Though family-run for more than 18 years, West Lakeview Liquors is hardly a mom-and-pop package store. Unusual wines decorate the display case, foreign beers chill at the front of the freezer, and rare liquors line the shelves. Search as you may, it's impossible to find a nip of Smirnoff anywhere in the shop.

Proprietor Kristina Bozic revitalized the store after her father purchased the building in the '80s, and it has grown into a veritable exotic alcohol haven. Always incessantly researching what's hot and hard to find on the drinkables scene, Bozic will answer any visiting connoisseur's questions with the ease of an expert.

Right now, coveted beers include the Brazilian black beer Xingu and Big Daddy, a bottled IPA from San Francisco. Cork dorks will love the selection of wine from up-and-coming Penedes, Spain, and the featured Pinot Noir from Oregon's Seven Springs Vineyard. If you're in the mood for something stronger, don't expect well bottles. Try Blanton's Original Kentucky Straight Bourbon or a bottle of uber-trendy Effen Black Cherry vodka.

Customers seeking to expand their drinking palate should start their weekend here; on Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m., West Lakeview features free beer and wine tastings. Upcoming events include beer sampling from Weihenstephaner, the world's oldest brewery, and vino from Distinctive Wines.

Centerstage Reviewer: Carly Schwartz