The bar scene in Fort Worth is a wide-ranging lineup from bougie, be-seen spots to low-key watering holes. This list of the 10 best for the 2025 CultureMap Fort Worth Tastemaker Awards includes a snazzy rooftop escape, a chic riverside wine chateau, and a punk-inspired dive bar.

One will be named "Bar of the Year" on Wednesday, April 23 at The 4 Eleven (411 S. Main St.) during a big foodie extravaganza with an awards ceremony hosted by chef Jon Bonnell.

Find all of the Tastemaker Awards nominees here and read about them in our special editorial series. Don't forget to snag tickets here for either general admission and VIP entry. The latter includes early access to all the bites and beverages, valet parking, and a dedicated bar.

Here are the 10 nominees for Fort Worth Bar of the Year, listed in alphabetical order:

Annex, at Le Meridien Fort Worth Downtown
This indoor-outdoor rooftop bar sits atop the recently opened 14-story boutique hotel, Le Meridien Fort Worth Downtown, located in the long vacant Hotel Texas Annex building at 811 Commerce St. Outside, comfy couches surrounded by planters are situated under glass-covered wooden pergolas, safe from any rain. Inside, hanging plants, lanterns, and midcentury modern furniture create a refreshing scene. The bar is an escape from the hustle and bustle at street-level with its craft cocktails, bubbly, and small plates paired with rose.

The Bar at Bowie House
Lobby level bar inside the Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection hotel has established itself as the new go-to for many West Fort Worth regulars. Multiple seating nooks surround a triple archway bar featuring ornate wooden details and weathered mirrors. It’s one of Bowie House owner Jo Ellard’s unique finds, and much of her unique art collection is also on display. Signature drink selections include Better the Devil Know You made with Casamigos repo, orange and passion fruit juices, and "firewater tincture," and the Ramblin' Mr. Crosby, a gin-based drink served with an optional champagne topper.

The Down N' Out Bar
Friendly, funky dive bar has breathed new life into a quieter end of the Near Southside, drawing a wide range of patrons from moms who happy hour to dancers who groove to late night DJ beats. The bar is also very popular for karaoke, as well as Dr. Pepper old fashioneds, frozen cocktails, and “Big Ass Boots” large format libations made for sharing. There’s a food menu of elevated burgers, sandwiches, baskets, and nachos from chef Victor Villarreal.

FW Thunderbird
Downtown bar from veteran bar owners Brian Forella (Lola’s, The Wreck Room) and Danny Weaver (The Aardvark) sits on the second floor of the historic Red Goose Saloon building which still occupies the ground level. Their goal: to bring a neighborhood bar feel with TVs and a wide selection of beer and cocktails to a side of downtown that lacked anything similar. Visit for cheap happy hour, free pool on Tuesdays, and all the game-watching one could want. Find the entrance via a semi-secret staircase that’s separate from the Red Goose entrance.

The Holly
Opened in 2021, The Holly trailblazed a trend of paying attention to what’s really in wine, serving only wines crafted according to sustainable, organic and biodynamic practices with no artificial additives. The result is a loyal following of regulars who can taste and feel the difference. The boutique bar is also popular for its new permanent onsite pizza vendor, Nappotex, along with jazz Sundays, and Thursday flight nights.

Hoppin’
This self-pour taproom in the Foundry District boasts a high-tech, serve-yourself system of 58 beers, wines, seltzers, ciders, and cocktails on tap. Husband-and-wife Michael and Holly Brittner discovered the concept in North Carolina when it debuted there in 2017. The Fort Worth location is the first in Texas and while the wide-ranging self-pour service is fun, Hoppin’ also draws patrons for its full bar service and festive events, like pop-up markets, doughnut pairings, live music, open mic nights, beer classes, and more.

Low Doubt Bar
The team behind Tulips debuted this lowkey watering hole last year as a place where folks can "drink cheap high-end cocktails," says owner Jason Suder, and gab with bartenders after work. Beers by the bottle or can range from $3-$6, and cocktails top out at $11. Low Doubt also doubles as a coffee bar and is also a nominee for Best Coffee Shop. With space for about 40, the bar offers booth seating, a red felt-top pool table, and local art (available for sale) adorning the walls. Find New York punk vibes here with a bit of Texas twang.

Saddlerock Wine & Beer Co.
A winery that originated in Malibu, California, Saddlerock Wine & Beer Co. opened in the historic Chapman Bennett home at 731 Samuels Ave. last year. The Italian-style, two-story house, originally built for a Fort Worth National Bank VP in the 1870s, previously served as a residence before Rom Semler, owner of Malibu Wines and Saddlerock Ranch, bought it and painstakingly converted it. Now it’s one of Fort Worth’s most popular spots for patio-sitting with a glass of California rose, BYO picnic, and Trinity River views.

The Rabbit Hole Pub
Popular for college kids and night shift workers alike (thanks to a 7 am opening time during the week) this Alice in Wonderland-themed bar serves up all-day happy hour and friendly vibes. There’s plenty of room to spread out with table seating inside and out thanks to glass garage doors that slide open to a string-lit covered patio area. Visit on Wednesdays for music bingo, Thursdays for karaoke, and daily for sports on TV and tacos from the permanent food truck outside.

Wines From A Broad
Cool downtown wine bar comes from tenured chef-caterer-restaurateur Dena Shaskan, who highlights women in wine with her femme-centric offerings. All 150 wines come from female winemakers, owners, and grape growers. There's girly décor to match, including pink velvet couches and artwork by female artists. Even the playlist is dominated by female musicians. Shaskan also features shareable bites showcasing her culinary expertise.

The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Still Austin Whiskey, Hornitos, PicMe Events, and more to be announced soon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Fort Worth Food and Wine Foundation.