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Legacy Liquor Store
Category: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Beer, Wine & Spirits [Edit]
1633 Manitoba StVancouver, BC V5Y 0B8
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
(604) 331-7900
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Legacy Liquor Store
Review Highlights
29 reviews in English
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Review from Remi C.
5/19/2012
LOVE this place. It's huge!
I mean, you couldn't really ask for anything more, except maybe lower prices. But otherwise, beer, wine, liquor, cigars all ranging in quality from pretty craptastic to super fantastic. Small, medium and large sizes. Knowledgeable staff and fantastic events that they have, both ticketed and unticketed. John Bailey, while a sommelier, knows his cigars, and was a great help when I wanted to smoke my first Cuban (I'm American, it was quite the treat)! It's probably a good thing that I don't live any closer actually, because I would probably drop by there all the time! I've marked it as super pricey, but that's because they do offer a range of options in all price ranges. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Man, this has got to be one of the nicest liquor stores I've ever been to and... hung out in. Located down in the Olympic Village, I often forget where they are, but once I'm inside I never want to leave.
They have a huge selection of beer and wine, and the last time I was in, stocking up on beer for the house I realized that they have a really huge selection of BC beer. They've got a number of local microbrews as well as a few from the Island and the usual suspects from Washington and Oregon.
I'd say if you are on a beer hunt, you have to stop in at Legacy, finding parking in the Olympic Village any time other than the middle of the night is impossible, but do what you can and check it out.
The other thing, in addition to selection, is that they have great staff who are happy to chat about beer, what to drink or just generally about the industry.
Also, as many others have said, they have great seats, so relax a little while you think about which IPA you want to take home.Listed in: BEER
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Review from Felicity D.
Vancouver, BC
4/26/2012
Good wine selection, fantastic beer and spirit choices, and the best sake collection I've seen on this side of the Pacific (to be honest, though, it's not as if I have looked all that thoroughly). My only beef with Legacy is that their markups are crazy inconsistent. A large percentage of their products are not listed with the BCLB... I am comfortable with paying markups on products I wouldn't otherwise be able to get at all, that is the cost of selection. However, there have been a few occasions that I have bought something at Legacy only to stumble across it later at the BCLB and see that I was gouged with a 30% mark up. But then some items are the same price as the BCLB listing or marked up only modestly. It makes me feel like I have to go in with my research done and makes me suspicious of ALL their pricing.
For example:
RON ZACAPA 23 YEAR OLD RUM
Legacy - $100.95 BCLB - $79.99
26.25% markup
EAGLE RARE SINGLE BARREL BOURBON
Legacy - $82.20 BCLB - $59.99
37% markup!
KNOB CREEK 9 YO SINGLE BARREL
Legacy - $73.95 BCLB - $58.95
25.25% mark up
Much of their selection is marked up reasonably, but these are examples that I have managed to stumble upon just over a couple of visits. I'm sure that there are many more. I know that I'm splitting hairs, not everything is priced so outrageously, but knowing that there's a chance of the bottle that I am eyeing may not be worth close to what they are asking for it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It's not as if they pay the full BCLB price when they purchase their products (I'm not sure of the discount, I know it's not much, but still), so their profit is even higher than the markup percentage.
Just saying, do your homework before you buy here. -
Review from Sijia W.
Vancouver, BC
4/7/2012 3 Check-ins Here
THE best liquor store. At 8000 sq ft, Legacy is the largest liquor store in Vancouver. It's clean and beautifully laid out. Great selection of alcohol and mixes (even lime). From $13 wine to $10k "gangsta drinks" you'll find everything here.
I can't lie, having it right downstairs doesn't hurt. -
Review from Stu C.
4/14/2012 7 Check-ins Here
I've heard time and time again that I had to go check out the Legacy Liquor store. I was skeptical when I first heard this, as I work right by a BC Government Signature liquor store, which I always thought had a good stock and selection. However, the Legacy liquor store offers so much more than a BC liquor store, and has now become a place I will go out of my way for to get a tasty brew.
Located in the heart of the Olympic Village in Vancouver, the Legacy Liquor Store is big, clean and modern. Standing in front of the store you get a beautiful view of BC Place, the downtown skyline and north shore mountains. This backdrop has aided me plenty of times to sit and watch a bit while I'm thinking of what I'm going to get when I go in. Personally, I find I have to go in with a game plan, since when I go to the Legacy Liquor Store there is an incredible amount of selection that can make me be like a kid in a candy store.
When you first walk in you'll first realize you're in one of the biggest liquor stores in BC (with it probably being the biggest private liquor store in BC). Not just in size, but in selection. I was informed by one of their employees last time I went, that they have over 800 different types of beer to choose from and over 600 wines. Every staff member I've dealt with has been incredibly helpful and willing to provide suggestions or recommendations if I asked/wanted. So far, they've been spot on for me, proving to me again and again that they know their products and can adapt to their customers. As a personal story, I remember reading an article about 2 months ago mentioning Rouge Brewery in Portland made a maple-bacon beer. I recall thinking that would be brutal, but my curiosity was also peaked. However, there's no way a Canadian liquor store would ever get this... or so I thought. One day when I went to the Legacy liquor store, there stood the painted pink bottle. My curiosity got the best of me and I picked one up. I was informed at the till, if there was ever a special order wanted/needed, they could probably get it for me. This definitely makes me happy, as BC Government run liquor stores are limited by their pre-set order list.
To add to the wonderment of such a huge selection of beers and wines, you can get many of the beer, wines and sakes already chilled for you at the same price! If beer and wine aren't your thing, they also have the largest selection of spirits I've seen. They have half a wall dedicated to vodkas from around the world including cheap vodkas, expensive top-shelf vodkas, flavoured vodkas and absolutely gigantic bottles of vodka (3L+ bottles). Having a LARGE variety and many different sized bottles for almost every variety of spirits. For scotches, they have mainly just 750mL bottles, but they have a whole room (from floor to ceiling) of different scotch choices. The Legacy Liquor Store also has many hard-to-find or specialty spirits, such as different pre-made mixed drinks (ie. mud slides, alcoholic frappacino mixes, pre-made white Russians, etc). I was really impressed when I noticed they had slivovitz not just from Croatia, but the Czech Republic too (which is where I was first introduced to it).
Since they are a private liquor store, the Legacy Liquor Store is a bit more expensive than a BC Government liquor store on the same items (depending on the item it can be from 25 cents to a couple of dollars more). However, to pick up a common brew usually isn't the reason most people go to the Legacy Liquor Store. It's the large selection of different beers, wines and spirits you can't find elsewhere, and/or if you want, it probably can be found chilled and ready to drink.
If you thought it couldn't get any better, almost every day, the Legacy Liquor Store has a tasting for free. Once in a while, they also have a pairing or tasting course with different drinks and food you can pay to take. Even better, they have a loyalty program, that for every dollar you spend, you get points which can be redeemed later for cash discounts.
The Legacy Liquor Store is the best place I have found so far in Vancouver for a great beer, wine and spirits selection. If you've heard about the Legacy Liquor Store and have though about checking it out, or haven't heard of it until now, but want to try a tasty drink that you can't normally find, I'm sure you won't be disappointed by going. -
Review from Kat S.
2/27/2012
Fancy!
Seriously gorgeous liquor store, with lots of space, helpful staff, and an incredible selection.
I came in looking for a bottle of red as a gift for someone. The one I had in mind I could not find, despite the website saying it was in stock (note - apparently the website does not update their stock numbers properly, so call ahead if you want something in particular). Despite not having the bottle I wanted, a helpful woman was able to find me a bottle that was similar, in the price range I requested, and also helped me find an additional bottle of something drinkable for that evening that would please the palate of my host. I like wine, I know a few things about it, but my general opinion on wines comes down to "I like this. I don't like this." Having someone help choose a wine for someone more picky was great.
I browsed around the shop a bit with my two bottles in hand. The whiskey room is pretty amazing. The wine bar at the back had tastings of three different Italian wines happening (I liked them. They were wines I could not pronounce. Except pinot grigio. I know that one.). The beer selection is also pretty great, with a good variety of craft brews from the US. Be warned, the prices are steep, my friends.
I was wowed by the crazy selection of gins sitting in the middle of the floor when I walked in. They had tiny batch, craft distilled gins from the San Juan Islands, Seattle, and other places. Super cool. Expensive, but very cool. The same was true for the other spirits in the store, but I refrained from looking, knowing if I found the bourbon I was going to be spending more than I wanted.
I wanted to pair a cigar with the wine I had bought as a gift. They have a cigar room through the whiskey room, and I asked an employee for help. Sadly, he didn't know anything about cigar pairing, but a nice man who was shopping offered to help. Off I went with cigar in hand.
At the till, the nice people rang me through, and since Robin had mentioned gift wrapping I inquired about getting the gift bottle wrapped. Apparently it was a Christmas time deal, but they went and found some wrapping for me and did up the bottle all pretty-like anyhow. Awesome! That was very nice of them and they totally had no obligation to do so.
It's a bit of a splurge, but a good place to go if you are looking for wines that are hard to find (they stock Orofino.... oh yes!), spirits from small distilleries, and craft beers and ciders. The staff are helpful and very nice, so wonderful for when you need some help finding just the right thing. -
Review from Chauncey B.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012
Every time I go in here an employee talks to me about beer, because we're EXPERTS. Between this and the rewards program (which I'm pretty sure is illegal, I'll add it to the List of Stuff To Ask My Lawyer About ("How much exposure is indecent? I gambled on an experimental new rise, pant-wise. What about just the neck?")), I get that warm Codependent Relationship feeling whenever I walk into the Olympic Village. Only bad girlfriends and high-school bros have ever wanted me to get drunk that badly.
Also, there are people sitting through booze seminars in that back room no matter what time of day it happens to be. Awesome. -
Review from Sm g.
Vancouver, BC
4/21/2012
This place is amazing. It's now my go-to store, even though it's totally out of my way to get there.
The selection is the best i've seen in any store in Vancouver. Their beer selection is wonderful and the prices are very reasonable. I was *thrilled* to see that they carry Glen Breton whisky and Smuggler's Cove rum.
The staff is very friendly and enthusiastic.
Brewery Creek has some major competition. -
Review from Herman E.
1/11/2012
There is a lot to be said about this place. It is huge relative to any other private liquor store that I've walked into.
I spent nearly an hour in this place looking at wine, and whiskey of all origins from American, Irish, and Scottish. I like my whiskey, wine, and spirits.
Now get this!!! They even have the FLAVOURED SAKE that I was looking for. NOBODY in BC has it. I know because I phoned the BC liquor board asking for it, and they didn't know what I was talking about. It's the Hana lychee flavoured sake WOW!!!! Imagine having THAT in your cocktail! Very knowledgeable staff.Listed in: Liquid grapes
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Review from M S.
1/30/2012
Great store. Wish the rest of the plaza wasn't such a ghost town but this place makes you forget about it. Make sure you sign up for their newsletter which gives you the lowdown on all the upcoming tastings (which seems to be every other day) and other special events.
If I didn't have kids I'd be in here every one of those every other days.
Great selection, genuinely friendly staff (wow! a rarity in this city), and don't be afraid to ask for what you are looking for. They seem to have everything from around the world or can probably get it for you.
Beautiful set up too. Yeah it's a bit pricey but then so is any liquor store in BC so what's an extra dollar here and there if you want alcohol. It's cheaper than crossing the border and smuggling it in. -
Review from Robin M.
11/15/2011 17 Check-ins Here
Welp, I guess that's it. I suppose this is the end of the liquor line for me.
THEY HAVE MANLY LEATHER RELAXING CHAIRS IN THE WHISKEY ROOM, PEOPLE.
From wine to whiskey to bourbon to beer, Legacy not only runs the gamut for liquor selection in this city, BUT there will always always be a clever and ever-useful staff member to help me find my way through this massive space (for real, they're not joking around -- this place is *ginormous*).
Daily tastings, CIGAR pairings, gift-wrapping, sake sampling, wine loving -- srsly the best.
Eugh. This store. It's the best. -
Review from Rich E.
12/14/2011
Wow. Just wow!
I've passed by this place many times and never thought much about it. When I stepped in, I knew something was different. Defnitiely not BCLC!
The way the bottles were "merchandised" tipped me off right away. As I picked up my crown and bailey's, I noticed a lady behind a bar giving samples. She asks if I want a sample of the Grand Marniers and I say "Hells yeah!"
I picked up an events brochure, flipped through it and was amazed at how many events go on at a liquour store??
As I went to check out my items, I chatted with the cashier and let him know how I amazed I was with the concept of this store. He told me this store is owned by Granville Entertainment. Hmmmm did they move a liquour license??? Well, I'm not gonna speculate. I just think it's sick! -
Review from Shannon B.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, this place is huge!
First of all I need to say that I am truly loyal to Brewery Creek however this place is definitely a treat. We went there for a master class whiskey and chocolate pairing as part of Hopscotch. Such a great idea. Afterward we browsed the immense selection that Legacy has to offer. Definitely upscale.
I would definitely participate in upcoming events that they may host. -
Review from Scott H.
12/18/2011
You know what I like? Wine. You know what I like? Deals. You know what I like? Wine deals.
That doesn't necessarily mean cheap wine, rather bang for your buck wine. The staff here is great, they've got 2-3 people that know a lot about wine. Whenever I go in, I tell 'em what I like, what I want to spend and let them go. They rarely let me down and have found some real gems.
It's a private store so bottles are a few cents more than government stores, but the selection is massive and the staff knowledgeable.
Now if they'd only bring in umeshu. -
Review from J J.
3/20/2012
WOW!
A million thanks to James for all his efforts on our online order! He was so quick to respond to emails and went above and beyond in finding any product we asked for, even if it wasn't listed. He is so kind and was dedicated to making our experience the very best!
Great flat delivery rate. Really highly recommend the service and care! -
Review from Janice F.
10/31/2011
Seriously impressive store - it's a Liquor Wonderland!
This store is actually a huge selling point for anyone thinking to move to this neighbourhood - you'll never be at loss to get the party started, that's for sure!
They have the most extensive collection of just about anything alcohol I've ever seen.. In particular I was impressed with their Scotch, beer (Belgian fruit beers galore!), and Cassis (brands I've only seen in France) selection!
It's a lovely huge space, with a full kitchen and dining section for their tastings and events that they hold here.
Join the free VIP membership program to collect points towards gift cards!
Sorry, BCLB - this place has my heart now.. and likely, my liver :|Listed in: The coveted 5* list
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Review from Monique B.
Port Moody, BC
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh. Mah. Gawd! I think I'm in love! I just wish I lived closer to this amazing independent liquor store.
They have a killer selection of premium and micro-brews, a very well stocked scotch room (I saw Cardhu, which is nearly impossible to get outside of Scotland!) and the walk-in beer cooler makes for some challenging decisions. I didn't have time to check out the wine offerings too closely, but I'd bet they're just as good as everything else.
Try the Tempt cider (from Denmark) - it's delish! -
Review from Lex B.
8/19/2011 ROTD 5/23/2012
Can I just live here? I have at the very least found my new temple of worship. Upon entry I think I could feel my pupils dilate and dopamine rush through my system, and suddenly I was floating blissfully through a world of wine and liquor as smiling faces greeted me and bottles of all colours sparkled before me on endless shelves reaching as far as my eyes could see. Leather chairs complemented the whiskey area, and a huge table was set up within a wine corridor with a woman leisurely sipping some sort of cream liqueur on one end.
I think after about 20 min of staring all dopey-eyed at the selection of gins and absinthe my BF came up behind me telling me they do tastings as well. One of the liquor saints who works there began to tell me all about the events and it almost brought tears to my eyes, it all sounded so lovely.
After humming and resisting filling up an entire cart like someone's trophy wife with a 40 year age gap on their wedding night, I finally decided we need to try cake flavored vodka. (How seriously could I come to any other conclusion? Cake vodka. Why not?) Not wanting to leave, but beginning to feel like a weirdo for staying so long, I took my blue bottle to the cash register when I was stopped.
"Would you like to try it first?"
So, yes - they let me TRY THE VODKA before buying it. Like we're not in East Van, like we're real people, like we're customers, they let us try it before buying. A part of me was just thinking that this is what all liquor stores should be like. But that's the difference. It caters to people like us who love and appreciate alcohol fully. Not just to pick up a mickey for the weekend, but to really enjoy our vice from start to finish (welll, maybe not always finish....)
Best liquor store ever. -
Review from Jess L.
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my go-to place for liquor of any kind (not that I'm an alcoholic)
They have an amazing selection of beer, wine, and spirits and their staff are really knowledgeable! They even have specialists for each section and weekly tastings.
You can even sign up for a membership and collect points that can be redeemed for for gift cards! -
Review from Robin B.
Vancouver, BC
3/6/2012
Best selection in town plus really knowledgable staff - experts in fact. Regular tastings. Short or no line ups. Have many rare items. Really friendly place too.
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Review from Kim L.
Vancouver, BC
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best liquor store in the neighborhood!
It's really a beautiful space and it won me over when I finally found my Lindemans fruit beer in Canada. I bought so many bottles to stock up and loved that they also had some already chilled so I could enjoy it after not enjoying it for years. Friendly and helpful service. I could spend a lot of time looking through their extensive and varied selection...if you're an indecisive person, you may need to bring someone who can get you in and out in a timely manner. Otherwise, enjoy wandering around like I do. -
Review from Tamara L.
8/15/2011
Jesus Christ, this is the nicest Liquor Store I have ever been in.
Amazing selection, super helpful & friendly staff, LEATHER ARMCHAIRS just in case, you know, you feel like a little rest... Incredible. Oh, and have I mentioned that it's brand new and absolutely gorgeous?
I want to bring my laptop here and just hang out for the afternoon. -
Review from Wade L.
Vancouver, BC
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Although it is of course a bit more expensive than the BC liquor stores, the selection of everything so so much better. From beers, to wines, to whiskeys...much better interesting selections. Service is great as well. Highly recommended.
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Review from Vincci L.
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow. Now I wish I lived in the Olympic Village.
This massive liquor store carries everything and anything liquor. Their selection of Giffard products makes me want to buy every flavour and just stock it in the bar. Wide varieties of everything, even rare brands.
Wine selection is also extensive, wall after wall of everything wine.
Tastings held often, the day we were there we were able to try some sherry.
Lots of parking right outside, and you can spend all the time you want in here just browsing.... -
Review from Brad T.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2011
No trip around the False Creek area is worth while if you don't stop at Legacy Liquor Store.
It's the biggest privately owned liquor store in Canada and has a fantastic selection of craft beer, specialty wines and spirits. If are in a rush to pick up something on the go, however, this may not be the place for you. Their selection does not make it easy on the consumer. Often I walk in planning on just making a quick purchase and end up spending 20 minutes trying to decide on what to get. But if you have the time to make such wonderful decisions I couldn't direct you to a better place!
The store even has it's own customer loyalty plan where you can earn points towards store credit. On top of that it also accepts CAMRA memberships, which gives you 10% off of your purchase! your losing money going anywhere else. -
Review from Derek W.
3/26/2011
FOUR varieties of Chartreuse? I'm sold.
Legacy Liquor claims to be the largest privately-owned liquor store in the province, and I don't doubt it. It will surely be well-used by residents of the Olympic Village, but should also be a destination store for those throughout Metro Vancouver wishing to stock their bars or cellars with more obscure spirits. On the beer front, their selection is extensive, easily rivaling the BC Signature Liquor store on Cambie. As I'm not a wine lover, I can't comment on that section, though it looks impressive.
Prices for spirits aren't outrageous, and seem to be only slightly higher than the BC Liquor store.
On the downside, the website catalogue has a very poor search function, so it is hard to get a wider grasp on what they have without a call or visit. A search for "Pimm's", for example, turned up 5 pages of results - none of them Pimm's. A search for Chartreuse had similar results - 5 pages, none of them Chartreuse. This despite the fact that Legacy stocks both Chartreuse and Pimm's. I hope this will be remedied in time, as it would be useful for price comparison with BC Liquor, who have a fantastic search function.Comment from Amorita B. of Legacy Liquor Store 5/31/2011
Thanks for your comments Derek! My name is Amorita, and I… More » -
Review from Allan-ester D.
Vancouver, BC
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
great location and great look to the store...but the selection was less than anticipated...i'm sure it will get better over time
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2011
This is the hidden gem of the Olympic Village, I'm sure they hope the condos all sell real soon, but until that happens drop in and go through the wonderful selection of Wine and Beer. They are running a long list of tastings and other events. Check the website they even do deliveries, I don't understand how as it's illegal but ask them. The selection of wine is good and will get better as new products arrive and they take the pulse of the neighbourhood.
Comment from Amorita B. of Legacy Liquor Store 5/31/2011
Hi Lee, thanks for your comment. We do delivery to the… More » -
Review from Cecily W.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2011
I'm renting an apartment in the Olympic Village, and I am not even kidding when I say that the presence of Legacy right across the street from my building was one of the deciding factors in signing a lease. When I walked in, I think I might've heard a choir of angels.
