There is nothing so deserving of the title “best” as an un-shy and un-stuffy beer-and-wine boutique. WINE GALLERY, a Brookline and Kenmore operation, is both. The underground Kenmore store, stocked with absinthes, microbrews, and wine, is never crowded — not even during an impromptu cheese-and-whiskey tasting. The staff, in jeans and Ts, often suggests a $9 bottle of red over the $40 kind. In Brookline, behold the wine-tasting jukebox, an electronic carousel of 48 wines available for half-ounce pours. Gallery owner Wes Narron describes himself as a “cheap bastard” when it comes to wine, undoubtedly, because he is smart, encouraging locals to learn and taste the wines for themselves. As for beer, Gallery staff recommends Bear Republic Racer 5 ($12.99 six pack), Dupont Foret ($9.95 bottle), or Schneider Edelweiss ($3.95 bottle), in stock in both locations.

WINE GALLERY | 375 Boylston Street (Route 9), Brookline | 617.277.5521 | one other location in Boston | wine-gallery.com