Brea

Fogo de Chão Brea isn't trying to be a wine destination — but the Wine Spectator nod is earned, and the South American backbone of this list is a genuine fit for the format. Come for the meat, stay for a second glass of Zuccardi.

Old Brea Chop House is doing more with wine than you'd expect from a suburban OC steakhouse — the Best of Award of Excellence is legit, Wednesday half-price night is a genuine gift, and the California-France-Italy trifecta is executed with real thought. Markups trend steep at the trophy end, but come on a Wednesday and drink very well for the money.