When you’re done with Uptown, or never even tried to pretend, check out The Grape - a classy, humble joint on Greenville Ave.

Stop by after work or on the weekend and you’ll never feel over or under dressed. The place has been on Greenville for the last 35 years and framed articles cover the brick hallway’s like fancy patterned wallpaper.

The wine list offers a variety of selections but nothing to the extent that you are choosing between the ‘73 and ‘82 Bordeaux. We’re on Greenville, not in Uptown. As for me, any place that carries Sauvingon Blanc from New Zealand and serves it by the glass is fine (Audrey Heburn not Florence Nightingale fine.)

The bar area is fairly empty for the most part (on a weekday), set with tiny tiled Greek tables and a long bench along the wall; perfect if you want to enjoy an evening alone without feeling “alone” (eh hem, that’s where you will find me with a book and a drink.)

The place was comforting and that’s what I liked about it.

It’s like a secret hangout with dive and class …and no one knew you were ever there.

…that is, unless you blog about it or something.

The Grape Restaurant
2808 Greenville Ave
Dallas, Texas 75206
Ph: 214/828-1981

Hours
Dinner nightly from 5:30pm
Happy Hour M-F 4:30-7pm
Sunday Brunch 10:30-2pm
Make reservations using opentable.com or call 214/828-1981.

Events this month
On August 31st, The Grape is offering a three-course wine paired meal for $45. Call to make reservations.

When Starbucks has taken enough of your money, and not even returned a little in free wi-fi, check out some of the local coffee shops in your area. What you will get is better coffee, prices, and a unique experience. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses.

Today, Nick and I checked out Opening Bell on South Lamar.

A little on the South side of town, but there are some reasons to go over there once in a while (Lee Harvey’s, Bill’s Records, Palladium Ballroom). Opening Bell didn’t nearly have the crowd I thought it would be, well, because we were the only people there for a while. Turns out the Bell gets busy on Fri. and Sat. night when they have live music on the stage.

To be honest, I liked it the way it was. Good lighting, open seating, music that is playing not on the radio, and fresh, decent coffee (without all the merchandise next to the register when you order.) They also have a wide variety of board games and playing cards, which could be fun for a date, if people still do that anymore.

Oh, and did I mention Free Wi-Fi?

This is just the place to go on a Sunday.

Opening Bell
1409 South Lamar, Basement #012
Dallas, Texas 75215
tel: 214/565-0383
Street side parking and free gated parking on Belleview.

Hours:
Monday-Thursday 7am-10pm
Friday 7am-midnight
Saturday 9am-midnight
Sunday 10am-2pm