Stephen Montoya
Monika and Jimmy Morton, Jenette Carrillo, Jessica and Rocky Martin.
The way Jimmy and Monika Morton see it, some places just call you back. When they tied the knot at the old Twilight Lounge on Lipscomb Street, they had no idea they'd be coming back, not as newlyweds, but as owners. Yet, here they are, standing in the heart of Morton's Tavern, their new sports bar, in what used to be one of Fort Worth’s most beloved live music venues at 212 Lipscomb St. Gone are the stage and that iconic curtain — now replaced with towering 100-inch TVs broadcasting the latest games. The back patio, though? Still a hidden gem, only now it connects to a newly minted game room, just a couple of steps away from the bar.
Twilight’s closing left a hole in the neighborhood. Jimmy and Monika had already been sketching out ideas for a bar of their own — something more bar than restaurant, something purely dedicated to sports. When the space became available, it wasn’t just an opportunity; it was destiny.
“We couldn’t let it go to waste,” Monika says. “The bones were too good. Our concept just fit.”
And so, Morton's Tavern was born — not a gimmick, not a theme park of nostalgia, just a place to watch a game, grab a burger, and drink a beer with your friends. Simple. Classic. No distractions.
The Playbook
There are plenty of places in Fort Worth where you can eat while watching a game. But Jimmy and Monika weren’t interested in another hybrid sports restaurant.
“We wanted a place where sports are the focus, but you don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy it,” Jimmy explains. “We’ve got enough TVs to show any game, but it’s still a relaxed tavern vibe. You can bring your dog to the patio, sip a cocktail, or just hang out.”
Inside, the walls aren’t plastered with the latest hot takes in sports. Instead, they’re lined with moments—snapshots of legendary plays from decades past. Some photos date back to the ‘40s and ‘50s, a reminder that while the games change, the love for them doesn’t.
As for the food? It’s built for bar life. Jessica Chavez and Jenette Carrillo, longtime taco aficionados and cofounders of the JesCrave food truck and catering business, bring their signature flavors to the menu, alongside classic tavern staples.
“We’re doing burgers that aren’t those smashed-flat things everyone’s obsessed with right now,” Jessica says. “Big, juicy patties. Real, tavern-style.”
Wings? Check. Fries? Check. Tacos? Absolutely. But Jessica and Jeanette have gone beyond the usual bar staples, making a name for themselves with their bold take on Mexican American street food. Their menu features street tacos packed with asada (thin steak), birria (shredded beef), chicken, guisado (spicy pork), and carnitas, all served in soft corn tortillas. And that’s just the start —JesCrave’s menu also boasts loaded nachos, bacon poppers, tortas, quesadillas, elote, housemade tamales, and hearty bowls of posole.
If Morton's Tavern feels like it was meant to be, that’s because it kind of was. The Twilight Lounge wasn’t just where Jimmy and Monika got married — it was home. Jimmy was one of the original owners, putting in the kind of sweat and late nights that make a place personal.
So when the chance came to revive the space, it wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was about continuing something.
“The landlord here is one of the best guys you could ask for,” Monika says. “When we told him our idea, he said, ‘Just let me know when you’re ready.’ It was one of those moments where everything lined up.”
Fifteen months of dormancy, a few bureaucratic setbacks, and a whirlwind of last-minute prep later, the doors opened.
“We had seven days between getting our TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) license and opening for friends and family,” Monika laughs. “I keep telling myself I can leave for a night, but next thing I know, it’s closing time and I’m still here.”
It’s not just the locals who are happy to see the doors open again. The Near Southside community, from business owners to neighborhood regulars, have rallied around the tavern.
“We told our old crew before we even posted it online,” Jimmy says. “They were chomping at the bit to come back.”
There’s something poetic about all of it. The Twilight Lounge may be gone, but its heartbeat remains — different rhythm, same soul.
