Discover the area that made Fort Worth a cornerstone of the American West.
Once home to cowboys, cattlemen and outlaws, the Stockyards National Historic District is one of the most popular attractions in Texas. While still preserving its western heritage, the Stockyards is a robust district with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and one-of-a-kind Texas nightlife. Mule Alley, a curated collection of shops and eateries, was transformed from 100-year-old mule barns into an iconic destination.
No visit to Fort Worth is complete without seeing the Fort Worth Herd. Every day at 11:30am and 4pm, watch the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive walk down E. Exchange Street. This historically true experience is made up of 19 longhorn steers driven by drovers, exactly as they were in the late 19th century. The Herd Experience puts you up close and personal with the drovers, who demonstrate what life was like on the cattle trail. The Fort Worth Herd delivers an authentic look at the cattle drive era and is one of the top attractions in the Lone Star State.
EAT
Inside the Hotel Drover, 97 West Kitchen + Bar has a rustic charm with western details everywhere you look. A wide array of menu items ensures something for everyone with a Texas-sized appetite. Caterina’s Restaurant, owned by Fort Worth restauranteur and chef Tim Love, serves authentic Italian flavors perfect for celebrating with family and friends. Love’s Lonesome Dove Western Bistro offers ranch-style cuisine influenced by the Chisholm Trail.
Provender Hall offers wide-ranging American comfort food in a historic locale. Cattleman’s Fort Worth Steak House has been serving quality cuts of meat and dishes since 1947.
The Stockyards district has plenty of Tex-Mex options, too. Joe T. Garcia’s, a Fort Worth landmark since 1935, is a destination for Tex-Mex favorites in lovely indoor and patio settings. Paloma Suerte in Mule Alley has personalized queso and ranch water variations. The former food truck, Taco Heads, specializes in street tacos and margaritas.
Tucked away off the beaten path of the Stockyards, Hookers Grill is a historic restaurant that is one of the best burger spots in the city. It’s super casual, with a walk-up window and colorful outdoor area to enjoy their signature fried onion burgers al fresco. Other menu items include patty melts, hot dogs, frito chili pie, hand cut fries and onion rings.
For barbecue, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que still cooks its meat over mesquite coals and serves to customers at traditional picnic style seating. The legendary Riscky’s BBQ has been serving up favorites for over 90 years.
For an extensive menu of tapas and craft cocktails, head up to Atico Fort Worth, the rooftop bar and restaurant at the Springhill Suites Hotel, for a spectacular view of the Stockyards and downtown.
NIGHTLIFE
With bars and venues that have been around for a little over a hundred years, you’ll get the feel of history with modern services, hospitality, food and drinks.
If we’re talking nightlife in the Stockyards, we’re talking Billy Bob’s Texas, the legendary venue and world’s largest honky-tonk. The once open-air barn is now a 100,000 square foot entertainment center with more than 30 bar stations, country music’s biggest stars and a Texas-sized dance floor perfect for two-stepping. Second Rodeo Brewing is a brewery and bar garden with daily live music and a dog-friendly patio.
Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall might be newer than Billy Bob’s Texas, but it’s already making its mark on country and pop music. With a lounge, tavern and music hall, Tannahill’s guests can experience world-class music and premium food and drink.
Fort Worth’s oldest honky-tonk bar, Lil’ Red’s Longhorn Saloon, has been in business for over a century and is still going strong. The unique spot that features classic country music, a dance floor and barbecue is an irresistible draw to visitors. For a same-but-different experience, head over to the Rodeo Exchange for drinks, live performances and free country dance lessons.
There’s no shortage of saloons in the Stockyards. Stampede Saloon, Sidesaddle Saloon, Rhinestone Saloon, and White Elephant Saloon are sure to satisfy those looking for a true(ish) Western experience.
SHOP
Find your new Western wardrobe in the Stockyards! The Ariat Brand Shop has everything from riding clothes to streetwear. M.L. Leddy’s Boots & Saddlery is a Texas legend that crafts handmade boots and saddles. Maverick Fine Western Wear has tons of options for the aspiring cowboy or cowgirl. Find the perfect cover for hot Texas summers at The Best Hat Store.
Have a bespoke experience and find your next pair of handmade boots at Lucchese in the Hotel Drover. The legendary bootmakers have been handcrafting cowboys’ favorite footwear since 1883. Fincher’s White Front Western Wear has been outfitting since 1902 and, in addition to western wear, has cowboy souvenirs, western gifts and rough stock riding equipment. KO Trading in Stockyards Station has a little bit of everything for the western enthusiast.
When you’re satisfied with your western wear, Chief Records is the place to discover hard-to-find vinyl. Take home gourmet spices, teas, sugars, salts, accessories and recipes from the Spice & Tea Exchange.
ENTERTAINMENT
Experience western lifestyle at the year-round Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is the longest running Black Rodeo in the U.S. For 40 years, it has been celebrating and honoring Black cowboys and cowgirls and their contributions to building the west. Take the kids through the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze or learn the ghoulish history of the Stockyards on a Stockyards Ghost Tour.