Palo Alto

BarZola plays it straight — a focused French-and-California list with a knowledgeable sommelier in Joel Romer and a room that actually wants you to enjoy your wine. Markups keep it from being a destination for the bottle-list obsessive, but for a polished Palo Alto bistro dinner, you're in capable hands.

Sundance is a reliable, well-stocked California steakhouse wine program that plays to its audience without taking many risks. If you love Napa Cab with your steak and don't need the list to challenge you, this is a very comfortable place to spend an evening and a budget.