Cold Beer Energy, Decent Wine in Tow
Downtown / East Louisiana St. · McKinney · Casual American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 28, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The Yard is a backyard-games-and-cold-drinks kind of place, and the wine list doesn't pretend otherwise. Fourteen labels, all familiar names, nothing that requires a second look — this is a list built for people who want wine without thinking too hard about it. That's fine. Not every spot needs to be a wine destination.
The list leans heavily on recognizable grocery-store brands — Joel Gott, Murphy Goode, Matua, Gabbiano — which at least signals drinkability if not ambition. California dominates, with a nod to Washington, New Zealand, Italy, and Argentina for range. There are no deep cuts, no indie producers, nothing that would make a wine-forward diner linger over the list. The Substance Pinot Noir from Columbia Valley is the one name that edges slightly above the rest, a Charles Smith project that punches above its label.
Ten of the fourteen bottles are available by the glass, which is genuinely good coverage for a casual spot. The price spread runs $8 to $15, hitting that middle zone where nothing feels like a bargain but nothing's outrageous either. Rotation appears nonexistent — this list looks like it was set and left alone.
Murphy Goode Merlot, California — $10/glass, $38/bottle
The lowest price point on the list and arguably the most honest pour here. Murphy Goode Merlot is a reliable, fruit-forward crowd pleaser — at $38 a bottle it's the one order that won't sting when the check arrives.
Substance Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, WA
Most people at The Yard are grabbing a beer or a cocktail, which means this Charles Smith Pinot often gets ignored. It's the most interesting wine on a short list, with more structure and personality than everything around it.
San Simeon Chardonnay, Monterey, CA
At $50 a bottle, San Simeon Chardonnay is asking a lot for a wine you can find at most grocery stores for well under $20. The markup here makes it a tough sell when better-value options are on the same list.
Charles & Charles Rosé, Washington + Backyard-style burger
A bright, dry Washington Rosé cuts through a juicy burger the same way a cold beer would — refreshing, not fussy, and built for exactly this kind of casual outdoor setting.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Yard is a patio-and-games spot first, wine bar never — and the list is honest about that. Come for the atmosphere, order the Murphy Goode if you want wine, and save the serious bottle for somewhere else.
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
Memorial Parkway / South Parkway · Huntsville · Casual American
BJ's Huntsville is a perfectly fine place to eat and drink beer — and we mean that sincerely. But the wine list is corporate filler, and no one on staff is going to help you navigate it. Order the Pizookie, order a craft beer, and save your wine curiosity for somewhere that earned it.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
East Wichita · Wichita · Casual American
Cheddar's wine program is placeholder content — it checks the box and nothing more. Order a cocktail, a lemonade, or just embrace the sweet tea and move on.
Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Wichita · Wichita · Casual American
We wouldn't send a friend here for the wine — we'd send them to a grocery store if Barefoot is the goal. Order a cocktail, enjoy the Riblets, and accept the wine list for what it is: corporate wallpaper.
Grocery Store
Fair
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.