2012 Culinary Awards
Post date:
Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 4:05pm
Related (Topics):
We annually ask our readers for their thoughts on the food scene in and around Fort Worth. It’s kind of like homework, because the categories are many and varied. But they are up to it. Or at least 406 of our readers were in this last round.
Once we have those votes, the meetings in the office begin. In most cases, the vote totals are clear. The restaurant with the most votes gets first position in the listings and a small write-up. Nos. 2 and 3 are simply listed.
But in instances where there is no clear consensus, the editors of the magazine make a decision based on personal experience, the opinions of other staff members and trusted foodies outside the magazine. It becomes a judgment call.
We modified the rules for inclusion this year, opening the results to allow national businesses without a specific Texas or local connection to be on the final list. Previously, businesses not founded locally were excluded from consideration based on the number of locations in Texas or nationally.
Once we have those votes, the meetings in the office begin. In most cases, the vote totals are clear. The restaurant with the most votes gets first position in the listings and a small write-up. Nos. 2 and 3 are simply listed.
But in instances where there is no clear consensus, the editors of the magazine make a decision based on personal experience, the opinions of other staff members and trusted foodies outside the magazine. It becomes a judgment call.
We modified the rules for inclusion this year, opening the results to allow national businesses without a specific Texas or local connection to be on the final list. Previously, businesses not founded locally were excluded from consideration based on the number of locations in Texas or nationally.
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After-Theatre Dining
Zambrano Wine Cellar Zambrano’s wine list has more than 325 wines from around the world, and 50 are available by the glass. It’s open for lunch and dinner with an upscale, bistro-style menu. 910 Houston St., Ste. 110 817.850.9463 zambranowines.com Ferre Ristorante and Bar 215 E. 4th St. 817.332.0033 ferrerestaurant.com Piranha Killer Sushi 335 W. 3rd St. 817.348.0200 piranhakillersushi.com
Appetizers
Fire Oak Grill Just a few of the reasons for this award: Seared Diver Scallops with Lump Crab Gratin and Beurre Blanc; Beef Tenderloin Tacos with Jalapeño Cream and Fresh Pico de Gallo; and House Smoked Molasses Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Chipotle Cream Cheese & Shrimp. 114 Austin Ave. Weatherford 1.817.598.0400 fireoakgrill.com Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000 eddiev.com MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant and Bar 3413 W. 7th St. 817.877.3413 michaelscuisine.com
Atmosphere/Décor
Grace Home of 2012 Fort Worth, Texas magazine’s Top Chef Blaine Staniford, Grace offers an elegant setting that is fitting for a city with the energy and drive of Fort Worth. 777 Main St. 817.877.3388 gracefortworth.com Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356 joets.com Buttons 4701 W. Freeway 817.735.4900 buttonsrestaurant.com
Bagels
Yogi’s Bagel Café Yogi’s serves bagels along with a variety of other menu options. But it’s also a meeting place. The conversation that led to Purple Fridays took place here between then-Mayor Mike Moncrief and TCU Coach Gary Patterson. 2710 S. Hulen St. 817.921.4500 yogisdeli.com Central Market 4651 W. Freeway 817.989.4700 centralmarket.com Boopa’s Bagel Deli 6513 N. Beach St. 817.232.4771 boopasbageldeli.com
Bakery
Blue Bonnet Bakery Locals favor Blue Bonnet for its pies —pecan pies and fruit pies — and for its cakes — Texas fudge, carrot , Italian cream and more. 4705 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.731.4233 bluebonnetbakery.com Swiss Pastry Shop 3936 W. Vickery Blvd. 817.732.5661 swisspastryonline.com The Black Rooster Bakery 2430 Forest Park Blvd. 817.924.1600 blackroosterbakery.com
Bar Food
MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant and Bar Even the names make your mouth water: Ranch Oysters Rockefeller, for example. The descriptions even more so: Ancho Bar Poker Chips — Crisp Tortilla Chips Topped With Chile Con Queso, Fried Tobacco Onions & Jalapeños, Pico De Gallo, Sour Cream & Ranch Guacamole. And that’s just two of an extensive list. 3413 W. 7th St. 817.877.3413 michaelscuisine.com Blue Mesa Grill 1600 S. University Drive 817.332.6372 bluemesagrill.com Winslow’s Wine Café 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.546.6843 winslowswinecafe.com
Barbecue
Railhead Smokehouse Railhead became known for its barbecue, of course, and for the T-shirt that says, “Life’s Too Short To Live In Dallas.” But it also has become a major after-work gathering place. 2900 Montgomery St. 817.738.9808 railheadonline.com 120 S. Ranch House Road
Willow Park
817.441.2525 railheadbbq.net Angelo’s 2533 White Settlement Road 817.332.0357 angelosbbq.com Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que 301 Stockyards Blvd. 817.626.6464 coopersbbqfortworth.com
Beer Selection
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium The possible selections of beer at this popular Sundance Square joint are dizzying. Throw in the outdoor venue, the menu and live music, and it’s no surprise it is one of the hottest gathering places in town. 111 E. 3rd St. 817.336.7470 beerknurd.com Gingerman 3716 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.886.2327 ftworth.gingermanpub.com The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge 1311 Lipscomb St. 817.926.0968 theliveoak.com
Biggest Portions
Buttons Why Buttons? Consider just one dish — Chicken & Waffles. Here’s what the menu says about it: “Chef’s special hand battered fried chicken & homemade Belgium waffles. Served with warm blueberry infused butter, fresh berry compote, sweet potato pomme frites and collard greens.” Any questions? 4701 W. Freeway 817.735.4900 buttonsrestaurant.com Reata Restaurant 310 Houston St. 817.336.1009 reata.net Fire Oak Grill 114 Austin Ave., Weatherford 1.817.598.0400 fireoakgrill.com
Bread
Central Market Central Market easily has the widest selection of fresh-baked bread in the area. And there’s the added benefit that you get to sample a number of them before making a decision on what to buy. 4651 W. Freeway 817.989.4700 1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake 817.310.5600 centralmarket.com Artisan Baking Co. 4900 White Settlement Road 817.821.3124 artisan-baking-company.com La Madeleine 6140 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.654.0471 4201 S. Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington 817.417.5100 lamadeleine.com
Breakfast Place
Ol’ South Pancake House This Fort Worth tradition has been family operated since 1962. This standby operates 24/7, much to the delight of TCU students cramming for an exam and hungry night owls. Of special note are the German pancakes. 1509 S. University Drive 817.336.0311 olsouthpancakehouse.com Esperanza’s 1601 Park Place Ave. 817.923.1992 2122 N. Main St. 817.626.5770 joets.com
Weatherford Downtown Café
101 W. Church St., Weatherford 1.817.594.8717 weatherforddowntowncafe.com
Brunch Place
Blue Mesa Grill Here’s a small sample: Chicken & Mushroom Enchiladas with Chipotle Cream Sauce; Blue Corn Cheese Enchiladas with Three Chile Red Sauce; Grilled Chicken & Steak Fajitas; Roast Brisket; Omelet Bar; Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies; Classic Flan; Fresh Fruit; champagne, Mimosas, coffee, tea or soft drinks. We’re out of space. 1600 S. University Drive 817.332.6372 bluemesagrill.com Lucile’s Stateside Bistro 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.738.4761 lucilesstatesidebistro.com Cast Iron Restaurant 1300 Houston St., Omni Fort Worth Hotel 817.535.6664 omnihotels.com
Burgers
Kincaid’s Hamburgers The burgers are legendary and are the worship object of a very dedicated cult in Fort Worth and the area. 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.732.2881 Multiple locations kincaidshamburgers.com M&O Station Grill 817.882.8020 tinyurl.com/M-O-Station Tommy’s Hamburger Grill 5228 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.569.1111 tommyshamburgergrill.com
Carb Load
Patrizio The price is right and the offerings are plentiful. Interesting offerings include Crispy Goat Cheese, Patrizio’s Pepperoni Bread, Eggplant Parmesan, Angel Hair and Artichokes and Italian Cream Cake. 2932 Crockett St. 817.698.0003 patrizios.net Fortuna Italian Restaurant 5837 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.737.4471 Mama’s Pizza 1813 W. Berry St. 817.923.3541 Seven Locations mamaspizzas.net
Catering
Bistro Louise Catering Owner Louise Lamensdorf’s American cuisine has been highly influenced by her cooking studies in France, Italy and Spain. She not only caters; she teaches cooking classes as well. 817.291.2734
bistrolouise.com
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine 4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489 bonnellstexas.com TCB Catering 2117 Western Ave. 817.437.1055 tcbcatering.com Chicken Fried Steak Babe’s Chicken Dinner House Babe’s is, of course, known for chicken. It says so right there in the name. But what Babe’s does to steak must be tasted to be believed. Plus, all the restaurants are family-friendly places and just a lot of fun. Multiple locations babeschicken.com The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge 917 Martin Drive, Weatherford 1.817.599.4935 thewildmushroomrestaurant.com Reata Restaurant 310 Houston St. 817.336.1009 reata.net
Chicken Salad
The Lunch Box The Lunch Box was originally opened in 1974 under a different name and was widely known in Fort Worth for its famous chicken salad. It still is. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115 817.738.2181 eatthelunchbox.com
Z’s Café
1116 Pennsylvania Ave. 817.348.9000 zscafe.com McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café 1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301 817.332.3242 mckinleysbakery.com
Chinese
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro This popular downtown place is a far cry from the legion of the Chinese restaurants — generally buffets — that are seemingly everywhere, all with the same menu. P.F. Chang’s is an elegant setting, and if you are a first timer, you might want to consider the four-course meal for two for $39.95. Lots of choices there. 400 Throckmorton 817.840.2450
pfchangs.com
Szechuan 4750 Bryant Irvin Road 817.346.6111 China Jade 5274 S. Hulen St. 817.292.1611 chinajadefw.com
Chips & Salsa
Uncle Julio’s Worth the trip alone, although the rest of the menu is extensive. The chips and salsa make a nice companion to The Swirl, a frozen drink of layered margarita and homemade sangria. 5301 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.377.2777 unclejulios.com Gloria’s 2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 175 817.332.8800 gloriasrestaurants.com Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas Mutiple locations riomambo.com
Cupcakes
Ultimate Cupcake If you are new to this now legendary place, try the assortment. It is two each of these delights: Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Red Velvet, Pumpkin and Lemon Poppy Seed. Your office mates will love you unless you eat them all on the way in. 3316 Fort Worth Highway Hudson Oaks 817.596.9090 ultimatecupcake.com Cupcake Cottage 5015 El Campo Ave. 817.732.5670 thecupcakecottage.com The Original Cupcakery 132 E. 4th St., Sundance Square 817. 332.2727 originalcupcakery.com
Deli
Carshon’s Deli This is THE Jewish kosher-style deli in Fort Worth. It’s been around since 1928, and if you didn’t know better, you’d think you were in New York or Chicago. Save room for dessert. 3133 Cleburne Road 817.923.1907 carshonsdeli.com Roy Pope Grocery 2300 Merrick St. 817.732.2863 roypopegrocery.com Oliver’s Fine Foods 415 Throckmorton St. 817.744.7980 oliversfinefoods.com
Dessert
The Wild Mushroom Steak House |
Diner
Paris Coffee Shop A perennial favorite of our readers is this power-breakfast spot. But beyond breakfast, the menu is extensive with both small and large combo plates and the pies. 704 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.335.2041 pariscoffeeshop.net Montgomery Street Café 2000 Montgomery St. 817.731.8033 Weatherford Downtown Café 101 W. Church St., Weatherford 1.817.594.8717 weatherforddowntowncafe.com
Family Restaurant
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House What’s more family than a fried chicken dinner? Lot’s of activity at all locations, and you’ll see lots of kids there. In Burleson, Babe’s describes the décor as Storybook Style. Multiple locations. babeschicken.com Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356 joets.com Dixie House Café 6200 E. Lancaster Ave. 817.451.6180 5401 S. Hulen St. 817.361.8500 dixiehousecafe.com
Farm To Fork
The Classic Café Maybe this should be café to fork. The Chefs Pantry is a garden at the café itself where Chef Charles Youts, a finalist in the Fort Worth, Texas magazine 2012 Top Chef competition, creates specials based on what’s fresh and ripe. 504 N. Oak St. Roanoke 817.430.8185 theclassiccafe.com Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine 4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489 bonnellstexas.com Ellerbe Fine Foods 817.926.3663 ellerbefinefoods.com
Food Truck
Geppetto’s Pizza Order off the menu and choose among Veggie Lovers, Margherita, Meaty Lovers, Buffalo Chicken, Carbonara (with chicken, prosciutto, bacon and tomato), Popeye (spinach, chicken, capers and feta cheese), Smoked Brisket or Smoked Salmon. Or build your own. 817.680.0277 gepettopizzatruck.com Lee’s Grilled Cheese Truck 1.979.218.7858 leesgrilledcheese.com Fred’s Texas Café 915 Currie St. 817.332.0083 fredstexascafe.com
French Fries
Tillman’s Roadhouse Here’s why: Parmesan black pepper Kennebec, chile purple Peruvian, smoked salt sweet potato fries, homemade ketchup and horseradish pickled mayo. 2933 Crockett St. 817.850.9255 tillmansroadhouse.com Fred’s Texas Café 915 Currie St. 817.332.0083 fredstexascafe.com Wingstop Multiple locations wingstop.com
French
Cacharel The food is the reason to visit here, but the spectacular views from the dining room are a plus. 2221 E. Lamar Blvd. 9th Floor, Arlington 817.640.9981 cacharel.net Saint-Emilion 3617 W. 7th St. 817.737.2781 saint-emilionrestaurant.com La Madeleine 6140 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.654.0471 4201 South Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington 817.417.5100 lamadeleine.com Frozen Drinks Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas Bring a designated driver if you are going to go for the grande sizes. Many choices — all worthy of a taste. Multiple locations riomambo.com Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St. 817.877.3999 delfriscos.com Eskimo Hut 5518 W. Vickery St. 817.737.8773 eskimohut.com
Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland The motto is “You Rule.” How much and what’s included is up to you. Pick it, weigh it, pay for it, eat it. 2600 W. 7th St., Montgomery Plaza 817.870.4689 yogurt-land.com Menchie’s 1620 S. University Drive, Ste. A200 817.332.9866 menchies.com Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 6076 Azle Ave., Lake Worth 817.238.7334 orangeleafyogurt.com
Grill
Fred’s Texas Café If you are an old hand, you know what to order. First timers should go with the Diablo burger and hand-cut fries. 915 Currie St. 817.332.0083 fredstexascafe.com Old Neighborhood Grill 1633 Park Place Ave. 817.923.2282 JR’s Grill 5220 Highway 121, Colleyville 817.571.1414 jrsgrill.net
Guilty Pleasure
Sweet Sammie’s This place wins over and over for one simple reason — its signature offering Sweet Sammie. Pick any two cookies from the extensive selection and the ice cream flavor of your choice for an instant ice cream sandwich. 825 Currie St. 817.332.0022 sweetsammies.com Kountry Donuts 4524 Golden Triangle Blvd. 817.337.7105 The Cupcake Cottage 5015 El Campo Ave. 817.732.5670 thecupcakecottage.com
Guys’ Night Out
Olenjack’s Grille Chicken Fried Steak, aged 21 days, hand-breaded with black pepper cream gravy. If that’s not enough of a reason, consider the Kitchen Sink Burger or Olenjack’s One Pounder burger. Plus, there’s a cocktail called The Spanish Fly. Go figure. 770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100 Arlington 817.226.2600 olenjacksgrille.com Pop’s Safari Cigars, Wine and Bistro 2929 Morton St. 817.334.0559 popssafari.com Fire Oak Grill 114 Austin Ave., Weatherford 1.817.598.0400 fireoakgrill.com
Happy Hour
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood An elegant setting near to downtown and $2 off the drinks. Nightly 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and all night Sunday and Monday. On the appetizer menu: $1 Texas Gulf Oysters, Crispy Cashew Calamari, Maine Lobster and Shrimp Bisque and more. Plus, great people watching. 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000 eddiev.com Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas Multiple locations riomambo.com Blue Sushi Sake Grill 3131 W. 7th St. 817.332.2583 bluesushisakegrill.com
Hole In The Wall
Margie’s Original Italian Kitchen Margie’s is one of Fort Worth’s oldest Italian restaurants and was established in 1953. The food is made from scratch daily, and the portions are enough to share or take home. 9805 Camp Bowie W. 817.244.4301 margiesitaliankitchen.com Paco & John 1116 8th Ave. 817.810.0032 pacoandjohn.com Nonna Tata 1400 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.332.0250
Hotel Restaurant
Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Omni Fort Worth The cuts of meat are prime, the service is excellent, the atmosphere is great and the drinks are generous. That’s not to mention the extensive wine list. 1300 Houston St. 817.350.4100, bobs-steakandchop.com Old Hickory Steakhouse, Gaylord Texan 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine 817.778.1000 gaylordhotels.com 610 Grille, Ashton Hotel 610 Main St. 817.332.0100 theashtonhotel.com/dining/
Indian Cuisine
Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant & Bar Don’t let the strip mall location fool you. This place has been serving classic Indian dishes for years, flying some select herbs and spices in from India to guarantee authenticity. And there are no pre-mixed curry pastes involved. 4625 Donnelly Ave. 817.377.9395 bombaygrillindian.com Tandoor Indian Restaurant 532 Fielder N. Plaza, Arlington 817.261.6604 tandoorrestaurant.net Maharaja Indian Restaurant and Bar 6308 Hulen Bend Blvd. 817.263.7156 maharajadfw.com
Italian
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant This is a great restaurant halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it the ideal business luncheon location for people in both cities. But it is much more than that. It’s also a nice setting for that romantic dinner date. 829 Lamar Blvd. E. Arlington 817.265.9174 piccolomondo.com Patrizio 2932 Crockett St. 817.698.0003 patrizios.net Nonna Tata 1400 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.332.0250
Japanese
Tokyo Café This is a consistent favorite with readers in our annual poll for many reasons — one of them a little surprising. That’s the Tok Fries — fresh cut potato fries seasoned with Japanese spices and chili mayo dipping. 5121 Pershing Ave. 817.737.8568 thetokyocafe.com Sushi Axiom Multiple locations sushiaxiom.net Blue Sushi Sake Grill 3131 W. 7th St. 817.332.2583 bluesushisakegrill.com
Ladies’ Lunch
The Lunch Box Eat lunch here — we suggest the chicken salad — and see the power women of Fort Worth. It’s the place to be. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115 817.738.2181 eatthelunchbox.com Café Modern Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell St. 817.840.2157 themodern.org/cafe McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café 1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301 817.332.3242 mckinleysbakery.com
Late Night Place
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop We were a little suspicious at first about fish tacos, but Fuzzy’s has plenty of the more traditional kind as well. The salads are large and interesting, and the garlic buttermilk dressing is to die for. So is the Butt Burning Sauce if you dare. Multiple Locations fuzzystacoshop.com Ol’ South Pancake House 1509 S. University Drive 817.336.0311 olsouthpancakehouse.com Taco Heads 2700 W. 7th St. facebook.com/Tacoheads
Light Menu
Ellerbe Fine Foods Chef Molly McCook was among the early leaders in farm-to-fork dining in Fort Worth. There are light choices so long as you don’t spend too much time reading the dessert list. 1501 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.926.3663 ellerbefinefoods.com Zodiac Room Level Two, Neiman Marcus 2100 Green Oaks Blvd. 817.989.4650 tinyurl.com/zodiac-fw Rose Garden Tea Room 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.731.7673 3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington 817.795.3093 shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com Mac & Cheese The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge This is a consistent winner with Mac and Cheese made with jalapeños and Alderwood smoked bacon. 917 Martin Drive Weatherford 1.817.599.4935 thewildmushroomrestaurant.com Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St. 817.877.3999 delfriscos.com Monty’s Corner 2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 153 817.877.0087 montyscornerfortworth.com
Meal With A View
Reata Restaurant Mediterranean |
Mexican
La Familia
This family business has a Five Star Ranking with Zagat, and Texas Monthly listed it in Best of the Best. Our readers agree. Many of the recipes used and entrees served have been in the Cavazos family for generations. It was hot before West 7th Street was hot. 841 Foch St. 817.870.2002 lafamilia-fw.com Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas Multiple locations riomambo.com Salsa Fuego 3520 Alta Mere 817.560.7888 salsafuegofw.net
Most Romantic
Ruth’s Chris Steak House For just the two of you on a date or celebrating an anniversary, the ambiance at this restaurant guarantees an intimate evening of focused attention and conversation. And the steaks are excellent, too. 813 Main St. 817.348.0080 ruthschris.com Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St. 817.877.3999 delfriscos.com Lanny’s Alta Cocina 3405 W. 7th St. 817.850.9996 lannyskitchen.com
New Restaurant
Woodshed Smokehouse This 14,000-square-foot restaurant is on the banks of the Trinity River and specializes in all things smoked. Rotating selections of beef, chicken, pork, wild game, fish and vegetables are cooked over a variety of woods and fire sources. 3201 Riverfront Drive 817.877.4545 woodshedsmokehouse.com The Capital Grille 800 Main St. 817.348.9200 thecapitalgrille.com The Blu Crab Seafood House & Bar 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.763.8585 theblucrab.com
Old Favorite
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant Started by its namesake in 1935, generations of Fort Worth residents and tourists alike have made this one of the most successful restaurants anywhere. From its original seating capacity of 16, the restaurant and grounds can now handle more than 1,000 people. 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356 joets.com Kincaid’s Hamburgers 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.732.2881 Multiple locations kincaidshamburgers.com Cattlemen’s Steak House 2458 N. Main St. 817.624.3945 cattlemenssteakhouse.com
Outdoor Dining
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant People can argue about many categories in these Culinary Awards, but there can be no argument here. The gardens at Joe T’s are simply awesome. 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356 joets.com Reata Restaurant 310 Houston St. 817.336.1009 reata.net Fort Worth Food Park 2509 Weisenberger St. 817.862.7289 fwfoodpark.com
Pizza
Mama’s Pizza If a Fort Worth resident asks you out to pizza without naming a specific restaurant, he or she means Mama’s Pizza. It’s been around since 1968 and has been a consistent favorite through that time. 1813 W. Berry St. 817.923.3541 Seven Locations
mamaspizzas.net
Fireside Pies 2949 Crockett St. 817.769.3590 firesidepies.com Mellow Mushroom Multiple locations mellowmushroom.com
Place To Take Visitors
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant If you have friends in town and want to take them to a restaurant they can drop into conversation back home with a good chance that someone in the group will have eaten there, this has to be your choice. 2201 N. Commerce St. 817.626.4356 joets.com The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro 2406 N. Main St. 817.740.8810 lonesomedovebistro.com Woodshed Smokehouse 3201 Riverfront Drive 817.877.4545 woodshedsmokehouse.com
Power Lunch
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine You are likely to see just about anybody in town here on any given day. The food is creative, the atmosphere lovely and the service excellent. Now, let’s close that deal. 4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489 bonnellstexas.com Blue Sushi Sake Grill 3131 W. 7th St. 817.332.2583 bluesushisakegrill.com Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant 829 Lamar Blvd. E., Arlington 817.265.9174 piccolomondo.com
Prime Rib
Ray’s Steak and Seafood This restaurant filled a red meat gap in the West Side dining scene and has become a popular gathering place for lunch and dinner since opening. Some people about town are there almost nightly. 3206 Winthrop Ave. 817.732.1614 H3 Ranch 105 E. Exchange Ave. 817.624.1246 h3ranch.com Mercury Chop House 301 S. Main St. 817.365.4129 fortworthchophouse.com
Restaurant With Live Music
Woodshed Smokehouse Grab something to eat, get a brew and enjoy the ongoing live music series with bands and performances selected by Tim Love himself. There are complimentary performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. 3201 Riverfront Drive 817.877.4545 woodshedsmokehouse.com Buttons 4701 W. Freeway 817.735.4900 buttonsrestaurant.com Ray’s Steak and Seafood 3206 Winthrop Ave. 817.732.1614
Salad
Texas de Brazil Restaurant Simply the most amazing salad bar around with 50 items including just about everything you can imagine. It can be a meal alone, but you are also planning to take advantage of the signature meats, be careful with the salad choices so you don’t have to be wheeled out of the place. 101 N. Houston St. 817.882.9500 texasdebrazil.com McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Café 1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301 817.332.3242 mckinleysbakery.com Silver Fox Steakhouse 1651 S. University Drive 817.332.9060 silverfoxcafe.com
Sandwich
The Lunch Box Sandwiches come with chips and a pickle on white, wheat, light or dark rye bread. There’s chicken, tuna and egg salad, pimiento cheese, ham and avocado, club and Reuben. The highest price is $7.50. 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115 817.738.2181 eatthelunchbox.com
Great Outdoors
3204 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.877.4400 greatoutdoorsubs.com The Black Rooster Bakery 2430 Forest Park Blvd. 817.924.1600 blackroosterbakery.com
Sashimi/Sushi
Piranha Killer Sushi The Fort Worth Downtown location is popular at all hours and open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, filling a much needed void for late night places for an after-theatre meal or drink. The food is outstanding. Martinis aren’t bad either. Multiple locations piranhakillersushi.com Sushi Axiom Multiple locations sushiaxiom.net Shinjuku Station 711 W. Magnolia Ave. 817.923.2695 shinjuku-station.com
Seafood
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, & Crab House Restaurant Truluck’s says it is so committed to fresh food that it owns its own fisheries for fresh Florida Stone Crab in season. They are on the table less than 24 hours after they are trapped. That’s just one example. 1420 Plaza Place, Southlake 817.912.0500 trulucks.com Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000 eddiev.com Daddy Jack’s New England Lobster and Chowder House 353 Throckmorton St. 817.332.2477 daddyjacks.org
Service
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House Many — maybe even most — Fort Worth restaurants offer excellent service. But Del Frisco’s is No. 1 among them. 812 Main St. 817.877.3999 delfriscos.com Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine 4259 Bryant Irvin Road 817.738.5489 bonnellstexas.com Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 3100 W. 7th St. 817.336.8000 eddiev.com
Southern
Brownstone Kitchen+Bar Lots of variety here with a shrimp and crawfish po boy, a chicken fried beef tenderloin, fried chicken and grits and more elaborate offerings. 840 Currie St. 817.332.1555 brownstonefw.com Drew’s Place 5701 Curzon Ave. 817.735.4408 drewssoulfood.com Buttons Restaurant 4701 W. Freeway 817.735.4900 buttonsrestaurant.com
Steak
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House Order whatever you want. When it arrives at your table, it will be hot and tender. Your server will cut into it for your approval. If you disagree, they’ll do it over. 812 Main St. 817.877.3999 delfriscos.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House 813 Main St. 817.348.0080 ruthschris.com/Steak-House/20773/Fort-Worth J.R.’s Steakhouse 5400 Highway 121, Colleyville 817.355.1414 jrsteaks.com
Tea Room
Rose Garden Tea Room This is a gracious lunch spot in interesting locations — inside the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile in Fort Worth and in the Decorator’s Showcase in Arlington. The menu is light and innovative. We recommend the sampler for first timers. And then you shop. 3708 W. Pioneer Parkway 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817.731.7673 3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington 817.795.3093 shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com Secret Garden Tea Room 2601 Montgomery St. 817.763.9787 Zodiac Room Level Two, Neiman Marcus 2100 Green Oaks Blvd. 817.989.4650 tinyurl.com/zodiac-fw
Thai
Thai Tina’s The menu is extensive and authentic. The beef salad is the best around these parts. 600 Commerce St. 817.332.0088
thaitinas.com
Taste of Thai 2535 E. Arkansas Lane, Arlington 817.543.0110 tasteofthaiarlington.com Thailicious 4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 206 817.737.8111 lovethailicious.com
Vietnamese
Pho Little Saigon This small place is a consistent reader favorite in the crowded field of Vietnamese restaurants in Fort Worth and the surrounding area. 6942 Green Oaks Road 817.738.0040 My Lan 4015 E. Belknap St., Haltom City 817.222.1471 mylanrestaurant.net Pho Noodle & Grill 4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 214 817.737.3111 phonoodleandgrill.com
Wine List
J.R.’s Steakhouse Who has the best wine list is a subject of much debate and some controversy. The PDF of J.R.’s wine list is 10 pages with prices ranging to more than $400 per bottle. But there’s a nice selection of more inexpensive wines. And there are many by-the-glass offerings for the light drinkers in the crowd. 5400 Highway 121 Colleyville 817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 812 Main St. 817.877.3999 delfriscos.com Grace 777 Main St. 817.877.3388 gracefortworth.com |
