Fort Worth is home to 200+ open-air patios and several newcomers are adding to these options. Whether you’re looking to explore innovative cocktails or simply want to explore a new watering hole, keep these new bars in mind.
Maggie’s R&R
Near Southside newcomer Maggie’s R&R offers a spacious patio, great food and a wide selection of draft beers on tap. The former home of La Zona and Southside Rambler has never looked better. Outdoor picnic tables, large blue umbrellas, and strings of hanging lights give the outdoor space a welcoming, sunny vibe. The elevated pub food options include the towering Double Double Bacon burger, Maggie’s Street Tacos, Firecracker Taquitos, Southside Skillet Queso and more. The bar offers a full selection of cocktails and wine, and live music is booked on most weekends.
Smokestack 1948
Smokestack 1948 is surprisingly hidden given its location at the northwest corner of bustling 8th and West Berry. The sprawling bar and restaurant has an outdoor family-friendly green space, The 817 Pizza food truck and two bars, including a dedicated cocktail lounge. The hefty pizzas are made with focaccia, and the cocktail selections (crafted by beverage director Sür Easley) are as creative and they are nuanced.
Tulips
Jason Suder is building a home for folks (like myself) who spend their days pining for the next live music show. The Near Southside bar and music hall has a deep and thoughtful adult beverage selection, thanks in no small part to beverage director Tia Downey. Her bartending pedigree includes stints at Clay Pigeon Food + Drink and Piattello Italian Kitchen. Tulips, which occupies the former home of The Collective Brewing Project, keeps craft beer as a central offering. The craft brews on tap range from light to hefty.
Ascension Coffee
Before you roll your eyes at the “coffee bar” that made it into the “bar bar” listing, read on. Ascension Coffee offers a full complement of beers (including several craft brews on draft), wine, and spirits. The food offerings range from comfort (like the Aussie breakfast sandwich) to paleo-friendly bowls. If you’re on the hunt for the newest brunch spot, put this WestBend newcomer on the top of your list.
CURFEW
The signature cocktails alone are worth the trip to this downtown tavern. The Cigar Old Fashioned keeps to the classic recipe while infusing aromatics for an olfactory treat. Ranch waters are here to stay, and CURFEW offers a tequila-based version made with Fruit Punch Jarritos and fresh lime. For the adventurous drinker, the Black Orchid offers a floral and mildly sweet cocktail made with exotic ingredients like Himalayan salt and squid ink (no joke).
Berry Street Ice House
You may recognize the current home of Berry Street Ice House as the former location of Americado and The Moon. The new restaurant/bar is owned by the same group that brought Fort Worth Wishbone and Flynt and The Amber Room. Berry Street Ice House offers arcade games like Golden Tee, ample TVs for watching sports, dozens of canned and draft beers, vast outdoor seating, and a pub-themed menu that features the Frog Burger (white cheddar, traditional toppings, and two four-ounce patties seared in duck fat).
