Rick's Chophouse

Walking into Rick's Chophouse, housed in a historic downtown McKinney building, feels like stepping into a steakhouse that takes itself seriously — white tablecloths, dark wood, and a wine list that leans hard into California Cabernet, which is exactly what you'd expect. The 150-200 bottle list earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (held since 2012), though it plays a very familiar tune. You know this list before you've finished reading the first page.

The list is built around big-name California reds — Caymus, Jordan, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars — and it does that lane well, even if it rarely steps outside it. There's a nod to Texas terroir with Becker Vineyards and Duchman Family Winery on the list, which is a smart, locally-minded touch worth appreciating. Flowers Vineyard Chardonnay represents the white wine side with some real quality, though the broader white selection thins out quickly. If you're hunting for Burgundy, Rhône, or anything from the Southern Hemisphere, you're going to be disappointed.

The by-the-glass program runs 12-20 options in the $10-$18 range, which is reasonable for a steakhouse at this level. Expect the usual suspects — a Cab, maybe a Merlot, a Chardonnay — rotated infrequently if at all. It's functional, not exciting, but it gets the job done for the table that just wants a solid glass with their ribeye.