Liquor (and beer/wine) for sale at Town Center Hardware at Lake Forest Park Town Center

New stock at Town Center Hardware in LFP
Photo by Vicki Rhoades

By Victoria Rhoades, ND

A recent visit to Town Center Hardware (light bulbs, anyone? bark mulch?) brought a bit of surprise: displays of liquor, beer, and wine , up front, just to the left of the cash registers as one enters. I realize that grocery stores and large box stores are now selling spirits, but the neighborhood hardware store? The enclosed area with these products is small, but many intriguing products are represented.

Co-owners Joe and Tim Ulrich affirmed that yes, they now have spirits for sale. The majority of what they carry is smaller, local, artisanal liquors – the kind that might be difficult to locate otherwise. Further, they can special order products on request, although it can take some time to get them in.

It makes a pretty display
Liquor sales at Town Center Hardware in LFP
Photo by Vicki Rhoades

Additionally, they have beer and wine, although it’s primarily products that are more popular to the general public. Again, if you have a favorite, you can special order it: their business model is to stock based on popularity, but with the flexibility for customers to order specific products. Further, if enough people ask for a specific item, they can include it as a regularly stocked item.

Tim and Joe left me with the following advice for readers: “Shop often.” We will. We already do shop often from them!

My husband and I buy many things from them, although I plan to buy more bark mulch than liquor. 

Town Center Hardware is on the upper level of the Lake Forest Park mall, 17171 Bothell Way at Ballinger Way NE.