New ways to work out — including in a movie theater — abound in Dallas-Fort Worth this February

Fit Feb

Photo courtesy of Grit Fitness

Raise your hand if you're still going strong with that resolution to work out more or improve your health. Now raise your hand if you believe every day is a new start, and February is as good a month as any to start a new good-for-you habit.

There are lots of new fitness and wellness studios proving the February theory, with openings galore.

Read on to get caught up on where you should be visiting next, then make note of the fun classes, races, and events happening around Dallas-Fort Worth this month.

EōS Fitness, which recently became headquartered in Dallas, is opening its first Texas location, in Euless at 2401 Rio Grande Blvd.

Memberships start at only $9.99 a month, and include start-of-the-art equipment, group fitness and cycle classes, an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, a Kids Club, and the unique MOVEoS Cinema, where members can work out while watching a big-screen movie in a theater-like setting.

SweatHouz — which already has locations in Plano, West Village, and Watters Creek — has opened another infrared sauna studio in Preston Royal, at 5959 Royal Ln. It boasts eight private sauna suites and offers cold plunge, hydromassage, and Celluma red light therapies.

Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy has opened two new locations, in McKinney (1620 N. Hardin Blvd.) and Richardson (212 Campbell Rd.).

Restore provides whole body and localized cryotherapy, IV drip therapy, stretch therapy, Cryoskin facials, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, infrared sauna, red and near infrared light therapy, compression therapy, and micronutrient testing.

Dallas Yoga Center has a new home above Gloria's Latin Cuisine at 4140 Lemmon Ave. There are more than 40 classes per week in-person and digitally, with private yoga lessons also available. Single classes, 10-class packs, and monthly memberships that include the wellness immersive experience range from $25 a class to $120 a month.

Fashion brand LoveShackFancy has teamed up with wellness brand BelliWelli to launch a probiotic chocolate chip cookie snack that's free with all purchases at LoveShackFancy stores. The snack bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar, and were designed to help those with IBS improve their gut health.

And now for classes and events. Mark your calendars for:

Stage West First Tuesday, February 7
Yes, this is put on by a theater company, but who better to help you tap into your emotions and leave feeling great? Tune Your Heart with Sound Healing, lead by Sara Southerland, will start at 6 pm and last approximately 90 minutes (the first 20 minutes include a complimentary drink and snacks from the bar).

Sara will then use her voice, crystal singing bowls, chimes, and drum to recharge and relax participants.Tickets are $20 each, with discounts for the theater's season ticket holders.

Hot Chocolate Run, February 11
A chocolate lover's oasis awaits following this 5K, 10K, and 15K, with fondue, dippables, and hot chocolate. Those 21 and up can add one free shot of RumChata, peanut butter whiskey, or Irish cream, if they so choose (be sure to bring your ID!).

Love on the Run, February 18
Be one of the first 350 participants to complete this inaugural USATF-certified race that includes a 10K, and 5K run/walk. All fitness levels are welcome to this family-friendly event, which begins at Toyota Music Factory and benefits the Irving Schools Foundation.

Black Girl Magic Ride, February 20
Head to Grit Fitness in the Design District for these two 60-minute spin classes (6 pm and 6:45 pm), highlighting the studio's Black spin instructors and celebrating Black musical artists.

And be sure to come back on Saturday, February 25, for the Black Business Girl Boss Pop-Up Shop from 8 am-12 pm.

The Cowtown Marathon, February 24-26
See the sights in Fort Worth, from the Stockyards to the Museum District, TCU to Trinity Park, during this half-marathon, full marathon, ultramarathon, healthy HIG relay, kids 5K, adults 5K, and 10K. With so many choices, you're sure to find a race that's right for you.

New classes and fitness ideas for the New Year in Dallas-Fort Worth

New Year, New You

Resolutions or not, it would benefit us all to move a little more in 2023. If you want to ease yourself back in after the holidays, consider these new classes, free trials, and new membership deals.

As it gears up to celebrate its one-year anniversary in Dallas, John Reed Fitness in Preston Center is making a play to be your go-to gym in the New Year with new-member deals. Through January 31, sign up for a 12-month contract and receive one month free, plus 12 guest passes, two personal training sessions, and a one-month freeze option.

The fitness studio is known for its nightclub vibes, with live DJs and immersive sound and lighting to round out its free weights, expansive functional training area, machine strength training, cardio, and stretching alongside unlimited classes including yoga, HIIT pilates, and more.

Speaking of yoga, make it a weekly thing at either the Kimpton Harper Hotel or the Trailhead at Clearfork. Both are offering a one-hour yoga class on Saturdays beginning at 9 am, costing $20 at the Kimpton and free at Clearfork.

Waxahachie is getting its own location of The Little Gym, a curriculum-based gymnastics program for children between the ages of four months and 12 years. Classes start on January 9, with an open house from 10 am-2 pm on January 7.

The idea here is for children to build their confidence as they develop the key physical, social, and emotional skills needed at each stage of childhood. Although gymnastics is at the base of The Little Gym’s curriculum, classes also incorporate sports, games, and listening activities, and promote cooperation. The Little Gym Waxahachie is located at 1107 Ferris Ave., suite 100, and you can sign up online to experience the first class for free.

Dallas’ GRIT Fitness is introducing two new classes for 2023, available at both the Design District and SMU Boulevard locations:

Cardio Combat 30 (30 minutes): A highly choreographed, fast-paced cardio kickboxing class that incorporates athletic drills and intensity intervals. GRIT Fitness utilizes light dumbbells and a fun combination of punches, kicks, and dance moves for the ultimate cardio party.
Grit-lates (50 minutes): GRIT Fitness’s signature mat pilates class offering low-impact and high-intensity core and stability training. The class offers a fun sequence of traditional mat pilates exercises spiced up with light weights, a pilates magic circle, resistance bands, and an energizing playlist.

To celebrate its exhibition A Knight's Tale, running through February 12, the Arlington Museum of Art is partnering with Arlington Yoga Center for an immersive experience combining the tranquility of an art museum with the contemplative practice of yoga.

The $20 ticket includes an hour-long yoga class plus the cost of admission to see the popular exhibition after the class is over. Doors open at 10:45 am on January 15 for the hour-long class, and pre-registration is required (no walk-ins). BYOM (bring your own mat).

Photo courtesy of Goat Yoga Dallas

Dash through December with these festive fitness classes and events

Run Run Rudolph

It's hard to believe, but 2022 is nearly over. Did you reach your health goals this year? Even if you didn't, there's still time to get going as we head into the New Year. (And by the way, in-person holiday shopping totally counts as cardio.)

Read on for more healthy ways to close out the year:

Elves on the Run 5K, December 3
The Women’s Division is hosting the 7th annual family-friendly community event is in the heart of Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas. Meet Santa at the finish line and check out the vendors at Santa’s Workshop. Dogs on leashes welcome. Fun run begins at 9 am, 5K begins at 9:30 am.

Run Run Rudolph 5k Family Fun Run & Walk, December 3
This untimed run benefits the North Richland Hills Animal Adoption & Rescue Center. Participants are encouraged to dress in fun and festive holiday attire, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Orangetheory at Sundance Square, December 4
Reserve your spot today for a free 45-minute, full-body workout hosted by Orangetheory Fitness. A certified coach will lead you through a dynamic warmup and guide you through body weight exercises. Bring a mat, towel, and water bottle and they'll bring the Orangetheory swag, music, and fun.

Yoga & Mimosas, December 4
Join Loren Boyd for a Sunday funday with holiday flavor at The Lightbox, 901 Vickory Blvd. in Fort Worth. For $20, you get a yoga class and all the mimosas you can handle from 11 am-1 pm.

2022 BMW Dallas Marathon Festival, December 9-11
Called the ultimate running weekend, this marathon draws tens of thousands of spectators as runners race through Dallas' most vibrant neighborhoods, entertainment districts, and iconic landmarks. Since naming a primary beneficiary in 1997, the Dallas Marathon has donated more than $4 million to Scottish Rite for Children.

Movement Design District grand opening, December 10
Drop by for free admission, giveaways, live music, local vendors, food, drinks, friends, and of course, climbing. All gyms are following this holiday schedule: Christmas Eve, all gyms close at 4 pm; Christmas Day, closed all day; New Year's Eve, all gyms close at 4 pm; New Year's Day, open 12-6 pm.

Holiday goat yoga, December 10
Hosted by Frisco Fresh Market, this festive edition of the popular class with have goats dressed in their best holiday sweaters. Class begins at 11 am and is BYOM (bring your own mat).

Vitruvian Lights Pub Run, December 15
Grab a friend, come for a run, and take a selfie in Addison at one of the best light displays in town. After the run/walk at your own pace, your first beer is on Dallas Sport Social Club.

Fall Fitness at The Boardwalk at Granite Park, December 17
Grab your friends and a fitness mat and get ready to have the best time working up a sweat with Camp Gladiator. Certified personal trainers will guide you through a free, full-body, 60-minute bootcamp-style workout. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

Pound Fit in Texas Lottery Plaza, December 18
Held every Sunday from 10-11am, this donation-based sculpt class in Irving encourages you to rock out (drumsticks provided).

Photo by Le Social

Turkey trot your way around Dallas-Fort Worth this November

Hot to Trot

November can mean different things to different people. For some, it's a chance to eat carbs and turkey until we pass out. For others, it's time to lace up your sneakers and trot before the pie ever passes your lips. And for a special few, it means both.

If you're looking for a new studio to try, Row House Frisco just re-opened with new owners. Row House has six class offerings – Signature, Strength, Full Row, Restore, Intervals, and Foundation – to accommodate all fitness levels, and has six studios across DFW. Utilizing 85 percent of the body’s muscles, rowing maximizes calorie burn, activates the core, strengthens and lengthens the body, and ultimately improves posture.

Read on for more healthy inspo this November:

Stroller Strides in the Garden, November 3, 10, 17, 22
Join instructors Becca and Sarah with your stroller-aged children to explore hidden corners of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and build community through engagement with the outdoors, movement, and connection. Each Stroller Strides session will comprise a warm-up, 50 minutes of cardio (walking or jogging), strength and core movements, and stretching and cool-down.

Sound Bath Journey, November 5
Join Loren Boyd for an evening of energy work and sound healing at The Studio, 620 S. Jennings Ave. in Fort Worth. This 75-minute restorative, meditative experience is designed to help you drop into your parasympathetic nervous system, where the deepest healing occurs.

Free Rockbox workout, November 5
Head to Fabletics in Southlake for a free Fab Fight Club workout with Rockbox Flowermound. The class will concentrate on shadow boxing and functional body weight movements, and stay after class to enjoy a special discount on your entire purchase.

Saturday Morning Yoga at The Harper, November 5 & 12
Start your weekend off right with some Saturday morning yoga flow. This one-hour class is taught by Laura Wright, and beginners to advanced participants are welcome with modifiable instructions. Class starts at 9 am. Bring your own mat and towel, and the gym is located on the third floor of the Kimpton Harper Hotel.

11th Annual Amazing Race Fort Worth, November 6
This skills competition is all about fun, wellness, and testing your two-person teamwork skills against other similarly aged teams. Since 2011, racers ages 5 to 85 have been pairing up with family members, friends, and co-workers to support the fight against pediatric cancer. Modeled after the popular TV show, two-person teams complete a 1.5-mile XC course speckled with fun-filled physical and mental challenges every 300 yards. Clue cards at each station describe a task that requires the participation and cooperation of both racers in order to complete, before advancing to the next station. The top finishers in each age group are declared the winners.

Goat Yoga at Toyota Music Factory, November 6
Come get your yoga on while a tribe of pet goats graze and jump around (or on) you. Class is held outside on the Texas Lottery Plaza at Toyota Music Factory, and proceeds directly benefit the animals and local non-profit initiatives.

Gym & Juice: Trap Yoga Edition, November 13
New to yoga, or looking to switch it up? Join this vinyasa-style yoga flow paired with R&B music held at Project Paragon, 2409 Avenue J in Arlington. Bringing the energy, affirmations, and fun is instructor Alondra. This event is sponsored by Manna Juice Bar, so they'll be free juice and opportunities to interact with other vendors as well.

Sweat Crawl at The Hill, November 14-18
Get your sweat on before this year's holiday eating marathon with Fitness Ambassadors, who's partnering with Garmin, Shine Hot Pilates, D1 Training Bootcamp, F-45, and Movement Gym to offer complimentary community classes to Dallas fitness enthusiasts and newcomers alike. After each class, stick around for refreshments and goodies, product demos, swag, and a raffle for a fitness watch.

Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, November 24
On your mark for this Dallas tradition, now in its 55th year. Expect a 5K run/walk and a 8-mile race, plus a junior trot, family fun area, and the option to dash with your dog for only $15 more. Virtual options are also available.

Tarrant County CRC Thanksgiving Day Run, November 24
Kick off your Thanksgiving with runners and race walkers from all over the community at the half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run at Farrington Field. Whether you are a competitive runner, mid-pack runner, jogger or walker, everyone has a good time

North Texas Turkey Trot, November 24
Go on a turkey trot before you gobble 'til you wobble in downtown Frisco. Choose from a one-mile fun run, a 5K, and 10K, and each race also has a virtual option. But be quick — prices go up after November 3. All entry fees benefit the Miracle League of Frisco.

Cowboys Fit East Dallas, coming fall 2022
The fifth Texas development of this state-of-the-art health and fitness center franchise is coming soon to 411 N. Washington Ave., Unit 1900. Cowboys Fit features the same cutting-edge equipment used in the Cowboys’ own training facility and the same “train like one of us” experience central to the original Cowboys Fit location at The Star in Frisco.

McKinney Monster Dash 5K/Facebook

Spooky sprints help Dallas-Fort Worth ghouls and goblins stay fit in October

Fit in the City

You know how some people say, "If you see me running, something is chasing me?" This is the one month where you don't need to be worried, as they're probably participating in a Halloween-themed race.

Even if fast zombies and buff ghosts aren't your thing, there's plenty around town to help keep you fit this month.

And if your workout wardrobe needs a refresh, check out the newly opened Lovyt at The Shops at Legacy. This shop features culturally inspired luxury activewear made from pre- and post-consumer waste.

Downtown Dallas Walking Club, October 5
From 12:15-12:45 pm, downtown employees, residents, and visitors can enjoy this totally free and fun excuse to get moving during lunch hour.

Pegasus Contemporary Ballet classes, October 6, 13, 20 & 27
Taught by company dancers, this class is great for all ages and no dance experience is necessary. Come to Main Street Garden ready to learn the basics, move, and have fun.

Kids Night Out at Nanda Yoga, October 21
Drop your kiddos off for a spooktacular night of yoga, sensory play, process art, dinner, and a movie. Appropriate for ages 4-7.

Spooky Sprint, October 21
This Halloween-themed run is perfect for the whole family with great swag (designer shirt, custom medal, etc.), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, costumes, free kids' dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun activities. Race takes place at River Legacy Parks in Arlington.

Deep Stretch + Reiki at Breathe, October 23
Join yoga teacher and reiki master Audah George at a deep stretch and reiki combination class where you will be led through a series of postures to open up your heart. Audah's healing hands will help assist you in deepening your own healing and fostering a stronger energy body.

McKinney Monster Dash 5K, October 29
The chip-timed 5K presented by Orange Theory starts and ends in front of TUPPS Brewery, with festivities including music, local vendors, a Spooktacular photo-booth, a costume contest where you can win Whataburger for a year for best overall costume, and plenty of cold beer and delicious food.

Frisco 5-Star Golf Tournament, October 31
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce golf tournament is the ultimate in networking, with local businesses participating both on and off the links. Events of the day include Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin and there's also a light breakfast and lunch.

Yoga at The Sound, through October
Bring your mat to the Rogers-O'Briend Amphitheater at The Sound at Cypress Waters on Tuesdays at 6 pm or Saturdays at 10 am for free outdoor yoga taught by Chris Mayhan.

Photo courtesy of Omni Dallas

Fall fitness stretches into September and beyond in Dallas-Fort Worth

A Month and More

This month's round-up of health and fitness-focused events is far-reaching and extra-long — many of the concepts last all month long, and a few stretch into October.

We're covering them all, since we'd hate for you to miss out on the many cool concepts that are happening that first weekend of fall.

Caulfield's Dance Fitness Bring-a-Friend, all September long
Been wanting to try this hot and heavy spot for dance cardio? For the month of September, all first-time visitors are free. Follow on Instagram @caulfieldsdancefit for class schedules.

Watch & Play at The Golf Suite, all September long
Celebrate college football kick-off while playing indoor golf with a September membership at The Golf Suite. They're live-streaming all the games, and if you sign up during September you get three free guest passes to watch and play with your friends.

Yoga Awareness Month at Retreat in the Pines, all September long
Retreat in the Pines is a women’s retreat center located outside of Dallas that's designed to cultivate community, connection, and mind-body healing in a serene, inclusive sanctuary. Beginners classes are offered, making this an approachable way to introduce people to yoga.

Awakening Yoga at Soul Dimension, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Awaken your mind and body to a new level and learn how to practice meditation in motion in this 90-minute class, which is held online.

Women's Bouldering Night at Movement, September 14
Ladies, now's the time to reach for the (indoor) stars with a female-focused evening of climbing.

Fort Worth Oktoberfest Run und Ride, September 24
Hold on to your lederhosen — this event features an urban bike ride, a 10K, and a 5K. Cyclists will enjoy scenic views of Cultural District, Magnolia, Downtown, The Trinity River, and a beer stop along the way. The 10K and 5K courses run along the Trinity Trail with fairly flat routes and great views. All participants receive an Oktoberfest beer stein and a free three-day pass into the Fort Worth Oktoberfest festival, in addition to awesome swag. Costumes are encouraged!

Oaktoberfest, September 25
Oak Cliff's take on the traditional German celebration includes a 1.128-mile fun run around Tyler Station, with beer samples for each lap completed. Stay for more beer, brats, and live polka music.

FAME Fest, October 1
An abbreviation for “fitness + arts + music + experience,” FAME Fest is Dallas’ first experiential fitness festival, bringing together the hottest fitness trends, local artists, and musicians, for a weekend of movement and arts. This festival includes pop up fitness classes from the hottest studios, an interactive vendor market to discover new wellness companies, live art, and music, plus culinary creations from Omni Dallas’ Restaurants on Lamar collection.

Frisco Arts Walk & Run, October 1
Bring the whole fam to Hall Park for a run route that takes you through the scenic Texas Sculpture Garden with pop-up musicians, dancers, vocalists, actors, visual artists, and more along the way. Funds raised will go toward artist resiliency grants, Ladies Who Launch grants, minority artist grants, and youth scholarships.

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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.

These 10 beefy Fort Worth restaurants flip the best burgers in town

Tastemaker Awards

It’s a passionate subject in a city nicknamed “Cowtown” – burgers, that is. Everyone has their favorite, from unfussy classics to flashy gourmet versions with their aioli and brioche buns.

We're throwing charcoal on the grill and stoking fires of debate by making Best Burger our "Wildcard" category the 2023 CultureMap Fort Worth Tastemaker Awards. The Wildcard category changes every year depending on what's hot. And there's no hotter cuisine right now than burgers.

This group of nominees covers restaurants serving up wide-ranging styles, including the smashburger, the pitmaster burger, the fancy truffle burger, the eccentric burger made with local beer-infused ingredients, and the traditional chargrilled hamburger served basic with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Study up on the selections - and all the other nominees - in a special editorial series leading up to the Tastemaker Awards ceremony and signature tasting event, being held April 27 at The 4 Eleven (411 S. Main St.).

The event, emceed by Fort Worth chef Jon Bonnell, will feature bites and beverages from the nominees. Note that early bird ticket sales end April 2. Snag those here.

Here are the 10 nominated restaurants for Best Burger, in alphabetical order:

B&B Butchers & Restaurant
The Shops at Clearfork steakhouse knows how to get fancy with burgers in a big way. Maybe it’s topping them with a thick pad of indulgent truffle butter and slathering them with truffle aioli and three-onion jam, like on the restaurant’s Truffle Burger. Or maybe it’s serving them open-faced with fried oysters, filet, and pork belly as they do with the Carpet Bagger Burger. There’s also the Hill Country Burger featuring smoked sausage, barbecue sauce, and pepperjack cheese; and the Butcher Shop Burger loaded with thick applewood smoked bacon. All are served with thick-cut steak fries and are available only at lunch.

The Bearded Lady
The half-pound burgers are always head-turners at this South Main Street gastropub and patio. One example: The Bill Dill, a mile-high pickle-themed burger topped with fried pickles, bacon, dill ranch, queso made with Martin House Brewing Company’s Best Maid pickle beer, and pickles soaked in Martin House’s Salty Lady beer. There’s also the BOTM (burger of the month), a limited special that goes wild with creativity. March’s feature is The Jambalaya, ladeled with actual sausage and chicken jambalaya along with blackened shrimp and “dirty gravy.” Get ready to get messy.

Dayne's Craft Barbecue
Dayne Weaver’s elusive OG Burger is available from his barbecue trailer as a special only on Thursdays and Fridays, and word is that they can sell out by lunchtime. Comprised of two juicy patties made from a mix of ground beef and brisket trimmings, the smoky smashburger draws legions of fans for its cheesy, heavenly goodness. Because of its limited supply, the burger has achieved legendary status. Look for it to be a daily menu offering once Dayne’s opens its brick-and-mortar location in the up-and-coming Westland area on Camp Bowie West.

Dutch's Hamburgers
This TCU-area burger hub holds a lot of history. It’s named for legendary TCU grad and football coach “Dutch” Meyer and is located in the former home of another iconic TCU burger joint, Jon’s Grille (the original, not the reincarnated version recently opened by Jon Bonnell on West Berry Street). Burgers are mostly traditional here; they come with half-pound patties, shredded lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles if desired. Slightly flashier versions include additions like hickory barbecue sauce, bacon, blue cheese, mushroom and Swiss cheese, and fried onion and jalapeño strings.

Fred's Texas Café
Having moved after more than 40 years in its original Currie Street location to Camp Bowie West in 2022, Fred’s picked right up where it left off. The look and feel – with a patio stage for live music, icy schooners, and rustic Texas décor – is still the same, as are the medium-cooked Black Angus burgers that still come with a big pile of hand-cut fries. While the chipotle pepper and grilled onion-topped Diablo Burger is still popular, don’t sleep on creative newcomers on the menu like the Enchilada Burger; Guajillo Burger with Dr Pepper candied bacon; and the Spicy Todo Jalapeño Burger with fried jalapeños, jalapeño cream cheese, and jalapeño jam served on a cheddar jalapeño bun.

Hookers Grill
There’s nothing scandalous about this hidden Stockyards burger shack, where orders are taken and picked up from an outdoor window. Hooker is the last name of Ruth, who runs the place with her mom, Kathryn. Here, fried onions are pressed into the thin Hereford beef patties, which almost fall apart between smashed, griddle-top-toasted buns. The ensemble comes wrapped in red-and-white checkered paper and is a delicious, addicting mess. Most popular is the “regular,” which comes with mustard and pickles. Customers can add cheese, jalapeños, bacon, chili, green chili gravy, or a fried egg. Hookers is open late on Friday and Saturday nights to accommodate the honky-tonk crowd after dancing.

JD's Hamburgers
After losing its roof from high winds during storms on March 2, JD’s Hamburgers is still working hard to reopen. The Westland district burger café and patio debuted last September, drawing happy crowds from West Fort Worth and beyond for its long list of burgers and Southern-inspired bites like deviled eggs, salmon patties, and fried green tomatoes. Burger varieties include the Sherlie Ann & Donnie with bacon, peach pico de gallo, and Swiss cheese; the Cheryl & Bo with Hatch chile queso; and the more traditional Allie Mae & JD with shredded lettuce, American cheese, caramelized onions, tomato, and pickle ribbons. All come on a toasted sourdough bun and may be served with sweet potato fries or long-cut okra fries.

Kincaid's Hamburgers
The longtime Camp Bowie Boulevard burger dive evolved out of a 1940s grocery store and is still family owned and operated, now with five locations across Tarrant County. Praised on countless “best burger” lists over the decades, Kincaid’s keeps things simple with its half-pound chargrilled burgers presented with the classic build of lettuce, sliced tomatoes, white onions, and pickle chips. Additions include cheese, chili, and bacon, and all burgers come with mustard unless the customer requests otherwise. There are “fancier” options, like the “Cowtown Deluxe” with pimento cheese, bacon, and grilled jalapeños and onions, but it’s the humble original that’s kept customers coming back for generations.

Little Red Wasp
This downtown restaurant and bar hangs with the local burger elite for its “knife + fork” cheeseburger. The beefy ensemble can come with one or two patties, each melted with aged cheddar cheese and stacked with thick-cut tomatoes, red onion slivers, pickle chips, crisp lettuce, and a tangy “Wasp sauce.” A toasted potato bun holds it all in place. The concept is owned by restaurateur Adam Jones and chef Blaine Staniford, who also own and operate nearby downtown fine-dining destinations Grace and the new 61 Osteria Italian restaurant.

Wishbone & Flynt
Ask for the Flynt Burger at this South Main Street hub for high-end, home-cooked dishes. With a custom-blended patty made from short rib, ground chuck, and brisket seared in rich and luxurious duck fat (a game-changer), the result is juicy and flavorful. The burger comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, along with tangy slices of white cheddar melted on top. A fluffy, toasted brioche bun keeps everything in place.

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The Best Burger category is sponsored by Goodstock by Nolan Ryan. The Tastemaker Awards event will feature a Burger Throwdown where attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite slider.

These are the 6 must-indulge events at the 2023 Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival

This week in gluttony

The most delicious four days in Fort Worth begin Thursday, March 30 with the start of the annual Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival. It's such a big deal that we are devoting this week's Best Food and Drink Events feature to the multi-day culinary extravaganza.

With six sip-and-stroll tasting events showcasing more than 100 local chefs, restaurants, bartenders, and food artisans, the festival mostly takes place along 13 acres at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork under pop-up tents and huge shades trees. (There’s just one rogue event elsewhere at Whiskey Ranch.) Live music, chic seating areas, tasting bars, and plenty of photo ops combine to create one of the most talked-about weekends of the year.

It's also good way to preview food and beverages nominated for CultureMap Tastemaker Awards; these events will no doubt leave you wanting another helping at the awards ceremony and signature tasting event on April 27.

Produced by the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation, the festival is more than a good time – proceeds raise funds for local grant programs and scholarships for culinary students in Fort Worth. To date, the non-profit has raised more than $325,000 for the cause.

After a pandemic-related two-year hiatus, the festival returned in its full format last year and welcomed more than 7,000 hungry foodies. Organizers have expanded the experience this year to welcome even more attendees, but folks aren’t sleeping on their chance to indulge. Two of the six signature events are already sold out, and Weekender passes (which allow access to the entire festival) and early entry tickets to all events are also long gone.

So, act fast to get in on the feeding frenzy. Limited general admission tickets remain for just four of the following six events. Here are details on all of them:

Tacos + Tequila
Thursday, March 30, 8-10 pm (early entry ticketholders may arrive at 7 pm)
Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
Attendees who’ve already snagged their ticket can plan for a pairing that never disappoints. There’ll be 18 chefs and 12 tequila vendors sharing their tastiest creations at this festival kick-off event. Try tacos from Calisience, Guapo Taco, Mesero, and Toro Toro, along with dishes from unexpected participants like Dusty Biscuit Beignets and FunkyTown Donuts & Drafts. Find the full list here. This event has sold out.

The Main Event
Friday, March 31, 6:30-9 pm (early entry ticketholders may arrive at 5:30 pm)
Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
This grand affair is the festival’s showcase event. Ticketholders should arrive hungry and thirsty for more than 100 wines, craft beers, and spirits to pair with dishes from 27 chefs, restaurateurs, and food artisans. Participants include some of Fort Worth’s most iconic restaurants, like Bonnell’s, Fitzgerald, Michaels Cuisine, Reata, Shinjuku Station, Ellerbe Fine Foods, and newcomers like The Beast & Co. Find the full list here. This event has sold out.

Night Market
Friday, March 31, 9-11 pm (early entry ticketholders may arrive at 8 pm)
Whiskey Ranch
Formerly called Nite Bites, this reimagined event will let guests experience global flavors, with influence from Mumbai to Mexico City, under the Texas stars in a street food market setting. It will feature bites and beverages from 27 chefs and mixologists. Cocktails will be crafted with TX Whiskey, and craft beer and wine will also be available. Participants include Malai Kitchen, Coco Shrimp, Clay Pigeon Food & Drink, Tributary Café, and Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. Find the full list here. Tickets are $65, and early entry is sold out.

Rise + Dine
Saturday, April 1, 11 am–2 pm
Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
Wake up and smell the best of Fort Worth’s brunch scene. Indulge in classic morning favorites to seafood dishes paired with cocktails, coffee, craft beer, and of course, lots of bubbly. Twenty restaurants and food artisans will participate, including Pearl Snap Kolaches, Brewed, Café Modern, 3rd Street Market, Avoca Coffee Roasters, and Three Danes Baking Company. Find the full list here. Tickets are $85.

Burgers, Brews + Blues
Saturday, April 1, 6-9 pm (early entry ticketholders may arrive at 5 pm)
Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
Thirteen chefs will grill their best burgers in slider form for celebrity judges and guests to select their favorite. Participating burger joints include JD’s Hamburgers, Fred’s Texas Café, Rodeo Goat, and Tommy’s Burgers. Find the full list here. This event is also for beer lovers – local craft brewers from near and far will pour samples of their best selections to also be judged by guests. Take it all in while enjoying live blues under the shade trees. Tickets are $85, and early entry is sold out.

Ring of Fire: A Next-Level Cookout
Sunday, April 2, 2-5 pm (early entry ticketholders may arrive at 1 pm)
Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork
Here’s what happens when you gather the best pitmasters in Fort Worth and let them loose with live fire: the ultimate backyard barbecue. Guests can plan for both traditional and unexpected smoked dishes from participants like Smoke-A-Holics BBQ, Panther City BBQ, Brix Barbecue, Heim Barbecue, Olmos BBQ, Cousins BBQ, 225 BBQ, BBQ on the Brazos, Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, Hurtado BBQ, The Original Black’s Barbecue, and more. Also look for The Babes of Que, an onsite activation during the event featuring women in the world of barbecue. Babes of Que podcast host Betina Miller will be joined by Cecilia Guerrero and Kimberly Ovalle of Goldee’s Barbecue, among other leading lady pitmasters. Tickets are $85, and early entry is sold out.

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