We are going to be in FW for three nights--staying at the Worthington. One night we are going to Billy Bob's. We'll have a car. Any suggestions regarding restaurant--mid-price range? We don't eat beef....

Our very, very favorite restaurant to take out of town guests is Reata. It's on Houston Street within walking distance from the Worthington or they offer free valet parking. While most of their menu is beef, chicken or wild game, they do have a handful of seafood dishes along with a fabulous vegetable dish...salads, too. They have a nice wine list, too. Depending on the time of year, they have a roof-top bar and dining. We were out there for drinks just a couple of weeks ago...lovely! I would recommend making reservations. Oh! Be sure to have the dessert tacos...yummmm!

For Mexican food, go to Joe T. Garcia's. It's been around forever and has become pretty famous with visiting celebs and politicians. Nothing fancy, just popular with lots of history. It's off Main Street just down from Billy Bob's. They only offer two dishes so they do not have a menu and it's cash only. Since you don't eat beef, you'll want to order "The Dinner". It's two cheese enchilladas. The rest is served family style: cheese nachos, rice, beans, guacomole and beef tacos (which you could ask them to leave off). Just FYI, the other option is fajitas (beef or chicken or combo). Joe T's started out in the small house with a few tables, which you'll walk through when you enter. Many, years ago we used to walk through the kitchen to get to the dining area. It's expanded over the years and also has a fabulous patio dining area. If you are there during nice weather, you'll want to eat outside...but you'll stand in line unless you are there early. They do NOT take reservations.

If neither of these sound good to you, just walk out the door of The Worthington and walk around Sundance Square and you'll find just about anything you want! Have fun!

Thanks for the suggestions. They sound good.
We'll be there at the end of the month, so I imagine that the weather will be too conducive to sitting outside.

When you say get to Joe T. Garcia's early, what do you think is early enough to avoid a huge wait?

jag1jag1~
Remember, this is TEXAS! We could be in the middle of an ice storm or it could be in the 70's.

At Reata, they have those lamp post style heaters scattered throughout the rooftop, so you may be able to at least have a drink out there.

As far as the crowds at Joe T.'s...that's really tough. They have two lines...one for indoor seating and one for outdoor seating. I've seen the lines long by 6:00 in the evening yet we've walked right up at 7:00...though that's rare. Sorry I can't give you a difinitive answer because I could steer you wrong either way.

If you plan to eat dinner in the Sundance Square area, be sure to make reservations. When we go to Ft. Worth, we tend to forget how busy everthing can get-even at an early hour like 5:30 or 6 pm.

jag1jag1~
I've been thinking...I want to make sure I haven't made your expectations too high for Joe T.'s. It's nothing fancy, just good cheese enchilladas and the works. It's a place you probably wouldn't stop at just driving by. There isn't any atmosphere to "write home about" inside the restaurant. The atmosphere is all outside in the gardens and various patio dining area. And, growing up here and knowing the history and folklore behind this place makes it truly special.

Maybe you'll get lucky and it will be warm enough to eat outside. Today is December 20th and you could comfortably eat outside tonight. It was in the low 70's today and is very comfortable right now at 6:00 p.m.

They are also open for lunch (patio, too).

They do have a website www.joets.com

Have fun in Cowtown!

Thanks. We've made a reservation at Reata's for our first night. I looked at the weather and theoretically it is going to rain on Dec. 29! We are there for a football game on the 31st, so hopefully the weather will cooperate. It turns out we also have an event the second night at the Fox and Hound, so maybe we'll just eat there.

So, that means we only need to find something early and simple/quick on New Year's.

I absolutely LOVE Joe T's - but for the sitting outside experience - not sure I would recomend it if you end up sitting indoors. Reata is great (especially having a drink on the rooftop - no worries about the weather), Lonesome Dove is great. Lanny's - which is an upscale restaurant by the grandson of the Joe T's family is wonderful. Oh, and Lucile's is great too. And Daddy Jack's for seafood. Gloria's by the old Montgomery Ward's building (Salvadoran crossed with Tex Mex) For really upscale, French in a wonderful setting, you can't beat Saint Emillion. Piranha Killer Sushi in Sundance square. If you ate beef, I'd tell you you had to have a hamburger at Kincaids, but since you don't.... Fort Worth is a great city, you'll love it! Oh, one more - Cafe Modern in the Modern Art Museum!

At Reata, get the field greens salad with the goat cheese and pecans. It is to DIE FOR!

Also, if you want a great place for lunch, try McKinley's on University in the big shopping center just south of Rosedale. They have wonderful salads and sandwiches, and some of the best desserts you'll ever find!

It20 - Where are Lonesome Dove and Lanny's?? (general location is okay)

Thanks

Lonesome Dove is in the Stockyards across the corner from H3 Ranch restaurant.

Lonesome Dove is wonderful, too. It's more rustic than Reata. I was there for a private party and the food and service was superb! <)

www.lonesomedovebistro.com

Not sure where Lanny's is. Since I love Joe T's...sounds like I need to check out Lanny's.

Lonesome Dove is in the Stockyards area. http://www.lonesomedovebistro.com
Also it is right near a very cool store called the Cross Eyed Moose. Lanny's is on 7th near Camp Bowie - Cultural District area. http://www.lannyskitchen.com

Agree with ChristieP, it is wonderful - we never make salad at home anymore without goat cheese and roasted pecans! I think the dressing is a raspberry vinegarette? Their "Cowboy Cosmopoliton" martini is also great (although their drinks are a bit overpriced - but when you're on the rooftop somehow you put up with it...)

It20...
I was googling Lanny's while you were replying. Think I'll make reservations for there this weekend.

Isn't it ironic. I was born in Ft. Worth and lived in the DFW area all my life and just learned of a new restaurant in Ft. Worth on Fodors.

Thanks!

I hope you love it! It's been a year since we've been - it was marvelous - and the connection to Joe T's is kinda cool.

Thanks It20 and jewelhawg for the info.

Jewelhawg - I grew up in Ft Worth and lived in the DFW area most of my life, and I've never heard of these either. I need to get out more!