Cork & Barrel Wine And Spirits — Local services in Lawrence

This review is for the 23rd St. store. I'm torn on what to rate this. On the one hand, they offer a good selection of wines and liquors; I can't speak to the affordability, as these are prices that are similar in cost to Kansas City, so they've always seemed on par to me. On the other hand, the staff is rude, and that's on a good day. During this pandemic, they offer a curbside pickup, which is GREAT for people in high-risk categories who shouldn't be going into businesses (per CDC and KS state guidelines). So Bravo, thank you. However, they used to accept payments over the phone, but on my visit today, the staff informed me they're no longer able to offer that service because of recent issues with fraud. I absolutely understand that fraud is a serious issue for any business, but the new policy would've been nice to know prior to placing the order and driving to the store, since they've been able to process my card twice over the phone in the past. I told the staff member I didn't come with mask, gloves, etc., and he said, "it's ok with us if it's ok with you." ...Dude, I'm asking for curbside pick-up, do you think it's ok with me? He didn't offer any options that didn't involve interaction with a staff person and was rude, basically stating that the owner would fire him if he processed the order over the phone. So maybe this should be a review for the owner/general manager? Find a way to take credit cards without customer-staff interaction. Or offer alternate payment methods. Check or cash left in the trunk? Paypal? If your staff is that blasé with every customer regarding safety, why should I risk shopping...

tldr; false advertising, poor customer service. will not admit fault or attempt to remedy their pricing errors. Bought some rum that had a couple signs underneath it listing the brand/ml that was on sale and the new price. Got home and the rum was disgusting (my fault). Next day I’m looking through my bank app and I see I overcharged $3 and the “normal” price. Now personally this amount of money isn’t important but the principle is. I figure it’s not a big enough deal to make a trip just to ask for my money back, so within the week of purchasing I return. I grab the wine my girlfriend and I like and explain the issue to the cashier. I’m really talking to two cashiers for some reason and first i’m told “if you had a receipt” which I then produce. Secondly I’m told it’s past the sale date by cashier A and cashier B asks “were the signs still up”? clearly asking Cashier A who seems upset and glared at Cashier B as they’re seemingly siding with the customer. I say absolutely they were. I’ve never heard of this rum only got it because it was on sale. cashier A then lastly explains “because you didn’t bring it in the same day for a refund we can’t do anything” I’ve probably spent $1,000 in this place over the course of several years. Really makes one wonder how many times they have just accidentally left signs up past the sale date in...

I had the unfortunate experience of visiting this liquor store recently, and it was nothing short of appalling. The owner was not only unhelpful but downright rude and insensitive. I had a conversation about a deceased brother in law in regards to purchasing some whiskey for his celebration of life and instead of showing any empathy, the owner made snide, dismissive comments about the situation and accused me of using his death to buy the allotted whiskey. It was utterly disrespectful and left a sour taste in my mouth. This level of callousness is unacceptable. I won’t be returning, and I strongly advise others to shop elsewhere if you value kindness and basic...