Grand Central Liquor

(Shopped 7÷01÷12 SU @ 5pm): One of many shops located inside the Grand Central Market, this place certainly is a find for unique alcohol not easily found here in the states.
After my friend and I attended Unilocal’s Grand Summer Elite Event, we decided to roam the streets of downtown Los Angeles and got to the heart of our city of Angels. We walked the eclectic and budget-​saving Grand Central Market, and lo and behold we came across the Grand Central Liquor clear across the other side of the market, simply impressed with the varied beer, wine, and spirits from around the world, as they were displayed seemingly ceiling-​high.
Like a moth to a flame (more so I than my friend), I fixated my eyes from top-​to-​bottom as I scanned from left-​to-​right. Sure, they carried the usual stuff found everywhere, but I started to notice items we’ve only seen on some of our worldly travels, and those neither of us have ever seen… whether at BevMo, local liquor stores, and the like. I work in marketing and I’m always impressed by eye-​catching packaging. With that being said, I came across a bottle shaped like an Incan or Mayan individual high up along the wall (see my picture). I excitedly asked one of the gentlemen behind the counter if he can grab it down for me so I could check it out. He jumped onto his shelf-​scaling ladder similar to what you might find in a library, and pulled it from the display. He dusted it off and handed the prize over to me. It turned out it was pisco from Peru ($ 23.50). Peru… a place I have yet to travel to, I was so excited about this idol-​looking thing! I examined it and immediately asked if he had the box. He searched for a couple minutes and the box turned up — sold! Like Indiana Jones in the «Raiders of the Lost Ark» movie when he grabbed the gold head statue inside the cave, I too, felt that way with my prize, although I purchased mine. The rest of the day, I carried it around with such pride and protection.
The service was great as the gentleman who helped me instantly greeted me once I stepped up to the counter, and he was able to answer any questions I had about my purchase.
Parking is ample, whether it’s on the street, garages, or lots. We parked inside the California Plaza structure for the Unilocal event, but I would recommend one of the many lots, which range between $ 5.00-$ 10.00. You can try your luck with the streets (I noticed meters but don’t know if they are in play on the weekend), but you may get frustrated.
Overall, if you are looking for something off the beaten path, Grand Central Liquor might be the place to check. FYI… I noticed a variety of products from Mexico, Central America, and South America. But as I said, you can also find the more standard fare, along with Lotto tickets, scratchers, and cigars/​cigarettes. Although I’ve never bought pisco before nor have I recalled searching for it, I found very good value based on other prices I saw as well as noted by the price I quoted above (total bill was around $ 25.00; no tip required). The atmosphere was like a bizarre in Turkey, but very communal surrounded by other stands and businesses. They are located right next to the entrance/​exit so plenty of natural lighting. Attire is completely casual, so I was in boardshorts, a t-​shirt, and flip-​flops. I will have to knock them 0.5-stars because although they accepted credit cards, they didn’t accept my credit card of choice… AMEX!