Fort Worth

Fort Worth is a city in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With a population of approximately 1,020,000, it is Texas' 5th largest city. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which has a population exceeding 6 million. Sometimes referred to as Cowtown, it is by far closer to its cowboy roots than neighboring Dallas. This article also covers North Richland Hills, a neighboring community. == Understand == Fort Worth grew from a military camp established at the close of the Mexican War by Gen. Winfield Scott, and named for Gen. William Jenkins Worth who fought in the war. Forty-two men of Company F, 2nd Dragoons, established the camp on June 6, 1849. The Fort Worth to Yuma, Arizona stage line was established in 1850. The city became the seat of Tarrant County 1860, and after the Civil War, it became a major shipping and supply depot for cattlemen. === Climate === Fort Worth is located in the American South, and has a subtropical climate with mild winters, hot summers, and a wet spring and fall in between. In winter and summer it can also be a very dry place, as it receives warmer, drier weather from the Mojave Desert in the west and the Great Plains in the north. Winters are generally mild, with average highs in the mid to upper 50s (10-15 °C) and average lows around the freezing mark (0-5 °C). It is not uncommon for Winter days with highs in the upper 60s (~20°C) with the following days high temperature 20-30 degrees cooler. It may snow in Fort Worth a couple times a year, and occasionally winter temperatures will not get above freezing (32°F, 0 °C), but for the most part winter is just relatively dry and cool. There is, however, the danger of freezing rain and ice storms. Spring and fall bring very pleasant temperatures, but spring is also known for its storms. Fort Worth is at the Southern tip of Tornado Alley, and springtime weather can be quite volatile and severe storms often occur. Summers are hot and dry - but often humid - with temperatures frequently surpassing 100 °F (38 °C). Average precipitation in Fort Worth is 33 inches (830 mm) per year. === Neighborhoods === 1 TCU (Texas Christian University), 2900 S University Dr. The TCU area is dominated by the campus. Some unique restaurants and boutiques are mixed with standard college fare, but the campus is beautiful and shows up in force (and in Purple) for gamedays (updated Feb 2018) 2 Sundance Square (Downtown Fort Worth), 400 Main St. Sundance Square is a city park in downtown that plays host to multiple events year round. Night and weekend parking is free and additional security patrols not only keep the area safe, but also can help you find your next destination. (updated Feb 2018) 3 Stockyards. A national historic district, the Stockyards is the iconic background for which Fort Worth is known. The backdrop is all things western from cattle drives and BBQ to country music and belt buckles. No trip to Fort Worth is complete without a quick stop here. (updated Feb 2018) 4 The Cultural District. Home to world class museum, the stock show & rodeo as well as numerous restaurants and merchants, this area hosts many of Fort Worth's main attractions. Located across the Trinity River, 2 miles west of downtown, this area could be thought of as uptown. The area is also known as West 7th. (updated Feb 2018) 5 Near Southside. Also called South Main and Magnolia, this is the area where artists and more liberal mindsets are welcome. The area hosts multiple of the cities micro breweries, bars and restaurants. The area is undergoing a renaissance with new building and merchants, but the growth is keeping with the vibe of the current culture. (updated Feb 2018) 6 Southwest Fort Worth (Camp Bowie, Hulen, Clearfork). While not a single neighborhood, Southwest Fort Worth has a collection of different shopping areas and neighborhood restaurant clusters. (updated Feb 2018) == Get in == === By plane === All the major American carriers and many international ones provide scheduled passenger service into the 1 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW IATA), located 17 mi (27 km) from downtown Fort Worth. This airport is one of three major hubs for American Airlines. American Airlines is also headquartered in Fort Worth. === By train === The 2 Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center at 1001 Jones St is the central hub for Amtrak trains and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter trains to Dallas, along with Greyhound inter-city bus service and local bus service provided by the T. TRE trains can provide a stress-free way to travel between the two cities during rush hour and also serve the more historic 3 T&P Station at 1600 Throckmorton St on the south side of downtown. Amtrak's Texas Eagle provides daily service between Chicago, Illinois and San Antonio, Texas with stops in Fort Worth and Dallas. Also, Amtrak's Heartland Flyer provides daily service between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, and points in between. Woefully underfunded, passenger train service in the United States is a slow but scenic way to travel, if you aren't too concerned about arriving on time. Alternatively, arrive from DFW Airport on TEXRail through North Richland Hills, another commuter train that provides direct rail service from the airport to downtown Fort Worth. === By car === Fort Worth may be easily reached via I-20 or I-30 from the east or west, or by I-35W from the north or south. I-35 splits into two branches north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, the west branch going to Fort Worth and the east branch (I-35E) to Dallas. The branches rejoin to the south. Car rental companies include: Alamo Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. Avis Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. Budget Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. Dollar Rent A Car, Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. E-Z Rent-A-Car, Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. Hertz Car Rental, Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. Thrifty, Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. DFW Elite Auto Rental, +1 817-838-7368. === By bus === Greyhound. Bus stop is at the Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center. Also, subsidiaries of Greyhound, such as TNM&O serve as the regional carrier. Megabus. Service from Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Norman. Bus stop is located at 710 Davis St in Grand Prairie. Fares $1 and up. Autobus Americanos. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 5215 McCart in Fort Worth. Turimex Internacional. Mexican trans-border bus line with services to various points in Mexico. Bus stop is located at 3620 Hemphill St. Vonlane. Luxury coach service from Austin and Houston. (updated Feb 2026) == Get around == === Mass transit === Buses and trains via Trinity Metro link many areas of town over mid-range distances. Trinity Rail Express has commuter train service between downtown Fort Worth, DFW Airport and downtown Dallas. Service is Monday through Saturday. No scheduled services on Sundays and most major holidays. Blue Line bus service provides local public transportation in downtown Fort Worth, including Sundance Square. === By bike === Fort Worth B-cycle. Bike sharing program with stations throughout downtown. $8/24 hours; $15/3 days; $20/week. (updated Feb 2018) == See == === Museums === 7 Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, ☏ +1 817 332-8451. A collection of artwork that ranges from 3000 BC to the mid-1900s. Although the collection is small, it boasts such big names as Matisse, Goya, Mondrian and Picasso, among others. The museum building itself is a highlight of architectural modernism, designed by American architect Louis Kahn. (updated Aug 2025) 8 Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St, ☏ +1 817 738-9215. The museum, located in an imposing, appropriately modern building, houses a large permanent collection and hosts many important traveling exhibitions. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. 9 Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, ☏ +1 817-738-1933. Extensive collection of American art and photography featuring many works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russel. 10 National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy St, ☏ +1 817-336-4475. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Museum and association which honors women of the American West who have displayed courage or spirit and who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit. (updated Aug 2025) 11 National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum (formerly National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame), 3400 Mount Vernon Ave, ☏ +1 817 534-8801, info@cowboysofcolor.org. Highlights the historical influence of non-White cowboys in Texas. (updated Aug 2025) 12 C.R. Smith Aviation Museum, 4601 Hwy. 360, ☏ +1 817 967-1560. All you could ever want to know about the history of American Airlines. Great for kids, as it includes hands-on, interactive exhibits. 13 Stockyards Museum, 131 E. Exchange Ave, ☏ +1 817 625-5082. Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, this museum showcases the history of Fort Worth. Greater stockyards area described in "Do". 14 Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St. (Exit Montgomery on 1-30 and head North), ☏ +1 817-255-9300. Family based hands on science and history museum, boasts traveling exhibits and the Omni-imax theater. 15 Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery, 2950 West Bowie Street (Texas Christian University campus in the Sid Richardson Science Building at the corner of West Bowie Street and Cockrell Avenue.), ☏ +1 817-257-6277, fax: +1 817-257-7789. M-F 1-4PM; Sa 10AM-4PM. Small museum with astonishing collection of pieces of the sky, well-documented. Touch a piece of Mars! free. 16 Sid Richardson Museum, 309 Main St, ☏ +1 817 332-6554. M-Th 10AM-5PM, F 10AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Art museum with an emphasis on Western art (e.g. works by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell). Free. (updated Aug 2025) 17 Texas Civil War Museum, 760 Jim Wright Fwy North, ☏ +1 817 246-2323. A repository of Union and Confederate artifacts and history about the War Between the States. $7 (over 13), $4 (ages 6-12). (updated Jan 2022) 18 Bureau of Engraving and Printing Visitors Center, 9100 Blue Mound Road, ☏ +1 817 231-4000, toll-free: +1 866 865-1194. Tu-Fr 8:30AM-5:30PM. Tours open to the public of the money creation factory - see pallets of dollar bills created below your feet from a suspended walkway snaking through the facility. One of two in the nation (other in DC). Self-guided tour takes approximately 1 hour. Gift shop on site. Free. (updated May 2022) 19 Vintage Flying Museum, 505 NW 38th St # 33S (on Meacham Airport grounds), ☏ +1 817 624-1935. Warbirds on display in a hangar. If wanting to see some for free, you can just visit the outdoor space at the southern end of the Meacham Airport runway. $12 adults, $7 (ages 6-13). (updated Jan 2022) === Attractions === 20 Sundance Square. 20 blocks of shops, bars & restaurants, brick-paved sidewalks and historic buildings. Well lit and popular with tourists and locals, Sundance Square is frequently the center for outdoor events such as concerts and art festivals. 21 Bass Performance Hall. A state-of-the-art venue presenting concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances throughout the year. 22 Fort Worth Stockyards. Just north of the downtown area is the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you'll find Texas style nightlife at bars like Billy Bob's plus the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Stockyards Museum, John Wayne: An American Experience, The Fort Worth Longhorn Herd, and the Cowtown Cattle Pen Maze. The Stockyards are also home to a weekly rodeo. Held every Friday and Saturday evening, and billed as the "World's First Indoor Rodeo," it attracts competitors from around the country. The Stockyards is also home to Riscky's Barbeque, considered by locals to be the best barbeque in the area. One block away, Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ offers excellent fare at fair prices. 23 Fort Worth Water Gardens, 1502 Commerce St, ☏ +1 817 392-7111. A man-made watery setting to get away from the hustle and bustle downtown. For some awesome architecture, check out the 1933 Beaux Arts Style designed post office building at 251 Lancaster and Texas & Pacific Railway Station at 221 Lancaster (across the street from the south edge of the water gardens). (updated Apr 2018) 24 Burnett Park (Lamar and Texas streets). Located on land donated by cattle baron Samuel Burk Burnett, features sculptures, pools, and granite walkways. Vast green parks and surrounding network of major lakes offer abundant opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. 25 The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, ☏ +1 817-871-7686. The sprawling gardens includes a large flower garden, lawn, indoor tropical forest, and a beautiful Japanese garden. Admission: $12 adults, seniors $10, children $5 (May 2022). Japanese garden additional $3.. == Do == === Zoological Parks and Theme Parks === 1 The Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, ☏ +1 817-759-7555. M-F 10AM-5PM; Sa Su 10AM-6PM. Come see the animals and interactive exhibits. $7-10.50 (Wednesdays are half-price). 2 NRH2O Family Water Park, Grapevine Highway (#26) between Precinct Line and North Harwood Road (in nearby North Richland Hills), ☏ +1 817 427-6500. Taller than 48 in (1,200 mm) M-Th $20, F-Su $25; shorter than 48 in, military, senior M-Th $17, F-Su $20. 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. (updated Jul 2021) === Hiking and Natural Areas === 3 Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, ☏ +1 817 392-7410. Daily 8AM-5PM. Hiking trails and boardwalks, kayak rentals, bison herd, native prairie grasses and woodlands. $6 (over 12), $3 (over 65), $2 (ages 3-12), $1 dogs. (updated Jan 2022) 4 Eagle Mountain Park, 11601 Morris Dido Newark Rd, ☏ +1 817 335-2491. Daily 5AM-10PM. A popular hiking area with rugged terrain and views over Eagle Mountain Lake. Free. (updated Jan 2022) 5 Marion Sansom Park, 2501 Roberts Cut Off Rd. Daily 6AM-10PM. Another popular hiking area with waterfalls and views of the western half of the city and Lake Worth. (updated Jan 2022) === Sports === 6 TCU Horned Frogs. The sports teams representing Texas Christian University, have branded themselves as "Fort Worth's team". The Frogs are best known for their football program, a rising national power in the first part of this century. TCU now competes in the Big 12 Conference. Most of TCU's athletic venues are on campus, with the best-known being Amon G. Carter Stadium (football) and Schollmaier Arena (basketball). 7 Texas Brahmas, 8851 Ice House Dr, ☏ +1 817 520-2115. See website for current season schedule. Enjoy an ice-hockey game at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills. The Brahmas play in the North American Tier III hockey league. (updated Aug 2023) 8 Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, ☏ +1 817 215-8500. Catch NASCAR and other events here, such as an extravagant Christmas display. (updated Aug 2025) === Events === Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival. Ranked 8th in the country by the Art Fair Source Book and the Harris List, and number one in Texas, Main St. hosts tens of thousands of people annually during the four-day visual arts, entertainment and cultural event. Main St. showcases a nationally recognized fine art and fine craft juried art fair, live concerts, performance artists and street performers on the streets of downtown Fort Worth-stretching nine blocks on Main Street from the Tarrant County Courthouse to the Fort Worth Convention Center. free. Sundance Square Parade of Lights. Late November. Watch colorful illuminated floats, beautiful antique cars, marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn carriages and a cast of delightful characters dressed in their holiday best. The unforgettable parade and an annual visit from Santa Claus and his elves will make the Sundance Square Parade of Lights a fun-filled holiday experience for the entire family! Free. NAS JRB Wings Over Cowtown Air Show, at the NAS JRB military base (restricted entry, but viewing available from nearby). Features air stunts and formations like the Blue Angels. July. == Learn == 1 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2001 W Seminary Dr, ☏ +1 817-923-1921. (updated Jun 2025) 2 Tarrant County College. (updated Sep 2021) 3 Texas Christian University. (updated Sep 2021) 4 University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, ☏ +1 817-735-2000. (updated Jun 2025) 5 Texas Wesleyan University. (updated Sep 2021) == Buy == Fort Worth Stockyards Station, 140 E Exchange Ave (at Stockyards), ☏ +1 817 625-9715. A covered emporium of different shops, confectioneries, games, photo studios, etc. Also Exchange Ave itself is chock full of curio shops and eateries aimed at the tourist. (updated Jan 2022) Sundance Square 1 Montgomery Plaza, 2600 W 7th St. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Old department store complex refurbished with a lot of pizzazz. (updated Jan 2022) 2 Crockett Row (Artisan Circle), 816 Foch St, ☏ +1 817 810-9076. Th-Su 4PM-Midnight. (updated Jan 2022) === Shopping Malls === 3 North East Mall, 1101 Melbourne Rd, Hurst, ☏ +1 817 284-3427. Still surviving mall with a large movie theater complex and surrounding eateries. (updated Jan 2022) 4 Hulen Mall, 4800 S Hulen St, ☏ +1 817 294-1205. Seems to attract the occasional shoot'em up but still a big mall with theater. (updated Jun 2025) 5 La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, 4200 South Fwy, ☏ +1 817 922-8888. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM. Visiting this mall you will somehow wonder if you magically teleported to Mexico, as it has a very Mexican flavor with mariachi bands and layout. (updated Jan 2022) === Other === 6 Tanger Outlets Fort Worth, 15853 N Fwy, ☏ +1 817 464-5400. (updated Jan 2022) 7 Henderson Street Flea Market, 1000 N Henderson St, ☏ +1 817 877-3021. Sa-Su 7AM-8PM. If you are into flea markets, this might be for you. (updated Jan 2022) == Eat == Fort Worth is similar to many Texas cities in that there are two main food groups, BBQ and Tex-Mex. While tastes are changing and multiple options are available, these will still be your best two bets in the city. A growing food truck scene is starting to make a presence in the city, and some of the local breweries are making drinks worth recommending to friends. === Budget === 1 Angelo's Bar-B-Que, 2533 White Settlement Rd, ☏ +1 817 332-0357. M-Sa 11AM-10PM. Tied with Railhead (below) for the best BBQ in the southwest. A Fort Worth classic. This is in an old wooden barn, which adds a great atmosphere to the dining experience. The pork ribs were very tasty and the large cold beers were particularly nice. Meats melt in the mouth and beans are awesome. They actually bbq on premises which some of the other place don't. It's about a 5-min drive out of the downtown area. $10 for a full plate with one or two meats and three sides.. 2 Railhead Smokehouse, 2900 Montgomery St, ☏ +1 817 738-9808. M-Sa 11AM-9PM. Tied with Angelo's for the best BBQ in the southwest. 3 Fuzzy's Taco Shop, 2917 W Berry St (Two locations), ☏ +1 817-924-7943. Su-M 7AM-10PM, Tu-W 7AM-11PM, Th-Sa 7AM-2AM. Excellent taco dive - lots of food for cheap, great fish tacos, late hours, cheap drinks, all without leaving the affluent TCU area. Kincaid's (Two locations). M-Sa 11AM-6PM. Texas' (perhaps America's) best burgers. Original Camp Bowie location is in a kitschy old grocery story. 4 Kincaid's, 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd. (updated Sep 2021) 5 Kincaid's, 4825 Overton Ridge Blvd. (updated Sep 2021) 6 The Love Shack, 110 Exchange Ave (in the Stockyards), ☏ +1 817 740-8812. Su-Tu 11AM-9PM, W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM. Excellent unique hamburger created by celebrity Ft. Worth chef, Tim Love. Daily flavored milk shakes. Live music. (Possible cover charge on weekends.) Cash only. 7 Green Vine Market, 1804 K Avenue, ☏ +1 972 942 0808. M-Sa: 8AM-9PM, Su: 8AM-8:30PM. Hamburgers, daily flavored milk shakes, live music (Possible cover charge on weekends). Cash only. (updated Dec 2024) === Mid-range === 8 Nonna Tata, 1400 W. Magnolia Ave. Lunch Tu-Th 11AM-3PM; Dinner M-Th 5:30PM-9PM, F 5:30PM-10PM. Certainly one of Fort Worth's smallest restaurants, Nonna Tata is also one of its best. With only 21 seats indoors and another 30 outdoors, the restaurant fills up early and often develops long waits on weekends. Absolutely amazing authentic Italian food, with a menu that changes weekly and amiable service. BYOB, cash only, no reservations. $15-30. 9 Central Market, 4651 West Freeway, ☏ +1 817 989-4700. 7AM-9PM Daily. DFW's best gourmet grocery also has a formidable cafe attached, with amazing, huge custom sandwiches, cheap and great pizzas and international noodle dishes made for you, a mind-boggling prepared food section and $15 meals for two bagged and ready to go. Any kind of food you could want, done extremely well, for grocery story prices, plus a generous selection of wine and beer. $5-15. 10 Fred's Texas Cafe, 2730 Western Center Blvd, ☏ +1 817 232-0111. M-Sa 10AM-midnight, Sunday Brunch. The "Outlaw Chef" cooks genuine Southern/Texican food in one of the most unique and exciting ways you'll find in Fort Worth. Super laid-back setting, with genuine Texas food and genuine Texas music. Happy hour before 6 and whenever it's raining. $8-12. 11 Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch, 109 E Exchange Ave, ☏ +1 817 624-1246. For the cowboy tourist. A strong cowtown theme predominates in this Stockyards-area steakhouse. Come for the atmosphere first, the food second. $18-30. 12 Joe T. Garcia's, 2201 N. Commerce St., ☏ +1 817 626-4356. A Fort Worth legend, dine family style in a large converted mansion or in its beautiful expansive gardens with lush vegetation and calming pools; choose from one of two menu options nightly. There is frequently a line around the block in good weather, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Great margaritas. Cash only (ATM on site). 13 La Familia, 841 Foch St., ☏ +1 817-870-2002. Tu–Th 11AM–9PM, F 11AM–9:30PM, Sa 9AM–9:30PM, Su M closed. Mexican restaurant locally renowned for their excellent Tex-Mex and friendly owner (Al) and staff. 14 King Tut, 1512 West Magnolia Ave., ☏ +1 817 335-3051. M-F 11AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM; Sa 5PM-9PM. Egyptian restaurant with excellent Middle Eastern cuisine. 15 Spiral Diner, 1314 W. Magnolia, ☏ +1 817 3-EATVEG (328834). Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The only strictly vegan restaurant in Fort Worth, Spiral Diner has an eclectic menu that will not let you down on taste. One of Fort Worth's finest restaurants regardless of dietary restriction. 16 Uncle Julio's, 5301 Camp Bowie Blvd, ☏ +1 817 377-2777. Excellent and diverse Tex-Mex menu, friendly staff, decent happy hour before 6PM. $8-30. === Splurge === 17 Bonnell's, 4259 Bryant Irvin Rd, ☏ +1 817 738-5489. Lunch Tu-F 11AM-2:30PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM. Chef Jon Bonnell's southwest-themed masterpiece. 18 Del Frisco's Steakhouse, 812 Main St, ☏ +1 817 877-3999. M-Th 5-10PM; F-Sa 5-11PM; Su 5-9PM. One of the finest steakhouses in the world, with an excellent wine list. It is, however, extremely expensive, and you will have to wait a little while even if you have a reservation. Don't come here for anything other than steak, but if you are looking for steak, it is hard to beat. $50+. 19 Reata Restaurant, 310 Houston St, ☏ +1 817 336-1009. Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM, Dinner 5PM to 10:30PM daily. One of the most widely acclaimed restaurants in Texas, and one of the first to bring "Cowboy cuisine" to the forefront of the refined American palate. Online reservation system. 20 Saint-Emilion, 3617 W 7th St, ☏ +1 817 737-2781. Tu-Sa 6PM-9PM. The best French country food in Fort Worth, and a cozy dining experience. $25-50. === Sweets === 21 Melt Icecream, 1201 W Magnolia Ave #115, 76104. Tiny ice cream parlor serving creative flavor combos frequently with lines out the door at multiple times in the day (updated Feb 2018) == Drink == 1 Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, 111 E 3rd St, ☏ +1 817 336-7468. The gameroom offers a place to play a game of pool, chess or darts. The shiny, faux-rock floor throughout is enhanced by the vast collection of vintage dinnerware adorning every wall. They have the largest selection of beer (225 varieties) around. Menu selections include Creamy Beer Cheese Soup, the Build-Your-Own Sausage and Cheese Plate, spicy sausage quesadillas and traditional bratwurst with German potato salad. 2 Chat Room Pub (The Chat), 1263 West Magnolia Ave, ☏ +1 817 922-8319. 3PM-2AM. Good drink selection in a chilled atmosphere. 3 The Usual, 1408 W. Magnolia Ave, ☏ +1 817 810-0114. A high-end craft cocktail bar popular with the hip Magnolia Avenue set. A somewhat mixed, gay-friendly spot with very modern decor and a nice but small patio out back. This is the place to go for expensive but very well-mixed takes on the classics, and an inspired cocktail menu. Try the Montpelier, which mixes bourbon, smoked maple syrup, Jamaican rum, and Italian vermouth. 4 Our Taphouse, 1001 Bryan Ave, 76104. 50+ taps with local, regional and a few international flavors off the beaten path. Plus food. === Breweries & distilleries === 5 Martin House Brewery, 220 S Sylvania Ave, 76111, ☏ +1 817 222-0177. Weekly Tours and Tastings Every Thursday (6-8pm) & Saturday (2-5pm). (updated Feb 2018) 6 Wild Acre Brewery, 1734 E El Paso St #190, 76102. Shares a location with Silver Star Vodka. Not the best area of town, but the brewery is safe and the beer is worth the stop (updated Feb 2018) 7 Rahr and Sons Brewing, 701 Galveston Ave, 76104. Brewery tour & tasting Sa 1PM - 3PM, W 5PM - 7:30PM (updated Feb 2018) 8 Panther Island Brewery, 501 N Main St, 76164. F 5PM – 9PM, Sa noon – 5PM, Su 2PM – 7PM (updated Feb 2018) 9 HopFusion Ale Works, 200 E Broadway Ave, 76104. Tu-Th 4PM - 11PM, F noon - 11PM, Sa noon-midnight, Su noon - 11PM. Taproom and microbrewery, though you can find their cans at a few local shops and stores (updated Feb 2018) 10 Firestone & Robertson Distillery (Whiskey Ranch), 4250 Mitchell Blvd, 76119. Home to the blended TX Whiskey and the Texas locally distilled and aged TX Bourbon. Set on the grounds of a golf course Byron Nelson played as a youth, more than just a stop for a drink. (updated Feb 2018) == Sleep == === Budget === 1 Motel 6 Ft Worth North, 3271 I-35W, ☏ +1 817 625-4359, fax: +1 817 625-8256. 2 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth West - I-30, 7310 Calmont Ave, ☏ +1 817 244-4777. Indoor pool and hot tub. $65 (Jan 2022). (updated Jan 2022) 3 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth North, 4700 North Fwy, ☏ +1 817 222-2888. Outdoor pool and breakfast. $58 (Jan 2022). (updated Jan 2022) === Mid-range === 4 Hyatt Place Fort Worth/Cityview, 5900 Cityview Blvd (southwest Fort Worth), ☏ +1 817 361-9797. Very cookie-cutter. $101 (Jan 2022). 5 Comfort Suites DFW Airport, 4700 W. John Carpenter Fwy, ☏ +1 972 929-9097. 6 Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown, 601 Main St (Four blocks from the Convention Center), ☏ +1 817 885-8700. Renovated rooms with modern amenities. $209-249. 7 Best Western Plus Fort Worth North, 3751 NE Loop 820 (Intersection of the 35W and 820 freeways, close to the Fort Worth Stockyards), ☏ +1 817 847-0044. $99. 8 DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center, 100 East Alta Mesa Blvd (Five miles from Downtown Fort Worth), ☏ +1 817-293-3088. Three-star hotel with amenities including indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge, room service, fitness room, and business center. $142 (Jul 2025). 9 Sheraton Fort Worth, 1701 Commerce St (Downtown), ☏ +1 817 335-7000. 10 SpringHill Suites Fort Worth University, 3250 Lovell Ave, ☏ +1 817-878-2554, toll-free: +1-888-236-2427. Extended stay hotel located near the convention center. 11 TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Southwest, 4200 International Plaza (Halfway between Benbrook Lake and downtown.), ☏ +1 817-732-2224, toll-free: +1-888-236-2427. 12 Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive, 3150 Riverfront Dr, ☏ +1 817-335-1300, toll-free: +1-888-236-2427. === Splurge === 13 The Ashton, 610 Main St, ☏ +1 817 332-0100. Well-liked luxury hotel in a renovated historical building. Very helpful, attentive staff. $250. 14 Hilton Fort Worth, 815 Main St, ☏ +1 817 870-2100. A clean, quiet place to stay, with good service. The building and decor could use an update. $95. 15 Renaissance Worthington, 200 Main St, ☏ +1 817 870-1000. The city's only 4-diamond hotel, since opening in 1981 with all the expected amenities. Especially well-regarded for efficient yet friendly staff. $199. === Lockheed Martin Plant === Options ideal for travel to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant: 200 N Grants Ln, adjacent to the Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB, formerly Carswell Air Force Base): 16 Quality Inn & Suites, 2700 S Cherry Ln (2 miles from plant), ☏ +1 817-560-4180. Breakfast available. $61 (Jan 2022). 17 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, 2730 Cherry Ln (2 miles from plant), ☏ +1 817-560-4200. 18 Spring Hill Suites, 3250 Lovell Ave (off University Drive, approximately 6.8 miles from plant), ☏ +1 817-878-2554. == Connect == Good cellular phone coverage by all major providers throughout the city and all major roadways. Internet hot-spots available at most Starbucks Coffee locations, DFW Airport, and FedEx Kinko's offices. Daily newspaper: Fort Worth Star-Telegram. == Stay safe == As with any other large city, be vigilant in Fort Worth. The city's central arts and entertainment district is well policed, however, as so long as you make sure you lock your car and hide any valuables inside, all that you need is a little extra awareness of your surroundings. The city's freeways can be quite dangerous if you are not accustomed to driving in such high volumes of rapidly moving traffic; keep this in mind when you are planning a trip. Areas to avoid after dark are the East Side, Southeast Side (especially in the Stop Six section), the Como neighborhood, and the Trails/Calmont neighborhood, as these places have high rates of gun crimes from armed robberies to shootings. The Stockyards bar and club district can get rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, but the nightlife at Sundance Square in Downtown is more laid back. == Cope == === Gym workout === 24 Hour Fitness and LA Fitness (which now includes Ballys) have many locations throughout the area. If you have a regular membership with either of them from back home your membership is good here. Note that some memberships are only good for one location and will cost extra to access a different gym/club than the one you normally go to at home. Ask before leaving. Otherwise day passes range from $10-20. Bring a lock and towel. 6 Kadampa Meditation Center Texas, 2836 Stanley Avenue, ☏ +1 817-303-2700. Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. (updated Sep 2021) == Go next == Mineral Wells, home to Lake Mineral Wells State Park Bridgeport, 30 miles to the northwest has a nice lake for boating and fishing. Weatherford, 20 miles west of downtown Fort Worth. Grapevine has a nice historic main street area and numerous wineries. Glen Rose 50 miles southwest has Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.