To satisfy your lunchtime cravings, it's got to be either hot and toasty, melty and cheesy, fresh and crispy, or rich and hearty. Here are some must-try soup and sandwich spots in and around town.
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Words like quaint don't really do justice to this former gas station. It has been completely transformed into a white tablecloth space complete with an upscale specialty market. The parts are just as important as the whole at Ellerbe, known for its use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. Take, for instance, the Fried Bologna Sandwich. Arugula leaves offer up spicy notes, while interesting heirloom tomatoes and freshly prepared mustard aioli spread compose the chorus, and house-made brioche bread really makes this sliced bologna sing. And a standard Shrimp Po-Boy is one thing, but when you add touches like apple wood smoked bacon, farm-fresh arugula and a freshly whisked remoulade sauce, it is something else entirely. 1501 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.926.3663
Yogi's Deli and Bagel Café
A very popular TCU hangout. You come to Yogi's to grab a bagel at breakfast and can turn that same bagel into a sandwich for lunch (with a pile of crunchy bagel chips on the side). For instance, Mamas Favorite is pimento cheese and tomatoes on a poppy seed bagel. Not all sandwiches come on a bagel. The Gobbler is an interesting combination of flavors, sporting honey maple turkey, Muenster cheese, green apples and honey mustard on wheat bread. 2710 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth, 817.921.4500
Pak-A-Pocket Pita Sandwiches
Family owned since 1986, this little spot was one of the first places in town to specialize in pita sandwiches. Hard to believe most people had never heard of them back then. There are many options to choose from, and they even have a faithful group of Weight Watchers who know exactly how many points are in their favorite sandwiches. The point being that you can get them filled any way you like. Just choose your meat, cheese and dressing. All come on tender pita bread (and you will be amazed how much can fit inside). The Mediterranean specialties are another big draw. Some of the vegetarian cold pockets are heavenly, like the "Babaganouj" with charcoaled ground eggplant, garlic, lemon and sesame seed oil, or the Hummus filled with the classic chickpea dip. The Meat or Spinach Pies are technically not a sandwich, but are filled and baked in dough, similar to a small hand-held calzone. The "Beef" has ground beef, onion and spices, while the "Spinach" folds together fresh spinach leaves, onions and lemon sauce. It has been a popular hometown haunt for decades. 5512-D Bellaire Drive S., 817.735.4363
The Great Outdoors
You can get your deli sub just the way you like it in this woodsy sandwich shop located in the Museum District. Choose from fresh baked breads or buttery croissants for your base. The Grilled Chicken Sub is filled with lettuce and tomato and finished with a Sesame Thai dressing. The Cheese Steak is served hot with plenty of sliced beef, provolone cheese, mushrooms, onions and a mixture of Italian peppers. You can complement your creation with a cup of old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup. 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.877.4400
Park Hill Cafe
This cute little hole-in-the-wall is at the intersection of Park Hill and University. The simple Southern charm, complete with mismatched tables and chairs, translates to the food as well. You can't go wrong with either the Chicken or Tuna Salad, which both include diced green apple, celery, pecans, lettuce and tomato served on your choice of seven-grain bread, ciabatta bread or a buttery croissant. All your family favorites are here like Egg Salad and Pimento Cheese, as well as the perennial Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato. 2974 Park Hill Drive, Fort Worth, 817.921.5660
Daddy Jack's Lobster and Chowder House
As the name suggests, this is the place to come for a bowl of authentic New England Clam Chowder. It's one of the house specialties. The traditional chowder starts with a roux of butter and flour and is finished with heavy cream. The flavor from the fresh clams - never canned - really shines through along with a touch of tarragon. The Lobster Bisque, too, is rich and creamy with layers of flavor starting from its homemade lobster stock and clam juice, adding in a liberal dose of butter and cream. Both are decadent and full of flavor. This chowder house provides the right East Coast atmosphere to savor a bowl of your favorite. 353 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth, 817.332.2477
Brioche Bistro and Bakery
Modeled after a Parisian bakery, this place brings an aroma of refinement to its patrons. Count me in for a Brie Grilled Cheese on toasted bread filled with a thick slice of gooey Brie and dried Bing cherries. Make it a combo and add a cup of bright tasting tomato soup. The Grilled Vegetable sounds like something you would find on the streets of Paris, with roasted red pepper, grilled yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, carrot, red onion, sprouts and roasted red pepper hummus on pita bread. And for le petite patrons, there are even Nutella and Banana Paninis. 105 College Ave., Weatherford, 1.817.599.4422
Reata
With its charming Texas-inspired decor and coveted patio seating that allows you to dine with a view of downtown and Sundance Square, Reata is a hot power-lunch spot. This upscale steak house offers a tempting Sliced Bison Sandwich on focaccia bread. The lean red meat is similar to tender roast beef. It is complemented by Swiss cheese, sliced tomato, arugula and a tarragon mayonnaise. A fried egg is added just before serving - imparting that last textural element to the dish. Along with the spicy tortilla soup, there is one other mainstay always on its menu. The Jalapeño and Cilantro Soup is both bright and flavorful and not really that spicy. This cream-based soup incorporates seeded and lightly sautéed jalapeño slices, red onion, tomato, cilantro and avocado. It is presented with fried tortilla strips for garnish. 310 Houston St., Fort Worth, 817.336.1009
Fred's Texas Cafe
You are well acquainted with Fred's for some of the best burgers in town, but have you ever tasted the Quesadillas and Chicken sandwiches? A quesadilla is, after all, a Mexican-style sandwich on toasted tortillas instead of bread. These all boast melting jack and cheddar cheeses along with your choice of beef, chicken or meaty sautéed portabella mushrooms. They are served with homemade guacamole and Mexican-style sour cream. There are two "chicken" sandwiches of note, the Chicken Club Sandwich and the Chicken Fried Steak, also known affectionately as the Chicken Fred. Both earn you the right to a side order of those killer hand-cut French fries. The Club is a nice-sized, grilled chicken breast, with portabella mushrooms, guacamole and bacon under a blanket of melted Swiss cheese on Texas Toast. The Chicken Fred slaps the famous Chicken Fried Steak on a bun. Your meal will be served in an atmosphere of Texas charm and hospitality. It's like stumbling into a refreshingly unassuming roadside diner right in the heart of the city. 915 Currie St., Fort Worth, 817.332.0083
Perrotti's Pizza and Pasta
This take-out spot is famous for its grinders, another name for a New England-style sub that can be served hot or cold. An Italian Grinder is a meat fest of salami, ham, bologna and pepperoni with Swiss cheese. Or try a calzone, which are fully enclosed sandwich pockets with pizza fillings inside. The Meatball Calzone has homemade meatballs, pepperoni, marinara sauce and mozzarella wrapped and baked in pizza dough. 6136 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.377.2202
The Tin Cup
The homey feel of this family-run diner welcomes you as you enter. Favorite antiques like an old-time piano enhance the Western-themed decor. The soups change daily and include two crowd pleasers: the chunky Potato full of carrots, celery and even mozzarella cheese, and the Tomato Bisque with its rich cream base and sprigs of parsley. The Paninis are all pressed on fresh focaccia bread. One called Wyatt's is meatless with sun-dried tomatoes along with fresh sliced tomato, salty feta cheese, chives and a Greek dressing. The Black Gold includes black olives and black beans with Boar's Head sliced chicken, pepperoncini peppers, tomato, mozzarella and a secret sauce imparting both tangy and smoky flavors. Enjoy your meal with Sinatra serenading in the background. 1025 W. Abram, Arlington, 817.303.5518
Oliver's Fine Foods
The downtown crowd heads to Sundance Square for a hearty bite, and this butcher shop serves up some manly and meaty meals. It brings a refreshing and convenient element to downtown, housing a meat market, prepared food take-out market, gourmet deli and beer and wine package shop, all under one roof. The Grilled Steak Sandwich has mushrooms, jalapeños and Swiss cheese on a thick Hoagie roll. The Cuban Press is served on Cuban bread and stuffed with ham, roasted pork, Genoa salami and Swiss cheese, along with pickles and Cuban mustard. Or you might enjoy a Meatball Sub, French Dip or Philly Cheese Steak. Now try to get back to work! 415 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth, 817.744.7980
Stone Soup Cafe
This lunch spot is a family affair run by Ginger and Terry Eccles and their son Barry. It's the kind of place where everyone knows your name. In fact, the loyal hometown patrons take it for granted that the person manning the register knows just how they like their usual order and tend to get a little cranky when they see a new face there. People rave about the Broccoli Cheese soup with its freshly steamed - and never frozen - broccoli and its smooth, creamy texture. The Chicken Enchilada soup starts with a butter base and sautés the vegetables and chicken before adding Rotel and both green and red enchilada sauce to the seasoning. The freshly made sandwiches come on your choice of breads including sourdough, rye and herb. The Avocado Club is one of the best sellers, filled with Boar's Head sliced turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato and ranch. They make everything from scratch so it tastes like it would if you made it yourself in your own kitchen. 333 S.W. Wilshire, Burleson, 817.447.2989
Blue Bonnet Bakery
The landmark bakery famous for its petit fours, wedding cakes and colorful sugar cookies, now occupies a former church. I am going to avoid inferring that eating there is a spiritual experience, but I have noticed that patrons entering the new space do tend to lower their voices and assume a more reverent tone. Lunch is a special treat with made-from-scratch soups and sandwiches like the Chicken Salad with toasted pecans and celery or the Turkey Club with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and cheddar on a flaky croissant. 4705 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.731.4233
Alvin Ord's.
With 30 different items to choose among, you will never get bored here. The bread is baked fresh from scratch, and that makes all the difference. One of the most popular items is the twist on the hot Turkey Club, which adds garlic butter, bacon and three different cheeses including cheddar, Parmesan and mozzarella. The Kasan sandwich is an interesting blend of fajita-seasoned chicken, mozzarella cheese, sautéed pepperoncini, chipotle and bell peppers, dressed in an oriental-tasting sweet chili sauce. 914 S. Main St., Weatherford, 817.599.5211
Carshon's Delicatessen
The only New York-style kosher deli in Fort Worth has been kickin" it old school since 1928. A Jewish immigrant named David Carshon originally opened in conjunction with Chicotsky's meat market in downtown Fort Worth. It has changed locations a couple of times in the past decades and is a hometown institution. Where else can you find a true corned beef on rye or a chopped liver sandwich? The grilled Ruben has many variations at Carshon's. You can get it with or without sauerkraut or Russian dressing. And, the homemade soups would make a Jewish grandmother cry. A few to savor are the Bean and Barley, Split Pea and, of course, the Matzo Ball. 3133 Cleburne Road, Fort Worth, 817.923.1907
Lili's Bistro
This local eatery on the now thriving Magnolia strip is quaint with its shotgun layout and exposed brick walls. Sandwiches are served with your choice of soup or salad, or a side of rich Gorgonzola fries. The Magnolia Muffuletta has layers of ham, salami, provolone and a tangy olive mixture on warm focaccia bread. You might also like the classic Tuna Melt or something they call the Wild Turkey. This smoked turkey sandwich gets its wild side from pepper jack cheese and is garnished with sprouts, tomato and guacamole. 1310 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 817.877.0700
Lucile's Stateside Bistro
This longtime Camp Bowie favorite has the perfect relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a quiet bite for lunch. With its charming bistro style, the interior sports antique ceramic tiles on the floor as well as original tin tiles on its high ceilings. Lucile's Panini is loaded with all the ingredients your heart could desire - char-grilled chicken, ham and portobello mushrooms, wood roasted peppers and Monterrey jack cheese melting on the yeasty Cuban-style bun. The Chicken BLT Wrap is a newer addition to the menu. Seasoned and marinated chicken breast is rolled inside a fresh tortilla along with crispy bacon, lettuce and fresh tomato slices. And, while there are many classic soups like Split Pea with Ham, Roasted Corn Chowder and Black Bean, you don't want to miss one of the best Lobster Bisques in town. The rich and flavorful Bisque is one of the house specialties and is sprinkled with lobster chunks, parsley and a light dusting of paprika. 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.738.4761
MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant & Bar
With stained concrete underfoot and warm woods surrounding you, the atmosphere is as appetizing as the cuisine. Artwork includes eye-catching and bright Warhol-esque images. While you can find this popular item on many menus, the one you find at MICHAELS is not just another tortilla soup. The Classic Ranch Tortilla Soup is an entree worth the drive. The chicken broth is highlighted by tomato and pasilla chile (only a true chile connoisseur like Michael Thompson could pick a fresh one out of a line-up or would know how to bring out their unique qualities). The soup has shreds of smoked chicken and is garnished with fresh dices of avocado, cilantro leaves, crumbles of farmer's cheese, toasted pasilla chile and crispy tortilla strips. On the sandwich side of things, the Smoked Turkey Breast is a favorite as well. It is served with pepper jack cheese, chipotle spiced mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato on honey wheat bread and comes along with a side of kettle-fried potato chips. 3413 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, 817.877.3413
The Lunch Box
Nestled inside the vibrant Village at Camp Bowie, Lunch Box patrons can remember when the shopping center was known only as 6333. It hasn't changed much of anything in the past 30 years. Same bright yellow and green color scheme. Same menu items. The headliner is still its homemade Chicken Salad. But the soups are great as well and change daily. You can get anything from creamy Crab Bisque to down-home Chicken and Wild Rice. You will always find it packed and buzzing with conversation. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.738.2181
Rose Garden Tea Room
If you are looking for a double dose of femininity, head to the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile and join the ladies - and a scattering of men - who lunch. Amidst vines decorated with twinkling lights and ample doses of chintz and bows, you can enjoy dining to the sound of chirping birds. The Vegetarian Sandwich comes on seven-grain wheat bread and is piled high with cucumber, tomato, black olives, lettuce and red onion with a little guacamole and cream cheese spread for good measure. 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.731.7673
Fire Oak Grill
Warm woods and rustic decor welcome you to the Fire Oak Grill. Chef Eric Hunter always has something up his sleeve and continues cranking out creative dishes year after year. Lunch is relaxed and convenient for those working in and around the scenic Parker County Court House and is served Tuesday through Friday. The Beef Tenderloin is sliced on ciabatta bread with caramelized onions and blue cheese crumbles to please hungry cowboys. The ladies tend to steer toward the char-grilled Chicken Sandwich. The chicken is marinated in paprika and garlic, among other things, with clear grill marks and is served sliced. Fresh seasonal tomatoes and basil leaves are added along with a rich and slightly sweet balsamic reduction. Both sandwiches come with a side of mixed kettle chips and sweet potato chips dusted with chili powder. The homemade soups are to die for as well. You could find any number of varieties including Bacon Baked Potato, Asiago Tomato and Basil or Lobster Bisque with Cognac cream. 114 Austin Ave., Weatherford, 1.817.598.0400
Cuco's Sandwich Shop
Famous for its Cuban-style pressed sandwiches, this family-run shop has been in business for more than 20 years. There's also a small market so you can take some of the tasty and authentic ingredients home with you. The Cuban sandwich is on a fresh French roll (which is the closest thing to Cuban-style bread the owner's can get baked fresh in our area) filled with ham, pork, salami, cheese and mustard and then pressed, so all those flavors blend together. Cuco's serves many Latin-style sides like black beans and rice, fried Croquettes (which are either ground ham or chicken with Caribbean seasoning), breaded and fried Yucca, or Maduros (which are fried green plantains). It also has an intensely flavored canned Sardine Sandwich as well, with lettuce, tomato and onion, possibly the only one of its kind in the Metroplex. 6650 Glenview Drive, North Richland Hills, 817.284.1692
George's Specialty Foods
The tiny Greek food market has been a mainstay on this nearly uninhabited stretch of White Settlement Road for decades. People don't come for the warm and fuzzy service. You won't find that here! But the Gyro sandwich and Greek Salads are truly tasty and keep them coming back. Fresh pita bread is stuffed with warm slices of gyro meat, fresh chunks of tomato, thin strips of red onion and homemade tzatziki yogurt sauce. The simple white building has wobbly tables and chairs. To be honest, it is not really their fault. The vintage pier and beam structure has just settled a little over the years. Step up to the counter and place your order, then grab your favorite drink from the row of wall units. You can glance at the few shelves of Greek imports to choose from while you wait for your order to be freshly prepared. 4424 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth , 817.737.0414
Into the Glass Wine Bar and Texas Café
You'll find a cozy little haven here in Grapevine's historic district. This brick building, which is painted wine red, is full of oenophile decor featuring wine bottles at every turn. It fits right into Grapevine's wine-loving atmosphere, complete with chair rails made from old wine boxes. Owner Wayne Turner has traveled extensively and brings with him the flavors of some of the places that he has lived. Occasionally, you will find a Cream of Potato Soup flavored with green olives from his time in Spain. The Meatloaf Hoagie features flavors from his stint in New Orleans. The meatloaf itself is made from about 1/3 Italian sausage (which is sourced locally from Jimmy's Market in Dallas), as well as grass-fed Black Angus beef. It is dressed with Creole mayonnaise (with hints of cayenne and cumin) and pepper jack cheese on a delicious crunchy hoagie roll. Or try the Black Angus French Dip and mop up the delicious red wine au jus, which is a thicker almost demi-glace consistency, on its jalapeño cheddar roll. 322 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817.442.1969
Café Modern
Spring is the perfect time of year to sit outside on the patio overlooking the water, gently rippling from a light breeze. Enjoy it now before the scorching summer heat could fry an egg on those stylish metal chairs. This is a decidedly adult location and the go-to place to impress out-of-town visitors. The Prosciutto, Fontina and Basil Panini blend all those salty, creamy and bold flavors together in a warm grilled panini. It is served with a cup of Tomato-Espresso Bisque, with just the perfect amount of acid. Be aware that the menu changes seasonally, perhaps around the middle of April, so be on the lookout for new offerings. 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, 817.840.2157
Jo Ed's Bomber
Round these parts, we call 'em submarine sandwiches. But up North, they call them bombers. No matter what you call them, these variations boast fresh, doughy bread and are loaded with fillings. They are recipes handed down from the original owners who hailed from New Jersey. The current owner's husband is a proud Marine, so you will find a patriotic theme at Jo Ed's. Regulars swear by the place and consistently pass by all the chain sub shops en route to wrap their hands around a little East Coast nostalgia. The Regular Bomber is filled with ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, and pastrami and is dressed with a traditional flavored oil, which is Jo Ed's trademark. The Meatball Bomber is messy and saucy, more like a Sloppy Joe style, and exactly what you are craving. So, tuck a napkin in your shirt collar and get busy. 1924 W. Pioneer Parkway, Pantego, 817.277.7041
Central Deli
Located inside the Texaco station at the corner of Central Drive and Harwood, Central Deli offers distinctly Mediterranean flavors. The Gyro sandwich is served on warm grilled pita bread with top-quality beef and lamb gyro meat, thin slices of white onion and fresh tzatziki sauce. There is a shish kabob sandwich as well, with well-seasoned grilled beef, green peppers, red onion and chunks of tomato just off the skewer and dressed with a toasty tahini sauce (which is really a ground sesame seed butter). You can get either of these on a platter with sides of fresh hummus dip and pita chips, rice and a Greek salad. They cater to American taste buds as well, with the likes of Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and Philly Cheese Steaks. 2901 Central Drive, Bedford, 817.545.6596
Galligaskin's.
Since 1972, this submarine shop has been at the heart of a feeding frenzy. The lunch crowd includes the full spectrum of Westside regulars. Its vintage vibe takes you back to what is now known as the age of Classic Rock. Could we really be that old? I've been eating here since my lunch breaks at Arlington Heights. That and the Taco Bueno just down the street are about all that remain of those glory days. The Cheese Steak is juicy, chewy and loaded with melting provolone, grilled onions and peppers. The Mushroom Steak is its evil twin, which adds grilled mushrooms to the mix. Any of its submarines would be complemented nicely by a basket of the famous fried veggies. Pick from mushrooms, okra or zucchini with a side of ranch. Hearty soup options rotate, ranging from traditional Texas Style Chili to Chicken Enchilada. 5817 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.377.0196
Black Rooster
With selections that change daily and artisan breads baked fresh each morning, lunch from the Black Rooster is a real treat. You could be enjoying creative combinations ranging from French ham and nutty Gruyere cheese to goat cheese, black olive tapenade and roasted tomatoes, on a freshly sliced Old World-style baguette. The delicate soups also rotate with flavors like Roasted Red Pepper, Chicken Orzo or Creamy Potato. It's like taking a quick trip to Europe on your lunch break. 2430 Forest Park Blvd., Fort Worth, 817.924.1600
