Guide to downtown Fort Worth: What to see & do in this hub for business, culture and dining
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Downtown Fort Worth is the central hub for business, entertainment, dining and events in the city with a colorful history.
Downtown was once the spot of Fort Worth’s infamous Hell’s Half Acre — known for its brawling, gambling, cockfighting and horse racing — in the late 19th century. It was also where President John F. Kennedy spent his final night (at the Hilton Fort Worth) before his assassination in 1963.
In recent years, downtown has been the spot for seasonal events like the Main Street Arts Festival, the Fort Worth Parade of Lights and even music video locations, as seen in Kendrick Lamar’s “N95” music video.
At the heart of downtown Fort Worth is Sundance Square, comprised of 37 blocks that is home to some of the city’s premiere historical and cultural landmarks.
Suits and ties make up the daytime attire while the unofficial after hours dress code is often jeans, boots and cowboy hats.
Where is downtown Fort Worth located?
Downtown Fort Worth sits on about 4.5 acres bordered to the south by I-30, to the east by I-35W, to the west by Henderson Street and to the north by the West Fork of the Trinity River.
Activities in downtown Fort Worth
Bass Performance Hall — Performing arts venue and home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Cliburn.
Fort Worth Convention Center — Spans 14 city blocks of the Fort Worth’s central business district. It hosts conventions, conferences, corporate meetings, trade shows and other events.
Fort Worth Water Gardens — Sits adjacent to the convention center in the heart of downtown. It is an Urban park with water features and was featured in rapper-songwriter Kendrick Lamar’s ‘N95’ music video.
Sundance Square Plaza — “Think of it as a 55,000-square-foot living room: a place to hang out with friends, indulge your senses, and let your everyday worries disappear,” its website states. It is a multi-use space with fountains, large umbrellas, tables and stage.
What to eat
203 Cafe — (215 Commerce St.) Located on the second floor of the Fire Station No. 1 building between the Wells Fargo and Bank of America towers, the café offers fast-casual breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and catering to downtown businesses.
3rd Street Market — (425 W 3rd St) It has a sourdough bread bar alliteratively offers soups, spreads, sides, salads, and sourdough sandwiches for lunch. Then guests can shop the market for staples, local produce, wine, and beer
61 Osteria — (500 W 7th St.) Is an Italian restaurant by Chef Blaine Staniford. It has a diverse menu of Italian cuisine.
Ashim’s Hibachi Grill — (424 Taylor St.) This is a fast-casual hibachi-style restaurant offering rice bowls, sushi, and poke bowls. Ashim’s is a nice daytime walk from many of the downtown businesses, and the restaurant is open until 3 a.m. on weekends.
Bailey’s Barbecue — (826 Taylor St.) Serves up Texas BBQ right in downtown. Orders are served hot and fast in brown paper bags.
Bob’s Steakhouse and Chop House — (1300 Houston St.) Located on the first floor of the Omni Hotel, this restaurant serves up USDA prime cuts. Its menu features prime steaks and chops, fresh seafood, and cold-water lobster tails.
Istanbul Grill — (401 Throckmorton St.) This is where to find mouth-watering lentil soup, humus, falafel, lamb, and other delicious Mediterranean cuisines.
The Capital Grille — (800 Main St.) Sits on the ground floor of a 16-story tower at 115 W. Seventh St. — originally the Fort Worth National Bank building, then later occupied by Oncor. It serves dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and wines from around the world.
Chef’s Table at Sheraton Fort Worth — (1701 Commerce St.) This restaurant serves classic American cuisine with a Fort Worth twist. It is the perfect spot for relaxing after an event at the nearby convention center.
Cheesecake Factory — (455 Commerce St.) The Cheesecake Factory menu features more than 200 menu selections made in-house each day. Facing the north side of Bass Hall, The Cheesecake Factory is a great place to grab a bite to eat before a show.
Freshii — (354 W 5th St.) Freshii is a health-casual restaurant that serves a menu of breakfast, soups, salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, frozen yogurt, juices and smoothies.
Hoya Korean Restaurant — (355 W 3rd St.) Hoya Korean Kitchen is serving up slow-cooked authentic Korean cuisine. Whether its traditional bibimbap (a one-bowl wonder of everything on a spoon) or Korean barbecue.
Little Red Wasp — (808 Main St.) This kitchen serves up knife and fork sandwiches, tasty soups, fried chicken and doughnut holes for dessert. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday.
Mi Cocina — (509 Main St.) With style and sizzle, Mi Cocina delivers Tex-Mex favorites in a chic and cozy atmosphere.
Paco’s Mexican Cuisine and Cantina — (156 W. 4th St.) Francisco “Paco” Islas and his family bring their hometown feel to Fort Worth at Pacos Mexican Cuisine. Traditional dishes and ingredients from Pachuca, Hidalgo Mexico.
PF Chang’s China Bistro — (400 Throckmorton St.) The restaurant serves traditional Chinese food in a comfortable atmosphere with good service..
Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe — (318 Main St.) Its eclectic Cajun and bayou offerings is served with a whole lot of personality. Plus, their full service bar, outdoor dining, and friendly staff make Razoo’s a fun experience all around.
Risky’s Bar-B-Q — (300 Main St.) Riscky’s Bar-B-Q has been around for over 90 years serving up the finest in mouth-watering ribs, BBQ sandwiches and chicken.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House — (813 Main St.) A restaurant fit to celebrate a special milestone, entertaining clients, or simply enjoying a night out with friends and family. “Count on us to deliver to you the finest steaks, the best service, and a level of hospitality that has made Ruth’s Chris one of the most revered names in steak since Ruth Fertel opened our first restaurant in 1965,” according to its website.
Texas De Brazil — (101 N Houston St.) Serves authentic churrascaria that features a continuous dining experience and blends together the unique culture of Brazil with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area and extensive wine list.
Toro Toro — (200 Main St.) Toro Toro is a celebration of Latin American gastronomic culture that integrates fresh ingredients with techniques and flavors of the two richest cuisines in Latin America: Mexican and Peruvian.
Waters — (301 Main St.) This upscale seafood spot offers coastal cuisine from world-renowned, chef Jon Bonnell. Waters also offers a raw bar, steaks, vegetarian options, and daily specials from around the world.
Yolk — (305 Main St.) Yolk is known for generous portions, a unique and wide-ranging menu, specialty juices and a private label premium coffee.
Where to Drink
Acre Distilling — (1309 Calhoun St.) The Acre Distillery & Coffee House is planted firmly in what was once Fort Worth’s legendary Hell’s Half Acre, an area known for its gambling, alcohol and outlaws.
Buon Giorno Coffee — (500 W. 7th St., Suite 140) This coffee shop is the culmination of a dream, a love for coffee, and a desire to present a destination for people to meet.
Corrida Coffee — (200 Main St.) Located inside the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Corrida Coffee serves La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Downtown visitors and hotel guests are invited to enjoy their coffee in the hotel’s expansive lobby area.
Cowtown Brewing Co. — (1301 E. Belknap St.) Enjoy craft beers and barbecue inside the air-conditioned taproom or on the expansive outdoor deck featuring lively music and a family-friendly environment.
Flying Saucer Draught Experience — (111 E. 3rd St.) The Flying Saucer is Fort Worth’s favorite Downtown beer garden — serving more than 100 beers on tap with a stunning view of downtown’s lights from its patio.
Sons Coffee — (250 W. Lancaster Ave.) This cafe is spacious with large community tables, making it a great place for families, friends, and the business community to meet and hang out.
T&P Tavern — (221 W. Lancaster Ave221 W Lancaster Ave.) T&P Tavern is located on the southern edge of Downtown Fort Worth and features the largest covered patio in Fort Worth. Make sure to bring the pooch, the covered patio is pup friendly.
Vaquero Coffee Co. — (109 Houston St.) Located in the more-than-a-century-old Joe Daiches building, this coffee shop offers local coffee brews and bites with a cool atmosphere.
Whiskey and Rye — (1300 Houston St.) This neighborhood bar is located in the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
What to do
Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth) — Is a drive-in movie theater in the heart of Cowtown.
Panther Island Pavilion — This spot is a scenic outdoor venue on the Trinity River with the downtown Fort Worth skyline as a backdrop. It has multiple stages including the only waterfront stage in Texas and is home to the Panther Island Beach.
Harmon Field Park (1501 Martin Luther King Freeway) —This 97.5-acre park has a collection of playgrounds and picnic areas.
How to get around
Trinity Metro — is a regional transportation system serving Tarrant County. It includes buses, trains and targeted commuter transportation.
Molly The Trolley — Molly the Trolley is a quick and convenient way to travel around downtown Fort Worth. The Molly route travels from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square 7 days a week. Service runs 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Time between trolleys is approximately 15 minutes.
Fort Worth Bike Sharing — This program is operated with equipment by BCycle. The concept began at the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (now Trinity Metro), which received a grant from the Federal Transit Administration to help cover capital costs. Fort Worth Bike Sharing launched the system on Earth Day, April 22, 2013 and has stations across Downtown, the Cultural District, the Trinity Trails, the Stockyards, Near Southside, Near Eastside, and on the TCU campus.
