Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas turns 25 this week – and WINS prestigious World of Fine Wine “World’s Best Wine List” Award, a global competition that recognizes excellence in wine service and selection



Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas has won the top prize in the prestigious World of Fine Wine World’s Best Wine Lists 2023, a global competition that recognizes excellence in wine service and selection.

The Dallas restaurant, which opened 25 years ago this week, was awarded the title of best long wine list in North America, beating hundreds of other entries from across the continent. The long wine list category includes lists that feature more than 500 wines (at 750ml bottle-size). I’ve told you over and over that Pappas Bros, Steakhouse is among the best restaurants in the country and in Dallas in particular. This is yet another reason.

According to the World of Fine Wine, the judges were impressed by the depth and diversity of Pappas Bros.’s wine list, which offers more than 3,900 selections from around the world, with a focus on classic regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley and Tuscany. The list also features rare and old vintages, as well as wines from emerging regions and producers.

The judges praised the list for its “impeccable organization, clear presentation, and informative notes”, as well as its “fair and reasonable pricing”. They also noted the restaurant’s commitment to wine education and service, with a team of 16 certified sommeliers on staff, led now by wine director Jon Walker. The list was primarily assembled and managed by Barbara Werley, who left the company in 2022.

The World’s Best Wine Lists is a global awards program created in 2014 by the well-regarded publication The World of Fine Wine.

In addition to Pappas Bros., five other regional winners for the title of best long wine list in the world were Aux Beaux Arts / Imperial Court MGM Grand in Macau, Catalina in Sydney, Park Hotel in Vitznau, Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa in Johannesburg, and Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant in Nassau.

The World of Fine Wine World’s Best Wine Lists 2023 describes itself as the first awards program to acknowledge the crucial importance of a good wine selection regardless of size. The awards are judged by an independent, international panel of leading wine experts, sommeliers, journalists and critics, who evaluate the lists based on quality, breadth, depth, balance, suitability, originality and value. it is the first awards program to acknowledge the crucial importance of a good wine selection—regardless of size—in the modern dining experience all round the world. Dallas sommelier James Tidwell was among the judges on the panel.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas is no stranger to wine accolades, having received the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 2011, as well as the Wine Enthusiast America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants Award in 2019 and 2020. And yet the James Beard Awards overlook this restaurant every year (another example of why their awards are questionable).

Pappas Bros Steakhouse, which opened in 1998, is located at 10477 Lombardy Ln, It serves dry-aged prime beef, seafood and exceptional wines in an elegant and award-winning setting. It is open for dinner from Monday to Saturday, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations can be made online at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse or by calling (214) 366-2000.

Best Wine Lists in the World Finalists (more than 500 wines)

Aux Beaux Arts / Imperial Court MGM Grand, Macau—Asia

Catalina, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—Australasia

Park Hotel, Vitznau, Switzerland—Europe

Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa—Middle East and Africa

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Dallas, Texas, USA—North America

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas—South & Central America and the Caribbean