Janko's Little Zagreb Restaurant
Napa's Greatest Hits, Indiana Steakhouse Style
Bloomington · Bloomington · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 14, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
You're in a packed, lively steakhouse in Bloomington, Indiana — not exactly Napa Valley — and yet the wine list reads like someone raided a California wine shop and called it a day. It's familiar, it's confident, and it's unapologetically built around big reds and rich whites that know their audience.
Selection Deep Dive
The list is a California greatest hits album: Caymus, Jordan, Stag's Leap, Shafer, Duckhorn, Cakebread, Rombauer — all the names your uncle who 'knows wine' drops at Thanksgiving. There's real quality here, no question, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence they've held since 2009 confirms the list isn't accidental. What's missing is any meaningful departure from the California playbook — no Rhône, no Burgundy, no domestic surprises from Oregon or Virginia. If you came hoping to discover something new, you're in the wrong room.
By the Glass
With 10 to 16 pours available, the by-the-glass program gives you enough to work with across a full dinner. Expect the same California-centric lineup in smaller format — Chardonnay and Cabernet dominate, which honestly tracks perfectly with what's coming out of the kitchen. Rotation feels static rather than seasonal, but the quality of the producers means you're unlikely to be let down.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $60
Jordan is the rare California Cab that leans elegant over extracted — it's structured enough to hold up to the steaks without bulldozing the table. If the markup lands anywhere near reasonable in its tier, it's your most satisfying call on the list.
Duckhorn Merlot
Everyone at this table is ordering Cabernet, and that's exactly why you should pivot. Duckhorn's Merlot is plush and serious — it carries the weight the kitchen demands and tends to be underordered, which sometimes means better pricing and fresher pours.
Rombauer Chardonnay
Rombauer is everywhere, and it's everywhere for a reason — but that reason is marketing as much as merit. At steakhouse markup, you're overpaying for a wine that's become a brand reflex rather than a choice. Grab the Cakebread if you want California Chardonnay with a little more restraint.
Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon + Daily Cut Steak
Shafer's Cabernet is dense, dark-fruited, and built for exactly this moment — a thick, properly seared steak in a loud room with people who are having a good time. It's not subtle, and it doesn't need to be.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Janko's Little Zagreb isn't trying to reinvent the wine list — it's trying to make sure you drink well while eating a great steak in Bloomington, Indiana, and on that mission it largely succeeds. Send your California Cab-loving friends here without hesitation; just don't expect to be surprised.
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