Come to WestBend for some self-care; stay for the boutique shopping and dining experience. The development south of Interstate 30 on University Drive is a great base to launch a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo or the Cultural District.
Shop
dear hannah,
Unique clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts abound here. If you’re looking for a cute graduation gift, you’ll find some awesome options like robes, bath bombs, necklaces and charms, and unique beaded earrings in the shapes of pizza slices, cocktails and even the iconic longhorn. There’s also an adorable line of pet toys for your favorite pampered pooch.
jonnie-O
Founder John O’Donnell grew up living the preppy life in Winetka, Il, on the shore of Lake Michigan. When he attended college in California, he swapped his khakis and penny loafers for board shorts and flip flops. O’Donnell’s flagship store combines both looks. If you’re shopping for a golf aficionado this Father’s Day, you might stop here –– traditional clothing, along with items with MLB or collegiate logos abound. If you have a kid who’s into sailing or surfing, there’s a junior line here as well.
Market by Macy’s
The county’s second, smaller format retail store offers a curated assortment of Macy’s fabulously branded fashion and home goods in a non-mall setting. The merchandise includes clothing for men, women, and kids, along with home and beauty selections. You’ll find everything that Macy’s is known for, including the occasional fantastic sale item.
Tyler’s
A perennially popular store offering a wide variety of brand-conscious wear, including their own jerseys and t-shirts, swimwear and footwear. You’ll also find a proud-to-be-a-Texan collection of “Keep Austin Weird” merch and some fun, unique Texan-themed t-shirts celebrating Marfa, the lone star of Texas (and also Lone Star beer), and, of course, Willie Nelson.
Warby Parker
The brand that launched try-at-home glasses actually has a retail shop. Whether you need sunnies, blue light-filtering lenses or contacts, you can find those here. There is no amount of adjectives to do justice to the wide selection of colors and styles available.
Self-Care
bluemercury
Part makeup and skin care, part aromatherapy and health, and part mother-baby store, bluemercury’s got what you need to take care of pretty much every inch of your body. Virtual master classes and in-store events like a consult with a perfume specialist to find your perfect scent seal the deal.
CorePower Yoga
Take classes in the studio or take advantage of on-demand and live-streaming classes in your home. One great thing about the in-home yoga sessions: If you only have 15 minutes, there’s a class for that. If you want a full hour, there’s a class for that, too. Whether you want hot yoga, yoga combined with strength training or plain old unheated yoga, it’s all here.
Dry Bar
No cut, no color – just a shampoo with a couple of pampering upgrades if you’d like, then a flawless style. Don’t have time for the works? Come in with clean, dry hair and they’ll style you perfectly for $25. Choose from braids, waves, up-dos, sleek straight styles or the Southern Comfort – because big volume isn’t just for the radio.
The Woodhouse Day Spa
Facials, massage and body treatments, and manicures and pedicures are on the menu. Services are tailored for both men and women, and Woodhouse even offers a pregnancy massage for expectant mothers. If you’re trying to get rid of the “mask-ne” that came along with COVID-19, there’s a special facial just for that!
Eat
Ascension Coffee
Part coffee shop, part sandwich joint and part wine bar (beer and fancy teas are available, too), the time is always right to stop in for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch. Ascension’s riverfront back patio is also home to some of the best people-watching in the Fort.
East Hampton Sandwich Co.
All-day breakfasts are great, especially when your proteins are cuddled up inside some artisan bread. But you’d miss the other amazing sandwiches, the crunchy salads and the divine lobster roll – served hot, cold or spicy. Sweet potato fries are a must.
HG Sply
A lot of ink’s been spilled on this unique restaurant that offers, quite literally, something for every food preference and dietary need. Vegan? Gluten intolerant? All the menu items can be made gluten- and dairy-free, and chances are you won’t know the difference in the way they taste. If you just want meat and bread, there are plenty of options including a cheeseburger, a hot chicken sandwich, and cochinita pibil tacos. Cocktails and curated beer and wine menus round out your options.
Pressed Juicery
Whether you seek meal supplements, a shot of something healthy or a full-on detox or cleanse routine, Pressed has a variety of tastes and options. You can also enjoy smoothies, vegan ice cream, acai bowls and other snacks and treats.
Silver Fox
Before the fancy new steakhouses came to town, the Silver Fox held court in its spot on University Drive. And if you want a classic steakhouse experience, it’s hard to beat the classic surf-and-turf options in one of Fort Worth’s favorite restaurants.
SusieCakes
Cakes for all occasions, including a flawless flourless chocolate torte, cupcakes in half a dozen flavors, cookies, lemon squares and whoopie pies will tickle your taste buds. Everything’s made fresh in-house, and as the web site says, if you can’t spell it, they don’t bake with it.
Zaap Kitchen
The newest addition to WestBend’s hopping dining scene is a blend of familiar Thai classics and new-to-many Laotian specialties like sizzling sausage, Laotian fried rice and kao poon chicken soup –– a little like pho with vermicelli noodles and a little like Tom Yum soup with coconut milk. The Laotian spices, however, are unique.
Quince
Inspired by destinations like New Orleans, Lima, NYC and Mexico City, Quince is a cozy site to experience the latest in the Fort Worth culinary world. With a patio overlooking the Trinity Trails and a decor that's as lively as it is comforting, it's the perfect place to treat yourself with delicious steak, fish, burgers and sushi.
Public Art
One thing that sets WestBend apart from other developments is the well-curated public art. If you’re in love with Laura Kimpton’s “Love sculpture” or you want to check out the murals or the rotating exhibitions from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, there’s something new and eminently Instagram-able here, including our “Y’all Means All” mural.
