In the past decade, the liquor depot has become a go-to destination for those seeking a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. But… you may be wondering “what is a liquor depot,” and “how do I find a liquor depot near me?” 

Whether you’re a liquor aficionado or just planning a weekend get-together, understanding what a liquor depot is and how to find one can make your shopping experience much easier. Liquor depots can also help you find new brands and distilleries nearby that you love. In this guide, we’ll explore everything about liquor depots, with a special focus on finding them here in Minnesota for locals! Let’s get started.

First, What Is a Liquor Depot?

A liquor depot is more than just a regular liquor store. It’s a specialized outlet offering a vast selection of alcoholic beverages, including rare and specialty items. These depots often stock everything from popular beers and wines to exotic spirits. In the US, particularly in states like Minnesota, liquor depots have become integral to the local retail landscape. 

For some distilleries, producing liquor and having them sold at depots means that they can avoid liquor sales licensing. This allows them to keep producing and selling a great product while saving some money – especially since the liquor market is so competitive nowadays.

The by-law definition of a liquor depot can vary from state to state. Generally, it refers to a licensed establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. 

According to Law Insider, a liquor depot is a “premises approved by the Director-General for use by a bottler of imported liquor.”

These regulations ensure that liquor depots operate within the legal framework, focusing on responsible sales practices.

Liquor Depot, the Brand, vs a Local Liquor Depot in Minnesota

If you do a quick search, you’ll see several “liquor depots” in Minnesota that have the name “Liquor Depot.” They are sprinkled across the state in cities like Albert Lea, Lake City, and more. However, there are other “liquor depots” that go by different brand names, like you’ll see in our list below. Liquor Depot (the brand) is a nationwide liquor store with multiple locations.

What does this mean for you? Well, for starters, if you want to shop exclusively locally, you might want to choose a different option. Liquor Depot, due to being a nationwide brand, has access to a larger selection, but your purchases aren’t going to keep your money in the local area. If you want to shop locally in Minnesota, choose options like Ace Spirits or Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop.

Are Online Liquor Depots a Thing?

Absolutely! The digital age (and the pandemic) has transformed how we shop, and liquor depots are no exception. 

Online liquor depots are becoming increasingly popular, offering the convenience of browsing and purchasing a wide range of alcoholic beverages from the comfort of your home. These virtual stores provide an extensive selection, often mirroring the variety found in physical depots. 

What’s more, they often feature delivery options, ranging from standard shipping to same-day delivery in certain areas. This evolution in liquor shopping not only caters to the tech-savvy consumer but also broadens access to unique and hard-to-find alcoholic beverages that might not be available locally.

Liquor Depot vs Distillery Directory: What’s the Difference?

Like we mentioned above, a liquor depot is a retail outlet offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including spirits from various distilleries. 

On the other hand, a Distillery Directory, like Distillery Nearby, is not a store but a comprehensive guide to local distilleries. For example, our distillery directory allows you to explore and connect with individual distillers, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the spirit-making process. 

Browsing a Distillery Directory can help you discover more about your local distilling landscape, as it provides insights into the history, craftsmanship, and unique stories behind each distillery. 

Browse Our Distillery Directory Today to See What We Mean →

Why Choose a Liquor Depot to Purchase Alcohol From?

Choosing a liquor depot for your alcohol purchases comes with several benefits. First and foremost, the variety is unmatched. Whether you’re looking for a local microbrew, a fine wine, or a rare scotch, a liquor depot is likely to have it. Additionally, competitive pricing is a significant advantage. With a larger inventory, depots can offer better deals than smaller liquor stores.

The customer experience is another key factor. Most liquor depots are designed to make shopping enjoyable and easy. Wide aisles, clear signage, and knowledgeable staff make it simple to find what you’re looking for.

How Do I Find a Liquor Depot Near Me?

So, how do you find a liquor depot near you? 

The easiest way is to use online tools, search results, and apps. Websites like Yelp or Google Maps can quickly show you the closest options. Start by typing ‘liquor depot near me’ into a search engine to bring up a list of nearby locations. 

Search engines will usually pull your physical location into the search query, but you can add your location for good measure, if you’d like. For example “Minnesota liquor depots” or “liquor depots in Minnesota” would bring up all hits for the state of Minnesota. You can use cities as keywords, too!

Remember to check local laws and operating hours, as these can vary. You can also check our local Minnesota liquor depot list in the next section if you’re shopping here in the land of 10,000 lakes!

Minnesota Liquor Depots: Liquor Depot Near Me in Minnesota

Last Updated: January 23rd, 2024

Minnesota has a unique liquor market, and its depots are renowned for their variety and quality. In Minnesota, liquor depots are subject to specific state regulations, which sometimes affect their product range and hours of operation. For the most up-to-date information, make sure to check out the liquor depot’s website before visiting.

Liquor Depot – Albert Lea, Minnesota

Address: 606 S Broadway Ave

Phone: (507) 373-4678

Liquor Depot – Lake City, Minnesota

Address: 800 W Lyon Ave

Phone: (651) 345-5511

Liquor Depot – Loretto, Minnesota

Address: 4355 State Highway 55

Phone: (763) 479-5006

Liquor Depot – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Address: 4355 Olson Memorial Hwy

Phone: (763) 479-5006

Liquor Depot – Staples, Minnesota

Address: 1017 Us-10 E

Phone: (218) 895-5710

Liquor Depot – Stillwater, Minnesota

Address: 350 Main St N

Phone: (715) 247-5336

South Lyndale Liquors and Market

Address: 5516 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55419

Phone: (612) 827-5811

Surdyk’s Liquor and Cheese Shop

Address: 303 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone: (612) 379-3232

Ace Spirits

Address: 4 Shady Oak Rd #18, Hopkins, MN 55343

Phone: (952) 405-9478

And So Many More!

There are far too many liquor depots and liquor stores to list in one blog post, but we’ve listed some of the top options (and all of the official Liquor Depot stores across Minnesota). To view all of your liquor depot options, check out the following Google Maps search result:

See all Liquor Depot options in Minnesota →

Tips for Visiting a Liquor Depot

If you’re planning your first visit to a liquor depot, here are some tips to enhance your experience.

1. Firstly, have an idea of what you’re looking for. With such a wide selection, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re open to trying something new, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations.
2. Also, keep an eye out for exclusive deals and promotions. Many liquor depots offer discounts and loyalty programs, which can lead to significant savings.

In Conclusion: Liquor Depots Are Great for Browsing Booze…

Liquor depots offer a unique and convenient shopping experience for anyone looking to purchase alcoholic beverages. With their vast selection, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable staff, they cater to all types of customers. Whether you’re in Minnesota or elsewhere, exploring your local liquor depot can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

But Distillery Nearby Can Help You Connect With Local Distillers

However, if you’re looking to make more of a connection with local distillers, a distillery directory, like Distillery Nearby, might be the better option for you. Shopping locally is easy with a distillery directory. You can easily and quickly identify which distilleries in your local area are producing spirits you might enjoy. Then, armed with that new knowledge, you can take your list into a local liquor depot and inquire which of those your local shop carries. 

Why Shop Local for Distilled Beverages?

Distillery directories can also help you find information about how spirits are produced in your local area, which distillers use local grains, how they give back to the local economy and agriculture, and much more. Together, distillery directories and liquor depots give you the best experience for finding new spirits to enjoy.

In addition, shopping locally and purchasing locally distilled spirits helps keep your hard-earned dollars in your area. This can help boost your local economy!

So, what are you waiting for? Browse your state’s distillery listings today to find a new spirit to pick up at your local liquor depot!

Browse our US-Wide Distillery Directory Today →

Browse the Minnesota Distillery Directory Now →