Big steaks, bigger Cabs, predictable markups
Downtown/Pine Avenue · Long Beach · Classic American Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 23, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at 555 East reads exactly like the room looks — dark wood, power moves, no surprises. It's a California Cab parade with a few classic French names sprinkled in to signal seriousness. If you've been to a well-run steakhouse before, you already know this list.
The cellar leans hard into Napa and Sonoma, anchored by the usual suspects: Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, Cakebread, Far Niente. These are crowd-pleasing, approachable bottles that belong in a steakhouse — no argument there — but the list doesn't push you anywhere interesting. Bordeaux and Burgundy make supporting appearances for the old-school crowd, but if you're hoping for something from Paso Robles, the Rhône, or anywhere off the California greatest-hits track, you'll be disappointed. The award recognition suggests depth in the cellar, but the curated selections lean heavily on name recognition over discovery.
The by-the-glass program is generous for a steakhouse of this tier — estimates put it in the 15-to-25-bottle range, which gives you real options before you commit to a full bottle. Expect pours to run $16 on the low end and climb past $30 for anything with a familiar Napa label on it. There's no evidence of a rotating BTG program — what's on the list is what's been on the list.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2019 — $145
At 123% over retail it's still steep, but Jordan is genuinely one of the best steakhouse Cabs you can order — elegant, not over-extracted, and it actually improves with some time in the glass. Relative to the other options on this list, it's the best dollar-per-enjoyment play.
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay
Most people at a steakhouse are hunting for red, but Sonoma-Cutrer's Russian River Ranches is a seriously good Chardonnay that gets overlooked next to the flashier Napa names. It's crisp, precise, and handles rich dishes without buttering everything into oblivion.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2020
At $195 on a bottle you can find for $80 at retail, Caymus is the most egregiously marked-up wine on the list — and it's also become one of the most over-produced, over-hyped bottles in American wine. You're paying premium price for a label, not a great wine experience.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley + USDA Prime Ribeye
Ribeye needs something with enough fruit weight and structure to stand up to all that fat and char — Duckhorn Merlot has the plum richness and soft tannins to do exactly that without overpowering the beef. It's also a welcome break from ordering yet another Cab.
✔️ The Bottom Line
555 East is a competent, well-run steakhouse wine program that takes care of business without taking any risks. Send a friend here if they want a reliable Napa Cab with their prime cut — just warn them to skip the Caymus and watch the bill.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.