Milwaukee Chophouse
Big list, big markups, big Wednesday energy
Downtown · Milwaukee · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 28, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The Milwaukee Chophouse wine list arrives like a confident handshake — heavy, California-forward, and not particularly interested in surprising you. At 200-300 bottles deep, it's a serious list for a serious steakhouse, but the page count doesn't necessarily mean the range is wide. This is a list built for someone who already knows what they want and is happy to pay for it.
Selection Deep Dive
Napa Cabernet is the clear north star here, with the usual suspects — Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, and Opus One — all holding court. Bordeaux gets a respectful nod, rounding out the old-world side without going particularly deep. You won't find much in the way of Burgundy, Rhône, natural wine, or anything that might make a more adventurous drinker's pulse quicken. If you love big, structured California reds and you're ordering a prime ribeye, this list was built for you — but it's not trying to be anything beyond that.
By the Glass
By-the-glass specifics aren't fully documented, but a sommelier is on staff, which suggests the pour program is at least curated with some intention. That said, given the list's California-heavy DNA, expect the glass options to skew toward crowd-pleasing Cabs and Chardonnays rather than anything left of center. We'd ask your server what's pouring well before defaulting to the obvious.
Banshee Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — $28
At $28 a bottle in a $$$$ steakhouse, this is practically a freebie. Yes, the markup is steep relative to retail, but in absolute terms it's the most accessible entry point on a list that otherwise climbs fast. Order it without guilt.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon
Jordan gets overlooked because it's not as flashy as Caymus or as trophy-worthy as Opus One, but it's one of the most consistently elegant California Cabs made. In a room full of people flexing on Silver Oak, the Jordan drinker is usually the one who actually knows wine.
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
At $160 on the list against a $45 retail price, this is a 256% markup on a wine that doesn't have the prestige to justify it. Austin Hope is a perfectly fine Paso Robles Cab, but it's not a $160 bottle by any stretch. Your money goes further elsewhere on this list.
Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon + Prime Ribeye
Silver Oak's Alexander Valley Cab — generous fruit, firm tannins, that signature vanilla-oak finish — was basically engineered for a well-marbled ribeye. It's not a creative pairing, but some classics are classics for a reason.
Wednesday — 50% off bottles under $100 and 25% off bottles $100 and up. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee Chophouse is exactly what it says it is: an old-school hotel steakhouse with a big California Cab list and prices to match. Show up on a Wednesday, stack the half-price deal on a sub-$100 bottle, and suddenly this place makes a lot more sense.
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