Retail Wine Prices in a Restaurant? Yes, Really.
Downtown Akron (Bowery District) · Akron · Eclectic / New American · Visit Website ↗
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · June 29, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Crave’s wine list and gave it The Wild Card — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Crave is modest — somewhere in the 30-to-60-label range — but the pricing structure is genuinely unusual in the best possible way. Two nights a week, they sell their entire wine collection at retail with zero corkage. That alone is worth paying attention to.
The list leans toward approachable Italian and South American labels, with names like Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico and Wapisa Malbec anchoring the selection. It's not a deep cellar, and you won't find obscure natural producers or old-world cult bottles here — but that's not the point. The range runs from entry-level bottles around $14–$17 up to $200, which suggests at least some attempt to offer range beyond the obvious crowd-pleasers. We'd love to see more regional exploration, but for downtown Akron, this is a thoughtful starting point.
By-the-glass specifics weren't confirmed during our research, which is a gap. What we do know is that $4.50 glass pours exist, which is either a very good happy hour or a sign that the pour quality matches the price. We'd ask your server before committing to a full glass at that tier.
Wapisa Malbec — $14–$17
On a Tuesday or Wednesday retail night, a bottle of Argentine Malbec at grocery store prices with no markup is a genuinely hard deal to beat. Bring friends.
Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico
Most people at a New American spot head straight for the reds, but this crisp central Italian white is the move with a charcuterie board — and it's priced low enough that you can order a second bottle without doing the math.
Any bottle near the $200 ceiling
We don't have enough intel on what's sitting at the top of this list to recommend pulling the trigger on a high-dollar bottle. On non-retail nights, that markup could sting. Stick to the sweet spot Tuesday through Wednesday.
Villa Barbi Orvieto Classico + Charcuterie Board
Orvieto's light acidity and subtle almond finish cuts right through cured meats and aged cheeses without fighting them. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing call that feels smarter than it looks.
Tuesday & Wednesday — Retail Wine Nights run Tuesday and Wednesday, 11am–10pm. Crave's full wine collection is sold at retail prices with no corkage fees. Entry-level bottles start around $14–$17.
The Bottom Line
Crave isn't a destination wine list — but the Tuesday and Wednesday retail wine nights are one of the better deals in Akron, full stop. If you can time your visit right, it punches well above its weight.
Akron–Canton corridor · Akron · Upscale rustic Italian
The Bistro at Gervasi is a wildcard in the best sense — a full estate wine experience dropped into the middle of northeast Ohio, executed with more care than anyone from out of state would guess. Come curious, skip the cynicism, and let the Nebbiolo do its thing.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Bath / Ghent · Akron · Upscale American / Steakhouse
Ken Stewart's Lodge isn't here to challenge you — it's here to make sure your Napa Cab and your dry-aged steak show up exactly when you want them. Come on a Wednesday, order something from the Stag's Leap end of the list, and you'll leave happy.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
Bath / West Akron border · Akron · Upscale American Steakhouse with Seafood
Ken Stewart's isn't reinventing the steakhouse wine list, but it's executing the classic version with enough depth and care to earn your trust. Show up on a Wednesday, grab the Jordan or Far Niente at half price, and you'll leave happy.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Green / East Akron corridor · Akron · Steakhouse / American
Prime 93 is a perfectly serviceable steakhouse wine list that won't thrill anyone but won't embarrass the table either — fair prices, California-forward, and honest about what it is. Send a friend here for the steak; just don't send them expecting a deep cellar.
Plays It Safe
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Montrose / Fairlawn · Akron · Seafood
Come for the seafood — the Shrimp & Grits and Crab Cake have genuine fans — but come on a Tuesday when the bottles are half off, because that's the only time the wine program makes financial sense. Any other night, order a cocktail.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
East Akron · Akron · Japanese / Hibachi
Hibachi Japan's wine list isn't going to make anyone's bucket list, but it's priced fairly, covers the basics, and won't embarrass you on date night. Order the Riesling or Pinot Gris, enjoy the show, and don't overthink it.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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