Frederick's Restaurant
Old-School Fine Dining, Old-School Wine Pricing
San Antonio · San Antonio · French-Continental · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 10, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Frederick's wine list reads like a time capsule from 2005—safe European classics and Napa heavyweights priced like they're being served at The French Laundry. The 100+ bottle selection sounds impressive until you realize it's mostly the same producers you'd find at any upscale steakhouse, marked up to painful levels.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans heavily on the usual suspects: Napa Cabs (Duckhorn, Silver Oak), Italian crowd-pleasers (Santa Margherita), and French blue-chips (Louis Jadot, Taittinger). There's depth in Burgundy and Bordeaux, and the range hits all the major regions, but there's zero adventure here—no natural wines, no smaller producers, no regional deep cuts. It's the wine equivalent of ordering a Caesar salad: you know exactly what you're getting, and you're paying way too much for it. The list serves its clientele—anniversary dinners and business meals—but it doesn't inspire.
By the Glass
The 12-15 glass pours run $7-$19, which sounds reasonable until you see what you're actually getting for that price. Expect the standard lineup: a Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay, a Cab, maybe a Malbec. Nothing rotates, nothing seasonal, nothing interesting. These are set-it-and-forget-it pours designed not to offend anyone, which also means they won't excite anyone.
Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc — $32
At 60% markup, it's the least offensive bottle pricing-wise, and Matanzas Creek delivers consistent Sonoma quality
Louis Jadot Meursault
Most people gravitate toward the Napa Cabs, but this white Burgundy is the most interesting wine on the list and shows actual restraint
Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio
A 152% markup on a $25 retail bottle that's available at every grocery store in America is straight-up disrespectful
Louis Jadot Meursault + Dover Sole
The minerality and weight of white Burgundy matches the delicate, buttery preparation of Dover Sole without overwhelming it
❌ The Bottom Line
Frederick's treats wine like an afterthought ATM—safe selections marked up to strip-mall steakhouse levels. Come for the Dover Sole, order a cocktail instead.
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