Best prices on Wine & Beer (house, buying, live)

[ZnGuy]

I'm having a large party this weekend and need to load up on beer/wine. Does anyone know who has the lowest prices Costco or Frugal McDoogals?

[marndt]

Frugal's...

[lumbollo]

Frugal's is cheap on hard liquor because in SC private businesses sell booze as opposed to the state monopoly in NC. However on beer and wine, it's equal footing in both states so it's not clear to me they are cheaper on these items. If you notice when you go down there, the beer and wine is sold in a separate store from the hard stuff. My guess is that Costco might beat Frugals on Wine & Beer.

[rdub1968]

Has anyone compared Frugal's to some of the smaller stores in SC near Lake Wylie?
I am wondering if liquor is near the same price everywhere. I am also thinking since it is right over the border Frugal might be a little more. I haven't compared prices yet though.

[InSouthPark]

Frugals is generally the cheapest around, especially if you pay cash (cash price is cheaper). There is also a place on 521 called Southern Spirits. I haven't been there but I have heard it is the same concept as Frugals and very good prices.

With Costco, I "believe" you can return unopened beer/wine which can be a big savings if you over estimate.

Want real cheap? Trader Joes. They have a bunch of wine under $5.99 a bottle that is drinkable.

[Mvn2nc]

I second the opinion on Trader Joes.They have some really good wines at very reasonable prices.

[fishinabarrel]

I third Trader Joes. JUst grab a bunch of the 2 buck chuck (Charles Schwab, I think it is 3 bucks a bottle here in NC, is $2 in CA, hence the nick name). Makes a perfectly fine house wine for large numbers of people.

THey also have their assortment of beers for $1 each so that you can get a nice variety of beers
for a reasonable price.

[ZnGuy]

Originally Posted by fishinabarrel

I third Trader Joes. JUst grab a bunch of the 2 buck chuck (Charles Schwab, I think it is 3 bucks a bottle here in NC, is $2 in CA, hence the nick name). Makes a perfectly fine house wine for large numbers of people.

THey also have their assortment of beers for $1 each so that you can get a nice variety of beers
for a reasonable price.

Thanks for all the recommendations. I have been drinking the C Shaw for years (back when I lived in OH) and always try to have a case or more stocked in garage as I seem to slosh down a glass or two most nights and find it to be good on the budget and decent taste. The boss (wife) wants me to 'upgrade' for our guests so I got my marching orders and will look at the other wines at TJs...

[vindaloo]

Trader Joes has great wine prices. I don't live close to a Trader Joes unfortunately. I often go to the wine/beer shop in Birkdale Village. It is great. Prices are very good. It has the cheapest prices on premium beer in the county. I buy Stella there. It is $3. a twelve pack cheaper than any other place I have found.

[Metallisteve]

I've been told the cheap Trader Joe's stuff is horrible. Haven't verified for myself...don't much care to!

Frugal's was darn cheap for beer the one time I've been. Sam Adams (all varieties) 6 packs for $6 or $7. No one has that price. Is it worth the drive for a dollar or two...no...unless you're buying a Naval Fleet's supply.

As for the hard stuff and wine, I don't know.

Also note that state or federal law (can't remember which) says a person may only transport a certain amount of alcohol across the state line. I want to say it was 4 liters or 4 gallons. I've heard stories that troopers do in fact enforce this if you're pulled over at the line. Some will go as far as to say you'll be stalked if you've got NC tags. I doubt this except for maybe 4th of July time (keeping illegal fireworks out). Just some info for you to know...