I love me some Tolbert’s

2 years ago Bon Appétit did an article on the top 10 chili restaurants in the U.S. Well you knew right off that the gentleman had no idea what he was talking about!!! Of the 10 restaurants there were only 2 below the mason – Dixon line and the only one in Texas was Tolbert’s in Grapevine. At least he got that right. Kathleen Tolbert Ryan and her Husband Paul Ryan run one the finest Texas restaurant that it has been my pleasure to eat in. Their restaurant is located in downtown Grapevine in the historic district in a building that was built in 1911. Her dad Frank X. Tolbert started the restaurant in 1976 in Dallas. He is the co-founder of the Terlingua Chili Cook-off which is held the first Saturday of November, in the Big Bend Area of Texas. I have been invited to be a judge at the cook-off this year and I am honored to be asked. Now let’s talk food. I started off with a bowl of their Original Texas Red that is Texan for Chili. Man o man that was some good stuff! It was served with onions and cheese on top with a whole chili pepper. If you want it hot order the 5-alarm. It was a very nice presentation. I then had the Chicken fried steak, which is Angus beef sirloin that is hand breaded and topped with cream gravy. I had mashed potatoes and hand cut and battered onion rings. The mashed potatoes were great. Freshly mashed and not out of a box. Their menu will appeal to the whole family from great appetizers to Farmer’s Market Salads and soup, Steaks, Burgers and a nice selection of Tex-Mex dishes. Their wine list included several Texas Wines, and a good selection of California, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Chili, and Argentina. The is a good selection of Draft, bottled and import Beer, all cold
Their Republic of Texas Margaritas, are made with Republic Tequilla that is USDA certified organic. Fantastic!!!
I award Tolbert’s Restaurant the 10 gallon Hat award!!!
Great atmosphere
Great Food
Great Service

Tolbert’s Restaurant
423 South Main Street
Grapevine, Texas 76051
817.421.4888