Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a national chain with 64 locations in 28 states that is mostly known for its, you guessed it, steak. However, they also tout what they term “The New Fleming’s 100,” which is a list of 100 wines that are available by the glass. Only about 30 of those wines are available for less than $10 a glass, but flights are available and you can choose any 3 from the list in a flight. So, if you’re interested in trying many different wines, this is the way to go. There are a lot of well-known places, varietals and producers on the wine list, so you are not going to find any crazy, off-the-wall or eclectic options. The list is very easy to read, categorized by grape and includes some icons to identify “wines of exceptional value” and those producers employing organic and sustainable practices.
The decor and ambiance of the place is much like what you’d expect from a steakhouse. Dark browns and oranges with maple wood and dimmed lighting. The smell of charred meat fills the air, so much that your clothes will reek of it and you’ll relive it for much of the ride back home. The bartending staff was friendly, fun and willing to talk about the wines, though didn’t seem to have super in-depth knowledge of all the wines on the list. Once again, getting there early allows you to get more one-on-one time with the staff, while going later will give you more ambiance and interaction with other patrons.
To mix things up, try a flight of whites first followed by a flight of red, choosing those varietals and styles you most enjoy or go crazy and randomly choose some you’ve never had before. The flight will be served in a mini-stand where the glasses hang at three different levels circling around the middle rod. The bartender also writes down what you ordered on a card and attaches it to the top of the stand for your reference. It’s very cool-looking and unique, but really a little too much to deal with as you have to be careful pulling the glasses from the stand and if you go back and forth between wines while you taste, it’s really more practical to have them all on the table.
Here’s a flight we enjoyed:
2008 Parducci Sustainable White – Nose was a little subdued with only hints of peach and floral notes. Very lemony and mineraly on palate with good balanced of acid. Refreshing and crisp.
2008 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris – Gewürztraminer-like aromas with floral and grapefruit notes with spice. Good acid and citrus on the palate.
2008 Loredona Viognier – Also very floral aromas (white flower) with citrus and lemon on the palate.
Venue: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Address: 4501 Old Perimeter Way, Atlanta, GA 30346
Phone: 770-698-8112
Flemings is hugely underrated IMO. I think people just like dissing chain restaurants.
With Costco giftcards giving you effectively 20% off and free corkage, Flemings can’t be beat. Plus they are amazingly consistent and I’ve had a great experience every time.
I love when restaurants offer a big wine by the glass selection, and I love it even more when they offer flights. This review was great. Thanks.
Brandon, thanks for the comment! I agree and was very impressed with the whole experience especially when I learned it was a chain.
Shannon, thanks for stopping by as well… a good selection is choice if you like to experiment and not pay full boat on a glass you may not like… Thanks for the props!
Flemings should pay you a commission…after I read this I impulse booked them for Valentine’s day
No doubt! Tell them to give you a credit on your valentine’s day dinner! Have fun and tell us how it went!