August 28, 2009
(Visited 09/2008): Visited South Bay during a trip to Coronado/National City. The store is on Palm Ave just a mile or two off I-5. There is a small lot on the side and front of the building. The interior is every bit the convenience store, with the beer stocked along the right side. Most if not all the beer is in coolers, in packs and in singles. There are a couple hundred choices from all over including regional beers from Moylan’s, Lost Abbey, Drake’s, Stone, Lagunitas etc. Decent import selection as well from the likes of Meantime, Paulaner and Htiachino Nest. Service was good as I picked out a suitcase full of beer for my trip home. I did not meet the legendary Joey but I will definitely stop back here again and would recommend anyone else to do the same.

July 10, 2009
Originally reviewed 8/12/2008... When approaching a family vacation to Coronado, I coincidentally heard a lotta great things about SBD and made it a point to take the quick drive to stop in. Selection is top-notch with locals, fine crafts, Belgians and many others. There’s really no shelf in the cooler that is wasted. Prices are decent. Joey kicks it up a notch though, greeting visitors with great knowledge and suggestions of alternates to compare with your choices. He makes this place a quinessential haven for Beer Advocacy. When in ultra-SoCal ya gotta stop by.

July 5, 2009
I have placed a few orders with Joey and each time he has come through with no problems. Packing is solid and it ships fast. I will continue to use South Bay for my must have harder to get West Coast stuff.

June 1, 2009
Just completed my first order with South Bay and it certainly won’t be the last! Emailed Joey with an order one late morning last week and the order was complete and shipped in just a few hours. Showed up today perfectly packed. Selection is quite stellar w/ the all the goodies coming out of SoCal with my order primarily driven by the new LA Brother Levonian. I’ve always viewed the lack of prices on the site has a nuisance, but my email request was promptly returned and the prices quite reasonable, so I won’t view that as a big deal down the road. Thanks for a super quick, secure online order Joey!!

May 11, 2009
Behold all that is glorious in the world of delicious and incredible craft beer! South Bay Drugs and Liquor contains the aforementioned glory in the form of rare beer gems that only the beer-wise people of San Diego County would desire to know of. I have friends who live near here so I finally had the perfect reason to make a short trip, which was long overdue, and check out all that South Bay has to offer. Very clean display. Prices clearly marked and reasonable for the quality of product. If you’re here for good beer, you will appreciate what South Bay is selling. I picked up just a few bottles, but would have loved to break out a credit card and shopping cart and stocked up for the next few weeks. The bottles I settled on were a Hitachino Nest XH, which is aged in oak sake casks, and Deschutes Hop Trip (2008). If you’re in the South Bay or any where they can legally ship to, visit either physically or online and check out their supply. Joey is a cool guy and will take good care of you. G

April 19, 2009
The only thing I can honestly not give a top rating for is the ambiance. Not that it’s bad, or anything, but the parking lot kinda blows, and it’s in an older spot. The things I can honestly say can have no deductions are the service and the selection. Joey is amazing, ever since I started going in a year ago, he’ll take the time to chat with me, tell me what’s new, and guide me to a beer I haven’t tried just knowing my tastes. His off the shelf selection is always prime, and what he has in the cooler is top notch, as well. I’ll go to other stores out of convenience here and there. But if I’m in the area (which is close enough to my job to say that if I can pull myself away from work for a few minutes), this is the place I shop. And me? I’m kinda picky. ;-)

April 7, 2009
I have nothing but great things to say about this place. I live in North Carolina so getting my hands on some of the California beers is difficult. Joey’s customer service is outstanding. The selection is incredible. I did not feel like I was ripped off for shipping and the order I made was received in 1 week. Not bad at all. I will certainly do business with again.

March 29, 2009
I have to give Joey a big thanks. I actually live in virginia and have been dealing with him on a nice shipment and from the beginning to the end he has been great and gave me a call to let me know that they were having internet trouble. Just exceptional customer service and the easiest way for me to get some of those california beers that do not make it to my state otherwise. I will be heading out to san diego probably next year so if I am able I will pay them a visit. Thanks guys!!!!

March 4, 2009
First off, I gave the selection a 14 not for its size, but for the quality. There are stores with much bigger selections, but I saw beers at South Bay that I have seen nowhere else in San Diego (i.e. Boulevard Imperial Stout). The prices are nice. You do pay for quality, but you don’t get jacked. Joey is also the man. Very nice, vey knowledgeable. I heard he can order things for you not in stock, too. If only the location wasn’t so far from my house.

February 15, 2009
Great beer store, like everyone else has said. Been ordering for a while now. With no problems ever. Joey gets your box to you fast. Speedy service.