Welcome to Fort Worth

By Sophia Allen, Claire Beimel, Hope Crockett, Amelia Crowley, Justin DeSales, Ella Gonzales, Madi Marks, Skyler Thomas and Grace Zawadzki

Photo by Sophia Allen

Introduction

by Sophia Allen

Fort Worth is NOT a college town - but rather the "Modern West" dubbed by the city's website. Whether you know it by Cowtown or the College Football Championship - the 13th largest city in the US has something for everyone.

What's in a name?

by Skyler Thomas

When we think of the city of Fort Worth, many things probably come to mind. Historic landmarks like the Stockyards, delicious cuisine specific to Texas, and a city bustling with music and culture. Fort Worth's unique attributes have led it to being one of the most popular and largest cities in the west. And it has picked up some pretty cool nicknames along the way. Can you guess what they are?

Don't Dallas my Fort Worth

by Grace Zawadzki

Fort Worth is a Texas city close in proximity to Dallas, but stands alone with all it has to offer. With Dallas housing roughly 350,000 more people than Fort Worth, the people of this smaller city are hoping to keep it that way.

With the big city feel being reserved for Dallas, Fort Worth can continue to boast unique qualities like it’s quaint western charm, inviting community, and passionate Horned Frog culture. Innovation and industrialization are suffocating admirable cities like Fort Worth as financial powerhouses are attempting to streamline advancement.

The cultural enrichment and small-town experience that is gained from Fort Worth will be void with continued large-scale developments, making it just another big production city.

Note: The graphics contain posts from an anonymous chat site that restricts participants to be posting within the city's limits. Anyone in Fort Worth has access to post on this site. Here are some examples!

In proximity the two stand close, but Fort Worth stands alone.

A quaint community encapsulated by what it means to be a Texan.

Where the west begins.

Long lives the cowboy culture in the cobblestone streets of the stockyards.

A place with the true heart of a cowboy:

Strong, yet at ease,

Reserved, yet determined,

Small in relativity, yet mighty in hope.

Protected by the heart of it's people it continues to flourish.

Long live the nights spent two-stepping at Billy Bob’s.

A place with the true heart of a country beat:

Humble, yet impressive,

Intimate, yet lively,

Unique, yet charming.

The world’s largest honky-tonk with a twang so tender.

Long live the blissful feeling of a stroll through the Kimbell Art Museum and ones like it.

A piece of art that houses the same.

From Picasso to Matisse,

Colonial to cowboy.

Pieces to be seen by only the eyes of the nearby.

With vibrant greens it boasts beautiful botanical gardens and well kept suburbs.

A community where the neighbor is just over the white picket fence.

Charming.

A community where a family isn’t outgrown by innovation.

Aspiring.

A community enriched by a prestigious education and the color purple.

Encouraging.

In proximity the two stand close, but Fort Worth stands alone.

The good, the bad and the ugly

by Amelia Crowley

Every city has a history of something ugly, and in Fort Worth, it's police brutality and the internal racism that the system holds. Though, Fort Worth has made great strides in the right direction when it comes to keeping its population safe and ensuring everyone's voice has a chance to be heard.

The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor, or OPOM, was formed in 2020 and works to give the people of Fort Worth a platform when it comes to how officers treat them. The office is open to answering any questions civilians may have about filing a report, and is willing to help anyone do so by calling 817-392-6535 or emailing policeoversight@fortworthtexas.gov.

Fort Worth PD has also partnered with Operation Progress, which has one other chapter in L.A. The non-profit pairs officers with kids in hopes to be a potential mentor for them, or "father/mother figure," said Professor Johnny Nhan, board chairman of Operation Progress and Criminology Professor at TCU.

Ride along with Officer Jeffrey Tyler on April 12, 2023

Fort Worth's beloved small businesses

By Ella Gonzales

Brown Bag

Fort Worth is not considered a college town because there is more than just TCU, however, TCU does attract a great deal of college themed businesses. Brown Bag etc. has been an original business unique to Fort Worth since 1973. Their specialty is Greek Life merchandise. Brown Bag began on Pulido Street, moved to Hulen during Covid, went out of business, and then moved back to Pulido Street under new ownership.

What makes Brown Bag so unique is the small staff. Only three people run the business. The new owner, Rani Grandstaff and her husband hand deliver all the bid day bags to TCU on Bid Day. She said her whole team only has 24 hours to put together hundreds of bid day bags ordered by the student’s parents.

Not only does the small team tackle bid day all on their own but they also design, and paint everything themselves. Grandstaff designs while her team, the more artistic of the bunch, hand paints merchandise. If something is not homemade, the team partners with vendors.

Since Brown Bag does not own any of the sorority or fraternity names, logos, colors, or symbols, they have to get licensing approved to ensure no copyright issues are crossed. Brown Bag also ensures that 9.5% of profits made are given back to the sororities national organizations. This is what makes the business different from Etsy stores.

Brown Bag will soon be the only Greek Life store in North Texas. There is a similar store in Dallas but will be closing in a month for good. They have an online shop and a lot of traffic from people out of state.

The Original Mexican Restaurant

The Original Mexican restaurant is a Fort Worth favorite. However, they are fighting for their original location currently. As of now, the restaurant has three more months on Camp Bowie. “We are moving not closing.” The original announced to their customers.

Manager Tammy Holt said they are hoping their extension of time can turn into a permanent stay. The OG also has another location named, “The Original Del Norte” on Main St. however it is not the beloved Camp Bowie location.

Restaurant regulars have an attachment to the Camp Bowie location because it has been around since 1926. Some customers have grown up with this Tex-mex cuisine and consider employees to be their friends. The OG has generationally impacted many Fort Worth residents and a celebratory spot for special occasions.

“The Original is a weekly tradition in my household. We meet friends every Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for drinks and quality time together.” said Fort Worth resident, Pam Trenko.

The restaurant has an outdoor patio, bar, indoor seating and is child friendly. With all that combined, it is a place welcoming to everyone.

Apart from Fort Worth locals, TCU students also considers The OG to be a go to dinner spot.

“The OG is considered for any formal or birthday in my household. It’s a great place to get quality food and drinks for broke college students.” said Abby Hooper, a TCU student.

The Fort Worth community hopes to see their favorite Tex-mex spot stay open. The restaurant itself is thriving with an amazing community and all can agree it benefits many locals, tourists, and residents with their great ambiance and good food.

Best Maid Pickle Emporium

Best Maid Pickle has been a Dalton family business for almost a century. From their small grocery market to their emporium now, the company is completely Texas based. The Dalton’s have no desire to part from Fort Worth because of their success in Cowtown since 1926 and the fact that they are Fort Worth natives themselves.

Best Maid has always been a Fort Worth company besides the exception of their pickle plant in west Texas, where they grow and harvest millions of pounds of pickles.

“Best Maid is a family company however everybody that works for us is like family.” said Elizabeth Dalton, Community Outreach Director, “everyone understands when there is conflict that it is a team effort, and we all learn to work together.”

The company has a 30-40% presence in Texas. They are labeled the number one shelf-stable pickle in Texas and the third largest shelf-stable pickle in the whole country.

Their team consists of 150 staff members for their corporate offices, factory and the plant and about four employees for the Emporium. Talk about a successful small business!

The Fort Worth community loves Best Maid for their dill pickles, bloody Mary mix, sandwich spread, and Smiley, their logo.

Another Emporium is a hope for the Daltons. Location possibilities would be outside of Fort Worth but still in Texas. However, Best Maid’s corporate will always reside in Fort Worth.

Fred's Texas Cafe

“The best burger in Fort Worth.”
Fred's TX Cafe motto

Texans sure do love a good burger and the best spot in Fort Worth to get one would be Fred’s Texas Cafe. The diner opened in 1978. Since then, they have grown to two locations. It was originally opened on Currie Street and now on Camp Bowie. The other location is in Western Center in North Fort Worth.

This is another family owned business. It was opened by Gari Chandler and now ran by his son, Terry Chandler. It originally was a cash-only venue selling strictly beer. While they do sell beer, the restaurant has a large menu with over 30 dishes.

In 2021 the move from Currie St. to Camp Bowie happened. With that move, the restaurant also welcomed a new head chef who is also a Fort Worth native, Fabian Alvarado.

Alvarado understand the cuisine that Texans love. Their three best selling dishes are the “The Big Ugly Burger,” “A Whole Dang Yardbird,” and the “Texas-Sized Chicken Fried Steak.”

The western flavor of Fort Worth is present in Fred’s menu. It is the prime location, apart from barbecue, where locals can take non-Fort Worth residents and show them a good Texas burger.

Fred’s will always stay in Fort Worth because of it’s family history and new chef. Natives will keep coming back for the “cold beer,” “great atmosphere,” and “good burgers.”

The teaching of Fort Worth history through museums

by Justin DeSales

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Founded in 1849, Fort Worth has a lot of history to tell those who live in and visit the city. To match the long history of Fort Worth, the city features the oldest art museum in Texas: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The museum was founded in 1892 as the Fort Worth Public Library and Art Gallery by a group of 25 women who wanted to bring a new culture to the city. The name was changed multiple times before becoming the Modern Art Museum 1987. Then, in 2002, the museum moved into a new building that houses a 53,000 square-foot gallery, 5,600-square-foot education center, and a state-of-the-art auditorium. Focused on post-1940s art, the museum has thousands of pieces in its collection.

A sculpture titled "Ladder for Booker T. Washington" that was created in 1996 by Martin Puryear.

A sculpture titled "Ladder for Booker T. Washington" that was created in 1996 by Martin Puryear.

"Book with Wings" by Anselm Kiefer, created from 1992-1994 and acquired by the museum in 2000.

"Book with Wings" by Anselm Kiefer, created from 1992-1994 and acquired by the museum in 2000.

Hours:

Mondays: Closed

Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fridays: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Weekends: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Admission:

General (Adults 18+): $16

Seniors (60+): $12

Students (With I.D.): $10

Minors (Under 18): Free

The Fort Worth Aviation Museum

Another museum that is hoping to attract visitors is the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. Fort Worth has a history of aviation as the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth first came to the city in 1942, while American Airlines established its headquarters in the city in 1979.

The museum is mainly outdoors and features over 25 warbirds in what their website describes as the “Most Touchable Warbirds in Texas.” One of the museum’s biggest attractions is the F-14 Tomcat, the plane model present in “Top Gun: Maverick.” The plane, currently located in the museum’s “Petting Zoo,” was the longest serving Tomcat in Navy history.

The F-14 Tomcat kept in the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo."

The F-14 Tomcat kept in the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo."

The vision of the museum, stated on its website, is “To celebrate and showcase the people and aviation accomplishments of North Texas, in a museum and science center that can preserve and display our heritage, educate our community, and inspire our young people to stay in school and achieve their full potential.”

Hours:

Monday-Wednesday, Fridays: Closed

Thursdays: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Saturdays: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Sundays: 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

The TA-4J Skyhawk kept in the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo." A plane flies in the background preparing to land at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, located just a five minute drive from the museum.

The TA-4J Skyhawk kept in the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo." A plane flies in the background preparing to land at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, located just a five minute drive from the museum.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and preserves cowgirls and all they have done to promote the. The museum and hall of fame moved into a 33,000 square foot building in Fort Worth after searching for a permanent home in 1994.

The museum holds over 5,000 artifacts in its collection, while the hall of fame has inducted over 200 women that are both living and deceased. By preserving this history, the museum and hall of fame are able to show everyone who visits how impactful the women of the West are.

“Something that we say here at The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the women who shape the west, change the world. So when you walk into the cowgirl, there’s women that have been able to be on the Supreme Court and there’s world champion cowgirls. And it never stops. So, in a museum, you just get to help preserve where we come from and promote where we’re going.”
Elise Wade, the Director of Public Engagement at the museum

Hours:

Mondays: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sundays: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

A signed guitar of Hall of Fame inductee Miranda Lambert.

A signed guitar of Hall of Fame inductee Miranda Lambert.

...

Alice Walton Cowgirl park, located between Dickies Arena and The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, features multiple statues and is the perfect place to finish a day in the museum.

Alice Walton Cowgirl park, located between Dickies Arena and The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, features multiple statues and is the perfect place to finish a day in the museum.

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Amon G. Carter’s impact can be seen all across Fort Worth, including one of the most interesting museums located in Fort Worth. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is located in the Fort Worth cultural district, an area that Amon Carter hoped would become an important part of the city.

“He saves this plot of land on the edge of this large master plan of interconnected, interrelated, important cultural destinations,” said Gentling Curator and Head Museum Archivist Jonathan Frembling. “So you have essentially a one stop gathering place. For no matter what you’re interested in doing, you will find it all here.”

Hours:

Mondays: Closed

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Thursdays: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Saturdays: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.

The downstairs exhibit is filled with portraits, paintings, and sculptures.

The downstairs exhibit is filled with portraits, paintings, and sculptures.

Visitors look at "The Texas Cabinet."

Visitors look at "The Texas Cabinet."

The ceiling leading up the stairs to various exhibits.

The ceiling leading up the stairs to various exhibits.

Monnig Meteorite Gallery

Over an eight-year period spanning from 1978 to 1986, Oscar E. Monnig donated a collection of world-class meteorites to be put on display on TCU’s campus. The Monnig Meteorite Gallery has grown its collection to over 1,700 meteorites, with the best 10% being on display for those who visit the gallery.

Following his death in 1999, Oscar E. Monnig donated a portion of his estate to TCU's geology department. The intent of his donation was to maintain and grow the meteorite collection that was already donated to the school. In 2003, four years after Monnig’s death, The Monnig Meteorite Gallery was officially opened to the public.

Visitors look at the Collision section of the museum.

Visitors look at the Collision section of the museum.

Tours can be officially booked by filling out a short form on the gallery’s website. The form allows customization of the tours to determine the format best for each group.

The gallery is located on the second floor of the Sid Richardson Science Building on TCU’s campus. Once at the gallery, visitors and groups with less than ten members can sign in with an attendant a few doors down prior to entering. Following the sign in, visitors are free to explore for however long they desire.

Hours:

Monday- Saturday: 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Admission:

Every Age: Free

A sculpture by artist Roxy Paine created in 2007 titled "Conjoined." The sculpture stands 40 feet tall and overlooks the outside of the Modern.

A sculpture by artist Roxy Paine created in 2007 titled "Conjoined." The sculpture stands 40 feet tall and overlooks the outside of the Modern.

.“The Modern Art Museum’s mission is to present works that are post-1940s international art. So we have ranging from paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, video. So all of the media.” said Kendal Smith Lake, Director of Communications at the museum. “We have a collection of about three thousand works, but at any time only like fifty to a hundred are on view, especially during our special exhibitions that we bring in.”

Lake hopes the Modern can be an interesting museum for anyone who visits and that it is trying to attract visitors to both the museum and Fort Worth.

“We’re looking to increase the awareness in our community, as well as visitors to Fort Worth,” said Lake. “Anyone can come to the museum and feel welcome and see something they can connect with. They’re not going to love everything here, but, that at least a few pieces, they see and they can’t stop thinking about.”

"Clean Slate" by KAWS, acquired by the museum in 2018.

"Clean Slate" by KAWS, acquired by the museum in 2018.

The underside of the A-4C Skyhawk, along with the blue F/A-18. Each plane is kept in the museum's "Petting Zoo."

The underside of the A-4C Skyhawk, along with the blue F/A-18. Each plane is kept in the museum's "Petting Zoo."

Once the museum sees the potential for another exhibit, it begins to consider restoration. In order to be included in the museum, an aircraft must qualify in two of the three requirements that are listed on their website. The first is that the aircraft is “built, modified, or flown in the North Texas region.” The next is that the aircraft was “used in the Forward Air Control mission or use controlled by Forward Air Controllers.” The third and final category is that it is an “Aircraft with significant historical backgrounds or attributes.”

If an aircraft meets at least two of the three requirements, the museum begins to plan a restoration that would lead to the aircraft being kept at the museum. By evaluating aircrafts with these requirements, the museum can teach and educate the community about the history of aviation in North Texas.

Listed in order from furthest to closest is the AH-1S Cobra, OV-1 Mohawk, T-28 Trojan, and the T-37 Tweet. All of which are held at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo."

Listed in order from furthest to closest is the AH-1S Cobra, OV-1 Mohawk, T-28 Trojan, and the T-37 Tweet. All of which are held at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo."

The T-33A Shooting Star kept in the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo."

The T-33A Shooting Star kept in the Fort Worth Aviation Museum's "Petting Zoo."

Admission:

Adults (17+): $10

Seniors (65+) and Veterans: $8

Ages 4-16: $5

Ages 3 and Under: Free

The front of The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, located in Fort Worth's cultural district.

The front of The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, located in Fort Worth's cultural district.

The "It's Never Just a Horse" exhibition features five sections, ranching, competing, healing, business and inspiring.

The "It's Never Just a Horse" exhibition features five sections, ranching, competing, healing, business and inspiring.

Admission:

Adults- $10

Children (4-12 years old), Seniors (60+), Military: $8

Children 3 and under: Free

Dottie the Ranch pony, a photo opportunity for young children visiting The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Dottie the Ranch pony, a photo opportunity for young children visiting The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

When visitors are finished at the museum and hall of fame, they are able to complete their day at the Alice Walton Cowgirl Park located between The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and Dickies Arena. The park was created in 2019 and named in honor of Alice Walton, recipient of the Museum’s Fern Sawyer Award in 2007.

Moving forward, the museum will continue educating the community on the history of cowgirls and what they did to shape the west and change the world.

“The future for The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is so incredibly bright. We’re going to be bigger and better than ever and continuing to promote and preserve cowgirls and the western way of life,” said Wade.

A look at the outside of The Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

A look at the outside of The Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

Visitors look at the upstairs exhibit at the museum.

Visitors look at the upstairs exhibit at the museum.

Admission:

Every Age: Free

Events are hosted on the second Thursday of every month. Each month’s event is different, and the museum’s website says the events range from “performances, artist talks, and unique tours to art making, music, and films.”

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art opened to the public in 1961 and features pieces of American art dating back to the eighteenth century. The museum hopes to be a resource that can demonstrate the depth and complexity of art while appealing to every person in Fort Worth. Although the Carter does not have as large of a collection as some older museums, it focuses on the significance of a piece before it is acquired.

“We don’t have that kind of longevity, so what we are looking at is we are trying to make sure that if we get something it’s the best of the best and is a really iconic example of that thing,”said Frembling. “We are here as a legacy for the city. Amon’s wish was to make sure this place was here as a resource, and something to be enjoyed by everybody in the city, not just one group or another.”

A short video explaining to visitors the gallery and its contents.

A short video explaining to visitors the gallery and its contents.

In the hallway of the museum sits a meteorite replica for visitors to look at and even touch.

In the hallway of the museum sits a meteorite replica for visitors to look at and even touch.

Now, the gallery’s website states that its mission is “To facilitate education in, and advance the current-state of knowledge of, the origins and history of our Solar System through public outreach, research, and growth of the Collection.”

The gallery lives out this mission by offering guided tours to classes and groups of over ten people. With multiple options for tours, students in Kindergarten through 12th grade can find ways to learn and enjoy their time at the gallery.

Texas Meteorite section, where visitors can explore the different types of meteors in the Lone Star State.

Texas Meteorite section, where visitors can explore the different types of meteors in the Lone Star State.

Funky Town Tastes: BBQ Edition

by Madi Marks

Texas barbecue is one thing, but Fort Worth barbecue has a whole different story. I went out to taste test some of the best, most well-known barbecue joints in the state. Every joint has a story... but some barbecue joints have just a little extra yeehaw.

Good BBQ Doesn't Need Sauce - Hurtado BBQ

95 Years of BBQ in the Stockyards - Riscky's BBQ

From Farm to Table - Jon's Grille

Hidden gems in nature

by Claire Beimel

When most think of Fort Worth, they picture rodeos, The Stockyards, restaurants, Texas BBQ, live music and museums, but before all that there were undisturbed sprawling prairies, wetlands, bluffs, plains and creeks. As one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the nation, Fort Worth has a plethora of natural gems. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or wanting a more scenic run, there is a trail and park for everyone.

Immerse yourself in Fort Worth's beautiful and peaceful natural gems.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

Marion Sansom Park

Airfield Falls Conservation Park

The sights and sounds of the great outdoors are calling your name.

Art Cowsen Trailhead

Tandy Hills Natural Area

Gateway Park

The nightlife is big and bright, deep in the heart of Funky Town

by Hope Crockett

Silver Leaf

Forget what you thought you knew about cigar lounges. Silver Leaf features the top cigar brands in the world while offering hand-crafted cocktails, fine wines and an extensive selection of bourbon and scotch, as well as an exclusive double barrel cocktail program.

Within the establishment is an expertly curated humidor filled with the finest selection of cigars in Fort Worth, and an array of merchandise to meet any smoking needs. From Davidoff to Oliva and Rocky Patel to Perdomo, the Silver Leaf humidor has something for everyone from cigar aficionados to cigar novices.

In regard to the bar, Silver Leaf follows the trends as they went from a scotch heavy to a bourbon heavy bar over the last decade, along with offering the latest tequila and cognac. They also provide 15 specialty cocktails.

“Helping people adapt palates to appreciate luxury cigars along with focusing on spirit pairings is the goal we have for all who walk through our doors.”
General Manager Jake Kesteloot

Silver Leaf offers a VIP Membership which includes a private locker to store cigars within the lounge along with special perks of monthly free cigars, 30% off most boxes, 10% off all cigars and merchandise, and exclusive offers on limited release items.

Each Thursday since the start of covid, Silver Leaf hosts a poker tournament available for all to participate in.

Say goodbye to the stigma of the cigar scent lingering, Silver Leaf designed their environment with top of the market air filtration systems to ensure the comfort of all.

Silver Leaf provides a cigar for every occasion, budget, and any level of desire of preference or flavor profile.

Whether you are planning a night out, or just want a brief escape, Silver Leaf is the perfect place to knock back and blow smoke.

Pinky's Champagne Room & Velvet Jazz Lounge

Wanting a destination for girls night out, or looking to enjoy a handcrafted drink while listening to jazz, Pinky’s Champagne Room & Velvet Jazz Lounge is the place for you.

Pinky’s Champagne Room & Velvet Jazz Lounge is open Wednesday through Saturday with live music starting on Thursday nights. No cover and no reservation needed in order to see their music acts that range from walk-in acts performed by the music ensemble of Jesus Christ Superstar, to regular North Texas jazz favorites such as award winning Johnny Case.

Inspired by upscale lounges in Miami and Vegas, green velvet curtains surround the room while seating arrangements range from leather booths for groups to congregate, tables surrounding the stage, and bar seating.

“I wanted Pinky’s to be a celebratory place where people can come and raise a toast to jazz within an interactive atmosphere created by circular booths to allow opportunity for connection with all who frequent.”
Owner John Cock

With no set dress code, Pinky’s welcomes all who love jazz the perfect neighborhood destination to enjoy music and classic drinks. While Pinky’s is a champagne bar, they offer an array of New Orleans based whiskey along with classic cocktails. The specialty drink at Pinky’s is known as the Pinkies Punch which consists of a spritz syrup in a wine glass over ice with strawberry vodka, French strawberry syrup, fresh strawberries, pink champagne, and topped off with a scoop of strawberry ice cream. .

When asked about the inspiration behind Pinky’s, Cock said, “I wanted it to be Jazz, but wanted to separate myself from the other Jazz bars and incorporate champagne since I believe it has a storied history similar to Jazz.”

Nathan Hess from The Suitcase Trio is a frequent jazz performer at Pinky’s and shared how Pinky’s has made a name for itself within the jazz musician community by providing a stage where all are welcome to perform.

“I love the atmosphere at Pinky’s because I believe several people like jazz because it seems trendy, but this place embraces the jazz community as a whole and being a musician I appreciate the atmosphere of a more legitimate jazz establishment,” said Hess.

Silver Leaf is Fort Worth's most upscale cigar lounge, cigar humidor, and cocktail lounge located in Sundance Square. (Photo provided by Silver Leaf)

Silver leaf has seven TVs throughout the establishment providing sports entertainment for all. (Photo provided by Dennett Construction)

Silver Leaf is the home lounge and retailer of Texas’ own Micallef Cigars and the humidor boasts their full line of award winning cigars. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

The humidor has a wide range of cigars for all price ranges, including the popular Padrón core line. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Within the cigar humidor are 30 VIP lockers available for those with memberships a safe place to store their cigars. (Photo provided by Silver Leaf)

Circular booths that create a space to chill and converse, while enjoying specialty classic cocktails or a personal favorite drink that can be created by experienced bartenders. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Pinky's believes that everyday is worth celebrating and that there is no better celebration than one with bubbles! Check out the rotating sparkling menu filled with classics and some specialty Pinky’s surprises. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Aside from just champagne, Pinky’s offers a full bar which focuses on quality crafted spirits. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Come experience happy hour at Pinky’s from 5pm-8pm on Wednesday-Friday. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Pinky’s is the place to hear live music performed by local jazz musicians and for musicians to have a place to jam. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Rogers Roundhouse

Looking for a pet friendly place with a full bar and kitchen? Rogers Roundhouse was designed to feel like an extension of your own backyard and allows for a laid back escape from West 7th.

With a dog friendly outdoor patio filled with picnic tables and live music which is free on Fridays - Rogers creates the perfect hang out spot for all to enjoy. Here you can find TCU students looking to kick back on the weekends, to families wanting a delicious meal and live entertainment.

With 30 big screen TVs lining the walls, Rogers Roundhouse is the perfect place to cheer on the Dallas Mavericks on Monday and the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.

The food menu puts an elevated spin on classic Texas and Mexican staples using all fresh ingredients made in house.

Owner Tommy Koons shared how he wanted the kitchen of Rogers Roundhouse to stand out, “We spent a lot of time curating the menu and spent a lot of time testing, we knew we wanted to have a burger but knew it had to be special so we use American Wagyu beef grinded in house, which I believe makes it stand out against the competition and oftentimes we hear people say this is the best burger in town.”

The bar provides a cleverly-curated, always-rotating lineup of draft beers flowing from 30 taps, a robust list of spirits, and a refreshing list of patio sippers.

As for the reason behind the dog aspect of Rogers Roundhouse, Koons said, “Being on the Trinity and so close to all these apartments where dogs are cooped up all day, as soon as happy hours starts we see all the owners bring their dogs and sit out on the gravel soaking up the sun. I don't think we knew for sure how much it would catch on, but now we have a wall dedicated to photos of our customers' dogs and so it's become a thing that we are known for.”

Downtown Cowtown at the Isis

Located in the heart of the stockyards, Downtown Cowtown at the Isis takes one back in time with their 1930s themed cocktail lounge and movie theater.

This historic landmark opened one year ago and has been standing since 1914, and was completely restored to its original theater in 1936.

Classic films are run daily, along with date night features playing on weekends. Admission is $10 for a movie along with two items from the concession stand.

At the restored bar that was built in 1912, go back in time to the prohibition era style cocktail lounge open daily from 11am to midnight.

Two nights a week, live jazz and blues music is offered at the speakeasy lounge which overlooks the theater.

Aside from movies, Downtown Cowtown takes the screen from digital to live entertainment with their live theatrical productions. From opera to comedians, the space is available to rent for artists and entertainers.

“We want this to be a living historical experience for folks. And it's just one that people don't need to miss out on.”

Owner Dr. Jeffrey Smith

Rogers Roundhouse pays homage to the Union Pacific Railroad which is a key factor of Fort Worth history. It is named for the retired engine repair facility – known as a “roundhouse” – that once operated at neighboring Davidson Yard. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Rogers Roundhouse is approximately 10,000-square-feet, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

Rogers Roundhouse burger consists of two thin patties, shredded cheddar, shredded lettuce, pico, and Roger's sauce. (Photo by Hope Crockett)

At the bar you’ll be met with a cleverly-curated, always-rotating lineup of draft beers flowing from 30 taps, and a refreshing list of patio sippers, like the crowd-pleasing frozen margaritas. (Photo Hope Crockett)