Cocktail bar$$magnolia-avenueMon 18:00-24:00, Tue-Wed 16:00-24:00, Thu-Sat 16:00-02:00, Sun 18:00-24:00
The Usual is a cocktail bar on Fort Worth Magnolia Avenue with a rotating menu of well-made classics and signature drinks in a relaxed neighbourhood setting.
Order: The house negroni; the seasonal sour with local citrus.
Tip: The small bar fills quickly on Thursday nights. Weekday visits from 16:00 to 19:00 are the quietest window for conversation.
Cocktail bar$$magnolia-avenueSun-Mon 16:00-23:00, Tue Closed, Wed 16:00-23:00, Thu-Sat 16:00-24:00
Proper on Fort Worth Magnolia Avenue has poured expertly crafted classic and signature cocktails since 2014 in a casual, welcoming neighbourhood lounge.
Order: The Paper Plane; whichever seasonal signature is on the chalkboard.
Tip: Happy hour runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday to Friday from 16:00 to 19:00. Closed Tuesdays.
Brewery$$south-mainMon Closed, Tue-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
The Bearded Lady in Fort Worth South Main is a dog-friendly gastropub with a large covered patio, rotating Texas craft taps, and a solid pub food menu.
Order: One of the rotating local Texas taps; the smash burger with fries.
Tip: The large patio is a great afternoon spot. Closed Mondays year-round.
Cocktail bar$$$downtownMon-Thu 17:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00
Wicked Butcher at Fort Worth Sinclair Hotel pairs a polished lobby bar with an upscale American dining room, drawing professionals for cocktails and steaks.
Order: The smoked old fashioned; the craft gin and tonic with house bitters.
Tip: The bar lobby is open from early morning for coffee service. Evening cocktail hour tends to draw a post-work crowd from nearby offices.
Cocktail bar$$west-7thMon-Thu 11:00-24:00, Fri 11:00-01:00, Sat 10:00-01:00, Sun 10:00-24:00
The Social House in Fort Worth West 7th serves upscale-casual American food alongside a full bar, popular for weekend brunch and late-night cocktails.
Order: The smoked margarita; the craft cocktail of the week at the main bar.
Tip: Brunch on Saturday and Sunday starts at 10:00 and fills quickly. Parking in the West 7th garage is free for a few hours with validation.
Cocktail bar$$stockyardsMon-Thu 18:30-23:00, Fri-Sun 18:00-23:00
Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth pairs first-run films on four screens with a canteen bar, food trucks, and live music on weekend evenings under the open sky.
Order: Frazil frozen drink; the wagyu sliders from the canteen menu.
Tip: Gates open at 18:30 on weeknights and 18:00 on weekends. Arrive early to get the best screen-front spot and grab food before showtime.