Independence Place

Pros

• Speakeasy has a great selection of beer, wine, and spirits at reasonable prices.
• The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
• The craft beer selection is outstanding and varied.
• The store offers a convenient drive-thru option.
• The atmosphere is friendly, well-stocked, and clean.
• The staff helps customers find what they're looking for and remembers preferences.
• The cigar room and high-end selections appeal to enthusiasts.
• Speakeasy stocks a wide range of high-end beverages, including wines and specialty items.
• The prices are competitive and the service is excellent.

Cons

• The cashier talked down to a customer and told them to leave their purse at the front, which felt personal and disrespectful.
• A second staff member was rude and refused to fix the mispriced item after a 30-minute wait.
• Ownership is criticized for treating the business as a cookie-cutter corporate joint rather than investing time in it.
• Prices were described as a little high for a high-end store.
• Liquors were placed in the wrong locations, and staff were slow to correct it.

Review

Speakeasy comes through in these reviews as a destination with an enormous and varied catalog of alcohol and related products. Shoppers repeatedly note that the store offers a broad array of options across spirits, wine, and craft beer, with many saying there's "a huge variety of spirits and wine" and "an awesome craft beer section." Several reviewers point out that you can find interesting or high-end items here, and a few even call it the "best craft beer selection in Southern Illinois." The impression is that, whatever you're seeking, you're likely to encounter it in this store.

The mood inside Speakeasy is consistently described as welcoming and well-stocked. Multiple customers compliment the atmosphere as "very clean and classy," with a "humidor" and a dedicated space for cigars that many people clearly appreciate. The store's ability to surprise with new or notable items is a common thread, from "things not at the other spirit stores" to distinctive picks like the "short story cigars with a microbrew." The overall sense is that Speakeasy is a place to explore, not just shop, thanks to its inviting layout and the breadth of its inventory.

Staff and service recur as a major strength in these reviews. A large portion of commenters praise the employees for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Phrases like "Staff is always friendly," "very knowledgeable," and "they remember what we want" appear repeatedly, underscoring the perception of experienced staff who can guide customers to what they're seeking. There are also explicit compliments about great customer service, including the sentiment that staff can locate almost anything and offer informed recommendations. In some accounts, this positive experience is tied to the personal touch and the staff's willingness to help.

There are a few practical features that reviewers consistently highlight as plusses. The drive-through option is singled out as a convenient perk, and the store is frequently described as a good place to stock up on both everyday needs and special occasions. The cigar segment gets specific praise for its selection and the atmosphere of the dedicated room, while some shoppers mention the well-rounded variety of mixers and other accompaniments that make Speakeasy a one-stop shop for parties and gifts. In short, Speakeasy is seen as a store that provides not just products but also useful features that enhance the shopping experience.

Price and value are a mixed but generally favorable theme. Several reviewers describe the prices as "great," "reasonable," or "cheapest in town," which reinforces the sense of good value for the breadth of selection. Others acknowledge the store leans toward a higher-end inventory and note that some items may be priced higher than average. A few comments suggest the prices can feel a bit steep at times, but this is often tempered by the perception of quality, variety, and the exclusive or premium nature of certain offerings.

Not every experience is perfect, and a few reviews recount hiccups that temper the otherwise overwhelmingly positive sentiment. There are reports of disorganization in some cases - liquors placed in the wrong spots and a suggestion that adjustments to prices could be handled more efficiently. One shopper besides expresses frustration with a rude interaction and a long wait for a price fix, while another notes a delay before a cashier would address a concern. These episodes are isolated, but they illustrate that even in a highly regarded store, customer experiences can vary.

Taken together, the reviews portray Speakeasy as a standout in its region for selection, atmosphere, and service. The store earns frequent praise for offering a wide and compelling range of beers, wines, and spirits, including plenty of high-end and interesting options, along with a strong cigar selection and a well-appointed environment. The staff's friendliness and knowledge are repeatedly highlighted as a key driver of satisfaction, even as a few customers report occasional missteps. For those chasing breadth, expert guidance, and a comfortable shopping ambiance, Speakeasy appears to be a go-to destination with rewards that far outweigh its occasional rough patches.

This part of Herrin, Illinois offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies nearby, including Walgreens and Phil's Prescription Drugs, medication needs can easily be met. Places of worship such as First Baptist Church and Southern Illinois Worship Center provide opportunities for spiritual connection and community involvement. There are also a variety of dining options in the area, from casual sports bars like Teddy's Sports Bar & Grill to more formal restaurants like Thai-D. For medical care, there are various physicians and hospitals within a short distance, including New Life Weight Loss Center and Herrin Hospital. Additionally, parks like Cannon Memorial Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for convenience and amenities in their daily lives.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• Phil's Prescription Drugs (0.3 miles)
• Logan Primary Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Uvanta Pharmacy Southern Il (3 miles)
• Walgreens (5.5 miles)
• Bandy Drugs (5.7 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Baptist Church (0.2 miles)
• Christian Life Center (2.3 miles)
• Church of God (2.4 miles)
• Southern Illinois Worship Center (2.5 miles)
• Biblevoice USA (4.3 miles)
• First Apostolic Church (6 miles)
• Freedom Freewill Baptist Church (6.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Mary's Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• Teddy's Sports Bar & Grill (1.1 miles)
• J & J Time Out Sports Bar (1.1 miles)
• Cakes By Ally (3.8 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)
• Country Cupboard Restaurant (3.9 miles)
• Thai-D (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• New Life Weight Loss Center (0.9 miles)
• Southern Illinois Healthcare (1 miles)
• Southern Illinois Dermatology (1.2 miles)
• Talley Eye Care (2.5 miles)
• Jackson Vision & Laser Center (2.7 miles)
• Christopher Rural Health (2.8 miles)
• Si Neurology & Sleep Medicine (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Herrin Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Marion Hospital Corporation (3.5 miles)
• Marion Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic (3.5 miles)
• Memorial Hospital Cancer Center (3.6 miles)
• Va Medical Center (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Cannon Memorial Park (3.9 miles)
• Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (4.7 miles)
• Ray Fosse Park (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Brookes Blue Moose (4.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)
• Andresen's (5.9 miles)