Great Shawarma, Forgettable Wine List
Macalester-Groveland · St. Paul · Mediterranean and Middle Eastern · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 24, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Shish reads like an afterthought — a few lines tucked onto a menu that's clearly all about the food. This is a counter-service spot near Macalester College, and the wine program reflects that: functional, cheap, and not particularly interesting.
The list tops out at five or six options, all of them generic California commodity wines with no producer names worth noting. House Cabernet, House Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, House Merlot, and a basic California sparkling — that's essentially the whole show. There's no regional exploration, no Old World presence, and nothing that suggests anyone thought hard about what wines might actually complement Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors. If you came hoping to find a Assyrtiko or even a decent Côtes du Rhône alongside your shawarma, keep walking.
Four to six pours in the $7–$9 range, which is at least honest pricing for what's being served. Bottles run $26–$32, so the math works out roughly right — you're not getting gouged, just underwhelmed. There's no rotation, no seasonal swap, no sense that anyone is paying attention to the glass program.
House Cabernet Sauvignon — $8/glass
At $8 a glass with fair markup on a commodity wine, it won't embarrass you — and it's probably the most food-friendly option on a list that doesn't have much to offer. Low bar, but it clears it.
Basic California Sparkling Wine
Nobody orders sparkling at a casual Mediterranean counter spot, which is exactly why you should. A cold, simple bubbly cuts through hummus and fried falafel better than any of the reds on this list — and at these prices, you're not risking much.
House Merlot
Generic Merlot and shawarma spices are not a natural team. This bottle sits at the bottom of an already thin list, and there's nothing here to suggest it's worth your time over a local beer.
Pinot Grigio + Falafel and hummus with pita
It's not a glamorous pairing, but a crisp, neutral Pinot Grigio is the most sensible match on this list for the bright lemon, tahini, and herb notes in the falafel plate. Light, clean, and it stays out of the way.
❌ The Bottom Line
Shish is a genuinely good casual Mediterranean spot — the food earns its reputation on Grand Avenue. But the wine list is strictly utilitarian, and you'd be better served ordering a beer or skipping the wine altogether until they decide to put in some effort.
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