Bloomington

LongHorn's wine list exists to check a box, not to elevate your meal. Stick to the Riesling or the Meiomi, enjoy your steak, and don't expect the wine program to be the reason you came.

Logan's Roadhouse is a perfectly fine place to eat a steak and throw peanut shells on the floor — but the wine list is an afterthought, and the markup makes ordering a bottle feel like a small punishment. Stick to one glass of the Riesling or pivot to a beer.

Jim's isn't trying to be a wine destination and it doesn't pretend otherwise — but the markups are fair, the selections are well-matched to the food, and there's enough range to keep things interesting for a night out. Send a friend here for the steak; the wine will hold up just fine.

You're not coming to Hy-Vee Market Grille for a wine revelation — but on a Wednesday, with half-price pours and half-price sushi, it's one of the better casual deals in town. Manage expectations, bring cash, and embrace the absurdity.

Biaggi's is a perfectly decent dinner out, but the wine list is running on autopilot — familiar brands, steep markups, and zero curiosity. Order the Chianti, enjoy the pasta, and don't expect the wine to be the reason you come back.

Ancho & Agave is not a wine destination, and it knows it — but Wednesday half-price pours at a fun taco spot is a perfectly good reason to skip the cocktail menu for once. Come for the food, grab the Borsao Rosé, and leave the wine nerd hat at home.