Kirby's Prime Steakhouse
Three Thousand Bottles of Steakhouse Markup
North Loop 1604 · San Antonio · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 13, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list hits you like a phonebook — 3,000 bottles strong, housed in a showpiece cellar visible from the dining room. It's impressive until you start doing the math, and then it's just depressing.
Selection Deep Dive
The breadth is undeniable: California cabernets dominate, but there's proper French representation (Gigondas from Domaine de Cassan, Lucien Albrecht Cremant Rosé) and Italian selections including Barone Fini Pinot Grigio. You'll find serious Napa names like Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot alongside solid workhorses like Alexander Valley Vineyards. The problem isn't what they stock — it's what they charge for it. This is a cellar built to wow your expense account, not to help you drink well.
By the Glass
Twenty to thirty by-the-glass options sounds generous until you see the prices. Sonoma Cutrer RRR Chardonnay and Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc anchor the white side, while SaLia Syrah represents the reds. The selection rotates seasonally, but there's no evidence of adventurous pours or value-driven programming — just the usual steakhouse suspects at steakhouse prices.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot — $59
Still overpriced at double retail, but at least you're getting a solid California Merlot that won't embarrass you next to a ribeye
2004 Gigondas from Domaine de Cassan
Southern Rhône with age that most diners will skip for Napa cab — if the markup is reasonable, this could be the most interesting wine on the table
Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc
A $15 retail wine marked up to $50 is insulting, even in a steakhouse — this is a 233% gouge on a grocery store staple
Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot + Prime Ribeye
If you're already spending $80 on beef, the structured elegance of this single-vineyard Merlot will cut through the fat better than another cab
❌ The Bottom Line
Kirby's has the cellar and the sommelier to be great, but the markup strategy is pure greed. Save this one for the company card, or just order a cocktail and enjoy the steak.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.