American$$stockyardsMon-Tue 11:00-18:00, Wed-Thu 11:00-24:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00, Sun 12:00-22:00
Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth holds the Guinness record as the world's largest honky-tonk, with 40 bar stations and live bull riding on weekends.
Order: Frozen margarita at the bar; a Shiner Bock by the indoor rodeo arena.
Tip: Arrive before the headlining act sells out on Friday and Saturday nights. The indoor rodeo runs Fri-Sat around 21:00.
Brewery$$downtownMon-Thu 11:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00, Sun 11:00-23:00
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Fort Worth downtown pours over 200 beers on draught and in bottle beneath its famous suspended saucer collection.
Order: The rotating Texas craft tap; the UFO Platter sampler of five beers.
Tip: Happy hour runs Tuesday to Friday 15:00 to 18:00. The back patio catches afternoon shade nicely.
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.