Downtown vibes, wine list plays it safe
Downtown · Columbus · American / Bistro · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · August 21, 2026
RagingWine reviewed The Loft’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
Take Vibe Match and we’ll tell you what to order here.
Wingman Metrics
The Loft is doing a lot of things at once — live music upstairs, a bustling bar scene, gourmet burgers and sushi on the same menu — and the wine list feels like it got drafted somewhere between the cocktail menu and the DJ schedule. California and Oregon heavyweights anchor the list, with some Italian representation rounding things out. It's not embarrassing, but it's not why you're here.
The regional focus lands squarely on California, Oregon, and Italy — a safe triangle that covers most of what a lively downtown crowd will ask for without surprising anyone. You're not going to find any left-field natural wine picks or grower Champagne hiding in here. The list skews toward recognizable names and approachable styles, which tracks for a spot where wine is supporting cast, not headliner. Gaps in depth are real — if you're looking for any serious exploration by region or variety, you'll hit a wall pretty fast.
We don't have a confirmed count on the glass pours, but given the vibe and format, expect the usual suspects — a couple of reds, a white or two, maybe a rosé in season. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here, and the program reads more like a set-it-and-forget-it situation than something that gets refreshed with any intention.
The Bottom Line
The Loft is a great time if you're there for the music, the scene, or a solid burger — but the wine list is along for the ride, not leading the charge. Come thirsty for the atmosphere; manage your expectations on the glass.
Midtown Columbus · Columbus · Seafood
Red Lobster 13th St. is not a wine destination — it's a seafood chain where wine exists because a menu has to have one. Order the Riesling with your lobster tail, enjoy the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and make your peace with it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Riverwalk / Downtown Columbus · Columbus · American
Denim & Oak isn't going to make anyone's wine pilgrimage list, but for Columbus, Georgia, it's a legitimately decent place to drink — fair prices, a deep BTG program, and Wine Down Wednesday as a reason to come back. Just steer clear of the Concha y Toro and head straight for the Orin Swift or the Oregon section.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
North Columbus · Columbus · American Barbecue and Grill
Smokey Bones is a perfectly fine place to eat ribs and watch a game — just don't come here for the wine. Order a cold beer, save your wine budget for somewhere that cares.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
MIA
Set & Forget
Acceptable
North Columbus / Whittlesey Boulevard · Columbus · Modern American
Ivory & Oak is a reliable wine stop in a city that isn't exactly crawling with serious lists — the room is great, the pours are familiar, and the markup is the main thing holding it back from something better. Go for the steak, order the Merlot, and don't expect to be challenged.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Airport / East Columbus · Columbus · Hotel Restaurant
If you're stuck at the DoubleTree and the flight is delayed, Houlihan's will keep you fed and adequately watered — but don't mistake that for a wine program worth seeking out. Order the Etude Pinot or the Malbec, skip the sangria, and manage your expectations accordingly.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Occasional
Acceptable
Airport / East Columbus · Columbus · American Bar & Grill
This is airport-adjacent chain wine, full stop — familiar labels at inflated prices for a captive audience that mostly wants something cold and wet after traveling. Order a cocktail instead, or hit the hotel bar and call it a night.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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