In order to create our 9th annual Best Of Fort Worth listing, we asked our readers to scour the city and round up Fort Worth’s finest. The mission was grueling, but after devouring steaks, sipping mojitos, indulging in pedicures and browsing boutiques, our faithful Fort Worthians declared what is truly best about our city. In addition to some new and surprising choices, we have added several categories. So enjoy the following pages and take careful note. And remember, don’t let this issue leave your side. After all, it’s the “Best Read” in Tarrant County.
All the businesses satisfy at least one of the following criteria: is a local business; is a national business that was founded in North Texas; is a national business that has eight or less locations; or is considered a national landmark.
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Best Place To Be Cowboyed Up
Stockyards
Buy boots at Fincher’s, jeans at Maverick and hats at M.L. Leddy’s without traveling more than half a block.
fortworthstockyards.org
Staff Pick: Cowtown Ball
cowtownball.com
Best Place To Get The Blues
Scat Jazz Lounge
Sundance Square’s swanky underground lounge sets the stage for smooth jazz with dark curtains, glowing candles and live acts.
scatjazzlounge.com
111 W. 4Th St.
817.870.9100
Staff Pick: Scat Jazz Lounge
Best Denim
Jean Guru
One of Park Hill’s many eclectic shops, Jean Guru is a chic boutique carrying top designer denim at great prices.
jeanguru.com
2970 Park Hill Dr.
817.323.4874
Staff Pick: Jean Guru
Best Jewelry/Accessories
Grissom’s
Since 1967, Grissom’s has been one of Fort Worth’s premier destinations for sparkling diamonds, colored stones, watches, precious metals and more.
grissoms.com
9524 Camp Bowie Blvd. W.
817.244.9754
Staff Pick: Ruby’s
shopruby.com
1540 S. University Dr., Ste. 106
817.332.7829
Best Children’s Clothing
Zoe & Jack
Unlike mass-market chains, find fashionable, quality kids’ wear that won’t be seen on every child in town.
zoeandjack.com
5137 Birchman Ave.
817.989.2200
Staff Pick: Zoe & Jack
Best Kids’ Menu
Purple Cow
Kids love the signature purple ice cream, burgers and dogs while parents get to partake in “adult” shakes, patty melts and more.
4601 W. Fwy., Ste. 150
817.737.7177
Staff Pick: Buckaroo’s
Soda Shoppe
140 E. Exchange Ave.
817.624.6631
Best Bakery
Harper’s Blue Bonnet Bakery
Since 1934, this Camp Bowie bakery has whipped up some of the best sheet cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and breads in town.
bluebonnetbakery.com
3905 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.4233
Staff Pick: The Red Oven
Bowen & Park Row, Arlington
817.274.1423
Best Bartender
Arina at Malone’s Pub
This girl’s got drink credit … she’s bartended for 12 years, three and a half of which have been at Malone’s.
malonespub.com
904 Houston St.
817.332.5330
Staff Pick: Robbie Stow at Buttons
buttonsrestaurant.com
4701 W. Fwy.
817.735.4900
Best Live Music
8.0
From the Ranch Texas Music Series to Poo Live Crew and the Spazmatics, the patio at 8.0 is always live and loud.
eightobar.com
111 E. 3rd St.
817.336.0880
Staff Pick: Buttons
buttonsrestaurant.com
4701 W. Fwy.
817.735.4900
Best Doggie Daycare
A-Animal Clinic
Log on to Web cameras and see what your four-legged friend is doing while you are away.
a-animal.com
4990 W. Vickery Blvd.
817.731.1494
Staff Pick: Abbey
Pet Sitting
abbeyspetsitting.com
817.735.1486
Best Car Wash
Red Carpet Car Wash
Still shining for more than 40 years now, the team at this West Side car wash is always hustling to keep vehicles sparkling.
redcarpetcarwash.com
5829 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.8651
Staff Pick: Cityview Car Wash & Oil Change
cityviewcarwash.com
4665 Bryant Irvin Rd.
817.361.9274
Best Tailor
Tailoring By Rios
Providing services for ladies and men including alterations, hemming, patching, resizing, restyling, zipper repair and more.
3017 Lackland Rd.
817.732.5235
Staff Pick: Angel’s Tailor
angelstailorshop.com
4831 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.735.4346
Most Attractive
News Anchor
Tracy Kornet
Anchor by day and musician by night, Kornet sings lead in the Eleven21 Band and was once a back-up dancer for a Japanese pop star.
cbs11tv.com
Staff Pick: Ginger Allen
with CBS 11
cbs11tv.com |
Best Annual Event
Main Street Fort Worth
Arts Festival
Tens of thousands venture to downtown Fort Worth annually for this premiere four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event.
mainstreetartsfestival.org
817.336.2787
Staff Pick: Mayfest
mayfest.org
Best Annual
Fundraiser
A Wish With Wings
Children with life-threatening diseases have their wishes granted thanks to this nonprofit organization.
awishwithwings.org
817.469.9474
Staff Pick: Jewel
Charity Ball
jewelcharity.org
Best Elevator Ride
Carter Burgess
It’s a long, but smooth ride, traveling up to 40 floors to the Petroleum Club at the top.
777 Main St.
817.735.6000
Staff Pick: Reata At
The Backstage Club
3301 W. Lancaster Ave.
817.348.0642
Best Family Getaway
Fort Worth Zoo
Parents will be just as intrigued as the kids are with elephants, tiger cubs, cheetahs and more.
fortworthzoo.com
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
817.759.7500
Staff Pick: Great
Wolf Lodge
greatwolf.com/grapevine/lodge
100 Great Wolf Dr., Grapevine
800.693.9653
Best Fort Worth Team To Watch
Fort Worth Cats
America’s favorite pastime is even better in Fort Worth, with comfortable seating, cold beer, a great downtown view and a championship contending team.
fwcats.com
301 NE 6th St.
817.226.2287
Staff Pick: TCU Frogs
gofrogs.cstv.com
Best Golf Course
Colonial Country Club
Consistently rated as one of the best in America, the 18-hole, par 70 course hosts a popular PGA tour event each year.
colonialfw.com
3735 Country Club Circle
817.927.4201
Staff Pick: Colonial
Country Club
Best Local Theater
Bass Hall
Bass Hall recently celebrated 10 years since it changed Fort Worth’s cultural community upon its emergence.
basshall.com
525 Commerce St.
817.212.4200
Staff Pick: Bass Hall
Best Off-Leash
Dog Park
Fort Woof Dog Park
Let the dogs loose and let them sniff, jump and run wild in one of the nation's top dog parks.
fortwoof.org
Staff Pick: Fort Woof
Dog Park
Best New
Development
Montgomery Plaza
Patio dining, funky shops, wine tastings and a Starbucks, of course, make this plaza comfortable and eclectic.
montgomeryplaza.com
Staff Pick: Montgomery Plaza
Best New Hotel
Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Enjoy spacious high-rise balconies overlooking the cityscape and a rooftop bar, pool and patio at this luxury hotel.
omnihotels.com
1300 Houston St.
817.535.6664
Staff Pick: Omni Fort
Worth Hotel
Best Place To Bicycle
Trinity Trails
While it’s not yet commonplace for cyclists to share roads with motorists, the Trinity provides miles of scenic, bicycle-friendly pathways.
trinitytrails.og
Staff Pick: River Legacy Parks in Arlington
riverlegacy.org
Best Place To
Contemplate
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
Away from the racket of everyday life, the colorful gardens instantly provide a serene setting that is perfect for contemplating.
fwbg.org
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
817.871.7686
Staff Pick: Modern
Art Museum
themodern.org
3200 Darnell St.
817.738.9215
Best Place To Dally
Up Your Steel Horse
Malone’s Pub
While not really known as a biker bar, those looking to drink comfortably without a lot of hassle will find peace at this downtown pub.
malonespub.com
904 Houston St.
817.332.5330
Staff Pick: Underground
Ice House & Grill
undergroundicehouse.com
1117 E. Belknap St.
817.334.0123
Best Place To
Get Spooked
Boo At The Zoo
Never too scary and always fun for any age, the animals stay up late for this Halloween soiree.
fortworthzoo.com
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
817.759.7500
Staff Pick: Hangman’s House Of Horrors
hangmans.com
300 W. Fwy.
817.336.4264
Best Place To
Get Wired
Billy Miner’s Saloon
Most don’t associate a nostalgic saloon with wireless Internet, but Billy Miner’s mixes old Western charm with new-age technology.
billyminerssaloon.com
150 W. 3rd St.
817.332.4343
Staff Pick: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
beerknurd.com
111 E. 4th St.
817.336.7470
Best Place To Get
Your Game On
Fox and Hound English
Pub & Grille
An entire second floor of billiards tables and even checker boards built into the bar guarantee plenty of fun and games.
tentcorp.com
603 Houston St.
817.338.9200
Staff Pick: Fox and Hound English Pub & Grille
Best Place To Hear Contemporary
Christian Music
Christ Chapel Bible Church
The congregation’s commitment to contemporary praise is evident in the soulful sounds that echo throughout the sanctuary during worship.
3740 Birchman Ave.
817.731.4329
Staff Pick: Fellowship Church
fellowshipchurch.com
508 Carroll St.
817.258.6300
Best Place To
Hear The Gospel
Mount Gilead
Baptist Church
Experience an uplifting sermon with some of the friendliest people you will ever meet at this historic downtown church.
600 Grove St.
817.336.2695
Staff Pick: Mount Gilead Baptist Church
Best Place To Host A Rehearsal Dinner
Fort Worth Zoo
The professional catering staff will impress with delectable fare served indoors or outdoors amongst the wildlife.
fortworthzoo.com
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
817.759.7500
Staff Pick: Joe T. Garcia’s
joets.com
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
Best Place To Roll VIP
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Fine dining in Fort Worth is defined by Del Frisco’s, where regulars show status and impress clients or dates.
delfriscos.com
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
Staff Pick: Del Frisco’s
Double Eagle Steak House
Best Place To Spot
A Redneck
Texas Motor Speedway
Ricky Bobby’s right at home with RV-filled parking lots, plenty of mullets and beer can-smashing during race weekends.
texasmotorspeedway.com
817.215.8500
Staff Pick: Cowtown
Speedway
cowtownspeedway.com
3921 Kennedale New Hope Rd., Kennedale
817.478.9952
Best Place To Treat
A Mid-Life Crisis
Autobahn
A flashy new Jaguar or Porsche masks graying hairs and bald-spots very nicely.
shopautobahn.com
2848 White Settlement Rd.
817.390.3757
Staff Pick: Frank Kent Motor Company
3800 Southwest Blvd., Fort Worth
888.231.4670
3535 W. Loop 820, Fort Worth
888.231.5012
frankkent.com
Best Place To
Watch A Pool Guy
River Crest Country Club
Where beautiful people go to sunbathe and frolic around the water’s edge, as well as admire the help.
1501 Western Ave.
817.738.9221
Staff Pick: River Crest
Country Club
Best Place To
Wear Out The Kids
Fort Worth Zoo
After exploring and romping through all pathways and exhibits, kids will snooze straight through to the next morning.
fortworthzoo.com
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
817.759.7500
Staff Pick: Fort Worth Zoo
Best Private
Party Room
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Beautiful decor, outstanding cuisine and impeccable service combine for seamless private events where every desire of the diner is met.
delfriscos.com
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
Staff Pick: The Vault
thevaultdfw.com
525 Taylor St.
817.348.9828
Best Public
Humiliation
Four Day Weekend
You never know how silly you look until one of the improv guys impersonates you in front of a crowd of strangers.
fourdayweekend.com
312 Houston St.
817.226.4329
Staff Pick: Four Day
Weekend
Best Stroll
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
Veer off the busy lanes of University Drive and meander amongst tranquil gardens and sweet-smelling scenery.
fwbg.org
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
817.871.7686
Staff Pick: Trinity Trails
trinitytrails.org
Best Thrill Ride
The Titan At Six Flags
Riders may want to steer clear of the park’s new alcoholic beverage selections when flying high on this monster rollercoaster.
sixflags.com
Staff Pick: Batman At
Six Flags
sixflags.com
Best Urban
Makeout Point
Inspiration Point
Slowly falling apart and now with no roof, this former picnic shelter with a panoramic view of Lake Worth requires quite the drive to mug down.
Staff Pick: Parking In Color Parking Garage Opposite The Convention Center
Best View Of
The City
Epic Helicopters
Based at Meacham Airport, Epic provides instruction, aerial photography, animal herding, sales, leasing and more.
epichelicopters.com
4201 N. Main St.
817.625.1800
Staff Pick: Omni Fort Worth Hotel Terrace
omnihotels.com
1300 Houston St.
817.535.6664
Best View While
You Eat
Reata
Said view is apparent when dining rooftop, overlooking the bustling sidewalks and flurry of activity in Sundance Square.
reata.net
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
Staff Pick: Reata
Best Baby Gear
Zoe & Jack
Find frilly outfits, super cute gifts and furniture all nestled in a cozy little refurbished cottage off Camp Bowie Boulevard.
zoeandjack.com
5137 Birchman Ave.
817.989.2200
Staff Pick: Zoe & Jack
Best Bridal Store
Bliss Bridal
This modern and innovative salon offers both couture and timeless designs, and treats brides with personalized service and attention.
blissfw.com
833 Foch St.
817.332.4696
Staff Pick: Bliss Bridal
Best Bridesmaid Dresses
Ocones
Barbara Ocone began designing for Neiman’s bridal salon in the 1960s, later opening her own bridal shop in the early 1980s.
ocones.com
6500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. C
817.732.4457
Staff Pick: Ocones
Best Custom Strings
Ridglea Music
This Camp Bowie shop believes “making music makes you smarter,” and has been teaching and providing musical instruments since 1955.
ridgleamusic.com
6323 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 133
817.731.1831
Staff Pick: Driskill Guitars
driskillguitars.com
2800 Shamrock Ave., Ste. A
817.336.0600
Best Downtown Store
Leddy’s Ranch At Sundance
With chic Western gear, fine leather goods and beautiful window displays, Leddy’s represents Fort Worth’s mantra of cowboys and culture.
leddys.com
410 Houston St.
817.336.0800
Staff Pick: Earth Bones
308 Main St.
817.332.2662
Best Garden
Furniture
Into The Garden
Offering custom design services for patio and outdoor living with furniture lines by Kingsley-Bate, a leader in teak, woodard and KNF mosaic.
intothegarden.com
4600 Dexter Ave.
817.336.4686
Staff Pick: Yard Art Patio
myyardart.com
6407 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville
817.421.2414
Best High-End
One-Stop Shop
Neiman Marcus
Carrying fashion’s premier designers and beauty’s best product lines, Neiman’s is Fort Worth’s staple for luxe living.
neimanmarcus.com
2100 Green Oaks Rd.
817.738.3581
Staff Pick: University
Park Village
universityparkvillage.com
1612 S. University Dr.
817.332.5700
Best Home
Furnishings
Dorian’s Interior Design
Peruse the extensive fabric library and schedule an appointment with one of Dorian’s state registered professional designers for a home consultation.
doriansdesigns.com
2701 S. Hulen St.
817.921.5555
Staff Pick: Lighthouse
Furniture
lighthousefurniture.net
801 I-20W, Weatherford
817.594.6873
Best Men’s
Specialty Shop
Squire Shop
Outfitting Fort Worth’s best-dressed men, this Fort Worth shop takes pride in personalized service.
4516 Hartwood Dr.
817.927.8722
Staff Pick: John L. Ashe
johnlashe.com
2166 Green Oaks Rd.
817.335.4551
Best Pet Boutique
Glamour Paws
Find sports shirts, car apparel, political toys and even pet cologne at this Forest Park pet boutique.
glamourpawsonline.com
2412 Forest Park Blvd.
817.923.9828
Staff Pick: Three Dog
Bakery
threedogdfw.com
1251 E. Southlake Blvd., Ste. 323, Southlake
817.310.3364
Best Place To Buy
A Diamond
Kubes Jewelers
Four generations of Kubes family values and customer service, as well as gemologist credentials, make for confident diamond shopping.
kubesjewelers.com
2700 W. Berry St.
817.926.2626
Staff Pick: Collections
708 S. Saginaw Blvd.
817.232.9251
Best Museum
Gift Shop
Kimbell Art Museum
Give culture and creativity with artistic jewelry, handbags, note cards, books, décor, kids’ items and more from this renowned museum.
kimbellart.org
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.332.8451
Staff Pick: Kimbell Art Museum
Best Unexpected Place To Find A Last-Minute Gift
Artful Hand
Park in front of the zany sculptures outside this “functional art gallery” in Montgomery Plaza and find clever décor and imaginative gifts.
artful-hand.com
3408 W. 7th St.
817.738.4438
Staff Pick: Paper Capers
In Arlington
312 Lincoln Square, Arlington
817.261.0076
Best Wine Store
Put A Cork In It
Fans of Park Hill’s favorite wine couple, Chris and Deedra Keel, look forward to weekly themed tastings hosted in their colorful boutique.
putacorkinitwine.com
2972 Park Hill Dr.
817.924.2675
Staff Pick: Grand Cru
grandcruwineshop.com
5500 Overton Ridge Blvd.
817.361.9999
Best Women’s
Specialty Shop
Dolce Vita
Classic yet trendy, the chic garb at this Montgomery Plaza boutique will please mothers and daughters alike.
dolcevitafw.com
2600 W. 7th St.
817.334.0502
Staff Pick: Dean-Kingston
dean-kingston.com
821 Foch St.
817.698.8323
Best Barbecue
Angelo’s
Dry rub seasoned and smoked over hickory flames, Angelo’s barbecue hasn’t changed since Angelo George opened his doors in 1958.
angelosbbq.com
2533 White Settlement Rd.
817.332.0357
Staff Pick: Railhead Smokehouse
railheadonline.com
2900 Montgomery St.
817.738.9808
Best Beer Selection
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Patrons can be commemorated into a “ring of honor” after trying 200 different beers.
beerknurd.com
111 E. Fourth St.
817.336.7470
Staff Pick: Ginger Man
ftworth.gingermanpub.com
3716 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.886.2327
Best Birthday Cake
Harper’s Blue Bonnet
Bakery
From chocolate fudge and Italian cream to strawberry with real cream cheese icing, birthdays are sweet with a cake from Blue Bonnet.
bluebonnetbakery.com
3905 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.4233
Staff Pick: Harper’s Blue Bonnet Bakery
Best Breakfast
Ol’ South Pancake House
Dutch babies, crisp bacon and fried eggs over-easy taste mighty fine whether served at 9 a.m. or 3 a.m. at this neighborhood landmark.
1509 S. University Dr.
817.336.0311
Staff Pick: Yogi’s
Bagel Café
yogisbagelcafe.resercom.net
2710 S. Hulen St.
817.921.4500
Best Bring Your
Own Beer
Nonna Tata
The authentic Italian food is the star at this tiny Magnolia Avenue dive, where providing your own brew allows Donatella Trotti more time to spend on her culinary masterpieces.
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Staff Pick: Babes Chicken Dinner House
babeschicken.com
120 S. Main St., Burleson
817.447.3400
Best Bring Your
Own Wine
Nonna Tata
Sure diners can create their own spirited cocktail, but we recommend pairing your own wine with the savory Italian dishes.
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Staff Pick: Park Hill Cafe
2974 Park Hill Dr.
817.921.5660
Best Burger
Kincaid’s
The historic hamburger grill has repeatedly won this title, and has even been recognized as offering the best burger in the USA.
kincaidshamburgers.com
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2881
4825 Overton Ridge Blvd., #328
817.370.6400
100 N. Kimball Ave., Ste. 101, Southlake
817.416.2573
3900 Arlington Highland Blvd., #113, Arlington
817.466.4211
Staff Pick: Tommy’s
Hamburgers
tommyshamburgergrill.com
5228 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.569.1111
3431 W. 7th St.
817.885.7500
Best Cheese
Central Market
Deliciously overwhelming, the cheese aisle here, which is overflowing with dozens of savory varieties, deserves its own area code.
centralmarket.com
4651 W. Fwy.
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.310.5600
Staff Pick: Central Market
Best Chicken-Fried Steak
Reata
Crusty, batter-dipped and so big it hangs over the plate, this tender steak is served piping hot with cracked pepper cream gravy.
reata.net
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
Staff Pick: Reata
Best Chips & Salsa
Uncle Julio’s
Patrons love to inhale the warm, light and crispy tortilla chips and spicy, tangy salsa, especially when paired with a cold margarita.
unclejulios.com
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.377.2777
Staff Pick: Rio Mambo
Tex Mex y Mas
riomambo.com
6125 SW Loop 820
817.423.3124
5150 Hwy. 121, Colleyville
817.354.3124
Best Cupcake
Cupcake Cottage
Holding its own despite new local competition, the cute cottage’s fresh-baked daily offerings still take the cake in Fort Worth.
thecupcakecottage.com
5015 El Campo Ave.
817.732.5670
Staff Pick: Sublime Bakery
sublimebakery.com
5512 Bellaire Dr. S.
817.570.9630
Best Dessert
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
The praline parfait with Myer’s dark rum and pecan butter sauce is heavenly, but the bread pudding with Jack Daniel’s sauce woos us every time.
delfriscos.com
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
Staff Pick: Café Aspen
cafeaspen.com
6103 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.0838
Best Finger
Lickin’ Food
Babe’s Chicken
Dinner House
This juicy fried chicken is served family style in a relaxed setting that’s both flip-flop and finger-lickin’ friendly.
babeschicken.com
120 S. Main St., Burleson
817.447.3400
Staff Pick: H3 Ranch
H3ranch.com
109 Exchange Ave.
817.624.1246
Best Guilty Pleasure
Elegant Cakery
Chocolate devil’s food with chocolate mousse icing and melt-in-your-mouth yellow butter cake are just two of this Southlake bakery’s guilty pleasures.
elegantcakery.com
2707 E. Southlake Blvd., #140, Southlake
817.488.7580
Staff Pick: Mama’s Pizza
mamaspizzas.net
1813 Berry St.
817.923.3541
5800 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.6262
Best Hole In The Wall
Fred’s Texas Café
To be featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives” this month, Fred’s is Fort Worth’s most famous hole in the wall.
fredstexascafe.com
915 Currie St.
817.332.0083
Staff Pick: Fred’s
Texas Cafe
Best Ice Cream
Curly’s Frozen Custard
So creamy and delicious, especially mixed with candies or cookies, it doesn’t matter that Curly’s Custard is technically not ice cream.
curlysfrozencustard.com
4017 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.763.8700
Staff Pick: Curly’s
Frozen Custard
Best Japanese
Tokyo Café
Succulent dishes include baked avocado stuffed with crab and tiger shrimp and creamy edamame hummus with yucca chips.
thetokyocafe.com
5121 Pershing Ave.
817.737.8568
Staff Pick: Japanese Palace
japanesepalace.net
8445 Camp Bowie W.
817.244.0144
Best Late-Night Bite
Ol’ South Pancake House
Find all walks of life during witching hours including studious college kids, bar-hoppers, third-shift workers and more.
1509 S. University Dr.
817.336.0311
Staff Pick: Ol’ South
Pancake House
Best Margarita
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
The popular Texas-sized margarita the restaurant is known for is tall, refreshing and just as potent as it looks.
riomambo.com
6125 SW Loop 820
817.423.3124
5150 Hwy. 121, Colleyville
817.354.3124
Staff Pick: Rio Mambo
Tex Mex y Mas
Best Martini
M Lounge
This swanky lounge offers pages of martinis that span beyond the basic wedding cake or key lime pie varieties.
mfortworth.com
835 Foch St.
817.850.9900
Staff Pick: My Martini
mymartinibistro.com
859 NE Green Oaks Blvd.,
Arlington
817.461.4424
Best Mexican Food
Uncle Julio’s
Boasting numerous accolades, this festive Tex-Mex cantina offers smoky fajitas, grilled quail and warm homemade tortillas.
unclejulios.com
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.377.2777
Staff Pick: Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano
esparzastexas.com
124 E. Worth St., Grapevine
817.481.4668
Best Mojito
Embargo
Patrons line up at downtown’s Cuban-inspired oasis for this cool drink made with fresh limes, mint leaves, simple syrup and rum.
embargofw.com
210 E. 8th St.
817.870.9750
Staff Pick: Embargo
Best Outdoor Dining
Joe T. Garcia’s
Lush greenery, paved stone pathways, poolside tables and thirst-quenching margaritas combine for Fort Worth’s premiere patio.
joets.com
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
Staff Pick: Joe T. Garcia’s
Best Pasta
Nonna Tata
Store-bought pasta will never taste the same after you take a bite of Donnatelli Trotti’s fresh-rolled pasta, just like her grandma used to make it.
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Staff Pick: Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
piccolomondo.com
829 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington
817.265.9174
Best Pizza
Taverna
The thin, airy crust is fired in a woodstone oven and not overly sauced, and varieties include prosciutto with arugula and pear with gorgonzola.
tavernabylombardi.com
450 Throckmorton St.
817.885.7502
Staff Pick: Mama’s Pizza
mamaspizzas.net
1813 Berry St.
817.923.3541
5800 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.6262
Best New Restaurant
Grace
Boasting a very contemporary menu and atmosphere, Grace breaks the mold of Fort Worth’s usual fine dining scene.
gracefortworth.com
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
Staff Pick: Eddie V’s
eddiev.com
3120 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
Best Prime Rib
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
It’s not offered on the restaurant’s normal menu, but when downtown’s premier steakhouse offers prime rib for special occasion brunches and events, the tender, flavorful cuts of beef are in high demand.
delfriscos.com
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
Staff Pick: H3 Ranch
h3ranch.com
109 E. Exchange Ave.
817.624.1246
Best Salad
Mi Cocina
The Rico Salad features sliced avocados, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken or beef fajitas, and a light and creamy avocado dressing.
mcrowd.com
509 Main St.
817.877.3600
4601 W. Fwy., Ste. 100
817.569.1444
Staff Pick: Café Aspen
Tenderloin Salad
cafeaspen.com
6103 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.0838
Best Salad Bar
The Fort Worth Club
Executive Chef Tim Prefontaine won gold at the Culinary Olympics in 2008, and is creating buzz with his delicious menu creativity.
fortworthclub.com
306 W. 7th St.
817.336.7211
Staff Pick: The Fort
Worth Club
Best Sandwich
Great Outdoors
Complement these fresh and abundant subs with the likes of peppers, sprouts and even sunflower seeds.
greatoutdoorsubs.com
3204 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. A
817.877.4400
Staff Pick: Carshon’s
Delicatessen
carshonsdeli.com
3133 Cleburne Rd.
817.923.1907
Best Sashimi
Sushi Axiom
There are more than 40 different varieties of sashimi (raw fish without rice) at this sushi hot spot, including spicy tuna, eel and flying fish eggs.
sushiaxiom.net
4625 Donnelly Ave.
817.735.9100
Staff Pick: Sushi Axiom
Best Seafood
Eddie V’s
The Wok-Fried Salt & Pepper Shrimp is like candy on the lips, and plump, buttery scallops burst with flavor.
eddiev.com
3120 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
Staff Pick: Truluck’s
trulucks.com
1420 Plaza Pl., Southlake
817.912.0500
Best Steak
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
While many try, none have yet duplicated the reputation Del Frisco’s has for creating the perfect steak.
delfriscos.com
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
Staff Pick: Del Frisco’s
Double Eagle Steak House
Best Sushi
Piranha Killer Sushi
Sushi doesn’t get any trendier, or tastier, than at Piranha Killer Sushi, where rolls break barriers in creativity.
piranhakillersushi.com
335 W. 3rd St., Sundance Square
817.348.0200
309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 149, Arlington
817.465.6455
851 NE Green Oaks Blvd.,
Arlington
817.261.1636
Staff Pick: Piranha
Killer Sushi
Best Vegetarian Menu
Spiral Diner
Vegans get plenty, as they say, and Spiral provides more options than most would think, including taco salad and Jamaican jerk barbecue.
spiraldiner.com
1314 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.8834
Staff Pick: Spiral Diner
Best Veggie/Fruitstand
Ridgmar Farmer’s Market
Open year-round and seven days a week, find fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, honey, flowers and even a barbecue restaurant inside.
900 Alta Mere Dr.
817.246.7525
Staff Pick: Cowtown
Farmer’s Market
cowtownfarmersmarket.com
817.462.1426
Best Wine List
Grace
More than 30 pages in length, Adam Jones’ mammoth wine list offers grenache blends, tempranillos, nebbiolos and more.
gracefortworth.com
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
Staff Pick: JR’s Steak House
jrssteaks.com
5400 Hwy. 121, Colleyville
817.355.1414
Best Bar Patio
Reata
The festive downtown view from this breezy rooftop patio still trumps all competition at ground level.
reata.net
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
Staff Pick: Fuego
fuegofortworth.com
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 240
817.377.4400
Best Girls’ Night Out
Embargo
Tall, dark and handsome men who aren’t afraid to get on the dance floor make for one hot ladies’ night.
embargofw.com
210 E. 8th St.
817.870.9750
Staff Pick: Eddie V’s
eddiev.com
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
Best Guys’ Night Out
8.0
Eye candy is important to the guys, and they will find plenty on the patio here.
eightobar.com
111 E. 3rd St.
817.336.0880
Staff Pick: Chimy’s
Cerveceria
chimys.com
1053 Foch St.
817.348.8888
Best Karaoke
A Great Notion
Belt out your favorite hits in a comfortable environment at this Ridgmar area bar.
2024 Ridgmar Blvd.
817.731.8521
Staff Pick: The Mule Pub
mulepub.com
5731 Locke Ave.
817.732.5399
Best Sports Bar
Fox and Hound English
Pub & Grille
Step into a sea of countless TVs and count on cheering crowds, cold pints and big games.
tentcorp.com
603 Houston St.
817.338.9200
Staff Pick: Whiskey & Rye At The Omni Fort Worth Hotel
omnihotels.com
1300 Houston St.
817.535.6664
Best Butcher
Central Market
These guys aim to please, providing dozens of fresh meat options and even preparation instructions and recipe ideas.
centralmarket.com
4651 W. Fwy.
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.310.5600
Staff Pick: Roy Pope
Grocery
roypopegrocery.com
2300 Merrick St.
817.732.2863
Best Caterer
Feastivities
Easily feed dozens at a backyard soiree, or simply pick up dinner for two at this catering and gourmet-to-go hot spot.
feastivities.com
3637 W. Vickery
817.377.3011
Staff Pick: T.C.B. Catering With Chef Todd Brown
tcbcateringfortworth.com
817.821.1621
Best Clothier
Squire Shop
Seersucker suits, sport coats and a superb selection help keep gentlemen looking their absolute best.
4516 Harwood Dr.
817.927.8722
Staff Pick: Christopher Goetz Clothiers
2630 W. Fwy., Ste. 231
817.336.3366
Best Cooking Class
Central Market
This class actually makes for a great date night, girls’ gathering or mother-daughter outing, and the homework is always fun.
centralmarket.com
4651 W. Fwy.
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.310.5600
Staff Pick: The Culinary School Of Fort Worth
csftw.com
6100 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.737.8427
Best Day Of
Pampering
European Skincare Institute
We recommend the aromatherapy salt glow and the aromatic hot stone massage, followed by a refresher facial and express manicure and pedicure.
euroskincare.com
6038 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.0707
6201 Colleyville Blvd., Ste 200, Colleyville
817.251.8484
Staff Pick: Daired’s
daireds.com
2400 W. I20, Arlington
817.465.9797
Best Dry Cleaners
Twin Kell Cleaners
Twins Kent and Kevin Kell are the third generation of Kell Cleaners specialists who carry on a tradition that began in 1932.
twinkellcleaners.com
4011 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.9975
Staff Pick: Kite’s Cleaners
kitescleaners.com
4839 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.6031
4512 Hartwood Dr.
817.923.7937
3225 Alta Mere Dr.
817.732.1419
Best Entertainment/Event Planning
Jan Simus Events
Working side-by-side with clients for more than 24 years, Jan Simus’ goal is to ensure the success of every event.
jansimusevents.com
5001 El Campo Ave., Ste. C
817.763.5087
Staff Pick: Eclipse
Entertainment
eclipseentertainment.com
2205 W. Division St., Ste. A8, Arlington
817.261.0038
Best Extreme
Makeover
European Skincare Institute
Lift, smooth and laser-remove imperfections and signs of aging with countless professional services for every part of the body.
euroskincare.com
6038 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.0707
6201 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville
817.251.8484
Staff Pick: Accent On You
accentonyou.com
3030 S. Cooper St., Arlington
817.417.7200
Best Eyebrow
Shaping
The Threading Studio
This Southlake studio is popular for shaping eyebrows using only thread, a common practice in India, Pakistan and other Asian countries.
thethreadingstudio.com
Inside Suite Escape Salon
2717 E. Southlake Blvd., #160, Ste. 16, Southlake
214.500.0367
Staff Pick: Camille Carlock
1622 8th Ave., Ste. 130
817.366.4113
Best Flower
Power
Gordon Boswell
Two locations, same-day delivery, an established reputation and sweet-smelling selections combine for outstanding service.
gordonboswell.com
1220 Pennsylvania Ave.
6200 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.332.2265
Staff Pick: Enchanted
Florist
enchantedfloristdfw.com
4800 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.0648
Best Groomer
On The Go
Whisker Washers
This Fort Worth-based mobile pet groomer allows owners the convenience of never having to leave the house for Rover’s spa day.
whiskerwashers.com
5117 W. Vickery blvd.
817.735.3811
Staff Pick: Whisker
Washers
Best Handyman
CS Renovations
Whatever the job, owner Craig Strain and his CS Renovations team can handle it.
817.731.4075
205 Burton Hill Rd.
Staff Pick: Property R&M Services, Stacey Turner
8224 White Settlement
817.763.8600
Best Laser Hair Removal
Health Care Of Texas
Using the Candela GentleLASE system, Dr. Atkins and Dr. Motley provide a more comfortable, effective laser hair removal procedure.
healthcareoftexas.com
1250 8th Ave., Ste. 320
817.924.2111
Staff Pick: European
Skincare Institute
euroskincare.com
6038 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.0707
6201 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville
817.251.8484
Best Manicure/
Pedicure
Skyline Nails
The large staff is always ready and eager to keep nails and toes in ship-shape in this bright, airy salon that’s conveniently located off Seventh Street.
skylinenailspa.com
501 Carroll St., Ste. 612
817.885.7333
Staff Pick: Hollywood Nails
hollywood-nails-spa.com
6248 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.735.8100
Best Massage
European Skincare Institute
For nearly 30 years, this Camp Bowie spa has set the bar for the ultimate in relaxation and stress-relieving massage.
euroskincare.com
6038 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.0707
6201 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville
817.251.8484
Staff Pick: Daired’s
daireds.com
2400 W. I-20, Arlington
817.465.9797
Best Old-Fashioned
Barber
West 7th Street
Barber Shop
Regulars enjoy warm shave cream, steamy towels, old-fashioned razor shaves and great conversation.
701 Barden St.
817.332.8702
Staff Pick: West 7th
Street Barber Shop
Best Shoe Repair
Ridglea Shoe Repair
Attention to detail and honest business relationships have built a reputation of integrity for Ridglea Shoe Repair.
3204 Winthrop Ave.
817.737.9711
Staff Pick: Ridglea
Shoe Repair
Best Travel Agent
Sanders Travel
Twenty friendly, well-traveled specialists are available to help plan your most memorable domestic and international getaways.
sanderstravel.com
6115 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 288
817.731.3335
Staff Pick: Sanders Travel
Best Hangover
Remedy
Lambert’s Brunch
Prevent hangover headaches by indulging in bottomless mimosas, perfect for washing down prime rib, crab benedict, omelets and more.
lambertsfortworth.com
2731 White Settlement Rd.
817.882.1161
Staff Pick: Esperanza’s Mexican Café & Bakery
1601 Park Place Ave.
817.923.1961
Best Homegrown Band
Green River Ordinance
MTV named these dapper dudes one of the top 20 college bands in the U.S. in 2008.
greenriverordinance.com
Staff Pick: Eli Young Band
eliyoungband.com
Best People-
Watching
Sundance Square
Perch against any street-side window and see dozens of locals and out-of-towners visiting every day for dining, shopping and entertainment.
sundancesquare.com
Staff Pick: 8.0’s Patio
eightobar.com
111 E. 3rd St.
817.336.0880
Best Person
To Watch In 2009
Wendy Davis
Attorney, CEO for Republic Title and former Fort Worth City Council member, Davis is now making waves in Austin in the Texas senate District 10.
Staff Pick: Eric Fox, Fort Worth City Councilman, District 3
Best Place To Avoid Fort Worth Zoo During Spring Break
Amazingly, attendance keeps growing despite all of the news coverage this annual traffic nightmare receives.
fortworthzoo.com
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
817.759.7500
Staff Pick: I-30 Near The New Dallas Cowboys Stadium
Best Place To Count Plastic Surgery
Southlake Town Square
What else is a housewife to do besides have her face poked and stretched, and then strut around the town square?
southlaketownsquare.com
Staff Pick: Glass Cactus Nightclub
glasscactusnightclub.com
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
817.778.2800
Best Place To Find
A Trophy Wife
Bar At Eddie V’s
The gals are on the prowl in the V lounge, where dresses and blouses can never be cut too low.
eddiev.com
3120 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
Staff Pick: Bar At Eddie V’s
Best Place To Get A Speeding Ticket
Anywhere on Camp Bowie Boulevard
While the brick roads should be enough to slow speedsters, traffic cops often sit on the medians to ensure friendly driving.
Staff Pick: Westbound I-30 and 820 W
Best Public
Restroom
Bass Hall
With attention to detail in design, the music notes decorating the walls in the women’s restroom are from the scores of composer Antonín Dvorák.
basshall.com
525 Commerce St.
817.212.4200
Staff Pick: Piranha Killer Sushi Downtown
piranhakillersushi.com
335 W. 3rd St., Sundance Square
817.348.0200
Best Radio
Personality
Hal Jay of WBAP
News/Talk 820 AM
A member of the WBAP team since 1981, Hal Jay has one of the most recognizable laughs in town.
wbap.com
Staff Pick: Jody Dean
on 98.7 KLUV
kluv.com
Best Sportscaster
Newy Scruggs of
KXAS (NBC5)
An all-around likeable guy, the “Newdawg” is not only a sportscaster, but a talk show host, commentator and writer.
nbcdfw.com
Staff Pick: Babe
Laufenberg on CBS 11
cbs11tv.com
Best Community Mentor
Michael Guinn
He is the founder of Fort Worth National Poetry Slams, where he reminds us to “laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly.”
mikeguinn.com
Staff pick: Rosie Moncrief
Most Accurate Weather Forecast
David Finfrock of
KXAS (NBC 5)
Chief Meteorologist David Finfrock joined NBC 5 in 1975 and provides decades of experience in forecasting unpredictable Texas weather.
nbcdfw.com
Staff Pick: Larry Mowry with CBS 11
cbs11tv.com
Most Eligible
Bachelor
Michael Bornitz
This dashing young financial professional serves as the president of the Fort Worth Young Alumni Chapter.
Staff Pick: Scott Watson
Most Eligible
Bachelorette
Wendy Davis
Known for her intelligence and compassion, she’s a TCU and Harvard alumna and proud mother of two.
Staff Pick: Karen
Fortson-Davis
Most Missed
Restaurant
29 Degrees Tavern
Although the location was replaced with an equally festive counterpart, we miss the perfectly cold brew and casual atmosphere of the tavern.
Staff Pick: La Madeleine Downtown
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