Steak First, Wine Squarely Second
East Rapid City · Rapid City · Steakhouse
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · July 14, 2026
RagingWine reviewed LongHorn Steakhouse – Rapid City’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
The wine list arrives looking exactly like you'd expect from a corporate steakhouse — laminated, logo-heavy, and built around names you've seen at every grocery store checkout lane. No surprises here, and that's kind of the point. LongHorn knows its audience and plays squarely to them.
The list runs about 20-35 bottles, leaning hard into California and Washington — think Kendall-Jackson, Josh Cellars, Meiomi, and Apothic. There's a token nod to the Pacific Northwest with Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, which is at least a sensible inclusion for a steak-forward menu that also does chicken. Don't come looking for anything from Burgundy, Rioja, or anywhere that requires a passport stamp — this list doesn't go there. What you get is a hits-only playlist with zero deep cuts.
Ten to fifteen pours by the glass is actually a generous count for a chain of this size, and the $7–$15 price range keeps things accessible. The problem is that every single option is a brand you already know — Meiomi, Apothic, Josh Cabernet — so rotation feels nonexistent and discovery is off the table entirely.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling — $9
In a list full of big California reds, this Washington Riesling is the quiet overachiever. It's a well-made, food-friendly wine from one of the most consistent producers in the country, and it won't bulldoze your palate before the steak arrives.
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon
Most tables auto-pilot to Josh or Meiomi, but the Joel Gott 815 is the better cab on this list — more structured, less jammy, and actually built to handle red meat. It consistently punches above its price point and gets overlooked because the label isn't flashy.
Apothic Red Blend
Sweet, soft, and designed for people who don't really like wine yet. In a steakhouse context it's especially out of place — the residual sugar fights the char on everything coming off the grill. At this markup, you're paying restaurant prices for a $10 grocery store bottle that doesn't even belong at this table.
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon + Renegade Sirloin
The 815's dark fruit and firm structure actually have the backbone to stand up to a well-seasoned sirloin. It's not a fine dining pairing, but it's the closest thing to a correct one on this list.
✔️ The Bottom Line
LongHorn Rapid City is exactly what it is — a reliable chain steakhouse with a wine list that was built by committee and hasn't changed much since. If you're here for the steak, you'll be fine; just aim for the Joel Gott and don't expect the staff to talk you through it.
North Rapid City · Rapid City · Hotel Lounge
Timbers Lounge is a place to have a drink after a long drive to Mount Rushmore, not a destination for wine. Order a cocktail or a beer and save your wine energy for somewhere that's put in the work.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Central Rapid City · Rapid City · Mexican
Mi Mexico is not a wine destination, and it doesn't pretend to be — order a margarita, enjoy your meal, and don't expect the wine list to surprise you. If you absolutely must have wine with your tacos, the Sangria is $6.25 and nobody will judge you.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Rapid City · Rapid City · Steakhouse
There is no version of this wine list that warrants a special trip or even a deliberate order — it's a functional corporate program designed to move bottles, not to impress. If you're at Outback for the steak, grab the Alamos Malbec and call it a night; if wine actually matters to you, this is a cocktail dinner.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Rapid City · Rapid City · American
This is a wine list that exists purely because restaurants are expected to have one. Don't come to Applebee's for wine — but if you're already here and you need a glass, the Mondavi Cab won't embarrass you.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Rapid City · Rapid City · Seafood
Red Lobster Rapid City's wine list exists to check a box, not to enhance your meal. Order the Riesling if you must, but honestly, a cocktail or a cold draft will serve you better here.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Rapid City · Rapid City · Steakhouse
This is a corporate wine list in a corporate steakhouse, and it does exactly what it was built to do: keep wine on the menu without anyone having to think too hard. Come for the Dallas Filet and the bread — and if you must drink wine, hit it on a Wild West Wednesday when it's half off and the math actually makes sense.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Central Rapid City · Rapid City · Steakhouse
Sear is a perfectly competent steakhouse wine list in a market that probably doesn't demand more — it covers the California classics, marks them up accordingly, and calls it a night. Send a friend here if they want a reliable Cab with their steak; tell them to skip it if they're hoping for anything remotely adventurous.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
I-90 / North Rapid · Rapid City · Steakhouse
Dakotah Steakhouse is a competent neighborhood steakhouse wine list doing exactly what it was designed to do — keep the table happy without anyone having to think too hard. If you're chasing serious wine, drive past it; if you want a decent pour with your buffalo ribeye without drama, it'll get the job done.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Unknown · Bloomington · Steakhouse
LongHorn's wine list exists to check a box, not to elevate your meal. Stick to the Riesling or the Meiomi, enjoy your steak, and don't expect the wine program to be the reason you came.
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.