The Riverside area of Fort Worth has been a quintessential and often defining feature of Fort Worth.  River East, a bustling new destination within the neighborhood, attracts folks who want to take in live music, some of the best chef-driven culinary experiences in Fort Worth, and other cultural and entertainment offerings.

 

PLAY

Live music is one of the many lures of River East, and that entertainment experience is powered by a one-of-a-kind music venue, The Post at River East. Beyond hosting nearly nightly performances by local music scene stalwarts and touring acts, the open-air music venue, with four towering walls and an open roof, offers a pristine listening environment. Throw in a large menu with soups, salads, sandwiches and shareables, plus a cocktail bar that offers top-shelf service and spirits, and you’ll see why The Post is the perfect place to launch your evening outing.

Neutral Ground Brewing Company is Fort Worth’s newest brewery and pulls influences from Texas and Louisiana, where one of the co-owners hails from. The co-owners are currently preparing to ramp up production through the installation of a large brew site. Stop by for stouts, IPAs and unique brews (like the king cake-flavored ale) and enjoy the spacious outdoor patio.

 

SHOP

Blaize Culture uses the bright colors and imagery of 1960s’ and 70s’ counterculture movements to create unique clothing attire and merchandise. Rather than designing products in-house, Blaize Culture partners with “artists, designers, photographers, filmmakers, musicians and shredders” to create a high-energy and original brand. Born Late Records — great name, right? — is loaded with vinyl records and vintage merchandise like T-shirts, CDs and music memorabilia. Creatively Beaut Goods offers handmade Boho (bohemian) accessories that cater to our inner hippies. Explore intricate knotted textile works, crystals and other vintage or vintage-inspired accessories at this new boutique shop. 

Creative Collections is a co-op market that showcases art, handmade crafts and goods by locals. As outdoor gatherings return to Fort Worth, following Creative Collections’ events will be one great way to see what Fort Worth’s artists have been crafting over the past year. Funky Town Lost and Found sells vintage clothes, new merchandise and apparel, and funky furniture and decor. No run-of-the-mill finds here. Each dress, necklace or pair of boots has a strong personality and a uniqueness all its own. M.J.’s Boutique is a fashion-forward boutique clothing store that keeps up with women’s clothing trends so you can look your best at a formal event or out on the town. 

Taylor Lane Designs specializes in custom bridal gowns, swimwear and undergarments. Each item is made to fit, and the staff will keep you informed at each step of the fabrication process. While some call it a “hidden treasure,” fashion-minded locals know that The Twisted Gypsy sells chic jewelry, handbags and accessories that are designer-inspired. Friendlier service would be hard to find. 

 

EAT

La Onda recently set up shop in the longtime home of Gypsy Scoops (which moved to the Near Southside). Chef Victor Villarreal and wife Misty Villarreal focus on Latin-inspired seafood dishes and cocktails. Dry-aged fish, affordably price caviar and rare Alaskan oysters are part of Victor’s culinary vision for his Race Street restaurant.

Race Street Coffee is a space where you can read a book, catch up on work or chat with a friend over a delicious cup of hot java or any number of superlative drink options. There are ample light bites available, and you can even grab a package of Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters to-go.

Among the local restaurant cognoscenti, Tributary Cafe ranks high on the list of Fort Worth’s top restaurants. The river-themed restaurant offers southern and cajun favorites like fried pork skins, fried chicken, crawfish Étouffée and lots and lots of fresh seafood options. Dine-in or order “to-geaux.”

From locally roasted coffee to signature chicken salad sandwiches and scratch kitchen meals, The Brown Bag Club has all your food-related needs covered. The cafe specializes in affordable prepared meals to-go that feature “meals of the week.” The owners pride themselves on offering customizable options that use only the freshest ingredients. 

Located in the historic McAdams Building, Mamma Mia Italian Grill & Pizza is where locals go for an authentic Italian dining experience. There’s no skimping on the plump shrimp if you order the scampi, and the pizza is known to draw tourists from out of state.   



ART & EVENTS

Murals and public art can be found throughout the district. Close access to the Trinity Trails, bike lanes on Race Street and a Fort Worth Bike Share station make the district easy to explore on two wheels or four.

Race Street has increasingly become a hotspot for big events. A monthly street festival called Race Street Rollick is held on the second Saturday of each month. The family-friendly event includes live music, art merchants and pop-up food and drink vendors. Race Street also hosts one of the cities biggest Mardi Gras events, featuring all the requisite celebrations including a parade, beads, and festive masks.