Big Daddy’s Liquor Store & Carry Out

While I usually hit Party Source for all my alcoholic purchases, this place came in handy for a time that I don’t need an overwhelming selection and was in a hurry. I did not use the drive thru but after driving by this place countless times, I can tell you that it is often 3 – 5 cars deep. So, park your car and walk in. And speaking of walk in, I accidentally walked right behind the counter thinking it was part of the store. Oh well, I’ve done worse things in stores. The workers there are pretty cool and I am sure have stories that would make a sailor blush. They did ID me which is a charming thing. Prices were ok after factoring in the convenience of this place. Selection was fine and their fridges have ample supply of everything from bubbly to beer.

Hey a liquor store! It was the only thing near us open on New Year’s Day. Very good selection, but they lost a star due to the .75 charge for using a card. Best bring your cash money! Had lots of beers, wine, and a drive through.

The Big D was shut down a few years ago for allegedly serving to minors but they have been reopened for quite a length of time and continue to serve Newport’s late night drinkers. It’s almost more fun to walk in instead of taking advantage of the drive through service. There is usually one or two thug life boys inside that shamelessly hit on pretty girls and instead of angering the window guy, you can browse the limited beverage selection at your leisure. If you do choose do use the drive through, know what you want ahead of time and try to get there with at least ten minutes to spare. The staff will often try to run stuff out to the next few cars right before closing time but if you’re not lucky you’ll get stuck five cars back and head home without your after-​party drinks.

Big Daddy, my dear friend. How many times have you saved the after-​party? How many times have I thought the night was over and you came to the rescue? Too many times to count, that’s for sure.
Blocks down from Newport on the Levee, Big Daddy’s is a drive-​thru liquor store open until exactly 2:30 am (unlike the area bars which claim to be open as late but stop serving around 2).
Here’s a typical encounter at Big Daddy’s. Cars snake around the entire building, sometimes down the street, but each one moves through the line with amazing rapidity. You roll down your window (or more likely your taxi’s window) and are questioned «Whatcha need?» in a brusque, urgent tone.
This is no time to hem and haw. You better know what you want and order it fast. Their selection is pretty wide, so don’t bother questioning the clerk whether they have this or that. No cash? Give the clerk a credit card and you’ll definitely feel his or her bitterness, as you hold up the line while the card is approved.
While the customer service is nothing to boast about, Big Daddy’s has reliable hours that give you ample to time to close the bar and make it through their line before 2:30 am.