the grape escape

We stopped in this place thinking it was just a store that sold wine. We were surprised to find out it was a whole big bar with live music and a great atmosphere! The two bartenders who I guess were the owners boyfriend, and the other her brother, were charming and friendly. We bought a bottle of reisling and drank it there, it was fantastic. The band was very good, and I would recommend stopping in for some good wine!

Miss Kitty is a fun and enthusiastic hostess! We visited on the weekend of the launch of her personal wine label, with the wine maker from Sonoma county present for wine tasting! We also had a great time watching her Sunday Evening Game Night!

We loved the variety of fun and unique drinks! We visited The Grape Escape twice during our visit to Galena. Both times the service was good and the drinks were delicious. There was also live music during both visits. This will definitely be a stop we make on future trips to Galena.

Free INCREDIBLE music, health and organic conscious products, amazing drinks, and unbeatable service

I've been coming to Galena for most of my life and love it there. A few years back, we discovered the Grape Escape in the old location and fell in love with the drinks, with Miss Kitty and the whole vibe. We've been back many times since they've moved into the new location and while its definitely a different space and feel, the thing that we've been most disappointed with is how we've been treated (or seen others treated) on more than one occasion. Sometimes the staff is totally oblivious to the fact that there are customers at the bar trying to order drinks. I get that it could be a slow Saturday afternoon, but come on. There have also been a few instances where we've witnessed staff (Miss Kitty) be rude or make comments to customers. Though we've never been on the receiving end, it still doesn't sit right. However - I have to say that you cant go wrong with the Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar. They aren't stingy with the vodka, that's for sure. In the end, we usually end up going back when we're in town, but you kind of never really know what you're going to get.

So here we are in the wonderful little historic town of Galena.There are your typical places that cater to tourists - but hey, this is north western Illinois for god-sakes. What else is there but corn fields - so if you have a town that can stand on its own and cater to tourists, total win...Anyway - I've now been to The Grape Escape several times. I know Miss Kitty - and her senior bartender Rick - both are awesome folks who want you to have a good time and enjoy your adult beverages.This place brings life and vitality to the night-life of Galena - without it, I'm guessing the sidewalks would completely roll-up after 9pm.What makes this place great is the fact that you can be from California, visiting a local relative (so you're an "out of towner") and feel comfortable immediately after stepping inside... unlike other bars where there are no windows, The Grape Escape has windows, an awesome back outside patio area, and fun folks who work in the bar to make you feel at home.This place has become my "go to" place when I'm in town visiting and hope to see it continue in the years to come!

The bartender was very rude. When asked if we could speak to the manager the young male bartender told us that the bartender being rude to us was the owner. And that she was also his girlfriend. The drinks were expensive.

Always an amazing time! I come here every trip to Galena! Good people, good service and of course good drinks!

You're sitting in amazing Galena, Il. Miss Kitty approaches you with a smile reminiscent of your greatest childhood friend. Using her curious artistic charm, a unique drink is mixed for you, perhaps utilizing fresh herbs from right outside in her garden. That's it. There's no drink like this drink, there's no one like Miss Kitty, and there's no place like Galena...

An escape is exactly what it is coming from the City of Chicago. I've been going to Miss Kitty's Grape Escape for over 6 years and it is by far one of the most friendly and fun environments to visit in downtown Galena. I recently took a group of girls for a 45th birthday and she provided us with a wine tasting that blew us away. She chose a great selection of wines for us. I would recommend this as a must do for anyone traveling to Galena. I've also enjoyed the live music and even the Quiz Show on Sunday evenings. FUN FUN and more FUN.

Huge, huge selection of martinis and these incredible Moscato cocktails. Great live music and we even got to see a belly dancer perform - without having to pay a dime toward a cover charge. We were there on a Saturday night and after getting shafted at a previously-visited establishment, decided we would stay at Miss Kitty's all night. We saw a huge mix of people - young couples, old couples, groups of guys, groups of girls. It was nice. Miss Kitty welcomed us with open arms (we are NOT regulars or locals...had never been there) and I swear the lady has a memory like an elephant. There were four of us and she remembered our drinks every time. As far as other reviewers citing a negative attitude...here's the thing about Miss Kitty's.....it's transparent. The owner isn't an uppity, fake-it-to-make it person....so she doesn't put up with upptiy, entitled folks in her bar. It's her bar - so she can make the environment exactly the way she wants it. Those who appreciate it will love her for life and those who don't can go spend their money elsewhere. I am someone who appreciates the real personalities behind those who mix my drinks and a unique feel to my venues. This place nailed it. Miss Kitty's got a customer in me for life.

The grape escape is a fun place to be and miss kitty is a hoot. As I said before if you don't get it you won't like it. Probably not for everyone unless you like to have fun.

Love this spot! We stop here anytime we have dinner in Galena. I love the atmosphere! There is a bar, high tops, as well as couches and comfortable chairs. There's always great music and fun people. The drinks are good- Miss Kitty seems to know her stuff! Drinks are a bit pricey, but worth it if you like the cool vibes of this place!

The owner, as she clearly let us know...could do as she pleased...even if it meant moving us a couple of times to accomodate "regulars" who were not even present. First we selected seats at the bar and were informed that they were "reserved." So after ordering a "signature" martini made with concentrate grapefruit juice (yuck), we moved down to the less desirable seats we were permitted to sit in. Later, we asked where the guests were that had the reservations after we were there for a while. The owner said that "when we buy a bar, we can do whatever we want too!" Really? We were kind of trying to get along and make a joke...but she did not see it that way. I think I know why. Totally dead New Year's Eve night and her friendly "reservation holding" patrons did not even show... So we moved to a table and listened to a good live musician and talked to a nice lady from Madison. Then...the owner came over and brought some of her "regulars" to our table and the seating area behind us and said we would need to move because the area was reserved for these "special" guests. The entire place was practically empty. Okay, she had it out for us right? But no, we were not asked to leave. They still would allow us to spend money there. We opted to leave. If you are looking for a "fair weather friend" kind of place...just go for a lousy drink made by Miss Kitty herself!

Stopped at Grape Experience and met Ms Kitty and her crew. Very fun place. Her bartender made some great martinis and the place was just very relaxed. Great place to go after dinner to unwind and have fun.