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The Eater Fort Worth Heatmap: January 2014

by Malcolm Mayhew Jan 9, 2014, 6:00am CST

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by Malcolm Mayhew Jan 9, 2014, 6:00am CST

Welcome to the very first 2014 edition of the Eater Fort Worth Heatmap, in which you ask "Where should I eat right this second?" and we reply, "Funny you should ask..."

This time, there's an unintentional theme: birds. We have Shannon Wynne's long-awaited new downtown venture, Bird Cafe; Tim Love's Lonesome Dove, recently refeathered after a fire; Clay Pigeon Food & Drink, taking flight in the old Pedro's Trailer Park/Lambert's spot; and Sera Dining and Wine and the just-opened Velvet Taco, which just had to ruin our theme.

Fort Worth Heatmap History

Winter 2013-14
Added: Sera Dining and Wine, Clay Pigeon Food & Drink, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Bird Cafe, Velvet Taco
Removed: Salsa Limon, Max's Wine Dive, Sol de Luna, Pacific Table

Fall 2013
Added: Bearded Lady, Billy's Oak Acres Barbecue, Little Red Wasp, Max's Wine Dive, Sol de Luna
Removed: Campisi's, Elote Mexican Kitchen, Magnolia Cheese Co., Red Door Bistro, Waters Coastal Cuisine

Summer 2013
Added: BBQ on the Brazos, Elote Mexican Kitchen, Salsa Limon, Pacific Table
Removed: Clearfork Food Park, Lee's Grilled Cheese, Ryan's Fine Grocer & Deli

Spring 2013
Added: Waters, Enchiladas Ole, Red Door Bistro, Campisi's
Removed: Torchy's Tacos, Reservoir, Fred's Texas Cafe

— Malcolm Mayhew & Whitney Filloon

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. BBQ on Brazos

9001 U.S. 377
Cresson, TX 76035

817-396-4758

Visit Website

Longtime North Texas barbecuer/chef John Sanford is serving dynamite barbecue out of a gas station in Cresson. Crusty brisket and snappy beef sausage are terrific, but load up on the sides, too, like the cilantro slaw and sweet 'n messy cornbread salad.

Open in Google Maps

2. The Bearded Lady

1229 7th Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104

(817) 938-2713

Visit Website

Recently opened on the Near Southside in a beautifully restored 1920s home, a craft beer pub whose food is made with, what else, craft beer. A good choice: beer-battered cactus, made with craft beer. And don't forget to order a craft beer!

Open in Google Maps

3. Billy's Oak Acres BBQ

1700 North Las Vegas Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76108

Visit Website

Long-standing rustic cue joint recently taken over by ex-Grady Spears cook Billy Woodrich, who smokes ribs, brisket and sausage over pecan in a 50-year-old pit. Desserts come courtesy of another Spears expatriate, Susan Eddins; her buttermilk pie will out-mom your mom’s.

Open in Google Maps

4. Bird Cafe

155 W. 4th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 332-2473

Visit Website

Shannon Wynne strikes again, reopening downtown’s historic Land Title Block building (once home to his Flying Saucer) with an outdoor deck and bird-theme artwork. Imported from Meddlesome Moth, the menu includes mussels in coconut milk, crispy duck wings and chicken skin crisps. Tons of beer options, too. [Photo: Jimmy Ngo/Eight-O Management]

Open in Google Maps

5. Clay Pigeon Food & Drink

2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX 76107

817-882-8065

Visit Website

Cozy little spurs-and-heels-friendly spot from former Neighborhood Services chef and Arlington native Marcus Paslay, housed in an old gas station. Rustic decor melds well with cheffy Texana menu, made up of wood-grilled steaks, housemade pastas and small plates like chicken liver pate. And if you pronounce it "pate," ain't no one gonna bat an eye.

Open in Google Maps

6. Enchiladas Olé

901 N Sylvania
Fort Worth, Tx 76111

Visit Website

First time at restaurant bat, and Mary Perez hits it out of the park with this little 'chilada dive. The food is more authentic than fancy, with an emphasis on sauces. Must tries: enmoladas, chicken enchiladas with verde sauce and old-school red enchiladas.

Open in Google Maps

7. Little Lilly Sushi

6100 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116

(817) 989-8886

Visit Website

Awarded four stars by the Dallas Morning News in 2013, this tiny west side Japanese resto is run by chef Jesus Garcia, whose menu changes more by his imagination than by season. Pray you’re there when he’s doing his duck and oyster okonomiyaki. Order a California roll, we don’t know you.

Open in Google Maps

8. Little Red Wasp

808 Main Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 877-3111

Visit Website

Outfitted with 'vette-red chairs to match the downtown resto's name, the more casual sibling of nearby fine dining palace Grace serves a mean $12 crispy chicken sandwich and an even meaner "Little Red Wasp" drink that does, in fact, sting.

Open in Google Maps

9. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

2406 N Main St
Fort Worth, TX 76164

(817) 740-8810

Visit Website

After a fire forced him to close it for two months, celebrity chef Tim Love relaunched his flagship restaurant touting new dishes and decor: an outdoor dining deck here, a squid-ink pasta there. Attention cheapskates: Dine at lunch, when prices are lower.

Open in Google Maps

10. Revolver Taco Lounge

2822 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, TX

Visit Website

Authentic Mex-Mex served in a classy, white tableclothed environment. Corn tortillas made in-house as you watch. On weekend nights, look for Revolver’s new sidewalk taquiza, a build-your-own-taco stand pushing $2 tacos.

Also Featured in:

11. Rodeo Goat Ice House

2836 Bledsoe St
Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 877-4628

Visit Website

The Wynne family (Flying Saucer, Meddlesome Moth) entered the burger biz with this West 7th b-joint, housed in an old candy factory. Clever toppings and housemade sauces are great but the real sweethearts of this Rodeo are the juicy patties, ground daily in-house. Killer patio and brews, too.

Open in Google Maps

12. Sera Dining & Wine

2418 Forest Park Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76110

817-927-7372

Visit Website

Long-running Sapristi! is reborn with a punctuation-free name, a Spanish/French-influenced tapas menu and a rambunctious bar scene. Try the crispy, French fry-ish pig ear frites and whole sardines doused in lemon aioli.

Open in Google Maps

13. Velvet Taco

2700 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 887-9810

Visit Website

Fort Worth desperately needs more good late-night dining options; this Dallas import is about as good and late-night as you can get. The veg-minded will dig the falalfel and fried paneer tacos, while animal eaters will put away the roast pork chilaquile taco and the rotisserie chicken and duck bacon-stuffed Roti BLT. No meal shall be complete without the tater tots, topped with goat cheese and an egg. Open til 4am Fri-Sat.

Open in Google Maps

14. Woodshed Smokehouse

3201 Riverfront Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 740-8835

Visit Website

Tim Love's ode to campfire cooking remains one of the top tables in the city, and it's not just barbecue: There's also rib meat tamales, smoked Brussels sprouts and even a bowl of so-hot-right now ramen, done Tim's way with bone broth, pulled pork and quail egg.

Open in Google Maps

15. BBQ on Brazos

9001 U.S. 377
Cresson, TX 76035

817-396-4758

Visit Website

Longtime North Texas barbecuer/chef John Sanford is serving dynamite barbecue out of a gas station in Cresson. Crusty brisket and snappy beef sausage are terrific, but load up on the sides, too, like the cilantro slaw and sweet 'n messy cornbread salad.

Open in Google Maps

16. The Bearded Lady

1229 7th Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104

(817) 938-2713

Visit Website

Recently opened on the Near Southside in a beautifully restored 1920s home, a craft beer pub whose food is made with, what else, craft beer. A good choice: beer-battered cactus, made with craft beer. And don't forget to order a craft beer!

Open in Google Maps

17. Billy's Oak Acres BBQ

1700 North Las Vegas Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76108

Visit Website

Long-standing rustic cue joint recently taken over by ex-Grady Spears cook Billy Woodrich, who smokes ribs, brisket and sausage over pecan in a 50-year-old pit. Desserts come courtesy of another Spears expatriate, Susan Eddins; her buttermilk pie will out-mom your mom’s.

Open in Google Maps

18. Bird Cafe

155 W. 4th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 332-2473

Visit Website

Shannon Wynne strikes again, reopening downtown’s historic Land Title Block building (once home to his Flying Saucer) with an outdoor deck and bird-theme artwork. Imported from Meddlesome Moth, the menu includes mussels in coconut milk, crispy duck wings and chicken skin crisps. Tons of beer options, too. [Photo: Jimmy Ngo/Eight-O Management]

Open in Google Maps

19. Clay Pigeon Food & Drink

2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX 76107

817-882-8065

Visit Website

Cozy little spurs-and-heels-friendly spot from former Neighborhood Services chef and Arlington native Marcus Paslay, housed in an old gas station. Rustic decor melds well with cheffy Texana menu, made up of wood-grilled steaks, housemade pastas and small plates like chicken liver pate. And if you pronounce it "pate," ain't no one gonna bat an eye.

Open in Google Maps

20. Enchiladas Olé

901 N Sylvania
Fort Worth, Tx 76111

Visit Website

First time at restaurant bat, and Mary Perez hits it out of the park with this little 'chilada dive. The food is more authentic than fancy, with an emphasis on sauces. Must tries: enmoladas, chicken enchiladas with verde sauce and old-school red enchiladas.

Open in Google Maps

21. Little Lilly Sushi

6100 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116

(817) 989-8886

Visit Website

Awarded four stars by the Dallas Morning News in 2013, this tiny west side Japanese resto is run by chef Jesus Garcia, whose menu changes more by his imagination than by season. Pray you’re there when he’s doing his duck and oyster okonomiyaki. Order a California roll, we don’t know you.

Open in Google Maps

22. Little Red Wasp

808 Main Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 877-3111

Visit Website

Outfitted with 'vette-red chairs to match the downtown resto's name, the more casual sibling of nearby fine dining palace Grace serves a mean $12 crispy chicken sandwich and an even meaner "Little Red Wasp" drink that does, in fact, sting.

Open in Google Maps

23. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

2406 N Main St
Fort Worth, TX 76164

(817) 740-8810

Visit Website

After a fire forced him to close it for two months, celebrity chef Tim Love relaunched his flagship restaurant touting new dishes and decor: an outdoor dining deck here, a squid-ink pasta there. Attention cheapskates: Dine at lunch, when prices are lower.

Open in Google Maps

24. Revolver Taco Lounge

2822 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, TX

Visit Website

Authentic Mex-Mex served in a classy, white tableclothed environment. Corn tortillas made in-house as you watch. On weekend nights, look for Revolver’s new sidewalk taquiza, a build-your-own-taco stand pushing $2 tacos.

Also Featured in:

25. Rodeo Goat Ice House

2836 Bledsoe St
Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 877-4628

Visit Website

The Wynne family (Flying Saucer, Meddlesome Moth) entered the burger biz with this West 7th b-joint, housed in an old candy factory. Clever toppings and housemade sauces are great but the real sweethearts of this Rodeo are the juicy patties, ground daily in-house. Killer patio and brews, too.

Open in Google Maps

26. Sera Dining & Wine

2418 Forest Park Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76110

817-927-7372

Visit Website

Long-running Sapristi! is reborn with a punctuation-free name, a Spanish/French-influenced tapas menu and a rambunctious bar scene. Try the crispy, French fry-ish pig ear frites and whole sardines doused in lemon aioli.

Open in Google Maps

27. Velvet Taco

2700 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 887-9810

Visit Website

Fort Worth desperately needs more good late-night dining options; this Dallas import is about as good and late-night as you can get. The veg-minded will dig the falalfel and fried paneer tacos, while animal eaters will put away the roast pork chilaquile taco and the rotisserie chicken and duck bacon-stuffed Roti BLT. No meal shall be complete without the tater tots, topped with goat cheese and an egg. Open til 4am Fri-Sat.

Open in Google Maps

28. Woodshed Smokehouse

3201 Riverfront Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76107

(817) 740-8835

Visit Website

Tim Love's ode to campfire cooking remains one of the top tables in the city, and it's not just barbecue: There's also rib meat tamales, smoked Brussels sprouts and even a bowl of so-hot-right now ramen, done Tim's way with bone broth, pulled pork and quail egg.

Open in Google Maps

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1. BBQ on Brazos

9001 U.S. 377, Cresson, TX 76035

Longtime North Texas barbecuer/chef John Sanford is serving dynamite barbecue out of a gas station in Cresson. Crusty brisket and snappy beef sausage are terrific, but load up on the sides, too, like the cilantro slaw and sweet 'n messy cornbread salad.

9001 U.S. 377
Cresson, TX 76035

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

2. The Bearded Lady

1229 7th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Recently opened on the Near Southside in a beautifully restored 1920s home, a craft beer pub whose food is made with, what else, craft beer. A good choice: beer-battered cactus, made with craft beer. And don't forget to order a craft beer!

1229 7th Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

3. Billy's Oak Acres BBQ

1700 North Las Vegas Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76108

Long-standing rustic cue joint recently taken over by ex-Grady Spears cook Billy Woodrich, who smokes ribs, brisket and sausage over pecan in a 50-year-old pit. Desserts come courtesy of another Spears expatriate, Susan Eddins; her buttermilk pie will out-mom your mom’s.

1700 North Las Vegas Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76108

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

4. Bird Cafe

155 W. 4th St., Fort Worth, TX 76102

Shannon Wynne strikes again, reopening downtown’s historic Land Title Block building (once home to his Flying Saucer) with an outdoor deck and bird-theme artwork. Imported from Meddlesome Moth, the menu includes mussels in coconut milk, crispy duck wings and chicken skin crisps. Tons of beer options, too. [Photo: Jimmy Ngo/Eight-O Management]

155 W. 4th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

5. Clay Pigeon Food & Drink

2731 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Cozy little spurs-and-heels-friendly spot from former Neighborhood Services chef and Arlington native Marcus Paslay, housed in an old gas station. Rustic decor melds well with cheffy Texana menu, made up of wood-grilled steaks, housemade pastas and small plates like chicken liver pate. And if you pronounce it "pate," ain't no one gonna bat an eye.

2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

6. Enchiladas Olé

901 N Sylvania, Fort Worth, Tx 76111

First time at restaurant bat, and Mary Perez hits it out of the park with this little 'chilada dive. The food is more authentic than fancy, with an emphasis on sauces. Must tries: enmoladas, chicken enchiladas with verde sauce and old-school red enchiladas.

901 N Sylvania
Fort Worth, Tx 76111

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

7. Little Lilly Sushi

6100 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116

Awarded four stars by the Dallas Morning News in 2013, this tiny west side Japanese resto is run by chef Jesus Garcia, whose menu changes more by his imagination than by season. Pray you’re there when he’s doing his duck and oyster okonomiyaki. Order a California roll, we don’t know you.

6100 Camp Bowie Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76116

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

8. Little Red Wasp

808 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Outfitted with 'vette-red chairs to match the downtown resto's name, the more casual sibling of nearby fine dining palace Grace serves a mean $12 crispy chicken sandwich and an even meaner "Little Red Wasp" drink that does, in fact, sting.

808 Main Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

9. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

2406 N Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76164

After a fire forced him to close it for two months, celebrity chef Tim Love relaunched his flagship restaurant touting new dishes and decor: an outdoor dining deck here, a squid-ink pasta there. Attention cheapskates: Dine at lunch, when prices are lower.

2406 N Main St
Fort Worth, TX 76164

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

10. Revolver Taco Lounge

2822 W. 7th St., Fort Worth, TX

Authentic Mex-Mex served in a classy, white tableclothed environment. Corn tortillas made in-house as you watch. On weekend nights, look for Revolver’s new sidewalk taquiza, a build-your-own-taco stand pushing $2 tacos.

2822 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, TX

Visit Website

11. Rodeo Goat Ice House

2836 Bledsoe St, Fort Worth, TX 76107

The Wynne family (Flying Saucer, Meddlesome Moth) entered the burger biz with this West 7th b-joint, housed in an old candy factory. Clever toppings and housemade sauces are great but the real sweethearts of this Rodeo are the juicy patties, ground daily in-house. Killer patio and brews, too.

2836 Bledsoe St
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

12. Sera Dining & Wine

2418 Forest Park Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76110

Long-running Sapristi! is reborn with a punctuation-free name, a Spanish/French-influenced tapas menu and a rambunctious bar scene. Try the crispy, French fry-ish pig ear frites and whole sardines doused in lemon aioli.

2418 Forest Park Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76110

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

13. Velvet Taco

2700 West 7th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Fort Worth desperately needs more good late-night dining options; this Dallas import is about as good and late-night as you can get. The veg-minded will dig the falalfel and fried paneer tacos, while animal eaters will put away the roast pork chilaquile taco and the rotisserie chicken and duck bacon-stuffed Roti BLT. No meal shall be complete without the tater tots, topped with goat cheese and an egg. Open til 4am Fri-Sat.

2700 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

14. Woodshed Smokehouse

3201 Riverfront Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Tim Love's ode to campfire cooking remains one of the top tables in the city, and it's not just barbecue: There's also rib meat tamales, smoked Brussels sprouts and even a bowl of so-hot-right now ramen, done Tim's way with bone broth, pulled pork and quail egg.

3201 Riverfront Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

15. BBQ on Brazos

9001 U.S. 377, Cresson, TX 76035

Longtime North Texas barbecuer/chef John Sanford is serving dynamite barbecue out of a gas station in Cresson. Crusty brisket and snappy beef sausage are terrific, but load up on the sides, too, like the cilantro slaw and sweet 'n messy cornbread salad.

9001 U.S. 377
Cresson, TX 76035

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

Related Maps

16. The Bearded Lady

1229 7th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Recently opened on the Near Southside in a beautifully restored 1920s home, a craft beer pub whose food is made with, what else, craft beer. A good choice: beer-battered cactus, made with craft beer. And don't forget to order a craft beer!

1229 7th Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

17. Billy's Oak Acres BBQ

1700 North Las Vegas Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76108

Long-standing rustic cue joint recently taken over by ex-Grady Spears cook Billy Woodrich, who smokes ribs, brisket and sausage over pecan in a 50-year-old pit. Desserts come courtesy of another Spears expatriate, Susan Eddins; her buttermilk pie will out-mom your mom’s.

1700 North Las Vegas Trail
Fort Worth, TX 76108

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

18. Bird Cafe

155 W. 4th St., Fort Worth, TX 76102

Shannon Wynne strikes again, reopening downtown’s historic Land Title Block building (once home to his Flying Saucer) with an outdoor deck and bird-theme artwork. Imported from Meddlesome Moth, the menu includes mussels in coconut milk, crispy duck wings and chicken skin crisps. Tons of beer options, too. [Photo: Jimmy Ngo/Eight-O Management]

155 W. 4th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

19. Clay Pigeon Food & Drink

2731 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Cozy little spurs-and-heels-friendly spot from former Neighborhood Services chef and Arlington native Marcus Paslay, housed in an old gas station. Rustic decor melds well with cheffy Texana menu, made up of wood-grilled steaks, housemade pastas and small plates like chicken liver pate. And if you pronounce it "pate," ain't no one gonna bat an eye.

2731 White Settlement Road
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

20. Enchiladas Olé

901 N Sylvania, Fort Worth, Tx 76111