Grapes Wine Bar

Grapes has continued to sustain their performance. While you can certainly go alone for a glass of wine and a nibble their menu is really perfect for a couple or small group who share both the hot and cold offerings. Prices are reasonable and good value.
My wife and I recently shared a charcuterie and goat cheese with fig. We were very pleased. I think in the four years since my first review of Grapes we have eaten our way through each variation of the menu and a good fraction of the specials. I do not recall a single disappointment.
Grapes has now covered their outdoor dining area with a heated canvas enclosure so it is now a three season space.
Clock Tower Place on Bay Ridge, the small center where Grapes is located is also worthy of note. In addition to Grapes and the associated wine store, Stacey Adam’s Tastings Gourmet Market is definitely worth a visit. Outstanding cheeses, special soups, some baked goods (including parbaked bread my Italian father-​in-​law raves about), and a number of prepared foods are a draw. In the same shopping center Kriston’s Sweet Hearts Patisserie – while a little sugary for a dessert-​phobe like me – is a lovely old-​fashioned pastry bakery.

A great escape right in Annapolis! Went there from a recommendation by a friend of mine. The food has small portions, but it was fantastic. The flatbread was a must try, I have to admit. The staff was friendly and knew their wine. They were always helpful with suggesting a wine to pair with our food, or just an interesting one to try. Seemed busy, but wasn’t overly crowded or anything like that. I can see how it can get crowded and the wait could be a while. I was there a little earlier in the afternoon though, so it was easy for me to get a seat at the bar. Parking was super easy (and free) since they are located right in a strip mall. Definitely going back with some friends.

Classy, cozy, intimate spot… in a strip mall? Yes!
Grapes Wine Bar is pretty close to where I live, so when you want to go out for date night but don’t want to go downtown because of the boat show, this is a great place to go. It was packed on a Friday night, but we eyed a table on the enclosed and heated patio… The waiter didn’t even take us to the table. Thought that was a little strange…
It seems like snobby white rich people often flock here. The way certain tables were acting about the wine they were drinking and how they were treating the waitstaff was appalling, yet good people watching. Maybe because we weren’t obnoxiously affluent, pretentious, or ostentatious is why our waitress ignored us multiple times throughout the evening. I did hear they were short a staff member, but if you try 5 times to gesture to a waitress politely to come to you so you can order a glass of wine… well it makes me not want to give you my business.
Notice: this menu is small plates. Do not let the prices deceive you into thinking they are entrée portions. Yes it’s too much money for the amount of food and quality of food your receive. Maybe you’re paying for the atmosphere.
We started with the hummus. The presentation was lovely… The hummus was shaped as if it were whipped cream. Unfortunately the hummus was bland, thankfully there was a bit of olive tapenade on the side… Definitely not enough tapenade on the plate! The fire roasted pita pieces were satisfying.
We both ordered the duck confit ravioli for our main course. It was heavy on the sage! Some might find the amount of sage used in the sauce offensive, but I enjoyed it. The mostly absent waitress was thoughtful enough to bring us some baguette slices, since the ravioli presentation made the dish look more like soup. We used every last baguette slice to sop up the sauce. :-)
I asked for the menu to check out the desserts, but the waitress insisted she recite them. That irritated me a bit since I really wanted to read them… I hate when desserts are pronounced incorrectly (I speak French). Because the desserts are tiny like the rest of the menu items, we each ordered a dessert. The chocolate lava cake with cardamom was seriously delicious… A great way to cap off your meal! My husband had the mille feuille which was light and fresh.
Oh yeah, this is a wine bar. We shared a glass of rosé and a glass of Prosecco. The rosé was the best I’ve ever had! The Prosecco was a suggestion from the waitress after I said I like sweet and bubbly wines. The Prosecco was dry and definitely not on the side of sweet.
Is Grapes worth going to? For date night absolutely. It’s romantic.
Is Grapes worth the inflated prices? Hmmm…

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.

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 Pâté» and the «Seasonal Pappardelle» and my friend order the Wagyu Beef Sliders. The Pappardelle and sliders were served. I asked about the pâté — 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 Pâté unfortunately was tasteless. The server asked how everything was — I told her that the pâté 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 pâté. He reiterated that the chef was cordon bleu trained. I said that perhaps they should taste the pâté. When the check came, and it was one check, the server separated it for us. I was charged for the pâté. 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 pâté with him.
What should have happened??? Their cordon bleu trained chef should have come and talked to me about the pâté. 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 pâté 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.

Phenomenal. Went on a Friday night for a night cap and dessert. The woman working behind the bar was very knowledgeable and served us up some excellent suggested pairings. Let me back up — when we walked through the door we felt like regulars — the man hosting the tables and seats looked up at us, gave us a big welcome and gave us seats — he was just very humble and friendly.
The wines were amazing. I had a chocolate mousse with a port and it was just all amazing. Just for the atmosphere alone I would come back, but the food also looked amazing and I would like to go back for dinner.
P. S. we went on an Monday night and it was VERY BUSY.
Parking is great though because it’s in a strip mall. They also have a patio that I hope to try out over the summer.

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 Unilocal 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 pâté 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 ½ and I’m on the fence between the two. Going with a 3 but promise to try again and revisit the rating.

Great local place. It took us too long to try this wine bar in Annapolis. We went on a Friday night at 9 and they were friendly and accommodating.
It is attached to the Wine store next door but the door is closed in the evening. The door is a huge barn type door — which we commented on.
The «small plate» servings are nice — but don’t let that discourage you. There is a lot of flavor packed into those meals!
The staff is very friendly and intelligent. Where do they find these quality people?
The last time I ate here we sat at the bar about three years ago. It was spontaneous because the other wine place in town had a 90 minute wait. I was a bit surprised back then how expensive it was for the location — but now the area is up and coming and I think it’s great.
There is outdoor seating in the summer!
The place can get LOUD when there are a lot of people there. The ceiling, floor and walls are all hardwood or brick and reflects all the noise. We could barely hear each other talk… but that’s the atmosphere I suppose.

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).

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.

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!

Now that their chef is no longer there, line cooks do their best to recreate the fabulous dishes. Unfortunately, they cannot compare to the talented Chef Vicki. I won’t be going back. It is sad. They had a great thing going there for a while.

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.

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!

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 crème; 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.

Perfect for a light meal heavy on quality. Indulgence in moderation, I had the Kobe rib eye, on hot Himalayan salt rock and the froie gras. Not a cheap repast but oh so good and just a few bites more than a taste. Perfect for me, though my champagne taste sets me back another $ 20 on awesome wine. Friendly, fun and delicious.

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).

I’m feeling good about Grapes — not so good about their bartender. I think her adorable accent lets her get away with being an absolute tard but if I’m spending $ 15 on a glass of wine, I want you to give it to me in a glass without a fingerprint on the INSIDE of the glass. Ewwww. I also want you not to look like I have asked you to go spend a nice summer in Mogadishu when I ask for my check (because I’ve been sitting here with an empty glass for 10 minutes, and if you’re not going to ask if I need anything else, I’m going to leave).
Didn’t eat, but the small plates looked amazing, I loved the ambiance… next time I’m in town, I will definitely be back. Sure hope she’s gone though!

Ive only been for a quick sampler so far.
If you’re having a lazy saturday, dropping into Grapes after a free cheese tasting and free wine tasting is a nice opportunity to rest your feet.
While the place is small, the noise is comforting and energetic, giving the place a jovial atmosphere. The décor is highly European, no doubt owing to the owner, Patrick’s French roots.
I only tasted the lamb meatballs on the bartendresses suggestion. I was looking for something light, which they offer plenty of, but I also wanted to get a handle on the caliber of the kitchen so I felt I needed to try something that involved a bit more care from the kitchen.
I was happy to see the portion size of 4 meatballs, which came on nice bamboo skewers. The best part was my surprise when I bit into them and found a juicy spiced prune center.
There was plenty if meat for flavor but the prune center is an almost Asian dumplings inspired twist to a traditional meatball, which i loved. It was the perfect way to save the dish from being overly heavy.
The description says the dish is served with a goat cheese foude. I thought the sauce was goat cheese yogurt sauce that was neither stringy nor heavy like normal fondue.
The bartendress told me they aren’t doing any special happy hour offers yet, but I’m hoping they will offer something cool in the future.
Grapes is open for lunch and dinner on the weekend, and dinner during the week. I’ll be sure to check back soon for another glimpse at what they can do. I wish then the best if luck in a difficult town.

It’s finally open! I’ll admit, I’m partial to this place because I can walk to it, and it is also in my favorite one-​stop-​shop food heaven, the Clock Tower Place.
This is Wine Cellars of Annapolis’ very own wine bar. You can expect the same quality of service at WCA at Grapes. Patrick (owner) will walk around and say HI.
They did a phenomenal job in the décor and ambiance of the wine bar. It has a very homey feel to it with stone walls and beautiful wood work on the bar. It still has a «new» look to it, but given time it will feel like your local neighborhood wine bar.
The staff and service was were excellent. They are very knowledgeable in the food and wine that they serve. Their recommendations are great, I highly recommend that you seek their advice when in doubt. They will not steer you wrong.
They have a small plates menu with a lot to choose from. They have a variety of sea food, meats and salads. I don’t think I have ever been to a wine bar with sea food plates… but the seared Halibut with the Ginger-​Mango Purée is a must try. The cheese board and the cured meats plate is also very good, and you have to get desserts! The French Apple Tart, YUM!
They have wines by the glass and the bottle. The prices very from $ 5/​glass to $ 12/​glass. If you are a customer of WCA, you will know that even the cheap deal wines are very good. WCA has a knack for finding great wines at super great prices.
I’ll give them time, Grapes will earn the fifth star when I see a Groupon/​Living Social/​or Group Deals or some sort of super awesome deal.