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About Ernie's Liquors
Ernie's Liquors is a neighborhood bottle shop at 3870 El Camino Real in the southern half of Palo Alto. It describes itself on its website as a wine and liquor store. It covers the three basics: wine, spirits and beer. For residents of the nearby south Palo Alto neighborhoods it is a quick stop for a bottle on the way to dinner or a six-pack for the weekend, without the trip to a big grocery store.
The store keeps long hours. Its website lists 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week, which makes it one of the more convenient options for an evening errand along this part of El Camino Real.
What it sells
The online catalog is organized by category, which gives a good picture of what is on the shelves. It lists:
- Wine: red, white, rosé and sparkling wine, along with dessert wines and port
- Spirits: vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, gin, brandy and liqueurs, plus sake
- Beer: IPAs, ales, lagers, pilsners and stouts, along with hard seltzer
The site also runs sections for current specials and new arrivals. Stock moves quickly at a small store, so if you need a specific bottle, check the online shop or call ahead rather than assuming it is in.
Online ordering and delivery
Ernie's runs its own online store with customer accounts and order history. You can browse by category, add items to a cart and choose delivery. The website lists delivery hours that match the store, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. It also publishes a fulfillment policy that explains how orders are handled. That makes it easy to send a bottle to a dinner party or restock for a gathering without leaving home.
The store also promotes a text message list. Signing up by SMS gets you discounts, according to the site. If you buy from Ernie's often, that list is the simplest way to hear about deals.
Tastings and events
The website has a Tasting and Events page. Small shops tend to post tastings at short notice, so check that page or ask in the store if you want to try something before you buy a full bottle. Staff at a neighborhood store can also be a practical help when you are picking a wine to go with a particular meal.
Planning for a party or gathering
For a larger order, the online shop helps in two ways. You can check what is listed before you commit to a menu. Delivery during the store's daily window also saves carrying cases to the car. Mixing categories is simple too, since wine, spirits, beer and hard seltzer all sit in the same catalog.
If you are hosting guests who do not drink alcohol, plan for that separately. The store's online categories focus on alcohol, so pick up sparkling water, juice or other alternatives at a grocery store. Ask the staff about quantities for a big order, since a small shop may need notice to pull several cases of the same bottle.
Good to know before you buy
California law requires buyers of alcohol to be 21 or older. Bring a valid photo ID when you shop in person. If you order delivery, plan for an adult with ID to be home to receive it.
Prices and selection at independent stores vary from week to week. The website is the most reliable place to see what is currently listed. Ernie's does not publish a founding date or history online, so we have left those details out.
Tips and nearby
The store sits on the El Camino Real corridor in south Palo Alto, near the Barron Park neighborhood. Several restaurants and takeout spots line the same stretch of road, so it is easy to combine a stop here with picking up dinner. Our Barron Park guide covers the surrounding streets. If you would rather drink out than in, our guide to bars, wine and beer lists wine bars and pubs around town. For full grocery runs, specialty food shops and markets, see our groceries and specialty food guide.
Location and getting there
Ernie's Liquors is at 3870 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the South Palo Alto area of Palo Alto. Our South Palo Alto guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.1 miles away. That is roughly a 26 minute walk or a short bike ride.
Parking: street spaces or a small lot nearby; check posted limits.
Hours
| Monday to Sunday | 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
|---|
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 30, 2026.
What is nearby
- State of Mind Slice House, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Starbucks 3885 El Camino Real, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Papa John's, quick-service spot, under 0.1 mi
- HolyShred, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Veterinary Emergency Group, service business, under 0.1 mi
- Boulware Park, 0.4 mi
- Robles Park, 0.5 mi
- Bol Park and its bike path, 0.6 mi
Other groceries and food shops nearby: Driftwood Deli and Market (0.3 mi); Grocery Outlet (0.4 mi); Vin Vino Wine (1.0 mi); Country Sun (1.0 mi). Browse the full groceries and food shops list.
Before you go
- California charges for paper bags at checkout, so bring a reusable bag.
- Weekend late mornings are the busiest time at most Palo Alto grocers. Early mornings and weekday evenings are calmer.
- Specialty items and prepared foods change often. Call ahead if you need something specific.
About this listing
Checked October 30, 2026 against Ernie's Liquors official website. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ernie's Liquors in Palo Alto?
Ernie's Liquors is at 3870 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, in the South Palo Alto area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 1.1 miles away.
What are Ernie's Liquors hours?
Ernie's lists store hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, Monday through Sunday. Its website gives the same window for delivery.
Does Ernie's Liquors deliver?
Yes. The store's website lists delivery hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and has a fulfillment policy page. Orders can be placed through the online shop.
Where is Ernie's Liquors in Palo Alto?
The store is at 3870 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, on the stretch of El Camino Real that runs through south Palo Alto.
What are Ernie's Liquors's hours?
Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m..