The next time you book a hotel in Fort Worth, don’t forget to research the bar. A well-crafted nightcap can be the perfect cure for jetlag or tired feet.
Kimpton Harper Hotel
Fort Worth’s newest bar, the Kimpton Harper, boasts an amazing Italian restaurant, il Modo. I recently took my son for a visit and was blown away by the restaurant’s pasta, which was al dente perfection. My sazerac was a perfect blend of depth and kick. Near the entrance to the restaurant is a longish bar, but the real cocktail haven, Refinery 714, is on the top floor. The swanky penthouse lounge offers a 360-degree view of downtown. The lounge’s team of seasoned mixologists blend fresh flavors and innovative recipes for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Hyatt Place TCU
TCU’s new Hyatt Place Hotel has a rooftop bar that’s a mix of a sports bar, a restaurant and a private Topgolf swing suite. Here, the cocktail mavens serve up Fort Worth-themed drinks like the Fort Worthy (whiskey, fresh lemon juice and house-made demerara syrup), The 1873 (old fashioned made with Buffalo Trace and demerara syrup) and Frog Fountain (house red wine, peach schnapps, fresh orange and pineapple juice).
Springhill Suites Stockyards
The SpringHill Suites is just a short walk from the bustle of the Stockyards and Mule Alley. The hotel offers one great reason for staying in — Ático. The venture by Chef Tim Love serves up Spanish tapas (a rarity in Fort Worth). Ático’s rooftop location offers an amazing view of the North Side. The Iberian-themed mixed drink options include the Horchata Old Fashioned (rye whiskey, spiced simple syrup and bitters), La Perla (reposado tequila, Manzanilla sherry and pear liquor) and Spanish Manhattan (brandy, East India sherry and orange bitters).
The Sinclair Hotel
The Sinclair, downtown’s newish art deco icon, boasts a resplendent restaurant and bar — The Wicked Butcher. During late evenings, the urban chic blend of white subway tile, Edison light bulbs and cowhide chair makes for an especially cozy and intimate spot to enjoy an after-work drink. Smoked libations and other forms of bartending wizardry make this a must-try for locals and tourists alike. I hear there’s an equally amazing rooftop bar that’s only available to hotel guests.
Hotel Drover
Mule Alley’s crown jewel, Hotel Drover, offers several ways to imbibe a cocktail, beer or glass of vino. The hotel’s 97 West Kitchen & Bar has a long, horseshoe-shaped bar at its center that offers full bar service from waitstaff who understand true Texas hospitality. In the adjacent lobby, which has a warm and homey feel, you’ll find ample leather chairs, couches and a smallish bar that services hotel visitors, tourists and locals. On a recent visit, I tried a few of their original cocktails that are variations of popular mixed drinks. All of the hand-crafted libations that I sipped that evening used spirits from local distilleries.
Aloft
WXYZ Bar is a hidden gem that’s located within Aloft Fort Worth Downtown. There’s an upscale lounge-y feel to the tavern, which serves fusion tacos, pizza and other delicious noshes. I ordered a French 77, which came elegantly served in a champagne flute. WXYZ Bar has comfy, pastel-colored couches galore. The downtown hotel recently launched Live @Aloft Hotels, a weekly showcase of local music talent. Follow Aloft Fort Worth Downtown on Instagram @AloftFortWorthDowntown for updates.
Worthington Renaissance
A listing of swanky hotel bars would be incomplete without a visit to a legendary Fort Worth hotel stalwart. The recently refurbished Worthington Renaissance Hotel is one of our city’s most revered lodging options. The second-floor balcony holds a gorgeous wood bar that is stocked with nearly every spirit imaginable. Chef Richard Sandoval’s popular pan-Latin steakhouse, Toro Toro, has grown to be a popular draw with locals and visitors. The restaurant serves up small plates, family-style entrees and muchos cocteles.
Omni Fort Worth Hotel
The Omni Hotel Fort Worth is home to Whiskey & Rye. The spacious bar offers a large selection of whiskey and bourbons, ample craft beers and live music (every Tuesday after 5 p.m.). The bar also offers an expansive menu with Texas-themed options like sweet BBQ chicken stuffed jalapenos, crisp pancetta mac and cheese and venison chili.
Hotel Dryce
Built over a repurposed dry ice building near the Cultural District, Hotel Dryce serves locals and tourists alike. Co-owner Jonathan Morris pulled in local artist talent to adorn the 21 rooms of the boutique hotel at 3621 Byers Ave. Photos by artist Guillermo D. Tapia bring images of Fort Worth to the cozy hotel rooms that feature handcrafted desks and wood moldings that were made by local artisans. The ground floor lounge is headed by bar manager Pam Moncrief, and the mixed drinks on a recent visit were bold, creative and delicious. Most rooms offer dazzling views of Arlington Heights and the Cultural District. The overall aesthetic of the boutique hotel is a seamless blend of old and new.
