Restaurant
Unclaimed profileFrankie Rowland's Steakhouse
Roanoke, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Frankie Rowland's Steakhouse operates a beverage program with unusual depth for a steakhouse. The wine list spans over 200 bottles from California, Oregon, Washington, Chile, Argentina, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy, backed by three trained sommeliers and Wine Spectator Restaurant Award recognition in 2025 and 2026. The spirits collection exceeds 120 bourbons, with a premium section that includes Weller, E.H. Taylor, WhistlePig 'The Boss Hog,' and Yamazaki 18 year. Cocktails run from a signature Pineapple Martini to spirit-forward classics like the Paper Plane and Amaro Sour.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Pineapple Martini, the venue's signature, made with fresh pineapple vodka fusion. For a spirit-forward alternative, the Paper Plane combines 1792 Small Batch, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. On the wine side, the 2015 Dom Perignon Brut is a benchmark Champagne selection.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Bourbon enthusiasts will find over 120 expressions, including allocated and premium bottles. Wine drinkers who value sommelier guidance and a broad international list will also be well served.
- When should I go?
- The cocktail and spirits lists suit a pre-dinner drink or a post-dinner cordial. The dessert wine and port by-the-glass options make a natural finish to a meal.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wines by the glass range from $10 to $16, with bottles from $40 to $64 in the by-the-glass section. Bottle prices run from $22 to $2,200. Cordials and cognacs range from $8 to $200 per pour.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A steakhouse with over 200 wines, three trained sommeliers, and consecutive Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards is rare. The spirits program matches that ambition with more than 120 bourbons and a premium section featuring WhistlePig 'The Boss Hog' and Yamazaki 18 year.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A broad cocktail menu spanning martinis, classics, seasonal drinks, mocktails, and a dedicated bourbon cocktail section. The signature Pineapple Martini uses fresh pineapple vodka fusion. Spirit-forward options like the Paper Plane and Amaro Sour show a classic foundation.
Menu strengths
- — Menu covers martinis, classics, seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and bourbon cocktails.
- — Bourbon cocktail section includes Rye Sazerac, Whiskey Smash, John Collins, Kentucky Mule, Frankie's Old Fashioned, and Rowland's Manhattan.
- — Signature Pineapple Martini is made with fresh pineapple vodka fusion and is highlighted on the website and menu.
Standout selections
- — Pineapple Martini — signature martini made with fresh pineapple vodka fusion.
- — Paper Plane — 1792 Small Batch, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, fresh lemon juice.
- — Amaro Sour — Amaro Nonino, Maker's Mark Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, Fee Foam.
Wine
Over 200 wines across California, Oregon, Washington, Chile, Argentina, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy. Three trained sommeliers and Wine Spectator Restaurant Award recognition in 2025 and 2026. Includes Champagne, sparkling, dessert wine, and port sections.
Menu strengths
- — Over 200 wines with broad international representation.; Three trained sommeliers on staff: Kristy MacDonald CMS III, John Catron WSET II, and Aniket Rajguru WSET I.
- — Wine Spectator Restaurant Award recognition in 2025 and 2026.
Standout selections
- — 2021 Blend, Opus One, Napa Valley — $650 bottle.
- — 2015 Dom Perignon, Brut, Epernay — $500.; 2018 Shiraz, Penfolds 'Grange,' South Australia — $1,400 bottle.
- — 2023 Michael Pozzan Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley — $14 glass / $56 bottle.
Pricing: By the glass $10–$16; bottles $40–$64 in the by-the-glass section; full bottle range $22–$2,200; dessert wine and port by the glass $10–$25; 375ml $24–$88.
Beer
A ten-beer list mixing domestic, imported, and craft styles. Includes Bell's Two Hearted, Guinness, Devils Backbone, Sierra Nevada, and Stella Artois, alongside light lagers. Two non-alcoholic beers are also listed.
Menu strengths
- — Ten beers spanning domestic, imported, and craft styles.
- — Includes craft options like Bell's Two Hearted and Devils Backbone Vienna Lager.
- — Non-alcoholic beers listed: Corona N/A and Michelob Ultra N/A.
Standout selections
- — Bell's Two Hearted — American IPA.; Guinness — Draught Stout.
- — Devils Backbone — Vienna Lager.; Sierra Nevada — Pale Ale.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated mocktail section with The Dad Joke, Strawberry Mockito, and The Cos-NO-politan. Non-alcoholic beers include Corona N/A and Michelob Ultra N/A. Fresh ground Lavazza Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino, and Shangri La herbal teas are also served.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated mocktail section with three named drinks.; Non-alcoholic beers: Corona N/A and Michelob Ultra N/A.
- — Fresh ground Lavazza Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino, and Shangri La assorted Herbal Teas.
Standout selections
- — The Dad Joke — mocktail with freshly muddled Luxardo cherries, simple, oranges, and ginger ale.
- — Strawberry Mockito — mocktail with freshly muddled mint, simple, strawberries, limes, and club soda.
- — The Cos-NO-politan — mocktail with cranberry, orange, and lime juices and club soda.
Spirits
Over 120 bourbons anchor a deep spirits program. A premium section includes E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof, Weller expressions, WhistlePig 'The Boss Hog,' and Yamazaki 18 year. Tequila, rye, and a full cordial and cognac list round out the selection.
Menu strengths
- — Over 120 bourbons with a premium and rare whiskey section.
- — Tequila list includes Don Julio 1942, Clase Azul Gold, and Del Maguey Vida.
- — Cordials and cognacs include Remy Martin Louis XIII at $200 per half-ounce pour.
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Single Barrel — bourbon selection.; E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof — premium bourbon selection.
- — The Yamazaki 18 year Single Malt — premium whiskey selection.
- — WhistlePig 'The Boss Hog' — premium whiskey selection.
- — Remy Martin Louis XIII - 1/2 oz — $200 cognac pour.
Pricing: Cordials and cognacs $8–$200 per pour.
How it sits with the food
The cocktail list includes a full bourbon cocktail section, and the wine list's breadth across California, France, Spain, and Italy offers pairing flexibility. The dessert wine and port selections, including a 2008 Smith Woodhouse LBV, suit after-dinner service.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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