Malbec-Forward List Built for Beef
West Loop · Chicago · Argentinean Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Updated April 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · March 8, 2026
RagingWine reviewed El Che Steakhouse & Bar’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at El Che knows exactly what it is: a South American-focused steakhouse program built around Argentinean Malbecs and a handful of Spanish reds. The selection of 100-150 bottles leans heavily into the restaurant's theme, with Catena Zapata anchoring the list and Torrontés representing the white wine contingent. It's not trying to be a wine destination — it's trying to pair well with a 48-ounce porterhouse.
Argentina dominates the list as expected, with multiple Malbec producers from Mendoza and a respectable showing of Spanish Riojas and Ribera del Duero for those who want Old World structure with their beef. The list stays in its lane — no Burgundy detours, no natural wine experiments, just solid crowd-pleasers that won't confuse anyone ordering a ribeye. The Catena Zapata wines get prominent placement, and while that's a safe play, it's also a smart one given the quality-to-recognition ratio. What's missing is depth beyond the obvious: minimal Bonarda, no Uruguayan Tannat, and the white wine section is thin enough to skip entirely unless you're committed to Torrontés with your empanadas.
The by-the-glass program offers 12-15 options, which sounds generous until you realize most are pulling double duty as safe pours for business dinners. Expect Malbec in three price tiers, a Torrontés, and a few Spanish reds that won't scare anyone. Rotation appears minimal — this is a set-it-and-forget-it list designed for consistency rather than discovery.
Catena Malbec — $45-55
Entry-level Catena delivers Mendoza concentration without the triple-digit markup of their high-altitude bottlings
Torrontés
Most people default to red with steak, but Argentina's aromatic white is fantastic with the grilled shellfish parrillada and cuts through the char
Premium Catena Zapata bottles over $150
The markup on top-tier Catena gets aggressive — you're paying for the name recognition at steakhouse prices
Malbec from Mendoza + Prime Center Cut Ribeye (14oz)
The classic pairing exists for a reason — Malbec's dark fruit and smooth tannins match the char and fat without fighting the beef
The Bottom Line
El Che's wine program does exactly what it needs to: support a meat-forward menu without getting in the way. The markups are steakhouse-standard (read: steep), and you won't find any surprises, but if you're here for Argentinean beef and want Argentinean wine to match, it delivers.
Logan Square · Chicago · Italian
For a bottle night, start with Thursday's advertised half-price selection. Wednesday's posted four-course menu is $55 with an optional $30 wine pairing, before other charges. The restaurant discloses a 3.75% administrative fee on guest checks; confirm current terms when booking.
Lincoln Park · Chicago · American Casual
Summer House is not a wine destination, but it's a reliable place to drink well enough without getting gouged on the low end — just steer clear of the big-name bottles where the markup climbs. Send your friend here if they want something easy and good; don't send them here if they're chasing something serious.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Chicago · Italian
il Carciofo is doing something genuinely rare: building a wine list that treats Italian regional variety as the main event, not the footnote. If you're tired of the same Pinot Grigio and Chianti Classico circuit, this is exactly where you should be eating dinner.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Chicago · Chicago · Steakhouse
STK Chicago is here to sell you a night out, and the wine list is just part of the set dressing. If you care about what's in your glass, eat here for the steak and order water.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Chicago · French Brasserie
La Grande Boucherie Chicago is a reliable wine destination for anyone who wants a French-focused list executed with genuine effort and the occasional smart value. The markups aren't shy, but the BTG program and specials take some of the sting out — go in with a plan and you'll drink well.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
· Chicago · Steakhouse
This is not the wine list you expect to find at The Palm, and that's exactly why it earns attention. Six bottles, zero filler, genuinely fair pricing — if someone's tending this list, they deserve a raise.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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