Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileJohn Howie Steak
Bellevue, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
John Howie Steak's beverage program pairs a steakhouse wine cellar with a compact happy hour cocktail list. Cocktails like the Naked and Famous and Mezcal Old Fashioned run $12 to $13, while wines by the glass come from preservation systems. A Blanton's Gold barrel pick at $30 anchors the spirits side.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Naked and Famous, a mezcal, aperol, lime, and yellow chartreuse mix that shows modern cocktail intent. For whiskey, the Blanton's Gold JHS Barrel Pick neat is a rare treat. Wine drinkers can explore pours from Enomatic and Perlage systems.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who appreciate a serious wine list with aged Cabernet verticals and rare pours, and those who like a well-made classic or modern cocktail during happy hour. Bourbon enthusiasts will find the Blanton's Gold barrel pick a draw.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Happy hour cocktails run $12 to $13. Wine by the glass is $7 for a 4oz pour and $14 for an 8oz pour. The Blanton's Gold barrel pick is $30 neat.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine program stands out for its award-winning list, aged Cabernet verticals, and preservation systems that keep by-the-glass offerings fresh. Personal wine lockers with sommelier consultation add a private-cellar dimension.
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
The happy hour cocktail list covers both classic and modern ground, with a Martini, Manhattan, Margarita, Mezcal Old Fashioned, and Naked and Famous. Prices stay modest, and the builds show clear intent.
Menu strengths
- — Balanced mix of classics and contemporary cocktails at accessible happy hour prices.
- — The Naked and Famous demonstrates a modern palate with mezcal, aperol, lime, and yellow chartreuse.
Standout selections
- — Naked and Famous: Mezcal, aperol, lime, yellow chartreuse, $12.
- — Mezcal Old Fashioned: Del Maguey with agave bitters, $12.
Pricing: $12-$13 during happy hour
Wine
The wine program is a serious steakhouse affair: an award-winning list with aged California and Washington Cabernet verticals and sought-after Pinot Noirs. By-the-glass pours use Enomatic and Perlage preservation systems, and personal lockers offer private storage.
Menu strengths
- — Award-winning list with deep verticals of aged Cabernets and sought-after Pinot Noirs.
- — Enomatic and Perlage systems keep by-the-glass wines fresh.
- — Personal wine lockers with sommelier consultation cater to collectors.
Standout selections
- — An award-winning wine list featuring aged California and Washington Cabernet Sauvignon verticals and sought-after Pinot Noirs.
Pricing: $7 for 4oz, $14 for 8oz during happy hour
Spirits
The spirits program is defined by rare whiskey selections, notably a house barrel pick of Blanton's Gold served neat. The single listed pour is priced at $30, reflecting its premium position.
Menu strengths
- — Rare whiskey selection highlighted by a Blanton's Gold house barrel pick.
- — Offered neat, allowing the spirit to speak for itself.
Standout selections
- — Blanton's Gold JHS Barrel Pick: served neat, $30.
Pricing: $30 for Blanton's Gold JHS Barrel Pick during happy hour
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
No community reviews yet. Be the first to write one.