California Muscle in the Missouri Heartland
Springfield · Springfield · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 19, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into Metropolitan Grill, the wine list signals its intentions quickly — this is a California-forward program in a city where that still means something. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is relatively new (2025), but the bones of the program, anchored by sommelier Dan Cobb, feel like they've been earning it for a while. It's an upscale neighborhood spot that takes wine seriously without making you feel like you need a decoder ring.
The list leans hard into California, and that's not a criticism so much as a statement of identity — Caymus, Jordan, Silver Oak, Cakebread, Duckhorn, Frank Family. These are names that sell, and they sell here for a reason. What you won't find is much adventure outside the Golden State; if you're hunting for Burgundy deep cuts or natural wine outliers, you'll be disappointed. That said, having Dan Cobb on the floor means someone actually knows what's on the list and why, which elevates the experience considerably above the average steakhouse wine program.
We don't have an exact count on the by-the-glass options, but with a program this California-focused and a sommelier running the floor, expect the usual suspects in glass pour form. The real headline here is Wednesday — half-price wine night is a genuine reason to plan your week around this place.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2018 — $130
Jordan is a consistent, polished Alexander Valley Cab that typically retails in the $55-65 range. At $130, it's marked up but it's the kind of wine that handles a big piece of prime rib gracefully and doesn't punish your wallet the way the Caymus or Silver Oak will.
Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley 2019
Everyone at the table is reaching for the Cabs, but Duckhorn Merlot is a genuinely serious wine that gets overlooked precisely because it says 'Merlot' on the label. It's plush, structured, and at $110 it's the most interesting pour on a list that otherwise plays it straight.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019
At $160, you're paying a steep premium for a wine that's become a fixture on every upscale American restaurant list in the country. Caymus is fine — it's just not $160 fine when Jordan and Frank Family are sitting right next to it at lower prices.
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 + Cajun Prime Rib
The spice and char on the prime rib need a Cab with enough fruit and structure to hold the room without getting steamrolled. Frank Family delivers exactly that — dark fruit, firm tannins, just enough oak — and at $135 it's a more compelling choice than the marquee names for this particular matchup.
Wednesday — Half-price wine night every Wednesday — the single best reason to visit if you're anywhere near the California Cab section of this list.
🎲 The Bottom Line
Metropolitan Grill is doing something real in Springfield — a Wine Spectator-recognized program with a sommelier on the floor and Wednesday half-price wine nights is not a small thing in this market. The list won't surprise you, but Dan Cobb will make sure you drink well.
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.