I have to confess—I thought The Grove was a national chain, but color me rosé and pleasantly decanted to discover it’s homegrown right here in Austin. For more than 20 years, this locally rooted gem has aged beautifully, with four locations (Westlake, Lakeway, Cedar Park, and, now, Northwest Hills) and a New American menu that pairs effortlessly with Italian flair.
Restaurateur Reed Clemons, along with Beth Lasita and wine whisperer Matt Berendt, have blended their talents into a harmonious bouquet. Clemons’s résumé reads like a sommelier’s dream flight—Bitter End Bistro, B-Side Bar, Mezzaluna, Granite Café, andCapitol Brasserie—all vintages of Austin’s dining scene that still linger on local palates.
The food? Let’s just say it’s a feast worth toasting. Think savory chicken-fried chicken so tender you could cut it with a fork. Or bruschetta flights that are artful, colorful, and downright delicious. Or a salad worthy of displaying in the Louvre (and heisting). And then there are the pizzas, wide as a wine barrel and twice as tempting. On the crust, The Bride says it best: “PERFECT!” It’s crisp and chewy, and even after a night’s rest, it reheats on a pizza slab like a vintage Chianti finally hitting its prime.
The atmosphere? Rustic hipster with notes of friendliness, good humor, and a dash of laid-back elegance. The waitstaff don’t just serve, they pour their hearts into your experience. With outdoor dining, organic and vegetarian options, and vegan and gluten-free choices, this spot caters to every palate: no corkage required (or allowed).
But the true star here is the wine list: over 200 bottles and 50 by-the-glass selections, each one curated to make you say, “Sip happens.” From crisp whites to robust reds, it’s a cellar of joy that’ll make even the most seasoned oenophile blush merlot. The pours are ambitious while the prices are palatable.
Raise a glass, Austin—The Grove is proof that some of the best vintages are local.
The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen, 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, (512) 519-9905
I wrote this for Allandale Neighbor News (published December 2025, v. 40, n. 6, p. 16)
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