Things are bustling at Fort Worth restaurants, with optimistic new menus for spring, limited-edition specials, and fancy desserts. There's also been a weird round of closures in the past few weeks, from an upscale bakery to a sweet little diner, piling on to closures previously reported such as VBQ Smokehouse, Jimboy's Tacos, and Funky Picnic Brewery.
Here's what's happening in Fort Worth restaurant news:
Stevie’s Diner, a charming gem known for its breakfast, closed at the end of April after 13 years. Owner Steve Prochaska founded the restaurant when he was still in his 20s, with the idea that it would be cool to make a place that was sort of stuck in the 1970s. But he'd had challenges recently, got behind on rent, and the landlord was demanding payment in full or else vacate the premises. "I could try fighting it and staying open longer, but at the end of the day, the amount of business isn't what it used to be," he said in a Facebook post. For those who want a memento, he's selling merchandise on his website.
Tastebuds Eatery, a mom-and-pop that was open for 33 years, including 20 years at its most recent location at McCart & Sycamore, is closing at the end of May. Owners Byron and Sunne Hill posted news of the closure on Facebook, stating that the past few years had proven to be difficult, and they were facing a potential hefty rent increase, on top of already owing back rent. "This, on top of rising food costs, increases in operational expenses, and maintaining the unrelenting speed of restaurant life, have proven even more challenging over time, adding a burden too heavy to bear," the couple said. As of now, their last day for dine-in will be Saturday May 25. During the last week of May, they'll do takeout only, and their last official day will be Friday, May 31.
Grace has a new menu for spring–summer featuring beef tartare, chicken schnitzel, Dover sole, grilled asparagus, baby zucchini, baby gem salad, whipped house ricotta, potato-white asparagus soup, roasted garlic hummus, and ricotta-filled ravioli.
Bonefish Grill has launched new brunch menu items, including bang bang shrimp eggs Benedict, crème brûlée French toast, and crab and fontina cheese frittata. Available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am-3 pm.
Cat City Grill has new menu items including Korean meatballs, tempura asparagus with wasabi cream, sesame seed-crusted tuna with risotto & asparagus, and shrimp & asparagus pasta.
Fish City Grill and Half Shells has added two new menu items: Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with jicama slaw, Fresno chili tartar, pickled jalapenos, micro cilantro, and sweet potato fries for $16.50, and Redfish Double Oscar with lump crab meat, grilled Gulf shrimp, hollandaise, broccoli rice casserole, and chargrilled asparagus for $30. Available for the month of May.
Dough Bro’s Italian Kitchen & Bar will offer a game-day special during Dallas Mavs and Dallas Stars playoff games: two large, one-topping pizzas plus six bone-in wings for $30. The deal is good for both dine-in and take-out.
The Cajun Market at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill in Bedford will observe National Shrimp Day on May 10 by offering $10 shrimp meals all day, with choice of five options: shrimp po’boys, shrimp tacos, fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, or shrimp enchiladas.
Razzoo's Cajun Cafe has launched a limited-time menu of rib dishes including a rib platter, a Cajun platter with chicken & ribs, a ribs & pork chop combo, and Key lime pie. Available through May 28.
El Chico has added two new cocktails for $7.50 each: the Mama’s Sangria Swirl, a frozen margarita made with El Toro silver tequila with red sangria swirl, and the Raspberry ‘Rita, made with Monte Alban agave silver tequila, Gran Gala orange liqueur, raspberry puree, and margarita mix. Available through July 8.
Lazy Dog Restaurants has new seasonal dishes including firecracker shrimp, spicy tuna crispy rice, Green Goddess salad (goat cheese, peas, red grapefruit, pickled red onions, pumpkin seeds, on greens in green goddess dressing), rainbow trout (with crispy smashed potatoes, garlic green beans, charred corn, & roasted red peppers), NY steak with garlic butter green beans & waffle chip potato au gratin, sweet + spicy St. Louis style ribs with umami fries, three-layer confetti cake, and "Roadtrip Bowl' with fried chicken.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza is offering new Jalapeño Not-Knots, made with house made dough, sliced jalapeños, mozzarella cheese, butter, and ranch. Available through June 30.
Dairy Queen has collaborated with Texas country band Josh Abbott Band to offer The Josh Abbott Meal, which includes a four-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s Milk Chocolate Blizzard, an iced tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup. Available April 26-May 26.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has brought back its customer-favorite borracho beans, made with pinto beans cooked with bacon, pico de gallo, and Modelo Especial.
Taco Cabana has debuted new menu offerings, including tortas and loaded fries that come with a carne asada option topped with queso, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo; or a chili cheese option served with queso and chili con carne. They also partner with Jarritos to create a new margarita with the Mexican soft drink. Available while supplies last starting May 1.
Cicis Pizza is serving a new Oreo Brownie Pizza, made with a brownie base and Oreo cookie crumbles, drizzled with Cicis signature sweet icing. Available through June 2.
Paciugo gelato has partnered with Avocados From Mexico to launch a new limited-edition dessert: Avo Glow Gelachos, featuring a scoop of avocado gelato infused with avocado citrus glaze, topped with sprinkles, marshmallow sauce, and a side of waffle cone chips and chocolate dipping sauce. Available through May 31.
Jones Soda, the craft soda company, has launched a new food service division that expands the brand beyond grocery stores to bars and restaurants. STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill restaurants nationwide were the first to add Jones sodas to their menus.
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails has launched a new hard tea line, featuring four flavors, Original, Peach, Raspberry, and Blackberry. The beverages are available in retail locations in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans.
McDonald’s has introduced its Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy, made with a spicy Cajun ranch sauce, applewood smoked bacon, and pickles, served on a potato roll. Available while supplies last.
Sprouts Farmers Market is now selling Shicken, an award-winning plant-based food superbrand including their signature vegan chicken kebabs and curries.