California Royalty Meets Atlantic City Beef
Atlantic City · Steak house
Updated June 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 8, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Old Homestead Steak House’s wine list and gave it The Rager — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Wingman Metrics
You open this list inside the Borgata and immediately understand this isn't a hotel steakhouse afterthought — it's a deliberate, serious wine program that's held a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence since 2007. The California and Bordeaux heavy hitters are all here, and they're not shy about it. This is a room built for big bottles and bigger occasions.
The 400-600 bottle list reads like a collector's fantasy, anchored hard in California cult Cab and first-growth Bordeaux — Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Chateau Petrus, and Chateau Lafite Rothschild all have seats at this table. The California bench runs deep with Opus One, Caymus Special Selection, Silver Oak, Stag's Leap, Dominus, Ridge Monte Bello, Jordan, and Beringer Private Reserve giving you a full spectrum from accessible to absurd. France shows up seriously with Margaux and Lafite, though if you're hunting outside Bordeaux and Napa, the list gets thinner fast. Far Niente Chardonnay holds down the white wine corner with dignity, but this list was built for red meat and red wine.
With roughly 20-35 pours by the glass, there's enough range to build a meal without committing to a bottle — a real win in a steakhouse context where not everyone at the table wants the same thing. We'd expect the glass program to skew toward the California staples given the bottle list, making it a solid entry point for the cellar's greatest hits. Rotation details are thin, but with a dedicated sommelier on staff, it's reasonable to expect the pours are kept fresh and purposeful.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $60
In a list full of three-figure trophies, Jordan punches well above its price point — classic Alexander Valley structure, reliable every single time, and won't send you into sticker shock when the check comes.
Ridge Monte Bello
Everyone's eyes go straight to the Screaming Eagle and Harlan, but Monte Bello is one of California's most age-worthy and intellectually interesting Cabernet blends. It rewards people who actually want to think about what's in their glass.
Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Fine wine, but it's everywhere, and in a steakhouse with this kind of markup, you're paying a premium for a bottle you could find at your local shop for a fraction of the price. The list has more interesting places to spend that money.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Perfectly cooked steak
Stag's Leap brings that classic Napa structure — firm tannins, dark fruit, clean finish — that cuts right through a well-seasoned, properly seared steak without overwhelming it. It's the reason people still talk about this producer.
The Bottom Line
Old Homestead is a serious wine destination wearing a steakhouse jacket — the list is deep, the credentials are real, and the setting inside the Borgata delivers. Bring someone worth impressing and a credit card that can handle it.
· Atlantic City · Cocktail Lounge
Nola's is a genuinely fun place to spend a late night on the Atlantic City Boardwalk — the atmosphere earns its stripes. But if wine is why you're sitting down, you're in the wrong seat. Order a cocktail, enjoy the music, and save your serious wine budget for somewhere that's thought harder about the list.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Atlantic City · New American / Wine Bar
The Iron Room is the kind of wine-forward bar Atlantic City doesn't know it needs — cozy, staffed by people who care, and refreshingly serious about what's in the glass. If you're in AC and want something other than $14 Pinot Grigio at a casino bar, this is your move.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Occasional
Acceptable
Golden Nugget Casino · Atlantic City · Steakhouse
Vic & Anthony's is a competent casino steakhouse wine list — it won't embarrass you and it won't thrill you. If you're already there for the steak, grab the Siduri by the glass and don't look too hard at the markups.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Margate City · Atlantic City · Seafood / New American
Steve & Cookie's isn't a wine destination, but it's a solid spot to drink reasonably well alongside excellent seafood and a live jazz soundtrack. If you're going Monday through Thursday, get there early and hit the bar before your table.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
Atlantic City · Atlantic City · Mediterranean / Italian
Sofia isn't a wine destination, but it's a better-than-expected list for the Shore — especially if you lean into the Greek selections that nobody else around here is bothering with. The markups on the California staples will sting, so go Greek and drink smarter.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Atlantic City · Italian
Café 2825 is a celebration restaurant with a wine list to match — trophy Champagnes, premium California whites, and a few smart Italian picks that reward anyone who looks past the obvious. Prices likely reflect the occasion more than the liquid, but if you're in Atlantic City for a big night, there are worse places to pop a bottle.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Capitol Square · Madison · Steak house
Rare is a reliable wine destination for Napa devotees visiting Madison — the list is familiar by design, the WS Award of Excellence is well-earned, and the setting delivers. Just don't come here looking for natural wine or anything that strays from the California playbook.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Brookfield · Brookfield · Steak house
Mr. B's is a reliable, well-kept steakhouse wine list that knows its audience and serves them well — just don't expect any surprises. If you're a California Cab loyalist heading out for a serious steak dinner in the Milwaukee suburbs, this is your spot.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
West Loop · Chicago · Steak house
BLVD Steakhouse doesn't reinvent the steakhouse wine list, but it executes the formula competently — solid producers, proper storage, and enough range to keep a table of Cab loyalists happy all night. Just go in with your eyes open on the markups and skip the trophy-bottle trap.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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