Ad Hoc

You walk into Ad Hoc expecting fried chicken and family-style comfort food — the wine list mostly confirms that vibe. It's Napa-forward, approachable, and curated just enough to feel intentional without requiring any homework. Thomas Keller's name is on the door, so the infrastructure is solid even if the list doesn't exactly swing for the fences.

The 100–200 bottle list leans hard into Napa Valley, which makes sense given the zip code, but it can feel like a greatest-hits compilation rather than a thoughtful exploration. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, with supporting roles from Chardonnay, Syrah, cool-climate Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel rounding out the California story. The token French presence — a 2015 Domaine de Figueirasse Grenache Gris from Languedoc sitting around $40 — is the most interesting detour on the list and suggests someone in the building has at least one passport stamp worth respecting. The gaps are real though: if you're hoping for Italian, Spanish, or anything from the Southern Hemisphere, you'll be disappointed.

The glass program runs roughly 8–15 options and spans the price ladder from $15 to $35, which is a reasonable spread for the neighborhood. The Domaine Carneros Blanc de Noir anchors the entry point and earns its spot — it's a proper sparkling wine that works with the food. The Modicum Red Blend tops out the list at $35 a glass and is a polished Napa pour, though at that price you're already doing the math on a bottle.