Texas Bbq$$stockyardsSun-Thu 11:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00
Riscky's Barbecue in Fort Worth has slow-cooked authentic Texas ribs at its historic Stockyards Exchange Ave location, a neighbourhood staple for decades.
Order: Pork spare ribs, smoked sausage, sliced brisket, peach cobbler.
Tip: Sit on the covered porch to watch the nightly cattle drive at 16:00 and 18:00 on Exchange Ave while eating.
Steakhouse$$$stockyardsSat-Sun 09:00-12:00, Mon-Sun 11:00-16:00, Mon-Thu 16:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 16:00-23:00, Sun 16:00-22:00
H3 Ranch at the Fort Worth Stockyards Hotel is a classic Western steakhouse on Exchange Ave serving prime beef in a handsome lodge-style dining room.
Order: USDA prime ribeye, smoked brisket entree, pecan pie.
Tip: Weekend breakfast at the hotel dining room runs 09:00-12:00 and is the quietest way to enjoy the atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Texas Bbq$cultural-districtMon-Sat 11:00-21:00
Railhead Smokehouse on Montgomery St in Fort Worth is a no-frills neighbourhood BBQ spot with reliably smoky brisket, ribs, and hearty sides at low prices.
Order: Sliced brisket sandwich, baby back ribs, baked jalapeño cheese grits.
Tip: The line moves fast. Closed Sundays. Arrive before 12:30 on weekdays to beat the office lunch rush and guarantee a full menu.
Mexican$stockyardsMon-Sun 06:30-19:00
Esperanza's on N Main St in Fort Worth is a family-run Mexican bakery-cafe serving fresh house-baked pan dulce and breakfast tacos from 06:30 every day.
Order: Huevos rancheros, pan dulce from the in-house bakery, breakfast tacos with chorizo.
Tip: Fresh pan dulce comes out from 06:30. Arrive early for the widest sweet-bread selection. Breakfast tacos sell fast on weekday mornings.
Burgers$stockyardsMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
Love Shack by Tim Love in Fort Worth is a Stockyards counter-service burger stand on Exchange Ave serving the celebrated Dirty Love Burger since 2009.
Order: Dirty Love Burger, hand-cut fries, root beer on tap.
Tip: Counter service only. The root beer on tap is brewed in-house. Tables on the outdoor deck fill fast during the evening cattle drive hours.
American$$west-7thMon-Fri 08:00-21:00, Sat 09:00-21:00, Sun 09:00-15:00
Righteous Foods on W 7th St in Fort Worth is a clean-eating all-day cafe near the Cultural District serving wholesome grain bowls and avocado toast.
Order: Grain bowls, avocado toast with farm egg, house-pressed cold juices.
Tip: Sunday brunch ends at 15:00 and fills quickly. The grain bowls are fully customisable and a favourite with the museum district crowd.