Pacifico Italian Steakhouse

The wine list at Pacifico reads like a safe Italian steakhouse playbook — Chianti, Barolo, a token Super Tuscan, some Napa Cabs to keep the steak crowd happy. Nothing here will blow your mind, but nothing will actively disappoint either. It's the wine equivalent of ordering the same thing you always order.

The Italian section leans heavily on the big names — expect Antinori, Ruffino, maybe a Banfi Brunello if you're lucky. Tuscany dominates, with Piedmont getting a nod through a couple of Barolos that are probably marked up to steakhouse levels. The American side is predictable Napa and Sonoma Cabs, likely in the $70-120 range, because that's what pairs with a ribeye in a leather booth. There's probably a Malbec or two for the value seekers, and maybe a Pinot Grigio that everyone ignores. It's functional, not exciting.

By-the-glass pours are likely the usual suspects — a Chianti, a Pinot Grigio, a California Chardonnay, a Cab. They rotate them about as often as they change the carpet. The pours are generous enough, and the wines are fresh enough, but don't expect anything adventurous. This is where you order a glass of Chianti with your pasta and move on with your life.