Stekoa Creek

Stekoa Creek runs a wine list that would be impressive in Atlanta. Thirty-plus selections spanning serious reds, thoughtful whites, and a by-the-glass program that rotates regularly. On our visit, the BTG lineup included Menage a Trois Silk Soft Red Blend ($10), Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc ($12), Decoy Chardonnay ($14), Charles Smith Velvet Devil Merlot ($13), and Simi Cabernet Sauvignon ($14). That's a real range at fair mountain prices. The bottle list goes deeper: Josh Cellars Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet ($49), Freemark Abbey Cabernet ($72), Cakebread Chardonnay ($79), Stags' Leap Artemis Cabernet ($95), and Jordan Cabernet ($110). Add Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($42), Meiomi Pinot Noir ($46), Decoy Cabernet ($48), La Crema Chardonnay ($44), and you've got a list that covers every comfort zone while still rewarding exploration.

Beyond the wine, Stekoa Creek is a genuine destination. Hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and a full cocktail bar with craft cocktails, local beers, and seasonal specials. Live music on weekends adds atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. The staff know the menu and the wines, and they'll steer you toward pairings that work. For a mountain town steakhouse, the attention to the total dining experience is rare.

In a town of 2,000 people, Stekoa Creek has assembled a 30+ wine list with selections from $10 by the glass to $110 bottles, proper glassware, knowledgeable staff, and fair pricing. The breadth of the list, the quality of the BTG program, and the overall ambition of the wine program earns the top badge. This is the standard for Clayton.