Tuesday Saves You From the Rest
Montrose / Fairlawn · Akron · Seafood · Visit Website ↗
Updated September 2026
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 →
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 · Wine Bar & American Bistro
The Wine Mill is doing exactly what a neighborhood wine bar should do: fair prices, wide glass pour access, and a few bottles worth getting excited about buried in an otherwise approachable list. Send your friends here if they want wine without a lecture.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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
· San Diego · Seafood
The Fish Market's wine list is a workhorse, not a showpiece — it covers the basics for a seafood crowd without asking too much of anyone, including itself. If you're looking for a thoughtful wine experience to match the kitchen's seafood focus, you'll want to adjust your expectations; if you just want a cold glass of Albariño with your fish tacos, you're in fine shape. Seek out the Martín Códax and let the rest of the list do its thing for the table next to you.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Gatlinburg · Seafood
Chesapeake's Gatlinburg isn't trying to win a wine award, and it doesn't need to — the list is honest, the pricing is fair for what it is, and the white wine depth is genuinely appropriate for a seafood restaurant. If you're in Gatlinburg and want a bottle that won't break the bank or embarrass you, you can do a lot worse than landing on that Dry Creek Chenin Blanc.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Sonoma · Seafood
Willi's is a wild card in the best sense — a casual Sonoma seafood bar running a wine list that belongs in a much more serious room. The by-the-glass depth alone is worth showing up for, and the pricing is honest by the region's standards. If you're anywhere near Healdsburg, order the Assyrtiko and thank us later.
Deep & Eclectic
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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