A hotly anticipated new Mexican restaurant with Michelin-recognized chef has debuted in downtown Fort Worth. Called Almacén El Gallo, it's now open in the First on 7th (Burk Burnett) Building at 500 W. 7th St., Suite 175.

The restaurant comes from hospitality vets Adrian Burciaga and Martin Quirarte of Burciaga Hospitality Group, who say in a release that they drew inspiration from childhood memories of Mexico's fondas and cantinas, neighborhood gathering spots where people come together over food and conversation.

Almacén El Gallo roughly translates to "The Rooster Store."

"The concept honors food as both nourishment and social ritual, served with warmth, generosity, and purpose," they say.

The menu was created by acclaimed Mexican chef Rodrigo Rivera Río, co-founder of KOLI Cocina de Origen in Monterrey - which earned Michelin Star recognition in 2024 and 2025 - and one of the leading voices in contemporary regional Mexican cuisine. (Could he turn Fort Worth's bad Michelin luck around?)

Photo by Mariajose Cervantes

Cuisine from chef Rodrigo Rivera Río at Almacén El Gallo.

"His work is celebrated for its authenticity, technical excellence, and deep respect for local producers and regional traditions," the owners say.

Aguachile de Camarón El Gallo at Almacén El Gallo.Photo by Mariajose Cervantes

Rivera Río's menu focuses on traditional cooking throughout the regions of Mexico, with dishes including grilled meats, barbacoa, moles, adobos, stews, and "broths that speak of regions, journeys, and skilled hands," they say. "Almacén El Gallo celebrates authentic, contemporary Mexican interior cuisine rooted in tradition and memory."

There are appetizers, soups and salads, tacos, seafood and meat entrees, a la carte sides, and desserts.

Menu highlights include:

• Tuétanos Asados (Roasted bone marrow with onion glaze, sweet pickled jalapeños, chili oil, $19)
• Betabel en mole rosa (Roasted Beets served over pink mole, pumpkin seeds, salt, jocoque crema, fresh greens, burnt lemon vinaigrette, sweet potato crisps, $19)
• Jaiba al Pastor Tacos (Soft-shell crab al pastor, pico de gallo, tepache mayo, handmade non-GMO corn tortilla, $12)
• Tostada de Atún (Yellowfin tuna with mango and cucumber relish, ponzu sauce, guajillo oil, crispy pork rinds, cilantro, avocado, served on a corn tostada, $24)
• Aguachile de Camarón El Gallo (Fresh shrimp cured in clamato, with avocado, crispy onions, served with corn tostadas, $26)
• Mole Negro Ceremonial (Traditional Oaxaca style mole with grilled organic chicken breast, toasted sesame seeds, banana fried chips, $28)
• Camarones San Pancho (Five Nayarit style grilled head-on shrimp, fried Brussels sprouts, mixed-pasilla dressing, $32)
• Carnitas de Pato Estilo Quiroga (Crispy half duck carnitas served with au-jus, hoisin refried beans, pickled cabbage, jalapeños, and flour tortillas, $52)
• Tenderloin & Tuetano (14 oz beef tenderloin served with roasted bone marrow, shishito peppers, $95)
• Strip Loin waygu Estilo Norteño (14oz Rosewood Ranch waygu, topped with bone marrow roasted salsa, fried green onions, $115)
• Flan de Elote (Sweet corn custard, peanut ice cream, pineapple, dried coconut, vanilla, toffee sauce, $16)

The restaurant occupies the former Neighbor's House Grocery space inside the building now called First on 7th, formerly a Bank of America Center and originally the Burk Burnett Building, Fort Worth's first skyscraper. Built in 1914 and designed by Sanguinet & Staats, the landmark was originally constructed for the State National Bank before later being named for legendary Texas rancher Samuel Burk Burnett, the release reminds.

The restaurant's interior was designed by Mexico-based designer Carlos Nuñez and features La Lotería-inspired artwork by Mexican illustrator Fernando R. Cervantes, whose pieces draw on the imagery of the traditional Mexican game. (Watch a time-lapse video of him creating his Bar Gallo mural for the restaurant here.)

"Drawing from his own Mexican roots, Cervantes adds a warm, playful layer of vintage design and popular art La Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that captures the country’s popular culture through symbolic imagery," the owners say. "More than a game, La Lotería represents shared language, humor, and heritage across generations."

The menu includes six different tacos, $9-$12.Photo by Mariajose Cervantes

Almacén El Gallo is intended to serve both downtown lunch crowds and dinner guests in a warm, welcoming environment, the owners say.

"Designed for professionals at lunch and relaxed, meaningful dinners, Almacén El Gallo offers a dining journey from north to south, from the mountains to the coast, from the cantina to the market, and from the fonda to home," they say.

The restaurant also offers a private members club featuring access to exclusive tastings, wine dinners, and private events, along with personalized lockers, rare wines and premium spirits, and guidance from its sommelier team. Members receive 10 percent off dining at Almacén El Gallo and a dedicated space to build and store their collections.

The restaurant is now open for lunch and dinner 11 am-9 pm Monday-Thursday, 11 am-10 pm Friday, 3-10 pm Saturday, and 3-8 pm Sunday. Reservations are available through Resy.

In an all-important downtown parking note, the restaurant has valet parking available, and they'll validate nearby garage parking.