What Makes Grapevine a Gem of Texas
Grapevine, Texas is a gem of a town because it is located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex area with a population of just over 53,000 people. You can experience a small town atmosphere yet still have all of the big city benefits of a cosmopolitan city. Traveling by plane? Then getting to Grapevine is rather simple as part of the airport is actually located in Grapevine. In this multi-part series about my home town I will cover all of the things there are to experience.
Where to begin
I will start with what is always important when traveling, “What can I eat, and where should I stay?” The food alone is reason enough to come for a visit, and I will share with you three of my favorite places to eat, and yes you can still maintain the Keto lifestyle while doing so. There are so many activities you can experience and enjoy that you’ll want to stay. That’s what happened to me. I will also cover three of the major hotels that make Grapevine Unique and share other lodging options. Let’s get to this gem of a town.
Dining Options
Grapevine alone has many places to eat, from national chain-restaurants to local favorites, and also small hole-in-the-wall places and bistros. You could litterally eat out every night for a month and not repeat a single meal. Southern comfort food is a staple in many cities in Texas, and Grapevine is no exception. There are plenty of options to chose from for your taste in Mexican quisine and Tex-Mex fare. For a fine dining experience, Grapevine has full service a la cart establishments as well.
Some Examples
Downtown Grapevine is what makes it a gem of Texas. Three of my favorite places to eat can be found right in the heart of downtown Grapevine. There are other places just on the outskirts of town that are fun places to eat and enjoy a great breakfast or lunch, one of which has quite the unique and intriguing name. And for those of us living the Keto lifestyle, we can enjoy all of them guilt free and without cheating.
Cotton Patch Café
The first is the Cotton Patch Café which has two locations in Grapevine. The original and first location is on the southern border of Grapevine and Colleyville off of Highway 121. The second location is directly on Main Street in downtown Grapevine. If Southern comfort food is your guilty pleasure, then The Cotton Patch is a must.
Every meal begins with soft, buttery, warm rolls (Tempting, but no). Beverage options range from Sweet Tea to adult libations. Glancing over the menu your mouth will water just from reading the descriptions of their meals. For those of us living the Keto lifestyle I highly recommend the Center Cut Pork Chops. I skip the Apple Sauce that’s served with it and opt for a side of Broccoli. The Grilled Shrimp is Cajun seasoned and also a favorite of mine. The salads are fresh and crisp and cover an array of styles which come with several options for dressings.
What’s for Desert
I’m unable to enjoy the deserts they offer due to my Keto lifestyle. Your friends and family members who aren’t living the Keto lifestyle have several choices to enjoy. Their sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied. If you crave southern comfort food on your trip to Grapevine I highly recommend the Cotton Patch Café. Check out their menu on their website, http://cottonpatch.comcottonpatch.com.
Esparza’s
Esparza’s Mexican Restaurant is infamous in Grapevine. With their consistency in quality of food and excellent customer service, they are sure to become a favorite. Esparza’s is located in the heart of downtown. There’s indoor and outdoor seating areas. A great starter of the meal is their delicious chips and salsa. The taste of the warm salsa and its spiciness lets you know you are not at your average Mexican Restaurant. If you’re living the Keto lifestyle I recommend the Queso served with a side of Pico de Gallo. You won’t be disappointed.
At Esparza’s there’s something for everyone. Before starting my Keto lifestyle I often enjoyed the Burrito Rico. I loved the blend of the taco meat with the heated Queso and Sour Cream. The Refried Beans are flavorful and the Spanish Rice is some of the best I’ve had at any Tex-Mex establishment. It has never been dry when I’ve had it and somehow it never loses its heat.
Since living the Keto lifestyle, I now enjoy the Fire-Grilled Fajitas and leave out the tortillas. There’s something about the sound off the sizzling meat and vegetables. The aroma from the steam rising off the cast-iron skillet fills your senses and makes your mouth water. The fajitas are always an enjoyable delight and I highly recommend them. If you’re on a maintenance program of Ketosis then feel free to try one of their margaritas and enjoy. Trust me, one is all you’ll really need.
Esparza’s has been host to many parties, gatherings, reunions and meetings. Esparza’s caters as well and will be sure to make any event a special one. They truly are a staple in the city of Grapevine and us locals love to take visitors there. If your pallet is craving a great Tex-Mex experience, I highly recommend Esparza’s. Check their full menu out at esparzastexas.com. Enjoy!
Dino’s Steak & Claw House
If it’s a little more upscale dining experience you’re seeking then look no further than Dino’s Steak and Claw House. Located right in the heart of downtown Grapevine with easy walking access to all of the shops and wineries, it’s certainly worthy of the white tablecloth setting. The outdoor patio ambiance just adds to the flavor of your meal. Beef and seafood are definitely part of the Keto lifestyle, and there’s plenty to choose from here at Dino’s. It’s a popular place for anniversaries, birthday celebrations and hosting business clients.
The menu is comprised of appetizers, steaks and chops, soup and salads, seafood and poultry and sauces a la carte. With so many options to choose from, you wont be disappointed in your experience of fine dining at Dino’s. Check out their full menu at dinossteakandclaw.net.
Lodging
Lodging in this gem of a town Grapevine, is an amazing experience in itself. Grapevine is host to three hotels that can satisfy the discernment of any professional traveler. While these three hotels really stand out in Grapevine, there is lodging for every budget to suit your needs. Guest or visitor, you are welcomed to enjoy the venues in these establishments. From shopping, dining and live music, it will be an experience you wont soon forget.
The Gaylord Texan
First on the list is the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Conference Center. The entrance to the Gaylord Texan is nothing short of a Texas sized welcoming. The statement is bold and prepares you to be amazed at the beauty you are going to experience. Right off of Northwest Highway, east of Texan Trail, you will find the entrance to the Gaylord. The Gaylord Texan Hotel overlooks Lake Grapevine and has several shops, restaurants and an assortment of entertainment venues. From the hotel grounds, the hotel itself, the Glass Cactus Nightclub with live music, the exterior and interior decor and the professional hotel staff, you will feel the Texas pride that is shown throughout the Gaylord Texan.
Professionally landscaped and pleasantly sculpted, the grounds of the Gaylord are meticulous. There are walking trails, a water park, and of course Grapevine Lake provide a wonderful outdoor experience.
As you continue your drive up the main entrance and catch your first glimpse of the Gaylord Texan, it is nothing short of amazing. The size alone is something to marvel at and take in. There hasn’t been a visit to the Gaylord that I haven’t enjoyed. Throughout the year the Gaylord is host to several events and conferences. During the Christmas season the hotel becomes a beautiful winter wonderland. It hosts festive ice sculptures of the season. So if you have the opportunity to visit during this period of time, I highly recommend going to the Gaylord.
For a great Texas sized overnight stay I encourage you to visit the Gaylord Texan. Go to marriott.com to find out more information on the Gaylord Texan.
The Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge sits across from the Gaylord Texan just off of Northwest Highway and Texan Trail. If adventure is what you are looking for then the Great Wolf Lodge is definately the place for you. It certainly will make the kids in your family happy. To get more information on Great Wolf Lodge visit their website at greatwolf.com.
Hotel Vin
Tastefully designed and elegantly decorated, the Hotel Vin is breathtaking. It is located on the southern end of Main Street in the heart of downtown Grapevine’s Historic district. Hotel Vin opened it 2021 and quickly became a favorite for citizens of Grapevine. The courtyard of the Bacchus Kitchen and Bar is a favorite. There, patrons enjoy the sites and sounds of the nearby Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Also you catch a glimpse of the trains traveling from Ft. Worth all the way to DFW Airport and vice-versa.
The ambiance of the Hotel Vin is one of warm and welcoming. The staff are accommodating and friendly right upon your arrival. The most discerning traveler will be impressed with the southern hospitality shown to everyone who enters.
Harvest Hall is an inspiration of seven global kitchens with a flare to fit your pallet with many options. Finding something that fits into the Keto lifestyle, as well as those not practicing Keto, is easily accomplished.
Hotel Vin is the perfect fit for Grapevine with its boutique modern theme and the southern comfort of yesteryear. I highly encourage a visit, even if just to enjoy sitting outside in the courtyard enjoying the trains go by. For more information on the Hotel Vin, visit their website at hotelvin.com.
In Conclusion
Perhaps now you can see why this will be a multi-part series. There is so much to cover for this gem of a town, Grapevine, Texas. I often refer to Grapevine as the small town with big city benefits. Please come back for the second instillation of this series. Next I will cover the attractions that are located right inside the city of Grapevine. There’s so much to do here and see I think you’ll be surprised. Stay tuned.
Jason, The Keto Traveler 94