Where to Eat
Where to eat in Fort Worth right now: 5 new restaurants with best patios
Texas' moderate climate means that diners can theoretically dine outside all year long. And thanks to misters and heaters, some do.
But there is nothing like the fall when temperatures cool and the sun still shines, for absolutely perfect patio weather. That time has arrived.
For the October edition of Where to Eat, that can mean only one thing: Where are the cool new restaurants offering outdoor seating? Here are five new picks:
Brix BBQ
Recently opened craft barbecue spot at 1012 South Main St. has a large, spacious patio, plus an indoor area that turns into an outdoor area when the large garage door is raised. All the Texas ‘cue staples are here – brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and housemade sausage – plus barbacoa tacos, great burgers, and an excellent fried chicken sandwich. Keep an eye out for rotating specials that include burnt-end pancakes with salted beef tallow frosting, brisket hash, and a sandwich called the Porchetta Melt, with two slices of porchetta, grilled onions & peppers, melted provolone, and a balsamic glaze, served on a toasted ciabatta bun.
Eazy Monkey
Adventurous new restaurant in the Near Southside takes over the cool old building – and its spacious patio - last occupied by Fixture. Developed by local chef Andrew Dilda and longtime friend Andrew Chen of Monkey King Noodle Company, the menu is a unique mash-up of Asian and American cuisine. Dishes include cheeseburger fried rice, orange chicken and waffles, crab rangoon nachos, and bao buns filled with brisket from nearby Brix BBQ. Another familiar face, Tia Downey, developed the drink menu. Dilda and his wife’s interest in ‘90s music and pop culture is reflected in the restaurant’s rad décor, which includes skateboards and colorful murals.
Fireside Pies
After closing its location in the West 7th area, this Dallas-born pizzeria recently reopened a few blocks away, in the Left Bank Shopping Center at 628 Harrold St. The new spot isn’t as stylish as the West 7th location, but there’s a nice patio that faces east, out of the sun. The atmosphere is more kid- and family-friendly than the previous incarnation, and the menu has been slimmed down. But several favorites remain, including the buttery pappardelle pasta, the Triple Roni pizza, and the huge salads. New dishes include shrimp alfredo and a garlic and shrimp pizza.
La Guera Street Tacos
Newly opened in a strip mall in south Arlington, this family-run taco spot is so small inside, you may not have a choice but to grab a seat on the patio, festively decorated with plants and colorful tables and chairs. It’s a gringo taco shop for sure, but they do make efforts to replicate Mex-Mex food, serving taco fillings such as tripe and making their own flour tortillas – a definite plus. There’s also a salsa bar, with salsas ranging from mild to extremely hot, and complimentary pinto beans, another nice touch. Best time to go is breakfast, when La Guera serves generously sized tacos filled with eggs and your choice of chorizo, bacon, potatoes, and cheese.
Postino WineCafe
With its attractive, oversized patio, decked out with colorful umbrellas, this chic new wine bar in Southlake Town Square was practically designed for nice weather. The Arizona-based chain is known for its happy hour, which takes place 11 am-5 pm and features 25-plus wines for $6 a glass and $6 pitchers of beer. For food, there are bruschetta boards, in which you can mix and match bruschetta in flavors such as Sweet N’ Spicy Pepper Jam with Goat Cheese, and Brie, Apple and Fig Spread, along with soups, salads, paninis, and desserts.