Beer Garden News
Fort Worth's most fun couple crafts cool beer garden in River District
Crystal Springs Hideaway
There's an exciting new beer (and wine) garden in the works for Fort Worth's emerging River District: Called Crystal Springs Hideaway, it'll open at 113 Roberts Cut Off Rd. — a laid-back indoor-outdoor venue with 25-plus beers on tap, burgers, and cocktails, plus a unique wine, cheese and charcuterie shoppe.
As can be seen on their Facebook page, renovations are underway; a release says it will open in the fall.
The concept is from fun Fort Worth power couple JD and Shanna Granger. JD is the attorney and former Tarrant County prosecutor known for his role in overseeing design, construction, and implementation of the transformational Trinity River Vision project.
He helped change the perception of the river by creating development opportunities and designing special spaces including the Woodshed Smokehouse, Coyote Drive-In, Panther Island Pavilion, kayak, paddleboard, tubing concessions and signature river events.
Shanna oversaw all programming and marketing for Panther Island Pavilion and numerous river events that brought thousands of people to the riverbanks. She directed and produced the Rockin’ the River music series, Fort Worth’s Fourth, Sunday Funday, the outdoor ice-skating rink, Panther Island Ice and TRWD Flyfest.
Because they still have not brought enough fun to Fort Worth, they have now created a hospitality venture to bring the Crystal Springs Hideaway to Fort Worth.
For location, they deliberately sought out a historically significant property.
“Over the years, I feel like our beloved Fort Worth joints have faded away," JD says in a statement. "But then I came across this great 100-year-old bungalow with a stone carriage house and water tower – nestled smack-dab in the middle of a neighborhood. I immediately knew this is the kind of place people miss and want to hang out at. It has the character for our vision and is the perfect neighborhood to do it in. It’s casual. It’s comfortable. And, it will be an affordable place to enjoy drinks with friends and grab a bite to eat."
They loved the raw character of the carriage house, with original hardwood floors and shiplap, as well as 150-year-old cottonwood trees. Renovations have been carefully executed to preserve and enhance the history of the site, while introducing the efficiencies necessary for excellent service and care.
The Grangers' goal is to create an unique atmosphere and memorable space for an ice-cold beer and a good time.
Food
For the food, the Grangers have teamed up with the Big Kat Burgers food truck, founded in 2017 by owners Mike Sugg and Bryce Blackburn, which has been operating since 2017, building a following for their burgers at their stationary location on South Main.
Suggs says they've wanted to open a brick and mortar, and Crystal Springs Hideaway helps them make that jump.
They'll serve burgers, hand-cut fries, salads, appetizers, handhelds, and menu specials.
Wine shop
One thing Crystal Springs will have that other beer gardens do not is a wine, cheese, and charcuterie shoppe, offering a “Build-Your-Own” cheese and charcuterie board option as well as unique wines at different price points. Diners can buy wine, a cheese and meat combo, and find a place to enjoy. Chef Kelly Burton, Kitchen Manager at Near Southside’s Nonna Tata, will be the director and curator of the cheese and meat shoppe.
Atmosphere
To provide the perfect hang-out location, the “Hideaway” has several large TVs for game watching and a small stage for live music on the weekends. The original water tower overlooks the beer garden, which is nestled beneath mature live oaks and the majestic 150-year-old cottonwood trees.
The Fort Worth section nods to Texas Motor Speedway and the Fort Worth Herd.Photo courtesy of ABC
The Glen Rose section has dinosaurs.Photo courtesy of ABC
The Mach family with Great Christmas Light Fight host Carter Oosterhouse.Photo courtesy of Patrick Mach
