The Grill on the Alley

The wine list here reads exactly like the room looks — dark wood, white tablecloths, and zero surprises. You know what you're getting before you open it: a California-forward steakhouse list built for expense accounts and anniversary dinners. That's not a knock, just a heads up.

The list leans heavily on Napa Cabernet and California Chardonnay, which makes sense for a Beverly Hills chophouse but leaves little room for adventure. You'll find the usual suspects — Caymus, Stag's Leap, Jordan, Cakebread, Far Niente — executed well but priced accordingly. There's no real exploration of Sonoma, Oregon, or any European alternatives to speak of in the research we found. If you came hoping to dig up a Barolo or a left-bank Bordeaux at a fair price, this probably isn't your night.

The by-the-glass program runs 12–18 options in the $16–$32 range, which tracks for Beverly Hills but still stings a little when you can see the retail ceiling on what's being poured. Rotation appears minimal — this is a set-it-and-forget-it program, not one driven by a passionate wine director chasing seasonal finds. You'll get something drinkable, but don't expect anything that makes you put your phone down.