.
My last visit, on Friday Feb 22, 2013: I walked in, requested a couple Lottery tickets, paid, and thanked the guys. Then I asked for help buying beer. The guys ignored me. Again, I requested assistance buying beer. The guys were discussing or arguing in a hushed language I don’t understand. I then asked,
«Do you work here?!» The guy to my right behind the counter said,
«Yes.» I turned to address him, and asked,
«Do you sell beer from Russian River?» To my left, he answered,
«No.»
Turning to face his new position, I asked,
«Do you have any beers from Green Flash?»
«No,» he answered, and added «Please go.»
«Do you sell beer here?» I asked.
«Yes,» he responded.
«Good. We’re making headway. Please list your beers in reverse alphabetical order,» I requested with a sarcastic smile.
Silence from the other side of the counter.
«Do you work here?» I asked again, louder.
«Yes,» he answered from another location behind the counter. Turning to face him again, I asked,
«Do you have any beers from Stone Brewing?»
«No,» he answered quietly.
«So, *nothing* from Stone Brewing near San Diego!!!» I paused, reflecting on this as a group learning experience. «OK, what beers do you sell?»
«Bud, Bud-​Light,» he suggested slowly.
«Is that all you sell!!!» I asked incredulously.
«Yes,» he responded quietly: then an uncomfortable period of silence, as time passed.
Another guy at the far left of the counter, said something to the other two guys, then announced, «I’ll help you sir.»
«Lead-​on,» I encouraged him, and we walked to the back wall of refridgerators. Sure enough! Stone Brewing was well represented, with easily 6-​different ales. He read a few names off, and I made my selections. He carried them up to the counter. I thanked him, and shook his hand. I introduced myself, and he responded that his name was «Al.»
“Thank you again Al,” I said as I directed my Guide Dog to lead me outdoors.
If you shop here, ask for «Al!»

I’ve bought beer here at least four times in the past couple of years, but I have no really good reason to go back. I can find the same brands at BevMo and not get hustled out of the store every time I pay. The guys who run this place act like they dislike every customer who walks in; they make you feel like you are wasting their time making a purchase or give you the stink eye as if you are going to rob them.