Ruth's Chris Steak House

The wine list at Ruth's Chris reads exactly like you'd expect from a national steakhouse chain: heavy on Napa Cabs, a few token Burgundies at trophy prices, and safe pours designed not to offend anyone with an expense account. It's a list built for closing deals, not discovering anything new.

The California section dominates with predictable players like Caymus, Jordan, and Silver Oak at markups that sting. You'll find a respectable showing of big Napa Cabernets in the $80-150 range, some Argentina Malbecs for the value-seekers, and a Bordeaux section that leans heavily on recognizable châteaux at 3-4x retail. The list plays it safe across the board—no natural wines, no orange experiments, nothing that would make a traditionalist uncomfortable. It's wine for people who order wine because they're supposed to, not because they're curious.

The by-the-glass program sticks to the script with about 8-12 selections spanning the usual suspects: a California Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir, a few Cabs at different price points. They rotate occasionally but don't push boundaries—think Kendall-Jackson, not skin-contact Ribolla Gialla. The pours are generous and the service is efficient, which counts for something when you just want a solid glass with your ribeye.