Texas Charm Meets California Cab Country
Downtown McKinney · McKinney · American Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · April 29, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Rick's Chophouse’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
Walking into Rick's Chophouse, housed in a historic downtown McKinney building, feels like stepping into a steakhouse that takes itself seriously — white tablecloths, dark wood, and a wine list that leans hard into California Cabernet, which is exactly what you'd expect. The 150-200 bottle list earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (held since 2012), though it plays a very familiar tune. You know this list before you've finished reading the first page.
The list is built around big-name California reds — Caymus, Jordan, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars — and it does that lane well, even if it rarely steps outside it. There's a nod to Texas terroir with Becker Vineyards and Duchman Family Winery on the list, which is a smart, locally-minded touch worth appreciating. Flowers Vineyard Chardonnay represents the white wine side with some real quality, though the broader white selection thins out quickly. If you're hunting for Burgundy, Rhône, or anything from the Southern Hemisphere, you're going to be disappointed.
The by-the-glass program runs 12-20 options in the $10-$18 range, which is reasonable for a steakhouse at this level. Expect the usual suspects — a Cab, maybe a Merlot, a Chardonnay — rotated infrequently if at all. It's functional, not exciting, but it gets the job done for the table that just wants a solid glass with their ribeye.
Duchman Family Winery (Texas) — $35-$45
Supporting a Texas producer at the lower end of the price range while getting a genuinely expressive wine is the smart play here — Duchman punches well above its price point and adds local context you won't find at most steakhouses.
Flowers Vineyard Chardonnay
Most people at a chophouse are locked on red, but the Flowers Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast is a serious, cool-climate white that deserves a look — especially if you're starting with the lobster bisque or jumbo lump crab cakes.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and steakhouses know they can charge a premium for the name recognition. You're paying for the label at a marked-up price when there are better-value Cabs on this same list.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon + Bone-in Kansas City Strip
Jordan's Alexander Valley Cab has the structure to stand up to a big, bone-in strip without overwhelming it — it's classic steakhouse pairing done right, and Jordan's more restrained style means you're actually tasting the beef.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Rick's Chophouse is a reliable, well-worn steakhouse wine list that does exactly what it promises — California Cabs and a few Texas wildcards to keep things interesting. Send a friend here for a solid steak-and-wine night; just tell them to skip the Caymus and go exploring.
Craig Ranch / SH 121 · McKinney · American / Brewhouse
BJ's McKinney is a beer destination with a wine list that exists mostly as a formality — the Wednesday half-price deal is the only reason to engage with it seriously. Come for the craft beer and the Pazookie; the wine is just along for the ride.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
SH 75 Corridor · McKinney · Asian Bistro
P.F. Chang's wine list won't win any awards, but it's doing exactly what it needs to do for a busy suburban dinner crowd. Don't come here for a wine experience — but don't write it off either, especially if you know what to order.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
SH 121 Corridor · McKinney · Steakhouse / American
Saltgrass McKinney is a reliable spot for a Texas-style steak, but the wine list is clearly not why anyone is driving out here. Unless you're sticking to the J. Lohr Pinot or talking someone into splitting the Hampton Water, you're better off ordering a cocktail and calling it a night.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Craig Ranch / SH 121 · McKinney · Tex-Mex / Mexican
Blue Goose is a perfectly fun Tex-Mex night out — just don't come here for the wine. Order a margarita, eat the tamales, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that returns the favor.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West McKinney / Custer Area · McKinney · New York-style pizzeria
Durkin's is a legitimately good pizza spot that happens to have a wine list in the same way a convenience store has a wine list — it's there, it's functional, and nobody's proud of it. Come for the pies, order the beer, and if you must have wine, go Louis Martini and don't overthink it.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Adriatica Village · McKinney · Seafood & American
Harry's is a reliable neighborhood anchor for McKinney — the kind of place you bring out-of-town family without stressing about it. The wine list won't blow anyone's mind, but it won't embarrass you either; just steer clear of the grocery-store staples and lean toward the upper end of the bottle list.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Fort Worth · American Steakhouse
Del Frisco's Grille Fort Worth has a wine list the same way an airport newsstand has a wine section — technically true, practically limiting. Order the Tokaji for dessert, drink cocktails with dinner, and don't expect anyone to help you navigate the difference.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
North Carson · Carson City · American Steakhouse
Glen Eagles is a comfortable, classic Carson City steakhouse with a wine list that's essentially coasting — one strong Port section surrounded by a whole lot of nothing. Come for the prime rib, order a Port after, and don't expect much more from the wine side of the menu.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
San Marcos · San Marcos · American Steakhouse
Outback San Marcos won't embarrass you if you order a glass with dinner, but you're not here for the wine list and nobody pretends otherwise. Stick to the Riesling or the Malbec and spend your energy on the steak.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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