California Muscle in the Missouri Heartland
Springfield · Springfield · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 19, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into Metropolitan Grill, the wine list signals its intentions quickly — this is a California-forward program in a city where that still means something. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is relatively new (2025), but the bones of the program, anchored by sommelier Dan Cobb, feel like they've been earning it for a while. It's an upscale neighborhood spot that takes wine seriously without making you feel like you need a decoder ring.
The list leans hard into California, and that's not a criticism so much as a statement of identity — Caymus, Jordan, Silver Oak, Cakebread, Duckhorn, Frank Family. These are names that sell, and they sell here for a reason. What you won't find is much adventure outside the Golden State; if you're hunting for Burgundy deep cuts or natural wine outliers, you'll be disappointed. That said, having Dan Cobb on the floor means someone actually knows what's on the list and why, which elevates the experience considerably above the average steakhouse wine program.
We don't have an exact count on the by-the-glass options, but with a program this California-focused and a sommelier running the floor, expect the usual suspects in glass pour form. The real headline here is Wednesday — half-price wine night is a genuine reason to plan your week around this place.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2018 — $130
Jordan is a consistent, polished Alexander Valley Cab that typically retails in the $55-65 range. At $130, it's marked up but it's the kind of wine that handles a big piece of prime rib gracefully and doesn't punish your wallet the way the Caymus or Silver Oak will.
Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley 2019
Everyone at the table is reaching for the Cabs, but Duckhorn Merlot is a genuinely serious wine that gets overlooked precisely because it says 'Merlot' on the label. It's plush, structured, and at $110 it's the most interesting pour on a list that otherwise plays it straight.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019
At $160, you're paying a steep premium for a wine that's become a fixture on every upscale American restaurant list in the country. Caymus is fine — it's just not $160 fine when Jordan and Frank Family are sitting right next to it at lower prices.
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 + Cajun Prime Rib
The spice and char on the prime rib need a Cab with enough fruit and structure to hold the room without getting steamrolled. Frank Family delivers exactly that — dark fruit, firm tannins, just enough oak — and at $135 it's a more compelling choice than the marquee names for this particular matchup.
Wednesday — Half-price wine night every Wednesday — the single best reason to visit if you're anywhere near the California Cab section of this list.
🎲 The Bottom Line
Metropolitan Grill is doing something real in Springfield — a Wine Spectator-recognized program with a sommelier on the floor and Wednesday half-price wine nights is not a small thing in this market. The list won't surprise you, but Dan Cobb will make sure you drink well.
Downtown · Springfield · Sports Bar & Grill
The Dugout is a perfectly fine sports bar where wings get eaten, games get watched, and wine gets ignored — and that's the right call. Come for the BBQ Bacon Burger, leave the wine glass at home.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Springfield · Springfield · Farm-to-table gastropub
Farmers Gastropub is a reliable neighborhood stop where the food gets more attention than the wine list — and that's okay. Order the Tempranillo, enjoy the locally sourced kitchen, and don't come here expecting to geek out on wine.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Springfield · Springfield · American Grill
FD's Grillhouse isn't trying to be a wine destination, and it knows it — the list is safe, the markups lean steep, and the by-the-glass selection does most of the heavy lifting. If you're here for burgers and a decent pour, you'll leave fine; just skip The Prisoner and let Catena or Chapoutier do the work.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Fremont · Springfield · Upscale Italian
Avanzare isn't reinventing the wine list, but it's doing the right things in a market where that's not guaranteed — real Italian producers, a few adventurous picks, and a happy hour wine deal that's genuinely one of the better values in Springfield. Take someone you want to impress, order the Barbaresco, and get there before 6 PM.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
Downtown · Springfield · Upscale Steakhouse
Flame is doing what a downtown Springfield steakhouse should do — keeping the room happy with a recognizable, well-stocked list and an unusually strong by-the-glass program. It's not breaking new ground, but if you know what you want and pick carefully, there's a solid night of wine to be had here.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
South Springfield · Springfield · Wine Bar / Tapas & Small Plates
Cellar + Plate earns its Wild Card badge by doing things a mid-Missouri wine bar has no obligation to do — stocking real producers, offering genuine specials, and building a list with an actual perspective. It's not a destination in the national sense, but for Springfield? Send your friends on a Wednesday.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
Golden Triangle Area · Denton · American
Cheddar's wine program exists to check a box, not to serve you well. Order a cocktail or a beer — they've actually put thought into those — and save the wine for a restaurant that cares.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Golden Triangle Area · Denton · American
BJ's Denton is a beer hall that happens to stock wine, and the list makes that priority crystal clear. If you must drink wine here, come on a Tuesday — Half Off Wine Tuesday is the one thing this program does that actually earns a tip of the glass.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
Southridge / Town Center Trail · Denton · American
Houlihan's Denton is not a wine destination, and it has no interest in being one. The one genuine reason to order wine here is Tuesday — half-price bottles all day is a deal worth setting a calendar reminder for, especially if you're grabbing the Portillo or the Bloodroot.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.