The Grape - The McDonalds of Wine Bars

My friends and I went to The Grape in Inman Park on Tuesday night (the one owned by Usher). I think The Grape is a great concept that hasn't fulfilled it's potential. They've over-franchised themselves and are more of a beginner's wine bar than one for people who have a more sophisticated pallette.

One of the things I like the best about The Grape is the cozy purple club chairs that feel like you are sitting in a big hug. But don't get excited - you won't find them at The Grape in Inman Park. They were inexplicably missing and the atmosphere felt more restaurant than a kick back and enjoy yourself drinking a couple glasses of wine.

My group of five is seated at a table with high back chairs (not super comfy...). As we sit, the lights go up significantly. WTF? I asked the waiter what was up with the lights and he said that the lady over there needed the lights to read - I told him he needed to get a small flashlight to solve that problem not ruin the ambience for everyone else in the place. He did not like this comment and never came back to service our table, choosing to send one of two other wait staff instead.

One of my major complaints about the grape - that I did not bring up last night, though I have in the past - is their idiotic write ups about the wine they serve. They almost never tell you what the wine tastes like - what notes it has, whether it is light or heavy bodied. Generally, it's just some play off the name of the wine (check out the description of Conundrum wine if you don't believe me). This is totally unhelpful and speaks down to its customers - we think you'll pick this wine b/c of the cute description, we don't think you have any clue what "notes" are so we'll leave that stuff out.

Now all that bad stuff being said, the food at The Grape is generally pretty good. I like the chicken mediterranean quesadilla. I think I order it every time I'm there. I also adore the truffled cheese they serve. It literally transports me to heaven. I was also happy to see that The Grape also carries Whitehaven on it's menu. God, I love that wine. I also had a glass of the Oriel Prosecco which I can totally recommend.

I have my complaints about The Grape, but know I'll be back; just like I don't love McDonalds, but know I'll get some mcnuggets some time in the future.