I'm not much of a wine connoisseur, so Grapes Wine Bar hadn't been high up on my list of places to patronize. I was lured in, however, by the dishes listed on their daily special blackboard (chilled asparagus soup, mussel and frites; they sound perfect for a light lunch, with or without a glass). I was pleasantly surprised to discover that their food offering is excellent. I especially liked the foie gras small plate, though all the dishes I sampled were good (caramelized onion tart, veal slider, shrimp with grits). I don't know if it's by design, but the food is presented in a way that is easy to share among friends (makes sense for a wine bar, I suppose). Even the dessert is good: I had their butterscotch pot de creme; it's small but rich in flavors. The service is friendly though leisurely. I had a pleasant lunch sitting outdoors, looking at all the people going in and out of the wine cellar next door. If you are in a hurry, this may not be as ideal. read more

Wonderful small bistro connected to a wine store and cheese store. If you love wine, this is the place to go and taste rarely opened bottles. The chalkboard has the specials of the day, along with the wines by the glass on special, and the yummy desserts. Bill, the manager is warm, friendly, and a font of knowledge about all things wine. Monday night is roast chicken night and you won't find a yummier dinner. We live in the area for the summer months and frequent this top notch restaurant several times a week. The best dining in Eastport!! read more

We had a small function here for work on Sunday. It was nice because they were open just for us so we received great service. Menu for the day: Salumi Soppresetta Coppa Parma Prosciutto Herbed Italian Ham Artisan Cheese Selections Pecorino Fogle Noce- Sheep's Milk- Italy Quadrello di Bufala- Water Buffalo's Milk- Italy Roaring Forties Blue- Cow's Milk- Australia Coupole- Goat's Milk- Vermont Rouge et Noir Brie- Cow's Milk- California Grapes' Specialties Lamb Sliders on Brioche Kobe Sliders on Brioche Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Seared Foie Gras on Baguette Colossal Shrimp served Chilled with Creole Cocktail Sauce Mozzarella, Prosciutto and Tomato Flatbread Parmesan and Mushroom Flatbread Hummus with Grilled Vegetables, Olives, Dolmathes Salty Snacks Olives Smoked Almonds Potato Chips Tortilla Chips Wasabi Peas Dessert Offerings Dutch Chocolate Mousse Butterscotch Pots de Crème Homemade Pecan Pie Everything was fantastic. I am not much of a wineo so I drank a few different beers. I would think the place is expensive, I am not sure since the company paid for it. But I think it would be a great place for a relaxing evening. Food was amazing. read more

Excellent food and wine. If I didnt want to look like a bar fly, Id eat there every day. Definite Foodies favorite!

This wine bar seems a little out of place in the shopping center, but it's got a lovely ambience inside. The wine and small plates are very good albeit on the expensive side... We loved the flatbreads that we tried, and the cheese platter included some really quality cheeses that were a nice treat. We also had the halibut special, but we weren't as impressed with that since we thought it a bit overpriced. However, the servers are extremely knowledgable about the food and about the wine they serve. read more

this is a hard review to write. been here when they opened several years ago and swore I'd never go back. But been hearing good things lately and that, plus a 4 star Yelp rating got me to try it again. First what I don't like: the location in a strip center doesn't do much for the charm of the place. I mean I go to Clock Tower to the bakery, wine store and gourmet market and somehow that's okay, but when I go out to dinner id like the place to be a bit more charming and not next to an insurance storefront, Calico Corners, or a yoga studio. Maybe that's just me. Then the acoustics are so bad that you can't really hold a conversation, plus it's one big (albeit) nice bar but the seating is very limited at the tables and not inviting. then the killer is that the place doesn't have a vestibule so on a winter night, be prepared to get a blast of frigid air when anyone comes in the door. What I like: the owner is incredibly friendly and personable and offers a warm, sincere greeting which is nice. we sat at the bar (better than a table) and the service was par excellence! attentive, professional and full knowledge of the menu. as far as the food, I'd say it was mixed. The kobe sliders were fantastic, and the scallops were good. Black bean soup special was above average and the country pate was just okay. but all were served beautifully. Prices not bad considering and the wine options (which is not a big deal for me) was extensive. the key acid test is will we return. Girlfriend said "yes" so I guess we will. I'm sort of ambivalent mostly because of the location and the mixed reaction to the food on this visit. so should I give it a 3 or a 4 star rating is the question. I wish I could do 3 1/2 and I'm on the fence between the two. Going with a 3 but promise to try again and revisit the rating. read more

There are several new and very good wine bars with petite plates in Annapolis that we have tried. So, we looked forward to our maiden venture to Grapes. But if you compare this to Vin 909 or Crush, for example, you'll see why we were disappointed. And, yes the female bartender with the cute accent did not impress us. At one point we asked if she had forgotten about our glasses of wine and her back was continuously to us. The charcuterie plate, was good but not great. I had to ask what one of the meats was because it was so dark and thick. I've had parma all over Spain and many places in the US and it's never looked like this or made my teeth hurt trying to chew it. We requested bread (twice) with the charcuterie plate. The choices of wine by the glass (well it is part of the Clock Tower Wine store next door - DUH) are very good! And we don't mind paying $15+ a glass for a good wine. (1 *) Our oysters were poorly shucked and we had to dig pieces of shell out of our mouth. The cocktail sauce served with the oysters was sweet and more like a tomato chutney. The frites were limp with little taste and lacking crispness. I agree the place is very attractive and nice outdoor seating. (2 *) The food while disappointing is not unedible. The best part of going to Grapes is discovering the fabulous bakery in the same shopping center "Sweet Hearts Patisserie." Petit Fours made the disappointing $170 lite plate lunch disappointment melt away! BEEN THERE DONE THAT! read more

My husband and I went here last night for the first time and all I can say is WOW. Grapes is truly a little hidden gem and I'm so glad we know about it now. As soon as we walked in we were greeted with friendly smiling faces. The ambience was perfect and the place is beautifully put together. I have to say my favorite part about our whole experience was Barbara the bartender. She is FANTASTIC. My husband and I drink our fair share of wine and her recommendations were superb. She was so sweet, funny, and kind. We will definitely be back especially for Barbara....and wine read more

Four of us started with the wine tasting and decided to stay for lunch. We shared roasted brussels sprouts, frites with truffle oil, beef sliders, and, lastly, everyone ordered the boulliibase We also shared a bottle of Sauvignon blanc. Delicious crusty french bread and olive oil were provided and refilled. In addition, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was quite pleasant. Certainly a cozy way to spend a very chilly afternoon. Will visit again. read more

Grapes Wine Bar catered our family dinner the other evening, and we made use of their prompt and friendly delivery.  Our daughter's beloved comfort dog had passed away earlier that day, and this was a very sad occasion.  The staff at Grapes wrote us a lovely sympathy card, and provided our daughter with a complimentary dessert. We ordered 3 steak and chicken dinners for two, which were truly delicious.  The steaks were perfectly prepared, the chicken was fabulous, sides were great, and there was plenty of food for everyone.  The wine choices that came with the meals were also wonderful.  I am very grateful to the entire Grapes staff for the compassionate care they provided my family, and to Jesse, whom I spoke with several times on the phone.  Please support Grapes, and order their curb-side or delivered meals during this very challenging time.  They truly deserve our community's business. Plus, the food is really delicious! read more

This new wine bar, an extension of Wine Cellars of Annapolis (fantastic bottle shop!) had been open only a few days when I visited. I'm hoping to up my rating after another visit, but based on my first try, it was definitely A-OK. I'm very happy to have a local spot, within walking distance from my home. They had great wine specials by the glass, from bottles which I wouldn't normally be able to afford. The only food I tried was the cheese board (if the ewe-phoria sheep's milk cheese is available when you visit, it's a mist!) which was nice with a sampling of goat's, sheep's and cow's milk cheese. I chatted with a friendly gentleman seated next to me at the bar, who sampled three dishes, all of which he said were very good. For me, the downfall was behind the bar. At least half of the seats in this small, nicely appointed, very cozy setting, are bar seats. The bartenders seemed a bit flustered throughout the evening, and were not friendly. I'm hoping this is only because of newly opened growing pains! This is a place I'd love to be able go in by myself for a glass if wine, but without a friendly staff behind the bar this is much less likely. Great to have a decent establishment nearby and not have to venture downtown! read more

I was introduced to this place almost 10 years ago. My heart is broken to have to write this review after my experience last night. Over the past 10 years, I have visited numerous times with friends and alone and never experienced to the degree that I did what transpired last night. Patrick and his team have always been welcoming even though we're often one of few people of color or many times the only ones. I have had two other (one last week) and the other a few years ago but let them go because I really love this place. But, last night I came to the conclusion that enough is enough. I was the only woman of color in the restaurant. I came in placed my food order, made my wine selections, and spent most of the time on the phone with my friend. To close out my evening, I ordered a glass of champagne and a chocolate mouse. I noticed the young lady and my server who I later found out was the manager we're exchanging whispers and I assumed they may have been saying things about me. This occurred on two occasions. So when my bill came, I told my friend I was at a crossroads with leaving a tip and told him I would call him back. So, I asked my server to come over and I explained the situation to him very calmly a few minutes later this other gentleman came to tap him on the shoulder and whisk him away. When that gentleman came by me I asked him if he was the manager and he said no and then I asked him how long he had worked at grapes and he said 11 months and proceeded to inquire why he pulled the server away and he blurted out in front of the whole restaurant that I was intoxicated and walked away. I was far from intoxicated, appalled, and embarrassed especially being the only black woman in the restaurant. My server/the manager apologized and said he was sorry for the gentleman's behavior repeatedly. So, I decided to leave a $20 tip on my $80 bill and depart the premises. As I was leaving, I ran into Jerome and he further berated me. He told me that I was playing the victim. I wasn't the only one in the restaurant and he needed the manager and I had been talking to him for 10-15 minutes which was not true because most of the time there I was on the phone. He told me they had 30 other customers and they couldn't only tend to me which was not true. There were only 15 customers in the restaurant and there was another party outside. I talk with my hands and was trying to engage him in a conversation and he alleged that I was pointing at him so I put my hands down and said look I think this is a big misunderstanding he proceeded to come at me in almost a threatening manner and blurted out "you need to stop playing the victim." At that point, I just said wow and went to my car and sat there watching at least two parties of white folks walkout clearly intoxicated. All I can say is that I'm beyond disappointed, humiliated, and embarrassed by this experience and unfortunately this may very well be the end of the road for me with an establishment that I have held near and dear to my heart for the last 10 years, my happy place, my cheers, the placed that helped me get through Covid, the place that I almost weekly patronize buying featured wines, attending tasting events, etc. I'm beyond disappointed that this occurred to me and I no longer feel psychologically or physically safe to visit this place by myself EVER again. read more

First time there last night. We had two super nice glasses of wine, that were fairly priced, and had a good pour. We ate the three cheese plate and had a salad. Very good food and the staff was attentive and friendly read more

I love this place! I sat at the bar with some friends and the staff was super nice! They answered questions and gave good suggestions since it was our first time. The food was delicious! We started with a cheese platter (you choose 3 from a list) which comes with sorted nuts, jelly, pickles, etc. Then moved on to Kobe sliders and the "traditional" flatbread. It was a wonderful experience and I will be back soon! read more

Grapes Wine Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Annapolis, Maryland

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I tried this wine bar / restaurant for the first time tonight. It is a cozy, intimate little place. The food is excellent as well as the service. It is neatly tucked into a small shopping center which has several upscale merchants such as a wine merchant, gourmet cheese & meats establishment, a bakery etc. The prices are reasonable and the general ambiance is lovely and comfortable. It's a good place to take a date. read more

This is one of my favorite places to go for date night. Excellent service and the food exceptional. Small plates so don't ever go starving, but you won't be disappointed. read more

After reading the Editor of the local paper's review of the new wine bars in town, and having an hour to burn before a meeting, I decided to stop into Grapes. I am so happy that I did! If you travel on Forest Drive everyday, or even if you don't- stop by Grapes for a relaxing end to your day or start to your evening. Upon opening the door, I was greeted by muted orange cushioned chairs turned toward me, almost welcoming me to have a seat. These chairs make sitting at the bar tolerable versus the typical backless bar stools seen at other places. I was pleasantly welcomed by Lacey at the bar who immediately turned my attention to the wine special and other recent additions to their menu. When I was in debate between two wines, Lacey walked me through the taste and smell of each so I could make the best decision for my palate. After just eating a snack at another local restaurant, at first I wasn't going to order anything, but after taking a look at their conservative, yet wonderful variety of small plates, I couldn't say no. I ordered the Spinach Salad which was perfectly plated, sized and went very well with my Pongo Sauvignon Blanc. A great array of tastes- lightly dressed, fresh spinach, with beets, pear, feta, figs and slice of crisped prosciutto to top it off made for a tasty salad. The prices for bottles of white wine are reasonable, especially for the 28-40 crowd who wants to get the best wine and experience for the buck. The music was piped in using an iPod, which was perfectly set to play a set of tunes that were not offensive, or loud, for anyone's ear. Lacey and I talked at great length about different mediums of advertising they were thinking of deploying to capture more patrons. I gave suggestions on how to get someone in the 28-40 crowd in- via online deals. "If a deal doesn't arrive on my phone or computer screen, I won't bite." Overall, it was an outstanding time- a place I will absolutely return to, encourage, support and bring friends to next time. Bravo! read more

Grapes is my neighborhood wine bar. Although I no longer live in walking distance, Grapes is the place I go to when I want to channel the nostalgia of my waking Paris dreams -- of new French wines, charcuterie, and kir royales. Grapes is about small plates, so if you are the typical American you may find yourself spending more than you expected for dinner. However, you might make up for it with the very affordable bottles of wine, with a host in the $20-$30 range. Delicious and practical. But the unpretentious French and American cuisine, welcoming bar, and returning locals make Grapes a place I find myself drawn to when I need a causal meal that feels like a home away from home, with a twist of French. read more

Quality small plates, excellent service and exquisite wine selections are found at Grapes in the Clock Tower shopping center. It is rare to find really fresh ingredients and Grapes has a small selection, but prides themselves on very high quality options. The cod was moist and superb, the salad (arugula) tasted like it was picked from the garden the same day. The dressing was a perfect compliment and just enough goat cheese was added. I can't praise Grapes enough! You won't be disappointed! read more

I've been three times, including opening day. Will say some of the small plate were great and some so so. The cheese plate is eclectic and tasty but needs to be on a bigger board and be served with more bread. The decor is on spot, but they could put a few more two tables in to seat a few more people. Lovely bar..wine selection nice, not what everyone else in town has which is what makes it perfect. Price point right on too but will look forward to happy hour prices at some point. I think this place will only get better and I love that it is on my way home and near my house of course. Glad Patrick went this route and he hired a very nice staff! read more

I immensely enjoy the neighboring wine shop Wine Cellars, so when I heard that Grapes was being opened next door by the same owner, I was excited to try it, and with the one time I've been there so far it hasn't disappointed. I had the lamb meatballs with goat cheese fondue. The 3 meatballs were not dry or overly-spiced, but just right, with a surprise (I believe a date? or something like it...) inside which added great flavor. The fondue was more of a light cheese sauce which complimented the meatballs and was not overpowering, as I believe goat cheese has an unfortunate reputation for being. The Charcuterie board was also delicious if you enjoy different cured meats. The board came with a grape mustard as well as a dijon (I believe) which were tasty too! Of course, the wine list was extensive and wines by the glass were reasonably priced. The waitress was knowledgeable of the wines offered, which is a must if you're looking for a recommendation. I am looking forward to going back! read more

I was out with several friends for a wine tasting at the store next door, and we decided to stick around for some food. The staff were very accommodating, helping put together a table for about 12 of us. The server was friendly and made some great recommendations, and the wines were fantastic. The small plate food was very good, with some really creative combinations. And the desserts were amazing! Prices are a bit steep, but I guess that's to be expected in a place like this. But if you are in the mood for something a little different, give them a try! read more

I love this wine bar. Its a really great local hangout in the Clock Tower shopping center...who would have figured. Its great you can stroll there a small gourmet market, stroll through a great wine store and pick up a bottle of wine and then end with a fantastic cheese plate and wonderful wines at Grapes. They have the wine bar concept figured out and this will always be a to go place for me when I need some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of busy downtown annapolis. read more

This place is great. The wine, food and cheese selection are excellent. Even if one of my best friend's didn't live within walking distance I'd drive for this place. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable, highly recommend stopping by. It's an great place to spend hours sipping wine and gnoshing on small plates while catching up with a friend(s). read more

Very nice place with good service, but we ordered several food items and were really surprised at the very small portions. I'm not comparing this to the typical "super sized" American restaurant portions, but the amount of food that a normal, healthy person eats. I will return to drink, but certainly not plan on eating a meal. read more

Im a Washingtonian, and this is my favorite wine bar in the DC/Bmore area. Im in this neighborhood a good bit with family, and almost always make it a note to come to Grapes. Great atmosphere, not too loud that you cannot hold a conversation, but feels vibrant. Big comfortable leather seats. Most importantly, a fantastic wine list by the glass and the bottle, moderately priced. On my most recent trip, we had a bottle of Lemelson Pinot that was priced at the same price point as it is sold in the stores in DC. In addition to their permanent wine list, they have a daily by the glass list that is constantly changing, allowing you to try rarer and more unusual varietals and vintner's you would not normally have the ability to taste. Great owner, and very solid food options (although on the smaller side). read more

My friends took me out for my birthday on Saturday -- it was my first major outing with my six week old daughter. I really wish we had gone somewhere else, because there were quite a few problems with the lunch at Grapes 1) I had to nurse the baby through much of the lunch under a nursing cover. I had no idea from the description on the menu that the lobster gnocchi was a soup -- it was impossible to eat it with an infant in my lap, and I never would have ordered it had I known. 2) The small amount of the gnocchi I was able to eat was bland and tasteless. 3) At one point I accidentally splashed some of the gnocchi soup on my daughter while trying to eat it. I grabbed the black paper napkin underneath the dish and tried to use it to clean her up, except it bled and badly stained her onesie. 4) Worst of all, they don't have a changing station and when I asked the staff if they knew of one at another establishment in the strip mall, they just shrugged and told me to use the bench outside. I did, but it was a metal bench and way more slippery than I realized, and mid-change the baby slipped and banged her head on the metal back of the bench. I definitely won't be back or recommend this place to anyone else. read more

A gem that was certainly worth the drive (I don't live in Annapolis). Knowledgable staff advised us well on wine options to go with our meal. We had the cheese plate appetizer, which was a nice size with 3 cheeses and assorted fruit and good French bread. Attentive staff asked us if we wanted more bread before it was gone. My main course of Asian shrimp stir fry was quite good. Since it is small plates we had room for dessert - the Carmel pot de Creme was the recommendation and it was lick the pot good! read more

My favorite wine bar in Annapolis. It's a small place with some outdoor seating in good weather. It has a French flare and the food is fabulous. On Monday nights they serve Roasted Chicken with Frites and it's the best chicken! Can be a bit pricey. I'd like to see them add some new menu items. In my opinion, this is where they excel but I'm running out of things to try. read more

Grapes is a hidden gem. The food is always exceptional: love their small plates and flatbreads. The wine selections are robust; you will definitely find what you want. They are friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere is very inviting, with seating outside, which is a definite plus. And if you get Megan as your server you get a double bonus because she is the best!! They are all good, but Megan is not just an exceptional server but a lot of fun! read more

Very limited menu but what they have is good quality. Only beverages are wine or water so be prepared for that.

Overall this was a pleasant experience. But I think they are trying way too hard to be european. Our waitress was..well more than unfriendly. I don't drink alcohol but hang out with a spouse and friends who do. Was shocked to learn that the only alternative to wine was water. Really. I went to the butcher and got a diet coke. Probably won't go back. There is another good wine bar opening in east port and one downtown. Bet they have heard of a designated driver. read more

This place is beyond your run of the mill Annapolis wine bar. The food is the best I have eaten in Annapolis and no one has a better wine selection. Prices are fair if not a bargain, and the staff is knowledgeable and fun! read more

Was here last night. I'm not a wine drinker but my date was. Server was attentive and seemed knowledgeable. Food came out quickly and as others have mentioned are small plates. This was fine for us as we weren't pressured to rush out so they could seat someone else in our place. Nice atmosphere. read more

My wife and I were looking for an alternative dinner spot since our first choice had a 45 minute wait. We stumbled upon this place. It's in an unassuming strip mall so our expectations weren't high. It took a few minutes for the hostess to come greet us but when she did she smiled and told us it'd be about a 20-30 minute wait. There was an outside heated covered are where we waited for about 25 minutes. We were sat at a small table for 2 right next to the front door entrance. It was a little loud but the clientele seemed to be enjoying their evening. I don't drink wine and my wife doesn't drink alcohol so I ordered a Troegs Perpetual IPA and my wife a water. We both got the delicious white bean soup special for our appetizer and the steak frites as our entree. The steak and fries were great and cooked perfectly. Amy, our server was friendly and attentive. We had a positive dining experience and would return here. read more

Great food, great wine, great service, comfortable atmosphere and plenty of parking. What more could you ask? Grapes wine bar is our new favorite restaurant! read more

Grapes has it all --- a wonderful selection of wines by the glass and small plates that are delicious. They change their menu frequently, keeping a few favorites, but take advantage of what's fresh in the marketplace. Their soups, both hot and cold, are always an exquisite blend of flavors. Prices are good; the best part is that you can order several small plates to get a variety of flavors. Atmosphere is like a cozy, but chic metropolitan French wine bar --- very sophisticated --- yet the service is very warm. I am always delighted with my food and wine, and come back often, since the new additions always pique my interest. read more

I finally made it to Grapes. I've heard good things about it and was excited for the experience. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We did ask for separate checks and our server thanked us for letting her know in the beginning. I order the "House Made Country Pate" and the " Seasonal Pappardelle" and my friend order the Wagyu Beef Sliders. The Pappardelle and sliders were served. I asked about the pate - the server apologized for forgetting it and brought it out. I commented on how good the pappadelle was and was told the chef was cordon bleu trained. When my friend ordered the Wagyu beef sliders the server said the fingerling potatoes that were served with it were delicious. My friend was served the Kobe beef sliders and burnt buns. She only remarked about the buns not the mistaken order and the buns were replaced. The House Made Pate unfortunately was tasteless. The server asked how everything was - I told her that the pate was lacking flavor. She asked if I would like something else in its place - which I did not. The manager came over and asked how everything was and I told him about the pate. He reiterated that the chef was cordon bleu trained. I said that perhaps they should taste the pate. When the check came, and it was one check, the server separated it for us. I was charged for the pate. I asked the server about the charge and she said she discussed it with her manager and that was his decision, She asked if I wanted to speak with him. I replied "no" since I had already discussed the pate with him. What should have happened???? Their cordon bleu trained chef should have come and talked to me about the pate. I should not have been charged for something that was just plain unappetizing. (Really - tasteless.) I guess they really needed the $11.00 charge for the pate regardless of good PR. That's okay. There are many, many good restaurants in Annapolis. I just won't be going to Grapes again. They obviously don't care if I do or not. I'm sorry for not remembering the server's name and keep calling her the server. The manger's name was Julian. read more

An almost undiscovered gem. My wife and I were looking for a quick bite to eat and wandered in to Grapes and were very pleasantly surprised. Our server 'Erin' was super attentive and turned us on to a great Italian blend and the special of the day was plenty enough for my wife and I to share. The roasted brussel sprouts were perfect and the Rockfish and Short Ribs were amazing. We will definitely be back again. read more

Our first visit gave us the impression that this is a pleasant and delightful place for a light meal and some excellent wine. The prices are surprisingly affordable, and the quality of the small plates - at least the ones we tried - was outstanding. Our server, Mary Lou, was charming! We will definitely be back. read more