— RESTAURANTS IN GRAPEVINE, TEXAS — The south is renowned for its hospitality, and Texas is no exception. The origins of the state’s name trace back to a Caddo Indian word meaning “friend.” The concept of friendliness is so pervasive, “Friendship” is the Lone Star State’s motto. And it’s an ideal underscored in the hospitality of all local businesses in North Texas.
Nestled between notable Dallas and rapidly expanding Fort Worth, Grapevine offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. A small town with a big heart ready to embrace visitors, welcome back locals, and transform strangers into friends.
Texans would say they do many things right, and food is close to the top of that list. Tacos, chili, and barbecue are what most have come to expect, and Texas doesn’t disappoint. But Grapevine at least should be known for more. Multi-cultural chefs produce culinary innovations that could give New York City a run for its money. Each is making its mark in a town whose explosive growth shows no signs of slowing down.
Grapevine’s restaurants know how to satisfy from coffee to cupcakes, Chile Rellenos to Croque Monsieur, and everything in between. Whether you’re on the lookout for true Texas staples or the refined elegance of elevated cuisine, you can’t go wrong with these ten best places to eat in Grapevine.
Restaurants in Grapevine Texas
The culinary geniuses that call this place home are proving Texas cuisine has plenty to brag about.
—Kerri Smith
1. Brew & Batter
One of Grapevine’s newest restauranteurs was faced with a seemingly impossible challenge. Opening their doors in May 2020, Brew & Batter got people talking on social media and became an unexpected success.
Or maybe not so unexpected once you’ve had a taste. Offering a large variety of coffee and tea classics, the Barista Recommendations shouldn’t be missed. They change seasonally and feature surprising combinations. For example, the Lavender Honey Latte is creamy and floral without being overly sweet. Likewise, the Blueberry Matcha Latte is refreshing with a hint of fruit.
Brewed beverages are just one part of their business. Made from either cornbread or traditional European-style batter, an inventive selection of waffles completes the menu. The Churros are covered in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
Located at 106 East Texas Street
2. The Main Street Bakery & Bistro/Chez Fabien
Fabien Goury is a classically trained French chef treating guests to flavorful masterpieces you wouldn’t expect in the land of tacos and beer. Launched as The Main Street Bread Company, a full-blown European Bistro concept was quickly added.
Guests enjoy an innovative menu inspired by French roots and finished with Texas flair. The Texas Bloody Mary is a big hit at brunch, packed with peppered bacon, jalapeños, and a spicy mix. The Smoked Ham Crepe includes a savory topping of creamy mornay sauce and fried eggs. It’s a Texas-sized meal.
At night, beneath the gentle buzz of hanging Edison bulbs, the Short Rib Beef Bourguignon and Salmon Meuniere will tempt you to lick your plate. And vegetarians will swoon at the savory silkiness of Mushroom Ravioli in a black truffle cream sauce.
Located at 316 South Main Street
3. Big Fish Seafood Grill & Bar
Smack dab in the middle of Main Street is a seafood joint with the comfort of a backyard boil and the casual cacophony of a New Orleans jazz bar. If you’re there Wednesday or Sunday nights, pull up a seat at the bar or settle into a supple booth for live music.
Start off with a dozen oysters delivered fresh every day or a bucket of peel-and-eat jumbo shrimp. During crawfish season (typically April – June), delicious mudbugs are all-you-can-eat on Wednesday nights. Get there early; they don’t last long.
For the more adventurous, you’ll find Texas-inspired Seafood Quesadillas, Crawfish Flautas, and jalapeño cream soup to tempt you.
For non-seafood lovers, the Louisiana-style Red Beans and Rice and Blackened Chicken Tacos are traditional favorites.
Located at 414 South Main Street
4. Sloan & Williams
With a name like “Grapevine,” it should come as no surprise that the town boasts a surplus of wineries and tasting rooms. Many of them offer menus to accompany flights. Sloan & Williams has the best food.
Most dishes are served tapas-style, so the bigger your party, the better. A wide selection of meats and cheeses allows you to create your own charcuterie platter. The tangy Balsamic & Cipollini Onion Artigiano is one cheese you shouldn’t miss.
Oven-Baked Bruschetta with Garlic-Herb Goat Cheese and Spinach Artichoke Dip are inviting pairings. But if you only order one thing, it must be the Bacon & Brie Naan. A combination of smokey bacon, creamy brie, and a slightly sweet fig jam transport you to a state of bliss.
Located at 110 North Main Street
5. Hop & Sting, Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q
In an area overflowing with velvety vino, Grapevine’s only brewery is a tempting departure. Hop & Sting offers ten signature craft beers year-round and a variety of seasonals. Each is the product of the brewers’ experience, discipline, and attention to detail, and the perfect pairing for Vaquero’s BBQ.
Vaquero’s pitmaster, Trey Sanchez, was made famous on Man vs. Food for his BBQ Birria Taco. Buttery brisket is stuffed with queso asadero into a large corn tortilla and grilled to a slight char. Each bite is savory and decadent. Tacos are also served with crispy slaw and fresh jalapeños, as well as a side of consommé.
The homestyle potato salad is a bright accompaniment to the main event. Packed with flavor and crunch, it’s made with a robust combination of peppers, onions, and a balanced portion of mayonnaise.
Located at 906 Jean Street. Vaquero’s food truck is open Thursday-Sunday
6. Legacy Cakes
In 2010, cake designer and pastry chef Megan Rountree came in second on TLC’s Cake Boss: Next Great Baker. Since then, she’s brought dreams to life with impressive confections of all shapes and sizes. Her conviction that “desserts should taste every bit as good as they look” is a compelling promise on which she has made good.
Each cookie, cupcake, and cake is a work of art. Every detail is meticulously placed for maximum effect. The wide variety of flavor combinations is nearly endless. For example, the lemon macarons are light and bright as they dissolve on your tongue. Or try the Cinnamon Roll or Champagne Raspberry cupcakes for an inspired treat.
The cakes are moist and firm yet crumbly. The light buttercream frosting is slathered on for beguiling flavor in every bite. And each creation stirs feelings of delight.
Located at 120 South Main Street, #20
7. Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano
Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano is a staple in Grapevine, serving classic Mexican favorites and good, strong margaritas. But, of course, everyone should experience their “notorious” margaritas. The Swirl is a frozen house margarita with frozen sangria weaved through. It’s tart and slightly fruity, perfect for lounging on the spacious patio.
Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and features House Margaritas and Swirls at a bargain. Friends should split the Queso Flameado. A skillet is stacked with meat, cheese, and peppers then served with tortillas. It could feed a small army.
During weekend brunch, try one of three variations of migas on the menu. The Migas Enchiladas are smothered in creamy queso and served with thick slices of avocado, Pico de Gallo, and Mexican potatoes. It’s a hearty and heavenly way to kick off the day.
Located at 520 South Main Street, #207
8. Café Italia
Walking into Café Italia is like being transported to an Italian home. The ornate surroundings inspire thoughts of Renaissance and romance, while the boisterous laughter of happy guests fills you with comfort.
The menu is filled with old-world recipes that have stood the test of time. Poring over the options of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes, you’re likely to see one prominent ingredient included time and again. Café Italia is very proud of their vodka sauce – and they should be. You can’t go wrong with any dish onto which it’s ladled.
The stuffed mushrooms are filled simply with crab, cheese, and breadcrumbs, and of course, the vodka sauce is lavished on top. But, despite its richness, you can still taste the delicate shellfish.
Café Italia is family-owned, operated, and ready to call you one of their own.
Located at 2647 Ira E. Woods Avenue
9. Mason & Dixie
Channeling the Barefoot Contessa, Martha Stewart and the infamous Julia Child is a chef whose obsession with fresh ingredients and attention to detail produces remarkable results. Beth Newman is the chef-owner of Mason & Dixie, a southern bistro specializing in elevated comfort food.
Take the Grown-Up Grilled Cheese, for example. Havarti, brie, and truffle oil are grilled inside crispy sourdough bread. Experiment farther by adding smokey brisket and blueberry chipotle. It’s a mouth-watering combination that treats every sense.
Newman recently launched a spin-off located in nearby Harvest Hall. Celebrating the classic biscuit, Chick & Biscuit proves this southern staple is good any time of day. From the hearty Southern Brekkie Bowl in the morning to the elegant Bless Your Heart at dinner, Chick & Biscuit will fill your soul.
Located at 603 South Main Street, #303
10. Harvest Hall
A European-style food hall has made its way to Grapevine, Texas. Part of the three-building complex that houses boutique Hotel Vin is Harvest Hall. A food and entertainment venue housing food stalls where local chefs show off their latest innovations.
For Niddal Abeddrabbo, chef-owner of ZaTaR, Harvest Hall is his first “brick and mortar” location. Started as a food truck, Niddal is bringing the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean in-house for a chance to elevate the experience.
Online personality, The Frugal Chef, launched Arepa TX. Her stall focuses on creating Southern American dishes with various influences to attract familiar foodies and first-timers to give arepas a taste.
Additional stalls include Chick & Biscuit, Easy Slider, Monkey King, Sputino, and the Main Line Coffee Bar, serving up something for everyone.
Located at 815 South Main Street
Conclusion
The culinary geniuses that call this place home are proving Texas cuisine has plenty to brag about. They’re mastering traditional recipes, inventing modern favorites, and dishing up craveable creations for diners from all backgrounds.
Whether you find yourself here as a business traveler, family getaway, or local explorer, you’ll find there’s a lot to love about Grapevine, Texas.
There’s no shortage of engaging experiences and colorful discoveries within these 36-square miles. Take a trip back in time to see how the first settlers lived, browse contemporary art displays, and enjoy a meal you won’t soon forget. No matter what sparks your interest, you’re sure to find something unexpected. So come hungry, taste everything, and don’t be in a rush to leave. Grapevine, Texas, is growing fast and becoming a destination travelers don’t want to miss.
For more about Grapevine Texas
- 10 Best Things to Do in Grapevine, Texas
- 5 Hotels in Grapevine, Texas
- The Grapevine Texas Visitor Information Center
*Opening photo ©K Smith
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Last Updated on July 15, 2021