The places in Fort Worth the guidebooks miss.
The places in Fort Worth the guidebooks miss. locals-only counters, after-hours rooms and the spots tourists walk past.
Nonna Tata on W Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth is a cash-only Italian dinner spot seating around 25 people with no reservations and a short Northern Italian menu.
Order: Handmade pasta with butter and sage; tiramisu made fresh that afternoon.
Tip: Cash or check only and BYOB; the queue forms outside before 17:30 on Fridays.
Ellerbe Fine Foods on W Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth is a Southern-American restaurant in a converted 1920s filling station with a rotating seasonal menu.
Order: Farm-sourced pork chop with seasonal vegetable; scratch-made biscuit with honey butter.
Tip: The menu changes weekly based on farm sourcing; ask the server what arrived that day.
Clay Pigeon Food and Drink on White Settlement Rd in Fort Worth is a New American restaurant known for seasonal small plates and a curated wine list.
Order: Duck confit with sweet potato and pickled cherry; Texas beef tartare with quail egg.
Tip: The bar programme is as strong as the kitchen; ask the bartender for the seasonal craft cocktail.
Righteous Foods on W 7th St in Fort Worth is an organic cafe serving hemp burgers, plant-forward bowls, and weekend brunch plates near the Cultural District.
Order: Hemp burger with avocado and sprouts; yucca fries with pistachio guacamole.
Tip: The Paleontology Brunch Bowl is a weekend signature; the organic coffee is sourced from a local roaster.
Brewed on W Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth is a coffee and pub cafe with an outdoor fire pit patio, locally sourced organic menu, and craft beer on tap.
Order: Avocado toast on house sourdough with poached egg; cold brew with oat milk.
Tip: The outdoor fire pit area is a prime morning spot; craft beer service starts at 11:00.
La Cabrona on Crockett St in Fort Worth brings Monterrey-inspired modern Mexican food and murals to the West 7th corridor with handmade tortillas.
Order: Handmade tortilla tacos with guisado de puerco; creamy elote topped with cotija.
Tip: The Sunday brunch menu closes at 15:30; the handmade tortillas are pressed and cooked to order.
Thai Select on SW Loop 820 in Fort Worth is a family-run Thai restaurant serving aromatic curries and noodle dishes that have built a loyal following.
Order: Massaman curry with tender beef and roasted peanuts; pad kra prow with crispy basil.
Tip: The Massaman curry deepens in flavour as it slow-cooks; the lunch specials are the best value.
Japanese Palace on Camp Bowie W Blvd in Fort Worth is a teppanyaki restaurant where chefs cook beef, shrimp, and chicken on open hibachi grills.
Order: Hibachi steak and shrimp combo cooked tableside with fried rice and vegetables.
Tip: Share a hibachi table with others at the communal grill for the full teppanyaki experience.
Taqueria Ruby on Terminal Rd in Fort Worth is a hole-in-the-wall taco counter with a loyal following for its trompo pastor and carnitas enchiladas.
Order: Carnitas enchiladas with green tomatillo; trompo pastor taco off the spit.
Tip: The trompo spit runs all day; the green tomatillo adds good heat and is made fresh daily.
Belenty's Love on Blue Bonnet Cir in Fort Worth is a 100-percent plant-based Mexican restaurant crafting vegan birria and enchiladas without compromise.
Order: Vegan birria tacos with plant-based consomme; vegan enchiladas with cashew mole.
Tip: The Sunday closure surprises visitors; plan for Saturday if visiting on a weekend.
Panther City BBQ on E Hattie St in Fort Worth is a Michelin-recommended smokehouse known for brisket mac and cheese and jalapeño honey spareribs.
Order: Brisket mac and cheese; jalapeño honey spareribs with pickles and white bread.
Tip: The bar stays open until midnight Wednesday through Sunday; meats sell out before 15:00 on weekends.