Student Life and your parents will remind you ad nauseum to make smart decisions when you drink. And you should. But that doesn’t mean you have to be careless in your spending. A cursory search reveals that there are 431 (!) liquor stores, give or take, in the Baltimore area, and it’s a fallacy to think they’re all created equal. Here are some of the highlights—our recommendations for you (or your “novelty identity”) to peruse between the all-nighters in the library stacks.

Near Coppin State University

Rudies Liquors

3107 W. North Ave., (410) 945-3024

A checks cashed sign is not necessarily a good sign. There aren’t many liquor stores to speak of near Coppin that don’t bear this mark, at least not many that are exceptional. Rudies is among those that are fine with you cashing your checks somewhere else. Thumbs up for that.

Jason’s Liquor

1209 W. North Ave., (410) 669-5726

Remember that thing about all liquor stores not being created equal? Well that sorta falls apart when you get far enough downtown. Despite this, Jason’s has got some dirt-cheap deals and covers the basics well, although you probably want to head a bit further afield for better selection.

Near University of Baltimore/Maryland Institute College of Art

Federal Hill Wine and Spirits

901 S. Charles St., (410) 539-7757

Fed Hill isn’t really known for bulk liquor sales, but don’t sleep on this corner joint with character. It’s got some, but not too much, of what you need, and it makes the choosing part easy. Located down the street from every bar that would otherwise have your money, Federal Hill Wine and Spirits is prime for a little taste when you’re not feelin’ a night out.

Jerome’s Liquors

2 E. Preston St., (410) 685-4275

Much like Jason’s, Jerome’s is an indistinguishable big-city standard: small storefront, tight selection, and low prices, and the hassle-free commute makes it worth checking out.

Spirits of Mount Vernon

900 N. Charles St., (410) 727-7270

The staff at Spirits isn’t playing when it comes to its selection. Don’t come looking for Natural Light—the beer selection is high-end only. Still, Spirits is a nice change of pace. Worth a look for weekend tastings alone.

Near Johns Hopkins University

Hopkins Deli Restaurant

110 W. 39th Street, (410) 366-6603

Hopkins Deli has got the food ‘n’ booze run covered to perfection with its full kitchen. A fair price on kegs ($80 plus deposit) balances out the $18 30-packs, but when it’s 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday and it’s the only place open, who’s complaining?

The Wine Source

3601 Elm Ave., (410) 467-7777

The Wine Source is almost blindingly bright. That’s because it’s Valhalla: some 1,500-plus beers, 5,000-plus wines, and all the accoutrements at decent prices. Party hosts can order from the four-page keg list (sixths, quarters, and halves) or, if you’re tired of swilling keg beer, the mix ‘n’ match six-pack wall will help widen your palate. Progressive discounts for those who buy in bulk. Be not afraid, step into the light.

Near Loyola University Maryland/College of Notre Dame of Maryland

Corky’s Liquors

5406 York Road, (410) 323-0676

Low-budget liquor stores are about as common on the Govanstown end of York/Greenmount as lake-trout joints, but Corky’s gets the nod for sheer proximity (especially from East campus). Fair pricing, decent selection, and location, location, location.

Jerry’s Belvedere Tavern

5928 York Road, (410) 435-8600

Jerry’s makes a good buck selling the cheapest of the cheap beer (we’re talking Boh Ice), but this half-bar/half-packie does it later than everyone. Open till 2 a.m. every night, Jerry’s makes the postgame possible after an evening of the regular on York.

Roland Park Wines and Liquors

4032 Roland Ave., (410) 366-1676

A small space with a warehouse feel, Roland Park is a seldom-visited stalwart near Loyola’s west side. This serviceable little spot is a bit heavy on the “wine and liquors” end of the spectrum, so if you don’t “do” beer, take the short walk.

Wine Underground

4400 Evans Chapel Road, (410) 467-1615

Roland Park isn’t necessarily the most party-hearty neighborhood in town, but everybody likes to drink, right? Thus this 900-plus bottle seller with a wine dungeon that’d give “The Cask of Amontillado” a run for its grapes. But the Roland Park attitude stops at the door. Run by a coupla down-to-earth dudes, Wine Underground treats undergrads well. Students with valid ID get 5 percent off beer and 10 percent of wine/hard stuff, and they deliver (no charge, negotiable minimum, tips optional). Sign up for the mailing list to get info on tastings.

Near Morgan State University

Beltway Fine Wine

8727 Loch Raven Blvd., Towson, (410) 668-8884

Unfortunately for Morgan students, it takes a bit of a drive to get to the kickass spots. Beltway is, simply, the ass-kickingest. Thirties for $15.99? Check. Vodka for $5.99? Double check. “Maryland’s Wine Super Store” has aisles and aisles of hard liquor and a mix ‘n’ match section that puts the Wine Source to shame—no simple task.

> Email Jerard Fagerberg