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Rating the Dallas Steakhouse Wine Lists

Points given not just for how many bottles sit in the cellar but how well the list as a whole is curated.
By Nancy Nichols |

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
The standard-bearer for wine lists in Dallas, and arguably in Texas. Impressive not only for a mind-boggling number of both iconic and esoteric selections, but also for breadth and depth: $30 or $30,000, 1847 or 2010, U.S. or European, modern or traditional—Pappas Bros. has it. The plethora of selections can be overwhelming. A full-time team of four sommeliers is on staff to assist. Score: 99

III Forks
Extensive collection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux that leads with the strengths. Emphasis on the Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, and proprietary blends that are the core of most steakhouse lists. There are several vertical selections from some of the better-known and well-regarded classics of California. The interest here is in these classics, not the lesser-known regions and varieties of the world. 96

Al Biernat’s
This list is someone’s baby, as reflected in the well-considered and well-balanced selection. Iconic wines, esoteric wines, “the standards,” value wines, and a few that reflect the buyer’s personal interests. Anyone can find something on this list. The reds go far beyond Cabernet Sauvignon, with a varied selection of alternatives. 94

Bob’s Steak & Chop House
A well-balanced mix of the expected and the interesting. The wines by the glass are well-known, but the list ventures into more intriguing territory as one wanders toward the back, where wines from around the world are located. An oddity is that the list has a large selection of Pinot Noir. Not what one expects from a steakhouse list, but more interesting than many others of similar size. 92

Nick & Sam’s
A well-selected list heavy on American steakhouse wines. All of the usual suspects are represented, including a nice selection of Southern Hemisphere, Italian, and French wines to help round out the list. Straightforward and solid. 92

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Varied selections go beyond usual steakhouse offerings. Some lesser-known, high-quality wines are mixed in, along with recognizable names. Excellent representation on both ends of the price spectrum. Not as many trophy wines as on some other lists, but this one seems to have been created for sales. Easily navigated, with grape types highlighted. 91

Bailey’s Prime Plus
A list with big names and prices to match. This list has many of the highest-end California selections, along with other high-end iconic wines from around the world. Though there are wines in the $30 to $40 price range, and many under $80, the relative pricing of the wines seems high. If you want a trophy wine, it is probably here. 90

Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House
Good representation of wines—if you can find them. The list has a regular section, a section for large-format bottles, and sections labeled Cellar Picks, Premiere Selections, and Wine Specials. It becomes difficult to navigate but has a variety of selections. Large-format bottles are well-represented. 90

The Capital Grille
Created to sell wine rather than collect trophies. This list is corporate-driven, but with consideration of the local market. The nationally available brands are balanced with selections that provide additional depth, including well-selected sections for wines other than the major varieties. Heavier on pricey Bordeaux than the pricier California offerings. 89

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
New World selections dominate, especially for the major grape types. Healthy selection from the United States in the major categories. Old World wines are less represented, and some are mixed into other categories. Wines are in an accessible price range. 89

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
A list that sticks to the standard steakhouse fare in the main sections and well-regarded producers in the minor sections. The approach provides a high chance of finding a high-quality selection, even if you are unfamiliar with the wine. Though not a long list (like several in this section, it is a two-page affair), the reliance on well-respected producers makes for a solid list. 89

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse. Covers the basics with a few amenities thrown in. A couple of vertical selections, a few large-format bottles, and a smattering of offerings from around the world. Short on Bordeaux. A handful of excellent, representative South African and South American wines. 89

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The proportion of Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Syrah is higher here, though Cabernet Sauvignon still dominates. An unusual breakdown of wines by type so that the Meritage and Red Blends section is subdivided into Bordeaux, United States, and International. This is a user-friendly method for directing guests to unfamiliar regions. For those who know European regions, this might be confusing. Overall, a minor issue on an otherwise nice list. For those who know European regions, this might be confusing. Overall, a minor issue on an otherwise nice list. 89

Palm Restaurant
A solid, serviceable list that mostly sticks to the basics. However, the outlying sections of the list have a smattering of unusual offerings that will appeal to the adventurous wine lover. The pricing is fair, and there are several wines in the $30 to $40 range. 88

Morton’s The Steakhouse
Obviously a corporate program, with selections that are available nationwide. They are good examples of their type but do not consider the local market. Not as interesting as some of the other lists, but a competent steakhouse list for a chain. 86

Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Well-exposed wines from the United States. The list has many names recognizable from the local retail store and a limited selection from outside the United States. Covers the standard items on the domestic front without venturing into selections that would round out the list. 86

Ocean Prime
A list for people who have decided that they don’t want a beer or cocktail. Concentrates on big brands and well-known names, many of which will be familiar from the grocery aisles. This emphasis and the division of the list by weight of the wine allow guests to navigate without assistance. What it lacks in originality and number of selections it makes up in the value wine category (under $80) and an extensive by-the-glass selection. 84

The Place at Perry’s
A brief, affordable list that has something from the major areas. It’s designed for quick sales, with a selection that is limited but well-chosen. It has a little something for most tastes without being weighed down with pricey wines that are only showpieces. 84

Dallas Chop House
A list with dual personalities. One emphasizes the higher-end, perceived rarities of the wine world. The other emphasizes value brands. Overall, it looks like it was stocked with wines found in reviews by wine magazines. The advantage is that if you read such magazines, you will know exactly what to buy. But you might have trouble deciphering some names due to many misspellings. 84

Steve Fields’ Steak & Lobster Lounge
A brief, affordable list that offers widely recognized names for accessibility. The list has just enough wines to offer a choice, and the dry wine offerings top at $350. This is less than on many other lists here. 84

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