Comfort Food Done Right, Wine List Less So
Uptown / Midtown-NW 23rd · Oklahoma City · Southwestern, New American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 12, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Cheever's reads exactly like the restaurant looks — warm, unpretentious, and not trying too hard. You get a solid page of recognizable names that won't confuse anyone, which is probably the point in a neighborhood spot that's really here to sell you a great Chicken Fried Steak and a cocktail. Nothing jumps off the page, but nothing offends either.
The list leans hard into California and Pacific Northwest stalwarts — Joel Gott, Kim Crawford, Kendall-Jackson, Meiomi, Decoy — with some South American representation rounding out the cheaper end. It's a 60-100 bottle list that covers the bases without taking any swings: your Cab drinker is happy, your Chardonnay drinker is happy, and anyone looking for a Grower Champagne or a left-field Jura pick is not. The regional focus is coherent but the list never earns the word 'curated' — it's more assembled than built. There are no notable producers that suggest someone on staff is spending their days off in a wine shop.
Ten to sixteen pours by the glass is a respectable range for this format, running $9–$15, which keeps things accessible for a weeknight out. The selection mirrors the bottle list — recognizable brands, crowd-friendly styles — so don't expect much rotation or experimentation. It does the job for a glass of something while you figure out whether you're getting the quail or the pork tenderloin.
J. Lohr 'Seven Oaks' Cabernet Sauvignon — $40
At $40 it's still marked up about 167% over retail, but it's the most drinkable mainstream Cab on the list for the price. It's honest, food-friendly, and won't fight the kitchen's bold flavors.
Conundrum Red Blend
Most people walk past a wine called Conundrum, and fair enough — the name sounds like something from a corporate brainstorming session. But at $44 it's a genuinely food-friendly blend that holds up against the spice and richness of the Southwestern menu better than the one-dimensional Cabs around it.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
At $34 for a bottle of KJ Chard you can buy anywhere for $11, you're paying for the privilege of drinking an $11 wine in a nicer room. It's a 209% markup on a bottle that was already phoning it in. Order literally anything else.
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles + Chicken Fried Steak
Justin Cab is built for exactly this — it's got the weight and dark fruit to stand up to a cream-gravy-smothered slab of beef without overwhelming it. At $58 it's the priciest Cab on the list but also the one that's actually doing something interesting enough to earn a spot next to Cheever's most iconic dish.
Wednesday — Historically promoted as half-price bottles on Wednesdays — but this has not been confirmed on the current menu or website. Call ahead before you plan your week around it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Cheever's is a genuinely good neighborhood restaurant that treats its wine list as a supporting player, not a headliner — and the steep markups mean you're paying a premium for the convenience of recognizable labels. Come for the food and the vibe; if you drink wine, stick to one glass and let the kitchen do the heavy lifting.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.