If you like Cask(at 3rd street) but you’re not looking for hard liquor, be sure to visit Cask at Rincon. This store, which is tucked away in the old USPS building on Spear, is basically Cask’s bigger sibling that decided to like beer and wine. It features a neat wine selection, which is organized by country and presented in wooden racks. Looking for more exclusive beer? No problem; they line the back wall in fridges. If you’re struck by a change of heart while you’re browsing, Cask at Rincon still has plenty of quality hard liquor to offer. The staff is as friendly and knowledgeable as in their shop at 3rd street, so you’re sure to find a drink that matches your taste; Cask at Rincon may just be your best bet at getting you out of a fancy alcohol-related emergency.
Meghan A.
Place rating: 5 Berkeley, CA
This place has the best selection and the staff are very knowledgeable of their products!
Adam S.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I’m a relative newcomer to the fact that the Rincon Center exists. For some reason, I just figured this was a central or historic Post Office or government building. Maybe some office space. I had no idea that the Rincon Center was a massive complex of shops, casual(think lunch) restaurants, office space and a beautiful atrium. Well, much as I was surprised to find out Rincon itself existed, I was also excited to stumble upon the knowledge that this jewel of a liquor store is here. I’ve been by twice, and both times the clock pulled me out the door and back to the office. I would have stayed for a while because they have some awesome stuff here. The first thing I saw when I walked in was a giant selection of whiskey. Scotch, Bourbon, Irish, Japanese offerings… Holy moly. Lots and lots of whiskey. I looked, I signed up for the mailing list, and I had to run(almost literally) to get back for a meeting. I went back when I had a bit more time, and you know what I learned? They have some awesome beers from places I’ve never heard of. That doesn’t happen very often. I’ve never looked at five straight shelves of bottles I’ve never seen — and it’s refrigerated. And, it’s not like this place is a warehouse, so their selection is pretty much the SF of beer selections. The best of the best. They have lots of wine. They have lots of different liquors, including a pretty impressive shelf full of tequilas and mescals. They also have some bitters and aperitifs that caught my attention. I would really recommend checking this place out of you have an interest in this sort of thing. I signed up for their weekly tasting newsletter — they had three events between their stores(they also have one on 3rd just south of Market). My star mainly knocked down to 4-star based on the fact they aren’t open late enough for me to come after work. One of these days I’ll get to finally take this place for a spin. I imagine it’ll be enjoyable based on what I’ve seen so far.
Jonathan H.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
We have a beer fridge at the office full of brews from Cask, and I think you could consider us regulars there. As far as a spirits/beer/wine store goes, these guys are top notch. Their selection is always stellar, the staff is supremely knowledgeable and friendly, and they do tastings from many distilleries on a regular basis. I’ve discovered many-a-good whiskies as a result. :) The prices are a little up there, but it is a reflection of the quality of their inventory.
Lex L.
Place rating: 3 San Francisco, CA
Well it’s a nice spot for last minute liquor party favors, for yourself or others. A great selection, of various types from wines, whiskey, vodka, etc. One of the clerks seemed knowledgeable, and good interaction regarding selection. The other girl behind the counter was a total stone, like a statue with no emotions or desire to interact or assist. Good location, and worth a visit.
Chris P.
Place rating: 5 San Ramon, CA
Let’s call this place the little store that could! This technically speaking could be classified as a liquor store. The special significance of this place is that it carries wine brands that typically aren’t massed produced or sold in mainstream establishments. I catered an event I was hosted for some real estate pro’s and the wine was a hit. I honestly did not know a lot of the brands they were selling but upon further review all of the wines I was recommended they not only tasted good — they all were rated 90 points or better by multiple wine periodicals. The staff was very helpful in helping me select some great wines and I left getting 6 bottles for a little over $ 100 dollars. The location and service were both great and I will be back!
Greg G.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
TIny store compared to the one around 3rd and Market. Only found out about it through a friend. Now again I am plagued with the issue that it is right across the street from my new job … What should I do? Guess it’s back to whiskey ‘xploring So while this location is smaller in my opinion there is one thing I noticed here that I don’t believe is at the other location, BEER! It’s all refrigerated, but I will take it as a convenience for immediate sharing. And of course we aren’t talking about your standard Coors light in the fridge neither. This is Cask for god’s sake. Spotted a few from Port Brewing and other Socal breweries. I wouldn’t say it’s ridiculous beer selection, but it is a convenient spot for pretty good beers. Overall not the original, but still a nice convenient new spot. No ladders seem to be required here :)
Ben H L.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Located on the Mission St side of the RIncon Center, the latest Cask spirits and alcohol store has now been open for two weeks at this location. Since I work literally less than a block away, I walked across the street after lunch to get my brother a beer birthday present. They had a fairly decent amount of beer to choose from albeit they aren’t Bevmo but they do have a lot of high quality small batch brewery selections. I got the Rueuze, the blonde Bruery sour blonde ale for $ 18. A fairly decent price for something that usually is hard to find at a Whole Foods or Bevmo. Also since it’s so close to my work, I can always walk across the street and get some cold 25 oz bottles for an early happy hour! The owner guy who rang up my purchase said that they will likely have a big Grand Opening type deal in the coming weeks but in the meantime, it seems they don’t mind the low activity. FYI, they sell premium spirits as well so there really is something here for everyone!