Store Spotlight: Friar Tuck Crestwood
May 22, 2008 9:35 am Beer NewsIt’s been a long time since I’ve traveled down Watson Road, it’s amazing to see some of the changes. There’s a whole new complex west of the Best Buy and Schnucks, Crestwood Mall is called Crestwood Court (also, it’s interesting that I remember when Crestwood was considered the “nice” mall and South County was the dirt mall, but it seems like they’ve swapped and South County is the nice one now) and the complex that houses Friar Tuck once held a Sport Authority and a Sears store. Anyway, enough of this Andy Rooney-esque rant.
| Store: Friar Tuck Address: 9053 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63126 (Map it) Phone: 314-918-9230 Selection: “Everything that is offered in Missouri” |
 |
I’ll be perfectly honest, I was really impressed with Friar Tuck when I first walked in. It’s extremely well organized and very visually appealing. I probably should have snapped some photos of the wine section, but hey, this is a beer blog. After talking to a few to the store manager and assistant store manager, I quickly realized these guys were all about beer as well. They talked to me about what they had, what they’d like to see and even asked me what my dream list of breweries not distributed would be.
They claimed they have acquired every beer that’s currently being distributed in Missouri and after quickly looking over their selection, I’m prone to believe them. While the beer on the shelves is very impressive what also got my attention were the massive beer coolers. If I had to take a guess, about 60% of the beer on the shelves was also available cold.
Some other neat areas of mention was the large line of unbranded glassware they have to offer. Bill and I have discussed this quite a bit, and as we’ve gotten older, we’re not as interested in having advertisements on our beer glassware. I’d like to have glassware I can use for everyday use without looking like I’m still in college. Also mentioned was that they’re going to begin selling homebrewing equipment and ingredients as well.
Be sure to stop in and tell them what you think and what you’d like to see. It’s good to have another option in the excellent St. Louis beer retail scene.
Mike :
Date: May 22, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Can you buy a lot of individual beers? Any create your own six packs?
Sam H :
Date: May 22, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
All the other Tucks have mixer sixers. I do believe I saw the mixer station there last night.
As for individual beers, there are tons of bombers around the beer isles (ISLES!!) and in the coolers (yes, S)
Mike :
Date: May 22, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Yeah, I forgot to mention this. They do have a mix-a-six, but it’s about as good as every other Missouri retailer. Meaning it’s, “eh.”
It’s not their fault, blame Missouri Liquor Laws.
BMock :
Date: May 23, 2008 @ 7:18 am
I made my first trip there last night. I believe they do have every beer available in Missouri, but the impressive thing were the coolers. Although the prices are higher than my usual spots, the selection of cold beer is the best in town. Also, because they have tons of space, it was easy to see the selection.
I wish it were just down the street from me.
kevin :
Date: June 6, 2008 @ 9:07 am
i’m a little late to respond to a post from nearly three weeks ago, but i made it to friar tucks and i have to say i was disappointed on all fronts EXCEPT selection.
me and two friends walked in in shorts and t-shirts and were hawked by the clerks the entire time. there for nearly fifteen minutes, we had people check on us at least four or five times.
it was hard to pick a selection when everything there was really expensive, but i settled on a mixed six pack just so i wouldn’t leave empty-handed.
i get to the register and the guy asks me my birthdate - 1/12/83, i tell him. okay, then he asks me for my ID. why the f*ck do you need my ID if i told you my birthdate? i gave him my ID and he discovered that i was in fact telling the truth.
i don’t take well to this kind of trickery, and for this reason alone, i have vowed to never return. for me, service is half the purchase, maybe more so at a restaurant, but BAD service can ruin any establishment for me, and this was definitely one of ‘em.
Mike :
Date: June 6, 2008 @ 9:46 am
Trickery? They’re just doing their jobs.
Todd R :
Date: June 9, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
That doesn’t seem like a very good reason to be upset Kevin. You are going to bite of your nose in spite of your face?
Seems childish….maybe that’s why they checked your id?
Andrew76 :
Date: July 3, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Hey, just my two cents, but I have to agree with Kevin on principle. Bummer that anyone would give him a hard time as well for getting hassled and being upset about it. The bottom line: you’re spending your money at an establishment. So long as you’re playing by the rules and accomodating the staff with the same politeness you’d offer any stranger, it is right to expect to be treated with respect. All it takes is for the clerk to have his act together. Anyone who’s ever had to ask for an i.d. *knows* it can be a touchy subject. You say, “Did you find everything ok? Good. Oh, may I please see your i.d.?”
If the prices are high, and you’re catching attitude from the clerk, you should definitely spend your money elsewhere. ie: Randalls.
And go from there. Give Kevin a break.
Melanie :
Date: July 16, 2008 @ 11:28 am
My dad told me about this store. I grew up in Crestwood and my parents still live there. My husband and I are going to Grant’s Farm on Friday so, since Friar Tuck is in the area, we’re going to pay a visit. Sounds like a great place for a beer lover!