Skip the wine, order a Dollarita
Dirksen Parkway / Sunrise Drive · Springfield · American Chain · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed July 4, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at this Applebee's is exactly what you'd expect from a laminated insert tucked between the riblet combos and the seasonal cocktail promos. It's short, it's corporate, and it reads like the bottom shelf of a gas station wine section. There's nothing wrong with it if you're not here for wine — and you probably shouldn't be.
We're looking at 10 to 15 bottles, all California, all from brands that spend more on TV advertising than on viticulture. Sutter Home, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, and Beringer Main & Vine represent the full depth of ambition here. No regions beyond the Central Valley, no independent producers, no attempt at variety beyond the classic Chardonnay-Cab-White Zin trifecta. This is a list designed to move volume, not spark curiosity.
Five pours available, priced between $5 and $9 — which, to be fair, is as cheap as it gets in a sit-down restaurant. The range covers the basics: a white, a blush, and a red or two. There's no rotation, no seasonal swap, no bartender riff on what's drinking well right now. What's on the list today is what was on it six months ago and will be on it six months from now.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay — $7
At around $7 a glass, it's an inoffensive, approachable Chardonnay that costs less than a movie ticket. It's not exciting, but it's the least offensive thing on the list and won't fight with anything on the menu.
Beringer Main & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon
Most people ignore the house Cab at a place like this, but at these prices it's actually a reasonable red to sip alongside the bigger meat dishes. It's not a hidden gem in any real wine sense — but relative to its surroundings, it punches adequately.
Sutter Home White Zinfandel
It's sweet, it's pink, and it peaked in 1988. There is no scenario in which this is the right call. Order the lemonade.
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay + Fiesta Lime Chicken
The slight sweetness and soft acidity in the Woodbridge Chardonnay doesn't fight the lime and chili seasoning on the Fiesta Lime Chicken the way a tannic red would. It's not a sophisticated pairing — but it's the best option available here.
❌ The Bottom Line
We wouldn't send anyone to Applebee's specifically for the wine, and we won't start now. If you're here, you're here for the food, the vibe, or the company — and that's perfectly fine. Just know that the wine list is purely incidental.
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Outback Springfield isn't where you go to geek out on wine, and it doesn't pretend to be — the list is honest, the prices are reasonable for a chain sit-down, and the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling alone is worth knowing about. If you're here for a steak and you want something decent in your glass, you'll be fine.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Springfield · Springfield · American Chain
The markup is shockingly fair, but you're paying near-retail for wines you could grab at Walgreens on the way home. Order a cocktail, order a beer, and save the wine night for literally anywhere else.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Unknown · Springfield · Steakhouse
LongHorn Springfield isn't a wine destination — but with markups this low and pours this affordable, it's one of the better casual chain options in Illinois for a simple red with a big steak. Send a friend here for dinner; just don't tell them to geek out over the list.
Crowd Pleasers
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Unknown · Springfield · Italian Chain
Olive Garden Springfield isn't a wine destination, but it's not a wine disaster either — fair markups, a couple of genuinely decent pours, and prices that won't sting. Order the Chianti Classico, enjoy your breadsticks, and don't overthink it.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Unknown · Springfield · American Steakhouse, Casual Dining
Texas Roadhouse is not a wine destination — it's a steak and ribs destination with a wine list that exists because it has to. Order a beer or a cocktail and save the wine drinking for somewhere that cares.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Springfield · Springfield · Seafood and Wine Bar
If you're here for the seafood, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling has your back and the prices won't hurt. But calling this a wine bar sets an expectation the list can't come close to meeting — order your glass, enjoy the crab cakes, and don't think too hard about what's in the bottle.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.