Bella Vista Beverage — Local services in Philadelphia

I wish I didn't have to hate this place, but they make it impossible not to. Problems started before I even got there to rent a keg, no information online on what they had, person on phone could not offer any insight into what they had unless specifically asked (do you have Yards IPA?)- was told yes. Once in the store, I was told they did not have currently, or ever, that keg of Yards IPA. Store does not have a list of available kegs, you are told to ask them what you want, and they will check if they have it. First three requests all "nope". When I asked them what they DO have in similar style, the best they could do is say "oh so many options I couldn't even begin to list them". How can you do business like this? Eventually guessed my way to making a selection. It was very expensive. They don't take returns on Sunday so took my lunch hour on Monday to return the keg. But only one person in the company can process refund (must have receipt by the way) so had to wait 35 minutes while that person was "in a meeting". Horrible customer service, horrible prices, terrible overall experience. As I said this place is close and does have a good selection, at least of cases which you can look through, but everything else makes me loathe this place. Will avoid whenever possible, so...

As stated in other reviews, I agree that prices are generally higher than any other beer distributor in the area. But not many others have the selection that Bella Vista has.

As stated in other reviews, I agree that the staff is generally unfriendly and unhelpful. But maybe they were having a bad day on all of those 10 or so occasions that I stopped in.

As not stated in other reviews (that I've read,) they now have a bag-check policy. Maybe this is just when the stout bearded guy at the register sees you come in from the rain. The same stout bearded guy who generally causes me to reflect on the unfriendly staff.

Now that I've been made to feel like a criminal by how this guy demanded my bag, I can safely say that the other area distributors will be getting my business. Bottle shops are fine for specialty...

It gets 2 stars only because the selection is great and they have a few great workers. However, they also have a few horrible employees. Specifically the ones that close before 9pm or 10pm. If it was just once or twice I'd be understanding but it's often. If you want to close at 845 fine. POST 845 AS THE TIME YOU CLOSE!!! Next time I make a trip to this shop when it should be open and there is a person at the counter telling me it's closed before it's supposed to be closed, it will be my last time. Your prices are high to begin with even though I'm willing to pay them. But to have people drive or walk to the shop and be on time and it's closed is absolutely unacceptable. If you want to shut down 15 mins early at least have the courtesy to post it on the business page. Thanks for another wasted trip to your shop...