House of Glunz

I actually had the same issue as Emily F. (no relation) below. Called to inquire about a product. Person I spoke with cut me off before I even said what I was looking for. Told me they had a bottle that was worth a few thousand and probably not what I was looking for. Had a fairly condescending tone. Then asked if I was on their mailing list. I said no, and asked how I could get on the mailing list. They told me to go to where I usually shop and get on their’s! So rude.
Let me say this: A) I live a few blocks from this location, and had intended on making this a new «go-​to» based on what I’ve heard of their selection and expertise — not any more; B) presuming in a condescending manner that potential customers aren’t well enough off to afford your selection is bad business (I actually can afford what they had, if it had actually been what I wanted… it wasn’t); and C) telling someone to go to where they usually shop and get on their mailing list instead… I don’t even think I have to say anything about this.
This individual seemed to «know their stuff», but perhaps they should reconsider having them answering the phones. We all have our strengths… customer service clearly isn’t their’s.

I love this place. Family owned, and a great wine list. Nice décor with historical interest on the walls of this place. Worth a visit, very nice.

What a great afternoon! Fun staff, Rare whiskey, great bratwurst, fries with mayo truffle sauce — not to mention that this was a old restaurant from the 1880s the clothes during Prohibition although the attached wine store remained open. A few years ago one the descendants of the original owners rehabbed the restaurant retaining all the cool architectural details — what a fun place to spend a few hours! And the rhubarb Margarita is not to be missed!

I called with a product inquiry and the sales associate I spoke to could NOT have been more rude. I politely asked as to when they were expecting their next shipment and she cut me off mid-​sentence. Wow, for an Old Town small business operation, I really expected better customer service, or at least to be treated in a civil manner.

I’ve been to Glunz before for drinks and the setting was low key and what to expect from a tavern, but nothing special. I had decided to host a party there and chose Glunz because my boyfriend likes whiskey and Glunz does offer a pretty big selection of higher end bourbons. For this I give the 2 stars.
I could not have been more disappointed and let down with the quality of service. I setup the party 2 months before the surprise date and had confirmed details through phone. The coordinator assured me that I would be sent an email immediately after our conversation to verify party details, but I did not hear back. I emailed and still did not hear back until less than 2 weeks before the party date. I was then notified that my party specs had been changed. I tried talking to the manager of the tavern only to be rushed off of the phone and instructed that he would talk to me by email only. I sent an email and NEVER heard back. I was forced to setup the party at another venue and thankfully Old Town has so much more to choose from than Glunz.
If you want mediocre food and poor and unfriendly service this is your place. And I caution anyone from thinking of having more than a quick bite to eat and a drink here!

Stopped in for wine and a cheese plate. Nice wine selection. The deviled eggs were very good. However, the cheese plate left a lot to be desired. The cheese itself was not very good and the portion was minuscule. It was served with burnt bread and a little bit of beets and almonds with honey. Normally I need to ask for more bread with a cheese plate. If the cheese has been better I would have asked for more to fill the bread. Huge fail for a wine bar.

Really helpful salespeople here. They helped me pick out a 10 yr bulleitt and a single cask buffalo trace. I could not be happier with the experience. Plus, this place has a long history so a definite visit for people looking to support local businesses. 5 stars in my book!

great unique spot. family owned, nice people. okay selection.

I’m a Trader Joe’s wineho (see what I did there? Instead of a wino, I’m a wineHO?) and shop there regularly for my run-​of-​the-​mill necessities. But sometimes I want out –of-​the-​box. Sometimes I want a surprise. Sometimes, I want a little sparkle. Figuratively and literally.
That’s where House of Glunz comes in. For (higher end of the spectrum) TJ’s prices, I can find new and thrilling wines I did not know exist from vineyards that next to no one has heard of. Talk of the dinner party, much?
The staff at HG are patient, thorough, and recommend great wines based on your tastes, budget, and experience. I am not experienced. Yes, I’m an experienced drinker, however my knowledge of wine is slim-​pickins’. But they don’t judge you on that. Instead, they get excited and teach you about what you enjoy. Apparently, I don’t like tannins, which are typically not found in South American wines. And now I sound like an educated wine connoisseur. Boo-​yah! Ahem… until I say «Boo-​yah» and then I sound like myself again…
HG also has wine tastings with affordable bottles featured. I cannot recommend wine tastings enough to people who don’t know much about wine. The pourer is going to be describing these wines in depth to you, and based on whether or not you like it and why, they are going to be able to describe to you what you like, without you feeling like a total boob.
Get buzzed into House of Glunz and then get your wineho buzz on.

Totally our go-​to wine shop. Yes, yes. I was not completely all warm and fuzzy about House of Glunz when I first reviewed it; however, it’s grown on me. I also have a soft spot for independently owned businesses.
I’m a very lazy shopper. That’s why I cannot stand resale shops. Too much work. It doesn’t matter what it is and wine is no exception. I like to find a knowledgeable employee and have them select items for me.
What I love about House of Glunz is that the family (the Glunz family employees) who are always there KNOW things. I tell them my price range and a few other morsels to steer them toward a recommendation. For example, I might show them a picture on my phone of our dinner for that evening or I might say, «M is a California wine snob who prefers red over white.» The Glunz family walks me around the tiny shop and pulls wine off of the racks.
Most recently, I gave the Glunz mom less direction than usual. I said, «I have $ 75 to spend and I want to spend it here.» We picked out six bottles for just over my price mark (I encouraged this splurge). She recommended that I keep the receipt and jot a few notes about each wine so that they can make even better suggestions next time. M and I have been diligently making our notes and look forward to our next visit to House of Glunz!

Incredible!
I was a little worried at first because it was not very crowded (completely empty compared to Yolk). I stumbled in here for Brunch with some friends on a Sunday and ordered the corned beef sandwich. That sandwich blew my mind, and the other food on the table was great as well. Get the yogurt with one of your dishes — it’s out of control good. The service was excellent. And best of all, that place is like walking into history. It was opened in the late 1800’s and then closed for almost 100 years after prohibition. It just reopened in 2012 but it has a bunch of original stuff (floors, tables, ornamental ceilings). Prices were very reasonable.
I can’t recommend this place enough!

Love this place for buying high quality booze and they have a good brunch, but I’d love it if they posted a menu for the tavern on the website… kinda want to go there tonight.

This has to be one of the most attractive and interesting-​bars, décor-​wise in Chicago. The menu is interesting and the food is delicious.

Fantastic customer service is a lost art.
Except at House of Glunz. We moseyed in because we saw it was the only place in Chicago to pick up Pappy Van Winkle (if you’re lucky!), and we left an hour later with more knowledge about bourbon and related spirits than I even knew existed. Mind. Blown.
House of Glunz is the exact opposite of a volume seller like Binny’s. Staffed by a single person, you have to buzz yourself in. But that single person will take you on a tour of what they have to offer, based on your preferences and price points. And just maybe you’ll get a history lesson while you’re at it.
But they do their business based on customer service and building a base of regulars who they know by first name. For example, a guy who came in while we were there and asked for a bottle of «30 year old something,» for a special occasion: the employee thought through the request, said he’d research it and be in touch (I imagine 30 year aged _​_​_​is difficult to come by…)
So don’t come in expecting limitless choices. Don’t come in expecting to buy a $ 9 plastic handle of vodka. Come in to learn, to taste, and to appreciate good booze.
(the old space, dating back to 1888, is worth seeing in and of itself)

So, I know that this spot just re-​opened as a bar after being closed forever (the bar part anyway), and I visited with friends yesterday.
While I thought the space was cute, I was actually a bit surprised because it was written up as more of a wine bar, but it’s really more of a restaurant. It was bright and there were families in there which led to the restaurant feel.
It got quite crowded and seems to have some loyal friends.
The wine selection was ok, but quite pricey. The food selection was decent, but also pricey (aside from the pretzels… which were $ 3 and a good value).
Overall, I had fun, but wasn’t blown away. I wouldn’t make a special trip here, though I might stop in to the wine shop!

Great local drink shop with a decent albeit small craft beer selection.
Came here when staying in the area looking for rare craft beers. Nice staff, with beer held in what might as well be a closet in the back. Irrelevant as they had a good selection of quality 3 Floyds, Bell’s, and other good offerings.
Helpful staff that sold me the last KBS (oh yes) and helped me find a lot of good things. While they don’t have the widest selection, they definitely have a few good offerings and are worth a stop if in the area.

I really enjoy shopping for wine here. I have always found the staff very helpful and informative and never snooty. I have also taken some of the courses taught by Barbara Glunz (and others) and attended wine tastings and have found them very informative and helpful. They have a great selection and are willing to help you pick out the best wine for your taste, needs and budget. And I love the room the classes & tastings are in — the store’s long history is clearly evident!

This is exactly what one would call an old school wine store. Somewhat rustic and older on the inside adds to the charm here. House of Glunz is a chicago wine store staple and has been around forever and has been run by the glunz family over that time as well
The selection is very eclectic and its a guarantee that you will find something interesting here. The prices aren’t always the best, in fact there is some gross overcharging on some wines, but, its the nooks and crannies in the selection is where this shines. They do a great job of getting off beat wines and interesting burgs that won’t damage your wallet too badly
Their wine tastings are always very interesting and they do a great job of getting a quality cross section of wines for their tastings.
I don’t get here too often, but I’m always glad that I stop by when I do get the chance to drop in

Although this place has a pretentious and expensive feel to it, the workers are knowledgeable and helpful.
My fave thing is that they carry all the flavors of Lambic refrigerated… yay! This helps if I’m on my way to a BYOB, but don’t have time to get the liquor cold…
To get to the refrigerated section (which also carries cheese), you have to walk to a back dark room, but once there, they have a nice selection.
Also, there’s some story about the extra room to the side which one of the employee’s told me about; unfortunately I already forgot… darn it!

OK, this is by far my favorite spot to buy champagne in the city…
they’ve got a very solid selection and hold down bottles for seriously every price range (again, MD ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ crowd excluded)…not to mention they’ve got some of the rarest vintages and vineyards in the city…
i’ve been in the store before and asked about a bottle i’d bought the week prior, whether there were any other types from that winery they recommend, etc… and was seriously told «sorry, they’re a small vineyard and only brought the one kind up to the midwest this season… but at least you won’t have to look hard to find it, we bought every bottle for 8 states.»
cocky.