Eddie Merlot's
Big list, safe choices, solid execution
Downtown · Pittsburgh · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 22, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Eddie Merlot's Pittsburgh lands with some weight — 165 selections, a dedicated reserve list, and a sommelier on staff signals this place takes wine seriously for a chain. The room backs it up: low lights, proper stemware already on the table, and a menu that doesn't flinch at $90 entrees. You're in a steakhouse that at least read the wine chapter.
Selection Deep Dive
The list is California through and through — Duckhorn, The Prisoner, Joel Gott, Josh Cellars, and the house Eddie Merlot label anchor a lineup built for red meat and crowd comfort. There's nothing wrong with any of it, but if you're hoping for a Jura oddity or a grower Champagne, keep scrolling (or don't bother). The reserve list adds some depth, but the overall DNA is recognizable labels at recognizable price points rather than anything that'll surprise you. Old World representation exists but it's clearly the supporting cast here.
By the Glass
Seventy-five wines by the glass is a genuinely impressive number — most steakhouses offer a fraction of that. The range spans the full list from house pours up through reserve selections, which means you can actually taste your way through a meal rather than committing to a bottle immediately. The catch: with that many options and no clear rotation signal, the list can feel like a catalog rather than a curated conversation.
Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon — $12
Joel Gott punches above its approachable price point — it's consistent, fruit-forward, and holds its own against the beef on your plate without asking you to refinance anything.
Eddie Merlot's Pinot Noir
House-label wines usually deserve skepticism, but this one earns a look — it's the restaurant's own skin in the game, priced to move, and Pinot at a steakhouse is a contrarian move that actually works if you're going salmon or lighter cuts.
The Prisoner Wine Company Red Blend
The Prisoner is everywhere, and steakhouses charge accordingly. You're paying a significant premium for a label you can grab at any grocery store wine aisle — the markup here doesn't add anything the wine doesn't already deliver at retail.
Duckhorn Merlot + Filet Mignon
Duckhorn built its reputation on exactly this pairing — the wine's plum-dark fruit and structured tannins don't overpower the filet the way a big Cab can, letting the cut's tenderness actually land.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Eddie Merlot's Pittsburgh is a reliable, well-staffed steakhouse wine program that plays it safe with California crowd-pleasers and charges you a bit for the privilege. Send a friend here who wants a great glass with their filet and zero surprises — just don't expect to discover anything new.
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