48 Hours in Hispanic Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s make up is diverse and vast, with strong Hispanic influences that permeate every facet of the city. Those influences are evident as you walk through visitor hot spots like the Stockyards, museums in the Cultural District, Sundance Square and the vibrant Northside neighborhood. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in the Unexpected City exploring the Hispanic-owned businesses and attractions.
Day 1
Grab coffee at Casa Azul, a coffee shop and community center in the Northside neighborhood. Try a Churro Latte or Matcha-Colada to get you going in the morning. Once you’re caffeinated, venture up to Esperanza’s Restaurant & Bakery near the Stockyards for a delectable breakfast. Owned by the iconic Joe T. Garcia’s, Esperanza’s food is authentic and delicious, with traditional dishes like chilaquiles, migas, and a bakery serving the best in Mexican pastries.
Next, explore the Stockyards National Historical District. With weekly rodeos and the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive driven by a diverse team of drovers, the Stockyards is the pinnacle of the western heritage that first gave our city its identity. Shop for western attire at multiple outfitters that display the best in craft and style or listen to live local music at many bars and restaurants.
Stop for lunch at Taco Heads. This Hispanic- and woman-owned business is a local favorite, with a fun patio, delicious tacos and craft margaritas.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Cultural District. With five world-renowned museums, you can span the entire history of art in their corridors. Check out the Escaramuzas Charras exhibit at the National Cowgirl Museum. Two galleries showcase the history of Escaramuza Charra, a Mexican equestrian sport where women ride horses in a synchronized routine. It’s an in-depth look into this fascinating tradition, which originated over a century ago and remains an important part of Hispanic rodeo culture.
If you love board games as much as you love happy hour, head to Game Theory Restaurant + Bar. Pick from their board game library and enjoy a drink and appetizers while you challenge opponents and have fun at one of the city’s coolest and most relaxed spots.
For an exceptional dining experience, book a table at the award-winning Don Artemio, where the flavors of Northern Mexico take center stage. The beautiful and atmospheric space is perfect to taste some of their delicious dishes, including nopalitos fritos, chile hojaldrado, and braised cabrito.
Take in a show at the historic Casa Manana theater. The “House of Tomorrow” opened in 1958, and has since become a hub for live theater, children’s performances and concerts.
Day 2
Enjoy coffee and a breakfast taco and Cafecito. With their classic café de olla (served in the cutest glass milk bottles), breakfast tacos, burritos, sandwiches and authentic dishes from Mexico, Cafecito is the fuel you need for your second day in the Unexpected City.
Explore the cultural landmark and shopping center La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth. This massive shopping mall has something for every type of shopper while celebrating Hispanic heritage with art, music and food. Visit the 125,000 sq ft Mercado or take a tour of the mall’s artwork including the Alebrijes mural, 3D art, a three-story sculptural steel slide and more. Stop in at Joe’s Hat Store to purchase a hat from one of the best “master hatters” in the state.
For a truly exceptional plate of barbecue, head to Panther City BBQ for a hearty lunch of smoked meats and delicious sides. They offer all the classic BBQ favorites like brisket, pulled pork, pork belly burnt ends and fun twists like pork belly poppers, BBQ elote cup, flacos tacos and a double brisket smashburger.
After lunch, wander through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The Garden hosts some epic and memorable festivities during Hispanic Heritage Month at their Celebramos! events, some of which offer free admission for the day. Even ordinary days at the Botanic Garden are extraordinary, with 23 beautiful gardens including the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and a Native Texas Boardwalk.
Next, weave your way through downtown Fort Worth and the Sundance Square entertainment district. There’s much to explore, from art galleries and shops like Colleccion Mexicana, which sells handcrafted products from Mexico to decorate your home. Sundance Square Plaza hosts Salsa Nights, where you’ll learn how to salsa, then spend the rest of the evening putting your new skills to use with live music from the plaza stage.
When you’ve salsa’d your heart out, have dinner at Tinie’s. Locally owned and operated, Tinie’s Mexican Cuisine’s scratch kitchen combines the spirit and flavors of Mexico City with the hospitality of Fort Worth. Try their award-winning dishes, cocktails and the family-style dining atmosphere.
End your 48 hours in Fort Worth back in the Stockyards, where you can take in a cultural event at Artes de la Rosa, attend a rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum or two-step to the house band at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk.
