True Texan Cuisine to Savor in Fort Worth

Reading Time: 4 minutes

As the 12^th largest city in the U.S., Fort Worth, Texas, is larger-than-life in more than just its geographical size. Considered “the most typically Texan of all Texas cities,” Fort Worth is home to more than 900,000 people and offers a distinctly southern slice of life teeming with attractions. (1)

The food scene has benefitted greatly from Fort Worth’s considerable growth. You can find mouthwatering cuisine across the metropolis, from the downtown 37-block Sundance Square to the cultural district with its five museums. There is a solid roster of dining options at your disposal in this vibrant city.

While this is not an exhaustive list of the best places to dine, it does feature a variety of gems that will make your taste buds say, “ace-high!”

BONNELL’S FINE TEXAS CUISINE

If you are seeking the perfect fusion of Southwestern, Mexican, and Creole culinary influences, then Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine should be on your bucket list. This farm-to-table fine dining destination sources food like wagyu beef, quail, wild boar, oysters, produce, and fresh herbs from local farmers and ranchers. This makes dining here an elevated yet authentically Texan experience.

There are entrées like pork porterhouse for those who enjoy meat, as well as vegetarian-friendly items like stuffed poblano. Keep in mind that since Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine operates on a farm-to-table model, the menu does change seasonally.

PROVENDER HALL

Why not feast on American comfort food during your visit to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards? Provender Hall is equally well known for its impressive wine selection and savor-worthy southern fare that includes cheddar cheese grits, chicken gumbo, skillet cornbread, fried green tomatoes, and slow-smoked beef rib.

The ambiance is notable, as well, incorporating the J&R wood-burning grill and the open kitchen’s J&R smoker. Diners find themselves in a two-story lofted space that features a greenhouse-style entrance. Provender Hall truly has all its bases covered.

FUNKY PICNIC BREWERY & CAFÉ

For a laid-back setting and specialty beer, check out Funky Picnic Brewery & Café. The restaurant owners believe in balancing classic beer taste profiles with more unique creations. This wide selection means there is something at the brewery for virtually any taste. Since the lineup of beers rotates constantly, you can always find something new and interesting to try.

And you do not have to worry if all that beer tasting makes you hungry because Funky Picnic Brewery & Café also serves food. The full kitchen whips up items like artisan sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts daily.

PANTHER CITY BBQ

Featured in Texas Monthly’s 2021 Top 10 barbecue list and widely acclaimed throughout Fort Worth, Panther City BBQ ranks among the best BBQ spots in the city. The tender brisket, ribs, pork, chicken, and sausage are cooked onsite in the restaurant’s smoker over 100% post-oak wood.

If you want to immerse yourself in a true BBQ lover’s experience, consider indulging in BBQ University offered at Panter City BBQ. During the four-hour BBQ course, you will learn about tricks of the trade, including meat and wood selection, fire management, and best practices for trimming and seasoning meat.

MARIACHI’S DINE-IN

Passing up the opportunity to try authentic Mexican food in Texas would be a big mistake. This is especially true when the restaurant offers vegan fare, as well ─ letting everyone in on the flavorful fun. The vegan menu is extensive and includes a mariachi plate, torta sandwich, enchilada plate, cumbia fries and even a pineapple burrito.

Mariachi’s Dine-In menu serves its own version of Birria tacos, a recent taco craze that Fort Worth has embraced fully. Consommé-dipped corn tortillas are stuffed with shredded beef, which is topped with a melted blend of house cheeses. This dish comes with a cup of consommé, a tasty broth in which you can dunk your tacos.

PROPER

Widely considered the unofficial-official cocktail of Fort Worth, knocking back a well-made margarita during your visit is highly recommended by locals. Proper is known for mixing some of the best cocktails in the city, with the margarita ranking as one of their most loved drinks. For those with more sophisticated tastes, the menu also includes a Manhattan and a Moscow Mule among its offerings.

The charming setting itself is worth a visit. Proper was designed to resemble an under-the-radar speakeasy and has the exclusive-yet-approachable vibe of one. If you prefer to drink outside, you can do so on the quaint patio.

SWISS PASTRY SHOP

Having a delicious breakfast or lunch is a safe bet at Swiss Pastry Shop, which is well-regarded for its cakes, pastries, and cookies, as well as its bread and burgers. If you are a chocolate fiend, make sure you try their black forest cake, which is one of the bakery’s most popular desserts. You will be sweet on the 1940s style of Swiss Pastry Shop, which is chock full of charm.

BLUE BONNET BAKERY

While this bakery is inconspicuously located in the historic Arlington Heights Presbyterian Church, its desserts are celebrated throughout Fort Worth. The family-owned Blue Bonnet Bakery is known for creating stunning wedding cakes, but it also serves sweet treats such as petit fours, double fudge cake, hand-cut cookies, and homemade donuts.

And if you want something savory to eat for lunch, you can find fare like a pimento cheese sandwich made with homemade cheese, a ham and Swiss sandwich piled high with Boards Head black forest ham, and veggie options for those who do not eat meat.

EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS…

Including the food and drink options in Fort Worth. This bustling metropolis might lean distinctly southern in some aspects, but its food scene has something for everyone. Whether you want a down-home feel, an elegant dining experience, or you have an insatiable sweet tooth, you will find a restaurant, bakery, or brewery that meets your needs.

Think your attendees will enjoy authentic Fort Worth cuisine? Contact Gavel International for more information about group travel incentives and corporate meeting planning in Fort Worth, Texas.

_______________________

SOURCE:

1 https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/about

Author
Recent Posts

Jim Bozzelli

With over 34 years of experience, Jim is fluent in the ins and outs of the meeting and event world. His tenacity and creativity as a strategist have ensured that incentive programs and corporate meetings are highly polished while simultaneously achieving big-picture goals and objectives. Before focusing exclusively on corporate events and incentive programs, he enjoyed over 10 years of success managing and directing national and international sales. During this time, he worked closely with hotels and convention bureaus. His expertise was recognized with rapid promotions along the way. Over 18 years ago he joined the Gavel International team where he works tirelessly with clients to make their events shine by analyzing data, setting goals, negotiating contracts, as well as setting and managing budgets. He is currently the Vice President of Gavel International.