Inspired by the bistros and wine bars of New York City & Europe, two friends, who met in New York, moved back to Dallas in 1972 to open The Grape.
Historically The Grape was the first restaurant in Dallas to offer a blackboard menu as well as one of the first to offer wines by the glass.
Over the years The Grape has boasted a cast of employees that reads like a who’s who of Dallas. Noted restaurateur, Alberto Lombardi, an early waiter; award winning film director, Julian Schnabel, was a part-time chef; Frank Bailey, brother of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, was the original chef in 1972; Diane Teitelbaum, wine writer for the Dallas Morning News and national wine critic, was the restaurant’s first waitress and manager.
The Grape has stayed true to its roots for over 40 years, offering quality food and wine at affordable prices and the tradition continues.
In 2007, the Greenville Avenue institution was acquired by Chef/Owner Brian Luscher and his wife and General Manager Courtney. The Luschers purchased The Grape from the original owners and have given the restaurant a small ‘face lift’ for the 21st century, still keeping the history and charm in tact.