Ken and Norm’s Liquor

Wow! I’ve lived near this neighborhood off and on for 4 years and I can’t believe I had never been in! I’m definitely going back.
It looks much smaller and unsuspecting on the outside. But inside is a delightful, bright space with tall built in shelving. They have a huge walk in beer cooler. As well as a separate cooler for more beer and wine. And for those of you who like to sample liquor before committing to buying a whole bottle. They have the best selection in mini bottles I’ve ever seen. Oh AND they’re the only liquor store I know of that’s close to me and open until 10pm even on week nights!
The clerk was so nice and gave me suggestions for a white frizzante wine which I love to replace a wine that they don’t carry. That was the only downfall, they don’t carry the local Famiglia Meschini that I love so much. But it’s very hard to find so I don’t hold it against Ken & Norm’s ;)
I’m happy to support a great and well stocked local business. I will definitely be back!

I kind of love this little liquor store. The selection is alright and the workers have always been friendly. I really like the small business feel.

It’s convenient and one of the only liquor stores in the Nokomis area. They have some of their craft and specialty beers in the front cooler with more domestic options in the walk in cooler in the back of the store. Prices on beer are average however the prices on liquor are actually pretty competitive. It’s definitely a swing in grab what you need and leave type of space, if you want to shop around then I would go somewhere a little bigger, (South Lyndale or Richfield Liquor). It gets busy from 9:30−10p just about every night they are open and parking can be challenging in the lot but spots open up fairly quickly.

I’ve only been here a few times, and only recently. So I can’t comment how it «used» to be, or how previous reviews found it. But it’s a small neighborhood liquor store as you expect. But the they are not over priced. But if Chicago lake was down the block from every liquor store they’d all be out of business. I actually found a few things cheaper, and i know my prices. Plus I’m not trying to save fifty cents, but if you need to, make the drive.
I don’t what there beer knowledge is, but one of the owners is up on his wine and lived in Italy. He gave me a few recommendations for some good wines. So, I’ll support a local business and come here again.

It’s an okay liquor store — decent selection.
However not overly knowledgeable about beer or liquor or what they have.
We had asked them their opinion on a few different beers in the store — and they hadn’t seemed to try them — most other stores seem to know their products much better. And was asking them questions about a few other things and overall seemed kinda clueless?
They have a decent selection — still had a couple of bottles of Surly’s latest endeavor — which is strange since everywhere else is sold out? I guess if we want a Surly and miss the boat at other places our next stop would be here!

Nice neighborhood liquor store — this is my regular place, as it’s only a few blocks from my abode. Prices are average, selection is decent, store is well-​kept and well-​staffed, particularly for a small business.
Service is always friendly and checkout lines are surprisingly quite short, even when the store is packed — it’s a pretty small space. I love that they often have a table set up for walk-​in tastings, especially around holidays (New Year’s Eve champagne tasting this year was excellent!). And, I especially love their walk-​in beer cooler — if you’re looking for some ice cold 6-​, 12-​, or 24-​packs, you’ll find a fair selection of domestic, imported, and craft beers. A good quick stop if you’re in the neighborhood!

Very cute neighborhood liquor store! They often do samples when you walk in the store, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking to find a great new favorite wine. The beer selection is a little pricier and not very extensive.

Wow, I can’t believe other reviews have said that prices are too high, the wine prices here are very competitive and they have a small collection of very quality wines, particularly their selection of Pinot Noir wines. Very friendly and helpful staff as well, glad Ken and Norm’s is in my neighborhood!

I have a Friday evening routine.
I pop into Ken & Norm’s to pick up a few beers for the weekend. Often a 6 pack, and a few 22oz bombers of whatever micro-​brew they’re stocking this week.
The cashier also has his Friday routine.
He attempts to ID my baby in his car seat.
It’s a game.
I love it.
A small business. Realistic prices compared to their mega-​competitors, and friendly staff.
What’s not to like?

Not sure I agree that Ken and Norm’s is overpriced at all. Yes, it’s small, but their staff excels at finding great wines for a good price. You’d never find that quality at Chicago Lake, ever. We’re lucky to have them in the neighborhood! It’s one of the better wine shops in the city.
— Wine Fan

It’s a clean and quaint liquor store with high prices. For me, the location is extremely convenient, but I drive down to the store on Cedar & 66^th instead.
I support neighborhood businesses as often as I can, but for me the price is just too high at Ken and Norm’s.

Solid, neighborhood liquor store. Just fine if you need to make a quick beer run, but I wouldn’t drive out of the way to go here. Ken & Norm’s actually came in handy when I needed some Cognac for cooking. They’ve improved their beer selection in the past couple years. They have the basics (including Summit, New Belgium and Bell’s), but nothing out of the ordinary. They do sell a small selection of wine, but I’ve never bought any there.
And, if you bring your kids, they’ll give the young’n a lollipop. I learned this when a guy came in to buy a 40oz with his little girl. It was actually kind of cute.

Seconded on all counts. Awesome folks. If an MGM opened up the road though. These guys would be in bad trouble

Here’s the thing. Its a small neighborhood liquor store, and there is both good and bad associated with that.
The good: It is close to all those who live or work in the Nokomis neighborhood. The owners are fantastic, and if you come often enough they will know you by name or at least by face. They have great recommendations for wine, and they love to joke around. Tuesdays is 10% off all bottles of wine. It is also very safe and very clean as far liquor stores go.
The bad: It is pretty pricey. It is small, so they don’t have every selection of wine or even liquor. Paking can be difficult.
Bottom Line: With Chicago Lake being the next closest liquor store, Ken and Norms is so clearly the safer, cleaner, friendlier place to shop. But you are looking for the best bargain in the cities, go someplace else.