Any visitor to Grapevine, Texas, seeking an authentic local dining experience will inevitably stumble upon Willhoite’s Restaurant. But is it just another tourist trap or a genuine local institution with soul?
In this article, you’ll learn everything: its fascinating history, what’s on the menu, the atmosphere, live music, practical visitor tips, and how locals feel about dining there.
If you’re planning a trip or just exploring eateries in Grapevine, read on—this guide is written for you, by someone who cares about quality, history, and good food.
History of Willhoite’s Restaurant
Understanding Willhoite’s begins with its building. The structure is over a century old and has seen many incarnations:
- Originally built in 1913/1914 as a mercantile/dry goods store, later used as a silent movie theater.
- In 1919, it transformed into Willhoite Garage, the first full-service automotive station in Grapevine, handling repairs, battery sales, tire services, and accessories.
- That automotive business ran for decades; in 1981, Phil Parker, a Grapevine native, purchased and renovated the building into a restaurant, preserving many of its original garage elements (brick walls, auto memorabilia, etc.).
- Over time, the restaurant has celebrated several historic renovations. Notably, in 2017, the exterior façade was restored to echo its 1920s appearance.
Today, diners sit in what were once oil storage areas, wash racks, and beside old gas pumps—now transformed into a dining space that honors the building’s past.
Why this matters: Willhoite’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s living history. Every brick and vintage sign tells part of Grapevine’s evolution from small town to tourist destination.
Willhoite’s Restaurant Menu With Prices
Willhoite’s combines Texas-style comfort food with variety to satisfy different tastes. Here’s what to expect:
The Buffet – “All You Can Eat”
| Category | Days Offered | Adult Price | Senior Price | Children Price |
| Lunch Buffet | Mon–Sat | $15 | $13 | $7 |
| Dinner Buffet | Fri–Sat | $18 | $16 | $7 |
| Brunch Buffet | Sunday | $20 | $18 | $7 |
A La Carte
| A La Carte (Dine-In Only) | Price |
| Soup and Salad Bar Only | $14 |
| Cup of Any Soup of the Day | $5 |
| Dinner Plate | $12 |
Beverages
| Beverages | Price |
| Tea & Coffee (Free refills) | $3.00 |
| Soda (Free refills) | $3.00 |
| Juices (Cranberry, Grapefruit, Orange, Apple, Pineapple) | $3.00 |
Children’s Menu
| Children’s Menu | Price |
| Corn Dog | $5 |
| Grilled Cheese | $5 |
| Chicken Nuggets | $5 |
| Note: Served with salad, tater tots or french fries. |
Sides and Extras
| Item | Price | Item | Price |
| Sauteed Mushrooms | $5 | Tater Tots | $7 |
| Beer Battered Onion Rings | $8 | Tots w/ Cheese | $12 |
| Cottage Cheese | $5 | Fresh Grilled Onions | $5 |
| Side of Guacamole | $7 | Homemade Fries | $7 |
| Extra salsa or dressing | $1 | Willhoite’s Cheese Fries | $9 |
Starters, Chips & Salsa, and Fried Items
| Starters | Price |
| Buffalo Wings | $13 |
| Battered Mushrooms | $13 |
| Fried Cheese Sticks (Mozzarella) | $14 |
| Quesadillas (Cheese/Chicken/Beef) | $11 / $14 / $14 |
| Southwestern Chili Bowl | $15 |
| Southwestern Eggrolls | $11 |
Chips & Salsa
| Chips & Salsa / Fried Items | Price |
| Chips & Salsa (Add queso $6) | $6 |
| Nachos (Beef or Chicken) | $16 |
| Potato Skins (Cheese, Bacon, Sour Cream) | $12 |
| Fried Pickles | $10 |
| Stuffed Jalapeños | $12 |
| Combo Appetizer Platter (No substitutions) | $20 |
Burgers
All Burgers are half-pound, served with salad, tater tots, or French fries.
| Burger | Description | Price |
| Old Fashioned Hamburger | Classic beef patty with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayo. | $15 |
| Mushroom Burger | Sauteed mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese. | $16 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | Bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, pickles. | $17 |
Wrap
| Wrap | Description | Price |
| Grilled Chicken Wrap | Grilled chicken, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, ranch, served with buffalo sauce on the side. | $16 |
Sandwiches & Clubs
All Sandwiches are served with salad, tater tots, or French fries.
| Sandwich / Club | Description | Price |
| Willhoite’s French Dip | Thinly sliced beef on a toasted French roll with Au Jus. | $16 |
| Fried Steak Sandwich | Chicken Fried Steak, lettuce, tomato, served on Texas toast. | $16 |
| BBQ Beef Sandwich | Chopped BBQ beef, served with pickles. | $16 |
| BLT | Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, served on toasted bread. | $16 |
| Turkey or Ham Sandwich | Generous slices of turkey or ham, served stacked tall. | $16 |
| Willhoite’s Club | A generous combination of ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. | $18 |
| Patty Melt | Beef patty with grilled onions and melted Swiss cheese, served on rye bread. | $16 |
| Chicken Club | Grilled chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. | $17 |
| Reuben | Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, served on grilled rye. | $16 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | Fried chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, served on a toasted bun. | $16 |
Half & Salad
| Half & Salad Options | Price |
| Soup and Half Sandwich | $16 |
| Salad and Half Sandwich | $16 |
Entrees
Served with a choice of two sides and a roll.
| Entree | Description | Price |
| Willhoite’s Chicken Plate | Chicken breast grilled or fried, served on a bed of rice or mixed greens. | $17 |
| Chicken Strips | Lightly breaded chicken strips. | $16 |
| Browned Liver | Served with caramelized onions. | $17 |
| Chicken Fried Steak | Hand-tenderized steak, lightly seasoned, covered in country gravy. | $18 |
| Cajun Chicken Breast | Grilled chicken breast, seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices. | $17 |
| Hamburger Steak | Two seasoned hamburger patties, topped with onions and brown gravy. | $17 |
Because of its buffet model, Willhoite’s draws people who want variety, value, and a relaxed, communal dining experience.
The 5 Best Dishes at Willhoite’s Restaurant Menu
Willhoite’s is primarily known for its historic ambiance, live music, and generous Texas-sized buffet. While reviews for specific à la carte items can be mixed, the best dishes consistently highlighted by patrons and mentioned in the restaurant’s own promotion lean heavily on classic Texas comfort food and the value offered by their extensive dining format.
Here are 5 dishes and offerings considered favorites at Willhoite’s:
1. The Texas-Sized Buffet
The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet is arguably the restaurant’s signature offering. It is a must-try for first-time visitors who want variety and value.
- Why it’s a favorite: The buffet offers nearly 20 hot items (including rotating entrees like fried chicken and meatloaf), a salad bar with over 55 items, two homemade soups, and a dessert bar. It represents the best of Southern-style comfort food variety.
2. Chicken Fried Steak
A cornerstone of Texas cuisine, the Chicken Fried Steak is explicitly mentioned by the restaurant as a featured item that honors its true Texas roots.
- Why it’s a favorite: Diners seek this dish for an authentic taste of Texan comfort food. When done right, it’s a tenderized steak, perfectly battered, fried, and smothered in country gravy.
3. Willhoite’s Famous Mashed Potatoes
Often served as part of the buffet, the famous mashed potatoes are a highly praised side dish, cementing the restaurant’s reputation for classic, home-style cooking.
- Why it’s a favorite: They are frequently highlighted in customer comments as being just “like grandma’s house,” signifying their quality and comforting texture.
4. The Half-Pound Burgers
For those skipping the buffet, the Half-Pound Burgers are a reliable choice. The menu offers several variations, including the classic Old Fashioned Hamburger and the popular Patty Melt.
- Why it’s a favorite: They are generous in size, freshly prepared, and often praised by reviewers as a safe and satisfying à la carte option, especially the Patty Melt (beef patty with grilled onions and Swiss cheese on rye).
5. Fried Catfish
Another staple of Southern dining, Fried Catfish is specifically called out by Willhoite’s as an example of the true Texas cuisine they offer.
- Why it’s a favorite: It represents the classic regional dishes found on the buffet rotation or as a standalone entree, appealing to guests seeking traditional Southern-fried flavor.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere
Visiting Willhoite’s is not just about food—it’s about immersive ambiance.
- Interior & Decor: Expect exposed brick, vintage signage, and memorabilia from its garage days (old gas pumps, photos, tools).
- Buffet Centerpiece: A unique feature is a 1927 Model T Ford mounted on one of the buffet stations, perched on a hydraulic lift once used in the garage.
- Ambience: The vibe is casual, lively, and friendly—great for families, groups, and tourists wanting to soak in local flavor.
- Space & Capacity: The building is expansive—over 9,000 square feet—with seating for many, including private dining areas upstairs.
In short: you’re not just going for a meal—you’re stepping into a space where history, culture, and food meet.
Live Music, Events & Nightlife at Willhoite’s
A major draw of Willhoite’s is how it blends dining and entertainment seamlessly.
- Regular Live Music Nights: Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant features live entertainment, often without a cover charge.
- Music Style: Expect a lively atmosphere often featuring local Texas Country, Blues, or Classic Rock bands, reflecting the state’s musical heritage.
- Karaoke, Bands & Local Artists: Some nights host karaoke; other nights bring in local bands.
- Happy Hour Vibe: The bar becomes more active during happy hour (4–7 pm, Mon–Fri), attracting both diners and locals.
- Events & Anniversaries: The restaurant celebrates milestones with special events, free giveaways, and music.
If you like music with your meal, Willhoite’s offers that plus local color—a great combo.
Location, Hours & Contact Information
To plan your visit, here’s all the logistical info gathered:
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 432 S Main St, Grapevine, Texas 🇺🇸 |
| Phone | (817) 481-7511 |
| Hours (Mon – Sat) | 11:00 am–2:00 am |
| Hours (Sunday) | 10:00 am–2:00 am |
| Happy Hour | Mon–Fri, 4:00 pm–7:00 pm |
| Parking / Access | Located on Main Street in Grapevine’s historic downtown. Parking is available nearby—check local lots or municipal parking. |
Make sure to double-check hours (especially late-night ones) ahead of your visit, as they could change.
Location on Map:
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Willhoite’s Restaurant Reviews
Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Based on 2,013 reviews. Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Willhoite’s still operating / real? Yes. As of records, Willhoite’s continues to operate as a well-known restaurant in Grapevine. Its building is historic, and it’s an active dining spot.
Does Willhoite’s take reservations? They focus primarily on buffet and walk-in service. For larger groups or events, contact them ahead of time via phone.
Is there parking nearby? Yes—downtown parking lots and street parking are available. Arrive early because spots fill up during busy hours.
Do they offer vegetarian or gluten-free options? The buffet includes various sides, salads, and vegetable dishes. For specific dietary needs, call ahead to check current offerings.
Can I book Willhoite’s for private events or parties? Yes, private dining and event use are possible (upper level or special rooms). Contact them directly by phone or their website.
Conclusion
Willhoites Restaurant stands as a beacon of history, hospitality, and hearty eats in Grapevine. Whether you’re drawn by its vintage garage roots, the nostalgic ambiance, or its buffet variety and live entertainment, it delivers more than just a meal—it offers a local experience.
While it’s not perfect (crowds, occasional waits, or busy nights may impact service), the overall charm, community significance, and culinary value make it a must-visit in Grapevine. For visitors or locals wanting to taste history and support a restaurant that embodies local legacy, Willhoite’s is well worth exploring.
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