You may visit Fort Worth for the Stockyards and funky Western energy, but stay for the unbelievable food scene. This list is filled with the top spots in Cowtown, from upscale steakhouses to signature Tex Mex spots. Whether you're looking for a fancy date night out or the perfect margarita sipping moment on a rooftop, Fort Worth has it all!
Updated February 2022
JOE T. GARCIA'S
JOE T. GARCIA'S
From its opening in 1935, Joe T. Garcia's has grown from a mom and pop spot to one of Fort Worth's most iconic restaurants. As they grew, so did the lines of hungry customers, so be sure to get there early to snag a seat! Lounge out in the cabana and pool patio area, host a group in the party room, or sit in the Paloma or Casita rooms for a festive time! Dine during the day for their tex mex brunch and lunch, or dine in at night for a fajita dinner and best margaritas in town.
NORTHSIDE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Joe T. Garcia's
GEMELLE
GEMELLE
It is safe to say that Gemelle is one of Fort Worth's most Instagrammable restaurants. Named after his twin daughters, Tim Love chose the name Gemelle, meaning twins in Italian. The bright orange and pink aesthetic gives it a playful and trendy vibe, and there's even a neon sign for the ultimate photo op! Serving Italian-American cuisine, the cacio e pepe and the grapefruit brûlée are two must order items. Chill in one of the cabanas out on the garden patio or grab a drink from the aperol spritz outdoor bar before playing a game of bocce ball with friends!
RIVER DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Gemelle
ELLERBE FINE FOODS
ELLERBE FINE FOODS
Set in an old gas station on famous Magnolia Avenue, this farm-to-table spot is only open for dinner, but boy do they pack a punch! Serving Southern eats in a rustic chic setting, Ellerbe certainly knows how to cook up some find foods. Some top menu picks are the edamame ravioli, lamb shanks, and the bread pudding with cinnamon whipped cream fro dessert, are you drooling, because we are!
MAGNOLIA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Ellerbe Fine Foods
LITTLE RED WASP
LITTLE RED WASP
Bold just like its name, the Little Red Wasp is one of the hottest brunch and dinner spots in town! Owned by the same people as Grace, this American food classic on Sundance Square has happy hour every day of the week, it doesn't get better than that! Regardless of the time, the hot ham & cheese, shrimp and grits and short rib are three phenomenal items you must try!
SUNDANCE SQUARE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Little Red Wasp
LONESOME DOVE
LONESOME DOVE
The epitome of Southern elegance, this Western themed steakhouse at the Fort Worth Stockyards is quite the experience. if this is not already your go to date night out spot, it will be now! With true Texan spirit, Tim Love curated a menu with flavors of the West, featuring unique dishes from Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, Wild Boar, Rabbit and Rattlesnake. After your delightful meal, grab a drink at their with themed cocktails with a Texas flare!
STOCKYARDS | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Lonesome Dove
CLAY PIGEON
CLAY PIGEON
Down White Settlement Road in West Fort Worth sits Clay Pigeon, a casual restaurant where everything is made with love. Chef Marcus Paslay makes every dish from scratch as he takes an upscale twist on the American classics, from the CP burger and mac n cheese to the chocolate cherry bread pudding. Enjoy your divine dinner in the industrial chic dining room and be sure to dine in on Tuesday-Saturday from 5-6pm for "Sparking Hour", where all bottles of wine are 50% off!
WHITE SETTLEMENT ROAD | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Clay Pigeon
SAINT-EMILION
SAINT-EMILION
Be transported to the South of France at this Provence-esque bistro set in a cozy house in Fort Worth's cultural district. Serving homestyle French fare, Saint-Emilion has been a historical Fort Worth spot since 1985. After indulging in your escargot and French onion soup with your lamb chops main course, top it off with the ultimate French dessert, crème brûlée.
CULTURAL DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Saint Emilion
TINIE'S
TINIE'S
This Southside spot is a newer addition to the Fort Worth Mexican food favorites. From their lively Latin brunch to their sophisticated dinner with dim mood lighting, Tinie's has a stellar menu with authentic dishes such as the birria tacos, tamales, and hand made empanadas. Come on Taco Tuesday's for $3 tacos and one of their killer cocktails on the rooftop with stunning city views.
SOUTHSIDE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Tinie's
ÁTICO
ÁTICO
Feel on top of the world at this intimate rooftop tapas bar at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Share some patatas bravas or a cheese board with friends while sipping on a glass of their signature Aigua de Valencia sparkling wine. Whether you sit in the intimate window filled indoor bar or out on the spacious rooftop, you'll get the best view of the downtown skyline.
STOCKYARDS | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Atico
WATERS
WATERS
You'll know you've made it to Waters when you see the huge iconic blue sign at the entrance. This Sundance Square spot serves the best seafood in town with a Southwestern twist, and a hint of Louisiana! From the shellfish tower to the cajun sea scallops, prepare to taste some uniquely delicious flavors during your dinner here. To top off your New Orleans-esque meal, lounge at the giant L-shaped bar while sipping on one of their iconic abita and bourbon root beer floats, it'll blow you out of the water!
SUNDANCE SQUARE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Waters
FIXTURE
FIXTURE
Fixture is all about gathering with friends in a casual environment to enjoy some great food made with real ingredients. Not only do they have a killer brunch with their famous rosemary chicken & waffles, but the Texas beet fries and maple bourbon glazed pork chop are two fantastic dinner items you can't pass up! Whether you sit in the industrial chic indoor space or the rustic wooden back patio, you are sure to have the best experience here.
NEAR SOUTHSIDE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Fixture
REATA
REATA
For an upscale brunch or dinner in Fort Worth, Reata is the place to be. Serving Southwestern fare in a beautiful atmosphere, dine in one of the various themed rooms, from the dome to the stunning sunset deck. Sit out on the industrial rooftop bar with epic downtown views as you indulge in your Blackened Buffalo Ribeye with a side of jalapeño & cheddar grits ending with the West Texas Pecan Pie!
SUNDANCE SQUARE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Reata
GRACE
GRACE
She is beauty, she is GRACE! This fine dining restaurant in downtown Fort Worth is the epitome of class. As the perfect celebration dinner spot, the all glass entrance leads to the posh dining room with a swanky bar and a gorgeous wine cellar. The menu includes only the finest steaks and seafood in town with deluxe items such as the seafood tower and the bacon wrapped stuffed filet. After your fabulous dinner, sip on a glass from there extensive wine list while enjoying their famous butterscotch pudding, it's to die for!
SUNDANCE SQUARE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Grace
RISE
RISE
Down at the Shops at Clearfork, Rise is a little slice of Paris in Fort Worth. Known for their sweet and savory soufflès, every item on the menu is divine at this adorable French bistro. Always start with the marshmallow soup before diving into your truffle mushroom or jambon & gruyere soufflè. The heavenly chocolate or raspberry dessert soufflés are the perfect way to end your Parisian meal!
CLEARFORK | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Social House
LILI'S BISTRO
LILI'S BISTRO
Down on Magnolia Avenue, this quaint bistro is a local favorite! With an extensive and diverse menu, Lilli's has something for everyone, from the carnivore to the vegetarian. Their menu features delicious dishes from their signature gorgonzola fries and bacon wrapped quail, to an entire vegetarian section. End with a plate of their doughnuts and coffee ice cream as you enjoy the classy live music from jazz solos to piano concerts.
MAGNOLIA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Lili's Bistro