KEY DINING

97 WEST KITCHEN & BAR - They say the west begins in Fort Worth, and I say the pioneering never ends. And everyone knows the Editor of Fort Worth Key is the authority on such things. More important than my unsolicited philosophizing is Hotel Drover’s resident eatery 97 West Kitchen & Bar. Experience adventurous dining with offerings described as “contemporary Texas fare, elevated ranch classics, and reimagined Southern comfort foods ” 97 West Kitchen & Bar also offers an adult beverage curation composed of local spirits and an ever-changing menu of seasonal drinks. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. & 5-10 p.m. 200 Mule Alley Dr., 682-255-6497, https://hoteldrover.com/dining/97west-kitchen-and-bar.

ÁTICO - On the 6th floor of the SpringHill Suites in Fort Worth’s Historic Stockyards sits Ático, Chef Tim Love’s latest, an inviting rooftop eatery and bar with a luxurious feel. The panoramic views of the Stockyards and glimmering lights of downtown are more than enough to keep you coming back trip after trip, but the carefully curated food and drink menu are what sets Ático apart from all the dining options available in the Stockyards. A wide array of Spanish-inspired drink and food options are available to those looking to expand their horizons and take a quick trip to Barcelona. ¡Vamos! Mon.-Fri. 4:30 p.m.-close. Sat.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-close. 2315 N. Main St. 682-255-5112, www.aticoftworth.com.

B&B BUTCHERS & RESTAURANT - Behind tall glass walls in the Shops at Clearfork sits special occasion-worthy B&B Butchers, the refined meat eater’s delight. Next to the colossal cuts on display you’ll find a robust wine selection, admirable in their chilled cellar in the middle of the restaurant. While all of the steak house standbys are on the menu, and delivered exceptionally, you can also get full caviar service or try something more adventurous, like brisket ravioli. No time to sit and eat? No problem. Fresh cuts of meat are available next door at The Butcher Shop for those who’d rather cook at home. Steakhouse: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The Butcher Shop: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 5212 Marathon Ave. 817-737-5212, www.bbbutchers.com.

THE BISCUIT BAR - Located in the Stockyards’ hip Mule Alley, Biscuit Bar features biscuits made from scratch and lush toppings such as fried chicken, maple syrup, scrambled eggs, gravy, crispy bacon, and, of course, butter. Come for the biscuits, stay for cocktails called “cereal sips” like their Cinnamon Toast Punch. Oh, and pro tip? Don’t sleep on the salads. Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. 128 E. Exchange Ave., #640, 817-912-5922, www.thebiscuit.bar.

CAFÉ MODERN - Composed of Texas ingredients, Café Modern’s menu blends seasonal foods from local artisans and diverse culinary traditions from around the globe. From sticky ribs to a cucumber and sundried tomato melt, this cloth-napkin restaurant has something for all tastes, all set against the backdrop of Tadao Ando’s iconic architecture. Dining is an art form, and Jett Mora is Chief Culinary Curator. Lunch Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Brunch Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Coffee/ cocktails Tues.-Thurs. & Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dinner Fri. 5-8 p.m. 3200 Darnell St. 817-840-2186, www.themodern.org/café.

CATTLEMEN’S FORT WORTH STEAK HOUSE:

Steak isn’t only for dinner- try the daily lunch menu! You can get a luncheon steak that includes a baked potato, salad, and their famous homemade rolls. Start your meal off with a savory appetizer: “Shoot ’em Up Shrimp,” crab cakes, calf or lamb fries, onion rings, and the list goes on. Cattlemen’s offers BBQ ribs, chicken, pasta, pork chops, a huge seafood selection, and “The Old Texas Standby” chicken fried steak. Prime rib is served on Friday and Saturday nights. Cattlemen’s extensive charcoal-broiled steak selection has been called “the ultimate in a fine steak” and can be ordered with a variety of enticing sauces like cognac pepper corn or gorgonzola. Top off your dinner with a homemade dessert: apple or pecan pie, cobbler, banana pudding, chocolate cake, or New York-style cheesecake. Private banquet rooms offer seating for 10-120 guests. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. noon-9 p.m. 2458 N. Main St. 817-624-3945, www. cattlemenssteakhouse.com.

DON ARTEMIO - Upscale Mexican dining at its finest. Don Artemio takes heritage recipes from northestern Mexico and makes them with local Fort Worth ingredients and mouth-watering, modern panache. This is the kind of joint you go for a special occasion, and it’s worth every dime. From their nopalitos fritos (tenderfried cactus) to their El Famoso “Chile Hojaldrado” (cream cheese and pecan-stuffed poblano chile wrapped in puff pastry) to their in-house dry-aged beef, you simply can’t go wrong. From the clay bricks in the wall to the wood tables at which you sit, everything you see in the restaurant is imported from Saltillo, Mexico, too. It’s a love letter to Mexican heritage cuisine and a truly holistic experience... one that shouldn’t be missed. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-10 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-9 p.m. 3268 West 7th St. 817-470-1439, www.donartemio.us.

ESPARZA’S - If you land at the DFW International Airport hard up for Tex-Mex, first of all, I understand you. Second of all, you’re in luck. Touted as “independently owned, internationally known,” Esparza’s is perched in the same town as the airport: Grapevine. Since 1985, the Restaurante Mexicano has served up delicious fare that includes Tex-Mex classics like enchiladas and tacos, but also innovations like fried avocado stuffed with brisket and an assortment of quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, salads, and desserts. They have a patio strung with lights and call themselves “the margarita capital of Texas.” Enough said. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 124 E. Worth St. Grapevine, 76051, 817-481-4668, www.esparzastexas.com.

HONKY TONK KITCHEN - Executive Chef Alex Walters brings a passion for authentic Texas cuisine and hospitality to Billy Bob’s. After attending Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, he spent a decade leading culinary efforts across DFW before joining the team at Billy Bob’s Texas. He’s poured his heart into bringing great food to patrons from all over the world. The food selections at Billy Bob’s are far greater than the restaurant’s name “Honky Tonk Kitchen” may imply. In addition to the Honky Tonk Kitchen, Chef Alex oversees all culinary related business including the banquet operations where Billy Bob’s may host 500-5000 guests in private events each week. Mon.Wed. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & 6 p.m.close. Sun. noon-close. 2520 Rodeo Pl. 817-624-7117, www.billybobstexas.com/about/honky-tonk-kitchen.

JOE T. GARCIA’S - When Mr. and Mrs. Joe T. Garcia first opened in their home to diners in 1935 there were 16 seats. Eventually, the famed Tex-Mex outpost has poured out onto their famous, twinkle-lit patio and now seats up to 1000 diners. It continues to be family-run to this day, and the original recipes are still in use. Eighty-seven years later, the fare and ambiance keeps people coming back in droves. While the lunch menu features things like chimichangas, tamales, soups, and salads, the dinner menu is succinct: sizzling fajitas or enchiladas. The portions are generous which is good, because the tequila to margarita ratio is, too. Great for casual nights and special occasions alike.

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2201 N. Commerce St., 817-626-4356, www.joetgarcias.com.

THE KIMBELL CAFÉ - Located in the Kahn Building, The Kimbell Café offers in-house dining and to-go lunch options. Prepared by Chef Peter Kreidler, the Café menu offers a weekly rotating selection of soups, sandwiches, and quiche. Afternoon tea for two is also available. Choose from a selection of fragrant loose-leaf teas and enjoy an array of sweet and savory items, including scones, finger sandwiches, cookies, and muffins, all served with house-made jam and salted butter.

Lunch Tues.-Thurs. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri. & Sun. noon-2 p.m. Happy hour Fri. 5-7 p.m. Boxed lunches, beverages, desserts, and afternoon tea Tues.-Sun. 2-4 p.m. Closed Mon. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817-3328451, ext. 721, www.kimbellart.org/visit/dine.

LOS VAQUEROS - The incredible Cisnero Tex-Mex family recipes of Los Vaqueros have fed this guerita since I was knee high to a grasshopper, long before I was old enough to have one of their incredible margaritas. Whenever I think about Los Vaqueros I smell the sizzling fajitas sailing past, see the never-too-busy-foryou staff smiling in greeting, and taste the perfect queso/ chip ratio. Located in an old Stockyards warehouse, the restaurant manages to be both cozy and cavernous, and is 100% authentically western. Los Vaqueros accommodates events (like my dad’s 50th birthday party!) as easily as they do a nice lunch for two. Tues.Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Mon. 2629 N. Main St. 817624-1511, www.losvaqueros.com.

PRESS CAFE - Casual breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, curbside cocktails/family dinner packs, and weekend brunch? Count me in. For all of it. Press Cafe’s extensive menu includes notables like crab mac n’ cheese, banana walnut waffles, ahi heirloom salad, and short ribs. All of their burgers are made/ground in-house (including the veggie patties), and are just $10 during happy hour (Mon.-Thurs. 3 p.m.-6 p.m). Press is right on the Trinity, so when your day calls for some good, old fashioned contemplation and martinis while staring at a body of water, this is your place. Sun.-Tues. 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed.Sat. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 4801 Edwards Ranch Rd. #105, 817-570-6002, www.presscafeftworth.com.

PROVENDER HALL - Ugh, don’t you love it when a bunch of hot millennial chefs open and operate an atmospheric, American West restaurant and feed you Skillet Cornbread with Whipped Honey Butter and Slow Smoked Beef Rib for Two, that you secretly try to eat for one? The large outpost’s open kitchen specializes in meats either smoked or cooked over their woodburning grill, all accompanied by an array of southern classics like their Pimento Cheese, Hoppin’ John, and Cheddar Cheese Grits. They have a robust liquor list including a quality Moscow Mule and a little ditty called Golden Cheeked Warbler I have my eye on… Tues. 5-9 p.m. Wed.-Thurs. & Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Mon. 122 E. Exchange Ave. #110, 817-782-9170, www.provenderhall.com.

REATA RESTAURANT - Choosing from the best that southwestern food has to offer, Reata (Spanish for rope and name of the ranch in the 1956 epic Giant ) offers a menu that ranges from steaks to Creole dishes to southern standbys like their West Texas Pecan Pie. An example for the first course is Reata signature jalepeño and cilantro soup. The main course could be pan-seared pepper crusted tenderloin with port wine sauce and sides like bourbon creamed corn and bacon wrapped asparagus. Finish your meal with a dessert classic or something new, like dessert tacos with caramelized bananas and chocolate gravy. Lunch every day 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 310 Houston St. 817-336-1009, www. reata.net.

THE ROSE GARDEN TEA ROOM - The Fort Worth location is located inside The Mercantile and Arlington’s inside Gracie Lane, two curated marketplaces of 200+ dealer booths with impressive collections of gifts, home décor, antiques, fashion, furniture, and more. The Rose Garden is a delicate blend of English tradition and old southern charm with an assortment of soups, salads, fruit, and sandwiches. Their entrées are the very popular Rose Garden Variety which is a sampler plate of chicken salad, fresh fruit, quiche, soup, and a pumpkin bread sandwich, and all dishes include their famed “toasties” for the table. There are several delectable desserts and specialty coffees and teas, too, including a three-course high tea. Arlington: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sun. 4720 S. Cooper St., 817-7953093. Fort Worth: Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & Sun. noon-3 p.m. Closed Mon. 7200 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817731-7673, www.therosegardentearoom.com.

SECOND RODEO BREWING - Alright, alright, alright (McConaughey voice), Second Rodeo Brewing’s authentic and unapologetic Texan style has descended upon the Fort Worth Stockyards. Inspired by Waylon, Willie, and the boys, there are three free live music sets every single day in this laid back restaurant and outdoor bar garden. Enjoy dishes like maple bacon glazed wings with waffle crumble and cheesesteak while you grab a pint. Second Rodeo’s crown jewel is their onsite brewery led by Dennis Wehrmann, a fifth generation brewer. They’ve also got a cocktail called Atomic Cool-Aid which, for me, inspires intrigue... Sun.Thurs. 11 a.m.-midnight. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. 122 E. Exchange Ave. #340, 817-240-4959, www. secondrodeobrewing.com.

SHAKE SHACK - It’s simple, really: burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes... and one fabulous cheesestuffed portobello burger for vegetarian friends. Let’s just say this: people love Shake Shack so much they get tattoos of the logo and cater their weddings with it. As if serving their Texas special Cold Shot Concrete made of vanilla custard, chocolate custard, malt, salted caramel, dark brown sugar, and chocolate toffee isn’t enough, Fort Worth’s Shack is also partnered with Alliance for Children, a nonprofit that protects Tarrant County children from child abuse. Sugar coma and philanthropy? Ideal. Sun.Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 122 E. Exchange Ave. #160, 817-885-5420, www. shakeshack.com/location/stockyards-tx.