Rite Liquor

Tucked away on 645 Snelling Ave S in St. Paul, Minnesota, Rite Liquor is the kind of neighborhood spot that feels instantly familiar, like a place you’ve been coming to for years. It’s small enough to be personal yet stocked well enough to surprise even seasoned drink enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local swinging by after work or a traveler exploring Highland Park, this little shop carries a warmth that’s hard to find in larger chain stores.

The first thing that stands out here is the variety. Shelves are neatly arranged with everything from Minnesota’s craft brews to top-shelf whiskies, wines from both new-world vineyards and old-country estates, and hard-to-find liqueurs tucked into corners waiting to be discovered. Their curated selection isn’t about having every brand under the sun—it’s about offering the best of each category. One of the staff mentioned that they often taste new arrivals together before deciding what makes it onto the shelf, which explains why their lineup always feels so intentional.

The team knows their stuff. Ask about a smooth bourbon for winter nights or a crisp rosé for a picnic at nearby Highland Park, and you’ll get recommendations that sound more like personal notes than sales pitches. They even keep track of customer favorites; a regular told me they once saved him the last bottle of a limited-edition gin he loved. That’s the kind of service that keeps people coming back.

It’s also worth noting how community-oriented this place is. Rite Liquor often supports local events and tasting nights—small, informal gatherings where customers can sample new drinks and chat with local distillers. According to the Minnesota Distillers Guild, local spirit sales have grown over 15% annually since 2020, and shops like this play a big role in that boom by connecting producers directly with customers. The store’s shelves feature several Minnesota-made brands, showing their commitment to supporting nearby businesses rather than just global names.

One weekend, I stopped by during a mini wine tasting they hosted. The setup was simple: a folding table, some tasting glasses, and a few open bottles from boutique vineyards. A couple of college students stopped in out of curiosity and ended up walking out with their first bottle of natural wine. It was the kind of unpretentious introduction to wine culture that places like this do best—educational but never intimidating.

Rite Liquor’s location also makes it a convenient stop. Sitting right on Snelling Avenue, it’s surrounded by cozy diners and family-run restaurants, so it’s easy to grab dinner and a bottle on the same trip. The parking lot is small but manageable, and the store layout is intuitive—you can walk straight to your preferred section without wandering around.

Online reviews echo much of what I’ve experienced firsthand. Many customers highlight the friendly service and the fair pricing compared to nearby stores. One Google review even mentioned how the staff went out of their way to help source a rare scotch for a birthday celebration. In an age where big-box retailers dominate, that kind of effort stands out.

For anyone looking to stock up for a dinner party, a quiet night in, or a weekend barbecue, this spot offers a mix of quality, community, and genuine care. While they don’t operate like a trendy bar or a fancy wine cellar, their approach to customer experience feels just as refined. The team takes pride in helping people discover what they actually enjoy drinking, not just what’s trendy.

And that’s really the charm of Rite Liquor—it’s not about chasing the flashiest labels or Instagram-worthy bottles. It’s about keeping good company, supporting local makers, and helping every visitor leave with something they’ll truly enjoy. If you’re ever in the Highland Park area, this little corner shop is worth the stop.