Butter
Midtown's Calm, Capable Wine Anchor
Midtown Manhattan · New York · American, French · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 19, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Butter arrives feeling deliberate — not flashy, but put together. California and France anchor everything, which makes sense given the room: upscale Midtown, warm lighting, the kind of crowd that knows Caymus but might not know much past it. It's a list that respects its audience without challenging them.
Selection Deep Dive
At 150–200 bottles, Butter has enough range to reward a curious diner without overwhelming anyone. California leads the charge with recognizable heavyweights — Caymus, Stag's Leap, Opus One — while France fills in with Louis Jadot Burgundy doing solid, reliable work. Jordan Chardonnay rounds out a Cali whites section that's crowd-friendly but won't surprise anyone. There's a noticeable gap when it comes to anything off the beaten path: no real adventurous producers, no esoteric regions, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling is about as wild as it gets. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is well-earned for what this list is — a competently curated, California-and-France-focused program that matches the room.
By the Glass
Twelve to eighteen pours by the glass is a respectable range for Midtown, and Butter does make an effort to keep recognizable names in rotation. Expect the usual suspects — think California Cabs and French whites — though don't count on a lot of rotation or surprise additions. It gets the job done for a pre-theater crowd or a quick business dinner, even if the glass program won't have you lingering over a second pour out of pure excitement.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery Chardonnay — $12
Jordan Chardonnay is one of California's most consistently overperforming bottles at its price point — creamy, well-made, and not trying to be Burgundy. If it's available by the glass at the low end of their range, it's the most honest spend on the list.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
It's the outlier on an otherwise California-and-France-heavy list, and most people at Butter walk right past it. Washington Riesling at this level is electric with acid and fruit, and it's almost certainly the most underpriced, underordered bottle in the room — especially next to the Butter Poached Lobster.
Opus One
Opus One is a trophy bottle, and Butter prices it like one. You're paying for the name and the bragging rights, not for a wine that dramatically outperforms everything else on the list. At a Midtown markup, the delta between what you spend and what you taste is steep — order the Stag's Leap and pocket the difference.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Wagyu Beef
Stag's Leap built its reputation on structured, elegant Cabs that don't bludgeon you — which is exactly what Wagyu needs. The beef's richness absorbs the tannin, and the wine's dark fruit plays off the fat without overwhelming the delicate texture. It's the most straightforward great call on the menu.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Butter is a reliable, well-intentioned wine list that earns its Award of Excellence without pushing any envelopes — if you're in Midtown and want a solid California or French bottle to go with serious food, you won't leave disappointed. Just don't come here looking for discovery; come here to eat well and drink confidently.
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