Tolbert's Restaurant & Chili Parlor

Dallas journalist Frank X. Tolbert was chili-obsessed, writing a book called A Bowl of Red before opening Tolbert's in 1976. The restaurant has since moved to downtown Grapevine. [Eater 38 Member]

Hands down the ONLY chili I'll eat with a fervor. This is coming from a NY'ers who loves spice and flavor. I'll have their chili hands down. Every. Time.

YAS! Great food and cozy/romantic kinda place. A band was playing on a Friday night so it was loud and awkward for this type of ambience. Will try again during the week for a quieter date with bf.

The Rib eye is a must and the 8 oz serving is more than enough! For dessert don't skip the key lime pie ! Really a good one!

Best place for real Texas chili outside of Terlingua, in fact, the owner’s father is Frank Tolbert who started the international chili cook off years ago.

Bartenders are great ! Sarah, Natalie James and Kevin. Dry wings with chipotle sauce in the side. Yum!

Saw this place on the travel channel because of their 5 alarm chili . It was spicy but the Serrano pepper on top of the original was 10 alarm ;)

Wow! Try the Red Texas Chili...go for the super bowl size...simply divine Chili !! I

Wow! Try the Red Texas Chili...go for the super bowl size...simply divine Chili !!

Decent selection of craft beer , pretty good food and live bands every day of the week.

Sure, the chili is good. But they also have one of the best burgers in the city .

Texas cuisine done right with live music , craft beer and true friendly service !

Have always liked the Frank's frito pie without onions . I'll see if I can tolerate it still. Their chicken fried steaks ate okay not as good as Aspen Creek.

Stick with a Salad but load up on appetizers . Entrees only ok. Amazing okra , sweet potato fries , and stuffed chicken jalapeños .

They have live music every night of the week. Great music . Great service.

Tolbert's has very good food along with a friendly wait staff and outstanding service .

Sure the chili is to die for, but the BLT & chicken fried steak are also first rate.

Kids really enjoyed the donkey tails . Catfish and chicken fried chicken were good.

I always get a bowl of Red and a burger ! My daughter even eats the Chili !

Chili served with Serrano Pepper

I love the chili with beans or without

Great draft beer selection . Food is really lacking.

MacAllan 15 for $8 is a good choice. Live  every night. —Support bars that support live music !

Good chili and beer selection .

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Show the waitresses and bartenders some love

Try the 5 alarm on the side with any chili it's amazing

No friendly service if you must ask! Very rude waitress indeed!

Chili is the best

Bowl of red , Lakefire beer awesome

Great beer selection and over price

The Chicken Fried Steak was delicious!

Do not drink mojito here, ever!

Nice atmosphere. Live band that was good but not so loud you can't have a conversation!

The chili is akin to really greasy dog food smushed into clumps and served in a bowl. The queso , however, is great!

Ask for Kevin the bartender ! He is the BEST and very cute !

Great selection of TX craft brews .

frank's frito pie is so delish....

Their chilli is amazing

I highly recommend the Donkey Tail . Fabulous.

Live music

Onion rings are amazing!!

Get the donkey tails ! They are delicious!!!

Everyone needs to see Gun plugged!!! Really good music !!!

Kevin is your bartender of choice. Tell him I sent you.

Try the prickly pear margarita !

The catfish is great!

Margaritas on the rocks are very watery

Live bands , and good grub

Terlingua Burger with sweet potatoe fries !