Crystal Wise
Since the layover from the hot North Texas summers seems to push in quickly during the spring season prematurely, patio season in Fort Worth really gets into full swing in September. For almost one glorious month, locals can enjoy the cool temperatures of the outdoors before the leaves change color and Old Man Winter comes blowing in. So, to take full advantage of the lower temps, we’ve compiled a list of 10 local patios we think would be the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air before we all have to prime our heaters and put on jackets.
This Best Of winner offers patio dining, handcrafted drinks, and live music, which are all ingredients for a good time. Plus, Maggie’s patio is roomy with plenty of space for large parties. Known primarily for its unique outdoor atmosphere, Maggie’s has a great view of Magnolia Ave. Order a delicious comfort dish from Maggie’s scratch kitchen while washing it all down with a craft cocktail or a cold beer.
1264 W. Magnolia Ave. | 682.255.5442
Branch&Bird Bar
Branch&Bird Bar
Located on the Sky Lobby Level of Frost Tower Fort Worth, the Branch & Bird offers its guests some of the best views of the city anywhere. Branch & Bird also offers two top-notch beverage programs, one for coffee and the other for cocktails. This high-end spot boasts an array of menu options that are regionally sourced with seasonal ingredients from small artisan farmers and ranchers.
640 Taylor St., Sky Lobby Level | 682.785.8888
Right off the trailhead of the Clearfork River, the Press Cafe’s patio offers an almost park-like ambiance filled with full grown trees that offer some much-needed shade and plenty of room for fun family-friendly activities. Since 2015, the Press Cafe has made a name for itself with its mouth-watering appetizers, artisanal salads, cafe specialties, and award-winning burgers and sandwiches. The Press Cafe also has a full bar along with a carefully selected wine list. Stop by early for breakfast or lunch.
4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Ste. 105 | 817.570.6002
Since 2013, The Bearded Lady has been one of South Main’s most-beloved watering holes. This low-key gastropub offers guests gourmet pub fare as well as an assortment of cocktails, wine and a rotation of beers, both local and national. The outdoor patio at The Bearded Lady is dog-friendly with plenty of room for large get-togethers. If you’re lucky, you just might catch some live music playing on the weekends. Also, The Bearded Lady’s walls are filled with unique artwork perfect for selfies and group pics.
300 S. Main St. | 817.349.9832
This locally owned and operated Latin-inspired spot is all about its upstairs lounge, Escondite, which is Spanish for “hideaway.” Guests can take in views of Downtown Fort Worth while sipping a craft cocktail with a Latin twist. Tinie’s also has the eats, which includes the likes of rotisserie chicken, achiote roasted pork, and Veracruz-style whole fish. The family-dining atmosphere here is ripe with tradition and great views.
113 S. Main St. | 682.255.5425
Joe T. Garcia's
One of the oldest entries on our list, Joe T. Garcia’s, boasts one of Fort Worth’s most iconic outdoor spaces. What started out as a small patio garden has become a lush paradise filled with fountains and scratch-made food. Joe T.’s also serves one of Fort Worth’s strongest and best tasting Margaritas. But don’t take our word for it, just ask any of the A-list celebrities who have graced its canopies. Everyone from the late Michael Jackson to Sir Paul McCartney has been seen enjoying the ambiance at this famous Cowtown eatery.
2201 N. Commerce St. | 817.626.4356
Inspired by Barcelona, Spain’s vibrant bar culture, Atico is a rooftop tapas bar that boasts a view of the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards like no other. Located atop the SpringHill Suites near Exchange Avenue, Atico offers a Spanish-influenced menu featuring shareable plates, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive selection of wines. Another Tim Love creation, Atico is designed with old Spanish mission-styled arches to give it a classic look while also balancing modern elements of design. From themed parties to high-end dinners, Atico has the style and atmosphere that make up a great patio.
2315 N. Main St. | 682.255.5112
Named after its San Miguel de Allende counterpart, which ranked as the “No.1 rooftop in the World” in 2020, Quince’s Fort Worth locale is right on brand. Located near the Trinity River, Quince is an upscale casual dining spot that offers fare inspired by the travels of its team of chefs. Guests can enjoy a plate of panko crusted Chilean sea bass, or a 9 oz. Filet mignon “Au Poivre.” Quince also offers a comprehensive wine and spirits program, as well as a patio equipped with an outdoor fan system, which helps control the temp on really hot days.
1701 River Run, Ste. 181 | 682.385.9073
Nestled in the Foundry, this craft brewery pours some of the finest beers in Fort Worth on a family-friendly spread where the likes of corn hole and other yard games are played. But such a patio wouldn't be complete without some grub. As luck would have it, Maple Branch has a kitchen that pairs their delicious brews with an equally delectable food menu that includes a wagyu brisket sandwich, wood-fired pizzas, and charcuterie boards.
2628 Whitmore St. | 817.862.7007
Open early for breakfast, even on the weekends, The Woodshed Smokehouse is chef Tim Love’s homage to all things grilled, roasted, and slow-cooked. And Woodshed’s outdoor patio/deck reflects that very notion. Picnic tables line up on a wooden deck surrounded by smokers, trees and a view of the Trinity Trails. Dedicated to the woods of Texas, the Woodshed Smokehouse is all about blending traditional pit-smoked meats with innovative dishes. Get your grub on while enjoying the outdoor atmosphere of an outdoor BBQ without the prep and cleanup that go along with one.
3201 Riverfront Drive | 817.877.4545
