Guide to Fort Worth Stockyards: Western history, fine dining, music and cattle drives

Brayden Garcia
·4 min read

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For many, their first and main reason for coming to Fort Worth is to visit the historic Stockyards.

Between 1866 and 1890, drovers moved over four million cattle through Fort Worth giving the city its nickname: Cowtown. By 1876, the Texas and Pacific Railway had arrived and Fort Worth became a major destination for shipping livestock.

Over a decade later in 1887, business leaders built the Union Stockyards to keep up with the influx of livestock. However, after a few years of diminishing funds, Boston capitalist Greenleif W. Simpson visited the area giving many locals hope he would invest.

Simpson did invest, buying the property and changing the name from the Union Stockyards to the Fort Worth Stockyards Company in 1893. Although there has been many ownership changes since, the Fort Worth Stockyards name stuck.

While millions of cattle no longer are herded through the area every year, the Stockyards remains synonymous with Cowtown. Drovers still to this day, conduct two daily cattle drives down the heart of the Stockyards for show.

Visitors flood East Exchange Avenue near Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stock Yards on Friday, December 10, 2021.
Visitors flood East Exchange Avenue near Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stock Yards on Friday, December 10, 2021.

Where is the Fort Worth Stockyards?

The Stockyards is roughly border by 23rd, Houston, and 28th Streets and the railroads — a stone’s throw from downtown. It is 98 acres of Texas culture and history with Mission and Spanish revival architecture dominating the styles of the buildings.

Activities at the Fort Worth Stockyards

  • Billy Bob’s Texas — (2520 Rodeo Plaza) The iconic concert venue has hosted a plethora of country music greats over the years and continues to be a popular weekend draw.

  • Stockyards Station — (140 E Exchange Ave.) This destination is home to over 20 shops, from food to boots, and sits right in the heart of the Stockyards.

  • Mule Alley — This is a collection of shops and restaurants, all anchored by the Hotel Drover.

  • Stockyards Museum — (131 E Exchange Ave.) The museum is home to numerous artifacts and history on the origin of both the Stockyards and Fort Worth.

  • Fort Worth Herd — This twice daily cattle drive sees herd members move animals through the Stockyards just like it was over 100 years ago.

  • Hotel Drover — (200 Mule Alley) This luxury hotel is located within Mule Alley and in walking distance of everything the Stockyards has to offer.

  • Downtown Cowtown at The Isis — (2401 N Main St.) This newly restored movie theater lets its audience choose movies everyday and hosts events on weekends.

  • Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall — (122 E Exchange Ave. Suite 200) Along with being Fort Worth’s newest concert venue, Tannahill’s has plenty of food and drink.

  • Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame — (2515 Rodeo Plaza) The hall showcases the cowboys who have made an impact on the western lifestyle.

The opening of the Hotel Drover, at 200 Mule Alley, and new attractions in the Stockyards made north Fort Worth a regional tourist and shopping attraction.
The opening of the Hotel Drover, at 200 Mule Alley, and new attractions in the Stockyards made north Fort Worth a regional tourist and shopping attraction.

What to eat and where to drink at the Stockyards

  • Joe T. Garcia’s — (2201 N Commerce St.) This is a Fort Worth Tex-Mex restaurant serving fajitas and margaritas in casual, sprawling digs with a patio.

  • Riscky’s Bar-B-Q — (140 E Exchange Ave. #101) Riscky’s Bar-B-Q has been around for over 90 years serving up the finest in mouth-watering ribs, BBQ sandwiches and chicken.

  • Cattlemen’s Steakhouse — (2458 North Main St.) Cattlemen’s has been serving quality cuts of meat along with other fine menu items for lunch and dinner with a friendly smile in an authentic western environment.

  • Second Rodeo Brewing — (122 E Exchange Ave. #340) A sprawling brewhouse offering a diverse selection of beer and generous plates of chicken wings and french fries.

  • Lonesome Dove, Western Bistro — (2406 N Main St.) Innovative Southwestern fare dished out in an elegant setting accented with cowboy-themed decor.

  • The Basement Bar — (105 W Exchange Ave.) Dark, intimate beer joint beneath the Stockyards with live entertainment, DJs and dancing.

  • Hooker’s Grill — (213 W Exchange Ave.) A take-out window in a colorful building with outdoor tables, known for burgers & classic sides.

  • White Elephant Saloon — (106 E Exchange Ave.) A circa 19th century watering hole with Wild West decor, regular live music and a dance floor.

  • Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que — (301 Stockyards Blvd.) Classic BBQ joint with picnic table seats serving brisket, ribs & more pulled straight from the pit.

How to get around

  • Trinity Metro — is a regional transportation system serving Tarrant County. It includes buses, trains and targeted commuter transportation.

  • The Stockyards is very walkable neighborhood.