Downtown Crown Wine and Beer

What establishment was opened during Snowzilla 2016? This place!
Seriously. They were opened that Friday and Saturday, and the wine manager had slept over those days in order to keep the place opened! It was a fun adventure: my friends snowshoed their way to me just so we can make it here to drink some beer/​wine.
They have great service, great rotating beers on tap, and great prices on everything. Five stars isn’t enough!

I live relatively close by, and — while some other places in the area that have been around longer will always have my loyalty — I’ve found that this is a nice place to go when I don’t want to have to travel far from home. They have a wide variety of beers of tap, and their staff is usually fairly knowledgeable about their offerings.
As others have said, it can get very crowded during happy hour. That’s to be expected anywhere in this area, though. It’s one of those places where you will quickly start to recognize faces if you come even sporadically.
Aside from the bar aspect, they have lots of good beers for decent prices, including some that are fairly difficult to find in MoCo. And if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for when you walk in, there are always plenty of people inside (both staff and other customers, from my experience) who are more than willing to give you some recommendations.

Great place to hang out with your friends and have a beer. The rotating beers on tap are varied so you are sure to find one you will enjoy. The ability to create your own tasting is also an option as you can get short pours of beers. Find a beer you really like? Get a growler!
Additionally, their staff is very knowledgable about the beers you can purchase in the bottle to take home (or enjoy there for an additional fee)

Upon a recent visit to friends in Maryland, I had the pleasure to check out this craft brew house. It was like no store i can recall in NY. Upon entering, we were greeted with the sound of some acoustic guitar and drum playing some classic rock. Cool. There was a crowd of about 20 piled up around a bar near the music getting their drink on. Cooler. Then I started shopping, and realized the selection of beers, wine, and ciders was the coolest I’ve seen. We ended up with a 4 different drinks that were new to me, and 2 of them were not widely available.
Everyone in the store that I spoke with was extremely friendly and the customers milling around stopped me a couple times to give me their opinion on the various brews I was looking at. This gave me the impression, this place was less store, and more «place to hang on a Friday night». Like I said, not your typical craft beer joint.
When in Rockville/​Gaithersburg area, give this place a look. I’m sure you’ll find something you haven’t seen before.

I must of been here at least 25 to 30 times already. I feel like Norman from cheers when I walk in here because everyone is so friendly and understanding. It gets really crazy, but I love it because I know that this place will thrive. What I really want to convey in this review is the breadth and depth of the wine selection here. The Pinot Noir and zinfandels selection are second to none. Sure you can go to some wine warehouses and save may be a dollar but you’re going to get really good service here and you and you won’t feel like just a little aunt going through a big warehouse. This place knows wines and they’re totally focused on customer service. The beer selection and really a lot of the emphasis what you see here is on beers. But what I’m trying to tell you is to come here for the wine selection and the service you get to get the right wine every time

A great place for a Friday night drinks with friends, especially for wine lovers like us
If all you need is a glass (or two!) of wine, some cheese and salami, that’s the right place. It get’s a little too crowded during happy hour, I’d recommend enjoying a beautiful afternoon or evening at their outside terrace.
Loved the wine tasting and the meat plate. It’s great that you can select your own cheese and meat platter to share (you’re the one picking the kinds of cheese and meat)

There is no better place in this area for good beers and good fun and nice people all at once. We’ve been here probably 50 times so I can say with certainty that they are the whole package!
The beer and wines served inside are fantastic. The TV that shows beers on tap and how much is left– GENIUS. It’s a great touch and my husband loves to tell his friends about this when we bring them here.
They are constantly having beer tastings and live music, once or twice a week on the weekends. Everyone is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about what they’re selling and even the things they don’t sell. My mom was visiting us last week and went in to ask about a wine she loves in Texas. The guy not only was familiar with this wine but was able to recommend something exactly like it. She came home raving about the guys at Downtown Crown AND the wine was divine!!! (It was called Slices and the wine she was looking for was Eppa sangria)

Two of my friends moved to the Downtown Crown area, a new development/​mini town in G-​burg. We were looking for a nearby hangout spot and this one seems to fit the bill! Happy hour is 20% off drinks and you can shop while waiting for a seat at the very slim bar area.
The shop has a surprisingly chill and relaxing vibe (who knew fancy downtown crown could be so chill) with good beers on tap, plus wine tastings and cheese/​charcuterie plates. I can imagine locals drinking here after work and then rolling or stumbling home, only a stones throw away.
Check out their digital keg menu! It’s pretty clever and hi-​tek fun. Watch and see which drinks are popular among the patrons or running low on tap — and drink up before they’re gone. The wine and beer is on the pricier side $$ especially for unique labels, but it seems standard for the area and for the wide variety.

This has been our company’s go-​to place for happy hour these past couple of months. It’s a great place to just sit (if you can find a seat) or stand around and just socialize with people. I mean, what’s better than great beer selections with great company?
They have live music playing here and there, which is always great entertainment. Customers here seems to be having a great time. It gets a bit crowded on Friday and Saturday evenings, but that’s inevitable, especially with a place like this.
The staff here are friendly and would help you even though it gets chaotic.
They have a wide variety of beers on tap to choose from, but if there’s nothing on there that you like then just look around! There’s plenty of other drinks on their shelves and fridge you can grab. However, there is a corking fee if you do decide to stay and drink.
I’m more of a wine drinker than a beer drinker, so I wish they had a recycling menu for wine like the beers! But other than that, a nice place to chill for drinks.

When this place first opened, I was a bit skeptical that this was a high-​priced wine shop, Since then my opinion has changed. When a few startups I mentor had meetings Friday evenings at the Starbucks next door, we would finish our business and move to Downtown crown and enjoy the evening.
They let you bring food if you like or order cheese and nuts. Their cheese platters are wonderful. They have a great menu of craft beers and an electronic display that tells you the availability. When a friend came from out of town we went first to Downtown Crown and he had a beer flight which I thought was very cool. and then we went to have dinner at the Bombay Bistro a few exits away.
I went to Downtown Crown again for a Unilocal event and met some cool folks. The place is now very popular and has a nice vibe to the place. I learnt the word Growler and one of these days I will be taking a growler from here.
My son, not old enough to drink likes to sit at the bar and drink water and the staff keep him company. Nice folks. I wonder if they would consider having Indian Papad on the menu and spiced peanuts. I could easily demonstrate a version if they wanted. ;)

If you’re an «alcohol enthusiast» like I am then this place is HEAVEN. When you walk you’ll see a huge selection of wine and craft beer. What makes this place really cool is that not only can you go in and purchase your wine/​beer like a regular store, but you can also sit down and order. They have two small bars on either side of the store. I came right when happy hour was ending on a Friday night and this place was PACKED. My friends and I managed to get a seat at the bar, so we ordered two bottles of wine and the Deluxe platter which came with six different types of cheeses, meats, jam, mustard, and crackers. This was a great! This was a good amount to split with four people. The bartender was really nice and took good care of us. Definitely a place to check out if you’re in the Downtown Crown!

I came here after work for a Unilocal MD Burbs 2015 Happy Hour… the first event of the year and had a blast! I have been hopping around some of the establishments in Downtown Crown and did not know that this spot was more than a beer and wine spot. It is so much more! Walking in you see 2 bars at either sides of you and another one towards the back. behind some tables. There were some cocktail tables and chairs for guests and there was where I found my Unilocal crew. There was a pretty good selection of red and white wines on their tasting list and I definitely had a few. We also had some yummy treats to eat: meat, popcorn, cheese, olives, crackers… It was quite a fun night. I would love to go back and try out more of their yummy spirits!

Randomly went in while waiting to meet someone at Verizon. Why have I not been in here sooner?!
They have beer and wine up the wazoo! I saw so many international beers I miss from my honeymoon. I will be stocking up!
I LOVE the bar in the back. You could have a decent Happy Hour for $ 2 or $ 4 for 4oz beers. I didn’t check to see if they had the same option for wine. I zoned out once I laid eyes on the beer menu.
This will be my go to «bar».

Wow, I had no idea! This place is absolutely NOT just a beer and wine shop! It’s so much more.
I came here for Unilocal’s First MD Burbs Happy Hour of 2015. I had a blast with the fellow Unilocalers! The servers where so attentive to us, even with a full house! They came over to the tables often to check on us or asked if we needed anything. Refills were so quick and easy! Not at all like yelling over people at a bar. The service is what really makes this establishment so memorable.
We snacked on meat and cheese platters, cups of olives and bowls of caramel corn. Ah! Who would’ve thought caramel corn would go so well with wine?!
I definitely plan to go back! Hmm… girls’ night out maybe?

Looks can be deceiving. I have passed by Downtown Craft Beer and Wine many times thinking it was just a liquor store. Last night Unilocalers met to celebrate our first happy hour of the new year. I walked in and was amazed at the huge selection of tables and counter areas to sit. I enjoyed a lovely Pinot noire and delicious Cabernet. They offer a house made charcuterie. The Crown platter delivered with choices of 4 meats and cheeses. We also enjoyed caramel popcorn. There were bowls of black and green olives, which complimented the meat and cheese. There were two kinds of nuts that offered the right amount of salty flavor and crunchy goodness. The sheer volume of choices of beer and wine boggles the mind. I liked the lighted beer sign that lets you know how much beer is left of their nightly beer selections. The service was outstanding. My glass never stayed empty for long, before a server was there to see if I needed a refill. Everyone had a great time. I am looking forward to going back.

Game changer when this place opened up, nothing like it in the area. Phenomenal beer selection, I can’t stop making my own six packs. Knowledgeable staff.
My only gripe is with whoever the urban planner was that made it impossible to get out of this shopping center.

The same owners as the Old Georgetown Square Beer and Wine store. Best beer selection in the area!
Was stunned to see a beer and wine bar with two tv’s inside. Happy hour from 5(4?)-7pm. 20% off drinks at the bar. Very enticing.
It’s a big store inside, with a large beer and wine selection, like the Old Georgetown location.
I have found my new goto place for beer and wine in the area!

F*ck yeah, this place is awesome. It’s like a beer/​wine café where you can just lounge around. Service is PHENOMENAL, selection is great, location is prime. The ONLY thing I’d say is that sometimes it’s a bit too bright so the ambiance can be slightly off (it has been a major turn off to some of my friends).
Service: ⁵⁄₅
Hands down, best service I have had pretty much anywhere. Everyone is super nice and willing to go out of their way to help you. Even when it comes down to hooking you up with some coupons you didn’t know about! I really can’t emphasize how nice everyone is.
Beers: ⁵⁄₅
Selection isn’t the largest but most of it is all craft selection – really appreciate that. I love how the beers on tap are always cycling and changing, giving you the opportunity to explore a bit and try new ones without committing to getting an entire case. Nothing beats walking around drinking a beer while shopping for some to bring home.
Wine: ⁵⁄₅
The wine selection is beautifully organized and easy to navigate around.
Ambiance: ⁴⁄₅
Like I said, a lot could be done by simply dimming the lights (at least once it’s later in the evening). Very small deal when everything else is awesome. This is more for my friends so they’d be more willing to come hang out and relax.
All-​in-​all, I’ll definitely keep coming back. I’ve already been there 2 – 3 times this past week. Gotta love it. Keep up the great work!

Came in one Saturday evening for their free wine tasting, ended up tasting and having a few pours of their on-​tap beers instead.
Located in the newly built Downtown Crown community in Gaithersburg, this store offers a wide variety of wines and craft beers at reasonable prices. They layout of the store is great and allows for easy browsing and maneuvering. Crafts beers on one side and wines on the other. Love how you can buy beers buy the pack, case, mix and match to your hearts content, or purchase a growler of their on-​tap beers ($ 5 for the growler itself). Towards the back of the store you’ll find about four high tops that seat four and two bars that seat six. Staff are plentiful and throughout the store. They are rather knowledgeable about the products they carry and don’t mind if you ask them tons of questions.
They offer happy hour daily from 4−7pm (20% off a glass of wine or pour of beer), so the back area was pretty full on a Saturday evening at 6pm. Luckily we were able to grab two seats at the bar. I like how they offer tastes ($ 2-​$ 4) of their 12 beers on tap. I tried the Widmer Citra Blonde (crisp and refreshing), Flying Dog Bloodline (enjoyed the hops and love the hints of citrus), Firestone Double Jack (too intense for me), and DuClaw Sweet Baby Jesus (reminded me of coco puffs). Out of the four I tasted, I enjoyed the Citra Blonde the most and ended up getting a couple pours.
In addition to beer and wine, they offer a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, and and snacks (olilves, almonds, popcorn, peanuts, chips, etc.) for you to munch on while you drink. Decided on The Crown, which included four meats and 4 cheeses for $ 22. The lady making The Crown ended up cutting herself (ooppss!), so it took quite some time to get our order out which is understandable. When we finally got our cheeses and meats, we were extremely pleased. They were rather generous with the portion given and I loved how it came with crackers, jam, mustard, and grapes.
Overall, service was great. Our bartender/​server was very attentive and made sure we were well taken care of. My only complaint would have to be their tipping system. Once you are ready to check out, you are rung up on a tablet. Before signing for your bill, our bartender/​server noted that there was a 20% tip automatically added to the bill, but we could decrease or increase it if we wanted to. Ummmm yes, service was great, but will it always be great? I think it would be rather awkward if you decreased the amount of tip given, especially since the bartender/​server is right there holding the tablet. They should at least set the default to 18%. Not sure if a 20% tip is automatically added if you paid at the register or not.
I’ll definitely be back in the near future.
BTW in addition to their daily happy hour, they have a daily drink special that is 20% off all evening.

I first discovered this gem of a beer and wine store when I was exploring the new Downtown crown area. They had opened their doors to the local community as they were going through their soft-​opening phase. I’ve been there quite a bit since and am really looking forward to their grand opening this Saturday.
Downtown Crown Wine and Beer (DCWB) have a great selection of beer and wine for any occasion and any price range. If you are familiar with Gilly’s in the Rockville, MD area, I describe DCWB as an extended version of Gilly’s with more selection and cheaper prices. They carry a wide selection of items for purchase as well as a wet bar where they have beers and wines to order. They have small snacks to purchase (cheese, meats, crackers, etc.) but mostly it’s a «bring your own food» policy.
I don’t know a better wine and beer store in Montgomery County. For the beer lovers — They have a lot of mainstream beers and an even bigger selection for those hard to find craft brews. They have cases, 6 packs, and single bottles for mix and match. They have special Growler filling machine that prevents oxygen from entering the container so you can store it for months (YAY!). For the wine lovers — DCWB only knows how to carry good wine but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a mean buck for it. They make a great effort at carrying the best wines in all different price ranges. Want to drink the bottle after you buy it? SURE! Can’t finish and need to recork? No problem!
There are three things I look for when I walk into a beer and wine store — Service, Knowledge of Staff, and Organized and Efficient Layout. It all boils down to this: how do I find something good quickly and efficiently and if I don’t know what I want, will I be able to walk out with confidence that I got a good recommendation?
Here’s how DCWB satisfies each of my «key» areas.
EXCELLENT SERVICE
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Service is tricky for a lot of beer and wine stores. Most of the stores I have been to are typically run like a grocery store. They let the customer wander around (aimlessly, if you are me) and will approach you if you look like you are TRULY lost.
Here at DCWB, they want everyone to have a great experience. They greet you and offer to help right off the bat. Even on the busier days, the staff will try to approach everyone and see if they can make your shopping experience better.
KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FRIENDLY STAFF
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DCWB have really hit the marks with their friendly and welcoming staff. The two owners are both very down to earth and personable. The floor staff is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to beer and wine — one of which is a certified sommelier. The bartenders are very approachable. They make you feel welcome and — at least for me — put a smile on my face even on the roughest of days.
I like to try something new every time I’m here mostly because (I’m being honest here) 1) my knowledge is limited and 2) Trying something new here doesn’t break the bank and 3) How am I going to expand my knowledge if I don’t try new things? The staff here takes the time to talk to you and understand what it is that you like and dislike before making a recommendation instead of handing you a bottle with a high point value and walking away. DCWB recognizes is that beer and wine is a personal experience and tastes vary between people.
EFFICIENT AND ORGANIZED LAYOUT
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DCWB have a very efficient layout that caters very well for all types of customers, from the stay-​in and drink to the stroll-​in-​and-​out customer. Currently they have 2 bar areas, 4 tables, and they plan to have patio seating for nice weather. You can move around freely without feeling claustrophobic. As for the organization, I haven’t had any issues finding things. The store is split in half — one side is beer and one side is wine. Beer is fairly straight forward — single bottles for mix and match are on islands and lots of refrigeration space. Wine is very clearly labeled by type.