First Avenue Vintner

Looking for a "liquor store near me" in the Upper East Side of New York City? First Avenue Vintner is located at 984 1st Ave., New York, NY 10022. Based on customer reviews, this store has faced serious criticism regarding its pricing practices and customer service under its current ownership.

One customer recounted a highly negative experience, stating they were "Told me the price for a whiskey was $200 and confirmed with them multiple times." However, after the item was "packed up (badly) in a shitty wrapping job and a bag that broke," the store allegedly changed the price to $400, labeling it "What a bait and switch." This indicates a significant issue with price integrity and potentially deceptive sales tactics.

Another reviewer strongly advised, "Just don't give this place your money." While acknowledging that "Jim is a good man," they asserted that "the ownership isn't." This review further alleges that the "Ownership hoards vast amounts of allocated bourbon in back room" and "shamefully lied to me about a bottle I bought over the phone when they realized they 'MAY' have sold it for 100 bucks less than they could have if the right rich idiot walked in at the right time. They even admitted that was the reason!" The reviewer included a picture of a sought-after item they believe is hoarded and warned, "If you go here to buy something, you will end up leaving upset." This paints a picture of an establishment prioritizing potentially exploiting customers willing to pay inflated prices over fair dealing.

Adding to the negative sentiment, this reviewer recommended an alternative: "Ambassador Wines & Spirits on 2nd avenue is a much better place with a much better staff of knowledgeable and passionate wine and spirits professionals." This suggests that customers seeking a more reputable and ethical experience should consider other options.

The provided reviews paint a very concerning picture of First Avenue Vintner under its current ownership. Allegations include bait-and-switch pricing tactics, hoarding of sought-after products, and dishonest behavior regarding pricing based on perceived customer wealth. While one positive mention of an employee named Jim exists, the overwhelming sentiment is negative, with a strong recommendation to avoid the store. No positive aspects regarding the store's environment, services, features, or any promotional information were mentioned. Instead, the focus is on unethical business practices.

Given the serious allegations of deceptive pricing and dishonest practices, potential customers should exercise extreme caution. For inquiries, you can contact First Avenue Vintner at (212) 754-4483 or their mobile number +1 212-754-4483. However, the strong negative recommendations from multiple reviewers should be carefully considered.

As a local resident of Taiwan currently in New York City, if you are searching for a wine and spirits store in the Upper East Side, the reviews for First Avenue Vintner on 1st Avenue contain very serious accusations. Customers have reported being subjected to bait-and-switch pricing, where the price of an item was significantly increased at the point of sale. There are also allegations of the ownership hoarding rare items and being dishonest about pricing, admitting to charging more if they think a wealthier customer will pay. One reviewer strongly advises against giving this store your money and recommends Ambassador Wines & Spirits on 2nd Avenue as a much better alternative. Given these serious concerns about unethical business practices, it would be wise to avoid First Avenue Vintner and consider shopping elsewhere for your wine and spirits needs. We strongly recommend exploring the alternative suggested by a reviewer.