Fort Worth Weekly // Best of 2022

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BEST OF 2022 COVER TEAM

Art Direction: Ryan Burger

Organizer: Jennifer Bovee, Julie Strehl

Wardobe: Tiffany Parish (Honeysuckle Rose Vintage),

Hair & Makeup: Cyndi Bell, Jensyn Begg, Ashley Bishop, Keri Johnson (Lemongrass Salon)

Location: Fort Worth Aviation Museum

Models: Sheron Herrera, Jana Renee, Jenna Hill-Higgs, Fatima Thomas, Tatiana “Lady May” Mayfield, Hao Tran, Anita Ponder (left to right)

Motorcycle: George O’Shea

Photography: Carlos Bonilla

COPYRIGHT

The entire contents of Fort Worth

Worth Weekly may be purchased for

Weekly may be distributed

by

STAFF

Anthony Mariani, Editor

Lee Newquist, Publisher

Bob Niehoff, General Manager

Ryan Burger, Art Director

Jim Erickson, Circulation Director

Edward Brown, Staff Writer

Emmy Smith, Proofreader

Michael Newquist, Regional Sales Director

Jennifer Bovee, Marketing Director

Stacey Hammons, Senior Account Executive

Julie Strehl, Account Executive

Tony Diaz, Account Executive

Wyatt Newquist, Digital Coordinator

Clintastic, Brand Ambassador

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THE MAVERICK IMPACT

Around 46,000 students enrolled for fall 2021, the future of the workforce in North Texas and beyond.

Both a Hispanic-Serving and an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.

Of UTA’s 250,000+ alumni, approximately 65 percent live in North Texas. Their presence helps the University create an annual economic impact of almost $17.1 billion in the region.

Designated a Texas Tier One and a Carnegie R-1 University.

14,000 degrees awarded to workforce-ready graduates each year.

5th in the Nation for Undergraduate Diversity. (U.S. News & World Report)

As

Fort Worth takes off into the next decade and beyond, we can be proud of our recent accomplishments, including voting for our youngest, most progressive city council ever and going purple in the last national election. Though no one is keeping track, if you’ve been paying attention, you know that leading our way from redneck backwater to cosmopolitan oasis are women. Like soldiers on the front lines, Fort Worth’s femmes are ready for battle, and they’re not going to back down until justice, fairness, and equality reign. That’s why we’re featuring strong, powerful women in our Best Of imagery this year and why we also won’t quit with our weekly political coverage until our grassroots female leaders say we should. And something tells me that’s not going to be for a good, long time. The patriarchy is real. Its utter destruction is part of our mission. It’s not going to happen tomorrow but — with women leading the way — maybe in our lifetimes.

You know what else is real? Bivouacking, and while over the year(s), we’ve written countless stories about allegedly dirty dealings at the DA’s office, TAD, family courts, and local schools, we like to have fun, too, and our annual Best Of issue is a good reflection of that ethos. Started in 1995, ours is the oldest, most esteemed “best of” in Tarrant County — our palein-more-ways-than-one imitators can suck it. Everyone knows that a Weekly Best Of just means more, because it’s coming from a place of journalistic research, not from a bean counter saying we need to award only the businesses that bought the biggest ads. For our 2022 edition, votes piled in from all over the globe, and to thank you all (especially you voters) for your readership, we humbly present our Best Of 2022 that we hope will serve as a trusty reference guidebook throughout the year.

#WingsUp — Anthony Mariani, Editor

Carlos Bonilla

Antique & Vintage Finds

Readers’ Choice: Montgomery Street Antique Mall, 2601 Montgomery St, 817-735-9685

Critic’s Choice: Montgomery Street Antique Mall

Clocking in at 61,000 square feet, this warehouse has been a Fort Worth mainstay since 1994. With hundreds of vendors, the mall offers everything from extensive record collections to this critic’s personal favorite, vaults of old postcards. Does high-end antique furniture do it for you? You can find that, too. Weary from walking the aisles? The Secret Garden Tea Room serves lunch daily.

Bakery

Readers’ Choice: Stir Crazy Baked Goods, 1251 W Magnolia Av, 817-862-9058

Critic’s Choice: Bluebonnet Bakery, 4705 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-731-4233 What makes Bluebonnet different, and best, is not only its location inside a historic church but the fact that the 75-year-old bakery donates its unsold goods to the First Street Methodist Mission. With the holidays fast approaching, be sure to place your orders in advance.

Barbershop (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Cutting Room Barber Salon, 1306 May St, Ste 100, 682-250-4451

took the leap into ownership after years working in salons and barbershops. She and barber Jorge Gonzalez have a real love for their Fort Worth community that shows in the sweet Southside shop.

… The namesake of Straight Edge by Virginia (3720 Hemphill St, 817-9263343) has cut hair on Hemphill since she was a teen. Thirteen years ago, she put her expertise into opening her own shop. She and her team of stylists and barbers have a dedicated base of regulars. The shop, from the atmosphere to the skills of the staff, does up old-school right. What really sets the place apart? Full salon, waxing, and nail services are also available here.

Beauty Services

Readers’ Choice: Novak Hair Studio, 250 W Lancaster Av, Ste 110, 817-592-4247

Critic’s Choice: Modern Nail Bar, 8653 N Beach St, 817-562-1570

Modern Nail Bar offers a full menu of services in a luxe salon at odds with the strip-mall exterior. A regular manicure clocks in at a very affordable $15. Full nail services are also available, from acrylics to gel. Many pick the nail bar for their line of luxury pedicures. Sangria sunset pedi? Yes, please. Add in the complimentary glass of wine or margarita, and you have a true “treat yourself” moment.

Boutique

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Honeysuckle Rose Vintage, 113 White Settlement Rd, @HoneySuckleRoseVintage • Studio 74 Vintage, 5926 Curzon Av, 817-343-3013

Critic’s Choice: The Twisted Gypsy, 2914 Race St, 817-980-6109

Kathleen Garza has been in the boutique jewelry and clothing business for nearly two decades. Don’t let the humble, smallish space fool you. The owner of The Twisted Gypsy packs a lot into 200 square feet. Her Race Street store features fashion jewelry priced between $12-50 and a wide range of trendy accessories like scarves, hats, and other attire. Garza’s offerings are always trending, and she’s a wealth of useful fashion tips.

Car Wash

Readers’ Choice: University Car Wash, 3124 Collinsworth St, 817-714-5290

Critic’s Choice: Classic Auto Detail, 1633 Rogers Rd, 817-965-2626

Whether you have a classic ’Vette or an SUV maligned with sticky kiddos’ fingerprints and dried-up ice cream spills, the team at Classic Auto Detail

Owner Laleh Rezaie

Critic’s Choices: Rudy Avitia and his barbers offer fresh cuts in old-school digs at The Barber (3015 Hemphill St, 817-336-7333). Barbers here really pride themselves on their artistry. In a growing, rapidly gentrifying area, The Barber serves up a slice of old Fort Worth. Avitia grew up on the South Side, giving the shop a real down-home feel. … Complimentary beer with every cut? Yeah, that will turn heads. The cut itself will catch them lookin’, too. The folks at District Barbershop (400 S Jennings Av, Ste 100, 817-420-9552, also Alliance and NRH) may be fun, but they take the craft seriously. All three locations are cool without betraying the timeless barbershop feeling. … Old-school never lets out for summer at Loso’s Barbershop (1549 N Main St, Ste 101B, 817-367-9009). Carlos Rubio set his sights on becoming a barber as a kid. He cut his buddies’ hair in his living room. Since then, he’s moved up to his own spot on the North Side. Rubio favors classic in everything, from decor (leather couches, old-school barber chairs) to cuts. … What the two-chair South Barbershop (129 E Daggett Av, 817380-8117) lacks in size, it makes up for in everything else.

Getting & Spending

Shop will transform your vehicle back to showroom form. The full-service shop has been in business for more than 30 years, and while you’re in the area, check out owner Larry O’Neal’s personal museum, Fort Worth Memories, which features historic relics, antique books, letters from Amon G. Carter, and thousands of photos.

Place to Buy CBD

Readers’ Choice: Thrive Apothecary, 212 Carroll St, Ste 120, 817- 480-7098

Charcuterie Boards

Readers’ Choice: The Salty Cow

Charcuterie, 2607 Glendale Av, 817-235-0270

Critic’s Choice: The Salty Cow Charcuterie

You may think The Salty Cow is trying to kill you with decadence, but they’re just trying to make you happy. At our household, we actually have to hide most of our charcuterie boards from the Salty Cow to be able to keep some of us from overindulging in glorious chocolate (the “Oh My Ganache” features five ganache cakes over a bed of chocolate candy, garnished with fresh berries) or savory deli meats and cheeses (the “Guess I Can Share” is a blend of all that plus fresh fruit and jam). The price per board is about what you’d spend at a restaurant for the same thing, but for the joy you’ll be experiencing in the comfort of your own home (or office, or home office), it’s all worth it.

Place to Buy Cigars (Top 5)

Readers’ Top 5: Big Dave’s Cigars, 6501 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-731-6433

• Good Karma Cigar Lounge, 704 E Weatherford St, 817-720-7222 • Lake Worth Cigars, 6654 Azle Av, 817-2388877 • Underground Cigar Shop, 6409 E Lancaster Av, 817-507-3640 • Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge, 426 Commerce St, 817-887-9535

Critic’s Choice: Underground Cigar Shop

The motto of this long-time Eastside staple is: “We define boutique,” and it’s true — Underground specializes in boutique and small-batch cigars from vendors and representatives from all over. When you drop by, be sure to say hi to the Misfits of Cigars, Underground’s devoted regulars who buck at the mainstream cigar industry.

Place to Buy Coffee

(Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Avoca Coffee Roasters (multiple locations)

Critic’s Choices: Avoca Coffee Roasters (multiple locations) is the granddaddy of the slow coffee movement in town. While they dabble in frou-frou flavor choices, the meticulously crafted pour over is what you really want to try here. … Black Coffee (1417 Vaughn Blvd, 817-782-9867) is part coffee house, part community gathering space. The only non-chain coffeehouse in the Polytechnic area remains a beacon. Try the Raspberry Beret latte — the homage to Prince is a raspberry-chocolate treat.

… Inclusion Coffee (101 E Abram St, Arl, 817-629-2224) caters to its community. From late-night study hours

during exams to discounts for health-care workers, the little shop near UTA with the soaring roof and floating stairs is a favorite. Look for the rotating menu of interesting drinks on a chalkboard –– if it’s available, the Mr. Tumnus latte with Speculoos Cookie Butter and warm spices will take you straight to Narnia. … Roots Coffeehouse (400 Bryan Av, Ste 101, 817349-8059) is located on a street behind the burgeoning area on South Main. Try the lavender honey latte while you can — it’s a combination of local honey and the house-made lavender syrup in a latte. … Vaquero Coffee Co. (109 Houston St, 682730-1335) was started by locals Jonathan Health and Christopher Rushing as an alternative to the pricey corporate coffee chains downtown. Located between Sundance Square and the courthouse, the tiny shop’s interesting drink is the horchata latte.

Customer Service

Readers’ Choice: Ordered Steps Learning Center, 7451 Chapel Av, Ste 7455, 817-349-8400

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

Those beaming smiles and hearty welcomes are as genuine as they come. Customers at Fort Worth’s Central Market are used to seeing the same familiar employees year after year, and those workers do what they can to answer questions or simply to ask how you’re doing. The help can really come in handy for newcomers to the well-organized but sometimes labyrinthine layout. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the prompt and courteous help you receive from the eager workers.

Day Spa

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Perfect Touch Day Spa, 2525 Weisenberger St, 817-870-3610

• Woodhouse Day Spa, 1621 River Run, 817-338-1772

Critic’s Choice: Milk + Honey, 5160 Marathon Av, 682-235-2328

Milk & Honey specializes in an ecological take on a variety of services designed to improve your health, image, and overall well-being. Choose from facials (including treatments for that pesky back acne), massage (deep tissue, sports, lymphatic, and prenatal), waxing, haircuts, and styling. You’ll find all the products you’ll need to keep that pricey HydraFacial looking fresh, and most of

them are organic and hypoallergenic. Milk & Honey also offers a safer alternative to gel manis and pedis, with a product that cures in seconds using LED lights.

Dry Cleaners

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Kites Custom Cleaners (multiple locations) • Ray’s Custom Cleaners, 4105 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-737-3731

Critic’s Choice: Kites Custom Cleaners, 4839 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-732-6031

Kites isn’t only reliable, it’s ecofriendly. This family-owned business uses biodegradable, nontoxic solvents and

precision wet-cleaning machines for a more effective, healthier way to launder your drawers.

Farmers Market

Readers’ Choice: Lola’s Local Farmers Market, 2000 W Berry St, 817-759-9100

Critic’s Choice: Lola’s Local Farmers Market What makes a good farmers market? Local fruits of the earth, of course. But let’s be real: The success of a farmers market has as much to do with vibes as it does the juiciness of the tomatoes and watermelons for sale. Luckily for us, Lola’s market offers both fresh produce and irie vibes in abundance. As 30-plus

Critic’s choice for best day spa, Milk + Honey will make you feel at home while also taking you far, far away. From home. Or work.

vendors sprawl out across the lawn, homegrown music and adult beverages flow every second Sunday of the month from 11am to 4pm.

Furniture Store

Readers’ Choice: There’s No Place Like Home Furniture, 855 Foch St, 817-244-3371

Critic’s Choice: Park + Eighth, 4804 Camp Bowie Blvd, 682-708-3838

Interior designer Christina Phillips is a Horned Frog with an interior design degree and 25 years of expertise, and her shop’s collection of restored vintage furniture, funky treasures, and opulent classics is sure to have the chair, sofa, table, or accent piece to make your dwelling uniquely yours. Whether your style is bohemian or mid-century mod, maximalist or minimalist, contemporary or even “1970s grandma,” Park + Eighth has something to make your place feel complete.

Place to Buy Gifts

Readers’ Choice: Lawrence’s, 4601 W Fwy, 817-731-2772

Critic’s Choice: Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale, Lola’s Fort Worth, 2000 W Berry St, 817-759-9100

On the third Sunday of every month from noon to 6pm, more than 40 local vendors pile into Lola’s to sell everything from antiques, art, books, and collectibles to jewelry, oddities, retro items, vintage finds, and more. Now that Mother Nature will be turning down the heat (a little) and with the holidays coming up, Lola’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale is the (shopping) place to be.

Grocery Store

Readers’ Choice: Central Market, 4651 W Fwy, 817-989-4700

Local Grocer

Readers’ Choice: Roy Pope Grocery, 2300 Merrick St, 817-732-2863

Critic’s Choice: Roy Pope Grocery

Like a vestige from the past when mom-and-pop stores were the norm, Roy Pope Grocery stands as a quaint reminder that small neighborhood stores can offer invaluable service. After changing ownership and undergoing refurbishing, Roy Pope reopened in 2021 with a renewed commitment to offering scratch-made meals and a wide range of staples to keep your kitchen stocked with essentials, like lots and lots of wine.

Gun Store

Readers’ Choice: Defenders Outdoors, 2900 Shotts St, 817-935-8377

Critic’s Choice: Defiant Arms, 5200

Denton Hwy, Ste 20, Haltom City, 817-393-7738

Defiant Arms just celebrated its one-year anniversary in May. Proprietor Dwayne Favors was led to open his first physical store because of high demand from his successful online and show-dealing operations which he maintained for more than a decade prior. Responsible firearms enthusiasts now have a sleek and clean storefront to browse a broad selection of quality pieces intended for safety, sporting, or collection.

Hair Salon (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Novak Hair Studio, 250 W Lancaster Av, Ste 110, 817-592-4247

Critic’s Choices: From its sweet redbrick exterior to the exposed brick walls inside, Collective Salon (618 S Jennings Av, 817-420-9034) has atmosphere on lock. Plus, the stylists offer all the usual and can come up with fun, bold colors guaranteed to wow. … A team of independent stylists operates out of Panther City Salon (1465 W Magnolia Av, Ste 251, 817-921-1700) a bright, airy retreat that serves up everything from simple cuts to balayages and blowouts. The new spot a few doors down from the original has an updated feel while keeping all of the charm. … Salon Purple (3124 E Belknap St, Ste 200, 817-834-4400) delivers on color. The East Belknap establishment can throw down wild shades of teal, vivid purples, and pinks — whatever you can imagine. The stylists are also proficient in curly and textured hair. Salon Purple wears its heart on its, er, building with its distinctive purple and teal paint job and bright sunflower mural.

… Style abounds at this slick Southside spot. The curlyfriendly South Main District Salon (207 S Main St, 682-385-9611) has a team of

Getting & Spending

hair professionals ready for blowouts, bright color jobs, cuts, and basically anything else you could think to do to hair. … Every detail at Whistle & Sway Salon Company (701 Barden St, Ste 101, 817-882-6188), from the whimsical name to the chic interior, is so on point, the salon would be worth going to just to hang out for a bit. But the place houses a team of stylists ready to give haircuts and colors and blowouts that will make you want to, well, it’s in the name.

Place to Buy Jewelry

Readers’ Choice: Simon Estate Jewelry, 5800 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ste 116, 817- 882-9085

Critic’s Choice: Sovereign Jewelry Company, 207 S Jennings Av, 817-885-7848

Nestled right smack in the ever-growing and irresistibly swank South Main Village, Sovereign houses a beautiful inventory of unique vintage and modern pieces sure to catch every eye. The turn-of-the-century shop makes for the perfect environment for selecting a oneof-a-kind Art Deco-style ring. Yet it’s the work of master jeweler Brandon Smith that brings a subtly contemporary rock ’n’ roll edge to his custom-made pieces — without sacrificing elegance — that make Sovereign a destination jeweler.

Liquor Store (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods (multiple locations)

Critic’s Choices: It goes without saying that the three big-box stores — Goody Goody (6393 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-

289-1657), Spec’s (4720 Bryant Irvin Rd, 817-423-8400), and Total Wine (5200 S Hulen St, 817-292-2503) — have just about every liquor you can imagine, in quantities that stagger the imagination. Yet rounding out the Top 5 is a pair of small, local retailers. The Crockett Street Bottle Shop (2805 Crockett St, 817-585-5555) is a good stop for drinkers looking for Texas-made spirits, as you’ll find the latest from makers like Balcones, TX, and Blackland, and the store has a well-stocked wine cellar and beer cooler, friendly, knowledgeable staff, and a maze-like shelving system and ranch house-like decor that make browsing for beverages more fun than the average grab-and-go beer run. Tricks of the Trade (219 S Main St, 817-349-9266) features many Texas-distilled liquors as well, but what really sets this shop apart from the rest are the hard-to-find smallbatch spirits — if you’re a rum or mezcal fan, you have to check TOTT out — and staffers who are happy to chat about the right booze for your palate.

Meat Market

Readers’ Choice: The Meat Board, 6314 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-386-5966

Critic’s Choice: Roy Pope Grocery, 2300 Merrick St, 817-732-2863

Roy Pope was known back in the day for being a quick stop in the neighborhood on the way home if you needed dinner. And with the 2022 reboot courtesy of restaurateur Lou Lambert, owner/ operator Chris Reale, and their real estate partners Rodger Chieffalo and Mark Harris, the meat market is now showcased in a way that hasn’t happened in decades. It’s not the biggest selection in town, but it’s likely the freshest,

EAT - DRINK - ENJOY

CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO

SIMPLY FONDUE

PACO’S MEXICAN CUISINE

DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE

JAMBA

RAZZOO’S CAJUN CAFE

STARBUCKS

FLYING SAUCER

MELT ICE CREAMS

REATA AT SUNDANCE SQUARE

with options like house-made sausage (traditional pork, blueberry breakfast, apple sage turkey, or beef-jalapeno hot links). If you need tips on cooking what you’re picking up, they have that, too. Wine suggestions come as an additional bonus. As ever, you can select the madein-house sides to go with your prime Angus beef, chicken, or pork.

Metaphysical Shop (Top 5)

Readers’ Top 5: Embodii Crystals, 7410 Blvd 26, Ste D, Richland Hills,

817-455-6148

• Enchanted Forest, 6619 E Lancaster Av, 817-446-8385

• Hearth Wisdom, 2899 W Pioneer

Pkwy, Pantego, 682-323-5085

• Higher Purpose Emporium, 505 W Northside Dr, 682-207-5351

• Maven’s Moon

Apothecary, 1111 Roberts Cut Off Rd, River Oaks, 817-367-9235

Critic’s Choice: Maven’s Moon

From gems and herbs to reiki and massage therapy, Maven’s Moon will shine a light on whatever spiritual enhancements you’re looking for — even if your threshold for woo-woo only allows for mystic decor and/or Fleetwood Mac albums, you’re bound to find the right item to brighten your space. And for those for whom herbs and other

homeopathic medicine ingredients are a way of life, Maven’s Moon is a great marketplace for finding that crucial component to your teas and tinctures.

Optical Shop

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Luck Optical, 7108 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ste 7121, 817-738-3191

• Patrick Optical, 2255 8th Av, 817-370-6118

Critic’s Choice: Patrick Optical

In an industry dominated by sterile corporate chains and faceless online discount retailers, it’s comforting to know there’s a comfy locally owned shop for your eyewear needs. Patrick Optical’s literal brick-and-mortar Ryan Place

location boasts a warm and inviting showroom to browse the wide array of sleek and stylish frames which feels more like a feng shui-aligned artist’s loft rather than the typical competitor’s halogenlighted, hospital-like environs. Run by friendly registered optician Mickey Bradley, the storefront offers on-site lens finishing as well as refurbishment and repair services.

Pet Services (Top 5)

Readers’ Top 5: Doggie Diggs, 221 E Broadway Av, 817-332-4364

• Fetch

Pet Sitting, 6775 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817- 296-1769

• House of Wag, 2912

Race St, @HouseofWagDFW

• My Dog Needs That, MyPetNeedsThat. com • Waggin Tails Pet Sitting, @ WagginTailsPetSittingFW, 817-975-8875

Critic’s Choice: Doggie Diggs

Looking for the perfect place to park your pooch? Pet owners really dig Doggie Diggs. The convenient location near downtown offers day care and grooming for small breeds and longterm boarding for fur babies of all sizes. Your canine will live in luxury with airconditioned boarding rooms, dog pools, a grass yard, and play equipment. Selfservice and drop-off washes are available for affordable rates.

Record Store

Readers’ Choice: Doc’s Records & Vintage, 2628 Weisenberger St, 817-732-5455

Critic’s Choice: Born Late Records, 2920 Race St, 817-984-1255

If the 1972 Deep Purple lineup were a retail store, it would be Born Late Records. Long-haired white dudes everywhere you look, muscular classic rock pounding from the speakers, and psychedelic colors popping from all of the vinyl, cassettes, and collectibles — this Race Street staple is your one stop for all things heavy, smoky, and rockin’.

Smoke Shop

Readers’ Choice: The Gas Pipe, 6033 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-763-8622

Critic’s Choice: The Gas Pipe

At the oldest shop of its kind in town, the pipes range from water, wood, and stone to ceramic and meerschaum while tobacco accessories and rolling gear abound. The Gas Pipe also carries a wide variety of e-cigs and vaporizers, plus lots of disc golf stuff. Maybe the best part? All the herbal remedies for maybe hittin’ the tobacco pipe a little too hard.

Tattoo Studio (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Dark Age Tattoo Studio, 2836 Bledsoe St, Ste 200, 682499-5734

Critic’s Choices: The best tattoo shops are homes to artists proficient in a variety of styles, inking bodies in a clean, safe facility — you want a shop that offers

When a record store devotes an entire wall to Maiden, you know it’s legit. Meet you at Born Late, critic’s choice for best record store.

Getting & Spending

continued from page 18

more than the flash on the walls, in other words. While you’re bound to know a person who does great work at a different shop, we like the roster of artists at these places the best: Dark Age Tattoo Studio, Epic Tattoos (6627 N Beach St, 817-3068500), Ink817 (3204 Camp Bowie Blvd, 682-273-4163), Panther City (121 S Main St, 817-757-3813), and Sleepy Hollow (3023 Bledsoe St, 817-435-2960).

Thrift Store

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Goodwill (multiple locations) • McCart Family Thrift, 5203 Mc Cart Av, 817-921-9971

Critic’s Choice: Second Treasure Resale Store, 6620 Meadowbrook Dr, 817-470-2824

Larger thrift super centers might boast a glut of inventory, but they can often feel little different than gigantic, dusty warehouses filled with castoffs. For those in search of a cute and quiet (and a bit more refined) thrifting experience need look no further than Second Treasure Resale Store. Located on the East Side, this proudly Black woman-owned and -operated secondhand store offers highend yet affordable fashions plus quality, budget-friendly pre-owned furniture and even a selection of collectible antiques. The cliche of “one person’s trash is another’s treasure” does not apply here as there is certainly no trash, simply treasures.

Vape Shop

Readers’ Choice: Lucky Vapor, 3024 Race St, 817-386-5439

Critic’s Choice: Violet Vapor, 2901 Alta Mere Dr, 817-984-1864

Keeping up with new vape releases is no small feat. The knowledgeable and patient team at Violet Vapor earns top marks — a solid 4.7 out of 5 on Google reviews — for going above and beyond when helping customers find the right vaporizer for their smoking pleasure. Violet Vapor’s customers rave about Botanika, a blend of herbs that boosts energy and reduces stress. On the hardware side, Violet Vapor offers a wide range of replacement coils, rechargeable vapes, batteries, and other accessories that keep their loyal fans fully charged and ready to puff.

Waxing Services

Readers’ Choice: Melted Wax Studio, 463 S Jennings Av, 817-798-4187

Place to Buy Wine

Readers’ Choice: The Holly, 305 W Daggett Av, Ste 101, 817-420-6446

Critic’s Choice: Roy Pope Grocery, 2300 Merrick St, 817-732-2863

The beloved institution has the selection of a well-stocked wine shop, but unlike Total Wine or Central Market, it gives you the option to buy the wares by the glass so that you know what you’re getting before you take home a bottle. That consideration for the space in your wine cellar is one reason why this store left over from World War II continues to have a following in the Instagram age.

Place to Adopt Pets

Readers’ Choice: Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 E Lancaster Av, 817-332-4768

Critic’s Choice: Saving Hope Rescue, @SavingHopeTX

The Fort is very animal-friendly, so there are animal adoption events aplenty. Saving Hope has our hearts because it takes in abused animals, rehabilitates them, and gets them ready for adoption. Beyond the rescue organization’s social media efforts, it’s often in the spotlight at prominent events like the annual Funky Finds Spring Fling, distillery events at Trinity River, and more. Keep doing what you do, Saving Hope. We appreciate ya.

Apartment Community

Readers’ Choice: Boca Club Condos, 5618 Boca Raton Blvd, 817-457-1043

Critic’s Choice: 4000 Hulen Place, 4000 Hulen St, 817-502-3320 Some apartment teams do way more than what’s expected, and 4000 Hulen Place, located just a few blocks south of Central Market, offers full-time maintenance, a dog park, open-air breezeways, marble countertops, a lavish pool, a grill station, and some of the best customer service in the 817. Joining this apartment means joining a community that hosts pizza nights and other fun events for tenants. Did we mention this is probably the most dog-friendly apartment in town?

Athlete

Readers’ Choice: Gene DeVito, pickleball pro, Courtside Kitchen Pickleball, 1615 Rogers Rd, 682-255-5751

Critic’s Choice: Martín Pérez, Texas Rangers

Remember back in April when the Rangers’ signings of Marcus Semien and Corey Seager were going to vault the team into contention in the AL West? Ah, those were the days. Now that Texas is struggling even to finish ahead of the perennially underachieving Los Angeles Angels, it’s easy to overlook how Pérez has put up numbers worthy of a staff ace. Signed to a one-year contract, he has discovered his form in the place where he started his Major League Baseball career, performing among the sport’s leaders in ERA, strikeouts, and quality starts. His career numbers suggest that this may just be a purple patch, but the native of Guanare, Venezuela, has been dealing.

Camp for Kids

Readers’ Choice: Benbrook Stables, 10001 Benbrook Blvd, 817-249-1001

Critic’s Choice: YMCA Camp Carter, 6200 Sand Springs Rd, 817-738-924

Struggling with what to do with the kids over the summer? Looking for a fun and safe opportunity to tear them away from Mr. Beast’s YouTube channel or creating pixelated zombie forts in Minecraft? Need a chance to get them a little actual physical activity along with a healthy dose of Vitamin D? Your answer is the YMCA’s Camp Carter. Right smack in the middle of Fort Worth, sitting on more than 350 acres along the Trinity River, the well-crafted camping program offers your standard camp life activities: challenge courses, canoeing, and archery, along with great outdoor education and horseback riding. Day camps are offered for kids over 5, and there is overnight camping (in air-conditioned cabins!) starting at age 6. There’s even Camp Can Do, a specialty camp for blind and visually impaired campers to take advantage of the program’s enriching curriculum.

City Councilmember

Readers’ Choice: Elizabeth Beck, District 9

Critic’s Choice: Chris Nettles, District 8 Chris Nettles’ district parallels a chunk of I-35 and includes most neighborhoods in East Fort Worth, along with the East Lancaster corridor, synonymous with the area’s significant challenges dealing with the unhoused. A longtime District 8 resident and advocate for social justice, Nettles proves the adage that if at first you don’t succeed (he challenged Betsy Price unsuccessfully for mayor in 2017), try, try again. Nettles moved onto council in June 2021 primarily to advocate for his district, which is generally acknowledged as the last to receive city benefits and services. Wasting no time after he was sworn in, one of his first acts of business was to publicly exhort the local judicial system to take action on the case of the Atatiana Jefferson, a Black woman killed in her own home by Fort Worth police almost three years ago. Although the officer who pulled the trigger was indicted two months later, there has been no trial. Currently on Nettles’ ambitious agenda: addressing homelessness, providing affordable housing and transportation for all of Fort Worth, and emphasizing the city’s role in maintaining neighborhood streets and curbs, along with pressing for a citizen’s oversight committee to create transparency in dealing with complaints against police. It’s a lot for a fledgling councilmember, but Nettles’ skill set includes working as Precinct 8 assistant court manager and as an administrative court clerk for Tarrant County.

“Dedicated leadership is not simply showing up to shake hands and take photos,” he writes on his website. “Instead, it is the act of listening to those continued on page 22

Dog Groomer

Readers’ Choice: House of Wag, 2912 Race St, @HouseofWagDFW

Critic’s Choice: Glamour Paws, 3000 S Hulen St, 817-923-9828

Who wants to be basic? Not your dog. When it comes to basic dog grooming, Glamour Paws can do it all. If your pooch is a bit of a fashion hound, keep an eye on Glamour Paws’ social media pages. With fall and Halloween coming soon, little Fluffy may want candy-corn ears and paws. Look it up. You won’t be disappointed.

Hospital

Readers’ Choice: Cook Children’s Medical Center, 801 7th Av, 682-885-4000

Critic’s Choice: Medical City Fort Worth, 900 8th Av, 817-877-5292

Not too long ago, Fort Worth Report health writer Alexis Allison dived into local hospital safety report cards. We’re not just talking those Press-Gainey surveys here –– whether your breakfast tray arrived on time is irrelevant to your safety. Allison mined the data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services along with a for-profit entity that focuses on safety benchmarks. Medical City Fort Worth was the only local hospital to score A’s across all categories. The hospital uses a winning combination of daily safety “huddles” and constant monitoring of infection control measures, like how many patients have central lines, which may be sources of whole-body infection. In addition, the management is encouraged to move toward the front lines to see what problems exist on a real-time basis and how they can be dealt with before they grow.

Place for IV Hydration

Readers’ Choice: LT Men’s Clinic, 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ste 140, 817-416-5699

Critic’s Choice: Vigeo Wellness, 906 W Cannon St, 817-783-0463

If you’re curious about ketamine infusions or find yourself beneath the crush of a crippling hangover, Vigeo Wellness is for you. Should you need to detox, boost your immune system, improve your energy levels, and/or fight fatigue, Vigeo offers a comfortable space operated by friendly experts who will help you fill up your “life bars” with the help of nourishing, direct-to-thevein hydration. Your arteries, skin, and overall sense of well-being will thank you for the drink.

Lawyer

Readers’ Choice: Mark Scott, 3000 E Loop 820, 817-534-8000

Critic’s Choice: Mike Ware, The Innocence Project of Texas Prosecutorial misconduct, false testimony, and any number of other misfortunes can land an innocent person in lockup. Nationally, around 20,000 falsely convicted persons languish in U.S. prisons at any given time, based on Innocence Project estimates. The task of monitoring wrongful convictions in Texas falls on a team of astute lawyers at The Innocence Project of Texas’ Fort Worth headquarters, which is headed by attorney Mike Ware. The nonprofit’s executive director has seen both sides of the courtroom, both as a long-time criminal defense attorney and as special fields bureau chief for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, which included a Conviction Integrity Unit. Since 2007, the Texas branch of the Innocence Project has exonerated or freed 25 innocent people from incarceration.

Local Celebrity

Readers’ Choice: Eric Love and Big Juicy Love, EricLoveTexas.com

Critic’s Choice: Danni & Kris

What is “star power,” a.k.a. “it,” as in, “That person has it”? Whatever it is — a mix of traditional good looks, charm, charisma, and confidence? — Danni & Kris have enough to cover this blue orb and back again. In a fair, just world, the folk-rocking singer-songwriters would be playing big-time festivals nonstop and gracing the covers of Rolling Stone and Vogue. Alas, unless you’re Leon Bridges, the tastemakers of the world don’t seem to want to draw from Flyover Country for their next big things. As much as we don’t want Danni & Kris to leave, you just know that if they were based in New

York, L.A., or Nashville, they’d probably be more than just local celebrities by now.

Place to Meet Locals

Readers’ Choice: Lola’s Fort Worth, 2000 W Berry St, @LolasFortWorth

Critic’s Choice: Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale, Lola’s Fort Worth

On the third Sunday of every month from noon to 6pm, Lola’s backyard turns into a warren of vendor stalls selling all manner of artwork, handicrafts, knickknacks, vintage clothes, vinyl records, and just about every other can’t-pass-up trinket you can imagine. People from all over town come to these monthly gatherings, and if you live here, you’re

bound to run into someone you know. It’s a great representation of what makes Fort Worth a fun place to live because while it showcases a lot of goods you won’t find elsewhere, it also showcases what truly makes Fort Worth a funky, worthwhile place to be: the people.

Photographer

Readers’ Choice: Aubrey Sandford, Wandering Candid, @WanderingCandid

Critic’s Choice: Greg Gutbezahl, @gregmg451

Having snapped pics as a pro throughout the States and Europe over the past 20 years, Greg Gutbezahl is also a creative director at a few design firms. From portraits to concert shots, his work brings two dimensions to life in crisp clarity. The NYU grad’s reputation stretches from the Big Apple to the Fort and many stops in between.

Radio Personality

Readers’ Choice: Dustin Schneider, Jerry Jonestown Massacre

Critic’s Choice: Paul Slavens, The Paul Slavens Show, 8pm Sundays on KKXT/91.7-FM

A Sunday night staple on local public radio, Paul Slavens has been broadcasting the most eclectic, diverse, and interesting music of any DJ on any station across the country for nearly two decades. From unknown ’60s psychedelia, Fitzgeraldera ragtime, modern local indie rock, or lo-fi Afrobeat, each weekend, Slavens curates a compelling playlist of captivating music you won’t ever hear on commercial radio. Much of what he plays comes from listener suggestion, but on his own, Slavens is a comprehensive encyclopedia of underground sounds. He offers colorful insights into the artists he showcases, giving context to the seemingly disparate tuneage. Each broadcast is as educational as it is engrossing.

Social Influencer

Readers’ Choice: That Texas Couple, @ThatTexasCouple

Critic’s Choice: Rambo Elliott, @Rambo on Instagram, @RamboElliott on TikTok

It feels weird, almost wrong, to list a prolific photographer and artist like Elliott as a “social influencer.” She has collaborated on imagery with international soul sensation Leon Bridges and recently finished an ad campaign for Stetson, but the Fort Worthian keeps her Instagram stories and TikTok full of jaw-dropping style inspo, body-positive messaging, and dancing — lots of dancing. This year, she added “Panther City Weather Women,” and under this hashtag, she posts videos that vary from funny mockups of weather reports to slices of life with the high and low temps of the day thrown into the

“Local” celebrities? Pfft. Danni & Kris would be international stars if they lived somewhere with industry support.

Courtesy Facebook

Critic’s choice for best photographer, Greg Gutbezahl (@gregmg451) does a little bit of everything but does everything exceptionally well, like this pic of Phantomelo bassist Panda Cuenca at

Courtesy Greg Gutbezahl

caption. The snippets range from sweet to bizarre but are always good for a much-needed smile.

Tattoo Artist

Readers’ Choice: Aaron Stevens, Just.Inkd, 6201 Sunset Dr, Unit 650, Ste 139, 214-621-0174

Critic’s Choice: Tomi Fowler, Sleepy Hollow Tattoos, 3023 Bledsoe St, 817435-2960

Yeah, Tomi Fowler may be newish, but she still turns out some of the best tats in the Fort from her station at Sleepy Hollow. Though adept at a number of styles, Fowler shines at neotraditional, with clean lines and bright pops of color.

On a personal level, her laid-back style and warmth put even the newest to ink at ease in her chair.

Veterinarian

Readers’ Choice: Lauren FletcherWalker DVM, Arlington Heights Animal Hospital, 1712 Montgomery St, 817-735-8700

Critic’s Choice: The PARC Vet, 4801 W Fwy, 817-731-3733

Beyond the glowing recommendations on social media and Yelp, you’ve probably noticed The PARC by driving past. The resort-style building is quite

distinct. Inside, you’ll find not only veterinarian services but also boarding, doggie daycare, training, and more at its in-house PARC Grand Resort.

More importantly, PARC is an acronym that stands for “People first. Animals at the heart of it. Revolutionary Care throughout.” Nice philosophy!

Place to Work Out

Readers’ Choice: Zombie Krew Jiu Jitsu, 2720 Western Center Blvd, 682-279-2545

Critic’s Choice: Dissent Athletics, 1371 Gilman Rd, 817-863-1190

Primarily a CrossFit gym, Dissent packages Olympic weightlifting classes, boatloads of conditioning, and an aspiring community of dedicated members into a facility that isn’t bougie but is aesthetically pleasing and creaturecomfort appropriate. Owners Kelsey and Jonathan Royston have also launched headlong into community initiatives, providing their space to a substance

continued on page 26

Sloan

Dentist

Readers’ Choice: Brown Family Dentistry, 4004 White Settlement Rd, 817-625-1548

Doctor

Readers’ Choice: Jennifer Hinkle MD, 801 W Cannon St, 817- 250-7195

Nurse

Readers’ Choice: Texas Nurse Midwife Group, 1300 W Terrell Av, Ste 320, 817-250-7360

Realtor

Readers’ Choice: Cyndi Reep, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties, 817-924-4144

Teacher

Readers’ Choice: Natasha Bruton, Trimble Tech High School

Place to Work

Readers’ Choice: The Kimpton Harper Hotel, 714 Main St, 817-332-7200

Critic’s choice for best tattoo artist, Tomi Fowler plies her trade at Sleepy Hollow.

Friday Nights

recovery group for weekly workouts in addition to leading physical education classes for local schools. Their Instagram account is worth a follow for fitness and nutrition tips as well as mental health suggestions from licensed therapist Kelsey related to your fitness journey.

CRITIC’S CHOICE ONLY

Facebook Group

Critic’s Choice: Stay Local,

Get Vocal: Fort Worth

The private Facebook group with nearly 4,000 members provides news like voting locations and help with registering to vote and has helped influence several other political awareness groups by asking, “But what can we do?” By also organizing peaceful protests, SLGV offers the community the opportunity to interact with other likeminded individuals.

Use of Taxpayer Money

Critic’s Choice: Federal investigation of civil rights violations in Southlake

It’s worth every taxpayer penny. Wellmonied Christian Nationalists in Southlake may have taken over the city’s school board and city council, but that doesn’t mean Uncle Sam won’t swoop down to defend the civil rights of minority schoolchildren when it’s called for. In late 2021, the civil rights enforcement arm of the Department of Education announced that it had begun a comprehensive investigation of allegations of discrimination and bullying at the Carroll school district. Although specifics were not released, ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ students have been vocal about mistreatment by parents and teachers who subscribe to Fox Nation’s poor-white-people bullshit.

Sportscaster/ Sportswriter

Critic’s Choice: Mac Engel, Star-Telegram

With journalism in general becoming more freelancer- and adjunct-based, Engel remains the tenured professor of North Texas sports reality checkers. Unabashed with hot takes, he will compliment or roast with impunity based on the product produced. His wry but approachable style doesn’t force him into exclusively covering one sport, kind of like that uncle who expounds on everything and makes reasonable arguments even if you don’t agree with all of them. A writer by craft, Engel jumps off the page by utilizing new media such as videos on his Facebook account as well as publishing and responding to his own hate mail and producing a podcast. On The Engel Angle, he uses

sports as a launchpad for educational and entertaining guests to discuss politics, society, and entertainment. Engel knows the X’s and O’s and the Janes and Joes even better, which is why his pieces are always relevant even if no local sports squads are.

Local Political Development

Critic’s Choice: Fort Worth redistricting

More than one-third of Fort Worth’s nearly 900,000 residents are Hispanic, yet that demographic has long been underrepresented on Fort Worth City Council. In recent memory, the ninemember council that includes the mayor has had only one Latino representative. A new district map, approved by city council in March, will allow for more accurate representation of minorities due to the addition of two new districts.

The population of newcomer District 11, which roughly encompasses the Riverside community, is about 60% Hispanic.

The bulk of the redistricting work was handled by a council-appointed task force with ample input and map submissions from local residents. Proponents of an independent redistricting commission (IRC) that would have removed elected officials from the redistricting process entirely were rebuffed in the end.

Allowing politicians to redraw their own maps is fraught with conflicts of interest, IRC supporters successfully argued.

The overall process was contentious at times, but a more representative city council is now a reality leading into the 2023 elections that will see Fort Worth’s largest (and hopefully most ethnically diverse) city council ever.

In Memoriam:

Ted Nichols-Payne, broadcast engineer

Unless you’re deeply into broadcast engineering (or you paid attention when Eric Nadel did the credits at the end of Texas Rangers broadcasts), you may not know that one of the essential sparks of regional radio broadcasting died suddenly this summer. For 27 years, Nichols-Payne was the primary technical director and broadcaster for Rangers games and the radio network engineer for Dallas Cowboys games. Nadel memorialized Nichols-Payne in the Texas Rangers Magazine in August, writing, “Ted was much more than an engineer to us. He was a friend and a confidant, and his fun-loving, goofy spirit permeated our booth.” For three decades, the names of the enterprises changed — from KRLD Radio to CBS to Audacy — but the name of the game never changed for this engineer’s engineer. He was known for his loud print shirts, his ability to hotwire equipment, the faces he made when someone touched said equipment without his blessing, and his devotion to his three daughters: Anika, Emma, and Zoe. Nichols-Payne died en route to work the boards at a Rangers game.

About the Cover: Aviation Meets Girl Power

BY JENNIFER BOVEE

Inspired by our new view of the universe provided by the recent Webb Telescope images, the 25th anniversary of the Spice Girls movie Spice World, and Top Gun: Maverick, we chose girl-power-meetsaviation as our motif for Best Of 2022. For the cover shoot, we chose a group of badass local women to represent each of our seven Best Of sections and decked them out in flight suits and vintage clothes in signature colors. So let’s meet our #FlightCrew.

Tatiana “Lady May”

Mayfield

Call Sign: RED

Section: Getting & Spending

Not only is Tatiana an amazing jazz singer often seen at Scat Jazz Lounge (111 W 4th St, Ste 11, 817-870-9100), but she is also a college professor who teaches at UTA and Dallas College’s Cedar Valley. Her signature stage style often includes a flower in her hair, a punch of color that elevates her look. Tatiana, take us shopping with you! (TatianaMayfield. com, @TatianaLadyMay)

Sharon Herrera

Call Sign: BLUE

Section: People & Places

As a United States Air Force veteran, Sharon felt right at home among the military aircraft at our photo shoot. The military connection is purely coincidental, as it’s her tireless work at LGBTQ Saves (1959 Sandy Ln), the charity she founded, that got our attention. Her nonprofit advocates for young LBGTQ+, and as its executive director, she works closely with that community and helps educate everyone else on current issues. Sharon, thank you for your service. Keep doing what you do. (LGBTQSaves.org, @ LGBTQSaves)

Jana Renée

Call Sign: PINK

Section: Arts & Culture

As an artist herself, this muralist lent a keen eye for detail and a willingness to share her ideas at our photoshoot, making it that much better. (Let’s face it. We all need help.) Since pink was already her signature color, she became our #PinkLady. Even if you don’t know her, you surely know her work. With 26 murals around the city, how could you not? (JanaRenee.com, @TheJanaRenee)

Anita Ponder

Call Sign: YELLOW

Section: Night & Day

Not only is Anita an attorney at law, but she and her wife are also the co-owners of the Tranquility Hills vacation house in Comanche that we featured recently.

Filled with custom handmade art, furniture designed for the house, and a host of indoor and outdoor amenities, it’s the perfect getaway. Given her personal style and her wife’s artistic touch, these two are the perfect caretakers of this mid-century masterpiece designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright’s. Anita, you are permanently penciled into our calendar. (Airbnb.com/H/SHComanche, Property 2380237 at VRBO.com)

Hao Tran

Call Sign: ORANGE

Section: Good Grub

When we invited Hao to model for this shoot, we knew only of her culinary adventures. She is the Hao of Hao & Dixya and co-owns local-foods market

The Table (both at 120 St. Louis Av, Ste 103B, 682-703-1092), plus the new dumpling house The Pantry (713 W Magnolia Av, 817-919-9958). It turns out that she is also a pilot and a science teacher. In fact, she is a facilitator with the Teachers in Space program, which is why we chose orange as her signature color. Keep shining, Hao. The stars are aligned for you. (@Hao_Dixya, @ TheTableFW, @ThePantryFW)

Jenna Hill-Higgs

Call Sign: TEAL

Section: On the Town

You might recognize Jenna. While her big, curly brown hair and infectious smile are certainly hard to miss, her activism and love for the queer community are her most beautiful features. While she’s owned Liberty Lounge (515 S Jennings) for only two years, the Near Southside spot has been a queer safe space for more than 30. In her recent interview for the

Weekly’s Women on Roe vlog series, she expressed what many activists are feeling right now. “We have to be better than before. Activism has to turn up.” Her bar is a welcoming space where inclusion is the standard, and her smiling face greets patrons almost every day. Jenna, when is #GirlsNightOut? We have a “flight crew” reunion to plan. (LibertyLoungeFW. com, @LibertyLoungeFWTX)

Fatima Thomas

Call Sign: WHITE

Section: Sounds of the City When you’re planning a girl-powermeets-aviation project and one of your favorite local bands put out an album in the early aughts called Welcoming Home the Astronauts, it’s a no-brainer to invite their new bass player to participate. It doesn’t hurt that Fatima is a badass musician with an exuberant stage presence. We were lucky she could squeeze us in. She’s a very busy gal, as she’s doing doubleduty with the band Hess as well. Fatima, when’s your next gig? We’re so there. #GirlsRock (@FatimaPlaysBass, @ Flickerstick_Official, @CaseyHe55)

Special Thanks

We owe a debt of gratitude to the people who helped behind the scenes. Tiffany Parish of Honeysuckle Rose Vintage styled the shoot and provided the blouses, gloves, and scarves for the models to wear under their flight suits. Lemongrass Salon gave us the space for everyone to get ready. Cosmonaut — I mean, “cosmetologist” — Cyndi Bell did

As for the amazing themed pictures throughout this special issue, they were shot by photographer Carlos Bonilla. Lastly, Weekly staffers Ryan Burger and Julie Strehl could really use a drink or 10 after that epic photoshoot. Jenna, where’s that bar of yours again? Me? I just need a nap.

We’re not sure if we’re welcoming the astronauts back home or sending them on a new female-powered mission. Either way, we’re down for it!

the makeup while stylists Jensyn Begg, Ashley Bishop, and Keri Johnson did the hair. The Fort Worth Aviation Museum graciously allowed us to take over their grounds and photograph their planes.

Carlos Bonilla

Flickerstick

Animal Rescue Group

um, moving. Earlier this year at Fort Works Art, TCU prof Fung displayed his painterly reactions to his expedition to the Arctic Circle and “XnatureX,” a new body of work documenting the launch of the most powerful rocket in history, 2018’s Space X. Next time you see a Fung (or a Grant), just stop to imagine how much he spent shaping that cloud or dotting that nighttime sky with stars. His meditation is our celebration.

Art Gallery

Critic’s Choice: Bale Creek Allen Gallery, 400 Houston St, 512-633-0545

The eponymously named gallery owned by a former Austinite represents a transition and probably no small amount of culture shock for the California-born artist who uses sculpture, painting, photography, woodwork, music, and theater in his work. After five years in the state capital, Allen brought this mixture of contemporary art and music to a repurposed corner storefront in Sundance Square in 2021. So far, exhibits have included paintings and poetry performances by John Doe (of the seminal American punk band X) and, more recently, the three-woman show Felininity, Folk Art and Fabric Works –– a staggering mix of textures, fiber, and folk art.

Artist

Critic’s Choice: Adam Fung

We all love J.T. Grant and his ability to paint skyscapes and other “empty” places with transportive power, but there’s another Fort Worth painter able to render the seemingly limitless with a kind of precision and joy that really are,

Arts & Crafts Class

Readers’ Choice: Maven’s Moon

Apothecary, 1111 Roberts Cut Off Rd, River Oaks, 817- 367-9235

Critic’s Choice: Catalyst Creative, 400 E Division St, Ste 100, Arl, 972-446-0444

If you’ve found yourself telling someone “I’m not artistic — I can’t even draw a straight line,” Catalyst Creative has a class that can prove to you that you’re more left-brained than you thought and that there are tons of other ways to express yourself creatively than drawing. Offering classes in a wide range of media from fused glass art, pottery, and printmaking to water marbling on silk and, yes, acrylic painting, Catalyst Creative’s emphasis on crafts makes it a fun, hands-on educational experience that everyone can enjoy.

Burlesque

Readers’ Choice: Cowtown Cabaret, Red Goose Saloon, 306 N Houston St, 817-332-4745

Culinary Class

Readers’ Choice: The Cookery Fort Worth, 710 S Main St, Ste 130, 682-888-8901

Critic’s Choice: Spiced Lavender, Info@SpicedLavender.com, 682-622-9644

“Food shared is happiness multiplied.” This is the foundational tenet of executive chef/owner Nina Sagoo’s business. With time spent in kitchens ranging from entry-level work at Mi Cocina to pastry chef at Bonnell’s Waters, catering specialist at Nonna Tata, and a culinary instructor at Sur La Table, Sagoo thrived to realize her primary gig is catering and meal prep, but her culinary classes will turn up your kitchen game. From foundational courses like basic knife skills and creating pasta, pizza, and sauces to fancier options like paella that will dazzle your friends, you can have individual instruction or go in with a group of friends. The chefs at Spiced Lavender can customize for dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegan, and Keto options are available), and you can learn in your kitchen or in one of several kitchens in Fort Worth. In June, Sagoo became the latest Fort Worth chef to participate in the Food Network’s pantheon of chef-challenge shows, where she competed in the oddly addictive Supermarket Stakeout.

Cultural Event

Readers’ Choice: Arts Goggle

Critic’s Choice: Trinity Pride Fest

If you weren’t at this year’s Trinity Pride Fest, well, where the hell were you? After a two-year hiatus (thanks, COVID) and in the midst of a politically devastating year (thanks, Texas), the festival felt

especially needed. Director Tyler Long presided over the daylong kickback. More than 800 people came and went at Magnolia Green Park, enjoying food, drinks, a market, music, and, best of all, the feeling of being themselves, loud and proud. The festival culminated in a drag show chock-full of North Texas talent.

Dance Troupe

Readers’ Choice: Texas Ballet Theater

Critic’s Choice: Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate Swing dance? Yes, swing dance. The fine folks at the Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate know how to hold it down. The group lets anyone join in on the fun, hosting a weekly social dance 8pm Fridays at Arts 5th Avenue. The night ($12 for non-members) includes beginner lessons so that by the end, even the clumsiest can jump, jive, and wail. If watching feels more your speed, members perform around town periodically at places like Sundance Square.

Day Trip

Readers’ Choice: Granbury

Critic’s Choice: Dallas Don’t laugh. As much as we love to scoff at our big sister, we secretly, y’know, want to be her. Or more like her. For those times when you just crave a real, old, big-city vibe — and when you feel you’ve seen and done just about everything there is to see and do here — Big D is only about 45 minutes away. Our favorite stops include the Bishop Arts District and Uptown. For an overnight stay, the allegedly haunted but incredibly charming Daisy Polk Inn (2917 Reagan St, 214-522-4692) in the Gayborhood (Oak Lawn) is a must.

Fort

Swing Dance Syndicate’s fleet feet

favorite dance troupe.

Dog Park

Readers’ Choice: Hurst Dog Park, 900 TCC Rd, Hurst, 817-788-7229

Critic’s Choice: ZBonz Dog Park, 6950 Camp Bowie West

What do you do with an older, cityowned golf course? Turn it into a dog park, of course. The 10 acres of ZBonz on the West Side boast plenty of room for puppers to roam. There are 3 acres for small dogs and 7 acres where large dogs can gallop. The park also offers two picnic shelters, several agility items if your pet likes to do something besides zoomies, pet fountains, a walk/jog trail, and a couple of aerated ponds. The park is open from 5am to 11pm except on Mondays and after heavy rains, when the area is deemed too muddy by the city.

Drag Performer

Readers’ Choice: Patrick Mikyles, @DragWithMe.TheShow

Critic’s Choice: Kiana Lee

This year’s queen of smoldering sass and fabulous energy is the host of drag nights at 1851 Club (931 W Division St, Arl, 817642-5554), where her glamorous vibe is fierce, a tempest of attitude and emotion. Though 1851 is her main haunt, you’ll find her at drag brunches and dinners at other places like Trinity College (910 Currie St, 682-224-3525) and Fort Brewery (2737 Tillar St, 817-923-8000), sashaying her way into your heart.

Entertainment Spot (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Lola’s Fort Worth, 2000 W Berry St, 817-759-9100

Critic’s Choices: Depending on the night, Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plz, 817-624-7117) serves up live music, drinks, and dancing, as well as bull riding, on both the mechanical and flesh-and-bone varieties. … If you’re looking to pull your head out of your phone and experience an IRL good time, head to Cidercade (1813 W Bowie St, 682-707-5491), where excellent pizza and various hard cider offerings from Dallas’ Bishop Cider complement an enormous collection of classic arcade games. … Free Play (1311 Lipscomb, 817-242-8487; 400 E South St, Arl, 817242-8483) also offers a huge selection of vintage games as well as a full bar, pizza, and hot-pressed sandwiches. … For some good ol’ fashioned analog gaming, Game Theory (804 S Main St, 817-203-4217) is where you can challenge your friends and family atop board games from a library that includes some 500 titles while snacking on delicious plates like a fried buttermilk-chicken sandwiches and imbibing signature cocktails like the Drunk Uncle and Mother of Dragons.

Top Golf (2201 E 4th St, 817-3494002) is a great spot for pros, amateurs,

Critic’s choice for best drag performer, Kiana Lee is full of sass and sashays.

and amateurs who talk like they’re pros to whack buckets of balls to their hearts’ content while enjoying wings, pizzas, and other bar bites — you can also sign up for lessons, if you want to know why your drives are short and slice-y.

Gallery Exhibit (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Sublime by Crystal Wagner, Fort Works Art, 2100 Montgomery St, 817-759-9475

Critic’s Choices: The one-night show Larry Allen: A Retrospective at Dang Good Candy (404 Houston St, 817-2352939) downtown served up a whole lot of art — good art, too. Gallery owner, artist, and show organizer Jay Wilkinson assembled the retrospective of his stepfather and early mentor’s work to honor him as he battled a critical cancer diagnosis that recently took his life. … While not technically an exhibit, the inaugural Fort Worth Art Fair put so much high-caliber local art on display, it cannot be ignored. Eight different galleries had work up, including the Fort Worth Art Collective, Artspace 111, and Bale Creek Allen. While the event had some initial blowback for running the same weekend as the Main Street Arts Festival, the two complemented each other and brought massive crowds downtown. … An exploration of the idea of transformation, Paradigm Shift at Artspace 111 (111 Hampton St, 817692-3228) featured the work of TexanVenezuelan Ender Martos, who filled the gallery with his three-dimensional wall sculptures. The pieces, crafted with colored acrylic mirror among other media, directly challenge the audience’s conception of perception. … At Fort Works Art, L.A.-based Crystal Wagner built all of Sublime Enchanting on-site, using chicken wire, kite paper, and picnic

Admission is free.

Tucker Taylor

Artemisia Gentileschi (Rome 1593–Naples c. 1653), Judith and Holofernes (detail), c. 1612–1617. Oil on canvas, 159 x 126 cm, inv. Q 378, Napoli, Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte; Kehinde Wiley (American, born 1977), Judith and Holofernes (detail), 2012, oil on linen, purchased with funds from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hanes in honor of Dr. Emily Farnham, by exchange, and with funds from Peggy Guggenheim, by exchange, and from the North Carolina State Art Society (Robert F. Phifer Bequest), 2012. ©️ Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of Art and Sean Kelly, New York

Slay: Artemisia Gentileschi and Kehinde Wiley is organized by the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, the North Carolina Museum of Art, the Kimbell Art Museum, and The Museum Box. The Kimbell Art Museum is supported in part by Arts Fort Worth, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Promotional support provided by:

table covers. Wagner drew inspiration from how technology has distanced us from nature. The result? An immersive visual marvel. … Kinfolk House (1913 Wallace St) hit the scene in a big way this year. The inaugural show at the family home-turned-gallery established what owners Letitia and Sedrick Huckaby plan to do with the space. The house, situated in the Polytechnic neighborhood, belonged to Sedrick’s grandmother, Eastside fixture Hallie Beatrice Carpenter. The show’s title Welcome, chosen both for its sentiment and because it’s Carpenter’s maiden name, featured art by the married couple which paid homage to “Big Momma,” as she was known to family, friends, and neighbors. The Huckabys filled the house with Sedrick’s paintings, mostly of people who knew Big Momma or who had lived in the house, alongside figurative newspaper pulp sculptures. Letitia’s landscape photographs, printed on fabric and displayed in oval hoops, documented the spaces from Big Momma’s hometown of Weimer to Fort Worth, where she settled with her family. The result? A multimedia masterpiece, essentially the opportunity to bear witness to the history of a family and the larger community around them.

Golf Course

Readers’ Choice: Rockwood, 1851

Jacksboro Hwy, 817-392-6560

Critic’s Choice: Meadowbrook, 1815 Jenson Rd, 817-457-4616

A course with as much of an oral lore as a written one, Meadowbrook was a former country club that folded during the Great Depression. Formerly a nine-hole course that opened in 1924 and was acquired by the city in 1938, the municipal course was upgraded to a full-championship length of more than 6,000 yards. With the most elevation changes and challenges of Fort Worth’s four public courses, it presents an affordable challenge for non-club wrenchers and is the busiest with good reason. The original layout was designed by John Bredemus (a legend in both Fort Worth and golf), who also designed

Ridglea’s North Course and Z Boaz and co-designed Colonial. A new clubhouse and pavilion were added in 2005, along with new grass, and for a course with hills and history to spare, Meadowbrook is an affordable way to enjoy a challenging day on the greens.

Kids’ Activity

Readers’ Choice: Benbrook Stables, 10001 Benbrook Blvd, 817-249-1001

Critic’s Choice: Dreampark, 2001 University Dr Kudos to the donors and the Churchill family for giving Fort Worth’s children a place to play and dream big. Urban cities often lack free public spaces and pools for children, and this 1.3-acre park is handicap-accessible with nearby parking and extra-wide sidewalks. The

amenities within the park are designed to provide a sensory-rich environment where children can play larger-thanlife instruments or try their luck surmounting miniature climbing walls.

Place to Take Kids

Readers’ Choice: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy, 817-759-7555

Critic’s Choice: The Stockyards, 131 E Exchange Av, 800-433-5747

The Stockyards are arguably Fort Worth’s ultimate destination for a staycation or outing with the family. The revamped Mule Alley has blossomed into a familyfriendly development that offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options. Let your young’uns try their luck at the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, where fun prizes await anyone who can find their way out of the wooden labyrinth. Nearby Barnyard Petting Corral brings visitors up close to familiar and exotic animals. Newly restored Downtown Cowtown at the Isis Theater boasts a wide range of movie options for the family while weekend events bring live music performances and pony rides.

Place to See Movies

Readers’ Choice: Coyote Drive-In, 223 NE 4th St, 817-717-7767

Critic’s Choice: EVO Entertainment Southlake, 1450 Plaza Pl, Southlake, 682-286-6929.

Jimmy Joe Jenkins’ “Monkey Lisa,” critic’s choice for best commercial mural, can be seen at Lettuce Cook (5101 White Settlement Rd).

Jimmy Joe Jenkins

Movie theaters used to rely on their smorgasbord of film selections to get people through the front door, but those days seem to have passed. The Austin-based chain took over the spot in Southlake Town Center which was abandoned by Harkins Theatres during the pandemic and made it over into a one-stop entertainment place replete with a cavernous video arcade, bowling alley, and dining area, so you can pass the time while waiting for your movie to start. If only they’d show more art-house films, this place would be perfect.

Mural (Commercial)

Readers’ Choice: The Rabbit Hole Pub, 3237 White Settlement Rd, 817-744-7160

Critic’s Choice: “Monkey Lisa” by Jimmy Joe Jenkins, Lettuce Cook, 5101 White Settlement Rd

Discerning eyes can spot the naturalistic work of muralist Jimmy Joe Jenkins all over town. You can see his photo-(sur) realistic style adorning the walls of bars or climbing bridge columns along the Trinity River. “Monkey Lisa,” a massive work that encompasses one whole side of gourmet to-go kitchen Lettuce Cook, shows both his incredible true-tolife rendering ability and his sense of

humor. Three nature textbook-quality chimpanzee faces recreate the classic see/ speak/hear no evil trope with farmers market-fresh produce. The mural works its intended magic by humorously compelling you inside to take part in Chefs Todd C. Brown and Katherine Wood’s elevated bistro fare.

Mural (Community)

Readers’ Choice: “Adrift” by Jana Renée in collaboration with Hillary Dohoney, Inspiration Alley, The Foundry District, 200 Carroll St Critic’s Choice: “Syrian Woman” by Jana Renée in collaboration with Hillary Dohoney, Inspiration Alley, The Foundry District Jana Renée’s first mural, depicting a Syrian woman trying to escape the civil war in her country, is still among one of the most powerful, evocative large-scale paintings in North Texas. From painting murals around town, Renée now takes her talents all across the state.

Museum Exhibit (Top 5)

Critic’s Choice: Women Painting Women, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 200 Darnell St, 817-738-9215

Critic’s Choices: Slices of Black life from the past century filled the walls of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-7381933) this summer. The curators of

Black Every Day: Photographs from the Carter Collection keenly avoided major historical moments, opting instead to celebrate the beauty of the day-to-day. Works from heavy hitters like Gordon Parks and Garry Winogrand shared space with unidentified photographers. … Mostly known for their exquisite portraits and watercolors of Texas birds, the Gentling brothers Scott and Stuart remain giants among Fort Worth painters, and their retrospective at the Carter, Imagined Realism, also covered the brothers’ lesser-known talents, from forays into oil painting to flirtations with capturing Aztec cultures. … This year, the Kimbell Art Museum (3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-332-8451) branched off into new (“newish”?) territory with an expansive display of African art. The museum sourced the 200-plus pieces for The Language of Beauty in African Art from private and public collections across the globe. The curators wrested the pieces away from Western interpretations by placing them back in their original contexts. The array of sculptures, masks, and textiles was noteworthy for its vastness and for the respect paid to the culture that created them. … This spring, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (3200 Darnell St, 817-738-9215) rang in its 20th year in its stunning Tadao Ando-designed space with a special show. Recent Acquisitions 20022022 offered a glimpse of the variety of works the institution has brought in over

the past two decades. From abstraction to portraits, the display showed off the diversity of modern art and, especially, modern art in Funkytown. … For the groundbreaking Women Painting Women, the Modern filled its upper galleries with 60 pieces depicting women from 46 women painters, a triumph in a traditionally male-dominated field. In Cowtown, women run the show at most of the art institutions, from Fort Worth Public Art to Artspace 111. The Modern itself has Marla Price as director and Andrea Karnes as chief curator, making the show extra fitting.

Nonprofit Organization (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), 1856 Precinct Line Rd, Ste 108, Hurst, 817-837-4500

Critic’s Choices: Catholic Charities Fort Worth (249 Thornhill Dr, 817-534-0814) works strategically to address poverty by eradicating barriers between impoverished locals and economic freedom. The Fort Worth branch of the national charity provides immigration, dental, and transportation services to those in need.

For 23 years, the staff at the Mental Health Connection (3136 W 4th St, 817927-5200) have helped local mental health services providers better coordinate their work. With more than 100 members that continued on page 34

include hospitals, government institutions, and other nonprofits, the Mental Health Connection ensures that Tarrant County continues to work toward long-term changes that improve mental health care while addressing emerging needs. … Divorces, eviction fights, and other forms of litigation eventually hit a majority of Americans, but not everyone can afford pay the thousands of dollars it normally costs to retain an attorney. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (600 E Weatherford St, 817-3363943) offers free legal help to individuals who meet financial aid guidelines. Legal Aid lawyers can help clients fight consumer fraud, report child abuse and civil rights violations, and deal with other important legal matters. … Newcomer The Phan Foundation (The-Phan-Foundation.org) is working to provide affordable housing and job training to those who need it with the aim of reducing and one day eliminating chronic homelessness. The idea is to hire young adults leaving the foster care system and teach them home-renovating skills. Once a house is flipped, the profits fund the nonprofit that will also manage lowcost rental homes. … The concept of The Welman Project (3950 W Vickery Blvd, 817-924-4000) is as simple as it is ingenious: create a space for businesses to send excess and unused supplies marked for disposal, then send them to bootstrapped schools. It

is a sad fact that many public-school teachers subsidize their meager classroom budgets by paying for supplies out of pocket. The need for schools is great, and the tiny but mighty Welman team has proven they’re up to the challenge.

Paint Night

Readers’ Choice: Brush & Board (multiple locations)

Critic’s Choice: Trista Morris, Art:30tx and Art of Trista Studios

Trista Morris has been hosting her mobile social paint nights for the past nine years at local homes, businesses, bars, restaurants, and even offices. Trista and Art:30tx do not charge the establishments or the students. The goal is to draw people into art and just spread some joy. Classes are two to two-and-ahalf hours, depending on the pace and the difficulty of the painting.

Park

Readers’ Choice: Trinity Park, 2401 University Dr Podcast

Readers’ Choice: The Jerry Jonestown Massacre

Critic’s Choice: Fort Worth Roots

On this 2-year-old podcast, host Andrew Turner focuses on Fort Worth creators, especially musicians, and with every guest, he tries to show the interviewees

in a positive, authentic way. He asks well-researched questions and keeps the conversation light and engaging. Plus, he has a great radio voice. Fort Worth Roots airs on YouTube every Monday or anytime at FortWorthRoots.com.

Recreational Class

Readers’ Choice: Fort Worth Academy of Music, 3327 Winthrop Av, Ste 151, 817-420-6462

Critic’s Choice: Run Club, Liberty Lounge, 515 S Jennings St, @Liberty. Lounge.FW

While Liberty Lounge’s Run Club is more a meetup than a class, the weekly gathering of people trying to get off the couch or the barstool for a couple miles is always a fun group exercise in moving your body — even if you’re more inclined to walk than jog. Held every Tuesday (weather permitting) at 7pm, the informal, ambulatory group is open to everyone, and participants receive a drink special for their effort. If you’re a recent transplant to town and looking to meet people, the Run Club’s informal “y’all means all” inclusiveness is a great atmosphere for making new friends.

Theater Production

Readers’ Choice: Waylaid at the Livery, Texas Star Dinner Theater, 816 S Main St, Grapevine, 817-310-5588

Critic’s Choice: The Pleasure Trials,

Amphibian Stage, 120 S Main St, 817-923-3012

Sarah Saltwick’s comedy was a spark when it received its world premiere in Fort Worth at Amphibian Stage back in February. Director Kara-Lynn Vaeni broke out different techniques to dramatize the quest by scientists to develop a drug to enhance women’s sexual pleasure (a dance number, a fake TV commercial, a parody of porn tropes), and the quick-change act by Kelsey Milbourn as all the subjects of the medical trials was worth the price of admission in itself.

Theater Troupe

Readers’ Choice: Hip Pocket Theater, 1950 Silver Creek Rd, 817-246-9775

Critic’s Choice: Stage West, 821 W Vickery Blvd, 817-784-9378

The venerable theater troupe moved into its newly refurbished digs for its 43rd season after an itinerant existence during the pandemic. The stale old classics appeared here as in a funhouse mirror, with Into the Breeches! looking at an allfemale 1940s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V and Scrooge in Rouge doing a patch on A Christmas Carol. The weighty matters of Church & State and On the Exhale were balanced by the humor of What to Send Up When It Goes Down and the Pulitzer-winning Between Riverside and Crazy. It was a season to keep our city’s theater scene fresh all by itself.

Top 5 Upcoming Events Representing the Best Of 2022 Sections Getting & Spending Event

Critic’s Choice: Stranger Things Pop-Up Shop, Grapevine Mills, 3000 Mills Pkwy, Ste 617, Grapevine, 972-724-4900

By popular demand, the world’s first Stranger Things Pop-Up Store is extending its stay through the fall. Activities, games, and merchandise inspired by the show’s iconic locations can be found here daily. Hang out in the Palace Arcade, Starcourt Mall, and the Byers’ living room 10am-9pm Mon-Sat or 11am-7pm Sun. Just watch out for the Demogorgon. Time slots can be reserved at StrangerThings-Store.com.

People & Places Event

Critic’s Choice: Cowboy Ultimate Experience, Texas Lottery Plaza at Toyota

Music Factory, 316 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, 972-810-1499

Starting at 2pm the day before each Dallas Cowboys home game, you can attend a free event at Texas Lottery Plaza, where you can meet current and former Dallas Cowboys players. Enjoy music by DJSC Brandon Williams, special appearances by The ChowBoys, and prize giveaways. On each remaining date this season — Sat, Oct 22; Sat, Oct 29; Wed, Nov 23; and Sat, Dec 3 — there will be a celebrity MC and a special mystery guest. RSVP on Prekindle.com.

Arts & Culture Event

Critic’s Choice: Dog Days at BRIT, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, 817-463-4160

Even though we’re past the dog days of summer, BRIT has one more to go. Dog Days takes place over five weekends throughout 2022, and the final installment is 8am-5pm Sat-Sun, Nov 12-13. Humans pay the regular admission for themselves, plus $5 per pup. Doggos will enjoy the free hydration

Have a gnarly time at the Stranger Things Pop-Up Store, but watch out for the Demogorgon.

Courtesy Facebook

a

Good Grub Event

Critic’s Choice: 65 Roses Wine & Food Extravaganza at Benbrook Stables, 10001 Benbrook Blvd, 817-249-1001

After hearing his mother make phone calls to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research in 1965, 4-year-old Ricky Weiss told her she was working for “65 roses.” The term is still used today, helping children pronounce the name of their disease and explain the title of this event. At 7:30pm on Wed, Oct 19, join the North Texas Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for its 22nd annual benefit dinner, 65 Roses. Lead Chef Derek Venutolo from Meehan’s Chophouse and an all-star lineup of Fort Worth’s best restaurants and chefs will wine and dine you under the stars. Tickets are $200 per person at Events. CFF.org/65RosesWineandFood.

On the Town Event

Critic’s Choice: BTX Beerfest, Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W Renfro St, Burleson, @BTXBrewfest

On Sat, Oct 1, starting at 3pm (or 1pm if you’re a VIP), Burleson will be the place to be for BTX Beerfest. Sample craft

beer, ciders, and seltzers from 17 of the best breweries in North Texas and enjoy live music by Dave Fenley, Joey Green, Jesse Jennings, and Nicholas Patrick Band before the Turnpike Tributedours covering the Turnpike Troubadours end the night. General admission is $15 ($25 if including a tasting card), and VIP is $50. Children 12 and under get in free.

Fort Worth’s Green River Ordinance will be among the first acts to play the 1,000-person Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall when it opens in October.

For food vendor options, tickets, and more, visit BTXBrewfest.com.

Sounds of the City Event

Critic’s Choice: opening of Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, 122 E Exchange St, Ste 200, @TannahillsTavern

As a result of a partnership between Chef Tim Love and music powerhouse Live

Nation, a new, 1,000-person venue is opening in Mule Alley in the Stockyards. Tannahill’s October shows on the books include Muscadine Bloodline on Sat; The Arc Angels on Fri, Oct 7; Shovels & Rope on Sun, Oct 16; Shinyribs on Fri, Oct 21; and Green River Ordinance on Sat, Oct 29, just to name a few. Welcome to the neighborhood!

This exhibition is organized by the Kimbell Art Museum.

The Kimbell Art Museum is supported in part by Arts Fort Worth, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Courtesy Facebook

Sample Fort Brewery beers and more Saturday at BTX Brewfest.

Courtesy Facebook

Promotional support provided by

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Two Women at a Window, c. 1655–60, oil on canvas. National Gallery of Art, Washington, Widener Collection, 1942.9.46

Appetizers

Critic’s Choice: Lili’s Bistro, 1310 W Magnolia Av, 817-877-0700

They call them “Small Plates” here, but no matter the nomenclature, the starters at Lili’s Bistro are fun, creative, and oh-so tasty. Carnivores, try the escargot (snails and portabellas sautéed in heavy garlic butter, topped with shaved parmesan and served with focaccia bread) or the bacon-wrapped quail (boneless, bacon-wrapped, and jalapeño-stuffed breasts grilled in Lili’s BBQ sauce and seasoning and served with Lili’s smoky slaw). Vegetarians can indulge in the apricot-jalapeño Brie (warm, creamy cheese topped with an apricot-coconut glaze, pecans, and smoky jalapeño relish and served with focaccia bread) or the spanakopita roulade (spinach, feta, onion, and dill, wrapped in a puff pastry, then quick-fried and served with tzatziki and tabbouleh).

Barbecue (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Heim BBQ, 1109 W Magnolia Av, 817-882-6970

Critic’s Choices: The offerings at Brix Barbecue (215 S Main St, 219-3636210) are as vast as they are delicious. Whether you prefer your juicy burgers with extra Dank sauce or your brisket extra marbled, the smoky treats at this food truck (and upcoming permanent location at 215 S Main St) are not to be missed. … Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (9840 Camp Bowie West, 817-913-0986) will have its first brick-and-mortar

location in the coming months. The unwashed on the West Side, where the Dayne’s crew is temporarily set up, are already learning about some of town’s best burgers (handcrafted from excess brisket trimmings), melt-in-your-mouth bacon brisket, and handcrafted sausages.

… The ’cue at Goldee’s Barbecue (4645 Dick Price Rd, 817-480-4131) is as good as gold. Here, folks indulge in fork-tender brisket, traditional offerings, and unique sides and options like cheese grits and Laotian sausage (served with sticky rice and a pungent jeow som dipping sauce).

… By this point, Emma and Travis Heim are pretty much Texas barbecue royalty. The original location of Heim BBQ (1109 W Magnolia Av, 817-882-6970) remains a top go-to spot for anyone craving tasty smoked meats and choice sides. Other menu options verge on Zen kōans. With a whole link of jalapeño-cheddar sausage and a half-pound of chopped brisket, all that topped with Heim’s famous bacon burnt ends and served on a jalapeñocheddar bun, the BBQ Snob sandwich will have you questioning when too much mouthwatering meat is enough. (“Never” is the right answer.) … As Fort Worth bids adieu to Derek Allan’s Texas Barbecue, locals have some good news to look forward to. Arlington purveyor of Mexicue-styled meats, Hurtado Barbecue (205 E Front St, Arl, 682-3235141) will fill the vacated Derek Allan’s location at 1116 8th Av later this year. Hurtado’s succulent brisket tacos, served with a piquant salsa verde, are legendary.

To

Snob: a whole link

of chopped brisket, topped with Heim’s

burnt

and served on

jalapeño-cheddar bun.

BEST OF

Good Grub

Breakfast

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Paris Coffee Shop, 704 W Magnolia Av, 817-945-1702

• Ol’ South Pancake House, 1509 S University Dr, 817-336-0311

Critic’s Choice: Seven Mile Café, 6300 N Fwy, 817-778-0911

It’s everything you ever loved about breakfast, times seven. Want pancakes? Choose from 15 options, including glutenfriendly, several vegan varieties, and birthday cake. Want Benedicts? There are seven here, including a crab cake Benny and two vegan choices. French toast? Half a dozen options, including three vegan versions. There are also breakfast scrambles, migas, a breakfast sammie, a variety of egg dishes, breakfast bowls, and smoothies if you don’t usually eat at 7am but want a little something.

Brunch (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Drag-with-Me Brunch at Red Goose Saloon, 306 N Houston St, 817-332-4745

Critic’s Choices: The mimosa brunch at Blue Mesa (612 Carroll St, 817-3326372) is the grandmother of all brunches. Traditional breakfast options, like madeto-order omelets, biscuits and gravy, and waffles two ways (berries or chicken and syrup) play along with the restaurant’s

favorites like the sweet corn cake, adobe pie, enchiladas, and a taco station. Mimosas and dessert are also included. … Dear lordt, the flaky, piping-hot biscuits at Fixe Southern House (5282 Marathon Av, 682-707-3965), slathered in butter and Texas honey. They call ’em starters, but brunch is perfect with a biscuit and a mimosa. Or you can have the biscuits in sandwich form with meat, cheese, or fried chicken. Shrimp and grits, chickenfried ribeye, and other lunch items round out Fixe’s generous menu. … Little Red Wasp Kitchen + Bar (808 Main St, 817877-3111) offers a simple menu — there are sweet and savory breakfast options aplenty or salads and burgers if you want something more lunch-like. Corned beef hash, green eggs and ham, and chilaquiles made with local Mrs. Renfro’s salsa are some of the standouts, as are the brunch cocktails. … At Shaw’s Patio Bar and Grill (1051 W Magnolia, 817-926-2116), the menu is spartan but covers all the bases. The Portabella Benedict is a fun take on the brunch classic, with meaty mushroom caps subbing in for the English muffins. Mimosas are $3, and a sturdy Bloody Mary is only $5 — possibly the best brunch value in town. … For four years, the pay-what-you’re-able-to nonprofit restaurant The Taste Project (1200 S Main St, 817-759-9045) has served Fort Worth’s food-insecure folks and dazzled foodies with fresh, tasty, healthy treats. The addition of Saturday continued on page 44

According to our esteemed critics, Dayne’s Craft Barbecue serves up one of the best burgers in town, plus some mighty fine ’cue.

Courtesy Facebook

Good Grub

and Sunday brunch offers an opportunity for those who can spend a little more for a meal out to help give back. Current menu options include an eggplant pasta, shakshuka, burgers, and more traditional breakfast fare.

Burger (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Rodeo Goat, 2836 Bledsoe St, 817-877-4628

Critic’s Choices: It’s won just about every other award there is, including this one (maybe multiple times), so what’s one more this year. The L.U.S.T Burger at The Bearded Lady (300 S Main St, 817-349-9832) is a half-pound beef patty stuffed with feta and roasted poblanos and topped with gouda, caramelized onion, and avocado, all served on a toasted brioche bun. … Instead of plain ol’ ground beef on its own, the OG Burger at Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (9840 Camp Bowie West, 817913-0986) features repurposed brisket trimmings, creating a kind of heartiness in every bite that’s part-barbecue-joint, part-traditional-burger. Melted yellow and white cheeses and a tangy red sauce covering the two massive patties will leave you saying, “God Dayne, that’s a great burger!” … The elder statesman of Fort Worth’s burger scene, Fred’s Texas Cafe (7101 Camp Bowie West, 817-332-0083; 2730 Western Center Blvd, 817-232-0111) still got a lot o’ mo’!

Our go-to is the Serrano Burger (with grilled serranos and onions, Oaxaca cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and lime mayo), though we could be talked into trying the newish Badlands BBQ Burger (Outlaw Chef’s Badlands BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, pickles, onion, and mustard). … Psst! Hey, kid. Wanna know a secret? Pouring Glory (1001 Bryan Av, 682-707-5441) is still churning out delicious pub grub, especially burgers, most especially the Spicy Double Bacon Cheeseburger (two patties topped with pepper jack, crisp hickory bacon, roasted jalapeños, pickle chips, and habanero ranch on a brioche bun). … When it comes to wild and wacky — and delicious — burgers, no one beats Rodeo Goat. Our faves are the Chaca Oaxaca (beef and chorizo patty, pico, queso fresco, Tabasco mayo, fried egg on top, avocado spread) and a newish one, the Hatch Me If You Can (roasted Hatch green chiles, Hatch chile queso, white cheddar, tortilla strips, pan-fried onions, avocado ranch), but we really want to try the Sugar Burger (grilled peaches (!), candied bacon, caramelized onions, jalapeño jam, arugula). Never had a stone fruit on your burger before? Welcome to Rodeo Goat.

Burrito

Readers’ Choice: San Diego Tacos, 7116 Blvd 26, Richland Hills,

817-284-1399

Critic’s Choice: Chuy’s (2401 W 7th St, 817-332-2489; 9700 N Fwy Service Rd W, 817-741-6090)

They say they’re as “big as yo head,” and while they’re certainly right, Chuy’s burritos are also darn tasty. Our favorite is the fajita beef version, and other options include fajita chicken, roasted chicken, seasoned ground beef, or bean and cheese. All Chuy’s burritos come with Mexican rice, and here’s a little pro tip for you: Order the jalapeño ranch dipping sauce. It’s good on everything but especially gooey, chewy, steak-filled Chuy’s burritos.

Cajun Food

Readers’ Choice: Boo Ray’s of New Orleans, 5728 Boat Club Rd, 817-236-6149

Critic’s Choice: Tributary Cafe, 2813 Race St, 817-832-0823

While the shrimp gumbo and crawfish etouffee are slap-yo-mama delish, Tributary Cafe’s most outstanding dishes have to be the Shrimp Victoria (mushrooms, crème fraiche, Cayenne) and the blackened pork chop with Creole mustard cream. This Race Street staple also does a mean, gut-busting po’ boy. Shrimp, fish, oysters, and crawfish are your options, and if you’re having a hard time deciding, ask the waitstaff for their recommendation. They’re always happy to help.

Charcuterie Board

Critic’s Choice: La Onda, 2905 Race St, 817-607-8605

OK, it’s probably cheating to give this award to La Onda’s fish-dominated, cutesily named Sharkcuterie board. Then again, have you had this? The housemade gravlax, caviar, and fish have been selected every bit as meticulously as any other restaurant’s offering of salumi and cheese. We love this restaurant because no detail is too small to escape the kitchen’s notice, and this seafood board is a prime example of that.

Chef

Readers’ Choice: Jon Bonnell, Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, Waters Critic’s Choice: Victor Villarreal, La Onda, 2905 Race St, 817-607-8605

From stints in the kitchen at Grace and Clay Pigeon to his own late Abe Froman’s of Fort Worth in the now-defunct Food Hall at Crockett Row, Villareal has been improving his craft for the last decade.

There’s a difference between running a kitchen and owning a restaurant, which Villarreal seems to have taken to heart.

The chef now owns one of the most acclaimed seafood restaurants in town along with wife Misty Villarreal, who runs the bar. Last year’s critic’s choice for best chef, Villarreal enjoys his collaborations:

He’s partnered with Funky Picnic for the beer-and-sea-fest La Playa Beer dinner,

Good Grub

from page 44

where the ceviche appetizer was paired with Jesus Take the Peel, a citrus pilsner, and he’s also worked with Thirty Eight & Vine for a wine dinner that matched his Latin-inspired seafood dishes with a variety of summer wines. And he uses his power of cooking for good: Villarreal has created dinner fundraisers to benefit Meals on Wheels and The Taste Project.

Chicken-Fried Steak

Readers’ Choice: Tom’s Burgers & Grill, 1530 N Cooper St, Arl, 817-459-9000

Critic’s Choice: Cat City Grill, 1208 W Magnolia Av, 817-916-5333

Isn’t it awesome when that slab of breaded steak is just hanging off the plate? It’s even better when it’s at Cat City, whose CFS is as tasty as it is humongous. For supper, the Near Southside institution serves the Southern staple with classic cream gravy while for lunch, the portion is smaller and comes with Texas toast and waffle fries. Pro tip: add eggs to your gravyfied cutlet at lunch with a mimosa, and the rest of your day will rock.

Chinese Food

Readers’ Choice: Szechuan, 5712 Locke Av, 817-738-7300

Critic’s Choice: First Chinese BBQ, 5310 E Belknap, 817-834-1888

From the fowl hanging for sale near the cash register to the five-page menu that offers traditional, non-Westernized favorites from Canton, Northern China, and Szechuan — including adventurous dishes like duck feet and pig tongue — First Chinese BBQ is your answer to the question “Where can I find real Chinese food in Fort Worth?” Its quaint momand-pop environs are as charming as its

flavors are big, and for pescatarians and other seafood lovers, dishes like the spicy kung pao dried squid and Four Treasures (scallops, shrimp, beef, chicken) will hit the spot.

Coffeeshop

Readers’ Choice: Buon Giorno Coffee, 500 W 7th St, Ste 140, 817-378-4505

Critic’s Choice: Vaquero Coffee Co., 109 Houston St, 682-730-1335

On the north end of downtown is a cozy coffee shop that offers steaming hot cups of the best java in town. Large glass windows bathe the hip interior in light while providing an unobstructed view of passersby and bustling life along Houston Street. Sure, you can order a plain cup of coffee, but locals know what the real treats are. The horchata latte comes with a thick crown of cinnamon-kissed whipped cream. The Sid Richardson is a robust mesquite-smoked espresso shot that’ll shoot you into space if you’re not buckled in. So sit back on a well-worn leather couch, pull up a book or laptop, and indulge your senses in caffeinated splendor.

Deli

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

Critic’s Choice: Weinberger’s Deli, 601 S Main St, Grapevine, 817-416-5577

None of the delis in the 817 serve savory sour dill pickles in a bowl on the table, like they did at Junior’s Deli in Manhattan, but if you can put that fact aside, Weinberger’s eats are pretty close to the real thing. The longtime Grapevine spot offers multiple riffs on the Reuben, including Gayle’s Super Ruben with corned beef, pastrami,

La Onda’s food is spectacular in

and execution thanks to Chef Victor Villarreal, winner of

(and last year’s) critic’s choice for best chef.

turkey pastrami, and all the cheese and dressing. Thanks to the eclectic menu, you can grab some New Orleans-style Debris before visiting Chicago via the dogs and sausage. You can even take a trip to Havana via Key West with some of the Cuban options — we’re not sure if the Mark Cuban Sandwich, with its hot ham, roast pork, and provolone, is a dig at the Dallas Mavericks owner or high praise. Either way, it’s delish.

Family-Style Meal

Critic’s Choice: Tre Mogli Cucina Italiana, 401 S Main St, 817-615-9844

Upscale Italian has never looked better than at this South Main Village hotspot, but what makes Tre Mogli even better — even more Italian — is its emphasis on family-style dining. Of all the mouthwatering dishes on the menu, carnivores should head directly to the Bistecca Fiorentina. Served with broccolini, marble potatoes, and Calabrian chili, it’s a 36-oz prime porterhouse prepared Florentinestyle, which is among some of the best preparations in the world. Splitting the $225 price tag four ways should leave extra room in the wallet for a few glasses of limoncello.

Food Truck

Readers’ Choice: Big Kat Burgers, 200 Bryan Av, 903-363-5723

Critic’s Choice: Kelly’s Onion Burgers, Instagram @KellysOnionsBurgers

Oklahoma natives Andrew and Joe Kelly have made a Sooner State classic part of Fort Worth’s foodie vernacular. The concept is as straightforward as it is damn delicious: grill white onions until they reach optimal caramelized levels, then crush the veggies into a juicy beef patty. The results are texturally complex and dripping with meaty goodness. The minimalist menu won’t leave you gawking for long — there’s just original, double, and cheeseburger options. No matter your choice, all paths lead to a delicious experience. Follow this popular food truck on Instagram for their next pop-up event.

Fried Chicken

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

Critic’s Choice: Helen’s Hot Chicken, 2812 Horne St, 682-255-5405

If you think you know what good fried chicken is, or isn’t, go down to the comments section and get into a huge fight about it. The Nashville-style chicken at this new place is good enough to convert even hot-chicken haters, as it’s fried up perfectly without greasiness or spices rubbing off on your fingers. Be sure to hit Helen’s on Saturday or

Sunday, when the best chicken and waffles are on the menu.

Hot Dog

Critic’s Choice: K-Town Hot Dogs, 4940 Overton Ridge, 817-386-5371

Leave it to the Koreans to expand our concept of what a hot dog can be. Rather than sausage in a bun with the same old condiments and toppings, K-Town gives us meat on a stick deep fried in a batter coating that can contain ramen, sugar, or cut-up French fries. The coating is fried up well enough to keep the dogs hot and crispy for the length of a car trip, so you can savor them in the comfort of your home.

Indian Food

Readers’ Choice: Maharaja, 6308 Hulen Bend Blvd, 817-263-7156

Critic’s Choice: Tandoor Indian Restaurant, 1200 N Fielder Rd, Ste 532, Arl, 817-261-6604

Arlington has a number of quality Indian restaurants, but the city’s oldest is still the best. Tandoor is tucked away in a nondescript strip mall in a residential area, so it can be easily missed for those unaware, but once you find it, their delicious take on traditional Indian cuisine will make you want to tattoo the directions on your chest. Still offering a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, Tandoor can be a great introduction to Indian flavors for a novice or a gut-

busting gorge-fest for those who already enjoy the full complement of spicy and savory dishes. The restaurant’s signature creamy palak paneer, buttery chicken tikka masala, delectable, flaky samosas, zingy tandoori chicken, and of course soft and fluffy tandoor-fired naan, as well as their always warm and friendly waitstaff, absolutely set the standard for Indian food in the 817.

Italian Food

Readers’ Choice: Tre Mogli Cucina Italiana, 401 S Main St, 817-615-9844

Critic’s Choice: il Modo, 714 Main St, Kimpton Harper Hotel, 817-415-0144

The grill masters at this place inside

downtown’s Kimpton Harper Hotel make this newcomer Fort Worth’s Italian eatery of choice. Yes, the pasta entrées are perfectly fine, but the food that comes off the grill is superlative, whether it’s crusty bread, peaches, vegetables, steak, or the notoriously finicky octopus. Il Modo features a linen-tablecloth setting, but wooden picnic tables would be just as appropriate given the importance of the grill here.

Japanese Food

Readers’ Choice: Tokyo Cafe, 5121 Pershing Av, 817-737-8568

Critic’s Choice: Shinjuku Station, 711 W Magnolia Av, 817-923-2695

Though the competition for the critic’s choice in this category has gotten tougher thanks to Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar on Foch Street, Shinjuku Station is still the best spot for authentic Japanese cuisine. The nigiri and sashimi are as beautiful and mouthwatering as ever, and lunch options such as build-yourown bento boxes and donburi (rice) bowls will inspire you to make reservations for dinner. If you’re a first-time customer, the churashi don bowl will give you an introduction to Shinjuku’s sashimi options, and you’ll want to try a small plate offering like hokkaido scallops and tuna tartare or kanpachi ceviche.

Mediterranean Food

Rd, 817-615-9292

Critic’s Choice: Prince Lebanese Grill, 502 W Randol Mill Rd, Arl, 817-469-1811

Another hidden gem in the otherwise chain restaurant-centric Arlington, Prince Lebanese Grill has been earning its reputation as a North Texas Medfood destination for decades. Proprietor Francis Kotby opened the Prince in 1989, and his commitment to fresh ingredients, big portions, and even bigger flavor has made diners’ bellies happy ever since. The spot is also a favorite of none other than the mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri. The famous bleach-haired foodie has featured Prince on two of his shows, Guy’s Big Bite and the ever-popular Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and his enthusiasm for Kotby’s menu is to be trusted. The lamb shawarma is tops and is best accompanied by Prince’s luscious baba ghanoush and aromatic grape-leaf dolmas.

Mexican Food (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: The Original Mexican Cafe, 4713 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-738-6226

Critic’s Choices: Belenty’s Love Mexican Vegan (3516 Bluebonnet Cir, 817-862-9008) is unusual. Mexican vegan, you say? Is it possible? With nopales and soy subbing in for most of the meat, it is. Enchiladas, quesadillas, tinga tacos, and portabella asada are just a few of the options on the intriguing menu.

… At Don Artemio (3268 W 7th, 817470-1439), chefs Adrián Burciaga and Juan Ramón Cárdenas

been

around the idea of a collaboration for the better part of a decade. Enter: COVID restaurant closures, and a year later, Don Artemio’s fancy version of Northeastern Mexican cuisine has been welcomed lovingly in a community that’s become interested in more than just tacos and tortas. … Esperanza’s Restaurant and Bakery (2122 N Main St, 817-626-5770) is more than just the offspring of Joe T. Garcia’s. The neighborhood cafe isn’t as fancy but has a better selection of dishes at a more wallet-friendly price. Best of all, while you’re waiting or after your meal, stop by the bakery, with shelves of drool-worthy pan dulce and treats.

… At Juan’s Burrito Express (6901 McCart Av, 817-292-3048), early risers know the restaurant is a breakfast-andmore place where you can find breakfast burritos (regular or jumbo) and breakfast plates that include eggs and guisado or machacado con huevos along with the migas plate. The enchiladas and a variety of lunch specials are both pocketbookfriendly and delicious. … La Playa Maya –– the family-owned restaurant with locations on Fort Worth’s south, north, and west sides — has served up a variety of coastal Mexican favorites along with traditional meat and cheese dishes for three decades. You can trust it with your appetite. And your wallet.

New Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: The Beast & Company, 1010 W Magnolia Av, 817-945-1461

Critic’s Choice: Don Artemio, 3268 W 7th St, 817-470-1439

This Mexican import from Saltillo chose our city for its second location in the world, and we couldn’t be more honored. Don Artemio emphasizes elegance and refinement in its presentation of Mexican cuisine, from the delicately flavored goat tacos to the complexity of the chile hojaldrado that shows what a poor substitute many other Mexican places foist off on us. No offense to our town’s illustrious steakhouses, but when people think of an upscale Fort Worth restaurant, this is what should come to mind.

Pho

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

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

While there is certainly no shortage of delicious Vietnamese grub in North Texas and particularly Haltom City, Arlington’s Thuy Nguyen Café is a step above. Adventurous eaters can run the gamut of delectables, from bun bo hue to banh xeo, but the pho here is not to missed. The secret is in the broth. It lacks the oil-slick layer of grease characteristic of

many area phos. You can practically taste all the hours that went into it. Incredibly fresh fixins like Thai basil, mung bean sprouts, and jalapeños (are they growing it themselves?!) make for a choose-yourown-adventure experience. Come for the pho, stay for the karaoke.

Pizza (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Mamma’s Pizza (multiple locations)

Critic’s Choices: While we were all frowny face when the old Chimera on Magnolia closed, we have to admit we are digging its new, non-Magnolia progression, Fort Brewery & Pizza (2737 Tillar St, 817-923-8000). From mostly the humble margherita and cheese, the menu has expanded exponentially to encompass several signature pies, including our goto, the Zeppelin (sausage, spicy Calabrese sausage, roasted red peppers, marinara, shredded mozzarella, ranch, and a Heim BBQ sauce swirl). It goes great with Fort Brewery’s Riff Ram Blueberry Radler light American lager. … Solid, affordable Neapolitan pie comin’ atcha — that’s what Hysen’s Nizza Pizza (401 University Dr, 817-877-3900) does better than pretty much every other fast-casual pizzeria around. We’re talking no-frills New York-style pizza that you can fold down the middle and that will stain your fingertips (and maybe your palms and shirt) with grease — don’t ya just love it when you sprinkle some parmesan on your pipin’ hot slice, and the grated cheese just dissolves into all that greasy gooeyness? We do, and that’s why Nizza Pizza is one of the best restaurants of its kind in town. … When it comes to gourmet pies, it’s hard to beat Olivella’s Pizza and Wine (4910 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-439-7676). Whether it’s our favorite, the humble Rustica (sausage, peppers, house-made mozzarella, sauce), or the fancy Black Truffle (truffle oil, speck, black pepper, house-made mozzarella) and the Soppressata & Sausage (soppressata, sausage, housemade mozzarella, sauce), Olivella’s proves pizza isn’t just peasant food. Plus, the crust is always pleasantly doughy and the perfect amount of charred on the bottom. … The Jerk (jerked chicken jalapeños, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, red sauce, mozzarella) isn’t the only perfect gourmet excursion at Serious Pizza (2728 W 7th St, 682-3482482). The West 7th newcomer does the basics beautifully, too, with delightfully chewy crusts and zesty sauces all around.

… The post-Little-League-game vibes are strong at Zoli’s Pizza (3501 Hulen St, 817-402-0050), but the pies are anything but corporate, assembly-line widgets.

With scrumptious crusts and slightly tangy sauces, Zoli’s pizzas reflect an understanding of the essentials, allowing the kitchen to get creative on top. Two of our faves are the CBR (roasted chicken, bacon, pickled jalapeños, ranch swirl on an everything-bagel crust)

Grub

Sopp’ (hot soppressata, tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, soppressata marmalade).

Queso

Readers’ Choice: Mesquite Pit, 1201 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, 817-596-7046

Critic’s Choice: Enchiladas Olé, 2418 Forest Park Blvd, 817-984-1360

This is totally up for debate, but the element of queso that really makes or breaks it is its consistency. A restaurant’s signature cheese dip might contain a symphony of zest, but if it’s too runny or too thick, all its flavors will get disregarded when the dip runs off the chip or breaks it. Enchiladas Olé melts their queso absolutely perfectly, and it has plenty of jalapeño to fire up your tastebuds.

Ramen

Readers’ Choice: Wabi House, 1229 8th Av, Ste 227, 817-720-3099

Critic’s Choice: Wabi House

Every sip of Wabi House’s ramen noodles is pure umami heaven. From the rich broth that washes over the palate in savory waves to the thick noodles that are firm yet supple, Wabi’s soups just might change your life. The classic tonkotsu, with its fork-tender pork belly, soft-boiled

egg, and earthy woodear mushrooms, is a must-try for Wabi House noobs. Every variant is an experience that must be eaten and savored to be truly understood.

Restaurant

Readers’ Choice: Mesquite Pit, 1201 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, 817596-7046

Critic’s Choice: il Modo, 714 Main St, Kimpton Harper Hotel, 817-415-0144

Il Modo masterfully serves authentic Italian cuisine in a refined, contemporary setting. The team here takes pride in the small details, and it shows. The pasta is prepared by hand and laid out behind a glass-walled room for all to see, and every ingredient shines in dishes that reflect the culinary legacy of the Italian Peninsula, like the linguine that is served semplicemente with fresh littleneck clams, white wine that adds a bit of acidity, and aromatic garlic.

Salsa

Readers’ Choice: Blended Family Foods, @BlendedFamilyFoods, 817-901-3144

Critic’s Choice: Hot Salsa, El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill, 2408 W Abram St, Arl, 817-276-8160

This Arlington institution may be known for its taqueria-quality fare and gorgeous patio with fans, misters, continued on page 53

Critic’s choice for best restaurant, il Modo serves expertly rendered authentic Italian fare in a gorgeous contempo setting.

and shade, but it’s the salsa that sets it apart. The mélange of red tomatoes and assorted spices makes what is normally a second thought at most other Tex-Mex places into a treat all its own.

Seafood

Readers’ Choice: (tie) La Onda, 2905 Race St, 817-607-8605 • Waters, 301 Main St, 817-984-1110

Critic’s Choice: La Onda

The menu is spartan but creative and changes frequently depending on supply. Yes, we’re landlocked here in the 817, unless you want to eat something you’ve fished out of the Trinity River, but with a combination of resourceful sourcing and creative treatment of the seafood (pickled, salted, preserved in oil, smoked), Chef Victor Villarreal manages the supply side with aplomb. The menu includes a daily ceviche choice and Shark-cuterie — a combo of house-made gravlax, caviar, smoked fish, and seasonal accompaniments. Rice bowls of ceviche or dry-aged sashimi, a seasonal selection of steamed clams, a shrimp torta, and a version of lox and shmear with whipped queso fresco and chili gravlax round out the menu.

Soul Food

Readers’ Choice: Drew’s Place, 5701 Curzon Av, 817-242-4454

Critic’s Choice: Young M’s Eatery, 3004 Cullen St, 682-310-6290 This relatively new eatery near Rockwood Park pays homage to the past while nodding to the present. This is all just a fancy way of saying Young M’s serves vegetarian options, which, as any soul-food enthusiast knows, almost seems to go against the very concept of “soul food.” Anyway, there’s lots to love here, whether vegetarian or meaty. While the Down South fried chicken plate is spectacular, leave room for the meat pie plate (house-made crusts filled with smoked brisket, seasoned beef, and/or spicy chicken). Order it with the baked mac ’n’ cheese and collard greens, and your taste buds will flip. The same recommendation applies for the vegetarians. Young M’s “meat” pies and coconut curry come with seitan sausage and “chicken” stuffed into house-made vegan crusts cooked to golden perfection.

Steaks (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Mesquite Pit, 1201 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, 817-596-7046

Critic’s Choices: Now that the U.S. economy seems to be humming along — other than the inflation gripping the globe, not just the U.S., we have added nearly 10 million new jobs and have a near record low 3.7% unemployment rate — it’s as good a time as any to splurge

… on meat cooked to order. Steak, in particular. And while our picks here are not comprehensive and are not meant to be — they’re just one knowledgeable person’s favorites — they are a good place to start your 2022-23 campaign of treating yourself (and maybe a loved one) right. Wherever you go, be prepared to spend between $50 and $80 per order.

At B&B Butchers & Restaurant (5212 Marathon Av, 817-737-5212), the Steak à La Berg is a mouthwatering sirloin served over hash browns with sautéed mushrooms and Madeira sauce.

… The elk tenderloin at Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine (4259 Bryant Irvin Rd, 817-738-5489) comes with a tasty whole-grain mustard risotto plus fried

poblano rings and a honey-malt glaze.

… Every self-respecting best-steak list must include surf-and-turf, and the best around is at The Capital Grille (800 Main St, 817-348-9200), whose seared tenderloin arrives with butter-poached lobster tails — plural. … While the 32-oz (!) prime Tomahawk is going to set you back $130, the equally scrumptious 12-oz filet mignon is only $62 at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House (812 Main St, 817-877-3999).

… The Wagyu picanha, a triangular cut with a melt-in-your-mouth sirloin texture and decadent, beefy flavor profile, doesn’t get any better than at Toro Toro (200 Main St, 817-975-9895), whose 10-oz version, like all steaks on the menu, comes with chimichurri, salsa matcha,

and grilled shishito peppers but should also be accompanied by the potatoes three ways and grilled asparagus.

Street Tacos

Readers’ Choice: Salsa Limon (multiple locations)

Critic’s Choice: Tacos Ernesto, 3778 McCart Av, 817-922-8072

When the taco craving hits, don’t run for the border but head a mile south to the desolate, industrial stretch of McCart that Tacos Ernesto calls home. You’ll find all the classic proteins: carnitas, chorizo, al pastor, and even lengua, all on doubleply corn tortillas and topped with fresh continued on page 54

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white onion and cilantro, as is customary. There’s a modest dining room, but here’s a pro tip: Take your tacos to-go and head to People’s Republic bar across the street to enjoy your savory goodies with a cold adult beverage.

Sushi (Top 5)

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

Critic’s Choices: Blue Sushi Sake Grill exudes L.A.-levels of swank. Nighttime is when the restaurant takes on an almost club-like feel as blue light bathes diners ordering up freshly shipped and artfully cut sushi. … Whether you prefer your raw fish in a towering edifice of rice and roe or as simple slices of sashimi, the masterful chefs at Edohana Sushi (2704 S Hulen St, 817-924-1144) can handcraft whatever you crave. The restaurant offers a wide range of dining options, including specialty rolls that you won’t find anywhere else. … The real draw at Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar (907 Foch St, 817-720-5330) is the menu of rolls that are as simple as they are delicious. Hatsuyuki’s largish traditional rolls are held together by thicker and crispier seaweed than you find elsewhere and filled with rice and seafood options like crab, bay scallops, yellowtail tuna, and more. … Near Southside institution

Shinjuku Station (711 W Magnolia Av, 817-923-2695) has been one of the most consistently craveworthy izakaya-style restaurants in the 817. The cozy, shotgunstyle layout makes for an intimate dining experience. … Since launching in 2007, Sushi Axiom (multiple locations) has become the standard, both for customer service and quality Japanese delicacies.

Albacore, tuna, eel, and some exotic cuts of fish make for a transcendental experience when dining here.

Tamales

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

Critic’s Choice: Mama Lu’s Kitchen

The wonderful Mama Lu mixes fresh, locally sourced ingredients with traditional flavors and rich salsas to create, clearly, the best tamales in town. As the namesake tamale maker says on her social media pages, she and her team feel they’re on a journey to learn everything there is to know about quality food and encourage a sense of gratitude and thankfulness between cook and customer. Mama Lu’s is a pop-up operation, so call the number above or search her out online.

Tea Shop

Critic’s Choice: Tea2Go, 2600 W 7th St, 817-554-9150

Before there was a bubble tea shop on every corner and in every mall, this brass-

tacks beverage store was dispensing brew for purists in Montgomery Plaza. The plethora of flavors and types of tea puts most specialty tea shops to shame (the Shortstack tea with dehydrated maple syrup is nectar-like and addictive), and the staff will gladly prepare a Hong Kongstyle milk tea whose light sweetness will help you fight the Texas heat.

Tex-Mex Food

Readers’ Choice: The Original Mexican Eats Cafe, 4713 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-738-6226

Critic’s Choice: Los Vaqueros, 2629 N Main St, 817-624-1511

Since opening in 1996, this nearStockyards institution has been serving all the traditional favorites in a comfy yet elegant atmosphere. Walking up the stairs and through the double doors into a bright, airy space resplendent with the aroma of sizzling fajitas will never get old. Here’s to another couple decades and more for Los Vaqueros.

Thai Food

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

Critic’s Choice: Asian Nights Lao Thai Cuisine & Bar, 2905 N Beach St, 682-841-1116

With its huge menu of Lao and Thai favorites, Asian Nights offers complex tastes and friendly service, especially if you’re new to stuff like blood clam lettuce

wraps or mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves). But even if you prefer to stick with well-known dishes like Pad Thai or green curry, Asian Nights will wow your palate with exciting flavor. Don’t forget to try the lychee martini!

Vegan Food

Readers’ Choice: Spiral Diner & Bakery, 1314 W Magnolia Av, 817-332-8834

Critic’s Choice: Pizza Verde, 5716 Locke Av, 817-349-9852

This humble little joint off Camp Bowie specializes in vegan pies and other animal-free goodies tasty enough to make a meat lover switch teams (at least for one evening). While Pizza Verde’s variations on the classics (pepperoni, cheese) are excellent, it’s the signature pies that are worth your time, spare change, and openness to new culinary experiences. Two of the most popular pizzas in town are Pizza Verde’s Potato Leek (leek, potato, mozzarella, rosemary, lemon aioli, oil, and garlic) and Kimchi (kimchi, gochujang beef, mozzarella, spinach, sesame seeds, hot oil, and garlic). We dare you to not eat the whole thing.

Vegetarian Food

Readers’ Choice: Zonk Burger, 2919 Race St, 817-349-8646

Critic’s Choice: Byblos, 1406 N Main St, 817-625-9667

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Vegetarians, carnivores, vegans, and omnivores agree: Mediterranean food allows everyone at the table to be happy. And the options here are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The lunch and dinner buffets are back, but if you’d rather eat at home, select the vegetarian falafel family meal, where you can eat your weight in falafel, Fattoush salad, rice, and pita bread. Eight of the 10 appetizers on Byblos’ menu are vegan or vegetarian with cheeses from yogurt, sheep’s milk, and cow’s milk, so you could create an essentially vegetarian mezze splurge for starters. Byblos also offers a trio of vegetarian entrees: the moussaka with baked, not fried, eggplant and slightly nutty whole chickpeas, the fatt-ii bil-laban (whole chickpeas, olive oil, and goat’s milk yogurt piled on a whole-grain pita), and moojjadra (lentils and brown rice served with a cabbage salad).

Vietnamese Food

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Four Sisters

— A Taste of Vietnam, 1001 S Main St, Ste 151, 682-244-4546 • My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen, 5307 Colleyville Blvd, Ste 120, 817-398-4023

Critic’s Choice: Four Sisters — A Taste of Vietnam

Four Sisters serves up your favorite Vietnamese classics like crispy summer rolls, hearty beef pho, and a variety of savory, inventive dishes like crawfish fried rice and banh mi bao in a chic, modern setting. The lemongrass tofu

and/or the beer-braised pork belly bao are two dishes that will easily hook you on the rest of the menu.

Waitstaff

Readers’ Choice: Mesquite Pit, 1201 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, 817-596-7046

Critic’s Choice: Lucile’s Stateside Bistro, 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-738-4761

Assuming we all know how good the food is at this Arlington Heights institution — “excellent” is an adequate modifier newcomers should be aware of Lucile’s crack staff. From the veteran bartenders to the young ladies working the front and, most importantly, the waiters and servers, Lucile’s ship is tightly run. The churn-and-burn element endemic to most popular spots never detracts from the waitstaff’s friendliness, promptness, and attentiveness.

Wings

Readers’ Choice: Buffalo Bros, 3015

S University Dr, 817-386-9601

Critic’s Choice: Emmy’s Smokehouse, 2708 W 7th St, 817-334-0888

The only thing more amazing than the flavor of Emmy’s wings is how fast you’ll eat them. Whether you like regular or boneless, these flappers will ignite your tastebuds with a tangy, piquant selection of four different dry rubs and 10 different sauces that deliver the perfect amounts of heat and sweet. Can you handle the fire of the mango-habanero rub, or will you start out with the apple bourbon BBQ sauce? Your best bet is to just try them all. You won’t be disappointed.

The scrumptious, salty-and-creamy kimchi pie is one of many reasons Pizza Verde is our critic’s choice for best vegan food.

Bar-Bar (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Lola’s Fort Worth, 2000 W Berry St, 817-759-9100

• Nickel City, 212 S Main St, Ste 100, @NickelCityFWTX

Critic’s Choices: Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, The Boiled Owl Tavern (909 W Magnolia Av, 817-920-9616) has become the closest thing to Cheers for the local indie-rock set. It’s a place where everyone knows your name, your face, and what band(s) you’re in. Interspersed among all the musos, however, is a diverse amalgam of young folks from all sorts of backgrounds. The great craft beer selection and super-lighthearted atmosphere are draws no matter how you spend your waking/working hours. … As one of the earliest spots to open after the development of the Fairmount Historic District began, The Chat Room Pub (1263 W Magnolia Av, 817-922-8319) quickly morphed from an internet cafe into a comfy dive adopted as the home bar for many Near Southsiders. Over the years, several competing spots have opened along or near Magnolia, and while we patronize all of them still, deep down, we’re always Chat Rats for Life. … Brother bar to the Arlington hipster homebase of Caves Lounge, the rustic, under-the-radar, grown-up dive Ozzie Rabbit Lodge (6463 E Lancaster Av, 817-446-9010) offers a clean, calm environment to enjoy a drink. The one feature it does borrow from Caves is a killer jukebox stuffed with great tuneage. Anything from punk rock to classic country makes for a great soundtrack to drinking with friends. … Sequestered on Camp Bowie, away from many of the social hot spots in town, Showdown II (4907 Camp

Bowie Blvd, 817-738-4051) is a well-kept secret for dive bar enthusiasts. The country charm is reminiscent of the first bars your dad tried to sneak you into when you were a kid. It’s a classic, no-frills, basic-domesticdrafts, and plenty-of-darts-and-pool kinda dive. Other places need $15 craft cocktails or funnily named, small-batch, juicy-hazyunfiltered-trippel-IPAs to draw customers, but you won’t find those things here and you won’t need ’em. Just an ice-cold Yellowbelly, a straight cue, and a well-worn bartop to lean on, thank ya very much. … The second location of the popular Deep Ellum watering hole, Twilite Lounge (212 Lipscomb St, 817-720-5483) opened five years ago by former Ticket producer Danny Balis and his longtime business partner Jess Barr and has since become another quaint and colorful drinking establishment in which to “pass a good time” on the Near Southside. The bar’s concept is loosely based on a New Orleans-style speakeasy, and the vintage-vibed vertical neon corner sign, crimson damask wallpaper, and comfy booths do a great job at recreating that sensuous, luxuriant Big Easy feel.

Bar Service

Critic’s Choice: Grand Cru Wine Bar, 1257 W Magnolia Av, 817-923-1717

For many of us, wine is intimidating. Which ones are sweet, and which are dry? Which ones go well with pasta, and which ones can be paired with meat or fish? What’s the difference between an $11.99 bottle and one that costs $60? Never fear, walking into Grand Cru. At this Magnolia Avenue mainstay, the employees know their stuff, and they’re friendly and unobtrusive, too, a great combo.

Bartender

Readers’ Choice: Dusty Smith, The Abbey Pub, 2710 W 7th St, 817-810-9930

Critic’s Choice: Deven Kampenhout, Curfew Bar, 350 W 5th St, 817-725-7534

After 13 years in the biz, Deven Kampenhout considers himself both a mixologist and a bartender, and as a general manager now at Curfew, he’s really digging crafting menus. Creating unique cocktails is a big part of the fun, he says.

Beer Selection

Readers’ Choice: The Bearded Lady, 300 S Main St, 817-349-9832

Critic’s Choice: The Radler, 1229 7th Av, 682-250-6926

The venue that formerly housed The Bearded Lady finally found itself a worthy successor with this German-style beer garden. We’ve always been partial to continued on page 60

Deven Kampenhout has been behind a bar for 13 years, and now our critic’s choice for best bartender is creating new cocktails at Curfew.

OF

the blend of beer and fruit juice that the place is named after, but there are plenty of other brews available for consumption. Right now, the Radler’s menu is heavy on wheat beers and pilsners, but expect it to change when the weather turns cooler.

Bloody Mary

Readers’ Choice: Hunter Lucus, The Boiled Owl Tavern, 909 W Magnolia Av, @TheBoiledOwlTavern

Critic’s Choice: Café Modern, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St, 817-840-2157

Fans of the Modern’s bar know that, while the food is generally good and the view of the reflecting pool amazing, the libations that flow from the cafe’s bar are equally wonderful. Brunch screams for a Bloody Mary, but you don’t actually need brunch to enjoy the concoction here. The original recipes for the drink (circa the 1920s or ’30s, depending on your source) featured a 50/50 combo of vodka and tomato juice, spiced with a little pepper. Unlike a lot of the tomato juice-and-vodka eye-openers in town, Café Modern’s version is spiced not with a chile-based seasoning or a prepackaged mix but a generous serving of horseradish and a dash of lemon. The spice isn’t enough to cause your nose to run and your eyes to weep, but it’s

enough to make you sit up straight. The slightly lime-spicy rim adds a little salt and a little Texican to the beverage.

Brewery (Top 5)

Readers’ Top 5: HopFusion Ale Works, 200 E Broadway Av, 682-841-1721

• Maple Branch Craft Brewery, 2628 Whitmore St, 817-862-7007

• Martin House Brewing Company, 220 S Sylvania Av, Ste 209, 817-222-0177

Panther Island Brewing, 501 N Main St, 817-882-8121 • Rahr & Sons, 701 Galveston Av, 817- 810-9266

Critic’s Choice: Second Rodeo Brewing, 122 E Exchange Av, 817-240-4959

•

Fort Worth breweries continue to release amazingly inventive and delicious brews. Whether it’s Martin House literally pushing the limits on what can conceptually be considered a beer — Cheetos, really? — or Rahr & Sons refining their offerings while expanding outside German-style beers, Fort Worthians are awash in local craft suds. Competition for this category grows tighter every year, but for sheer overall experience, we’re giving this year’s award to Second Rodeo Brewing. Boss Dennis Wehrmann is a fifth-generation brewmaster who’s crafted tasty ales and lagers that blend Texas and German influences. The Big Buckle IPA is bold enough for hopheads yet accessible

Gather ’round with some buds and raise a pint (or three) at our critic’s choice for best brewery, Second Rodeo Brewing in the Stockyards.

On The Town

for those who don’t normally stray too far from Currs Laght, while the Oktoberfest is malty, bready, and clean. Beer is just part of the draw at this Mule Alley hotspot. With three live music acts a day and a menu that’s heavy on chicken wings, sammies, and scrumptious nachos, patrons can enjoyably start and end their galivanting at this sprawling beer garden and bar.

Comedy Club

Readers’ Choice: Four Day Weekend, 312 Houston St, Ste 7404, 817-226-4329

Critic’s Choice: Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub, 425 Commerce St, 817-877-5233

Looking for a fun date night idea or a fun weekend outing with your friends?

Hyena’s Comedy Night Club won’t gouge you on drink prices, and the comedic talent at this Sundance Square hotspot runs deep, from regional stalwarts to nationally renowned jokesters. Show up early and stay late. Before and after the big show, customers have access to two full bars, karaoke lounges, and pool tables.

Comedy Open-Mic Night

Readers’ Choice: Claws Out Comedy, @ClawsOutComedy

Critic’s Choice: Claws Out Comedy’s STFU Wednesdays, Twilite Lounge, 212 Lipscomb St, 817-720-5483

Though they now host a second openmic night, on Tuesdays at Funky Picnic Brewery, the unapologetically diverse Claws Out Comedy collective started their open-mic nights at Twilite Lounge, so we’ll go with the first location first. You’ll see a lot of newcomers sweating under the spotlight as they work their five-minute slots, but plenty of up-andcomers and seasoned vets also show up to sweat and woodshed their acts. What sets these comedy nights apart is that you feel like you’re watching a show run by pros — which you are!

Craft Cocktail (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Thompson’s Bookstore, 900 Houston St, 817-882-8003

Critic’s Choices: Recommending a cocktail is a challenge because everyone’s palate is different. One man’s Mai Tai is another man’s Malört Sour, and bars that take their mixology seriously have expansive menus of balanced, delicious drinks, so picking the best is almost like putting their names in a hat. Nevertheless, some of our favorites are the following.

The mezcal-fueled From Dusk Till Dawn (also with espresso, ginger, ancho chile-mole, and bitters) at Thompson’s Bookstore is as wild and smoky as its

namesake midnight movie. … If your vibe is more Christopher Cross than Robert Rodriguez, however, sip on a Sand & Sea from The Usual (1408 W Magnolia Av, 817-810-0114) — the drink’s silky orgeat sweetness is balanced with lemon juice and floral notes from the Dimmi and gin. And speaking of gin, the mix-andmatch gin and tonic menu at Blackland Distillery (2626 Weisenberger St, 682268-5333) is a fun way to find out what your favorite aromatic is. Then there’s the Hi Hat at Sugarman’s (Hotel Revel, 1165 8th Av, Ste 137, 817-886-4141)

the melange of dark rum, sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lime juice is a funky jam session that lives up to the legendary blues bar it’s named after. Finally, should

you go to Proper (409 W Magnolia Av, 817-984-1133) and get pleasantly lost in their regularly rotating menu of themed drinks and classic concoctions, break your decision paralysis with the traditional absinthe service.

Dance Club

Readers’ Choice: Studio 80, 500 Taylor St, 817-332-4833

Critic’s Choice: Curfew Bar, 350 W 5th St, 817-725-7534

Curfew is the epicenter of Fort Worth’s dance music scene, throwing dance parties at least four nights a week, starting every Monday night with Meet

On The Town

Me Underground, the weekly deep house banger. From disco and throwback hiphop to Top 40 hits, Curfew’s rotating cast of DJs will make sure your night is pumped full of high-energy fun.

Distillery

Readers’ Choice: Blackland Distilling, 2616 Weisenberger St, 682-268-5333

Critic’s Choice: Blackland Distillery Fort Worthian Markus Kypreos established a high standard when he founded his Foundry District-based distillery in 2018. He invested heavily in it and paired his spirits operation with one of the swankiest tasting rooms in the region. Every batch of bourbon, whiskey, and gin is fermented using locally sourced grain through a partnership with Fort Worth-based TexMalt. Local grains matter because North Texas is home to rich Blackland Prairie soil that imbues every sip of Kypreos’ fine liquor with the land’s terroir. Local bars and cocktail lounges are catching on and stocking Blackland spirits for a growing base of fans who are snatching up the distillery’s bottles as fast as Kypreos and distiller Ezra Cox can produce them.

Dog-Friendly Patio

Readers’ Choice: MUTTS Canine Cantina, 5317 Clearfork Main St, 817-377-0151

Critic’s Choice: Caves Lounge, 900 W Division St, 817-460-5510

All doggos are welcome at Caves while on a leash and accompanied by their owners at all times on the back patio. Speaking of said patio, it’s decorated with fun art pieces and has comfy seating. Caves is great anytime, but if you’ve never been, because it’s a 20-minute drive from downtown, bringing along Fido might be a great way to get in with the hip regulars.

Drag Show

Readers’ Choice: Drag-With-Me! The Show, @DragWithMe.TheShow

Critic’s Choice: 1851 Club, 931 W Division St, 817-642-5554

Friday and Saturday nights are hoppin’ at 1851 Club, Arlington’s only gay retreat. Grab a Ms. Sherry (vodka, orange juice, lemonade) or an 1851 (Tennessee Apple, ginger ale, cranberry juice) and mosey up to the front of the main stage. Owner Dalton Haynes is always on hand to greet guests before, during, and after the lively shows. Haynes bought the venue in early 2021 and has invested in revamping the interior and upgrading the sound and lighting systems. The results deliver an ideal space for drag queen stalwarts like Kolby Jack Davenport and Rochelle Roulette to literally bend over backward for your entertainment (and spare dollar bills).

It’s ultra-slick, it’s swanky, it’s … on the Near Southside? Critic’s choice for best hotel bar, Hotel Revel’s speakeasy Sugarman’s is down to earth and makes for a great escape.

Happy Hour

Readers’ Choice: The Abbey Pub, 2710 W 7th St, 817-810-9930

Critic’s Choice: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 3100 W 7th St, 817-336-8000

Sometimes we aren’t feeling a PBR pounder and smokes. Sometimes we want a sophisticated Old Fashioned and two succulent, melt-in-your-mouth center-cut filet mignon sliders (with blue cheese and onion jam) or some black truffle tartare (hand-chopped filet with Grana Padano and toasted baguettes). Sometimes after work we just wanna chill at Eddie V’s. The Cultural District staple is pretty tricky, because as soon as happy hour is about to end (6:30pm from 4pm Sun-Thu), the jazz musos pile in and begin warming up. Uh, barkeep. I’ll have another.

Hotel Bar

Readers’ Choice: The Lobby Bar, Hotel Dryce, 3621 Byers Av, 817-330-9886

Critic’s Choice: Sugarman’s, Hotel Revel, 1165 8th Av, 817-928-3688

Let’s face it. Hotels gonna hotel, and no matter where you put them, they’re going to emit a certain level of swank. Now, you would think the refined classiness of Hotel Revel’s speakeasy would be at odds with its gritty, hip Near Southside environs, but thanks to the bartenders and the regulars — and the perfectly whipped-up, shaken, and/or stirred cocktails — Sugarman’s fits quite nicely.

Karaoke Night

Readers’ Choice: The Boiled Owl Tavern, 909 W Magnolia Av, @TheBoiledOwlTavern

Late-Night Food

Readers’ Choice: Ol’ South Pancake House, 509 S University Dr, 817-336-0311

Critic’s Choice: Nickel City,

On The Town

St, Ste 100, @NickelCityFWTX

If you haven’t had a Nickel City slider, you’re in luck, because these magically delicious mini-burgers are available every night until 1:30am, along with other barsnack favorites like Coney Dogs, fried cheese curds, pizza logs, tots, wings, and even a fried bologna sandwich. The South Main bar-bar’s food truck is a reliable dispensary of the perfect grub to pad a night of drinking, and Nickel City’s latenight last call will save you from waiting in that interminable 2am drive-thru queue.

LBGTQ+ Bar

Readers’ Choice: (tie) Liberty Lounge, 515 S Jennings Av, @Liberty.Lounge. FW • Urban Cowboy Saloon, 2620 E Lancaster Av, 682-707-5663

Critic’s Choice: Liberty Lounge Jenna Hill-Higgs opened Liberty Lounge in 2020 with the aim of offering the Near Southside community a watering hole where locals could rest, unwind, and feel comfortable and safe. With a U.S. Supreme Court hellbent on turning back the clock on progress and state leaders openly attacking and undeservedly vilifying members of the LGBTQ+ community, these are dark days. Hill-Higgs, a.k.a. #BigLoveJenna, openly supports progressive causes by hosting events and fundraisers that aim to peacefully subvert bigotry in all its form. The bar owner is that rare soul who is empathetic with everyone’s journey. She also knows how to sling some of the stiffest drinks in town.

Margarita (Top 5)

Readers’ Choice: Mesquite Pit, 1201 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, 817-596-7046

Critic’s Choices: Any self-respecting person from around these parts will argue all day long about this or that place being the best Mexican restaurant in the city, but everyone will agree that sipping a margarita on the lovely patio at Joe T. Garcia’s (2201 N Commerce St, 817-6264356) is peak Fort Worth and a must-do for visitors. With its large central fountain and plethora of well-cared for plants (even in summer), the patio has to be a good 15 degrees cooler than anywhere else in town. And the margarita menu hits all the highlights, from house to top shelf. So get sippin’. … Picture this: Sitting on the rooftop patio, gazing down at Sundance Square, glancing up at all the other tall skyscrapers, sipping on a Billionaire Margarita made with tippity-top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier to justify its $50 price tag. Reata (310 Houston St, 817336-1009) delivers on luxury moments like this. Feeling less spendy? The Margarita Fresca may be less memorable but is still pretty dang tasty. Reata uses lime and simple syrup, not mixes, in all of their margaritas for that fresh, tangy flavor. … Skeptical that an izakaya can

have one of the best margaritas in town?

Well, Shinjuku Station (711 W Magnolia Av, 817-923-2695) won’t let you down.

Sure, their version won’t impress purists, but set aside those notions and order the Shinjuku-rita. The citrus-forward sipper is a mix of tequila with freshly squeezed orange juice, yuzu, and agave nectar instead of orange liqueur, lime, and sugar.

The result? A bright, distinctive drink that pairs exceptionally well with the small plate menu. … Do the margaritas at Taco Heads (1812 Montgomery St, 817-662-4064; 2349 N Main St, 817-420-6299) live up to their

“Best in Texas” claim? Impossible to know for sure, but they are definitely among the best in Fort Worth. Go for one on the rocks

Winning both readers’ and critic’s choices for best LBGTQ+ Bar, Liberty Lounge on the Near Southside defines what it means to be inclusive and safe and to fight against all the hate.

On The Town

if you want, but the taco joint has nailed down the perfect creamy, slushy texture for frozen versions. Both locations have cute patios, and make sure to check out the $5 margarita Monday special to chase away any back-to-work blues. … The key to a good margarita? Good ingredients and good ambience to soak up along with the tequila. Sweet little Tinie’s (113 S Main St, 682-255-5425) has high marks on both.

For the house margarita, available both frozen and on the rocks, the bartenders use a housemade citrus syrup for a little extra pizazz. It’s a great margarita — fresh, bright, and potent. But why not try one

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A L E S @ T R I D E N T R E S T A U R A N T G R O U P . C O M

of the many variations, like the Ay Papi, featuring orange and mole bitters? If you’re really feeling yourself, Tinie’s has an extensive list of specialty hard-to-find tequilas and mezcal.

Martini

Readers’ Choice: Lucille’s Stateside Bistro, 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd, 817-738-4761

Critic’s Choice: T&P Tavern, 221 W Lancaster Av, Ste 1000, 817-885-8878 Choose from a plethora of train-themed ’tinis here. For purists, enjoy the Station Master, your preferred level of dusky and a couple of olives. For fans of Sex and the City, the T&P version of the Cosmo is the Train Whistle, with citrus liqueur,

lime, and cranberry. The Conductor is also Cosmo-like with gin, simple syrup, rosewater, and cranberry. We’re not sure what to make of the sweet, frothy Lunar White (with vanilla vodka, coconut rum, amaretto, and cream) or the whiskeyand-cola-based Engine Engine No. 7, which the menu calls a “man-tini.” But what’s better than drinking a martini in Fort Worth’s only 1930s-era rail station pub? Answer: drinking one on Mondays when they’re only $5 apiece all day.

Mixologists

Readers’ Choice: Victoria Foster and Zak Reynolds, Refinery 714, Kimpton

Harper Hotel, 714 Main St, 817- 332-7200

Critic’s Choice: Julian Weddington, Fixe Southern House, 5282 Marathon Av, 682-707-3965

Even after almost five years, the bar at Clearfork’s Fixe is still one of the best-kept secrets in town, but for those in the know, chances are you’ve seen Julian working his magic. The head bartender/mixologist has been serving up cocktails both classic and inventive since the place opened. More than that, you may have had a conversation with him about anything from rare whiskeys to movies and music to motorcycles. Julian is a master of his craft whether he’s serving you a spectacular classic martini, a modern take on a whiskey sour, or something he invented on the spot for you indecisive and/or adventurous drinkers.

continued on page 68

Patios (Top Five)

Readers’ Choice: Joe T. Garcia’s, 2201 N Commerce St, 817-626-4356

Critic’s Choices: At Atico (2315 N Main St, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, 682-255-5112), the tapas are good and the views even better — the restaurant is nestled atop the tall, dark, and handsome SpringHill Suites in the Stockyards. … Situated high on the Frost Tower downtown, Branch & Bird (640 Taylor St, 682-785-8888) offers a splendid view of Sundance Square and environs while serving up quality cocktails and often live music. … Lot 12 (2512 W Berry St, 817353-2344) isn’t downtown, but the sunset over the TCU area sure looks amazing from both the covered and uncovered patio areas. This space is always busy during TCU away games (and sometimes during the home tilts, too). … Press Café (4801 Edwards Ranch Rd, 817-5706002) has an official patio to the side of the restaurant, but there’s a large space with fire pits and relatively comfortable seating where you can have a drink while you’re waiting for your table (especially if you were unwise and did not make reservations). … For the next 18 months or so at least, you’ll be able to enjoy the three glorious rooftop patios at Reata Restaurant (310 Houston St, 817-3361009). Disputes with property managers in Sundance Square have sent the ownership looking elsewhere for space. It’s impossible to think of Fort Worth without this landmark rooftop patio.

Restaurant Bar

Readers’ Choice: Mesquite Pit, 1201 Fort Worth Hwy, Weatherford, 817-596-7046

Critic’s Choice: Jane, 1151 E Southlake Blvd, Southlake, 817-424-JANE

The creative cocktails are good enough to upstage the food at this upscale bistro. The drink menu rotates with the seasons, but regardless of the time of year, you can find well-judged blends of flavors in Jane’s margaritas, martinis, mules, and nonalcoholic drinks. If you’re not in a playful mood and just want a straight chardonnay or malbec, the wine selection can accommodate you, too. That’s worth raising a glass to.

Shot List

Readers’ Choice: The Shot Cellar, 931 Foch St, 817-386-3561

Critic’s Choice: The Shot Cellar With more than 300 shots to choose from, you can’t go wrong at The Shot Cellar. West 7th revelers know that the best place to pregame, mid-game, or top off a fun night out is here. Try the, um, Lactating Cowboy (Jack Daniels, milk) or a classic Lemon Drop (vodka, sugar,

lemon juice). Whatever your liquor of choice, the bartenders at this popular bar can fix you up with a 2-ounce libation that goes down easy. #DrinkResponsibly

Sports Bar

Readers’ Choice: Buffalo Bros, 3015 S University Dr, 817-386-9601

Critic’s Choice: Flips, 6613 Fossil Bluff Dr, 817-847-4424

This venerable cavern near Alliance is the best for dining on top-quality pub fare and imbibing reasonably priced suds and cocktails while taking in pretty much every sport on the planet at the same time — there are more TVs here than at every Best Buy in town put together. The staff is friendly and professional, so if you’re looking for fit young servers in thongs and tight tops, go elsewhere. Disclaimer: The facts that Flips transforms into a Steelers-watching spot on Sundays and our Pittsburgher editor lives nearby have nothing to do with this selection.

#HereWeGo

Strong Drinks

Critic’s Choice: Tarantula Tiki Lounge, 117 S Main St, 817-920-9616

And we mean this in the nicest way possible. As booze enthusiasts, if we’re paying in the $12-14 range for a craft cocktail (which seems to be the average in this town), we’re going to want our money’s worth, and not only does Tarantula check that box, the dark, colorfully lit, groovy, Polynesianthemed retreat keeps flavor Priority No. 1. In every drink. Whether it’s an old standard like a Mai Tai, Painkiller, Zombie, or daquiri or an original devised by Tarantula’s mixologists, like the Black Flamingo (coffee, rum, banana, Macadamia, pineapple, lemon, bitters) and the Pink Pearl Diver (Guyanese rum, vanilla, vodka, wild cherry guava, lemon, house-made cinnamon syrup), the alcohol never overpowers your taste buds. We all need to be able to appreciate the art of blending so many ingredients and making them taste divine. Cheers, Tarantula.

Wine Bar

Readers’ Choice: The Holly, 305 W Daggett Av, Ste 101, 817-420-6446

Critic’s Choice: Thirty Eight & Vine, 212 Carroll St, Ste 130, 682-703-1887

Dessert wines are so hard to find even in the places that supposedly specialize in wine, so cheers to this elegant Foundry District hangout for offering Tokaji, moscato (the good stuff, not the supermarket swill that passes for dessert wine), and Japanese umeshu. If your tastes don’t run sweet, you can still find exotic numbers like Spanish txakolina and Greek assyrtiko, rosés that can redeem that wine’s good name, and even some local craft beer. Tarrant County has no shortage of wine bars, but this place is unique enough to stand out.

Smart

Music Awards season is back.

As part of Best Of 2022, we invited you to help us in the nomination phase by writing in your top picks in some select music categories. The Top 5 in each category are now the nominees for Music Awards 2022. The Music Awards ballot will be live Mon, Oct 10, thru Sun, Nov 20, at FWWeekly.com. Then, stay tuned for details about the festival (#MAF22) and awards ceremony.

Rock Artist

Celestíal L’Amour

Jaybirds

Novakain

Royal Sons

Uncle Toasty

Vocalist

Sammy Kidd, Mean Motor Scooter

Celestíal L’Amour

Blake Parish, Royal Sons

Nick Tittle, Arenda Light

JP Walsh, Jaybirds

Celestíal

RIDGLEA

Guitarist

Rowdy Carter, Arenda Light

Kyle Kain, Novakain

Sammy Kid, Uncle Toasty

Darrin Kobetich

Matt Tedder

Rap/R&B Artist

88 Killa Lil Sick

Lou Charle$

Sagemode Wrex

YMG Yolo

Drummer

John Bereuter, Novakain

Jeffrey Chase Friedman, Mean Motor

Scooter

Matt Mabe, Arenda Light

Connor Mullen, Jaybirds

Mike Surdel, Uncle Toasty

Country Artist

Summer Dean

Jesse Jennings

Cody Jinks

Joe Savage

Squeezebox Bandits

DJ

DJ CV Fields (Connor Fields)

DJ Databass

DJ Dogstyle (Michael Sherman)

DJ Reckless1 (Ross Cardona)

DJ Technic (Ryan Cerda)

Folk Artist

Jacob Furr

Charles Gabby

Mandy Hand

Keegan McInroe

Cameron Smith

Bassist

Josh Brantley, Jaybirds

Panda Cuenca, Phantomelo

Dylan Kain, Novakain

Dustin Schneider, Spectacle; Uncle

Toasty

Joe Tacke, Mean Motor Scooter

Blues Artist

James Hinkle

JZ & Dirty Pool

Michael Lee

Holland K. Smith

Buddy Whittington

Keyboardist

Rick Fulton, Cortez

Steve Hammond, Chet Stevens Band

Justin Pate, JZ & Dirty Pool

Chris Watson, Retrophonics

Eric Webb, Cut Throat Finches

Sounds of the City

Music Lessons

Open-Mic Night

Album

Let

Tribute Artist

Music Store

Song

Venue

Lola’s

Joe Savage

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Copyright Notice: All rights reserved re common-law copyright of trade-name/trade-mark, AARON EUGENE HILL© as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said trade-name/trade- mark, Common Law Copyright©1997 by Aaron Eugene Hill©. Said common-law trade-, name/trade- mark, AARON EUGENE HILL© may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgement of Aaron Eugene Hill© as signified by the red-link signature of Aaron Eugene Hill© hereinafter “Secured Party.”

With the intent of being contractually bond any juristic person, as well as the agent of said juristic person, consents and agrees by this Copyright Notice that neither said juristic person nor the agent of said juristic person, shall display, nor otherwise use in any manner the common-law trade-name/trade- mark AARON EUGENE HILL© nor the common-law copyright described herein, nor any derivative of any variation in the spelling of AARON EUGENE HILL© without the prior, express written consent and acknowledgment of the Secured Party, as signified by Secured Party’s signature in red ink Secured Party neither grants nor implies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of AARON EUGENE HILL© and all such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited, Secured Party is not now nor has ever been an accommodation party, nor a surety, for the purported debtor, i.e. “AARON EUGENE HILL,” nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of said name nor for any other juristic person, and is so indemnified and held harmless by Debtor, i.e., “AARON EUGENE HILL” in Hold-Harmless Indemnity Agreement No. AEH-062097-HHIA dated the Twentieth Day of the Sixth Month in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Seven against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, cost, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interest, and expenses whatsoever both absolute and contingent as are due and as might become due now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on and incurred by Debtor for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self- executing Contract/Security Agreement in even of Unauthorized Use: By this Copyright Notice, both the juristic person and the agent of said juristic person hereinafter jointly and severally “User” consent and agree that any use of AARON EUGENE HILL© other than authorized use as set forth above constitutes unauthorized use of counterfeiting of Secured Party’s common-law copyrighted property, contractually binds User renders this Copyright Notice a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Aaron Eugene Hill© is Secured Party, and signifies that User.(1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of User’s interest in assets, land, and personal property in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of the common-law-copyrighted tradename/trade-mark AARON EUGENE HILL©, as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, AARON EUGENE HILL©, plus cost, plus triple damages;(2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User pledges all of User’s assets, land, consumer goods, farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, chattel paper, instrument, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all User’s interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as collateral for securing User’s contractual obligation in favor of Secured Party for User’s unauthorized use of Secured Party’s common-law-copyrighted property;(3) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filling of a UCC Financing Statement in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office, wherein User is debtor and Aaron Eugene Hill© is Secured Party(4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph “(3)” is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filling of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Party’ perfected security interest in all of User’s property and interest in property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph “(2),” until User’s contractual obligation theretofore incurred has been fully satisfied;(5) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filingling of any UCC Financing Statement, as described above in paragraph “(2)” in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs “(4)” and “(5)” above are not, and may

and

appoints

under

by, authentication

days of the date User is

by User within ten(10) days of

in above in paragraph “(2),” immediately

this “Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use,” that Secured Party, again In Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms for Curing Default: Upon event of default, as set forth above under “Default Terms,” irrespective of any and all of User’s former property and interest in property, described above in paragraph “(2)” in the possession of, as well as disposed of by, Secured Party, as authorized above under “Default Terms,” User may cure User’s

that is

under “Terms for Curing Default”

formerly pledged as collateral by User, now

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