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Biggest Portions
Reata Restaurant
This is an ideal place to share the dishes because even then, you are likely to have enough left over for a meal at home. This is inspired cowboy cooking. And the chicken fried steak is a work of art. Some locals just dine off the appetizer list. And come Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo time, Reata will be there with you.
310 Houston St.
Sundance Square
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.336.1009
reata.net
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
230 N. Center St.
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.801.0300
120 S. Main St.
Burleson, Texas 76028
817.447.3400
114 West Pearl St.
Granbury, Texas 76048
817.573.9777
104 North Oak St.
Roanoke, Texas 76262
817.491.2900
Other locations
babeschicken.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford, Texas 76086
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Bread
EatZi’s
EatZi’s Market and Bakery is more than breads and pastries. The stores are laid out with separate stations for the bakery, sandwiches and salads, pastries, the grill, sushi, wine, the coffee bar and other specialty offerings. Kind of a one-stop for foodies.
1200 W. State Highway 114
Grapevine, Texas 76051
817.527.4007
eatzis.com/locations/grapevine
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
The Shed - Texas Kitchen and Bakery
4019 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, Texas 76087
817.594.5533
shed.esdesignhouse.com
Mac & Cheese
The Wild Mushroom
You can download the recipe for this succulent take on an old, old dish, made here with jalapeño and alderwood smoked bacon and developed by Jerrett Joslin of The Wild Mushroom Steakhouse, but the setting won’t be quite so romantic and elegant. Come on in. A quarter-cup of butter? Are you kidding?
new location:
3206 Winthrop Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Tillman’s Roadhouse
2933 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.850.9255
tillmansroadhouse.com
Most Romantic
Piola Italian Restaurant and Garden
Piola is in a charming 1935 house in the Cultural District, just a short walk from the area’s major attractions. It has an elegantly appointed outdoor garden. But mostly, it’s like having dinner at the home of an Italian friend. And here’s why: Chef Bobby Albanese uses family recipes that are generations old. Grandma apparently was one super cook.
3700 Mattison Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.989.0007
fwpiola.com
restaurant506 at The Sanford House
506 N. Center St.
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.801.5541
restaurant506.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
813 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.348.0080
ruthschris.com
Surf and Turf
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Del Frisco’s does beef well and Del Frisco’s does seafood well, so what is the question? And the restaurant will have the perfect wine to accompany whatever you order.
812 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Waters
2901 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.984.1110
waterstexas.com
J.R.’s Steak and Grill
5400 Highway 121
Colleyville, Texas 76034
817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
Service
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
This is a tough category in modern-day Fort Worth, but Del Frisco’s consistently draws the praise of our readers. We could tell you about it, but it would be better if you were to experience it for yourself.
812 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Clay Pigeon Food and Drink
2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817. 882.8065
claypigeonfd.com
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Wine List
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
In our 2013 Wine List Awards article, we reported that Del Frisco’s pays for any staff member who wishes to be certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers. That training shows through in both the advice given diners and in the broad selection of wines that range in price from relatively inexpensive to the cost of a low-end new car.
812 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
The Capital Grille
800 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.348.9200
thecapitalgrille.com
Bob’s Steak and Chop House
1300 Houston St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.350.4100
bobs-steakandchop.com
Mediterranean
Terra Mediterranean Grill
Order anything on the menu. Close your eyes. Imagine the Mediterranean Sea. You are there. Traditional tastes, especially on the Middle Eastern staples like hummus, tabbouleh and falafel.
2973 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.744.7485
terramedgrill.com
Chadra Mezza and Grill
1622 Park Place Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817.926.3992
chadramezza.com
Hedary's Mediterranean Restaurant
6323 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.731.6961
hedarys.com
Breakfast Spot
Ol’ South Pancake House
Early in the morning or in the shank of the night, this is a consistent favorite of our readers — and generations of Fort Worth residents and visitors who date back to the opening in 1962. The menu is extensive and simple.
1509 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Esperanza’s Bakery and Café
1601 Park Place Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817.923.1992
2122 N. Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.626.5770
joets.com
Cast Iron Grill in the Omni
1300 Houston St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76012
817.350.4106
omnihotels.com/hotels/fort-worth/dining/cast-iron
Chicken Fried Steak
West Side Café
In a city where debates about chicken fried steak can lead to police calls, this restaurant was, is and probably forever shall be a favorite among those who crave this traditional Southern dish.
7950 Camp Bowie Blvd. W
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.560.1996
The Grille at Hill Country Harbor
3415 Scenic Point Road
Graford, Texas 76449
940.779.7600
harborliving.com/amenities/the-grill
Mary’s Cafe
119 Grant Ave.
Strawn, Texas 76475
254.672.5741
Dessert
Trio New American
If you are a pie lover, ask about the daily homemade offerings. But what gets our attention is the Brownie Pistachio Ice Cream Sandwich with bittersweet chocolate mint sauce. Give us a minute to recover.
8300 Precinct Line Road, Ste. 104
Colleyville, Texas 76034
817.503.8440
trionewamerican.com
The Wild Mushroom
new location:
3206 Winthrop Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Olenjack’s Grille
770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100
Lincoln Square
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.226.2600
olenjacksgrille.com
Mexican Food
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Let’s be honest. This is a favorite with the Fort Worth, Texas magazine staff for lunch and other meetings. Among that group, we’ve tried just about everything on the menu. The only complaints we’ve heard are about the massive amounts of food. But that’s mostly from the women. Be careful about the drinks. They are both large and potent.
6125 SW Loop 820
Fort Worth, Texas 76132
817.423.3124
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Revolver Taco Lounge
2822 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.820.0122
revolvertacolounge.com
Salsa Fuego
3520 Alta Mere Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.560.7888
Atmosphere
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
If you are a tourist or a local hosting a tourist, this is a must-see on anyone’s checklist. The restaurant is sprawling, but it maintains the same warm and homey atmosphere of its early days.
2201 N. Commerce St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.626.4356
joets.com
Café Modern
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.840.2157
themodern.org/cafe
Grace
777 Main Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com
Catering
Z’s Cafe and Catering
Catering offerings range from box lunches for meetings to formal dinner parties, with the ability to customize for dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, food allergies and the like. But there is something else about this place. Every event booked creates jobs for residents and supporters of Samaritan House.
1116 Pennsylvania Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104.
817.991.8311
zscafe.com
Tastefully Yours Catering
1959 W. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.749.0896
tastefullyours.com
Bistro Louise Catering
817.291.2734
bistrolouise.com
Outdoor Dining
Joe T. Garcias
Never choose to eat indoors unless it is raining, snowing or there’s no room left in the garden. Heat is OK. It’s Texas, you know. The restaurant opened on July 4, 1935. In the 1970s, it began to grow, first with the addition of a small patio with a pool and cabana to today’s sprawling indoor and outdoor facility that can seat well over 1,000. That’s up from the original 16 guests back at the start.
2201 N. Commerce St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.626.4356
joets.com
The Grille at Hill Country Harbor
3415 Scenic Point Road
Graford, Texas 76449
940.779.7600
harborliving.com/amenities/the-grill
The Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Power Lunch
Del Frisco's Grille
Overlooking Fort Worth’s Sundance Plaza, this is the go-to place for those seeking Del Frisco’s quality and service in a smaller venue. The food is good, as are the drinks, and the people-watching in the Plaza outside is five-star.
154 E. 3rd St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.887.9900
delfriscosgrille.com/fort-worth
Olenjack’s Grille
770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100
Lincoln Square
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.226.2600
olenjacksgrille.com
The Capital Grille
800 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.348.9200
thecapitalgrille.com
Steak
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Steak cooked your way. Your server will ask you to cut into the meat while he or she waits, and if it’s not what you ordered, back it goes. Any questions?
812 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Bob’s Steak and Chop House
1300 Houston St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.350.4100
bobs-steakandchop.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford, Texas 76086
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Place to Take Visitors
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
When people visit cities, one thing that is important is to be able to name-drop restaurants with the chance that the people they are trying to impress have been there or have heard of the joint. This is one of those places.
2201 N. Commerce St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.626.4356
joets.com
Café Modern
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.840.2157
themodern.org/cafe
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
Sundance Square
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.336.1009
reata.net
Seafood
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
This place has seafood in the name, but there are other things — aged, center-cut steaks among them — for the fish-phobic members of your party. The atmosphere is lovely, the service excellent and the lounge serves up drinks and blues and jazz.
3100 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth Texas 76107
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Waters
2901 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.984.1110
waterstexas.com
Daddy Jack’s New England Lobster
and Chowder House
353 Throckmorton
Fort Worth, Texas
817.332.2477
daddyjacks.org/sundance.php
New Restaurant
Bird Café
The focus here is on small plates. But the food is only part of the attraction. This split-level restaurant has 2,300 square feet of patio space overlooking Sundance Plaza. That’s in addition to the 6,400 square feet inside.
155 E. 4th St.
Sundance Plaza
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.332.2473
birdinthe.net
Clay Pigeon Food and Drink
2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817. 882.8065
claypigeonfd.com
Bite City Grill
Montgomery Plaza
2600 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.3888
bitecitygrill.com
Pizza
Mama’s Pizza
Mama’s has been the landmark local pizza place since it opened in 1968. There are a number of locations now, and the group keeps experimenting with new menu items. Among them is thin crust pizza with light cheese for those watching their calories. We might ask, if you are on a diet, why are you thinking about pizza? Also available is gluten-free crust.
1813 W. Berry St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817.923.3541
Multiple Locations
mamaspizzas.net
Cane Rosso
815 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.922.9222
ilcanerosso.com
Fireside Pies
2949 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.769.3590
1285 S. Main St.
Grapevine, Texas 76051
817.416.1285
firesidepies.com
Salad
Texas de Brazil Restaurant
When you think of Brazilian restaurants, naturally you think of meat. But you ought also to think of salad. This one usually has 50 or 60 items with four made-in-house dressings, artisan breads, cheeses and a list other offerings too long to include here. Just keep in mind that the average human stomach can hold somewhere between 2 and 4 quarts. Choose carefully.
101 N. Houston St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.882.9500
texasdebrazil.com/ftworth
Rafain Brazilian Steakhouse
2932 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.862.9800
rafain.com
Boi Na Braza
4025 William D. Tate Ave.
Grapevine, Texas 76051
817.251.9881
boinabraza.com
Restaurant With Live Music
Fred’s Texas Café
Long-term residents are a little bemused by what happened to their favorite hole-in-the-wall, Texas sort-of truck stop that many people didn’t know where to find. The food is the same great fare it always has been. But that little place tucked in back is now a major music venue. Not that we’re complaining.
915 Currie St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipsomb St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford, Texas 76086
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Family Restaurant
Mellow Mushroom
The hippies and freethinkers in suits who lead Mellow Mushroom understand kids and families. They’ve fixed it so the kids can watch the cooks throw the pizza dough in the air. And these are loud and noisy places where no one much cares if you act like a child. Even if it has been decades since you were one.
3455 Blue Bonnet Circle
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.207.9677
200 N. Center St.
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.274.7173
2820 E. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.749.1111
mellowmushroom.com
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
230 N. Center St.
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.801.0300
120 S. Main St.
Burleson, Texas 76028
817.447.3400
114 West Pearl St.
Granbury, Texas 76048
817.573.9777
104 North Oak St.
Roanoke, Texas 76262
817.491.2900
Other locations
babeschicken.com
Coyote Drive-In Canteen
223 N.E. 4th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.717.7767
coyotedrive-in.com
Cookies
Sweet Sammies
Nothing complicated here. Choose two cookies and a Blue Bell ice cream flavor, and they’ll make you a cookie sandwich. Or you can have just the cookie. Or just the ice cream. Whatever. It is choosing among the 12 kinds of cookies that takes work.
825 Currie St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.0022
sweetsammies.com
The Shed - Texas Kitchen and Bakery
4019 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, Texas 76087
817.594.5533
shed.esdesignhouse.com
j. rae’s
935 Foch St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.0090
jraes.com
Hole in the Wall
El Asadero Mexican Steakhouse and Seafood
The Northern Mexican food cooked homestyle by the Villarreal family has been drawing customers since 1982. The menu is varied and the names of the dishes are familiar, but this is border cooking rather than straight Tex-Mex.
1535 N. Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
817.626.3399
elasadero.com
Benitos
1450 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.332.8633
benitosmexican.com
Paco and John
1116 8th Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.810.0032
pacoandjohn.com
Sandwich
Carshon’s Deli
This longtime favorite is home to the only kosher-style deli food in Fort Worth. Established in 1928, Carshon’s has been piling the sandwiches high for generations with offerings such as the Rachel or the Rebecca.
3133 Cleburne Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817.923.1907
carshonsdeli.com
Swiss Pastry Shop
3936 W. Vickery Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.732.5661
swisspastryonline.com
The Shed - Texas Kitchen and Bakery
4019 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, Texas 76087
817.594.5533
shed.esdesignhouse.com
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Brunch
Max’s Wine Dive
We like the slogan: “Fried chicken and champagne? ... why the hell not?!” What answer can we give but “sure.” Brunch is Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And consider the Famous Southern Fried Chicken marinated in jalapeno-buttermilk. Comfort food.
2421 W. 7th St., Ste. 109
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.870.1100
maxswinedive.com
Little Red Wasp Kitchen + Bar
808 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.877.3111
littleredwasp.com
Winslow’s Wine Café
4101 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.546.6843
winslowswinecafe.com
Appetizers
Fire Oak Grill
Chef Eric Hunter is a master of combining tastes in his appetizers. Consider the surf and turf combination of shrimp, tenderloin roasted green chilies, cheddar grits, crab and lobster sauce. Or seared sea scallops, crispy pork belly, roasted Brussels sprouts and pickled Parker County peaches.
114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford, Texas 76086
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
The Wild Mushroom
new location:
3206 Winthrop Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
The Classic Café
504 N. Oak St.
Roanoke, Texas 76262
817.430.8185
theclassiccafe.com
Bar Food
MICHAELS Restaurant and Ancho Chile Bar
Why do we even ask this question every year? The results from the readers are always the same. Chef Michael S. Thomson creates a special menu just for the bar. We’ll mention just three: Classic Ranch Goat Cheese Tart; Ancho Fried Calamari; and the Ranch Cheese Board, a selection of five cheeses with fruit, nuts, crackers and breads.
3413 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
The Tavern
2755 S. Hulen St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.923.6200
thetavernftworth.com
The Bearded Lady
1229 7th Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.349.9832
Food Truck
Good Karma Kitchen
The folk at Good Karma provide gourmet gluten-free, vegetarian food products. But if you have a few minutes, check out the extensive philosophical discussion on the website. Just one statement from that: “We believe that our customers should never have to ingest genetically modified organisms, pesticides, hormones, refined sugars or flours.”
817.995.9801
thegoodkarmakitchen.com
Taco Heads
tacoheads.com
Salsa Limón
salsalimon.com
Ladies Lunch
Zodiac
Power shopping can be exhausting. So many things to try on. So little time. So Neiman Marcus Fort Worth offers an area of quiet rest and recuperation in this elegant restaurant. It’s been around since 1976.
2100 Green Oaks Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.989.4650
tinyurl.com/Zodiac-Fort-Worth
McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Thai
Thailicious
It’s not difficult to find Thai food in Fort Worth, but some restaurants rise above the rest. Our readers picked this spot as best this year. This restaurant pledges only original Thai cuisine that is “healthy and good for you as well, so you can enjoy eating and not having to feel guilty afterwards!” Like that’s an issue.
4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 206
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.737.8111
thailicioususa.com
Thai Tina’s
Inside Embassy Suites
600 Commerce St.
Fort Worth, Texas 75202
817.332.0088
thaitinas.com
Spice
411 Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.984.1800
m.mainstreethub.com/spice
Vietnamese
Pho Little Saigon
Good pho is the mark of a good Vietnamese restaurant, and Pho Little Saigon, located near Ridgmar Mall, serves up an excellent version of this traditional dish. Our readers consistently select this restaurant as serving the best.
1712 Mall Circle
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.738.0040
pholittlesaigonfw.com
My Lan
4015 E. Belknap St.
Haltom City, Texas 76111
817.222.1471
mylan-restaurant.com
Tu Hai
3909 E. Belknap St.
Haltom City, Texas 76111
817.834.6473
Texas Cuisine
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
Innovative Texas cooking. Just a suggestion: Start with Crispy Diamond H Quail Legs (flash-fried and served with southwestern buttermilk dipping sauce); follow with Roasted Tomato and Jalapeno Soup (garnished with lime crème fraîche); go for the Pepper-Crusted Buffalo Tenderloin (pan-seared and topped with a silky rye whisky cream sauce, served with truffled pommes frites and grilled asparagus); and end with the Dublin Soda Float (flavors vary but always with house-made vanilla ice cream and cinnamon bunuelo chips). You can gain weight just reading the menu.
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
MICHAELS Restaurant and Ancho Chile Bar
3413 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
Sundance Square
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.336.1009
reata.net
Burgers
Rodeo Goat Icehouse
The names of the burgers are as innovative as the recipes — Terlingua, Olivia Darling, Blue Goat, Cowboy Murrin, Caca Oaxaca, Telluride and veggie burgers, Neil Young and Dirty Grober. But whatever burger you order, be sure to order the fries.
2836 Bledsoe St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.4628
rodeogoat.com
Kincaid’s Hamburgers
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.732.2881
Multiple locations
kincaidshamburgers.com
TOMMY’S Hamburger Grill
5228 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.569.1111
2455 Forest Park Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817.920.1776
tommyshamburgergrill.com
Chips & Salsa
El Asadero Mexican Steakhouse and Seafood
It stands to reason that the 2014 Hole in the Wall (see category) restaurant also would do well in this category. This is home-style cooking with border and Northern Mexican influence.
1535 N. Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
817.626.3399
elasadero.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
6125 SW Loop 820
Fort Worth, Texas 76132
817.423.3124
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Joe T. Garcia’s
2201 N. Commerce St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.626.4356
joets.com
Bakery
Blue Bonnet Bakery
This is a Fort Worth institution using recipes passed down over 75 years to make all the standard products you would expect in a bakery as well as signature items such as buttery monkey bread and double fudge cake. But it is not just about baked goods and breakfast. Blue Bonnet also offers an award-winning chicken salad sandwich and homemade chips for lunch, among other items.
4705 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth,, Texas 76107
817.731.4233
bluebonnetbakery.com
Elegant Cakery
535 S. Nolen Drive, Ste. 200
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.488.7580
elegantcakery.com
Stir Crazy Baked Goods
106 E. Daggett Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
682.710.2253
stircrazybakedgoods.com
Frozen Yogurt
Sweet Frog
Yogurt is a highly personal thing, with aficionados arguing endlessly about where and what is the best. Readers picked Sweet Frog, and we took a look at flavors available at the location nearest TCU. They are all yummy. But we do have to ask: How about something colored purple?
3054 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.926.0685
12918 South Freeway
Burleson, Texas 76028
817.295.0004
9143 Highway 26, Ste. 670
North Richland Hills, Texas 76180
817.514.4081
sweetfrogyogurt.com
Yogurtland
Montgomery Plaza
2600 W 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.870.4689
1318 W. Pipeline Road
Hurst, Texas 76053
817.590.8031
1251 E. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.310.6390
yogurt-land.com
Yumilicious
124 E. 4th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.885.8401
5005 S. Cooper St., Ste. 167
Arlington, Texas 76017
817.465.9864
119 Grand Ave.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.488.9864
yumilicious.com
Chicken Salad
Zodiac
They label it “nm chicken salad.” If Neiman Marcus is willing to put its signature on it, you should be willing to eat it.
2100 Green Oaks Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.989.4650
tinyurl.com/Zodiac-Fort-Worth
The Lunch Box
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Beer Selection
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
We count 329 varieties listed on the website, but we might have missed a few. It might take a while to work our way through all of them, but somebody’s got to do it. Perhaps we’ll start with the interestingly named Smuttynose Vunderbar Pilsner.
111 E. 3rd St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.336.7470
beerknurd.com/stores/fortworth/
The Bearded Lady
1229 7th Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.349.9832
Brewed
801 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.945.1545
brewedfw.com
Carb Load
Cane Rosso
If the pizzas were square and sold by the slice, you could almost imagine that you are in Italy. There are many other items on the menu, but the pizza is the reason to visit this restaurant, even if you aren’t preparing for an endurance race.
815 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.922.9222
ilcanerosso.com
Campisi’s
6150 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.916.4561
campisis.us/#!fort-worth/cws2
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
6125 SW Loop 820
Fort Worth, Texas 76132
817.423.3124
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Frozen Drinks
Rodeo Goat Icehouse
Rodeo Goat mixes some very unusual ingredients into its frozen drinks. The original frozen drink at the restaurant is the Moontang. It’s made with Firefly Moonshine, blended with Tang and a few other ingredients. Also popular is the Purple Drink, which combines all the elements of Long Island Iced Tea with grape juice and grape Kool-Aid. Popular with the TCU crowd, we understand.
2836 Bledsoe St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.4628
rodeogoat.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
6125 SW Loop 820
Fort Worth, Texas 76132
817.423.3124
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Uncle Julio’s
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.377.2777
1301 William D. Tate Ave.
Grapevine, Texas 76051
817.416.8416
unclejulios.com
Italian
Piccolo Mondo
The location of this restaurant — halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth — and the ease of access make this a popular meeting place for friends and business people from the two cities. But the draw is the food. Everything else is just an extra.
829 Lamar Blvd. E.
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.265.9174
piccolomondo.com
Italianni’s
1601 Precinct Line Road
Hurst, Texas 76054
817.498.6770
italiannishurst.com
La Piazza
2930 Bledsoe St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.334.0000
lapiazzafw.com
Diner
Montgomery Street Café
The original meaning of “diner,” says Merriam-Webster, is “a small, informal, and inexpensive restaurant that looks like a railroad car.” Except for the railroad car, that definition fits this popular breakfast and lunch place to a tee.
2000 Montgomery St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.731.8033
Spiral Diner & Bakery
1314 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.332.8834
spiraldiner.com
Paris Coffee Shop
704 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.335.2041
pariscoffeeshop.net
Farm to Fork
The Classic Café
The concept behind farm to fork is twofold: freshness of the ingredients and protection of the environment by lowering transportation costs for the food where possible. At The Classic Café, Chef Charles Youts walks out to the Chef’s Pantry, picks what’s fresh and ripe, and incorporates those ingredients into some of his dishes.
504 N. Oak St.
Roanoke, Texas 76262
817.430.8185
theclassiccafe.com
Bird Café
155 E. 4th and Commerce
Sundance Plaza
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.332.2473
birdinthe.net
Ellerbe Fine Foods
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Hotel Restaurant
Bob’s Steak and Chop House
The first Bob’s opened in Dallas in 1993 and has now spread nationwide. This is a traditional American steakhouse and an elegant dining experience for locals and tourists alike.
Omni Hotel
1300 Houston St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.350.4100
bobs-steakandchop.com/locations/fort-worth/
Old Hickory Steakhouse
Gaylord Texan
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, Texas 76051
817.778.2280
gaylordhotels.com
Six 10 Grille
Ashton Hotel
610 Main St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.332.0100
theashtonhotel.com
Barbecue
Billy's Oak Acres BBQ
The reviews are rave, and fans and supporters of this Westside joint swamped the nominations this year. That’s in a city that takes its barbecue very, very seriously. Check it out.
1700 N. Las Vegas Trail
Fort Worth, Texas 76108
817.367.2200
Angelo’s Bar-B-Que
2533 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.0357
angelosbbq.com
Railhead Smokehouse
2900 Montgomery St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.738.9808
railheadsmokehouse.com
Cupcakes
Leah’s Sweet Treats
Fort Worth native Leah Loose started Sweet Treats four years ago after, she says, “watching too many hours of the Food Network during college.” We’re glad she did. It was not time wasted.
4910 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.731.5223
leahssweettreats.com
Cupcake Cottage
5015 El Campo Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.732.5670
thecupcakecottage.com
Ultimate Cupcake
3316 Fort Worth Highway
Hudson Oaks, Texas 76087
817.596.9090
ultimatecupcake.net
Late Night Bite
Ol’ South Pancake House
First, you need to know 24/7. That’s handy for those up early, up late, or studying for an exam at TCU. Second, you need to know that the menu is simple, extensive and inexpensive.
1509 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Fuzzy’s
2917 W. Berry St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.924.7943
Multiple locations
fuzzystacoshop.com
Velvet Taco
2700 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.887.9810
velvettaco.com
Sashimi/Sushi
Piranha Killer Sushi
Chef Kenzo Tran uses the word “killer” freely, saying he started Piranha Killer Sushi to deliver killer drinks and cuisine in a killer atmosphere. He’s succeeded so far as our readers are concerned. As a bonus, the Downtown Fort Worth location is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
335 W. 3rd St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.348.0200
859 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd.
Arlington, Texas 76006
817.261.1636
309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 149
Arlington, Texas 76018
817.465.6455
piranhakillersushi.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Little Lilly Sushi
6100 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 12
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.989.8886
littlelillysushi.com
French Fries
Tillman’s Roadhouse
What this place does with its French fries may be illegal, and they probably should be a controlled substance. We base that on the legions of readers who consistently name Tillman’s in this category. Technically, the dish is called the Trio of Fries and consists of parmesan and black pepper Kennebec potatoes, chili-lime russet potatoes and bourbon sweet potato fries, with house spiced ketchup and horseradish pickled mayo on the side.
2933 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.850.9255
tillmansroadhouse.com
Big John's Burgers & Beer
105 College Ave.
Weatherford, Texas 76086
817.341.6717
Lili's Bistro
1310 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.877.0700
lilisbistro.com
Happy Hour
Blue Mesa Bar & Grill
This is a very popular happy hour with cut prices on drinks and draft beer. But the spread of Blue Mesa snacks may be the real attraction.
1600 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.6372
550 Lincoln Square
Arlington, Texas 76011
682.323.3050
bluemesagrill.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Chimy’s Cerveceria
1053 Foch St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.348.8888
chimys.com
Guys’ Night Out
Olenjack’s Grille
Here’s an idea: Organize a party. Decide how much you want to spend. Call Chef Brian Olenjack. Ask him to put together a dinner for guys for the money you have to spend. Enjoy. Note: We just made that up. We have no idea whether Brian would play.
770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100
Lincoln Square
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.226.2600
olenjacksgrille.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford, Texas 76086
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Pop’s Safari Cigars, Wine and Bistro
2929 Morton St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.334.0559
popssafari.com
Japanese
Sushi Axiom Japanese Fusion Cuisine
It is tempting to think of Sushi Axiom as a sushi place, but it is a full Japanese restaurant. Nobody does calamari better, and the Pearfection Martini is a perfect start to any meal. The Burleson location has teppanyaki available.
Montgomery Plaza
2600 W 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.877.3331
12650 S. Freeway
Burleson, Texas 76028
817.295-9559
4625 Donnelly Ave., Ste. 101
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.735.9100
sushiaxiom.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Shinjuku Station
711 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.923.2695
shinjuku-station.com
Old Favorite
Kincaid’s Hamburgers
Charles Kincaid's Grocery and Market opened in 1946, and O.R. Gentry, who had been the meat cutter since 1947, began cooking hamburgers in 1964. He bought Kincaid's about three years later, and the rest, as they say, is history. Love of its hamburgers has been passed down through the generations.
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.732.2881
Multiple locations
kincaidshamburgers.com
Angelo’s Bar-B-Que
2533 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.0357
angelosbbq.com
The Original Mexican Eats Café
4713 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.738.6226
originalmexicaneatscafe.com
After-Theater Dining
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
The late night dining scene in Fort Worth is constantly improving with the growth of the West 7th area and Magnolia Avenue, and with additional venues Downtown, but after-theater dining can still be chancy. That’s where Blue Sushi reliably comes in with late hours and full service. It is open to midnight Friday and Saturday.
3131 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Zambrano Wine Cellar
910 Houston St., Ste. 110
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.850.9463
zambranowines.com
Bird Café
155 E. 4th and Commerce
Sundance Plaza
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.332.2473
birdinthe.net
Southern
Buttons
The menu here is extensive, but Buttons made its name with upscale comfort, old-school dishes like Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp Fish and Gritz and Old School Pot Roast. Old School Sides include braised cabbage, collard greens, fried okra, corn bread, candied sweet potatoes and jalapeno cheese grits. There’s live music most nights and a vibrant bar scene.
4701 W. Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76008
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Weatherford Downtown Café
101 W. Church St.
Weatherford, Texas 76087
817.594.8717
Drew’s Place
5701 Curzon Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.735.4408
drewssoulfood.com
Light Menu
McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café
McKinley’s features a wide variety of breakfast and lunch foods that are smaller portions. It clearly markets to women — note the Lady’s Sampler with a cup of soup, fruit and three of house finger sandwiches — but the food appeals to men as well.
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Bravo Cucina Italiana
3010 South Hulen St.
Fort Worth, TX 76109
817.763.0145
bravoitalian.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Meal With a View
The Grille at Hill Country Harbor
Lakeside dining in Texas is rare enough to be a special treat, and that is what The Grille provides on Possum Kingdom Lake. There is patio and indoor dining in a family-friendly, rustic setting. There’s plenty of parking and a courtesy dock if you arrive by boat.
3415 Scenic Point Road
Graford, Texas 76449
940.779.7600
harborliving.com/amenities/the-grill
Reata
310 Houston St.
Sundance Square
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817.336.1009
reata.net
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipscomb St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Deli
Carshon’s
Immigrant David Carshon established Carshon’s in 1928, and it remains true to its roots as a kosher-style deli. Sandwiches are piled high, and the Reuben, with corned beef or pastrami, melted Swiss and kraut on rye, is one of the best around. The bagel with lox and cream cheese spread is a truly authentic offering.
3133 Cleburne Road
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817.923.1907
carshonsdeli.com
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
Roy Pope Grocery
2300 Merrick St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.732.8202
roypopegrocery.com
Wings
WingStop
In just 20 years, WingStop has spread from one store in Garland to more than 500 stores in 30 states. There’s a reason. Service is fast and you can mix the seasoning in any combination you want. And they are good.
Multiple locations
wingstop.com
Buffalo Bros Pizza, Wings & Subs
3015 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.386.9601
buffalobrostexas.com
Buffalo Wild Wings
5601 S. Hulen St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76132
817.423.2999
Multiple locations
buffalowildwings.com
Bagels
Einstein Bros Bagels
We count 28 types of bagels available with a variety of cream cheese spreads, plus soups, sandwiches, salads and other tasty treats.
Multiple locations
einsteinbros.com
Yogi’s Deli and Grill
2710 S. Hulen St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.924.4500
yogisdeliandgrill.com
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
Indian
Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant
Bombay offers an extensive menu of traditional Indian dishes and sides. Many of the dishes are spicy, which is clearly indicated on the menu. If your mouth is delicate, you’ll want to discuss the spices with your server.
4625 Donnelly Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817.377.9395
bombaygrillindiantx.com
Maharaja Indian Restaurant and Bar
6308 Hulen Bend Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76132
817.263.7156
maharajadfw.com
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
1200 N. Fielder Road, Ste. 532
Arlington, Texas 76012
817.261.6604
tandoorrestaurant.net
French
Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion offers classic French cuisine in a small restaurant on West 7th Street, overlooking Downtown Fort Worth. The menu includes traditional dishes like les escargots in flavorful garlic butter and French onion soup, Dover sole, roasted duck, veal, rabbit and many varieties of fresh fish. Specials are offered nightly on the blackboard.
3617 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
817.737.2781
saint-emilionrestaurant.com
Cacharel
2221 E. Lamar Blvd., 9th Floor
Arlington, Texas 76006
817.640.9981
cacharel.net
La Madeline
6140 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
817.654.0471
4626 S.W. Loop 820
Fort Worth, Texas 76109
817.717.5200
2101 N. Collins St.
Arlington, Texas 76011
817.461.3634
4201 S. Cooper St., Ste. 731
Arlington, Texas 76015
817.417.5100
lamadeleine.com
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