Grazing in Cowtown

Fort Worth, Texas, is known as "Cowtown" because it proudly salutes its western heritage. It is famously known for its Ft. Worth Stockyard and Rodeo which is held annually this time of year. This year's theme "Buck The Ordinary" is going on now through February 4. Now all of that bucking, calf roping, and barrel racing makes one work up quite an appetite so be sure to make time to eat at one of these places while in Fort Worth.  After experiencing these restaurants, you'll find yourself saddling up your horse to get over there a bit more often!



Fred's Texas Cafe

This burger joint is the most sought-after burger joint in town! And for good reason. It has been featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" because legendary Terry Chandler has a way of turning a burger into a flavor experience you will think about long afterwards. You must try the diablo burger made with chopped chipotles and served with grilled onions on a toasty bun with spicy mustard! Yeehaw, it's good!   915 Currie Street, www.fredstexascafe.com


Woodshed

Legendary chef, Tim Love has just recently opened up this pit stop located on the Trinity Trail serving sausages, wild boar, beef, goat, chicken along with 25 beers and 5 wines. On the trail side of the restaurant Love plans to open a converted airstream serving coffee, bottled water and take-away meals. If that doesn't make you want to start jogging, nothing will!  3201 Riverfront Drive, www.cheftimlove.com


Booger Red's Saloon

Locared next to the Stockyards Hotel in the heart of the National Historic Stockyards District, You will feel like an authentic cowboy as you belly up to the bar. With its famous saddle barstools and a beautiful view of a buffalo's rear on the bar's mirror (the head is on the other side of the wall in the restaurant).  All that's needed is a thirst and some spurs (in case your barstool gets out of control)!  109 East Exchange Avenue, www.stockyardshotel.com


Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

Speaking of Chef Tim Love, this western decor restaurant is a Stockyards' favorite serving braised wild boar ribs, steaks cooked to perfection, rainbow trout, truffle Mac n' Cheese just to name a few. If it can be shot or caught on a Texas ranch, it's sure to show up on Love's menu.  2406 Main Street, www.cheftimlove.com


Love Shack

Chef Tim Love serves up one of the best burgers in town. In fact Conde' Nast Traveler named Love's 50/50 mix of prime tenderloin and prime brisket "the Lone Star State's best burger". (I don't think Fred was on that pannel!)  One is located in the Stockyards just around the corner from Lonesome Dove Bistro and the other is located in the booming 7th Avenue area at 817 Matisse Street, www.shakeyourloveshack.com


Joe T. Garcia's

What initially began as a small family restaurant in 1935 near the Stockyards has grown into a Tex-Mex empire serving to crowds of folks every day. It's most enjoyable to sit in their expansive backyard patio. This Ft. Worth institution packs them in from miles away and has happy customers who come again and again.  Plan on a long line, but it's muy bueno so it's worth it.  2201 N. Commerce


Lili's Bistro on Magnolia

This small bistro near the TCU campus is one of my favorites for a casual yet great meal. Some favorites include Gorgonzola waffle fries with green onions and black pepper, pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, pork tenderloin served with blueberry BBQ sauce and goat cheese potatoes, and Tina's green chile enchiladas drizzled with goat sour cream. 1310 W. Magnolia, www.lilisbistro.com


Swiss Pastry Shop

This bakery has been serving breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, delicious pastries, cakes and other confections since the 1970's. It is most famous for its "Uncake" which got its name after one of their customers said their Black Forest Cake was unlike any other cake. There are generations of folks who will agree to that! Get your sweet tooth on and head on over there! 3936 W. Vickery, www.swisspastryonline.com

Brownstone Kitchen + Bar      

The West 7th restaurant features soulful, Southern-inspired cuisine like grilled bison rib eye and family-style recipes such as chicken pot pie,  and creative sides with a modern interpretation.  Served on small plates for sharing as well as heavier faire.  Chef Casey Thompson uses organic and locally farmed produce and meats on most dishes.  Just don't plan on feasting there for lunch most days because, sadly, it is only open for lunch on Sundays.  840 Currie Street,  www.brownstonefw.com


Cafe Modern

Located in the Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth, this sleek setting overlooks the museum's reflecting pool and has a new cocktail bar complete with your favorite martinis and cocktails.  Seasonal and local ingredients inspired by culinary traditions around the globe.  Named "One of America's best restaurants" by Gourmet Magazine.  Who says cowboys aren't sophisticated??  3200 Darnell Street,  www.thecafemodern.com


Ellerbe Fine Foods

Chef Molly McCook uses locally grown and seasonal ingredients in this converted fuel station into a white tablecloth restaurant. McCook has created an upscale market fare for this restaurant's constantly evolving lunch and dinner menu. Named one of the best restaurants in the country last year by Food and Wine Magazine. 1501 W. Magnolia Avenue, www.ellerbefinefoods.com

Grace

Chef Blaine Staniford's Cowtown outpost delivers modern American classic fare in a comfortably chic setting. Enjoy cocktails on the terrace overlooking Main Street before savoring seasonal dishes such as jumbo shrimp ravioli or Colorado rack of lamb.  You'll be saying grace over and over again for this delicious meal.
777 Main Street, 817-877-3388