Finding a good liquor store isn't just about who has the most dust-covered bottles on the shelf. It’s about the vibe. Honestly, if you've ever walked into a massive warehouse-style liquor outlet, you know that feeling of being just another number in a checkout line. That's exactly why spots like Franja Wines & Liquors in Ridgewood have such a loyal following. They’re basically the antithesis of the cold, corporate experience.
Located at 785 Wyckoff Ave, right on the edge of Ridgewood and Bushwick, this place has carved out a niche as a neighborhood staple. It’s Latino-owned and family-run, which sounds like a marketing tagline until you actually walk in and the staff remembers what you bought last Tuesday.
What’s the Big Deal With Franja Wines & Liquors?
Most people go to a liquor store with a specific mission. You need a bottle of Tequila for a party, or maybe a decent Malbec because you're making steak. Franja Wines & Liquors manages to cover the basics while throwing in some surprises.
The inventory is surprisingly deep for a local shop. You’ve got your heavy hitters—think Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hennessy VS, and Casamigos—but they also lean into the community's tastes. Since it's a Latino-owned business, the selection of Rums and Tequilas often feels more curated than what you’d find at a generic shop.
Pricing That Actually Makes Sense
Let’s be real: New York is expensive. Ridgewood is getting pricier by the second.
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One thing people constantly mention about Franja is the pricing. It’s competitive. They aren't trying to gouge you just because they're the convenient option on the way to the L train. They also run a punch card rewards program. It’s a bit old-school, but it works. You buy wine, you get a punch, and eventually, you get a massive discount.
Imagine getting a $10 bottle of wine for $1. That’s not a typo; that’s how their "Box Club" and bottle loyalty system works out if you're a regular.
Beyond the Typical Bottle
Walking through the aisles at Franja Wines & Liquors, you'll notice they don't just stick to the $100 shelf-stable stuff. They carry a lot of variety:
- The Whiskey Wall: From Wilderness Trail Small Batch to the standard Jack Daniel’s.
- The Wine Selection: They cover the globe, but they have a particularly strong showing of Spanish and South American labels.
- Liqueurs and Mixers: If you need Baileys, Grand Marnier, or even just some seltzer and tonic to finish off the night, they’ve got it.
The store is clean, well-lit, and organized. It sounds like a low bar, but if you’ve spent time in some of the more "vintage" shops in Queens, you know that a clean floor and organized shelves go a long way.
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Why Locals Choose Franja Over Apps
We live in an era of Drizly and DoorDash (and yes, Franja is on those platforms too), but there is something to be said for the "Quick Visit."
Franja Wines & Liquors stays open pretty late—often until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on weekends. That’s clutch when you realize at 9:15 PM that you’re out of wine for dinner. But the real value is the staff. They’re known for being "family-like." If you don’t know the difference between a Rioja and a Ribera del Duero, they’ll actually explain it to you without making you feel like an idiot.
"It feels like they are your family members," is a sentiment that pops up in a lot of local reviews. That's hard to replicate with an algorithm.
Navigating the Selection: An Expert Tip
If you're heading to Franja Wines & Liquors for the first time, don't just grab the first bottle of Barefoot you see (though they have plenty of that).
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- Look for the Latino-owned labels: They often stock brands that reflect the heritage of the owners and the neighborhood.
- Ask about the Punch Card: Don't walk out without one if you live within walking distance.
- Check the "New Arrivals": They’re surprisingly good at rotating their inventory to include trendy stuff like Mezcal or organic wines.
The Verdict on Ridgewood's Go-To Spot
Is it the biggest liquor store in New York? No. Is it the fanciest boutique with $500 bottles of natural orange wine? Not really.
But Franja Wines & Liquors is exactly what a neighborhood shop should be. It’s reliable. It’s fair. And honestly, in 2026, where everything feels like it’s owned by a private equity firm, a family-run shop that gives you a discount for being a regular is a breath of fresh air.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Location: 785 Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-week afternoons if you want to chat with the staff for recommendations; Friday nights are busy but the line moves fast.
- What to Buy: Check out their Tequila selection or ask for a wine recommendation under $20—they have some hidden gems in that price bracket.
- Delivery: If you're feeling lazy, look for them on DoorDash or Postmates, but remember that the in-store loyalty perks (like that punch card) usually only apply when you show up in person.