Islands Restaurant – Riverside

Canyon Crest Winery is a genuine local gem for Riverside residents who want to drink well without driving to Temecula. It's not a deep-list destination, but for a casual pour at fair prices in a relaxed setting, it earns its spot on the map.

Sizzler's wine program is a formality, not a feature. Come for the salad bar and the cheese toast, order a soda or a beer, and save your wine curiosity for literally anywhere else.

Yard House is a beer destination that happens to pour wine, and the wine list knows its place. Unless you're genuinely stuck here and need something in a glass, skip the wine, order a craft draft, and let the beer list do what it was built to do.

Cask 'n Cleaver isn't a destination for wine, but it's not embarrassing either — come for the prime rib, pick Jordan Cab, and call it a solid night. If you're serious about the bottle, check the markup before you commit.

Come to Chevys Riverside for the fajitas, the tableside guac, and absolutely the margaritas — the wine list is there for completeness, not conviction. If wine is your priority tonight, this is the wrong zip code.

PF Chang's Tyler Street isn't a wine destination, but it's not trying to be — and within those limits, it mostly delivers. Bring someone who wants a solid glass with dinner, not someone who wants to geek out over a list.