As Fort Worth's growth continues, restaurants mean big business. Many local players stay one step ahead of the competition with private dining rooms and event spaces. From unknown underground wine rooms tucked away in historic spots to chef's tables with special kitchen access, the private spaces inside these local spots will take your business meeting or client dinner from dull to delicious.
Bird Café
Step into a nest inside Bird Café in the private dining area. The Rookery is a spacious area upstairs complete with handsome dark green drapes and wooden floors for up to 52 guests. The space can easily transition from a formal business setting to a casual meeting. Bird Café offers a family-style service for dinner events, encouraging conversation instead of turning attention to the entire meal that is set before diners. The Rookery has a private bar plus access to the second-floor balcony (with a cozy firepit) that overlooks Sundance Square Plaza. There is no room charge, only food and beverage minimums depending on the day of the week and the time of the event, ranging from $400 - $3,000.
For reservations, [email protected]
155 E. 4th and Commerce
817.332.2473
Brewed
Show clients and colleagues the funkier side of Fort Worth at Magnolia Avenue's Brewed. The gorgeous sunlit event space can be reserved for up to 50 guests or for as few as six guests. The 1,500-square-foot room features quirky décor with mismatched tables and chairs, vintage cameras and photographs. A projector is provided for presentations, but this room is BYO audio. Enjoy great craft beer, farm-fresh made-from-scratch food and locally roasted coffee.
For reservations, visitbrewedfw.com.
801 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.945.1545
Clay Pigeon Food and Drink
Chef and owner Marcus Paslay opened Clay Pigeon at the corner of White Settlement more than three years ago and has since consistently wowed diners with farm-to-table seasonal creations. His success has him poised to open Piattello Italian Kitchen in the new Waterside development this fall. Meanwhile, his original spot often accommodates private dining guests in the popular wine room that accommodates up to 30. The room has a view of the temperature-controlled wine storage and French doors that lead to a lit patio. The team works with private parties to create a custom dining menu beginning at $50 per person. Guests can devour truly locally made food. Clay Pigeon makes as many menu items as possible in-house including breads, ice creams and charcuterie options.
For reservations, [email protected]
2731 White Settlement Road
817.882.8065
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
Take your business dinner to the next level by heading underground to the La Cava room at Tim Love's iconic Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. La Cava provides a VIP experience with its own private entrance and private bathrooms. Guests dine surrounded by the extensive Lonesome Dove wine collection, soft candle lighting and hand-painted art. Even though it's underground, the room features an outdoor courtyard with a scenic view of the Marine Creek River Walk. Lonesome Dove has hosted many of Dallas/Fort Worth's Fortune 100 and 500 companies. La Cava seats up to 60 guests and requires a food and beverage minimum of $2,000, Monday – Thursday, and $3,000, Friday and Saturday.
For reservations, emailAndria Prasifka, [email protected]
2406 N. Main St.
817.740.8810
Times Ten Cellars
Previously Times Ten Cellars only served cheese, cured meats, and pizza (who's complaining?), but now the West 7th winery has a special event menu that can be altered to accommodate 15 to 40 people. Items include tri-tip sirloin, large peeled shrimp, pizzas and even a white chocolate cheesecake from nearby J. Rae's Bakery. The most impressive of the private rooms is The Barrel Lounge, a comfortable and spacious room filled with, you guessed it, wine barrels. The cellar provides a private bar, bartender staff and a personalized sign to welcome guests. The restaurant offers wine from its own winery, 18 miles south of Alpine, Texas, plus a selection of "wines from other wineries" as the menu says. The lounge rental room fee is $300, Sunday through Thursday, and $425, Friday and Saturday.
For reservations, [email protected]
1100 Foch St.
817.336.9463
Waters Bonnell's Coastal Cuisine
The chef's table at Waters Bonnell's Coastal Cuisine adds a taste of entertainment to your private dinner. The room has a view into the lively kitchen with a window that slides open so chefs can hand guests delicious menu items like Mesquite Grilled Tenderloin and oysters on the half shell. Not in the mood for onlookers? The window can be covered up with a wooden door for more privacy. Additionally, the room has a 70-inch, flat-screen TV for presentations. This room is for more intimate business meetings as it only accommodates a maximum of 10 guests. There's no rental fee; however, there is a food and beverage minimum of $175 for lunch and $480 - $800 for dinner.
For reservations, contact Michelle Chambless [email protected]
2901 Crockett St.,
817.984.1110