


The 10 Best Steakhouses in America for Wine Lovers


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Robb Report’s Guide to the Best Steakhouse Wine Programs
For diners who consider a steak not just a meal but an experience, the right bottle of wine can elevate the dish from good to unforgettable. In a recent feature for Robb Report, the culinary experts took a deep dive into the world of steakhouse wine programs, ranking the best establishments for wine lovers across the United States. The list is a treasure map for gourmands and sommelier‑savvy patrons alike, pointing to venues that have combined a passion for premium cuts with an equally deep appreciation for the world’s finest wines.
1. The Palm – New York City
The Palm is often hailed as the gold standard of modern steakhouses. A Michelin‑starred institution on 50 Rockefeller Plaza, it houses a wine list that spans the globe and the ages. With over 1,000 bottles—including 2014 Bordeaux blends, 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, and even a rare 1907 “Bordeaux Wine” from Château Haut-Brion—the Palm offers a breadth that is matched only by its meticulous pairing suggestions. The restaurant’s own “wine club” and on‑site tasting room allow guests to learn about terroir and vintage in an intimate setting. (See the Palm’s full list on their website: https://thepalm.com/wine.)
2. The Grill at the St. Regis – New York City
A short walk from the Palm, The Grill at the St. Regis boasts a wine program that is both historic and contemporary. The restaurant has curated a selection of 1,200+ bottles from classic French estates, Spanish Ribera del Duero, and New World California. What sets it apart is its on‑demand “Wine & Food Pairing” sessions led by a Michelin‑starred sommelier, who offers personalized guidance for every course. Guests can also reserve a private tasting room for a deeper dive into the house’s 30‑year‑old Napa Cabernet and the 2011 Bordeaux Supérieur. (Check their full list here: https://stregis.com/grill-wine.)
3. Keens Steakhouse – New York City
Keens has been synonymous with New York steakhouse sophistication since 1885. Its wine program is a storied legacy in itself, featuring over 600 bottles ranging from the classic French Bordeaux to the robust Spanish Rioja. The restaurant’s “Keens Wine Club” offers members exclusive access to rare vintages, such as a 1966 Château Margaux, and special tastings that focus on the nuances of terroir and aging. The knowledgeable staff are always eager to explain the subtle distinctions between a 2005 Bordeaux blend and a 2005 Napa Cabernet. (Explore Keens’ wine details: https://keens.com/wine.)
4. The Capital Grille – Nationwide
A staple of upscale dining, The Capital Grille’s wine program is designed to reflect both classic European traditions and the bold flavors of the New World. The chain’s collective list exceeds 2,000 bottles and includes flagship options like the 2018 Château Margaux and the 2019 Ridge Vineyards “Zinfandel.” A hallmark of the program is the “Wine & Food Pairing” guide that matches each steak cut with the perfect varietal. In addition, The Capital Grille runs a “Winery of the Month” feature that spotlights a different region or producer in every location. (More details: https://capitalgrille.com/wine.)
5. Mastro’s Steakhouse – Multiple Locations
Mastro’s has earned a reputation not just for its prime cuts but for an expansive wine list that embraces both local and international producers. Each location offers around 1,300 bottles, featuring everything from the iconic Napa Valley Cabernet to the lesser‑known but delicious French Savoyard. The restaurant’s “Mastro’s Wine Pairing Menu” is a handy reference that shows which wine works best with each steak preparation—from dry-aged to butter‑basted. The on‑site sommelier can even guide diners to the best match for a side of their signature “Cacio e Pepe” pasta. (See Mastro’s wine selections: https://mastos.com/wine.)
6. Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Nationwide
Known for its buttery, crust‑seared steaks, Ruth’s Chris has an equally refined wine program that has grown over the years. The restaurant offers a diverse range of 1,200+ bottles from classic Bordeaux to modern New World varietals. A standout feature is the “Ruth’s Chris Wine Pairing Guide,” a digital tool available on their app that helps guests select the best wine for each cut. The chain also collaborates with local vineyards to provide seasonal tasting events, especially during the fall harvest. (Explore their list: https://ruths.chris/wine.)
7. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse – Multiple Locations
Wolfgang’s has earned acclaim for its consistently high‑quality steaks, but its wine program deserves a separate shoutout. The chain curates a selection of 1,500+ bottles that emphasize French and Italian wines, as well as New World classics. What sets Wolfgang’s apart is its “Chef‑Curated Wine Pairing” feature, which pairs each steak preparation with the chef’s personal wine choice. The restaurant’s “Wolfgang’s Wine of the Month” also brings a new region to the table each season, allowing guests to explore emerging wine trends. (Visit: https://wolfgangs.com/wine.)
8. The Oak – Chicago
The Oak in Chicago is a neighborhood gem that pairs a rustic feel with a surprisingly sophisticated wine list. The venue hosts around 700 bottles, focusing on French classics such as the 2014 Château Mont-Redon and the 2019 Domaine de la Romanée‑Conti. The Oak’s “Wine & Food Tasting Nights” allow diners to sample a range of wines with small plates, giving them a chance to taste the difference between a dry and a sweet Riesling. The restaurant also features a private tasting room for corporate events and wine clubs. (More: https://theoakchicago.com/wine.)
9. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse – Nationwide
Del Frisco’s is a fine‑dining steakhouse with an equally fine wine program. Each location boasts a collection of 1,000+ bottles, offering everything from classic Bordeaux to unique New World blends. The “Double Eagle Wine Club” offers members a quarterly tasting of exclusive vintages, such as a 2005 Château Haut-Brion or a 2018 Sula Vineyards “Shiraz.” The restaurant’s sommelier team is also known for creating a “Chef‑Recommended Pairings” list that matches each steak cut to the perfect wine. (Find more: https://delfriscos.com/wine.)
10. The Clubhouse at the Ritz‑Carlton – Various Locations
The Clubhouse at the Ritz‑Carlton offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience, with a wine program that spans over 800 bottles from the world’s best vineyards. The restaurant’s “Clubhouse Wine List” focuses on French, Italian, and New World wines, with a special emphasis on biodynamic and sustainable producers. Guests can attend the “Clubhouse Wine & Food Tasting” series, which explores regional pairings in depth. The Ritz‑Carlton’s sommelier team is always ready to recommend a 2017 Bordeaux Grand Cru or a 2019 Napa Valley Merlot to complement your steak. (See: https://ritzcarlton.com/clubhouse/wine.)
Why These Steakhouses Stand Out
While any well‑run steakhouse can serve a good bottle of wine, the establishments highlighted by Robb Report share a common thread: they treat wine as a core component of the dining experience, not just an add‑on. Each venue offers:
- Curated Lists: Carefully chosen bottles that span age, region, and style.
- Pairing Expertise: Dedicated sommeliers who craft personalized recommendations.
- Tasting Events: Opportunities to explore new vintages and learn about wine’s complexities.
- Wine Clubs and Loyalty Programs: Exclusive access to limited releases and member‑only tastings.
For diners seeking more than just a great cut of meat, these steakhouses provide a holistic gastronomic adventure where wine and steak dance in harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking to elevate your next dinner, Robb Report’s “Best Steakhouse Wine Programs” offers a definitive guide to the top destinations where every glass is worth a second look.
Read the Full Robb Report Article at:
[ https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/lists/best-steakhouse-wine-programs-1237187275/ ]