Fort Worth's new-bar scene has been hot this summer, with several recent big openings and more on the way. In this month's Where to Drink column, we belly up to five new spots, from a chic River District cocktail lounge to an underground speakeasy with extra late night hours. Put these on the must-hit list for your next date night or girls' night out.
No Vacancy
This underground, invite-only club comes from bar veteran Emil Bragdon of Funky Lime Hospitality, whose concepts include Reservoir-Bar, Patio & Kitchen, Koe Wetzel’s Riot Room, Whiskey Garden, Junk Punch, and more. Located at 2800 Bledsoe St. in the West 7th District, the secret speakeasy must be entered through a fake green dumpster at street level. The vibe inside is friendly, energetic, and sophisticated, with top-tier bottle service and lots of dancing. Three ways to get in: book a table reservation with bottle service; ask for an invitation card from staff at any Funky Lime sister concept; or purchase a Platinum Member Card for $1,200 good for entry for one year. No Vacancy is open 9 am-2 am Friday-Saturday, with afterhours service from 2-5 am Saturday.
Our Taphouse
Located in the former Pouring Glory space at 1001 Bryan Ave. is this craft beer concept that’s stayed in the family of its predecessor, which closed in January after nine years. Opened in June, Our Taphouse is owned by Maria Castillo, a former Pouring Glory volunteer, and her partner Kevin Hudson, previously a PG bartender. The duo has picked the pub back up where it left off with dozens of beers on tap along with ciders, barleywine, mead, and frozen slushies. Gastropub menu items include loaded nachos, burgers, tacos, and chicken sandwiches, salads, strips, and wings. The bar stays busy with events like music bingo, comedy night, karaoke, live music, and even vintage car shows. Open daily from 11 am-10 pm.
Our Taphouse/Facebook
Our Taphouse has taken over the former Pouring Glory space.
River’s Cocktail & Wine Bar
The busy stretch of development along White Settlement Road now known as the River District boasts its first cocktail bar with the recent opening of River’s. New from Brian Torres of The Local in West 7th, River's is as much of a draw for its pizza from acclaimed Son of a Baker Pizzeria as it is for its cocktails and conviviality. The shotgun-style layout offers bar seating on one wall and cocktail seating on the other, with TVs for game-watching dotted throughout. The chic concept has remained busy since its summer opening, especially for its weekday happy hour that runs from 12-7 pm. Highlights include $8 espresso martinis and old fashioneds. River’s is open daily from 12 pm-2 am.
Polanco Fine Cuisine
Named after an affluent Mexico City neighborhood known for its luxury shopping and upscale dining, Polanco is brand new from Azteca Concepts in The Tower downtown. While first a restaurant, Polanco’s bar is worth a visit alone for its elaborate cocktails inspired by Mexican flavors. Pretty drinks with thoughtful presentations (think dry ice, artistically cut cucumbers, and vibrant flowers) range from the Chapultepec, made with a sugarcane spirit called cachaca and jalapeño infused tequila with passion fruit puree, to the Oaxaca Fashion, made with reposado mezcal, mole bitters, and angostura and orange bitters. There’s also a dedicated menu of margaritas. Attire is “business casual” to match Polanco’s elevated vibe, with its jewel tone interiors and floor-to-ceiling window views of downtown.
Prime Materia at Meow Wolf Grapevine
The immersive art museum just added a new in-house bar with themed drinks and interactive art to fit its theme,
The Real Unreal. Cocktails like the Overclocked Margarita, Elderberry Gin Potion, and Cold Brew Tincture come with conversation by “Gizmo_Mancers” – bartenders touted as “alchemical technologists” who create concoctions from digital code. Find the bar within the tucked-away zone of Lamp Shop Alley. It also includes a snack station with items like pretzel bits and popcorn varieties, including Popped Pixels and colorful Kernel Panic, along with mocktails and interactive art elements for guests of all ages. Access is only available with admission to Meow Wolf.
