Central Wine & Liquor Store

As I live nearby, I have been occasionally buying wines at this store over years.
This time, I was probably browsing a little longer than usual to buy a bottle of wine or two. After deciding the first one to buy, I picked up the bottle, then I heard a stern warning voice from behind: the store owner was scolding me, saying «Mister!, mister!, … don’t pick up bottles. You touch, you buy!!».
That was the first bottle I picked up with intention of buying, but he thought I was just reading the etiquette.
Being scolded for making a purchase, I bought it anyway.
Probably, he is not a bad person. His wife at store seems friendly. But that attitude with full of prejudice was not the way to treat a customer. I might give him a second chance, but it may be after a long time.

I’ve been to this store several times (when Wine 67 is closed), and the service is always hit or miss. There have been a couple of helpful people, but after tonight I will not be going back. I am from Washington State, and only live in New York for part of the year. As a result, I have a Washington State ID. Tonight, the man at the counter handed my ID back to me, and said «No.» When I asked him what he meant, he told me he thought the ID was fake. I assured him that it was a legal state-​issued ID, and that I had purchased from them many times before without issue. (For reference: I am nearly 30, hardly a spring chicken). He continued to refuse to ring up my purchase. I told him it was very unfortunate, because he is losing a repeat customer. He will also lose the business of my local friends and neighbors, who are confused and annoyed by his treatment of a local customer. This is not the way to run a successful business in this neighborhood, and his store is not the only option we have here. The prices at this store are also frequently higher than other local wine and liquor stores. I would suggest that you avoid this location, as there is a chance you may encounter unnecessary hassle — or be refused service.

They carry a wonderful New Zealand assortment and are very helpful. Also discovered a very reasonable & delightful 2013 Château Lamothe deHaux white Bordeaux there.

While Sarah M’s review is the antithesis of what mine is going to be, I suppose a store can change over a year.
After I stopped into Wine 67 and thought their prices were high for single malts, while nevertheless a lovely store, I continued to look for a liquor store. I remember walking past Central once before, and figured I would see what they had.
The store is small and while the shelves are well stocked, the store was dimly lit and just seemed really depressing.
The cashier/​owner was dressed like a Geisha, I know, it’s the UWS, and offered her assistance. I asked about the single malts she had, and she pointed to the wall behind her. I did notice the small cooler Sarah M. mentioned, but nothing really looked too fresh inside.
Prices were decent, but clearly because she put no money into cleaning up the store. Well, you get what you pay for.
Three blocks away from the 72^nd Street 1,2,3 station.

Kate H and I were on a mission. We needed a chilled bottle of white wine with a screw top that we could enjoy in the row boats in Central Park.
I’m used to California where alcohol is available anywhere and everywhere. We walked into a Duane Reade where I was certain we’d find a bottle of something cheap, nada… next was a convenience store, beer only. We were getting desperate as we walked uptown, almost to our destination. We finally spied Central Wine in the distance with the big liquor sign. They had a great selection, but I was in a hurry.
All of their chilled wine is in a small cooler, but it was taking me forever to find what I wanted. I finally told the helpful guy what I needed-​screwtop, non Chardonnay. He helped me find a great bottle of viognier from Australia. It was also the cheapest bottle in there, but at $ 16.99 that’s not saying much. I don’t think they’re overpriced, as I saw a bottle of Evolution (wish that had been screw topped) for about what I’ve seen it elsewhere. I think they just don’t carry cheap crap, which is what us drunken vacationers were looking for.
Great service, great selection, if you’re looking for something cheap to get you drunk, plan ahead and go to Trader Joes.