Solid Pacific Northwest Picks, Markup Inconsistency Lurks
Downtown · Spokane · Steakhouse
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 10, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Q Restaurant’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Q lands with the right instincts for a Spokane steakhouse — 120 labels, regional pride, and enough recognizable names to keep the table happy. It feels curated without being adventurous, which suits the room. You're not here to be challenged; you're here to eat short ribs and drink something good from the Pacific Northwest.
Washington, California, and Oregon carry the list, which is exactly what you'd expect and honestly not a complaint — this region produces serious wine and Q leans into that. Duckhorn and La Crema show up as the California anchors, while Chateau Ste. Michelle holds down the Washington flag. What's missing is any real depth beyond the greatest hits: no small-production Walla Walla reds, no Willamette Valley surprises, nothing that makes you lean forward in your chair. At 120 labels, there's room for more personality than this list delivers.
Twelve by-the-glass options is a respectable count for a steakhouse, and the $10–$18 range means you're not forced into a bottle to avoid highway robbery. The selections mirror the bottle list — reliable names, familiar grapes — but don't expect the pour list to rotate with the seasons or surprise you on your third visit.
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — $85
At 55% over retail, the Duckhorn is the least punishing markup on the list and it's genuinely good juice — structured, age-worthy, and exactly right alongside a plate of braised short ribs. In a room where other bottles are marked up at more than double retail, this one actually feels like a fair deal.
La Crema Pinot Noir
Most people at a steakhouse walk straight past Pinot Noir and head for the Cabs, but La Crema quietly earns its spot here. It's an underrated pour that works surprisingly well with the seared scallops — enough fruit and acid to complement without overpowering — and it tends to sit under the radar while everyone fights over the big reds.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Cabernet 2020
This one stings. A bottle you can pull off the shelf at a grocery store for $25 is landing on your check at $65 — a 160% markup. Chateau Ste. Michelle makes good wine, but this specific bottle at this specific price is a trap. Order the Duckhorn instead and sleep better.
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 + Braised Short Ribs
Duckhorn Cab's dark fruit, firm tannins, and oak structure go toe-to-toe with the richness of braised short ribs without getting buried. The wine's acidity cuts through the fat just enough to keep things moving, and the two together feel like the reason this list exists.
The Bottom Line
Q is a dependable steakhouse wine list that does the Pacific Northwest proud in selection but takes liberties with pricing on accessible bottles. Worth a visit — just steer clear of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge and put that money toward the Duckhorn.
Kendall Yards · Spokane · Winery and craft distillery tasting room with small bites
Browne Family's Spokane room is a confident single-producer tasting experience done right — fair prices, knowledgeable pours, and a genuine case for why Washington State deserves your attention. Send a friend here if they think Washington wine is just an also-ran.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Downtown / Riverside · Spokane · Barbecue / American Tavern
The Blackbird is a genuinely good barbecue tavern that simply doesn't care about wine, and the steep markups on uninspired bottles make that indifference expensive. Come for the smoked meats and a cold beer — if you insist on wine, grab the Milbrandt and move on.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Fondue / Upscale Casual
The Melting Pot Spokane isn't a wine destination, and it's not trying to be — but the Washington State anchors on this list are genuinely good, and if you stick to those, you'll drink well enough for the occasion. Come for the fondue experience, order the Ste. Michelle, and save the serious wine night for somewhere else.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel cocktail bar and lounge with small plates
1919 won't blow any minds, but for a hotel bar in downtown Spokane it earns genuine respect for keeping Washington State producers front and center. Come for the room, stay for the Beresan — just don't expect any surprises in the pricing.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel Rooftop/Terrace Bar
The Grand Terrace Bar is a great place to drink wine in Spokane — just not necessarily great wine. Come for the skyline, order the Riesling, and save the serious bottle hunting for elsewhere.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Wine Bar
Barrister is a genuine Wild Card: a serious urban winery tucked into Spokane's rail district that most wine travelers blow past on their way to Walla Walla. If you're in eastern Washington and you haven't stopped here, you owe yourself a visit.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
· Atlanta · Steakhouse
Hal's delivers a competent, Napa-forward bottle list that does exactly what a steakhouse wine program is supposed to do — just without much surprise or value mercy. Send a friend here if they want a reliable big-red experience; warn them to leave the credit card breathing room.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Houston · Steakhouse
Perry's is a reliable steakhouse wine list — nothing that'll make you rethink your palate, but enough to drink well with red meat if you know where to look. The fortified and dessert wine section is genuinely worth your attention; the rest is competent but forgettable.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Atlanta · Steakhouse
New York Prime's wine list is exactly what it needs to be for its audience — safe, recognizable, and priced for expense accounts. If you know what you want and don't mind paying for it, you'll be fine; just don't come looking for discovery.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.
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