A neighborhood bar with an upscale vibe is coming to Fort Worth's burgeoning River District. Called Rustic on the River, it will open this fall at 4854 White Settlement Rd., not far from Heim BBQ, Salsa Limon, and the West Fork of the Trinity River.

Rustic is from Brian Torres and Chandon “CK” Sanders, longtime friends and Fort Worth natives who two years ago purchased the long-running West 7th bar The Local. They say Rustic on the River will have a similar neighborhood bar feel but with a bit more polish and pizzazz.

“The idea is, a nice neighborhood bar with an upscale twist,” Torres says. “There will be a nice wine list, a great cocktail list, and a wide assortment of quality beers. We’re envisioning a great little place for people in the neighborhood to pop by and have a nice cocktail, glass of wine, or beer.”

Developing the drinks menu is Travis Lutje, a well-known Fort Worth mixologist who works at Lonesome Dove Bistro and is also owner of the Nomad Bar Co., a bartender and beverage catering company.

The menu is still being finalized but will include specially crafted bellinis, old-fashioneds, Moscow mules, and martinis, among other drinks, Torres says.

“Travis is coming up with some great ideas,” Torres says. “He has a tremendous background and following. He’s one of the most creative bartenders I’ve ever met.”

For beer, Torres says there will be 12 taps and a wide selection of domestics and craft beers.

The 1,800-square-foot space, part of a complex of adjoining buildings erected in 2020 on a site that was once a used appliance store, will have a modern, chic feel. “Kind of a New Age, industrial look,” Torres says. “Natural tones, nice lighting, a cozy feel.”

There will be two patio areas: one in front, one in back. The back patio will be designed with dining in mind.

"We don’t really have the space to do a kitchen, but we are going to have food trucks there, parked next to the back patio," Torres says.

Rustic on the River will be Torres' third bar. In addition to taking over The Local with Sanders - who also owns Ninja Sushi and Carbon Hospitality Group - Torres was one of the owners of Hooky Bar, a country-themed bar that opened in 2016 in West 7th. They closed it last year to focus on other projects.

He spotted the location while driving along White Settlement Road a few years ago, not long after the building went up.

“The River District was up-and-coming area back then, with a lot of new apartments and housing under construction,” he says. “Now those apartments are open and more housing in that area is coming. I knew when I saw that space it would be perfect for a nice little cocktail bar but with more of a neighborhood bar vibe — a place locals will enjoy."