Alkali Rye - Oakland's Beverage Shop

What do you call a beautifully curated bottle shop? Alkali Rye!! They have an amazing selection of spirits that are stylishly displayed. The place is well appointed with attention to details. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable + they have tastings on select days.
Wander outside and check out their neighbors for great shopping and eats.

Alkali Rye isn't what I'd consider your "normal" liquor store.

They have a wide selection of wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, teas, etc.) and other items that are more unique that going to a normal liquor store.

They really try to feature women-owned/people of color-owned businesses as well as local businesses. They have a range of different priced items to match different occasions.

When I've been the owners and staff seem pretty knowledgeable about the different items and have helped me and others to make good recommendations and not just trying to upsell the most expensive items.

I'm a whiskey fan, so I'll put it this way, if you just want a bottle of Jack and Jim, you probably wouldn't go here. But if you want a good bottle that you couldn't get at a Safeway, come here!

Excellent customer service. Delivery without any issues. Care in packaging. Much appreciated. Will buy again! Thank you!

Great little spot right by Lake Merritt and the grand lake theatre. Plenty of alcoholic and fun NA options for every type of drinker. The staff are all friendly and will offer help to find you whatever you need.

I am so thankful for the amazing and thoughtful selection of spirits at this bottle shop. The owners have great taste and are always helpful. They have introduced me to a wide variety of flavor profiles that I didn't even know existed. They have a great variety of price points so I am able to drop by and pick up whatever is in my budget, and lord knows I have been buying drinks to get through this COVID time. annnnnd, you can buy bags of Red Bay Coffee there so that's an extra bonus! 5 stars all day! Buy the Bodkin sparkling!!

This place is absolutely stunning, so aesthetically pleasing. It’s bright and airy, they have a fantastic selection of spirits, Wines and matcha, all tastefully displayed. The owners are not only POC but one of them is a black women. They are both extremely knowledgeable about their products, make great suggestions and parings. It’s such a welcoming and friendly environment. This is now my one and only bottle shop that I will be supporting. And you should too

I'm so excited to have a shop like Alkali Rye in Oakland. The owner was very welcoming and warmly gave our dog treats. The shop has a great aesthetic and when you leave your purchase is neatly wrapped in cute tissue paper. When my partner and I gave a vague request the owner was able to narrow down some delicious choices for us. It's the kind of place you know you'll look forward to developing a relationship so you can always come back for something tasty and delicious. If you're trying to reduce your alcohol intake - like we are - the shop has more than a few options for low ABV or no ABV.

Super friendly shop owners. They have a real good thing going here. Plenty of selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus delicious snacks if you’re there on the right day. I’m particularly a pretty big fan of their wine selection, the ones from Brown Estate and the McBride Sisters are my favorite!

Very knowledgeable staff to help you choose from a unique selection of spirits & wines you will have a hard time finding elsewhere. Bright, clean interior that is welcoming and easy to navigate. I love their focus on promoting quality products from BIPOC makers/distillers/brewers. Highly recommend.

Alkali Rye - An East Bay Gem! Highest quality, careful selection, impeccable taste in shop design and ambiance. Now part of a vibrant and diverse food and spirits community, a warm and professional Jessica and Kori bring an added dimension to meeting an increasingly diverse palette. From tripled distilled and aged Japanese Whisky to select Oaxcan Mezcals, so much to choose from. Also nice, the aroma of Red Bay Coffee (even buy a package) is a nice addition, all the while finding something special to fit any budget. Around the corner from the Grand Lake Theater at the foot of Lake Merritt, Alkali Rye - a bright, new gem on this Grand Avenue. Love it! Pam & Jim

What a beautiful establishment. I am not a alcohol connoisseur, but every time I go into Alkali Rye, they teach me about a new product. The staff has really helped me elevate my palate. I love that they also carry a great selection of non alcoholic beverages as well. I really do love this place. Highly recommended!!

Not your typical liquor store! The first thing you will notice is the beautiful decoré and open, welcoming layout. The owners, Kori and Jessica, welcomed us right away and gave us a detailed tour of their inventory. I was impressed by their knowledge of spirits and the effort that they have put into stocking items from BIPOC producers. Definitely check this place out if you are near Lake Merritt!

Absolutely LOVE this darling little bottle shop! It's called Alkali Rye but they sell everything from spirits, to wine, to beer. The owner is amazing 😍. She is extremely knowledgeable and can give advice on just about anything, whether you are hosting an elaborate dinner party or kicking it at the lake. (Which is just a short walk away)

You must try this place!

Superb assortment displayed beautifully, and very cool staff. My favorite place to go splurge on something special, discover something totally new, or stop in for a quick, affordable bottle to bring to a party. Such a high taste level with well-edited offerings, so you leave feeling like you made a solid choice.

I was looking for a place with great mezcals and Alkali has a lovely section. Staff was super helpful, taking the time to explain the different types of agave and tasting notes of small producers in stock. I purchased an El Mero Mero Tobala, which is scratching my itch to try a new spirit. Sweet and easy drinking that’s making my Sunday.

A unique store! They carry a mezcal liqueur I have only found in Mexico, by a woman owned and run company (XILA). While there I also bought a bottle of wine from a woman owned winery I never heard of. The store is beautiful and the customer service was great! I'll be back.

I wish this shop could be in my back yard. Swoon.

I always have great experiences when shopping with them. They have a great selection of high quality liquors in a gorgeous space. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, they have never steered me wrong when I told them what I was looking for. Will always shop here.

This store gives me joy every time I step into it or even think about it. OK, I may be biased because the founders are my protégés. I could not be more proud of the business and built. It takes a lot of courage to open something new in the middle of a pandemic and economic crisis.

The team here has a wealth of knowledge and is happy to share or let you peruse the shop at your own pace. If you are stuck on what to substitute to reimagine your favorite cocktail, the team would be happy to oblige.