Small-town pricing, big-city honesty on markups
Macon · Macon · American Tavern · Visit Website ↗
Updated June 2026
Reviewed March 14, 2026
Wingman Metrics
This is a 20-something bottle list that knows exactly what it is: a neighborhood tavern wine program for people who want a decent glass without getting ripped off. The list skews California-heavy with some French entries, nothing adventurous, but the markups are shockingly fair for a town this size.
The selection reads like a greatest-hits compilation from Total Wine—Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Robert Mondavi Cab—but there's zero shame in that game when you're pricing them honestly. You'll find familiar West Coast labels and safe Euro bets, split between reds and whites with maybe a sparkling option. This isn't a list trying to impress anyone or win awards. It's built for people who want something drinkable with dinner and don't want to decode a novel. The range tops out around $22 a glass, which tells you everything about the target audience.
Six to eight options by the glass, rotating slowly if at all. Expect the usual suspects: a Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Grigio, maybe a Cab and a Pinot Noir. These aren't cutting-edge pours, but they're poured fresh and priced to move. The glass selection mirrors the bottle list—nothing that'll challenge you, nothing that'll disappoint you.
Tunnel of Elms Chardonnay — $9
Barely marked up from retail at $8, this is day-drinking pricing on a serviceable California Chard that does exactly what it says on the label
Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand SB at $15 a glass with only a 15% markup—clean, crisp, and actually interesting compared to the Kendall-Jackson crowd
Replica Cabernet
At $20 a glass with a 33% markup over retail, this is the only real pricing outlier on the list and not worth the premium when better Cabs sit cheaper
Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay + Grilled fish or chicken
The unoaked profile keeps things bright and citrusy instead of buttery, cutting through any char or richness without overwhelming lighter proteins
✔️ The Bottom Line
Whitehall Tavern isn't trying to be a wine destination, and that's perfectly fine. The markups are honest, the selection is predictable but competent, and nobody's going to pretend this is anything more than solid tavern drinking. If you're in Macon and want wine with dinner without getting gouged, this is your spot.
Unknown · Macon · Japanese
This isn't a wine destination, and the restaurant isn't pretending it is. Order sake or beer and you'll have a better experience.
Grocery Store
Gouge
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Macon · Macon · Italian
This is a chain restaurant with a chain wine list, and both are exactly what you'd expect. If you're here for the wood-fired grill and the vibe, stick with beer or a cocktail. The wine program is an afterthought.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Macon · Macon · Japanese Hibachi
Come for the onion volcano and knife tricks, not the wine program. If you must drink wine here, keep it simple and cheap—or better yet, order sake and call it a night.
Grocery Store
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Macon · Macon · Southern Revival
Loom won't win awards for wine curation, but the fair pricing and solid basics make it a reliable choice when you're staying downtown or catching a business dinner. Order the Lapostolle Cab and call it a win.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Macon · Macon · Modern American
Dovetail keeps it simple and does it well. You're not going to find cutting-edge bottles or steal pricing, but you'll drink California wines that actually taste good at markups that won't make you wince. A solid neighborhood spot.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown · Macon · American Pub
The Rookery is a burger-and-beer bar with a wine list stapled on for completeness. Markups run steep (80-125% over retail), but glass pours are reasonable and the selection does its job without pretension. Come for the onion rings and Southern rock history, not the wine program.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
West Hartford · Hartford · American Tavern
Tavern in the Square West Hartford is a perfectly decent place to watch a game and eat a burger, but the wine list is purely functional — familiar brands, steep markups, and zero curation. Stick to draft beer or a cocktail unless a glass of Prosecco is all you need.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Green Valley / Friendly Center · Greensboro · American Tavern
Village Tavern Greensboro is a reliable wine night out if you calibrate your expectations — it's not pushing any boundaries, but 150+ bottles and a legitimate Monday half-price program make it worth a visit when you're in the neighborhood. Come Monday, order the Jordan, and leave satisfied.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
Pearl District · Portland · American Tavern
Henry's Tavern is a perfectly fine place to drink wine if wine is what you need and beer is what everyone else ordered. Don't come here expecting discovery — come here expecting to not be let down.
Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.