Kentucky steakhouse plays it California straight
Downtown · Lexington · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed March 28, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Tony's reads exactly like you'd expect from a well-heeled Kentucky steakhouse — heavy on California reds, anchored by names your uncle would recognize, and priced like they know you're celebrating something. It's confident and comfortable, if not particularly adventurous.
This is a California-forward list with a tight lane and no real intention of leaving it. Napa Cabernet is the clear headliner — Caymus, Silver Oak, Hall, Honig, Quilt, and a handful of others crowd the red section like a greatest hits playlist. The Zinfandel bench is actually a quiet strength, with Seghisio, Saldo, Klinker Brick Old Ghost, and Orin Swift's 8 Years in the Desert all showing up in force. Outside California, you're mostly looking at token Italian pours by the glass, and there's no meaningful Old World presence — no Bordeaux, no Burgundy, no Barolo to speak of.
The BTG program runs 12-20 options and leans casual on the white side — Copper Ridge and Kendall Jackson anchor the Chardonnay section, which isn't exactly inspiring at these price points. The Tintero Moscato d'Asti is a genuine bright spot for anyone who wants something fun and low-ABV, and it's a welcome outlier in an otherwise predictable lineup.
Seghisio Zinfandel — null
Seghisio is one of the most consistent, food-friendly Zins made in California and a legitimate alternative to the Napa Cab markup trap. At a steakhouse with this pricing structure, it's almost certainly the best dollar-per-pleasure bottle on the list.
Klinker Brick Old Ghost Zinfandel
Most tables here are gunning straight for the Caymus, but Old Ghost from Klinker Brick is a serious, age-worthy Zinfandel from Lodi that routinely punches above its category. It gets overlooked every time, which means the value gap is real.
Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet
Caymus is a fine wine, but it's also one of the most marked-up bottles in American restaurants. At a $$$-$$$$ steakhouse, you're paying a premium on top of a premium for a label that has coasted on its reputation for years. The list around it offers better wine for less.
Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet + 14 oz Prime Cut New York Strip
Alexander Valley Silver Oak has that classic American oak structure and dark fruit profile that was practically designed for a prime NY strip. It's the kind of pairing that exists for a reason — the tannins cut the fat, the fruit matches the char, and everybody at the table knows exactly why it works.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Tony's delivers a dependable, California-centric wine program that suits the steakhouse format without ever challenging it. If you're here for a celebratory ribeye and a recognizable red, you'll leave satisfied — just don't expect the list to surprise you.
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