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.
To make sure your favorite place makes the list next year, be sure to visit fwtx.com and vote. We value your opinions.
Ferré Ristorante and Bar
If culture at Bass Performance Hall makes you hungry or thirsty, relief is just a few steps away at this Italian-Tuscan restaurant. It's open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday with later hours on Friday and Saturday. It is normally closed on Sunday but is open for selected shows at Bass Hall. Check the website for details.
215 E. 4th St.
817.332.0033
ferrerestaurant.com
Zambrano Wine Cellar
910 Houston St., Ste. 110
817.850.9463
zambranowines.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Blue Mesa Grill
It's happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with cut prices on large Blue Margaritas, Mojitos, other mixed drinks and draft beer. Throw in the traditional Blue Mesa munchies, and what's not to like?
1600 S. University Drive
817.332.6372
550 Lincoln Square, Arlington
682.323.3050
bluemesagrill.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Chimy's
1053 Foch St.
817.348.8888
chimys.com
The Classic Café
There's a garden at this café that provides some of the ingredients in the extensive list of appetizers that includes items such as roasted garlic with herbed goat cheese, house-smoked salmon with a horseradish chive cream sauce, capers and onions and baked Danish brie with dried cranberries, caramelized onion and pistachios.
504 N. Oak St., Roanoke
817.430.8185
theclassiccafe.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Truluck's
1420 Plaza Pl., Southlake
817.912.0500
trulucks.com
Paco & John Mexican Diner
Not only is this little place a Medical District favorite, but it also is an example of adaptive reuse of an old convenience store. It's BYOB and daily specials change weekly. It's a breakfast and lunch place, but is open for Saturday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1116 8th Ave.
817.810.0032
pacoandjohn.com
Nonna Tata
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Revolver Taco Lounge
2822 W. 7th St.
817.820.0122
revolvertacolounge.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
This legendary Fort Worth restaurant started July 4, 1935, with a seating capacity of 16, and then just grew and grew from there. There's plenty of space indoors, but the real charm is outside in the elegant garden setting. Can't get much more Fort Worth or Mexican than this.
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Grace
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com
Lanny's Alta Cocina
3405 W. 7th St.
817.850.9996
lannyskitchen.com
Old Hickory Steakhouse, Gaylord Texan
This restaurant modestly claims to be the best steakhouse restaurant in Grapevine, serving juicy premium Black Angus Beef seared-to-perfection, artisanal cheeses from around the world and a Texas-inspired wine cellar.
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
817.778.2280
gaylordhotels.com
610 Grille, Ashton Hotel
610 Main St.
817.332.0100
theashtonhotel.com/dining/
Bob's Steak and Chop House, Omni Fort Worth
1300 Houston St.
817.350.4100
bobs-steakandchop.com
Yogi's Deli and Grill
Who needs a coffee bar as a meeting place? Yogi's fulfils that role nicely along Hulen Street - and it also serves excellent bagels along with a variety of other foods.
2710 S. Hulen St.
817.924.4500
yogisdeliandgrill.com
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway
817.989.4700
centralmarket.com/Stores/Fort-Worth.aspx
Einstein Bros Bagels
multiple locations
einsteinbros.com
Maharaja Indian Restaurant and Bar
A good Indian restaurant in this part of the world is a thing to be treasured, and Maharaja is a treasure. The preparation and menu are authentic and based on centuries-old Indian traditions. There are both veggie and meat dishes available, and the service is always excellent.
6308 Hulen Bend Blvd.
817.263.7156
maharajadfw.com
Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant & Bar
4625 Donnelly Ave.
817.377.9395
bombaygrillindian.com
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
532 Fielder N. Plaza, Arlington
817.261.6604
tandoorrestaurant.net
Stir Crazy Baked Goods
The baking and sharing started inside the family and then moved into a commercial operation with the same recipes. Stir Crazy prides itself on using all natural ingredients like organic flour and real butter and eggs that are produced nearby.
106 E. Daggett Ave.
682.710.2253
stircrazybakedgoods.com
Blue Bonnet Bakery
4705 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.4233
bluebonnetbakery.com
The Black Rooster Bakery
2430 Forest Park Blvd.
817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
Nonna Tata
First, the food is just excellent. Second, Chef Donatella Trotti is one of the most interesting personalities around. Third, the small size of the restaurant gives guests a sense of victory for even getting in the door.
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
829 Lamar Blvd. E., Arlington
817.265.9174
piccolomondo.com
Aventino's Italian Restaurant
5800 Lovell Ave.
817.570.7940
aventinos.com
MICHAELS Restaurant and Ancho Chile Bar
This is a perennial favorite of our readers in the category because Chef Michael S. Thomson creates a special menu just for the bar. Just a couple of examples from the current menu: Chipotle Meatballs Au Gratin; April's Lettuce Wraps with Wok Sautéed Chicken Breast, Veggies, Fresh Jalapeno and Tomato; and Ranch Oysters Rock from the Texas Gulf with Poblano and spinach cream served hot on the half shell.
3413 W. 7th St.
817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
The Tavern
2755 S. Hulen St.
817.923.6200
thetavernftworth.com
Blue Mesa Grill
1600 S. University Drive
817.332.6372
bluemesagrill.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
This West 7th place features a popular happy hour, Monday through Saturday, and offers a large maki, sashimi and nigiri menu along with other Asian-inspired items and an extensive sake menu. Gluten-free options are available and, in the increasingly popular and crowded Near Westside, free garage parking is a plus.
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Tokyo Café
5121 Pershing Ave.
817.737.8568
thetokyocafe.com
Sushi Axiom
4265 Donnelly Ave.
817.735.9100
2600 W. 7th St.
817.877.3331
12650 S. Freeway, Burleson
817.295.9559
sushiaxiom.net
Railhead Smokehouse
Railhead started small before moving to its current location, and its fans form a sort of cult, with many of them meeting after work both inside and outside. It's pure Fort Worth through and through, and even its website announces: "Life's Too Short To Live In Dallas."
2900 Montgomery St.
817.738.9808
120 S. Ranch House Road, Willow Park
817.441.2525
railheadsmokehouse.com
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
301 Stockyards Blvd.
817.626.6464
coopersbbqfortworth.com
Angelo's
2533 White Settlement Road
817.332.0357
angelosbbq.com
McKinley's Fine Bakery and Café
Nothing franchisee about this breakfast and lunch place that locals love for the sandwiches, soups and salads - and the cookies, pies and cakes. Psst: Guys. It's OK for you to like it, too.
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Café Modern
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St.
817.840.2157
themodern.org/cafe
restaurant 506 at The Sanford House
506 N. Center St., Arlington
817.801.5541
restaurant506.com
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
With a great outdoor venue at 3rd and Commerce streets, a list of available beers that is simply staggering (pun intended), an extensive menu and live music, this joint is a local favorite and one of the hottest gathering places in Sundance Square.
111 E. 3rd St.
817.336.7470
beerknurd.com/stores/fortworth/
Brewed
801 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.945.1545
brewedfw.com
The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipscomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Ol" South Pancake House
The servers call you "Honey" and "Darlin"," and the menu is extensive and simple. Ol" South is open 24/7, so whether you are a student cramming for an exam at TCU or starving in the shank of the night, this is the place to be.
1509 S. University Drive
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Multiple Locations
fuzzystacoshop.com
Taco Heads
2700 W. 7th St.
facebook.com/Tacoheads
Reata Restaurant
The dishes at Reata are cowboy-cooking inspired and a mix of flavors from across the South. And the servings are ranch-hand plentiful. If you are a first-timer here, try the chicken fried steak. You'll have enough left over for an extra meal or two at home. Or maybe not. It's good enough to polish off in a single sitting. And during the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, you can eat like a cowboy at several venues at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Uncle Julio's Mexican Restaurant
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.377.2777
unclejuliios.com
Park Hill Café
Sandwiches are available full or half, there's a nice selection of wraps and a long list of salad options at this easy-to-reach restaurant.
2974 Park Hill Drive
817.921.5660
parkhillcafe.com
Rose Garden Tea Room
7200 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.7673
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington
817.795.3093
shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
The Black Rooster Bakery
If you couldn't look out the windows, you might think you had been transported to a bakery in France. The preparation time on the breads can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. But this isn't just a bakery. It is also home to an ever-changing gourmet sandwich collection. Did we mention the cookies?
2430 Forest Park Blvd. •817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway •817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake •817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
The Shed: Texas Kitchen & Bakery
4019 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford •817.594.5533
shedsbreads.com
Into the Glass
One word: Truffled.
322 S. Main St., Grapevine
817.442.1969
intotheglass.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Tillman's Roadhouse
2933 Crockett St.
817.850.9255
tillmansroadhouse.com
Esperanza's Bakery and Café
Breakfasts at this extension of Joe T. Garcia's are, well, substantial as well as unique. Be aware that it draws a crowd.
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
Ol" South Pancake House
1509 S. University Drive
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
The Rooftop patio atop the Near Southside building that once housed the Lions" Club offers a beautiful view of the Fort Worth skyline. If that's not enough, there is free live music almost every night of the week. Oh, and food and drinks, too.
1311 Lipsomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Dr.
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Lucile's Stateside Bistro
You could go simple: eggs any style with ham, sausage or bacon and toast, biscuit or English muffin. Or you could go complex: wood-roasted frittata with egg whites roasted with mushrooms, bell pepper, onion and spinach in a wood-fired oven. You could go with benedicts or the corned beef hash. What you won't go is wrong at the expansive brunch.
4700 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.4761
lucilesstatesidebistro.com
Blue Mesa Grill
1600 S. University Drive
817.332.6372
bluemesagrill.com
Café Modern
3200 Darnell St.
817.840.2157
themodern.org/cafe
Terra Mediterranean Grill
This is from Adam and Jalal Chanaa, the brothers who opened Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill in Dallas 20 years ago. Reviews have been raving, especially for the hummus, tabbouleh and for that Middle Eastern staple, falafel. Meat and poultry are all natural.
2973 Crockett St.
817.744.7485
terramedgrill.com
Chadra Mezza and Grill
1622 Park Place Ave.
817.926.3992
chadramezza.com
Hedary's Mediterranean Restaurant
6323 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.6961
hedarys.com
Kincaid's Hamburgers
For many burger fans in and around Fort Worth, there simply is no substitute for this grocery store turned hamburger stand. The market opened in 1946, and the first hamburgers came off the grill in 1964, and life changed for legions of Fort Worthians. There are other locations, but you owe yourself at least one visit to the original site.
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2881
Multiple locations
kincaidshamburgers.com
Rodeo Goat
2836 Bledsoe St.
817.877.4628
rodeogoat.com
Dutch's Legendary Hamburgers
3009 S. University Drive
817.927.5522
dutchshamburgers.com
Revolver Taco Lounge
This is Mexican food the way mama cooked it. Literally. The menu offers dishes that harken to interior small-town Mexico rather than the Tex-Mex fare more common around these parts. It is a family-run place with family recipes, and that's how they treat you.
2822 W. 7th St
817.820.0122
revolvertacolounge.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
6125 SW Loop 820
817.423.3124
www.riomambo.com
Salsa Fuego
3520 Alta Mere
817.560.7888
salsafuegofw.net
Mama's Pizza
Pizza stands come and go, but Mama's remains unchanged. And that's a good thing. That dedication to its heritage has made it a favorite in town since it opened in 1968. But Mama's is willing to try new things. Recently added … Chicken Wings in BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, Hot and Mild.
1813 W. Berry St.
817.923.3541
Multiple Locations
mamaspizzas.net
Campisi's
6150 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.916.4561
campisis.us
Original Mexican Eats Café
4713 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.6226
originalmexicaneatscafe.com
Piola Restaurant and Garden
Some places are easy to overlook, even if you drive past them every day. This restaurant in an eight decade-old house in Fort Worth's Cultural District is one of them. It's an Italian experience coupled with charm and an outdoor garden. Try Grandma's lasagna with beef, onions, Ricotta, Mozzarella and tomato sauce.
3700 Mattison Ave.
817.989.0007
fwpiola.com
Lanny's Alta Cocina
3405 W. 7th St.
817.850.9996
lannyskitchen.com
Ruth's Chris Steak House
813 Main St.
817.348.0080
ruthschris.com
Bistro Louise Catering
From seated dinners in your home to large receptions, Louise Lamensdorf has been feeding Fort Worth for years with cuisine influenced by her cooking studies in France, Italy and Spain. Want to know how she does it? Take one of her classes.
817.291.2734
bistrolouise.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Z's Café & Catering
1116 Pennsylvania Ave.
817.348.9000
zscafe.com
Waters
First thing you need to know about this new place is that it is by native Chef Jon Bonnell of Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine. There are numerous daily specials and a raw bar around the main dining room with a large selection of fresh oysters, clams, shrimp and crab. But if you have to have red meat, there's a ribeye and a porterhouse. And the vegetarians are covered as well, including fried cactus.
2901 Crockett St. •817.984.1110
waterstexas.com
Brewed
801 W. Magnolia Ave. •817.945.1545
brewedfw.com
Campisi's
6150 Camp Bowie Blvd. •817.916.4561
campisis.us
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
There are other items on the menu, of course, like great desserts, but the reason to visit these restaurants is right there in the name. The food is served in family-friendly settings, just like Grandma's house, only larger.
230 N. Center St., Arlington •817.801.0300
120 S. Main St., Burleson •817.447.3400
114 West Pearl St., Granbury •817.573.9777
104 North Oak St., Roanoke •817.491.2900
Other locations
babeschicken.com
The Wild Mushroom Steak Houseand Lounge
917 Martin Drive, Weatherford
1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Tokyo Café
This is a consistent favorite for many reasons - including the Tok Fries - fresh cut potato fries seasoned with Japanese spices with chili mayo dipping. The food is fresh, beautifully prepared and tasty.
5121 Pershing Ave.
817.737.8568
tokyocafefw.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Kincaid's Hamburgers
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2881
Multiple locations
kincaidshamburgers.com
The Lunch Box
Maybe we should retire this category. Readers make it the winner year after year. They've been going here for chicken salad since the restaurant that became The Lunch Box opened in 1974.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
McKinley's Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Blue Bonnet Bakery
4705 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.4233
bluebonnetbakery.com
Brewed
More and more places around Cowtown are offering outdoor dining, and none more aggressively than the places along Magnolia Avenue. The patio behind Brewed is sure to be a hit with fans of this coffee house, pub and eatery.
801 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.945.1545
brewedfw.com
Fort Worth Food Park
2509 Weisenberger St.
817.862.7289
fwfoodpark.com
The Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Drive
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Central Market
We could make this complicated, but the bottom line is that if you want it, Central Market is likely to have it. Look for the cheese orphans - little samples of cheese that are left over after the original wheels were cut for display and sales. It's a great way to sample exotic cheeses at a bargain price.
4651 W. Freeway
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
Magnolia Cheese Co.
1251 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.945.2221
magnoliacheese.com
Mellow Mushroom
The three Tarrant County sites are among the few Mellow Mushroom locations in the western United States. The company brags that hippies and freethinkers in suits lead it and bring a collection of traditional and unusual pizzas to the table. You got that right. And there's a gluten-free menu.
3455 Blue Bonnet Circle, Fort Worth
817.207.9677
200 N. Center St., Arlington •817.274.7173
2820 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.749.1111
mellowmushroom.com
Mama's Pizza
1813 W. Berry St. •817.923.3541
Multiple Locations
mamaspizzas.net
Fireside Pies
2949 Crockett St. •817.769.3590
firesidepies.com
Szechuan
This long-time Fort Worth favorite is true to its name, with plenty of options for those who like their food a little less hot. Among the sides, don't miss the green beans.
4750 Bryant Irvin Road
817.346.6111
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
400 Throckmorton
817.840.2450
pfchangs.com
China Jade
5274 S. Hulen St.
817.292.1611
chinajadefw.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
It's only one of the most famous restaurants around, and you'll want to show it off when you take people to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District or just as an event on its own. But remember, credit cards are not accepted. You wouldn't want to have to borrow money from your guests. (There is an ATM available if you forget.)
2201 N. Commerce St. •817.626.4356
joets.com
Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Drive •817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St. •817.336.1009
reata.net
Uncle Julio's
Go for the chips; stay for the rest of the menu. Don't overlook the Swirl, a frozen drink of layered margarita and homemade sangria.
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.377.2777
1301 William D. Tate Ave., Grapevine
817.416.8416
unclejulios.com
Gloria's
2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 175
817.332.8800
gloriasrestaurants.com
El Asadero
1535 N. Main St.
817.626.3399
elasadero.com
The Capital Grille
The food is the draw, but so is the people-watching. With a portrait of Amon Carter on display, the natural assumption is that deals are made around the tables. No real way to know that unless someone talks, but who cares when there is a Porcini Rubbed Delmonico Steak with 12-Year Aged Balsamic available?
800 Main St.
817.348.9200
thecapitalgrille.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Cat City Grill
1208 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.916.5333
catcitygrill.com
Blue Bonnet Bakery
This place is Old Fort Worth. It's been around since 1934 and is a favorite through the generations. You can have breakfast or lunch at Blue Bonnet, but if you leave without a cookie, you've missed one of Fort Worth's best treats. If Cookie Monster lived in Cowtown, this is where he would hang out.
4705 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.4233
bluebonnetbakery.com
Sweet Sammies
825 Currie St.
817.332.0022
sweetsammies.com
Black Rooster Bakery
2430 Forest Park
817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
Ray's Steak and Seafood
The menu is Italian-influenced, extensive and excellent, and you can dine to live piano music Monday through Saturday evenings. We know people who eat there almost nightly.
3206 Winthrop Ave.
817.732.1614
rayssteakhouse.com
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipsomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Buttons Restaurant
4701 W. Fwy, #100
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
J. Rae's
It's tempting to buy cupcakes here and pass them off as your own. But the beautiful decorations will give you away. So just admit it, and enjoy from the wide selection of flavors. Did we mention German Chocolate?
935 Foch St.
817.332.0090
jraes.com
Ultimate Cupcake
3316 Fort Worth Highway, Hudson Oaks
817.596.9090
ultimatecupcake.com
Cupcake Cottage
5015 El Campo Ave.
817.732.5670
thecupcakecottage.com
Texas de Brazil Restaurant
There are salad bars, and then there are SALAD BARS. The one at this place is amazing. But if you are also planning to eat the meat, which is the focus of this place, remember what your momma told you: Don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach.
101 N. Houston St.
817.882.9500
texasdebrazil.com/ftworth
Ellerbe Fine Foods
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
McKinley's Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Carshon's
You don't have to be Jewish to eat here, but it is the only kosher-style deli in Fort Worth, and it's been around since immigrant David Carshon established it in 1928. Consider the Rachel - corned beef and turkey, melted Swiss, coleslaw and Russian dressing on rye - or the Rebecca - pastrami, cream cheese and smoked turkey with Russian dressing on egg bread. Or anything else on the menu.
3133 Cleburne Road
817.923.1907
carshonsdeli.com
Roy Pope Grocery
2300 Merrick St.
817.732.2863
roypopegrocery.com
The Great Outdoors Sub Shop
3204 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.877.4400
greatoutdoorsubs.com
Weinberger's Deli
If you think this place has a little flavor of Chicago, you would be right. The family started in Chicago in 1952 and opened a full-fledged deli in Grapevine in 2002. The choices are extensive, and if you crave some combination that's not on the menu, they'll make it right up for you.
601 S. Main St., Grapevine
817.416.5577
3 Village Circle, Ste. 115, Westlake
817.491.9119
Carshon's Deli
3133 Cleburne Road
817.923.1907
carshonsdeli.com
The Black Rooster Bakery
2430 Forest Park Blvd.
817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge
The wide selections of desserts are house-made, and while cheesecake is the signature, there are plenty of other options - if you have left room for them.
1917 Martin Drive, Weatherford
1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
2406 N. Main St.
817.740.8810
lonesomedovebistro.com
Piranha Killer Sushi
The Fort Worth Downtown location is popular at all hours and open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Pirahna's is known for martinis and sushi, making it a great meeting spot before or after the theatre. Or before or after virtually anything.
335 W. 3rd St. •817.348.0200
859 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
817.261.1636
309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 149, Arlington
817.465.6455
piranhakillersushi.com
Shinjuku Station
711 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.923.2695
shinjuku-station.com
Sushi Axiom
4265 Donnelly Ave. •817.735.9100
2600 W. 7th St. •817.877.3331
12650 S. Freeway, Burleson •817.295.9559
sushiaxiom.net
Montgomery Street Café
Nothing pretentious about this place - just good food and friendly staff. It's a popular breakfast place among locals in the know. Take a step back in time to the diners of yesteryear.
2000 Montgomery St.
817.731.8033
Paris Coffee Shop
704 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.335.2041
pariscoffeeshop.net
Spiral Diner
1314 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.8834
spiraldiner.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Eddie V's brags that it picks the best seafood from the best fisheries and then hand-selects each fish. There are also center-cut steaks aged 28 days for the non-fish eaters. You might start in the V Lounge during happy hour for a drink and some appetizers - and the jazz and blues music.
3100 W. 7th St. •817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Truluck's Seafood, Steak, & Crab House Restaurant
1420 Plaza Place, Southlake •817.912.0500
trulucks.com
Daddy Jack's New England Lobster and Chowder House
353 Throckmorton St. •817.332.2477
daddyjacks.org
Clearfork Food Park
Come for the view of the Clearfork of the Trinity River; stay for the wide variety of food from the trucks that gather here. Check the website for the schedule of trucks and events.
1541 Merrimac Circle
clearforkfoodpark.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
multiple locations
babeschicken.com
Grace
Service can make all the difference in an elegant evening on the town. At Grace, that's never an issue.
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Chef Molly McCook focuses on menu items prepared with produce, dairy and meats from local partner farmers. The restaurant also features a market offering items from nearby craftsmen as well as elsewhere.
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
The Classic Café
504 N. Oak St., Roanoke
817.430.8185
theclassiccafe.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Buttons
Chicken & Waffles. Can't get more Southern than that, especially when you throw in the sweet potato fries and collard greens.
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Brownstone
840 Currie St.
817.332.1555
brownstonefw.com
Drew's Place
5701 Curzon Ave.
817.735.4408
drewssoulfood.com
Fred's Texas Café
For all the same reasons you might want to visit the local legend café, you'll also want to keep an eye out for the food truck. Think of it as a modern-day chuck wagon.
915 Currie St.
817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Salsa Limon
salsalimon.com
Taco Heads
tacoheads.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
To be selected by the readers in this category is no small achievement in a city that beef built, and where over the best steak can almost come to blows. Del Frisco's beat them all. New this year is a 38-seat second-level covered New Orleans-style balcony.
812 Main St. •817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
J.R.'s Steakhouse
5400 Highway 121, Colleyville •817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
Ruth's Chris Steak House
813 Main St. •817.348.0080
ruthschris.com/Steak-House/20773/Fort-Worth
Cacharel
Both the food and the view from this Arlington restaurant are excellent. But if the word "French" puts you off a little, consider the offerings from the grill - or the separate steak menu.
2221 E. Lamar Blvd., 9th Floor, Arlington
817.640.9981
cacharel.net
La Madeleine
6140 Camp Bowie Blvd. •817.654.0471
4626 SW Loop 820
4201 South Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington
817.417.5100
lamadeleine.com
Saint-Emilion
3617 W. 7th St. •817.737.2781
saint-emilionrestaurant.com
J.R.'s Steakhouse
This dish is not on the menu, but the servers will offer it at the start of the meal. If they don't, you should remind them that it is available.
5400 Highway 121, Colleyville
817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
The Wild Mushroom
1917 Martin Drive, Weatherford
817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Ray's Prime Steak & Seafood
3206 Winthrop Ave.
817.732.1614
rayssteakhouse.com
Lili's Bistro
Whatever else you order here, add or split an order of the Gorgonzola fries. They are specially seasoned waffle fries topped with Gorgonzola cheese crumbles, green onions and cracked black pepper.
1310 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.877.0700
lilisbistro.com
Tillman's Roadhouse
2933 Crockett St.
817.850.9255
tillmansroadhouse.com
Tokyo Café
5121 Pershing Ave.
817.737.8568
tokyocafe.fw.com
Fire Oak Grill
This is a fancy-cooking place with a hard Texas twist, serving dishes like House Smoked Molasses Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Chipotle Cream Cheese & Shrimp,
Chicken and Apple Stuffed Texas Quail with Herbed Wild Rice and Blackberry Mole and Espresso Crusted Beef Tenderloin Served with Five Cheese Mac, Winter Vegetable Melange with Spiced Butter and Red Wine Demi Glace.
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road •817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St. •817.336.1009
reata.net
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
We count 13 on the menu, all in regular or grande. Just a couple of examples:
The Iguana (margarita and house-made sangria swirl); the Horned Frog (margarita, raspberry liqueur and lime juice) and the Attitude Adjustment (a blend of mango puree and sangria). If you go grande, you might consider designating a driver.
6125 SW Loop 820 •817.423.3124
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Mi Cocina Restaurant
509 Main St. •817.877.3600
4601 W. Freeway •817.569.1444
micocinarestaurants.com
Rodeo Goat
2836 Bledsoe St.
817.877.4628
rodeogoat.com
Thai Chili
The menu is extensive with Thai curries, noodle and rice dishes and house specialties, offered with a choice of chicken, pork, seafood, tofu or vegetables. The objective: Creating an authentic, intricate and harmonious presentation of taste and flavor. Objective met.
215 Grand Ave., Southlake
817.251-6674
thaichilitownsquare.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
Yogurtland
The flavors come from real ingredients sourced from their original locations, such as Madagascar vanilla beans from Madagascar and Belgian chocolate from Belgium. 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
1251 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.310.6390
yogurt-land.com
Menchie's
1620 S. University Drive, Ste. A200
817.332.9866
menchies.com
Yogolait
3250 Hulen St.•817.732.3366
yogolait.com
Pho Little Saigon
There are many choices for lovers of Vietnamese food in Fort Worth, Arlington and Northeast Tarrant County, but this small West Fort Worth place is a consistent favorite with readers. And staff, we might add.
1712 Mall Circle near Ridgmar Mall
817.738.0040
pholittlesaigonfw.com
My Lan
4015 E. Belknap St.
Haltom City
817.222.1471
mylanrestaurant.net
Swiss Pastry Shop
"Diet" is a four-letter word and has no meaning at this Old Fort Worth establishment, first opened in 1973. It's open for breakfast and lunch, but it wins this category for its hand-made desserts like Napoleons, Chocolate Meringue pie, Pecan pie, cookies and - the famous item - Black Forest Cake.
3936 W. Vickery Blvd.
817.732.5661
swisspastryonline.com
The Cupcake Cottage
5015 El Campo Ave.
817.732.5670
thecupcakecottage.com
Sweet Sammies
825 Currie St.
817.332.0022
sweetsammies.com
Bob's Steak and Chop House, Omni Fort Worth
There is strong competition every year in this category, but our readers think the mix of prime meats and the depth of the wine list make this restaurant the winner in 2013.
1300 Houston St.
817.350.4100
bobs-steakandchop.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
J.R.'s Steakhouse
5400 Highway 121, Colleyville
817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
Pop's Safari Cigars, Wine and Bistro
Let's look at the check list:
Alcohol in various forms
Food
Animal heads on the wall
Walk-in humidor
What else is there?
2929 Morton St.
817.334.0559
popssafari.com
Olenjack's Grille
770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100, Arlington
817.226.2600
olenjacksgrille.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
WingStop
It all started in Garland in 1994 and has now spread to more than 500 stores in more than 30 states. Service is fast, and they'll mix and match the seasonings to your heart's desire. Our favorite is lemon pepper, but there are plenty of other choices as well.
Multiple locations
wingstop.com
Buffalo Bros
3015 S. University Drive
817.386.9601
buffalobrostexas.com
Buffalo West
7101 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2370
buffalowestfw.com