Bars both old and new make up this Where to Drink list of must-visit spots in November, all for either recent updates or timely fall offerings. Some have undergone big changes, such as new ownership and or new renovations, and others have launched opportune reasons to stop in, like limited-edition fall cocktails or even reservations in an "igloo" with wine and fondue. Here are five of Fort Worth's buzziest bar to hit this month.

WineYard Grille + Bar at Hotel Vin
The uber-popular Winter Wonderland Bubble experience at Hotel Vin in Grapevine is back for a fourth year as a must for anyone who loves wine, fondue, or simply something different for date night or a friends night out. The colorfully lit, wintry "igloos" are situated on Hotel Vin’s outdoor WineYard next to the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Each can seat up to five people and come with après ski lodge décor, heaters, a bottle of wine upon arrival, and choice of fondue. Options includes a savory three-cheese fondue served with sourdough bread, potato chips, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, asparagus, bacon lardons, and pretzel bites, or a chocolate fondue served with pretzels, marshmallows, biscuits, and an array of fruit.

Reservations are $250 per party (plus tax and gratuity) and available in 90-minute increments between 4-9 pm Wednesday-Monday starting Friday, November 15. Select food and beverages from the hotel's restaurant Bacchus is also available for a la carte ordering. The holiday bubbles will stay up through February 9, 2025, with a price drop to $198 beginning January 1. Bonus: The Trinity Metro TexRail drops off right at Hotel Vin's doorstep straight from downtown Fort Worth.

Fondue and champagne inside the holiday igloos transport you to an Alpine chalet. Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection/Facebook

The Sterling Lounge
This new craft cocktail bar in downtown Fort Worth opened in September in a former Thai restaurant space at 911 Houston St. The concept comes from bar veteran Brian Paul, who’s also a partner in Bar 2909 in the West 7th district. Now with dimly lit interiors, jewel tone club chairs, and a backlit bar wall that rotates between hues of fuchsia and blue, the destination has transformed into a chic lounge ideal for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. The drink menu is categorized by “Old Fashioned,” “New Fashion,” “Fashion,” "Zero Proof," and "Le Petit Mort." Highlights include Japanese Snuff ($14) made with Japanese whiskey and yuzu bitters, Fort Worth-themed cocktails like the SouthSide ($15) made with gin, mint, lime, and egg white, and the Hell’s Half Acre ($15) made with tequila blanco, grapefruit juice, and agave, and the Good Ole Bad Days ($15) with vanilla and saffron-infused bourbon. The Sterling also sells elaborate charcuterie boards and is open late until 2 am Wednesday -Saturday and midnight Sunday-Tuesday.

  

Facebook/Hotel Vin

The Winter Wonderland Bubbles are back at Hotel Vin.

Winslow’s Wine Café
Open since 2008, the restaurant and wine bar on the bricks of Camp Bowie recently completed an extensive renovation that gives “Santa Barbara vibes,” says general manager Bradley Fairman. The facelift includes new paint throughout, a more intimate private dining area with new archway, and a full bar makeover with new furniture, new bar top, Spanish backsplash tile, and bigger TVs. The bar area now seats about 25, including eight at the bar itself.

Also new are expanded hours and a new, earlier happy hour. Winslow’s now opens at 2 pm (instead of 4 pm) with updated drink specials running 3-6 pm Monday-Friday and Sunday 4 pm-close. The happy hour menu includes $6 wines by the glass, cocktails and martinis between $8-$10 (standouts include an $8 old fashioned and $9 Hendrick’s gin or Grey Goose vodka martinis), and food items like deviled eggs ($9), parmesan truffle fries ($9), and short rib quesadilla ($13). The renovation coincides with Fairman’s return after a lengthy hiatus; regulars will be happy to see the longtime employee back.

WineHaus' picturesque patio is a popular spot on pretty evenings. Photo courtesy of WineHaus

WineHaus
The longtime Park Place Avenue wine bar is under new ownership with a refreshed food menu, added beer selections, new non-alcoholic drinks, and more live music. Fairmount resident Deanna Stuart purchased WineHaus from Robyn Davis, who had taken over after founder Lindsey Crawford had planned to close it back in 2020. Stuart says she lives, works, and does life in the Near Southside, and the new venture is a family affair for her and her adult children.

Patrons will find 16 wines on tap with a rotating selection of bottles from independent growers from around the world. A new light bites lineup includes “Haus-made” charcuterie boxes, sweet and spicy nuts, popcorn, and dark chocolates with caramel and sea salt. Evidence of Stuart’s green thumb are reflected through perennial gardens on the popular patio, which now hosts live jazz with food trucks most Thursdays and Friday nights.

The Basement Lounge
The underground bar at 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd. has a legion of loyal fans for its craft cocktails and cozy atmosphere, making fall one of the best times to visit. The interiors are reminiscent of an inviting living room with curtains, couches, and fluffy pillows anchored around a real fireplace. On the menu right now is the annual Autumn in Ridglea, a bourbon whiskey beverage spiked with vanilla vodka and blended with pumpkin, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Or try the Simply Sage gin concoction with piney notes and hints of citrus and anise. There’s also a fall spin on the classic old fashioned – the Mocha Old Fashioned is infused with roasted coffee and chocolate. Tequila fans will like the Crimson Harvest made with both tequila and mezcal along with hibiscus. May be made with bourbon, as well.