Why are all of Pittsburgh's beer distributors so rude and dirty? (New Castle: chapel, buy)

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by Tirade

Here's hoping Google picks up this post about Mellinger Beer Distributor in Pittsburgh so people can read about how ****ty that place is.

Yelp away. Mellinger Beer Distributor Inc - Oakland - Pittsburgh, PA

[ML North]

I really dislike Mellinger's and the distributor on 18th in the South Side.

The distributor up on 10th street is run by really nice people, and I love the fact that their sign is tied to the front of a pickup truck and has an extension cord running to it from inside the store.

If you want a truly unique beer distributor experience, though, check out Sam Caruso's place on Taylor Avenue in the Mexican War Streets. He's closed Monday (says he has women to see), and is generally open from 2pm-8pm. He's told me all about the history of his business, showed me pictures of his family, let me snoop around every corner of his store, and as he always says "No extra charge for it cold!"

[mckeesport_alum]

I second the vote for Black and Gold Beer Warehouse (10th and Bradish). When I have to travel outside the South Side, I like West Liberty Beer & Tobacco. They have a great selection.

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

The only beer distributor I've been to was the drive-through just outside Robinson on your way up toward Oakdale, and they were friendly enough.

Maybe it's your expectations that are too high. (I'm pretty sure it's that.)

[bbrian12]

dean's beer in n.baldwin. place is small but good selection and prices are great and have plenty of supply. in 20 years i been going there ive never had rude service or a problem

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by newmansown

Worst, the one on 20th on the Southside (did they move to 18th, it's been a few years?)

No, you're right, it's on 20th St, my mistake - just down from Smokin Joes

[Scott2187]

Originally Posted by Tirade

The one on Semple is called Mellinger, and I've had an equally ****ty experience with them as well. There was a product I wanted that was listed on their website, and when I went to the store to go buy it, the employees had no idea what I was talking about. They weren't even aware that the store had a website, and they were also quite rude about it. Never going to that ****hole again.

Here's hoping Google picks up this post about Mellinger Beer Distributor in Pittsburgh so people can read about how ****ty that place is.

I've heard good things about the Save More from several people now, so I think I'll check it out next time I need to buy more beer. Thanks.

While we were at Pitt, we would make it a point to not go to Mellinger's and drive to Save Mor.

Originally Posted by newmansown

Worst, the one on 20th on the Southside (did they move to 18th, it's been a few years?)

yes, 20th. I've avoided the place for so long I forgot what street it was on.

Originally Posted by ML North

If you want a truly unique beer distributor experience, though, check out Sam Caruso's place on Taylor Avenue in the Mexican War Streets. He's closed Monday (says he has women to see), and is generally open from 2pm-8pm. He's told me all about the history of his business, showed me pictures of his family, let me snoop around every corner of his store, and as he always says "No extra charge for it cold!"

I can't believe I forgot about this one. I've been there a few times when a friend lived in the North Shore area. It was one of the best places I've been to.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Haha, this thread is so on the money. Nearly all the distributors here have the shabbiest places of business and some unloved cases sit on the shelves well past their prime. Not to mention many folks are indeed unfriendly and uncaring. That's just the way it is I guess, but there a few good eggs out there.

One that hasn't been mentioned yet is Beer World on Noblestown Road. The people there are super nice and appreciate your business (instead of treating you like you're in the Nuremburg Trials because you look young). Plus they rotate their cases often to keep things fresh.

[trotter_rej]

I'll add votes for the Save-Mor and McBrooms (which is owned by the same people that own D's next door). Mellinger's has had a bad reputation for as long as I've known about it (1989), so I guess peoples' desire for beer in South Oakland outweighs their dislike of bad service.

I visited Pitts Doggin' It bottle shop in Shadyside for the first time (at Ellsworth and College) a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed with their selection. I was looking for Sam Adams' Infinium and they had a large supply on hand. Incidentally, it was recommended by the people at Craig St. Distributing when they didn't have it, so that is a point for their helpfulness.

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by ML North

If you want a truly unique beer distributor experience, though, check out Sam Caruso's place on Taylor Avenue in the Mexican War Streets. He's closed Monday (says he has women to see), and is generally open from 2pm-8pm. He's told me all about the history of his business, showed me pictures of his family, let me snoop around every corner of his store, and as he always says "No extra charge for it cold!"

Sam is the best guy ever. The only problem with buying from him is trying to get out of there in under a half an hour 'cause he'll talk your ear off if you let him.