Best Bets in Grapevine- Staying at the Gaylord

[hambrich]

Hi,

I am making my first trip to TX ever for a conference at the Gaylord. would absolutely appreciate your recommendations for restaurants that are a quick cab ride or a walk from the conference center.

I read through other posts on Grapevine and heard the following mentioned:
Boi Na Brazil
Pho Republic
Taqueria El Fuego
Weinburger's
Flips
Esparzas
Saltgrass

I prefer non chain restaurants (duh). thanks so much for weighing in!

[DallasDude]

I like the margaritas at Esparzas. There are many wonderful places located in the Gaylord itself, why not start there. the steakhouse Old Hickory is fantastic, and they even have their own cheesemonger on staff. Not many can boast that. The Glass cactus can be great for cocktails and some decent fare while out on the back, massive patio that overlooks the lake.

For drinks, do go to Tolbert's Chili Parlour (well and chili too). This is the incarnation of the daughter of Frank X. thats inaugarated Terlingua along with fellow chili wizard Wick Fowler. They have incredible live bands most every night of the week. Say hello and give a warm hug to Kathleen, she will be the tiny one wearing a bandana and the owner.

Wilhoites is also a food/ bar place that has delightful music and mega amounts of cycles parked out front most nights, especially weekends. Safe, fun and great classic rock and roll. I have never eaten there but I hear its decent food.

Also, the Tap-In is a fun local hangout with a menu.

Too many decent places to go to the likes of a 'Flips' or worse... a Saltgrass.

[vstock]

Skip the food at Wilhoites. It is a bar that serves food...there are so many other better places. I would highly suggest you stop in and have a glass of wine (or beer) at Into the Glass. They are a local wine bar and their food is very good. Their menu is designed for foodies, but even the picky eaters can find something that would interest them. The tenderloin tacos are fabulous and you can flip a coin for either the truffle mac & cheese or the blue cheese grits. Both are worth the time on the treadmill as a trade off. And if you don't know what you like on a wine list, just ask - the guys in there will bring you taste until you are happy with what you have in your glass.

If you are looking for Steak - you can also hit Bob's. The original is best, but for a suberb, the restaurant is very nice if you are inching to get out of the hotel.

If you want to give your expense account a rest, you can try Cafe Italia. It is a BYOB and great Italian.

IMO, the margaritas at Esparzas are an experience, but there food isn't the draw the the resturant. You can get better Mexican elsewhere.Good luck!

[DallasDude]

Was pretty sure wilhoites food wasnt worth a visit, but the bands and fun at night is good. Packed and lots of fun people. Bob's in Grapevine is 'ok'. I still think the place in the Gaylord would be better.

Actually, for a cab ride, or possibly your hotel shuttle... there are far more places in Southlake (a few extra miles in a cab) that would be extremely worthy. Some are high end chains (which is what Bob's is - at the 'vine location), but are worthy. I really enjoy Trulucks. Nice steak, and the stone crab, well its the food of the gods as far as I am concerned.

Brio grille is another worthy multi-location restaurant. Kirby's is wonderful, and is participating in restaurant week, the extended version, August 17 to Sept 6th. that's $35 prixe fix with several nice choices. http://www.kirbyssteakhouse.com/docs/...

I personally will check out Into the Glass. Sounds wonderful... and if there is a choice that makes you decide between two wonderful sides? Well, thats an old fashioned Hobson's Choice as far as I am concerned. Take em both and share!

[air]

I'm actually gonna be spending this thursday and friday night at the Gaylord Texan, so I've poked around the area recently as well. I don't plan on hitting any pricier restaurants since Restaurant Week is coming up though.

All in all, I would recommend avoiding Grapevine Mills and focusing your research around Grapevine's Main Street. There is nothing within walking distance from the Gaylord unless you count the places inside the hotel. Glass Cactus is good for drinks and the menu at Ama Lur was designed by Stephan Pyles. The margaritas at Esparza's are also pretty strong.

Co-sign the recommendation to skip Saltgrass and go to Bob's Steak and Chophouse if you are craving a steak. Weinburger's is the closest thing we have in the metroplex to true Chicago style food. On a somewhat related note, I thought of pizza and I believe Southlake has a Coal Vines as well as Campania. I wouldn't call these chains since they have locations only around the metroplex. If I were to make a single recommendation I would go with Campania.

Also if you are staying on a saturday morning, do try your best to make it to El Fuego's buffet. Otherwise make sure you get some of their fresh corn tortillas with your meal.

[hambrich]

Thank you all for responding- I really appreciate you taking the time to help guide me to good food as I travel. Please let me know if you ever make it to Phoenix and are looking for recommendations. Thanks!

[DallasDude]

Hehe, I have a rec for Phoenix. A dive pub called Giligins, where the food is ok and drinks just fine, but on an average evening you will find a midget dressed like Elvis, named Tiny Elvis. Been going there for years for the MSBL World Series, and he's been there every time. You also have a drink wheel you spin when you walk in for some free libation, or enter the weekly goldfish races.

They also have a midget bar off to the side where Cheuy the midget bartender works.

[air]

Absolutely no problem, hambrich. I know how you feel as I am a business traveler. I have fond memories of Phoenix as it was the last time I'd eaten a burger at In-N-Out!

So while in Grapevine last weekend, I had my first ever Italian Beef at Weinburgers. It was soggy and dripping, packed full of meat and banana peppers. Messy to eat and I liked it, hoped for a little bit more flavor in the juice since the peppers did most of the work in carrying the sandwich's flavor. I'd love to come back here for a Chicago Style dog.

Went to Campania in Southlake for a pizza. The toppings were fresh and the crust was exceptional. Word of advice though, finish this pizza quick. If it gets soggy, the crust is no good. I really liked how the toppings and sauce weren't overwhelming.

[CocoaNut]

If you're looking for drinks only, then check out Esparzas, Wilhoiltes (old time and smokey) and Tolberts. Flips, I'd just skip period. If you're looking for food, there's far better. Know nothing of Pho Republic and be aware that while ok, Saltgrass is a chain. It should be noted that Weiburger's is sandwiches - no pizza or plates - although they do have some salads.

If you have a car, and if you enjoy a bit of fried food, I'd definitely suggest Babe's Chicken House in Roanoke - it's about a 15 minute drive west on 114. They're becoming kind of a cliche, but I've been going for years and they have the best fried chicken you'll find around. They also have chicken fried steak on the menu.
http://www.babeschicken.com/Babes-Chicken-Dinner-House-Roanoke.html

Between Grapevine and Roanoke is Southlake - CoalVines and Campania's (wood ovens baked pizzas) were mentions. Aggree with the rec of Campania's over CoalVines, but if you enjoy your wine, you may prefer CoalVines - both are very good.
http://www.coalvines.com/
http://www.campaniapizza.com/

Bob's has been mentioned; Bob's neighbor is Fireside Pies (very good pizza - as an app, the bruschetta is great, but a meal in itself.). About mid-way down Main Street is Main Street Bread Baking company. They have some very nice breads and pastries. Farina's (Italian and winery) is also on Main. Haven't been, but their limited menu looks inviting and I keep promising myself a visit.
http://www.bobs-steakandchop.com/grapevine.html
http://www.firesidepies.com/
http://www.themainbakery.com/
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/Wineries/FarinasWinery/tabid/685/Default.aspx

The eclectic part of Main Street in Grapevine is comprised of about a 6 block stretch that will give you a snapshot into a downtown of yesteryear. Antiques, small eateries, wine shops/tasting rooms (Into the Glass was mentioned), jeweler, pubs, art/glass galleries, etc.. If you have the time, and the weather is nice, well worth the walk. Grapevine has put together a website that is quite extensive and informative for visitors as well as locals. Please click the "Things to Do" tab for a drop down menu of categories. After selecting a category, specific locales are listed to the left.
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/

Not Chowish, but certainly worthwhile is Vetro Glass Gallery and Studio. They have some outstanding glass work and it's quite interesting and mesmerizing to sit on the bleachers and watch the artistry come to life. And they don't care if you bring in food or a bottle of wine to enjoy while you watch.

Enjoy your visit!
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/Thi...

[DallasDude]

CocoaBut, I get to Grapevine every few weeks in the evening (for drinks only usually) and for lunch on occasion. What is the deal with the wine spot across from Tolberts. I have seen the place crowded almost always (Friday and Saturdays) and was wondering about a menu, if any.

[LewisvilleHounder]

DD,

Is this the place you are referencing?
http://www.intotheglass.com/

http://slowfooddallas.blogspot.com/20...

[CocoaNut]

I googled Farina's to see if I could find a menu. Came across a Pegasus' article stating Farina's first open a restaurant in the early 50's somewhere in Irving, also Dallas. I know that was before your time, but do you have any recollections of an Irving Farina's in later years? (It goes on to draw a vague relation to Campisi's.)
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2009/...

[CocoaNut]

I believe you are talking about Farina's. If so, it's a rather large, open room, set up with dining tables, definitely more of a restaurant feel, whereas the other tasting rooms are furnished more with cocktail tables, bar, and commercial wine accessories.. This is from memory of sticking my head in on a couple of occasions, lastly several months ago, so don't hold me to it - the front is all windows, the wall to the right is a "wine wall", with the opposing wall a bar? wow, I'm really foggy on remembering specifics, but it's really quite nice as I remember. On the 2 *afternoons*, ie days, I looked in, there were no customers and I don't get over there in the evenings, so don't know how overall busy they are. I looked at their menu, and not a huge number of selections (that I'm sure of), but I believe some pizza options and typical pastas - spaghetti and lasagna - at very reasonable prices. It's a place I keep saying I'm going to eat, but always forget when it comes down to it. Have NO idea about their wines.

Just FYI, Into the Glass IS nice, but there are a lot of regulars and the place is REALLY small - shotgun like - so get there early to grab your spot. A couple of years ago, the menu was all tapas and as stated above, very good with excellent selections - probably still the same menu.

[DallasDude]

Farina is what I am referring to and is situated almost directl;y across from Tolberts and a few doors down from Wilhoites. Spaghetti and lasagne doesn't excite me, but that Into The Glass sounds wonderful. Thanks!

[foiegras]

Agree with Babe's, and it's never better than the first time!!

While Saltgrass is a chain, I find it a more than acceptable solution to a red meat craving.

Wilhoite's food is quite awful, as already reported.

I like the Main St bakery as well. The chicken salad croissant is quite good, and they also have omelettes, baked goods, and a fairly expansive menu now. (There are also other locations, including one in the Shops at Legacy.)

My experience at the Glass Cactus was nothing to write home about ...

[DallasDude]

Glass Cactus is a night club (never seen the Mavs Girls dancing at Pyles... but then again he would prefer Mavs Boys hehe) with some apps. the other restaurants that are really restaurants, are very nice.

[CocoaNut]

I was just in Grapevine (Main St) today and was reminded (saw it) that the Gaylord runs a trolly ( modified bus) shuttle from the hotel to Grapevine Mills (ditto the avoidance rec), I believe Bass Pro Shops*, and historic Grapevine Main Street (the gazebo). I'd check with the Gaylord for specifics.

* Uncle Bucks restaurant is at Bass Pro. I have no idea the quality, but they have venison and buffalo on the menu. I ate there years ago when it was Big Bucks, before Bass Pro took it over. It's very large and rustic, the food as I remember was quite good - but like I said, a different owner at that time even though I've been told it's the same menu. They also have a "brewery" upstairs, but again, know nothing about it.

[air]

It's been a while since I'd last eaten at Big Buck, didn't even know they had changed their name. Atmosphere is all there, you really get a big 'great hall' hunting lodge feeling when you see all the game lining the walls. I'd say their food is about on par with Silver Fox and for that price range, Bob's has much better quality.

On the beer front, they are capable of putting out some good brews. Unfortunately this is the exception, normally the beer is pretty bad. I remember liking the IPA and their stout on one occasion, but otherwise they were average and tasted watery. The hefeweizen had quite an interesting body, like some sort of medicine/chemical concoction, no hint of wheat/fruit at all.

[taldeac]

Big question, it really all depends what someone is looking for. It looks like there have been tons of good suggestions but I will add my two cents.

As someone said, you can always find some good eats and drinks in the Gaylord complex. Ama Lur is good from a foodie standpoint and has good ceviche. The Glass Cactus is good for drinks.

I don't think I would recommend walking anywhere from staying at the Gaylord, everything would be a very short cab ride but a pretty long walk. My understanding is there used to always be buses from the Gaylord to Historic Main Street and they stopped running for some reason and are starting back up either this month or next month and will be on from then on. I think maybe the Gaylord was running them and the city is taking them over or vice versa.

I would 90% recommend going to historic Main Street. The other 10% would be to go to Bob's or Fireside Pies on Main Street further down, but they are pretty isolated down there.

Once you get dropped of on Main Street, it just depends on what you want.

Esparza's has been around forever and has a good margarita and decent Mexican food, especially for a northerner or easterner but someone from Arizona has probably had lots of good Mexican food, so maybe one of the other options might be better.

I agree that Wilhoites is okay for a drink but I would not go there for the food. It is a biker bar really.

Tolberts just got written up in Bon Appetit mag as one of the top ten chili places in the country. I actually would probably recommend some of their other food over their chili but to each his own. It is a good place to have a drink and they usually have live music in the back on the weekends.

Into The Glass is a good wine bar. I like it too because they have wines from all over the world, I feel like some of the Grapevine wine places take Texas wine pride a little far. I am willing to try a Texas wine on occassion but would definitely prefer Napa, Chili, French, Italian, etc.

The Tap In is a good local bar and so is the Back Porch Tavern which is one block up across Northwest Highway. The Back Porch is a little more country and has live local music and decent bbq brisket.

Main Street Bakery is good, but I like it more as a morning pastry, coffee and newspaper place. Very good chocolate crossiant and a good local feel.

Weinburgers is a good Chicago style sandwich deli place which is good for lunch and a block or two south of the historic section of Main Street.

[CocoaNut]

Taqueria El Fuego is closed

I haven't been, mainly because I always forget about it, but Ferrari's Italian Villa (lunch and dinner) is located at @ 1200 William D. Tate, off the beaten path from most everything else. Silver Fox (steaks) is across the street, but there are SO many better steak options in the area.

[foiegras]

To me, Silver Fox's ambience is severely lacking ... of course they put them in Good Eats' old locations ... let's consider that 'green.' Inside, it's all leather & old-timey men's club, and not in a good way. The food is fine ... they're very proud of it. I really prefer Saltgrass TBH ...

[CocoaNut]

Campania Pizza - Southlake Town Square. Had lunch there today with a friend. She ordered the Margherita pizza with the Basica salad, I ordered the (hot) Big Luciano panini (prosciutto, mozz, basil, half grape tomatoes, shaved parm and olive oil) with a Basica salad. Sounds intriguing, right. First the "panini" was made with what I'm fairly certain was pita pocket bread. It certainly was not a close facsimile of any typical panini bread, nor had it been pressed. The "bread" was very blond in color, ie, NO color, and only the top half was warmed because it came served on a..... icy, chilled.salad.plate. The pizza, while cooked through and able to stand up to the other ingredients had the same anemic color around the rim - missing was that wonderful charred, blistered taste that I remember from my last several visits, although they were at least a year+ ago. Lastly, the mozz was very chewy... old. Service: depends on how you rate it. Our service was timely with order taking and food service, albeit perfunctory. When I brought the hot sandwich on a cold plate to her attention, the response was - shrug, "that's how the cook did it". After waiting an appropriate amount of time for the check AFTER we had finished eating, but still looking at dirty plates, my fried finally tracked down our ticket, which we paid, leaving the change as a tip - 51 cents. Isn't much wonder why, at the 12:10 lunch hour, there were only 3 other occupied tables. Oh yes, the salad. It was passable though included a large amount of arugula or other peppery green, which was not a listed salad component - at least as id'd on the menu. I wonder if the same decline is showing at the West Village location.

[CocoaNut]

Bottlecap Alley, Icehouse Grill has opened in the old Chuck's hamburger's location (Target Shopping Center - 114@26). Burgers and other bar food is on the menu. TV's abound on the walls with a pool table and a couple of video games in the walkway to the back entrance. There's a (domestic) beer bar with a frozen Margarita and Daiquiris machine, but no other libations. It a great addition for food and drink in Grapevine, but kind of an odd concept to be an offspring of Cotton Patch.

The 1/4 lb burgers start at 3.00(?) and are ordered in the fashion of Mooyah - some add-ons complimentary, others are charged. For the price, they're good burgers. Hotdogs, chili, (talipia) fish and chips, BLT's, maybe nachos with several other items are also on the menu. They had a pretty heavy lunch crowd the day I was there and there were a number of happy hour groups later in the week. Once the DFW Connector project gets it full swing, it'll be a good stop-over to wait out what will likely be a killer rush hour.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grapevi...

[jefelang]

The Gaylord is very nice but make sure you have reservations at Old Hickory. The Glass Cactus can be a great time. I'd head to Dino's Steak and Claw House in Grapevine for a unique dining experience. Its been great every time I have been there. Bob's is fine. Wilhoite's is a bar with food and the waitstaff isn't very interested in the serving of food. I do agree that Truluck's is a great place in Southlake and just an extra 8 minutes away!