Downtown Fort Worth has grown into one of the most dynamic downtown districts not just in Texas, but in the nation. Just steps from the Convention Center, downtown offers dining options ranging from upscale to casual, entertainment venues, rooftop bars, shopping and art galleries. To really experience Fort Worth, downtown is a district visitors won’t want to miss.
EAT
A watering hole for downtown revelers, Reata Restaurant features a twist on ranch style cuisine. Don’t miss the jalapeno and cheese elk sausage, tenderloin tamales and blackened buffalo rib eye. Be sure to visit the Reata rooftop for views of Sundance Square. GRACE offers a comfortable yet modern setting, spectacular bar and outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy a seasonal cocktail like the pear martini, bacon wrapped dates, oysters and scallops. The sophisticated scene at 61 Osteria is a perfect place to enjoy Italian food with a focus on simple, seasonal ingredients.
For the seafood lover, Waters Restaurant offers southwest flavors with a cajun twist like gumbo, crab-stuffed jalapenos and Oysters Texasfeller. iL Modo is an intimate setting for traditional Italian fare, and Musume is a spectacular Asian fusion restaurant in the lobby of The Sandman Signature Hotel.
3rd Street Market is a café/bakery that offers a new menu every day featuring seasonal ingredients. Picchi Pacchi is a local favorite for massive pizzas, pasta, salads, calzones and sandwiches. Barbecue lovers can choose from Bailey’s Barbecue and the legendary Riscky’s BBQ, serving up BBQ favorites for over 90 years. Hopscotch, a boozy snack bar in Sundance Square, features mixed and frozen drinks, wine, beer, pastries and snacks.
Little Red Wasp Kitchen + Bar offers straightforward food, beer and a full bar. For the brunch-goers, Little Red Wasp offers a special menu on Saturdays and Sundays, and Yolk is a must-try for those looking for creative breakfasts and premium, private-label coffee.
Speaking of coffee, Vaquero Coffee Co., Sons of Liberty and Buon Giorno Coffee are great options for your morning java. And satisfy your sweet tooth at Melt Ice Creams, La’Creamian, FunkyTown Donuts & Drafts or the trendy candy store IT’SUGAR.
ROOFTOP VIEWS
Is there a better way to enjoy downtown views than sipping a cocktail from a rooftop? We didn’t think so. Refinery 714, on the 24th floor of the Kimpton Harper hotel, offers 360-degree views of downtown in a fun, library-like setting. Branch & Bird has dining options both inside and out, events like Wine on the Skyline and live music Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Sinclair Rooftop has great views of downtown and creative cocktails. If you’re visiting in the summer, catch a viewing of a classic movie at Rooftop Cinema Club.
NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife is electric in downtown Fort Worth and the Sundance Square entertainment district. Whether you want a cozy, intimate setting to listen to jazz at Scat Jazz Lounge, or to sit under the Texas stars with live music at Sundance Square Plaza, this district has it all. Catch dueling pianists at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. Tap into your inner bootlegger at speakeasies Thompson’s Bookstore and Curfew. Sip wine or a cocktail at one of the Omni Hotel’s bars, Whiskey & Rye and Wine Thief. Be sure to try some of Fort Worth’s craft breweries like Cowtown Brewing Co. or Flying Saucer Draught Emporium.
Learn about distilling at Acre Distilling Co., the award-winning distillery that offers tours and tastings. Hang out in Hell’s Half Acre bar, which also doubles as an event space and retail store. T&P Tavern is a pub located in the T&P train station, an authentic rail station pub with craft beer, wine, spirits and eats in a historic setting.
SHOP
Find your new favorite store Downtown. The Virgin Olive Oiler features flavorful extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegars, infused sea salts and gifts from around the world. Find used and rare books at Barber’s Bookstore, one of Fort Worth’s oldest bookstores, open since 1925. Head to Coleccion Mexicana for handcrafted products imported from Mexico, and Union Station for records, collectible skateboards and streetwear fashion.
ENTERTAINMENT
The beautiful and acoustically superb Bass Performance Hall has a range of performances, from Broadway shows to the symphony orchestra. Catch a comedy show at Four Day Weekend or Hyena’s Comedy Club. The Sid Richardson Museum features permanent and special exhibitions of late 19th- and early 20th-century Western artists. And for local theater, check out Circle Theater or Jubilee Theater. Plan your trip around the Main Street Arts Festival in April, when local artists and vendors set up shop on Main Street for a weekend of culture and fun.
WANDER
If you want to explore downtown at a slower pace, stroll through the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a tranquil oasis of fountains in the heart of the city. Burnett Park is a three-acre urban park that also serves as a special event space and public art venue. And for history buffs, look out for the Heritage Trail markers that dot downtown. They provide historical perspectives on the city’s history, telling stories of the people and events that shaped Fort Worth’s past.