Best of Boston

2002 Best Wine List, Affordable

White Star Tavern

While most restaurants mark up their wine selections to more than double the price of a bottle, White Star Tavern owner Frank Bell keeps his bottles priced at no more than $8 over wholesale. Which means wine lovers can find incredible bargains on selections like Domaine Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grgich Hills Chardonnay, and Faustino Rosado, all available at prices that ought to make the other restaurants in town blush. A 1999 Bonny Doon Syrah is offered at $24 per bottle, in fact, no bottle on the menu is more than $38. Not only is the wine list light on the wallet, but the selection also marries perfectly with chef Scott Pelletier’s casual lunch menu of sandwiches, like the tempting hot pressed smoked turkey with watercress and applewood bacon, as well as more serious dinner options including pan-seared halibut with spring pea and prosciutto ravioli.

565 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-4477,