Best Liquor Store for Aspiring Mixologists

On an average day, Ed Ledger has 500 beers, 100 single-malts, 80
bourbons, and 125 tequilas for sale in his shop. “Currently I’ve got 13
different bitters in stock,” he says. “In most places you’re lucky to
find one or two.” Customers come to Ledger’s Liquors for products that
tend to be overlooked by less ambitious liquor stores: locally made
spirits like Sarticious gin and Hangar One vodkas, Enat Ethiopian honey
wine from Oakland, artisan cocktail ingredients, and obscure
microbrews. Since 1935, it’s been a family affair. Ledger’s grandfather
applied for the 14th liquor sales license in California after
Prohibition ended. It cost him $50. “When I took over the business, my
dad wanted me to bring it back to life as a true liquor store,” says
Ledger, and customer satisfaction is always a top priority. “As soon as
you think you sell everything, someone comes in the door looking for
something new,” he says. He’s more than happy to oblige.