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Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 9 best bars to watch college football

Where to drink

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Three weeks into the season and college football is on fire, thanks in part to an interesting shift in hierarchy: Alabama is taking a tumble down the polls, Texas is making a statement, and – love him or loathe him – viewers just can’t get enough of Colorado’s “Coach Prime” and his gleaming Blenders sunglasses.

At home, the 2023 College Football Playoff runner-up TCU Horned Frogs are still trying to save face after an embarrassing National Championship appearance back in January. The saga continues every Saturday at a sports bar near you. Here are nine of the best to visit in Fort Worth right now - a mix of old favorites and a few new surprises.

Texas Ice House
Those looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination to catch afternoon and night games will find it at this brand new hidden North Side sports bar. Texas Ice House opened in July at 2350 Decatur Ave., just a hop away from the Fort Worth Stockyards, in a quiet industrial district. The indoor-outdoor bar now opens earlier weekends, at 2 pm, offering a covered patio with multiple 65-inch flatscreens and a cozy interior bar with more TVs inside. Specials during college football games include $6 margaritas and $18 mix-and-match beer buckets. There's also stage for live music outside, where dancing often takes place after dark.

Upper 90
Open 10 years now on West Magnolia Avenue, Upper 90 still flies under the radar as a sports bar destination. After all, the eclectic Near Southside is not exactly known for its sports bar scene. Dark and divey, the bar is named for a soccer term that refers to the top corner of the goal. While big soccer matches will likely take precedence over college football on any given Saturday, Upper 90 is still a great, low-key spot for catching a key matchup. There’s not a lot of flash, but there are plenty of screens, and the full bar stays stocked with spirits and cold beer. Bonus: Customers can order food from Taqueria San Andres just next door.

The Rabbit Hole Pub
Vibes are always friendly at this White Settlement Road watering hole, where on Saturday, college football will always take precedence on the big screens. Glass garage doors slide open to a string-lit covered patio area, and there’s plenty of table seating both inside and out. The Saturday specials run deep: $4 mimosas and $5 bloody Marys until 3 pm, and beer buckets range from $16-$22 all day. But don’t miss the Rodeo ‘Rita, made with whiskey in lieu of tequila.

Lot 12
Watch parties go to new heights at this rooftop sports bar that offers sips and skyline views. Located on the rooftop of the Hyatt Place TCU, this open-air hotel sports bar is home to the Horned Frog’s “most elevated” tailgate scene. There’s an entire cocktail menu dedicated to TCU-themed drinks, including the purple-hued Frog 75 made with gin and sparkling wine, and the sangria-inspired Frog Fountain. Don’t miss the Topgolf Swing Suite while waiting for kick-off.

Buffalo Bros.
The original Buffalo Bros. on South University Drive has drawn TCU Horned Frog fans for game-day gatherings since 2007. But when a flashy new location opened in Sundance Square in 2019, the watch party bar was raised. Here there are more than 90 TVs to catch all the college football action. A 360-degree bar boasts more TVs both outside and inside the perimeter. Even more, there’s a side room with stadium seating and five more screens. Wings, pizza, and subs come out quickly, as does cold beer by the pint, schooner, or pitcher.

Brewed
Far from a sports bar, this West Magnolia Avenue coffee, dining, and drinking destination has long been known for its warm and cozy atmosphere, craft coffee, frilly cocktails, and elevated comfort food. But hold the phone: Brewed has gone purple with an over-the-top, football-themed pop-up not to be missed. Perfect for a pre-game pit-stop, the space currently features festive decor photo-ops galore, from purple pillows and balloon displays to hanging lights, floral, tinsel, neon signs, and even purple umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. While there’s just one TV for which to catch the actual game, the atmosphere will transport Frog fans to the heart of the action. Order a “Fight ‘Em On The Ice Mimosa” by the glass or carafe to share.

El Chingon
It’s always a party at this West 7th District bar, nightclub, and Mexican restaurant, where three 100-inch LED walls and seven 55-inch TVs ensure that no play is missed. Fans can enjoy half-price a la carte tacos and BOGO on select longneck bottles during games, and up to two hours after the final score. Other game-time specials include a massive molcajete bowl filled with grilled skirt steak, chicken, and shrimp accompanied by guac, elote, quesadillas, tortillas, and salsa - for $29. If your team wins, celebrate by staying late for DJ music and dancing.

City Works
Clearfork’s premiere destination for game-watching is City Works thanks to a dozen extra large HDTVs and more than 9,000 square feet of space to spread out. Add 90 beers and eight wines on tap plus a long list of shareable gourmet bar bites, and you’ve struck game-day gold. There’s also an array of sangrias, margaritas, mules, and old fashioneds. Booth and high-top seating along with extra high ceilings add to the spacious, sit-and-stay-awhile feel. Expect big crowds on Saturdays, especially during TCU away games.

Lot 12

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Sips pair with skyline views at Lot 12.

Texas Live!
For a Texas-sized watch party, there’s no place bigger than Texas Live! in Arlington. With a scene that rivals that of an actual stadium, the multi-venue entertainment complex is anchored by the Shift4 Arena. Here there’s more than 35,000 square feet of bar top, multilevel seating, screens, and a 100-foot LED HD TV at the center of it all. A full menu of apps, burgers, and wings is available, and reservations are always recommended to guarantee seating.

Photo courtesy of Garrison Brothers

Raise a glass — and funds — in September with Garrison Brothers Bourbon

Old Fashioned Fun

Forget the drink of the summer — it's finally time for the drink of the fall, and because September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, an OId Fashioned seems exactly the right choice.

To celebrate, Garrison Brothers Bourbon is mounting its Hye Fashioned Takeover, a month-long festivity of flavor, tradition, and innovation where bars and restaurants across the country showcase their mixology mastery with creative Old Fashioned specials.

But the takeover isn't just about creative cocktails. With every Instagram or Facebook post you share about your #hyefashioned experience, Garrison Brothers will make a donation of $2 to Boot Campaign to support their life-changing programs for veterans and military families.

Even better: Every post counts as an entry for a chance to win one of 10 unique Garrison Brothers prize packages, which includes a custom engraved barrel stave, four Garrison Brothers glencairn glasses, an embroidered Garrison Brothers apron, and a $50 gift card from Boot Campaign to to be used on Shop.BootCampaign.org.

To officially enter:

1. Take a picture of your Hye Fashioned cocktail (heck, take a few!).
2. Tag and follow @garrisonbros and @bootcampaign.
3. Make sure to use the hashtag #hyefashioned to showcase your love for this iconic cocktail and help raise money for Boot Campaign.

Ten winners who post the most during September 1-31 will be selected at the conclusion of the program.

Wondering where to go in Dallas-Forth Worth to get your Hye Fashioneds? Here's where to toast and taste America's favorite cocktail during September:

To learn more and see the official rules, visit: hyefashioned.com.

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Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 8 new bars to hit in August

Where to drink

Fort Worth’s new bar scene is as hot as the weather, as a slew of new drinking destinations has opened in recent weeks. Themes seem to be trending: island drinks are having a moment, but so is sparkling wine, cider, and sake. Here are eight new (or newly revitalized) bars to cool off with a cocktail this month.

The Coupe
Mark your calendars: The Coupe expects to finally open its doors on Tuesday, August 22. The long-awaited bubbles bar, at 314 S. Main St., comes from husband-and-wife duo Scott Kimble and Lauren Badgett, who’ll focus on unique small-batch sparkling wines from around the world in their first bar endeavor. (Don’t expect many mass-produced labels here.) The fresh space will feature a cool palette with shades of pink and green, along with floral murals and a chic bar. In addition to sparkling wine and a few still wines and craft beers, the bar will offer a handful of cocktails featuring sparkling wine. Small bites to start will include charcuterie, locally made bread and butter, and local baked treats. The Coupe will also be “BYOF,” and deals are in the works allowing for food delivery from nearby Bodega South Main and Coco Shrimp. The bar will open at 1 pm Tuesday-Sunday. Look for a soft opening Friday, August 18.

Shipwreck Island Tiki Bar
Land ho! Shipwreck has arrived in the West 7th district, bringing with it the closest experience to a real-life island available in Fort Worth. The tiki drink destination opened quietly last month but is celebrating its grand opening through Sunday, August 20. Located at 1015 Foch St., the bar comes from folks behind nearby The Shot Cellar. Once inside a very plain glass door, patrons are transported to an elaborate tiki paradise featuring palm trees, a floor painted with ocean waves, and a boat-shaped bar (complete with cannon and a parrot), all made iridescent with blue-hued black lighting. Glassware is as flamboyant as the drink selections, which range from the ocean water blue High Tide to the Pain, Kill, Arr! made with rum, coconut, and tropical fruit. As part of the grand opening specials, guests can order a Banana Runtz or Sunny Beaches and keep the limited-edition tiki glass (while supplies last). Or go big with a $200 Mai Tai made with very rare Appleton Estate 17-Year Legend Rum. (Pay $100 for a 1-ounce pour.) Also look for “7th Seas Scrolls” to be placed around the bar featuring riddles that can be solved to unlock a super-secret cocktail.

M&O Cocktail Lounge
The longtime Foundry District hamburger joint (which opened in 2000 before The Foundry District was a thing) now moonlights as a sleek cocktail lounge. M&O Cocktail Station Grill has transformed its space into a full bar, offering cocktails, wine, draft, and craft beers along with the same two-handed burgers the family-owned eatery has served for more than two decades. With blue walls, booth seating, and intimate mood lighting, the updated digs lend well to weekend live music – there’s even space to dance the night away. Try the refreshing grapefruit Paloma made with 1800 tequila. Or visit for daily happy hour from 4-7 pm, or on Wednesdays when all house wines are $6 a glass all day. Hours are 3 pm-midnight Tuesday-Thursday, 12 pm-midnight on Friday, 12 pm-1 am Saturday, and 12 pm-10 pm Sunday.

The Lounge at Musume
Pronounced “muh-suh-may” and meaning “daughter” in Japanese, downtown’s new contemporary Asian fusion restaurant boasts Fort Worth’s largest Japanese whisky and sake selection. There are more than 50 premium sakes available along with more than 60 Japanese whiskys – plus a slew of craft cocktails. Opened in July, Musume sits below street level inside the new Sandman Signature Hotel (810 Houston St.), in the 103-year-old W.T. Waggoner Building that originally housed a bank. (There are multiple historic vaults inside, including one that leads to a private dining space with seating sunken beneath the floor.) One entire wall is dedicated to Musume’s 2,000-square-foot bar and lounge, which features a shiny black lacquer bar top that’s back-lit in rich tones of red. Unique specialty cocktails include the Green Tea Negroni, Mind Over Matcha made with gin and boba pearls, and the Pikachu made with vodka, Licor 43, peach, orange, and Szechuan peppercorns. The new Sandman hotel also has a very nice ground level lobby bar with Asian-inspired cocktails.

Thompson’s Bookstore
While not new, the downtown craft cocktail bar (900 Houston St.) recently revealed the results of a $4 million facelift, which included a revitalized underground speakeasy along with a new private event space and a top floor cigar bar and lounge. Gone is the kitschy pharmacy-themed décor in the speakeasy (which still requires a password to get in – found on Thompson’s Facebook page), replaced with a sophisticated Roaring Twenties-inspired design. Plush seating and jewel tones pair perfectly with the space’s Prohibition Era cocktails. But the fourth floor cigar lounge might be taking center stage amid Thompson’s updates. The new destination can accommodate up to 60 and features a horseshoe-shaped bar and pockets of cushy seating meant to encourage conversation. Ultra-premium cigars are also a draw, along with the classic Old Fashion to pair them with.

Slushy’s Secret Rooftop Tiki Bar
Opened in late May, the not-so-secret rooftop bar located atop Free Play in the Near Southside (1311 Lipscomb St.) has provided steamy skyline views all summer long. Slushy’s, named for its signature cocktail, serves a rotating menu of eight frozen slushies blended with housemade syrups along with a small menu of six tiki drinks. Patrons can keep cool with a Blue Tsunami made with banana rum and tropical juices, or a Magnolia Mai Tai. Enjoy 40 percent off slushies on Thursdays and 80s movie nights on Fridays. The bar opens at 6 pm Thursday and Friday and at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Atheneum Cider
The Saginaw cider shop and bar relocated to a new location at 1029 N. Saginaw Blvd. just last month. Husband-and-wife duo Brennan and Lizzy Couey opened Atheneum Cider in 2021 to “introduce some excitement into their boring, suburban lives,” says their website. Friends and family loved the stuff, and the couple eventually made enough to share with the masses. At the new location there’s more room for production and more room to spread out – which is great because the Coueys draw local crowds, not only for their wide array of flavorful ciders but for their fun personalities, trivia nights, game-watching, and more. Cider flavors include ginger and lime, raspberry lemonade, cherry limeade, and sour mango with Chamoy spice. The bar is open Tuesday- Saturday until 10 pm.

champagne coupe

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The Coupe will serve bubblies from around the world.

Fat Tuesday
In case you missed it: A Fort Worth outlet of Bourbon Street-based Fat Tuesday frozen daiquiri bar opened in Stockyards Station in May. The famed rum-based drinks come in colorful varieties and flavors, including the Cat 5 Hurricane, Peach Bellini, and Miami Vice strawberry pina colada. All are served in a plastic cup (or a plastic boot, if desired) to go. Feel free to sip and stroll in the Stockyards – it’s completely legal and you won’t be alone.

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These are the 8 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This week in gluttony

Rum takes center stage this week as three events feature the tropical spirit. There’s a cocktail competition, mixology class, and celeb meet-and-greet featuring a rum of their own. Things also get fiery with a Hatch chile dinner and spicy beer launch party. Finally, a preview party features a sneak peek of a revived seafood destination set to reopen in a new location.

Monday, August 14

Charity Daq-Off at Blackland Distillery
The Foundry District distillery will kick off rum week with a daiquiri competition. Visit from 3-6 pm to watch local bartenders whip up their best craft daqs; the winner gets to give proceeds to charity. Judges will include experts from Nickel City, Don Artemio, and Heaven’s Door Whiskey, among others. Then starting on Tuesday, Blackland will undergo a tropical transformation into a tiki drink paradise, featuring specialty tiki drinks and rum flights. Limited-edition bottles of Blackland white rum and barrel-aged rum will also be for sale. The tiki pop-up will run through September 2.

Wednesday, August 16

Rum Mixology Class at Hotel Vin
The wine-themed Grapevine hotel switches to rum for this class on how to craft two classic rum cocktails: the mojito and the Mai Tai. Participants will also learn the basics of rum and its history. The class is $40, plus a small fee and tax, and will run from 6-8 pm.

Thursday, August 17

Hatch Buffet Dinner at Blue Mesa
Visit the New Mexican-inspired restaurant for a festive buffet dinner featuring the flavor of the season – Hatch chiles. The piquant pepper will be found in posole, rellenos, glazed salmon, shrimp and grits, stuffed chicken, carne asada, and even infused in brownies. The buffet is $25 and will run from 5-9 pm. Pair it with a pineapple Hatch margarita, on special for $7. Or visit anytime this month for limited time Hatch pepper specials like crispy fried Hatch strip with ancho crema, and smoked chicken stacked enchiladas.

Friday, August 18

La Onda Preview at Hotel Revel
Just a week after Hotel Revel announced the closing of its onsite craft cocktail bar, Sugarman’s, the Near Southside boutique hotel revealed that a reincarnated La Onda will soon take its spot. Chef Victor Villarreal, who owned and operated the Latin-inspired seafood destination on Race Street for two years before closing in April, will bring back his Peruvian ceviche, unique seafood dishes, and refreshing cocktails when the space is renovated by fall. Until then, get a sneak peek this Friday with DJ music, drinks, and ceviche. The preview begins at 5 pm.

Saturday, August 19

BrisketU at Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.
Learn the ins and outs of smoking the quintessential Texas brisket during this Saturday morning barbecue lesson at Rahr. Participants will get schooled on pit types, brisket cuts, trim techniques, rubs and prep, wood selection and smoke profiles, managing a fire and pit chamber, timing, and properly slicing the end product. Class is $89 and will run from 10 am-1 pm.

Fire Fest Part II: Sweet Heat at Martin House Brewing Company
The weather is just right for Martin House Brewing Company’s second annual Fire Fest, a celebration of spice – this year featuring guest breweries. Martin House will debut Sweet Heat, a spiced beer brewed with Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili chips. Guest breweries serving special brews will include Celestial Beerworks and Turning Point Beer. There’ll also be live music, food from Barley and Melt Ice Creams, artisan vendors, and a spicy food competition. Tickets are $20 for four pours and a pint glass, or free if not imbibing. The event will run from 12-5 pm.

Taylor Swift Wine Night at Wine Haus
Swifties, take note: The neighborhood wine bar will dedicate an evening to pop music’s biggest superstar. Dress up with some sparkles and sing along with Taylor Swift tunes paired with a themed wine flight. The event will take place upstairs from 8-11 pm.

Monday, August 21

Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum Bottle Signing with Rick Springfield
Eighties rocker Rick Springfield – who’ll headline the “I Want My 80’s Tour” at Dickies Arena on Sunday – will make an appearance at Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods in Fort Worth to sign bottles of Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum. The “Jessie’s Girl” singer partnered with fellow rock star Sammy Hagar on the award-winning spirit. Guests will be able to sample and purchase the premium Puerto Rican rum at Spec’s at 2750 Hulen St. from 2:30-3:30 pm during the Springfield meet-and-greet. (Arriving early is highly recommended.)

Photo by Alexandra Golovac on Unsplash

These are the 6 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This week in gluttony

The dog days of summer are in full swing as August arrives this week, bringing with it seasonal favorites like watermelon, spritz cocktails, and the almighty Hatch chile. August also means school starts soon, and there’s a school supply drive that comes with free beer. End the week with a happy hour book club that will take guests on an adventurous vacation without leaving the A/C.

Tuesday, August 1

Spritz Showcase at Clay Pigeon Food & Drink
It’s National Spritz Day and Clay Pigeon is here for it. The upscale dining destination will showcase the best of those slightly fizzy, always refreshing spritz cocktails with an interactive and educational tasting. Discover the origin of six different versions while exploring important ingredients like sparkling wine, bitters, liqueurs, and aromatics. The event is $50, which includes small bites, and will take place from 5:30-7 pm.

Wednesday, August 2

An Evening with Mondavi COO Jeff Richardson at 3 Vino
The Roanoke wine bar and bottle shop will host the chief operating officer of C. Mondavi & Family, which produces the prestigious Charles Krug label. Richardson, who’s only making three stops on this particular tour, will share behind-the-scenes stories of Napa’s very first tasting room, which opened in 1882. The tasting will feature five Charles Krug wines. Tickets are $39 and the tasting begins at 6 pm.

Friday, August 4

A Hatch Enchilada Dinner at Central Market Fort Worth
August means Hatch chile season is here and no one celebrates the piquant New Mexican pepper like Central Market. Harken the heat of Hatch during this hands-on cooking class that will demonstrate how to make chicken enchiladas, cheese enchiladas, two sauces, and sides. A glass of wine will be paired with the meal. Class is $70 and will begin at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, August 6

Funky Gets Wild: Book Club at Funky Picnic
The Fort Worth brewery and café will host another edition of its summer book club, which currently features outdoor and adventure-themed books. This month will feature Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail by Barney Scout Mann. Book clubbers can enjoy happy hour pricing on beer, wine, signature cocktails, and appetizers along with the brunch and regular menu. The book club will run from 3-4:30 pm.

Watermelon Eating Contest at El Chingon
It’s another wild eating competition at the West 7th district Mexican restaurant and bar, which doubles as a dance club after dark. This time the featured food is a giant slice of watermelon, and no hands are allowed to be used during the contest. Whoever finishes first gets a $100 El Chingon gift card plus choice of drink tower, including mimosa, paleta, green tea, or white tea. Registration is free and the competition starts at 3 pm.

Back to School Bash at Hao’s Grocery & Café
Hao Tran, the namesake behind Hao’s Grocery & Café just south of downtown, moonlights as a chef outside of her full-time teaching gig. She’s hosting a school supply drive in partnership with The Welman Project, which will be on-site with their festive bus. Make a donation to the project and get a free beer. Hao will also serve banh mi hot dogs for the occasion. Visit from 4-6 pm.

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Lots of burgers and cocktails to try in this Fort Worth restaurant news

News You Can Eat

This roundup of restaurant news in Fort Worth has a little of everything: news about barbecue, frozen desserts, apple pie, and apple pie beignets. There are new burgers to try and numerous refreshing new cocktails to sip.

Here's what's happening in Fort Worth restaurant news:

M&O Station Grill in the Foundry District has opened a new cocktail lounge which opens at 3 pm, when the restaurant transitions from restaurant into lounge. They're serving happy hour specials as well as food including burgers, appetizers, and items such as Chicken Salad with apple and mayo on mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber; Bacon, Avocado, and Swiss sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo. M&O has been family owned and operated since 2000.

Dayne's Craft Barbecue is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Aledo, at 100 N. Front St. A post from co-owners Dayne and Ashley Weaver explains why: "Now I know what you are thinking: 'I thought you were opening in Westland?' As much as we wanted this opportunity in West Fort Worth to come to fruition, there were far too many financial hurdles to overcome. We needed a situation that better served our business, our customers, and our staff." The new location is a 2,700-square-foot stand-alone building, to which they'll add a pitroom and a 1,000-square-foot covered patio. "We now will have the appropriate kitchen space and setup to help us expand our menu offerings and serve more people. You can expect to see more hours/days, breakfast, limited evening service, faster service, catering, chilled grab & go items, and so much more." In the interim, they'll continue operating their food trailer at 9812 Camp Bowie West.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice celebrated the grand opening of its new location in Keller at 2122 Rufe Snow Dr. #102. The Florida-based chain specializing in Italian ice actually opened in May, but these grand openings take some time to plan, people. Besides, it's hot out right now; prime time for Italian ice. Jeremiah's is known for its Italian ice, available in more than 40 flavors; and its creamy soft-serve. Owner Steven Dubberly has another location in the works in Saginaw.

Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop at 6120 Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth changed ownership: The location is now owned by Mike and Jessica Barakat, who also own the sibling shop in Mansfield.

Dusty Biscuits Beignets has specials for the month of July: Apple Pie beignet, featuring spiced apple glaze with pie filling compote and dusted with pie crust; Key Lime Cheesecake featuring Key lime glaze, cheesecake drizzle, and graham cracker dusting; German Chocolate featuring a duo of chocolate and caramel drizzle, topped with toasted coconut and candied pecans; and best for last, the possibly brilliant Dusty Dogs, featuring beef hot dogs on beignet buns with Creole mustard and ketchup.

The Bearded Lady has a burger of the month for July: The "O Canada!" featuring a half-pound Nolan Ryan beef patty, with seasoned fries, mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, fried cheese curds, and Canadian gravy from a recipe they say is three generations old. "This one is something we have been wanting to do for a long time, and we finally did!" they say.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub has launched its summer menu featuring: grilled artichoke, spicy shrimp ceviche with habanero peppers, Wagyu beef burger with bacon jam and Muenster cheese, seafood paella (with prawns, salmon, mussels, linguiça sausage, chicken, & saffron rice); Southern Peach Crumble; and a Raspberry Mint Mule-jito. They also have a new Wine Wednesdays with half-price bottles, through August 30. Served at four DFW locations in Grandscape, Preston Hollow, Irving, and Euless.

Original ChopShop, which has bowls, salads, and sandwiches, has added Citrus Thai Chop salad to its permanent menu. Previously a limited-run salad, it has greens, orange segments, roasted red pepper, pickled carrot, jicama, cucumber, green onion, peanut, cilantro, sesame seed, and Thai peanut dressing. They're also extending the Hot Honey Chicken + Hummus Protein Bowl, a limited-edition item, through the end of the summer. It has brown rice, spring mix, cucumber, tomato, banana pepper, red pepper hummus, chicken, hot honey, and Greek yogurt.

SusieCakes is making Barbie-themed cakes with Barbie dolls and choice of cake flavor from vanilla, vanilla confetti, chocolate, or red velvet; and choice of icing from SusiePink, SusieBlue, white vanilla, or chocolate buttercream. They're in Fort Worth at 1621 River Run.

Church’s Texas Chicken has two limited-edition summer items through August 24: Mini Churros covered in cinnamon & sugar with chocolate dipping sauce; and Bourbon Black Pepper Smokehouse half chicken coated in bourbon black pepper sauce, available on its own or in a meal with mashed potatoes and a biscuit. Drinks include Strawberry Blast Sprite, tea, or lemonade.

Wetzel's Pretzels has a new Guava Mangonada drink: a mango and guava slushie mixed with Taijn Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce made with natural chilies, lime juice, sea salt, and apricot, topped with mango puree and dashes of Tajin Clasico Seasoning. Available through October 22.

DQ has a featured Blizzard of the month for July: Cake Batter Cookie Dough Blizzard consisting of soft serve with cake batter flavor, confetti cookie dough pieces, and sprinkles. This summer, participating DQ restaurants in Texas also will feature five more new blizzard flavors: Peanut Butter Puppy Chow, Oreo Brookie, Cotton Candy; S’mores, and Choco-Dipped Strawberry.

Yogurtland has a new Watermelon Lemonade Sorbet, made with watermelon and lemon, which is both vegan and non-fat.

McDonald's has released a new Cheesy Jalapeño Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese, otherwise known as the QPC. Make a note of it. The new Cheesy Jalapeño Bacon QPC features American cheese, bacon, and pickled jalapeño slices. You can get it in a double-patty version. And in an off-menu venture, some locations are adding Cheesy Jalapeño to the Sausage McMuffin with Egg. It's a limited-time item, available through mid-August.

El Chico has a new Tropical Parrot-dise cocktail made with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Coco Reàl Cream of Coconut, pineapple juice, and Myers’s Original Dark Rum. Tropical Parrot-dise will be available for $7 through October 2 at El Chico locations in North Richland Hills and Granbury.

Restaurant Week is returning for its 27th year this August, benefiting the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope.The list of more than 100 participating restaurants is now live at DFWRestaurantWeek.com.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

This is how much more Fort Worth workers earn with a graduate degree, study finds

back to school

One of the biggest decisions new college graduates face after earning their bachelor's is whether to continue their education with a graduate degree, or enter the professional world without one. The Education Data Initiative reports graduate degrees can cost between $30,000 and $120,000 after a bachelor's, so it's important to consider the financial benefits depending on an individual's chosen field of study.

In Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, graduate degree holders earn $16,859 more than they would with just a bachelor's degree, according to a new study by SmartAsset.

The average annual income of a Metroplex resident with a bachelor's degree is $65,694, the study says. Those with graduate degrees make $82,553 per year, SmartAsset says.

A graduate degree holder's salary in Dallas-Fort Worth is much higher than the national average of $72,000 per year. The study further determined that (nationally) a graduate degree nets workers $16,000 more per year than those with a bachelor's.

Those with advanced degrees from one Fort Worth graduate school do particularly well.

"Amid the high expenses of education and ever-changing job markets, it’s important to weigh the opportunity costs of a graduate degree with the additional earning potential," the study's author wrote. "A graduate or professional degree nets an extra $484,000 over a career, on average... This assumes a 30 year career in a medium or large metro area."

SmartAsset's study used 2021 U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year ACS S1501 data to determine the income for individuals aged 25 and older with varying professional degrees in 281 of the biggest metropolitan areas.

The Texas city where a graduate degree nets a resident the most amount of money is Midland, with a massive $24,394 difference between graduate degree and bachelor's holders. Average graduate degree pay in the West Texas city is $90,559 versus $66,165 for an individual with a bachelor's degree.

The metro that landed at the top of the national ranks is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California. A bachelor's degree holder makes an average salary of $102,214 in the area, whereas a graduate degree holder earns more than $48,000 more, totaling $150,281.

The full report and its methodology can be found on smartasset.com.

Ultra-chic Postino WineCafe brings wine and bruschetta to Southlake

Wine News

A nationally acclaimed wine bar-restaurant has opened in Southlake: Postino WineCafé, specializing in wine, bites, and a chic atmosphere, opened a location at 1440 Main St., in Southlake Town Square, in the no-brainer slot next to Trader Joe's.

Postino is known for its daily happy hour, bruschetta boards, and menu built for sharing, as well as a laid-back atmosphere, designed for all-day hangouts with friends, date nights, client get-togethers, and family outings.

The chain first came to Dallas in 2021 when they opened a location in Deep Ellum. They closed that location two years later in March 2023 and relocated to Addison, where they just opened in August.

"We are thrilled to bring Postino to Southlake and the heart of bustling Town Square," says Postino Co-Founder Lauren Bailey. “The Dallas/Fort Worth market is very important to us, and we are excited to be expanding our footprint here so soon – just a month since debuting in Addison."

Founded in Arizona in 2001, Postino's goal is to bring people together over wine and food. Its bruschettas are a menu mainstay, artfully presented on boards made of reclaimed wood, with 12 variations including:

  • Prosciutto Di Parma, Fresh Fig & Mascarpone
  • Sweet N’ Spicy Pepper Jam & Goat Cheese
  • Brie, Apple and Fig Spread
  • Ricotta, Dates & Pistachio

Guests can mix and match four bruschetta per board, meaning you can try more than one a time. The entire menu is that way: designed without a definitive beginning or end, with the freedom to tailor your experience based on the occasion, from a meal to a swift bite.

A category called Snacky Things features chicken and filet skewers with garlic yogurt, shrimp scampi, and crispy cauliflower with sultana raisins, capers, and a Romesco drizzle.

There are entrée salads, soups, hand-pressed paninis (on ciabatta or focaccia bread), with the option to mix-and-match sandwich, salad, and soup.

Desserts include: Chocolate Bouchon with vanilla bean ice cream, Crème Brulee, and Salted Caramel Sundae with vanilla ice cream, chocolate covered corn nuts, pretzel sticks, and salted caramel drizzle.

Weekend brunch is served from 11 am-3 pm with spritzy cocktails, lemonades, and bowls

The wine list by Advanced Sommelier and Beverage VP Brent Karlicek is especially fun to sample during their 11 am-5 pm happy hour spotlighting 25-plus wines for $6 a glass, along with $6 pitchers of beer, both local and beyond.

"We fervently champion winemakers across the globe – from trailblazers like Folk Machine, Mary Taylor, and Scarpetta to the guardians of tradition like Ernst Loosen and Bonny Doon," Karlicek says in a statement. "Producers dedicated to crafting approachable, harmonious wines without sacrificing excellence truly resonate with us. Our aim is to kindle a symphony of excitement and curiosity within our patrons during their dining journey."

Decor is attuned to the neighborhood, with art installations and local/vintage finds. At Southlake, that means a tribute to the Back to The Future series, which was the original inspiration that shaped architect Brian Stebbins’s design for Town Square. An interior wall is decked with close to 400 vintage clocks, juxtaposed by plants.

A semi-private dining space can accommodate up to 14 guests for showers, parties, and other events.

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