Image courtesy of The Nobleman Hotel
In the heart of Fort Worth’s dynamic Near Southside, something delicious is on the horizon. Set to open its doors in early 2025, Duchess is not just another restaurant — it’s the latest culinary gem nestled inside The Nobleman Hotel, a project that blends history and modern luxury in the revamped No. 5 Fire Station. The restaurant, brought to life by the creative vision of Jeff Blackman of Bedford Lodging, is destined to be a gathering place for locals, visitors, and anyone seeking a true taste of Texas.
A collaboration between Blackman and consultant chef Casey Thompson (of The Mansion Restaurant in Dallas and “Top Chef” fame), Duchess offers an approachable yet elevated New American menu with a Texas twist. Think local ingredients, bold flavors, and dishes designed to make you feel right at home — whether you’re nibbling on a small snack or indulging in a hearty main course.
As you enter Duchess, remnants of its fire station past greet you at every turn, with firemen’s pulley systems and brass fittings paying homage to its rich history. The 56-seat space, designed by Kathy Moran-Clarson of KMC&A Design, exudes warmth and energy, effortlessly transitioning from a cozy interior to a welcoming patio — ideal for outdoor dining or sipping a drink after a busy day.
Image courtesy of The Nobleman Hotel
But let’s talk food. The menu at Duchess is a celebration of Texas’ best — a fusion of familiar flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start with blue crab toasts or tuna tartare, and move on to shareables like crispy chicken croquettes or snapper crudo. The real magic, though, happens with the mains. Picture red snapper paired with clams and butter beans, or local ricotta gnocchi drenched in decadent truffle butter. For those craving comfort, the fried eggplant schnitzel with poblano chimichurri might hit the spot, while steak lovers can indulge in filet, ribeye, or New York strip, each elevated with mouthwatering sauces.
Then there’s the “Bowl of Red” — a dish that might just become your new obsession. Beef boar and beer chili, served in a silver tureen, paired with Fritos or buttered koji rice. It’s as comforting as it sounds.
Of course, no great restaurant is complete without memorable sides. Whether it’s hand-cut fries with tarragon aioli or spinach and black-eyed peas, Duchess delivers comfort with a side of class. And don’t forget the baguettes with pan drippings — because what’s a great meal without the perfect bread to mop it all up?
The brains behind Duchess — Blackman, Thompson, and the rest of the team — did their best to create a space and menu that aren’t just about food, but about creating an experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this culinary destination promises to be an essential part of Fort Worth’s vibrant food scene.
The doors to Duchess are slated to open in early 2025, and with it, a new chapter for the city’s ever-evolving dining scene.
For more details, visit thenoblemanhotel.com.
