The Roosevelt
Cocktail bar wine list that earns its keep
Center Square · Albany · Cocktail Bar
Reviewed April 18, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walk into The Roosevelt and it's clear cocktails are the main event — but whoever put this wine list together wasn't just phoning it in. It's tight at 20-something bottles, but the selections span New Zealand, Burgundy, Italy, and California without feeling random or lazy.
Selection Deep Dive
For a cocktail bar in Center Square, this list punches above its weight class. You've got Grove Mill repping New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Joseph Drouhin anchoring the French side with Burgundy credibility, and L'Umami bringing some personality to the Pinot Noir slot. Santa Marina handles the Italian Pinot Grigio duties competently, and The Kinker rounds out California Cab territory. It's not a deep cellar, but each pick feels intentional rather than pulled from a distributor's default catalog.
By the Glass
Five by-the-glass options at $10–$14 is a reasonable spread for a neighborhood bar, and the price ceiling is refreshingly sane by Albany standards. The range covers the obvious bases — white, red, and presumably a rosé or two — though rotation doesn't appear to be a priority here.
Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc — $12
Grove Mill is a legit Marlborough producer that often gets lost in the sea of Cloudy Bay hype. At bar prices, this is the kind of crisp, no-nonsense pour that makes a Tuesday night feel justified.
L'Umami Pinot Noir
Most people at a cocktail bar default to Cab or skip wine entirely — which means L'Umami's Pinot Noir sits quietly on the list waiting for someone to notice. It's an interesting label worth asking about.
The Kinker Cabernet Sauvignon
California Cab at a cocktail bar is usually the path of least resistance for the list builder, not the drinker. Without more context on this producer, it's the safe play that rarely rewards — order the cocktail instead.
Joseph Drouhin Chardonnay + Bar snacks or charcuterie
Drouhin's Burgundy Chardonnay has enough structure and restraint to hold up against salty, fatty bar fare without turning the whole thing into a butter bomb. It's the grown-up move at a place that otherwise wants you drinking rye.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The Roosevelt isn't trying to be a wine bar, and it's better for knowing that. The list is short, fair, and stocked with names worth ordering — which is more than most cocktail spots in Albany can claim.
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