Q Restaurant
Solid Pacific Northwest Picks, Markup Inconsistency Lurks
Downtown · Spokane · Steakhouse
Reviewed April 10, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Q lands with the right instincts for a Spokane steakhouse — 120 labels, regional pride, and enough recognizable names to keep the table happy. It feels curated without being adventurous, which suits the room. You're not here to be challenged; you're here to eat short ribs and drink something good from the Pacific Northwest.
Selection Deep Dive
Washington, California, and Oregon carry the list, which is exactly what you'd expect and honestly not a complaint — this region produces serious wine and Q leans into that. Duckhorn and La Crema show up as the California anchors, while Chateau Ste. Michelle holds down the Washington flag. What's missing is any real depth beyond the greatest hits: no small-production Walla Walla reds, no Willamette Valley surprises, nothing that makes you lean forward in your chair. At 120 labels, there's room for more personality than this list delivers.
By the Glass
Twelve by-the-glass options is a respectable count for a steakhouse, and the $10–$18 range means you're not forced into a bottle to avoid highway robbery. The selections mirror the bottle list — reliable names, familiar grapes — but don't expect the pour list to rotate with the seasons or surprise you on your third visit.
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — $85
At 55% over retail, the Duckhorn is the least punishing markup on the list and it's genuinely good juice — structured, age-worthy, and exactly right alongside a plate of braised short ribs. In a room where other bottles are marked up at more than double retail, this one actually feels like a fair deal.
La Crema Pinot Noir
Most people at a steakhouse walk straight past Pinot Noir and head for the Cabs, but La Crema quietly earns its spot here. It's an underrated pour that works surprisingly well with the seared scallops — enough fruit and acid to complement without overpowering — and it tends to sit under the radar while everyone fights over the big reds.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Cabernet 2020
This one stings. A bottle you can pull off the shelf at a grocery store for $25 is landing on your check at $65 — a 160% markup. Chateau Ste. Michelle makes good wine, but this specific bottle at this specific price is a trap. Order the Duckhorn instead and sleep better.
Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 + Braised Short Ribs
Duckhorn Cab's dark fruit, firm tannins, and oak structure go toe-to-toe with the richness of braised short ribs without getting buried. The wine's acidity cuts through the fat just enough to keep things moving, and the two together feel like the reason this list exists.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Q is a dependable steakhouse wine list that does the Pacific Northwest proud in selection but takes liberties with pricing on accessible bottles. Worth a visit — just steer clear of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge and put that money toward the Duckhorn.
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