Great Railcar, Forgotten Wine List
Various · Spokane · American Diner · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 17, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into a century-old railcar is genuinely cool — the kind of place that makes you want to order something and linger. Then you see the wine list, and the nostalgia hits differently. Four options, all of them things you've seen at every chain restaurant since 2003.
The list is exactly four wines: White Zin, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Merlot. No producers listed, no regions, no vintages — just the grape names sitting there like a diner menu placeholder that never got updated. This isn't a wine program so much as a legal obligation to have wine on the menu. There's no depth to dive into here, and no indication anyone thought about it beyond checking a box.
All four wines are available by the glass at $8 flat, which is at least honest pricing for what you're getting. There's no rotation, no seasonal swap, no sense that anyone has looked at this list since it was printed. If you're here for wine, you're in the wrong railcar.
Chardonnay — $8
At $8 a glass with no producer markup shenanigans, it's the least offensive pick on the list — and at a diner focused on biscuits and eggs, it's probably fine for what it is.
Merlot
Nobody orders Merlot at a diner, which means the bottle might actually stay fresh longer than the others. Low bar, but here we are.
White Zinfandel
It's 2024. You're sitting in a beautiful vintage railcar. You deserve better than this.
Chardonnay + Biscuits and Gravy
Look, we're not pretending this is a sommelier moment — but a cold glass of Chardonnay cuts through the richness of a heavy biscuits and gravy plate in a way that at least makes sense. Sometimes that's enough.
❌ The Bottom Line
Frank's Diner is absolutely worth visiting for the atmosphere, the corned beef hash, and the nostalgia — just don't come for the wine. Order a coffee or a Bloody Mary and call it a day.
Kendall Yards · Spokane · Winery and craft distillery tasting room with small bites
Browne Family's Spokane room is a confident single-producer tasting experience done right — fair prices, knowledgeable pours, and a genuine case for why Washington State deserves your attention. Send a friend here if they think Washington wine is just an also-ran.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Downtown / Riverside · Spokane · Barbecue / American Tavern
The Blackbird is a genuinely good barbecue tavern that simply doesn't care about wine, and the steep markups on uninspired bottles make that indifference expensive. Come for the smoked meats and a cold beer — if you insist on wine, grab the Milbrandt and move on.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Fondue / Upscale Casual
The Melting Pot Spokane isn't a wine destination, and it's not trying to be — but the Washington State anchors on this list are genuinely good, and if you stick to those, you'll drink well enough for the occasion. Come for the fondue experience, order the Ste. Michelle, and save the serious wine night for somewhere else.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel cocktail bar and lounge with small plates
1919 won't blow any minds, but for a hotel bar in downtown Spokane it earns genuine respect for keeping Washington State producers front and center. Come for the room, stay for the Beresan — just don't expect any surprises in the pricing.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel Rooftop/Terrace Bar
The Grand Terrace Bar is a great place to drink wine in Spokane — just not necessarily great wine. Come for the skyline, order the Riesling, and save the serious bottle hunting for elsewhere.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Wine Bar
Barrister is a genuine Wild Card: a serious urban winery tucked into Spokane's rail district that most wine travelers blow past on their way to Walla Walla. If you're in eastern Washington and you haven't stopped here, you owe yourself a visit.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Side · Stamford · American Diner
City Limits isn't a wine destination, but it's not a wine disaster either — a handful of legitimately interesting bottles are hiding among the crowd-pleasers, and the pricing is tolerable if you know what to order. Come for the comfort food, pick carefully off the list, and you'll have a fine time.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Palm Beach · Palm Beach · American Diner
Surfside Diner knows what it is: a casual spot for comfort food and ocean views. Wine isn't the reason you're here, and the list makes that abundantly clear. Save your wine budget for somewhere that cares.
Grocery Store
Gouge
Stemless Casual
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.