We, for one, buy far fewer beers for the train ride home since we discovered the joys of cough medicine the costs of Grand Central-issued beers went up roughly 25% in May 2008.

Rider/reader ConnecticEnergy offers up a valuable tip for the budget-minded commuter (and who among us is anything but these days?). If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, a wide variety of beers can be purchased at the Rite Aid located along Grand Central’s western flank. Prices are probably half what they charge from the beer guys near the platforms…I’ll have to check it out myself and offer up a detailed report on prices and variety.

Of course, the one downside is the amount of time it would take. The beer guys are quick. The cashiers at Rite Aid not so much, so the Booze it or Lose it rule certainly comes into play.