From sophisticated bars with hidden speakeasies to classic country saloons, cowtown's cocktail scene is where you want to be. Home to the world's smallest and largest honky tonks, two-stepping and live country music are a given, but you'll also find stunning rooftops and intimate wine bars. Use this as your guide to going out in Fort Worth in search of a good cocktail or glass of wine!

Updated July 2023

CRAFT COCKTAILS

Photo courtesy of Blackland Distillery

BLACKLAND DISTILLERY

Named after the Blackland prairie, this distillery makes their spirits from grain to glass. The expansive menu features craft cocktails and wine, but they specialize in making five unique spirits! Tour the tasting room to try the premium spirits and learn the secrets of their distillation techniques, or sip on a drink at the bar or in the posh lounge!

Montgomery Plaza | Directions

CURFEW

Take a trip to Funkytown at this colorful, underground bar in downtown Fort Worth. Dance the night away under the disco ball with one of their signature cocktails in hand, or grab a group and split one of their massive shareable drinks! If you're craving a midnight snack, they also serve late night pizza until 2 am!

Sundance Square | Directions 

PROPER

If you wander down Magnolia Avenue, you'll stumble upon this contemporary cocktail bar with a drink menu ranging from classic craft cocktails and wine to hard kombucha and the beloved espresso martini. When they have four different espresso martinis on the menu, you know it's a must-visit spot! If you're feeling snacky, try the parmesan black truffle chex mix or a charcuterie board!  

Magnolia Avenue | Directions

THE USUAL

The statement "I'll have the usual", comes to life at this Southside bar. As one of the first craft cocktail bars in North Texas, The Usual takes a modern twist on classic cocktails, such as the Don't Ask Don't Tell with lavender and the Rose on Rose on Rose with a dash of rosemary. The dim lighting with candles gives it an intimate ambiance perfect for a date night or visit for a swanky happy hour with charcuterie!

Southside | Directions

TARANTULA TIKI LOUNGE

Down on South Main Street you'll find a tropical tiki lounge with Polynesian-inspired decor that will send you straight into vacation mode! The tiki themed drink menu features cocktails from the classic Mai-Tai and Daiquiri to signature drinks like the Screaming Skull and bowls perfect for sharing. So sit back and relax with your exotic cocktail as you drink on island time!

South Main Street | Directions

SPEAKEASIES

Photo courtesy of Thompson's

BODEGA WEST 7th

When you walk into Bodega's on West 7th you may think it is just a modest grocery store, but this Fort Worth gem is hidden in plain sight with a spacious underground speakeasy featuring a full bar and game room. To unlock the secret freezer door entrance, answer the trivia question posted on the Facebook page, or purchase an item in store to gain access to this lively dive bar!

7th Street Cultural District | Directions

THE AMBER ROOM

Inside Wishbone & Flynt, The Amber Room is a vintage speakeasy and cocktail lounge! Enter through the hidden gold door near the bar area, or the secret unmarked wooden door on Bryan Avenue. Not only do they make fabulous cocktails, but they serve delicious gourmet bites from PB&J wings to lobster mac n cheese. Relax in one of their mismatched lounge chairs and take in the ornate decor and jewel tones that give the space a fun retro vibe.  

South Main Street | Directions

THOMPSON'S

In the historic Vybeck building in Downtown Fort Worth, Thompson's screams mystery. Set in a vintage bookstore, the upstairs bar has velvet chairs and leather accents that will transport you to the 1920's. If you're feeling adventurous, go through the secret bookcase door to find the underground speakeasy, the password is your key into this prohibition style space (Hint: It's revealed each night on their Facebook page)!

Downtown | Directions

ROOFTOPS

Photo courtesy of Atico

ATICO

Feel on top of the world at this intimate rooftop tapas bar at the 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

LOT 12 ROOFTOP BAR

Named after the prior parking lot for the TCU campus, Lot 12 is not your average sports bar! With fun cocktails such as the “Frog 75” and the “Fort Worthy”, enjoy this rooftop terrace AND work on your swing with their Topgolf Swing Suite for parties, private meetings or just practice. Get the best view of TCU and your favorite bar food from this purple-filled bar!

TCU | Directions

REFINERY714

Located on the top floor of the Kimpton Harper Hotel is this top shelf bar with exquisite cocktails and interiors. This penthouse whiskey bar has a 360 view of the Texas plains and overlooks Downtown Fort Worth. Bask in the views while sipping on handcrafted cocktails such as their “Smokey Oakley” or “Lilac Lover.” Plus if you visit on Wednesdays, you can enjoy live music and local whiskey tastings!

Sundance Square | Directions

THE SINCLAIR ROOFTOP

Noted as the highest rooftop bar in Fort Worth, the Sinclair Rooftop is located in Sundance Square on top of it’s namesake hotel. This Art Deco building dates back to 1929 and has true panoramic views of the city. Only open April-November on Saturdays and Sundays, this 17th floor establishment is modern and elevated. Enjoy freshly-shucked oysters, small plates and craft cocktails.

Downtown | Directions

stockyards

Photo courtesy of Sidesaddle Saloon

BASEMENT BAR

As the oldest neighborhood bar in Fort Worth, the Basement Bar is a well known Stockyards staple. Located directly underneath the Stockyards, it can be hard to find, but the bright neon sign will lead the way. Considered the smallest Honky Tonk in the world, the atmosphere is dark and intimate with a speakeasy feel. Pop in for a cold beverage at the bar, but stay and for the weekly live country music performances that you can't help but dance along to. 

Stockyards | Directions

BILLY BOB'S

No trip to Fort Worth is complete without stopping by Billy Bob's. This iconic concert hall at the Stockyards has been entertaining Texans and visitors for the past forty years. Known as the world's largest honky tonk, they host events from country concerts to rodeos and even have free line dancing lessons! Grab a chili dog or a pulled pork sandwich from their honky tonk kitchen serving some finger lickin' good barbecue. Sip on a beer or frozen margarita and two step your heart out for a boot scootin' boggie kind of night.

Stockyards | Directions

LANDMARK

*temporarily closed as of July 2023* This adult playground on Crocket Row has everything you could want out of a bar. Sit back and watch the game on the outdoor patio or indoor TV wall, then play some fun arcade games with friends. Their menu is stacked with all of your classic bar food favorites from pizza and wings, to burgers and a build your own mac n cheese bowl section. Step outside your comfort zone and try one of their half liter candy carafes, shareable fishbowls, or their specialty shots with unique flavors such as starburst and upside down pineapple. 

Crocket Row | Directions

SIDESADDLE SALOON

A new addition to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a special kind of saloon that is inspired by the modern cowgirl. With cocktails and shots named after significant Southern women, you'll know they all have just the right kick to them. Head down to the Sidesaddle Saloon during happy hour for $6 margaritas and their Texas tapas menu, featuring gourmet bites from bacon & cheddar biscuits to hickory smoked sausage. 

Mule Alley | Directions

WHITE ELEPHANT 

Get a true feel of Fort Worth at this legendary Stockyards saloon that pays tribute to the Wild West. Tim Love really shows his Texas pride through the western decor, the rail bar, and cowboy hats lining the walls and ceiling. With live music every night of the week, the dance floor is just waiting for you to two step your heart out. If you work up an appetite from all that dancing, the chili parlor serves up some of the best Texas red chili with options from Love Shack burgers as well.

Stockyards | Directions

WINE BARS

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Wine Bar

THE HOLLY

Take a walk on the “Southside” of Fort Worth for this unbeatable natural wine neighborhood bar that is basically in the owner’s backyard! The Holly is home to hundreds of natural wines from small producers and prides itself on their wide selection of organic wines. You’ll love the hip and eclectic vibe with hanging plants and monthly events. Come for a flight and leave with a bottle to enjoy at home.

Near Southside | Directions

MAGNOLIA WINE BAR

This neighborhood wine bar sits perfectly on Magnolia Street with eye-catching industrial doors that look more like a posh garage than a wine bar. Don’t be fooled, this approachable wine bar is home to a large ever-changing wine menu from vintage sparkling to unique whites and an extensive reserve list. Plus you can enjoy a bottle to take home, flights, by the glass, and shareable plates like Staff’s Special pizza and bottomless popcorn!

Magnolia | Directions

WINSLOW’S WINE CAFE

Dreaming of sipping on a glass of wine in an intimate family-owned restaurant that feels more like home? Winslow’s Wine Cafe is your new go-to for a understated and intimate drinking experience. With 33 wines by the glass and a seasonal rotating menu, expect to find a new favorite wine in this inviting atmosphere. With stone fire pits and space heaters, this is a great option for any time of the year.

Camp Bowie District | Directions

WINEHAUS

From weekly live jazz nights to their sparkling new stringlit patio, WineHaus is home to a lively atmosphere and large selection of wines. They are one of the few “wine on tap” locations in! Enjoy grazing boards and even frozen cocktails for the non-wine drinkers on their beautiful patio inspired by Monet’s Water Lillies!

Near Southside​ | Directions

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