Across the Trinity River from downtown you’ll find West 7th and the Foundry Districts. Crockett Row and historic Montgomery Plaza anchor this urban village, offering high-concept and diverse dining, lively bars, night clubs, specialty retailers and unique entertainment venues.
EAT
For brunch options, look no further than The Social House, which offers mimosa carafes, flights, towers, frozen drinks, and brunch dishes like omelets, chicken & waffles and beignet jelly holes. And come back in the evening for their happy hour specials.
Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar might be small, but it is mighty in flavor, ambience and craft. With a chalkboard menu updated daily, fresh fish and sake, this restaurant will be a new favorite for sushi lovers. Be sure to get there early as seating is first come first serve at the bar, where you’ll watch the chefs prepare your meal.
Local favorite Rodeo Goat has some of the best burgers in town with unique pairings like the sugar burger and the vegan Neil Young burger. Staying on theme, try Goat & Vine in Montgomery Plaza, which serves its own wine and specializes in steaks, pasta and goat cheese dishes.
For lighter fare, check out Chicken Salad Chick. With several types of chicken salad and lots of yummy sides like broccoli salad, it’s a great place to relax for lunch or a casual dinner. The Cookshack will make you fall in love with fried chicken all over again. Choose your chicken’s level of spiciness and try one of their craft beers on tap.
Explore a little bit of France on West 7th Street, where Paris 7th and Saint-Emilion Restaurant call home. Saint-Emilion Restaurant is set in a cozy house that feels straight out of the French countryside, offering refined yet homestyle French cuisine for almost 40 years. Paris 7th is a bastion of refinement tucked away in an unsuspecting location. With an extensive menu of French wine, caviar and duck options, you’ll have no trouble imagining you’ve traveled to Paris for the night.
If you’re looking for Italian fare, head to Piola Restaurant and Garden for fun twists on classic Italian dishes like giant calamari, buffalo meatballs, lobster ravioli and Grandma’s lasagna.
In the Foundry District, stop in at M&O Station Grill. The burger joint has gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads and sliders. After your meal visit the museum next door, which pays tribute to the historic Leonard’s Department Store, the Fort Worth institution that operated for more than 50 years.
For an indulgent night out that still feels quintessential Fort Worth, book a table at Clay Pigeon. Their eclectic menu is influenced by ranch-style cuisine elevated by fresh ingredients and innovative design. Try the grilled bone marrow, croquettes or peach gazpacho to start, and follow it up with a ribeye or steak frites.
For over 60 years, Angelo’s BBQ has been preparing its meat in custom made pits with unique seasoning, smoked slowly over hickory fires. Don’t forget to buy some of their seasoning to take home!
NIGHTLIFE
West 7th and the Foundry District have an electric nightlife where you can easily bar hop from speakeasies to patios to sports bars, all within easy walking distance.
Start your night out at El Chingon, the bar that turns into a dance club after dark, for margaritas and tacos. Head to Kung Fu Saloon to sing karaoke, play ping pong or cornhole. Koe Wetzel’s Riot Room is a Texas bar with a dance floor, good food and tons of cocktails to choose from.
If you feel like hiding away for a drink, speakeasies are the way to go. Dirty Laundry’s entry takes you through a laundromat to an intimate bar setting. At Bodega, enter through the, um, bodega to find a massive bar and outdoor patio.
Have you ever wished there were a pool in the middle of your favorite neighborhood bar? Head to Whiskey Garden, where you can dip your feet in while you sip your drink. They also host events like crawfish broils, pool parties and eating contests.
The Foundry District is rife with craft breweries and distilleries. Create your own pub crawl and visit Fort Brewery and Pizza, Maple Branch Craft Brewery and Bankhead Brewing. Finish your night in Blackland Distillery’s tasting room with a specialty cocktail made with their Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon.
With an outdoor patio, sidecars and pizza, Tulane’s makes for a fun late-night spot with a distinctly New Orleans vibes.
SHOP
Shop for your favorite musicians and artists in vinyl form at Doc’s Records & Vintage. With over 10,000 square feet of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, 8 tracks and vintage items, you’re sure to find something for the audiophile in your life. For bibliophiles, head to Monkey & Dog Books, the former children’s bookstore that has since expanded to include adult and middle grade titles. They still have an impressive collection of children’s books though, so readers of all ages will love this place.
The award-winning Thrive Apothecary has been recognized as one of the best CBD stores in Fort Worth for five years in a row. Find an array of fully-vetted products to benefit your health and wellness.
WANDER
Five acres in the Foundry district has been transformed into a canvass for some of the most interesting and invigorating street art in Fort Worth. Inspiration Alley is the largest outdoor art gallery in Texas and showcases a range of styles and artists. It’s a great place to snap a few selfies or take a moment to reflect as you experience the emotions displayed in each work of art.
Trinity Park is a great place to picnic with friends or walk along the Trinity Trails with great views of downtown.