Tuesday Saves You From the Rest
Montrose / Fairlawn · Akron · Seafood · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · June 29, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Kingfish Seafood’s wine list and gave it The Lazy List — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Take Vibe Match and we’ll tell you what to order here.
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Kingfish reads like someone handed a grocery store circular to a restaurant manager and said 'that's fine.' Meiomi, Kim Crawford, Josh Cellars, Kendall-Jackson — it's every safe, recognizable label you've seen a hundred times before, priced like they're hard to find.
There's no geographic ambition here — no coastal whites from Muscadet or Vermentino that would make actual sense on a seafood menu, no interesting bubbles beyond a La Marca Prosecco. The list leans on California workhorses and a couple of Washington state ringers, and that's about the extent of the adventure. To their credit, Cakebread Chardonnay and Louis M. Martini Napa Cab give the list a modest upper tier, and those two are actually marked up at a more reasonable rate than the entry-level bottles. But the overall range feels like it was curated for people who eat at chain restaurants and want something familiar, not for people who love seafood and want a wine that actually complements it.
By-the-glass specifics aren't published, which is its own kind of answer. Given the bottle list is built almost entirely from high-volume national brands, expect the glass pours to mirror that — probably five to eight options cycling through the usual suspects. Not much rotation to look forward to.
Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay — $82
At 82% over retail, this is the least-gouged bottle on the list. Relative to everything else here, that counts as a deal. It's a real wine from a real producer, and it'll actually hold up next to something like the Pecan-Crusted Grouper.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Most people at a place like this will skip right past the Riesling, which is a mistake when you're eating seafood. It's the most food-friendly white on the list — the acidity and subtle sweetness work with dishes like the Maryland Crab Cake in a way that a buttery Kendall-Jackson Chard simply won't. Just know you're paying nearly triple retail for it, so factor that in.
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
A $15 grocery store Cab marked up to $40 at a seafood restaurant. There's no version of this that makes sense. Skip it on principle.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling + Maryland Crab Cake
Off-dry Riesling and crab is a classic combination for a reason — the wine's gentle sweetness and bright acidity cut through the richness of the crab and complement any Old Bay seasoning without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor.
Tuesday — Half-off all bottles of wine under $99 with the purchase of a meal. This is the move — it's the only time the markups here don't sting.
The Bottom Line
Come for the seafood — the Shrimp & Grits and Crab Cake have genuine fans — but come on a Tuesday when the bottles are half off, because that's the only time the wine program makes financial sense. Any other night, order a cocktail.
Akron–Canton corridor · Akron · Upscale rustic Italian
The Bistro at Gervasi is a wildcard in the best sense — a full estate wine experience dropped into the middle of northeast Ohio, executed with more care than anyone from out of state would guess. Come curious, skip the cynicism, and let the Nebbiolo do its thing.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Bath / Ghent · Akron · Upscale American / Steakhouse
Ken Stewart's Lodge isn't here to challenge you — it's here to make sure your Napa Cab and your dry-aged steak show up exactly when you want them. Come on a Wednesday, order something from the Stag's Leap end of the list, and you'll leave happy.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
Bath / West Akron border · Akron · Upscale American Steakhouse with Seafood
Ken Stewart's isn't reinventing the steakhouse wine list, but it's executing the classic version with enough depth and care to earn your trust. Show up on a Wednesday, grab the Jordan or Far Niente at half price, and you'll leave happy.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Proper
Green / East Akron corridor · Akron · Steakhouse / American
Prime 93 is a perfectly serviceable steakhouse wine list that won't thrill anyone but won't embarrass the table either — fair prices, California-forward, and honest about what it is. Send a friend here for the steak; just don't send them expecting a deep cellar.
Plays It Safe
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Akron · Akron · Japanese / Hibachi
Hibachi Japan's wine list isn't going to make anyone's bucket list, but it's priced fairly, covers the basics, and won't embarrass you on date night. Order the Riesling or Pinot Gris, enjoy the show, and don't overthink it.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Montrose / Fairlawn · Akron · Seafood
Bonefish Grill Fairlawn won't give you a wine moment worth texting about, but it won't rip you off either — and in the chain restaurant landscape, that clears the bar. Show up during Social Hour, grab a Kim Crawford, and focus on the fish.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Downtown Carmel · Carmel By The Sea · Seafood
Catch is a dependable wine stop for a seafood dinner in Carmel — nothing here will disappoint you, but nothing will surprise you either. If you go in with calibrated expectations and order the Schramsberg with your crab, you'll leave happy.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Hood River · Hood River · Seafood
Votum is operating a world-class wine program in a town most people only stop through on the way to a hike — the depth of this cellar belongs in a major city restaurant, and the sommelier presence means you're not navigating it alone. The markups on the prestige bottles will sting, but find your entry point and this list rewards serious attention.
Deep & Eclectic
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
Bowen's Wharf · Newport · Seafood
The Lobster Bar isn't a wine destination, but it's a perfectly competent list for what the restaurant is — a casual waterfront spot where the lobster is the star. Order the Sancerre, eat the oysters, watch the boats.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
List Variety
Markup
Glassware
Staff
Specials & Deals
Storage & Temp
