Downriver Grill
Two wines and a prayer, Spokane.
West Spokane · Spokane · Modern American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 10, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
You flip open the menu at Downriver Grill hoping a neighborhood gem has done something interesting with Washington wine country, and instead you find two options. Two. A Chardonnay and a house red — and that's the program.
Selection Deep Dive
The list is anchored entirely in Washington state, which sounds like a noble local-focus story until you realize it's just two wines. The Townsend Chardonnay and the house DRG Relentless Red cover exactly zero ground for anyone with even mild preferences. There's no Cab Franc, no Syrah from the Columbia Valley, no Riesling from Yakima — regions that are practically in the restaurant's backyard. For a casual fine dining spot that's been around twenty-plus years in this city, that's a missed opportunity of staggering proportions.
By the Glass
Two pours by the glass, both priced between $7.50 and $8 — which is genuinely fair and nearly the only thing to praise here. There is no rotation, no seasonal add, no guest pour keeping things interesting. What you see today is what you saw last year.
DRG Relentless Red — $8/glass, $30/bottle
At $8 a glass it's not going to blow your mind, but the markup against a $20 retail bottle is about as restrained as you'll find anywhere in Spokane. If you're having a burger and just want something easy and red, this is the move.
Townsend Chardonnay
At $7.50 a glass against a $12 retail price, the margin is thin and the pour is honest. Washington Chardonnay doesn't always get its due, and if you're getting the salmon, this is the only logical call on the menu.
DRG Relentless Red (bottle)
The $30 bottle price against a $20 retail tag is a 50% markup — not egregious, but for a house blend with zero pedigree information on the menu, committing to a full bottle feels like a gamble that costs more than it should.
Townsend Chardonnay + Salmon
Washington Chardonnay and Pacific salmon is a regional handshake that makes obvious sense. The Chardonnay has enough weight to stand up to the fish without steamrolling it, and at $7.50 a glass you're not sweating the bill.
❌ The Bottom Line
Downriver Grill has clearly earned its neighborhood loyalty over two decades — just not on the strength of its wine program. Come for the steak, drink whatever lands in front of you, and manage your expectations accordingly.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.