Varsity Liquors

You would walk by this place dozens of times and not realize what gems it holds. Hell, I’ve walked by it tons of times and paid no attention. Then one day I walked in and realized that I’d been cheating myself out of quality liquors.
Varsity Liquors isn’t much aesthetically, but like the name implies, it holds an excellent «variety» of just about all spirits. Being that I’m a rum snob, I was thrilled to see they carried some of my favorite high end rums, and at normal prices.
They also have an excellent wine and champagne selection. You can have your «variety» of everything from regional wines, to great choices of rose champagne. Everything is well laid out and easy to find given the small size of the store.
Aside from the higher end stuff, they also have all the beer basics, mixers and bar snacks you would find at a half decent liquor store.
Great spot!

I go in to make a purchase and he throws a bag on the counter. I said customers bag their own stuff now? Then he gets really nasty and starts yelling he’s sick and can’t touch cold stuff, and if I don’t like it then I can go someplace else. So I ask him to give me back my money and he goes on this long rant about «you people», and to never come in his store again (as if I was). A very racist man the owner is. And the one star is because I had to.

No frills, no French owner, but definitely price/​quality wise, the best wine shop in Princeton. Don’t expect expert advice: in the evening, it’s students that work here. But the quality is quite good and I have noticed that several of the wines they carry are a few dollars more expensive in the town center. They also have an extensive beer selection (no Palm though :()

I feel really bad because I’m starting to like this one better than my closer, smaller shop where I know everyone’s names.
They carry Gnarly Head’s Old Vine Zin from Lodi ($ 12) – one of the wines we served at our wedding in 2007 because it’s simply yummy.
A little pricey for Sake, but a good stop before heading to Tomo next door, or any of the other local places.
The service is ok. Not friendly, but efficient. The selection, however, is really good. Good bubblies, a fine California selection, and more we are very happy to try.
A great selection at decent prices, I only wish that at least one shop in the area had hours different from the others, but they all close at the same time (10PM).