Walloon's Restaurant
Marcus Paslay, the mind and might behind Clay Pigeon, Provender Hall and Piatello Italian Kitchen, brings fresh, intentional concepts to his restaurants, giving guests not just incredible meals, but unique and quality dining experiences. His latest restaurant, and foray into French- and Hemingway-styled seafood, is no exception.
Walloon’s Restaurant sits on a corner of Magnolia Ave. across the street from the historic Paris Coffee Shop. The name comes from a region in Belgium on the French border called Wallonia, and from Walloon Lake in Michigan, where Ernest Hemingway spent the summers growing up. The restaurant has harnessed the character of both locales, as if preparing for Papa Hemingway to walk in at any moment.
The former bank building now has turn of the (previous) century vibes that offer a relaxing place for great food and cocktails entirely on brand. But more than that, Walloon’s provides respite from the hustle and bustle of quotidien life. The bright space is elegant but not pretentious, the bar intimate enough to chat with your fellow revelers. The mood of the place, including the friendly bartenders and servers, encourages you to put down your phones and enjoy your meal. Though the occasional photo may be necessary… the food is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Their menu offers a raw bar with cold water oysters, shrimp cocktail and a seafood tower. The beer battered redfish beignets with house made tartar sauce are a must-try, as is the seafood mac and cheese and classic moules frites. The braised short rib and steak frites are excellent options for those looking for turf rather than surf.
As for drinks, the Hemingway daiquiri and an Old Fashioned with chocolate bitters are signature cocktails, and the full bar serves up classics like negronis, sidecars and espresso martinis. They also boast of Fort Worth’s Coldest Martini.
This restaurant will be one of your new go-tos in Fort Worth for date night or special occasions. With views of downtown, incredible seafood, tasty cocktails and an undercurrent of sophisticated comfort, Walloon’s offers diners everything they’ve come to expect from the team at From Scratch Hospitality.
