Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor

Traditional American restaurant · Grapevine

Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor

Traditional American restaurant · Grapevine

4

423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051

Photos

Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by Nancy Farrar
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by Kathy Tran
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null
Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor by null

Highlights

Historic chili specialist also offering Southwestern fare, steaks & live music in casual environs.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 Get directions

tolbertsrestaurant.com
@tolbertsrestaurant

$10–20 · Menu

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423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 Get directions

+1 817 421 4888
tolbertsrestaurant.com
@tolbertsrestaurant

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@eater

"Everybody knows that Texas chili is sans beans, and that’s just the way it is. But anyone who appreciates a good bowl of red needs to scoot their boots to Tolbert’s in Grapevine, where the chili conceived by Frank X. Tolbert in the ‘60s is still served. It is the defining word in Southwest chili that’s known for changing the chili game in Texas and beyond. Small and large bowls of this spice-laden concoction come with cheese and crackers, or you can order it in the form of a Frito pie, another Texas staple. Be warned: This iconic dish requires a long trip out to the ‘burbs, so stay awhile. Walk down Grapevine’s Main Street, which is full of cute spots to duck into and shop." - Eater Staff

14 Iconic Dallas Dishes Locals and Tourists Must Try
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@eater

"The long-time chili champ is still Tolbert’s in Grapevine for Texans who cannot allow beans in their chili. “The world’s best chili” is served at this rustic, brick-walled chili parlor on Main Street. The cups and bowls of red here are a deep brown and topped with diced white onion, shredded cheddar and a whole serrano pepper — for the brave." - Rachel Pinn

The Best Bowls of Soup in Dallas
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@infatuation

"This classic Grapevine restaurant was born in 1976, almost ten years after Frank Tolbert founded the Terlingua Championship Chili Cook-Off. The current location in downtown Grapevine, which opened back in 2006, is great for a casual evening out after an afternoon at the nearby wineries. We’d argue it’s never too hot for a bowl of chili, but if you need a break from the heat, sub in the brisket tacos." - emily smith

17 Casual Lunch & Dinner Spots In Dallas-Fort Worth
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@infatuation

"This classic Grapevine restaurant was born in 1976, almost ten years after Frank Tolbert founded the Terlingua Championship Chili Cook-Off. The current location in downtown Grapevine, which opened back in 2006, is great for a casual evening out after an afternoon at the nearby wineries. We’d argue it’s never too hot for a bowl of chili, but if you need a break from the heat, sub in the brisket tacos." - Emily Smith

Tolbert’s - Review - Grapevine - Dallas - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor

Ali Cunningham

Google
Walking in my family and I were already enamored with this spot. We had an incredible time at Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor! The chili was absolutely fantastic—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The ambiance and vibe were warm, lively, and family-friendly. Our kids had a great time, and my husband and I were truly impressed. Nancy, our waitress was friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. It was a top-notch dining experience from start to finish. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Nicholas Jenson

Google
Texas bucket list spot! Big bar with lots of drink options. High ceilings give this place a unique feel. Chili was good and it is filling! The Super Bowl of chili is definitely a meal for a regular person. Had enough heat to let you know it’s a true texas chili without making you uncomfortable. Tots were good but couldn’t finish as I was too full from the chili.

Dylan K. Harriman

Google
Me and a friend found ourselves with a night in Dallas to kill after our connecting flight got delayed. After a long day of travel, we were looking for an authentic and classic Texas restaurant to dine at. Tolbert’s came highly recommended, so we decided to give it a shot. Negatives out of the way first. The food left something to be desired. We started with the bean and cheese nachos, which were great. For our main course, no, I didn’t try the world famous chili they’re known for, but I did get the sour cream chicken enchiladas and my friend got the standard burger on the menu. He said his burger checked all the boxes. While my enchiladas were great, the side of beans and rice were disappointing. The “beans” were more of a black paste, and the rice seemed to be from a box and not the classic red rice you’d expect with this kind of dish. That being said, this establishment more than makes up for it in atmosphere. Situated on the historic grapevine of the DFW area, this restaurant is well decorated and extremely inviting. We sat down at a cozy table with live music playing, which brought some magic to the experience. While the dish I got could use improvement, it tasted home cooked and didn’t break the bank. There were so many good options on the menu, and pair that with the great atmosphere, it makes me want to come back here again. Come for some easy food, and stay for a great time.

Ralph Berry

Google
I have heard about Tolbert’s forever and passed by many times, but never ventured in. What a mistake that was. I was somehow expecting some kind of a little fast food style restaurant like the famous chili chain in Cincinnati. This is nothing like that. It is a full bar and restaurant with lots of charm, plenty of photos around, and most important of all, excellent chili. Our service was good on this early afternoon visit, but then there were not many people there. Drink orders were taken and brought right away, and food orders soon followed. Being at a famous chili parlor, I had to order chili. I went for the Texas Red because it is what chili is supposed to be – no beans. Flavor and consistency were excellent. It did not need any additional seasoning or heat intensification of any kind. I am a former chili judge at the Terlingua Chili Cookoff in Texas and at the Antelope Valley Chili Festival in California in the 1980s, and Tolbert’s stands up to the winners of either of those. Fried Okra on the side was basic fried okra. My wife had a taco salad. Generous serving, crisp bowl and wonderful flavor to the taco meat/chili on it. If something chili related is not your taste, the menu is quite large with most other bar food items. Tolbert’s is a winner.

Veronica Peralta

Google
Great place with excellent food, especially the Texas Chili! Frsnk's Frito pie was amazing. The Mexican Candy Martini was the most amazing spicy martini I've had. A definite must if you are in the Grapevine area.

Dale Langehennig

Google
So… this place! Great Texas ambience, FOOD COULD NOT BE BETTER! Kennedy was an amazing server! I am so glad we found this little gem on a COLD Dallas night. Red chili, chili verde, chicken fry, homemade peach cobbler, Gary P Nunn playing subtly in the background. I felt like I was back in the Hill Country. This place makes me proud to be a Texan! Well… more than I was already, anyway! 😂 Thank you Tolbert’s! You’ve got fans from the Panhandle! 🙏🙏

Richard W

Google
Proper Texan chili with live music. Tolbert was a Texas historian who loved chili and started up the annual chili competition in Terlingua. The chili here is a decades-old recipe of pure meat and a blend of chilies, no beans, with a decent amount of heat. Perhaps the most iconic restaurant in Grapevine.

Scott Saige

Google
I loved the Fajitas, but my wife didn't like her chicken. Place is loud and lively - not the best for catching up with old friends, but great if you want to have a few drinks and listen to a good band, staff is friendly. Due to the crowd, it was a little slow.