Good Grub // Best Of 2025

Bakery

Readers’ Choice: Eduardo’s Pastry Kitchen, 5950 River Oaks Blvd, Fort Worth, 214-531-4830

Critic’s Choice: Panaderias Don Goyo, 8751 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 817-244-0600

Fresh Mexican concha bread, preprepared tres leches cakes, and festive desserts sit in rows with cookies and pumpkin empanadas along with other tasty baked bites at this lovable Mexican bakery (with another location on Seminary Drive). Once you enter, you’re welcomed and handed a tray and tongs to pick out the items you want. Once you’re done, a cashier will bag your delights at the register with a smile.

 

 

Barbecue

Readers’ Choice: Panther City BBQ, 201 E Hattie St, Fort Worth, 682-250-4464

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): Tarrant County led Texas Monthly’s esteemed Top 50 barbecue rankings in 2021, but some winners have since closed or relocated. Cowtown, however, remains a prime address for all that juicy goodness. Although Goldee’s Barbecue (4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, GoldeesBBQ.com) slipped from the Monthly’s No. 1 recently, it’s as superb now as it was then, and lines still form early in the morning at this no-frills joint. Sabar BBQ (105 S Main St, Fort Worth, 817-521-9441), a weekend-only business in a cobalt-blue trailer off South Main, is a Pakistani-Texas combination that swaps smoked pork ribs with Sichuan lamb ribs, plus excellent, seasoned, smoked tandoori turkey, though the brisket stands among the best in the state. Terry Black’s Barbecue (2926 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-615-9408) expanded from Austin and Lockhart to West 7th in 2024, and it’s been a hit ever since, probably because the huge, succulent pork ribs rock.

 

Breakfast

Readers’ Choice: Yogi’s, 2710 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, 817-921-4500

Critic’s Choice: Tesoro, 2919 Race St, Fort Worth, 682-250-3256

This desayuno spot serves breakfast and brunch from 8:30am to 3pm, and the specialty is chilaquiles. Go with the Chilaquiles Divorciados (which comes served with both red and green sauces), or, if you prefer an even heftier bite, the Chilaquiles OG Tricolor, which adds your choice of beef or chicken fajita meat to your eggs and salsa-and-crema-slathered chips. There’s also the Birriaquiles Tricolor, which adds a cup of birria broth. The breakfast burger (topped with a fried egg and bacon) is perfect, as is the De La Casa Burrito, which wraps chilaquiles with fajita beef in a big tortilla with house potatoes.

 

Brunch

Readers’ Choice: Press Café, 4801 Edwards Ranch Rd, Ste 105, Fort Worth, 817-570-6002

Critic’s Choice: Chamas do Brazil, 4606 S Cooper St, Arl, 817-375-0250

Offering a true churrascaria experience, this Brazilian steakhouse serves up beef, chicken, lamb, and pork, plus the salad, sides, and dessert bar is *chef’s kiss*. Even better: It’s all included with your meal (typically $42.99 per person). Reservations can be made at ChamasdoBrazil.com, but if your party is 12 or larger, you will need to call.

 

 

Burger

Readers’ Choice: Kincaid’s, five area locations

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): In a town where meat and potatoes reign supreme, the almighty hamburger doesn’t fall far behind. A Near Southside hole in the wall, Burgers N Beyond (1704 Galveston Av, Fort Worth, 682-703-2111) serves inventive monsters on stamped buns until 1:30am Mon-Fri for those late-night munchies. Gustos Burger Bar (1229 7th Av, Fort Worth, @__Gustos) grew from humble beginnings in a food truck to a historic cottage off Magnolia and crushes with their crisped-edge smash burger. Monkeyshines (817-347-0736) delivers possibly the best smash burger around from the griddle of a yellow food truck. Follow @MonkeyshinesTX for a weekly schedule for where to have your mouth wrecked by the Shines’ brisket burger.

 

Burrito

Readers’ Choice: Salsa Limón, five area locations

Critic’s Choice: Dos Juanitos, 1950 Hemphill St, Fort Worth, 682-703-2424

Do you know the difference between a California- and a Nevada-style burrito? Dos Juanitos does, and both of those are just two out of 20-plus available at this Near Southside Mexican restaurant. There’s chile verde and carne asada, lengua and veggie, fish, shrimp, and tripas, plus another dozen or so more. They’re all big, they’re all different, and other than the $10.55 Super Burrito (your choice of meat), Dos Juanitos burritos are $10 or less.

 

Cajun Food

Readers’ Choice: Terrebonne’s Restaurant & Bar, 7914 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 682-978-8361

Critic’s Choice: Dirty Cajun Seafood Kitchen & Daiquiris To-Go, two area locations

Dirty Cajun is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant offering almost any kind of seafood and freshwater delicacy you’re craving, and it’s all good. One shining star is the shrimp and crawfish dirty mac ’n’ cheese on the Cajun Specialties menu. Elbow noodles are tossed with cheese sauce and some of that yummy meat typically reserved for dirty rice. Then, it’s topped with Monterey Jack cheese and served with toasted butter bread. It’s $21.95, but the healthy portion provides lunch for tomorrow or a midnight snack later tonight.

 

 

Catfish

Readers’ Choice: Flying Fish, two area locations

Critic’s Choice: Krispy Catfish & Chicken, 6208 McCart Av, Fort Worth, 817-423-1200

Krispy Catfish is one of those places where “perfectly battered and fried” actually means something, and its fans have been coming back for more for over 20 years. What are they doing that makes it so good? What is this secret seasoning and technique? Try to figure it out with the eight-strip basket.

 

Chef

Readers’ Choice: Cody Hickman, 360 Catering & Events, 7455 S Hulen St, Ste 120, Fort Worth, 817-714-8996

Critic’s Choice: Kevin Martinez, Tokyo Café, 5121 Pershing Av, Fort Worth, 817-737-8568

Not only is Kevin Martinez’s Asian fusion cuisine still a community favorite, but his philanthropic work sets him apart. The executive chef and part-owner of Tokyo Café fed hospitality-industry workers for free during COVID while continuing to cook for other noble charitable causes. Martinez proves it’s one thing to be efficient in the kitchen, but it’s more important to be a kind human.

 

Chicken-Fried Steak

Readers’ Choice: Fred’s Texas Cafe, 7101 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 817-332-0083

Critic’s Choice: Charleston’s, 3020 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, 817-735-8900

What makes the chicken-fried steak at Charleston’s so special is not just the hand-breaded tender cuts of beef, the savory gravy, or the sides of mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. The food alone would put this restaurant’s offering among the top handful in the city. But when you add the fact that this dish is no longer on the printed menu, so you have to ask for it — well, that turns an otherwise simply delicious traditional comfort meal into an exclusive treat reserved only for privileged insiders like you.

 

Chinese Food

Readers’ Choice: Teddy Wong’s Dumplings & Wine, 812 W Rosedale St, Fort Worth, 817-349-8965

Critic’s Choice: Dragon House, 2640 Southlake Blvd, Southlake, 817-912-1788

Fresh ingredients, hand-pulled noodles, dim sum (lobster and shrimp shumai is a must), and a huge Peking Duck plate join your old favorites (yes, you can get General Tso chicken) in a menu busy with fresh interpretations of classic Chinese dishes, and plates like cumin lamb chop, spicy pork mapo tofu, or spicy Szechuan boiled fish invite you to try something new.

 

Coffeeshop

Readers’ Choice: Avoca Coffee, three area locations

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): Imagine sitting in Buon Giorno (500 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-378-4505) on a rainy afternoon, watching the traffic pass Burnett Plaza while sipping on a French press in between bites of a spinach and goat cheese quiche. The place really sets the bar for a top-notch coffee experience. Once you step into Balqees Coffee (2041 U.S. 287 Frontage Rd, Ste 103, Mansfield), you’ll forget you’re in the vicinity of an Olive Garden, as the scents and sounds will whisk you away to a memorable Yemeni coffeehouse experience. Here, the flavors favor cardamom, ginger, and saffron, and signature drinks like the Spanish latte (double-shot espresso, condensed milk) and mufawar (medium roast, cardamom, cream) will linger in your memory for a long time. The folks behind Grounds and Gold (4130 S Bowen St, Arl, 682-252-4633) endeavored to build a community around their coffeeshop, and it shows: People really dig hanging out there, whether they’re grabbing a quick cup of drip coffee and a breakfast taco at a cafe table or relaxing in a comfy chair with a book and a dulce de leche latte. For a quintessential coffeeshop vibe, go for Grounds and Gold.

 

Deli Sandwiches

Readers’ Choice: Carshon’s Deli, 3133 Cleburne Rd, Fort Worth, 817-923-1907

Critic’s Choice: Central Market, 4651 W Fwy, Fort Worth, 817-989-4700

Nothing better than making your own Sammy. With every type of deli meat imaginable and a large assortment of breads and spreads, CM is a sandwich lover’s dream.

 

Empanadas

Readers’ Choice: Jalapeno Popper Empanadas, Our Taphouse, 1001 Bryan Av, Fort Worth, 682-224-0431

 

Food Truck

Readers’ Choice: Sweet Sugar High, @Sweet_Sugar_High

Critic’s Choice: Oh Balls! Food Truck, 120 S Sylvania Av, Fort Worth, 817-937-5435

First of all, the name of this mouthwatering meatball truck is just perfect. It takes a real set of you know what to call your place anything with the word “balls” in it. However, it’s more than just a memorable name. Chef and owner Kent Scroggins shows how his, a’hem, meatballs can be more than just a topping for spaghetti. They are an entrée all their own. You can order the traditional Italian kind known as the “Bianca,” or you can try some of his original recipes like a Buffalo sauce- and jack and parmesan cheese-covered “Clucker” or the locally inspired fave “TX,” topped with a whiskey glaze.

 

Fried Chicken

Readers’ Choice: Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken, 1067 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-927-4693

 

Hot Dog

Readers’ Choice: Hot Dogs El Buda, 1150 E Seminary Dr, Fort Worth, @HotDogsElBuda

Critic’s Choice: Chuckwagon Dog, Curly’s Frozen Custard, 4017 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-763-8700

Topped with crispy onion rings and cheese and slathered in Curly’s tonkatsu-style “Bull Pup Sauce,” the Chuckwagon Dog is a must-try at this long-running Cultural District grub hub.

 

Italian Food

Readers’ Choice: Margie’s Italian Gardens, 9805 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 817-244-4301

Critic’s Choice: Margie’s Italian Gardens

Newly renovated, Margie’s is well worth the westward trip, though you’d better arrive early, because the parking lot and adjacent spillover space fill up quickly and stay filled — Margie’s is that beloved, not only for its Old World vibe but splendid, no-frills, authentic Italian fare.

 

 

Japanese Food

Readers’ Choice: Japanese Palace, 8445 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 817-244-0144

Critic’s Choice: Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar, 907 Foch St, Fort Worth, 817, 720-5330

What makes this place unique is the abundance of hand-rolled sushi, or temaki. Selections of fish from Japan are in high demand like chu toro and salmon belly. Combos and affordable mashups of assorted freshly made items have brought the crowds to this intimate spot, so showing up early is a must during peak hours. The hand-rolled yum here is in high demand.

 

Korean Food

Readers’ Choice: SamWon Garden, 5201 McCart Av, Fort Worth, 817-926-1515

Critic’s Choice: Fire Pot, 5760 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, 682-385-9299

While Arlington has a couple of options, it took way too long for Fort Worth to get a Korean hot pot restaurant, and now that it’s here, it’s clear the wait was worth it. Located off Loop 820 in the old Keg space, Fire Pot serves all-you-can eat hot pot with seven different broth choices, from familiar miso and tom yum to traditional spicy kimchi. Protein selections range from newbie (beef, chicken, pork belly) to die-hard Korean (beef tripe, head-on shrimp). They also offer Korean BBQ, where you grill your own meats — like bulgogi or short rib — right at your table. While you’re technically cooking your own food, which, yes, you could do at home, the interactive-ness is all part of the fun. The adorable little train that brings your soup and grilling items is just a bonus.

 

Mediterranean Food

Readers’ Choice: Chadra Messa, 1700 S Fwy, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 817-926-3992

Critic’s Choice: Istanbul Grill, 401 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, 682-250-2111

No shade on Terra and the return of its famous Mediterranean lunch buffet, but if you want to be served by knowledgeable and friendly staff in an elegant downtown environment, head to Istanbul Grill. They have their own great lunch deal — a $17.95 two-course treat with classic appetizer choices like falafel and Greek salad alongside a plethora of entrees, including moussaka, gyro, and kebab. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options abound, and the servers will happily point them out to you, along with exceptional and unique Mediterranean wine pairings. Opa!

 

 

Mexican Food

Readers’ Choice: Benito’s Mexican Restaurant, 1450 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-332-8633

Critic’s Choice: La Playa Maya, four locations

A somber nod goes to La Playa Maya, with 37 years of operation across four locations that serve great Mex-Mex. Unfortunately, owner and creator Lupe Ayala recently passed away after a battle with cancer, but his generous legacy and footprint will continue to live on through his menu for future generations of hungry Fort Worthians.

 

Pizza

Readers’ Choice: Mama’s Pizza, 1813 W Berry St, Fort Worth, 817-923-3541

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): In Arlington Heights, Lucile’s Stateside Bistro (4700 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-738-4761) has a lot to recommend it. The seafood. The martinis. The classic bistro vibe. But don’t forget about their pizzas. Ooey, gooey, and oh-so toothsome, they come in a variety of specialty pies, and you can build your own — we go for the smoked gouda with caramelized onions. Two words: Dee. Lish. In Grapevine, Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market (309 S Main St, Grapevine, 817-310-0385) also does ooey and gooey well. There’s enough cheese on the Quattro Formaggi to build a life-size model airplane with. In West 7th, you can’t beat Serious Pizza (2728 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 682-348-2482). One slice is enough to feed three, and its lovely cheesiness paired with toppings of your choice and superiorly tasty dough goes down smooth anytime, not just after all the nearby watering holes close.

 

Plant-Based Dish

Readers’ Choice: Ate Layer Burrito, Spiral Diner, 1314 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-332-8834

Critic’s Choice: Portobello Asada Tacos, Belenty’s Love Mexican Restaurant, 3516 Bluebonnet Cir, Fort Worth, 817-862-9008

Chef Belen is a skilled chef, a lover of animals, and a vegan. She cares deeply about her customers and wants them to live happy and healthy lives. That’s a good plan in theory, and she executes it well in practice, too. This vegan restaurant specializes in Mexican food and baked treats, like the amazing portobello asada tacos — mushroom tacos with avocado, cilantro, onions, and tofu cream — but also offers American fare like burgers, cauliflower wings, potato salad, and spaghetti.

 

 

Queso

Readers’ Choice: Enchiladas Ole, 6473 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-386-4555

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): Everyone loves queso. Period. Unless being lactose intolerant renders you helpless. Then we are sorry. Buena Vida (314 S Main St, Ste 120, Fort Worth, 817-386-5334) has a multi-cheese queso that pairs well with the accompanying chips. Ask for ground taco meat to be added for fun. If straightforward, traditional queso is what thrills ya, look no further than Esperanza’s Restaurant & Bakery. With a location on the Southside and one in the Stockyards, there’s plenty of opportunity to get your gooey Mexican cheese on. Just north of BV, Tinies (113 S Main St, Fort Worth, 682-255-5425) has a queso fundido on their happy-hour menu, served in a sizzling skillet with a bed of refried beans under all that yummy, stretchy cheese.

 

Ramen

Readers’ Choice: Wabi House, 1229 8th Av, Ste 227, Fort Worth, 817-662-0744

Critic’s Choice: Hanabi Ramen & Izakaya, 3204 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-420-6703

Hanabi is nestled in the middle of the city. Once inside, you forget the noise when the smell of hot, delicious ramen fills the air. Wooden tables make for a friendly group setting with wooden seats to match. The shoyu ramen and the miso ramen are favorites, with traditional flavor in mind. Throw in a Japanese beer, and the combination is a robustly happy one. Other top choices on the menu are the fried tofu and karaage chicken to share with friends.

 

Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: Michael’s Cuisine Restaurant & Bar, 3413 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-877-3413

Critic’s Choice: Walloon’s, 701 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 682-224-3230

This swanky, coastal French delight at the corner of West Magnolia and Hemphill might be —slightly — more affordable than some of the other highly-rated restos in town (too many of them with the name “House” at the end of their name, by the way — what’s up with that?). But it’s no less of an exceptional dining experience, be it a date night, birthday dinner, or business lunch. Fitting with the coastal theme, the seafood dishes, including beautifully dressed oysters, brown butter trout, and a salmon dish with the most divine creamed leaks, all shine. No less delectable are the short ribs and zhuzhed-up cheeseburger. All of this is paired with stellar cocktails, exceptional service, and the warm, inviting surroundings of a lovingly renovated historic bank building in the heart of the Near Southside.

 

New Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: Rex’s Bar & Grill, 1501 S University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-968-7397

Critic’s Choice: Duchess at The Nobleman Hotel, 503 Bryan Av, Fort Worth, 682-432-3000

A true labor of love. From the renovation of a historic Southside firehouse to incorporating that structure into a luxury boutique hotel around it, Chef Casey Thompson tapped local phenom Chef Marcus Kopplin to helm The Nobleman hotel’s restaurant Duchess. A moody upscale setting leaves an impression but not like the contemporary American cuisine that Kopplin has be dishing out with stunning results. Fancy and fabulous, this is Texas-forward fare at its finest.

 

Salsa

Readers’ Choice: Our Taphouse, 1001 Bryan Av, Fort Worth, 682-224-0431

Critic’s Choice: Salsa Limón, five area locations

Maybe it’s a “hot sports opinion,” but after all these years, it’s time to start calling Salsa Limón’s four sauces — mild tomatillo, hot jalapeño, hotter piquín, and blazing habanero — iconic parts of Fort Worth cuisine, to the point that if we found them bottled at a store, we’d pay for the cold-shipping to send them to friends who live out of state, with a note that says, “Even better fresh! Come visit!” Those four sauces, each with its own distinctive mouthfeel and character, are as Fort Worth as grabbing a beer at the Bull & Bush after a concert at Dickies or telling a visitor what to expect from a Joe T.’s margarita.

 

Seafood

Readers’ Choice: Water’s Restaurant, 301 Main St, Fort Worth, 817-984-1110

Critic’s Choice: Tricky Fish, 5917 Convair Dr, Ste 301, Fort Worth, 817-731-5882

Tricky Fish has been an anchor in the Waterside retail area since 2018, serving affordable Third Coast cuisine, such as broiled oysters, shrimp and crab bisque, and parmesan-crusted haddock in a clean and sleek environment without the kitschy Gulf Coast fish-camp vibes. Happy hour includes $2 off starters and specialty cocktails along with daily specials.

 

Soul Food

Readers’ Choice: Drew’s Place, 5701 Curzon Av, Fort Worth, 817-476-1857

Critic’s Choice: Chef’s Corner (formerly Turkey Den), 1201 Oakland Blvd, Ste 1111, Fort Worth, 682-301-1031

North Texas has its share of festivals. Springtime was Scarborough, and now the State Fair of Texas has arrived. Both events include the opportunity to try a turkey leg. Once you’ve gotten a taste for the handheld variety, it’s time to move on to the real deal. Soul food spots have great turkey legs, especially Chef’s Corner. Don’t be fooled by the new name. Many items have changed on the menu since its days as the Turkey Den, but this isn’t one of them. With a fork and knife handy, try the turkey leg dish that comes with sausage and shrimp on a bed of pasta. Trust us!

 

 

Steak

Readers’ Choice: Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, 2458 N Main St, Fort Worth, 817-624-3945

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): There’s a reason Grace (777 Main St, Fort Worth, 817-877-3388) has been around for so long. Never straying too far from the classic steakhouse vibe is one reason they’ve been steady favorites since 2008, but don’t let it be said they don’t like to shake it up a bit. Grace’s menu is structured to let you have your own fun with four classic cuts. Try adding espresso horseradish to your filet. Want an egg on your dry-aged ribeye in the middle of a fine-dining dinner service? No one’s stopping you. We all know you can pay a pretty penny for a well-made steak, but for the best deal in town, head to Neighbor’s House (500 W 7th St, Ste 175, Fort Worth, 817-334-0526) on Fridays for a $40 10-ounce filet or 16-ounce ribeye cooked to perfection, plus duck-fat potatoes and a salad bar. You’ll be thinking about steak every Friday once you’ve been. You know that with “Butcher” in the name, you’re going to get a great steak at that Wicked one (512 Main St, Fort Worth, 817-601-4621). The modern steakhouse’s dry-aged cuts or A5-certified Wagyu need no accompaniment, but we encourage you to get a true taste of Wicked Butcher’s modern twists by dipping your morsels in a little Worcester vanilla butter or Wicked Steak Sauce

 

 

Street Tacos

Readers’ Choice: Chef Taco, 3237 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, 469-961-2101

Critic’s Choice: Cancun Mexican Restaurant, 7419 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 817-696-8810

Fairly new to the Westside, Cancun has been staying busy, serving Mexican cuisine on the brightly lit patio or inside the cantina. Their street tacos are served traditionally, with corn tortillas stuffed with onions, cilantro, and lime, plus your choice of carne asada, al pastor, or pollo. An order includes five of those bad boys plus rice and beans. There’s also tacos with shrimp, brisket, and fish.

 

Sushi

Readers’ Choice: Blue Sushi Sake Grill, 3131 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-332-2583

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): Once an upstart and now an elder statesman, Blue Sushi (3131 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-332-2583) may be best known for its incredible happy hour and ultra-sleek décor, but don’t forget about the quality of sushi here, too. It’s among the best in all of North Texas. Near I-35 and Western Center, MK’s Sushi (2901 Fair Dr, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 817-306-0003) also has a killer happy hour, with specials under $20 and a large, varied menu of martinis. With three area   locations, including Montgomery Plaza, Sushi Axiom has a huge menu but not at the expense of quality.

 

Tamales

Readers’ Choice: Mama Lu’s Kitchen, @MamaLuSalsa, 817-255-0910

Critic’s Choice: Tommy Tamale Market & Café, four area locations

Tamale addicts in Cowtown and beyond consistently name this 16-year-old tamale maker one of the top places to get their fix of masa, filling, and corn husk. We concur. Tommy Tamale does it by combining flexibility — nine fillings from pork to black bean — with reliability — four locations with most open 10am-8pm daily except Sunday. All this plus availability — you can also order frozen tamales online. A Tommy Tamale is more Tex-Mex than traditional Mexican. Being lard-free makes them healthier as well.

 

 

Tex-Mex Food

Readers’ Choice: Mexican Inn, seven area locations

Critic’s Choice (Top 3): Fort Worth overflows with taquerias and Tex-Mex, but we’ve had a slew of authentic restaurants surface recently. Near TCU, Maria’s Mexican Kitchen (1712 S University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-916-0550) is Chef Felipe Armenta’s homage to his mother and leans heavily on regional cuisines with consistent quality. The seafood enchiladas will never steer your ship wrong. In The Tower downtown, Polanco (570 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, 817-720-3300) might not have the tenure others do, but it has the swagger that complements an extensive menu. In SoMa, Tinies (113 S Main St, Fort Worth, 682-255-5425) has carved a niche as not only rooted in heritage but also wallet-friendliness with happy hours in a trendy environment. Don’t forget the upstairs rooftop bar.

 

Thai Food

Readers’ Choice: Spice, 411 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-984-1800

Critic’s Choice: Sikhay Thai Lao Cuisine, 3301 NE 28th St, Fort Worth, 817-309-6042

Tucked into a well-worn strip center on a street lined with used car lots, Sikhay Thai Lao Cuisine is the kind of foodie find that we love. Get past the slightly sketchy exterior, and you’ll find yourself in a comfortable oasis with fast and friendly staff and dining that makes it worth the trip. Entrée portions are massive, but still start with the jerky appetizers — you may decide you want more than one order — and sip top-shelf Thai tea while you await the main course. If it’s your first time, calibrate the meter with a plate of Pad Thai or fried rice or go a little bigger with the red curry — this place won’t overheat the food if you ask for Level 3 spice. Portion sizes mean you can enjoy this for lunch tomorrow, which is all to the good.

 

Vietnamese Food

Readers’ Choice: Pho District, 2401 W 7th St, Fort Worth, 817-862-9988

Critic’s Choice: Thuy Nguyen Café, 100 W Pioneer Pkwy, Ste 100B, Arl, 682-252-4101

Lucky for us, there’s no shortage of places to get great pho in town, but if you want to expand your Vietnamese food repertoire, check out Thuy Nguyen Café in Arlington. Pho is on the menu, of course, but so are lesser-known delights like banh beo, which are little gelatinous steamed rice cakes served with marinated ground pork and shrimp, and banh xeo, a crispy, saffron-infused crepe-like street food filled with whole shrimp and pork. Don’t let the term “pancake” fool you — it’s a huge meal.

 

Waitstaff

Readers’ Choice: Charleston’s, 3020 S Hulen St, Fort Worth, 817-735-8900

Critic’s Choice: Polanco in The Tower, 570 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, 817-720-3300

There are restaurant servers, and there is waitstaff, the distinction being an extra mile of customer service that goes into providing the guest with a memorable experience outside of simply dining. Polanco has embraced this level of service with attention to detail and goes beyond to ensure each guest feels important and comfortable while enjoying their delicious meal.

 

Wings

Readers’ Choice: Pluckers Wing Bar, nine area locations

Critic’s Choice: Buffalo Bros, two area locations

With the word “Buffalo” in the name, the assumption is that their wings would be great. And that would be correct. A long-standing local favorite with one location near TCU and another downtown, the bros are known for authentic Buffalo-style wings with crispy skin, flavorful sauces, and a friendly atmosphere.

Good Grub Wildcards

 

Caterer

Readers’ Choice: 360 Catering & Events, 7455 S Hulen St, Ste 120, Fort Worth, 817-714-8996

 

Dumplings

Readers’ Choice: Hao’s Grocery & Cafe, 120 St. Louis Av, Ste 103-B, Fort Worth, 682-250-4751

 

Read about our next section of winners in On The Town.