There’s something about Fort Worth — the way the city hums on game days, the chatter of families filing into favorite local spots, the deep-rooted pride in every neighborhood corner. Rex Benson knows that feeling all too well. He grew up with it, serving pancakes and memories at Ol' South Pancake House, the family institution his father built in 1962. But now, he's chasing a new kind of energy — a place where families and sports fans collide, where comfort food meets high-energy game nights. Enter Rex’s Bar and Grill.
Located at 1505 S. University Dr., in the former Romano's Macaroni Grill space next door to Ol' South, Rex’s officially swung open its doors on January 14. And just like that, Fort Worth gained more than just another sports bar — it gained a new family-friendly, go-to hangout spot.
"We're not just serving food — we're serving memories," Benson says during a quick tour of the newly opened digs. That philosophy echoes through every corner of Rex’s. Walk in, and you can picture a night out with friends, the distant cheer from a touchdown replayed on a massive 17x10-foot LED screen, and the savory scent of high-end comfort food hitting the grill.
This is comfort food, but with a wink. Chicken fried steak served with mashed potatoes and green beans, tomahawk-style pork chops paired with Brussels sprouts and mac & cheese, and slow-braised short ribs so tender they practically sigh onto your plate. Even the seafood sings — salmon plated with broccolini charred just right.
But it’s the Rex's Burger that makes you stop in your tracks. Two thick, juicy patties, cheddar dripping over thick-cut bacon, crowned with a fried egg — a burger that doesn’t just satisfy but celebrates. Add crispy fries and house-made pickles, and you’re home.
Dessert? Absolutely. A towering four-layer chocolate cake dares you to finish it, while praline-drizzled cheesecake whispers sweet nothings.
The space itself tells its own story — 7,200 square feet of thoughtfully designed comfort. Inside, 191 seats cradle guests under the glow of massive TVs. Step outside to the patio, and it's another world: space for a live music stage, heaters, misters, and room for 185 guests. Kids can dive into games of cornhole on the family-friendly turf while parents sip craft cocktails, laughter blending with the distant strum of a guitar.
"So our patio is going to be the spot," Benson shares. "This is where you'll want to be for the big game."
But Rex's isn’t just about watching the game — it’s about being part of something bigger. VIP spirit lockers offer a touch of exclusivity tucked away inside of a private event room with custom lighting and sound. A spot that could be perfect for celebrations or business deals.
Reflecting on the journey, Benson recalls, "I’d pass by the old Macaroni Grill and think, 'That space is just waiting.' And now, here we are. We wanted to create something more than a sports bar — a place where people can gather, relax, and celebrate."
