The 10 Best Restaurants in Fort Worth: The Definitive Guide
Fort Worth’s dining scene is a killer blend of cowboy heritage and cosmopolitan creativity. While the city honors its old-school steak and barbecue roots, a new wave of innovative chefs is gaining national recognition and putting Cowtown on the map as a serious food destination. This isn’t just a list; it’s a guide to the city’s culinary institutions, balancing legendary spots open since the 1920s with modern trailblazers.
This is the definitive list of the top 10 best restaurants in Fort Worth. From the best BBQ that draws lines for hours to iconic patios and sophisticated fine dining, this is your ultimate guide to eating in the city where the West begins.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Cuisine | Price Guide | Vibe / Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe T. Garcia’s | Stockyards | Tex-Mex | $$ | Legendary Patios & Margaritas |
| Angelo’s Bar-B-Que | Cultural District | Texas Barbecue | $$ | An Old-School, Iconic BBQ Lodge |
| Cattlemen’s Steakhouse | Stockyards | Classic Steakhouse | $$$ | The Definitive Stockyards Steakhouse |
| Saint-Emilion | Cultural District | Classic French | $$$$ | An Intimate & Romantic French Bistro |
| Kincaid’s Hamburgers | Camp Bowie | Old-Fashioned Hamburgers | $ | A Nostalgic, Legendary Burger Joint |
| Ol’ South Pancake House | University | 24-Hour American Diner | $$ | A Beloved, Around-the-Clock Classic |
| Reata Restaurant | Downtown | Modern Southwestern | $$$ | Upscale Western Dining with a View |
| Ellerbe Fine Foods | Magnolia | Farm-to-Table Southern | $$$ | A Celebrated, Seasonal Gem |
| Goldee’s Barbecue | South Fort Worth | Central Texas BBQ | $$ | A Nationally-Acclaimed BBQ Pilgrimage |
| Don Artemio | Cultural District | Upscale Northern Mexican | $$$ | A Hot & Acclaimed Newcomer |
1. Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
📹 Video Source: CBS TEXAS
-
🍴
Cuisine:Tex-Mex
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Stockyards
-
💰
Price:$$
-
✨
Vibe:Legendary Patios & Margaritas
-
📍
Location: 2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
A Fort Worth institution since 1935, Joe T. Garcia’s is one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants you’ll ever visit, but it’s famous for something beyond the food. Eater notes that it is known less for an expansive menu and more for its stunningly lush courtyard and sprawling patios, where generations of families gather. It’s a rite of passage for visitors and locals to enjoy pitchers of their famous margaritas and a narrow menu of classic fajitas and enchiladas.
Foodie Quote: The experience is about “lush courtyard and large patios where generations of families gather for pitchers of margaritas.”
Why is it our top choice? Its legendary, festive atmosphere and decades of history make it an undisputed Fort Worth institution and a can’t-miss experience.
2. Angelo’s Bar-B-Que
📹 Video Source: Insider Food
-
🍴
Cuisine:Texas Barbecue
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Cultural District
-
💰
Price:$$
-
✨
Vibe:An Old-School, Iconic BBQ Lodge
-
📍
Location: 2533 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Open since 1958, Angelo’s is one of the top 10 best BBQ restaurants in Fort Worth. This spot is beloved for its wood-paneled, taxidermy-lined dining room and classic, smoky barbecue served cafeteria-style. Eater describes it as a “Wood-paneled lodge” where locals queue up for tender brisket and ribs, famously served with beer in frosted mugs. The cash-only service and consistent quality make it an essential stop for any BBQ lover.
Foodie Quote: Locals queue for “tender brisket and ribs served with beer in frosted mugs.”
Why is it our top choice? Its charmingly old-school atmosphere and consistent, high-quality barbecue have made it one of Fort Worth’s essential and most beloved BBQ joints for over 60 years.
3. Cattlemen’s Fort Worth Steakhouse
📹 Video Source: Sparks N Wreckreation
-
🍴
Cuisine:Traditional Steakhouse
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Stockyards
-
💰
Price:$$$
-
✨
Vibe:The Definitive Stockyards Steakhouse
-
📍
Location: 2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Since 1947, Cattlemen’s has been the landmark steakhouse in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. As one of the best steakhouses in the city, it delivers thick cuts of beef in a classic western saloon setting. Eater praises the steakhouse’s “saloon-style rooms adorned with tributes to the stock cattle industry”. Its commitment to open-fire grilling and its prime location have made it a must-visit for anyone looking for a true taste of Texas.
Foodie Quote: Eater praises the steakhouse’s “saloon-style rooms adorned with tributes to the stock cattle industry.”
Why is it our top choice? Its longevity and iconic location in the Stockyards have made it a landmark destination for visiting cowboys and steak lovers for over 75 years.
4. Saint-Emilion
📹 Video Source: ellevousguide
-
🍴
Cuisine:Classic French
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Cultural District
-
💰
Price:$$$$
-
✨
Vibe:An Intimate & Romantic French Bistro
-
📍
Location: 3617 W 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
This intimate French bistro has been one of the top fine dining restaurants in Fort Worth since 1985. Operating out of a historic house, Saint-Emilion is celebrated for its authentic classic French cuisine and guided three-course prix-fixe menus with dishes like magret de canard. Wanderlog describes it as an ideal spot for special occasions with an atmosphere reminiscent of rural France, making it one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.
Foodie Quote: It’s an “ideal spot for special occasions with an atmosphere reminiscent of rural France.”
Why is it our top choice? Its longevity, refined service, and authentic French cuisine have earned it a loyal following and a reputation as a premier destination for fine dining.
5. Kincaid’s Hamburgers
📹 Video Source: City of Fort Worth
-
🍴
Cuisine:Old-Fashioned Hamburgers
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Camp Bowie
-
💰
Price:$
-
✨
Vibe:A Nostalgic, Legendary Burger Joint
-
📍
Location: 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
What began as a grocery store in 1946 has evolved into one of the best burger joints in Texas. Kincaid’s is a true Fort Worth legend, famous for its thick, handcrafted half-pound burgers, old-fashioned fries, and nostalgic vibe. Eater notes that Kincaid’s is “part market, part hamburger joint,” and its simplicity and consistency have made it a local favorite for generations.
Foodie Quote: Kincaid’s is “part market, part hamburger joint,” famous for its “thick, handcrafted burgers and nostalgic vibe.”
Why is it our top choice? For over 75 years, its simple, consistent, and perfect old-fashioned burgers have made Kincaid’s a cherished Fort Worth legend.
6. Ol’ South Pancake House
📹 Video Source: BeardMeatsFood
-
🍴
Cuisine:24-Hour American Diner
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:University
-
💰
Price:$$
-
✨
Vibe:A Beloved, Around-the-Clock Classic
-
📍
Location: 1509 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Open since 1962, Ol’ South is a beloved Fort Worth tradition and one of the best diners in the city. This 24/7 diner has served hearty breakfasts and comfort food to college students, truckers, and families at all hours. Eater describes it as a “down-to-earth” spot famous for its giant Dutch Baby-style German pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and chicken-fried steak.
Foodie Quote: It is famous for its “giant German pancake,” biscuits and gravy, and chicken-fried steak.
Why is it our top choice? Its longevity, 24/7 service, and status as a friendly, reliable institution make it a cherished Fort Worth tradition for breakfast and comfort food.
7. Reata Restaurant
📹 Video Source: The Rooftop Guide
-
🍴
Cuisine:Modern Southwestern
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Downtown
-
💰
Price:$$$
-
✨
Vibe:Upscale Western Dining with a View
-
📍
Location: 530 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
For over two decades, Reata has defined modern Western dining in downtown Fort Worth. This downtown institution is one of the best restaurants with a view, offering contemporary Texas cuisine paired with a spectacular rooftop bar. Known for dishes like tenderloin tamales and mesquite-grilled meats, Reata continues to draw diners for its warm Western flair and classic dishes.
Foodie Quote: Tripexpert describes it as a “downtown institution offering contemporary Texas cuisine paired with a rooftop bar and spectacular views.”
Why is it our top choice? It has set the standard for modern Southwestern cuisine in Fort Worth, combining elevated dishes with a stunning rooftop setting.
8. Ellerbe Fine Foods
📹 Video Source: Ellerbe Fine Foods Restaurant
-
🍴
Cuisine:Farm-to-Table Southern
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Magnolia
-
💰
Price:$$$
-
✨
Vibe:A Celebrated, Seasonal Gem
-
📍
Location: 1501 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Chef Molly McCook transformed a former gas station into one of Fort Worth’s most acclaimed restaurants and a top dining destination. Ellerbe Fine Foods is celebrated for its farm-to-table ethos, with a seasonal menu that highlights locally sourced produce and Gulf seafood. The friendly service and comfortable interior make for a perfect meal.
Foodie Quote: Eater highlights Ellerbe’s “farm-to-table ethos,” friendly service, and comfortable interior.
Why is it our top choice? Its chef and owner, Molly McCook, was a 2020 James Beard semifinalist, a testament to the restaurant’s high level of culinary excellence and its commitment to seasonal Southern food.
9. Goldee’s Barbecue
📹 Video Source: Binging with Babish
-
🍴
Cuisine:Central Texas BBQ
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:South Fort Worth
-
💰
Price:$$
-
✨
Vibe:A Nationally-Acclaimed BBQ Pilgrimage
-
📍
Location: 4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76140
Operating only three days a week, Goldee’s catapulted from a humble shack to national acclaim, becoming not just one of the top 10 BBQ restaurants in Fort Worth, but one of the best in the country. Run by childhood friends, the restaurant attracts hours-long lines for its meticulously smoked meats, including enormous ribs and coveted brisket. Despite the hype, the experience feels like a fun backyard barbecue.
Foodie Quote: A Reddit user raved about the “enormous ribs” and praised the ribs and pickles as “among the best BBQ they’d ever eaten.”
Why is it our top choice? It was awarded a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand, a rare honor for a BBQ joint that recognizes its world-class quality and solidifies its status as a true barbecue destination.
10. Don Artemio Mexican Heritage
📹 Video Source: Here to Provide Value
-
🍴
Cuisine:Upscale Northern Mexican
-
🏙️
Neighborhood:Cultural District
-
💰
Price:$$$
-
✨
Vibe:A Hot & Acclaimed Newcomer
-
📍
Location: 3268 W 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Opened in 2022, Don Artemio quickly emerged as one of the hottest restaurants in Fort Worth. This upscale spot offers a refined take on traditional Northern Mexican recipes, using high-quality ingredients like nixtamalized corn and dry-aged Wagyu for dishes such as roast cabrito (goat) and carne asada. Eater called it a cultural gem for its sophisticated approach to Mexican heritage cooking.
Foodie Quote: The restaurant offers a “refined take on traditional Mexican recipes using nixtamalized corn and dry-aged Wagyu.”
Why is it our top choice? It became an instant sensation, earning a finalist nomination at the 2023 James Beard Awards, a massive achievement that cemented its place as one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the country.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Joe T. Garcia’s is arguably the most iconic. An institution since 1935, it’s famous not just for its classic Tex-Mex but for its stunningly lush and expansive patios, which have been a gathering spot for generations of families enjoying pitchers of margaritas.
Fort Worth has some of the best BBQ in Texas. For a nationally sensational experience, Goldee’s Barbecue earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand and attracts hours-long lines for its world-class brisket and ribs. For a classic, old-school vibe, Angelo’s Bar-B-Que has been a beloved wood-paneled lodge serving tender brisket and frosted mugs of beer since 1958.
Cattlemen’s Fort Worth Steakhouse is the city’s landmark steakhouse. Located in the historic Stockyards since 1947, it’s known for its Western saloon setting and thick cuts of beef cooked over an open fire, making it a must-visit for a true Texas steak experience.
Saint-Emilion is the perfect choice for a romantic evening. This intimate French bistro has been serving classic French cuisine and prix-fixe menus in a historic house since 1985, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of rural France that is ideal for special occasions.
Kincaid’s Hamburgers is a Fort Worth legend. Starting as a grocery in 1946, it evolved into a beloved burger joint famous for its thick, handcrafted, old-fashioned hamburgers and nostalgic atmosphere.
Yes, Ol’ South Pancake House is a beloved Fort Worth tradition that has been open 24/7 since 1962. It’s a down-to-earth diner famous for its hearty breakfasts, especially the giant Dutch Baby-style German pancakes, and classic comfort food.
Reata Restaurant is a downtown institution that has defined modern Western dining in the city. It’s highly recommended for its spectacular rooftop bar and views, which perfectly complement its menu of contemporary Texas cuisine.
Yes. Don Artemio Mexican Heritage was a finalist for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards for Best New Restaurant. Additionally, Chef Molly McCook of Ellerbe Fine Foods was a 2020 James Beard semifinalist.
Don Artemio Mexican Heritage is one of the city’s most exciting new restaurants. After opening in 2022, it quickly gained national acclaim and a James Beard finalist nomination for its refined, upscale take on Northern Mexican cuisine.
Goldee’s Barbecue, a humble shack that now commands a national reputation, was awarded a rare Michelin Bib Gourmand. This award recognizes restaurants that serve amazing food at a great value, solidifying Goldee’s as a world-class barbecue destination.
