by Chef Tim Love
I’m not a painter, I’m a chef, but let me paint you a picture of the ideal weekend in the Fort Worth Stockyards, one of the most charming, authentic Western experiences in the Great State of Texas. “The Yards,” as some of us locals like to abbreviate, is Texas’ fastest growing tourist destination with nearly 10 million visitors every year. Here in the Stockyards, we’ve got it all: swanky hotels, not-so-swanky hotels, great food and drink, museums, shops, petting zoos, cattle drives, rodeos, and nightlife… oh, boy, do we have nightlife. The Fort Worth Stockyards has everything you need for a weekend you’ll be reminiscing about for years!
Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
Your weekend starts Friday afternoon with a warm Texas welcome at Hotel Drover, praised by Condé Nast for delivering the kind of comfort cowboys dream about. When you’re ready to get your night started, walk a block to Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, where live music and good vibes are served nightly. Hungry? T’s is famous for its oysters—we’ve got raw, on the half shell, or grilled. If you’re more of the meat and potatoes type, we’ve got brisket, chicken fried steak, and a ribeye that will make you want to slap the table.
Oysters at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
You’ve put down a good base, so now it’s time to keep the party going. Next stop is a visit to the White Elephant Saloon, Fort Worth’s oldest and most iconic watering hole. The joint is always jumping with two steppin’ and live music. If you’re still hungry after hours, grab a late-night slice from T’s Pizza Shop before hitting the hay!
T’s Pizza Shop | Sun.-Wed. 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday, saddle up for brunch at 97 West, catch the famous Cattle Drive at 11:30 a.m., and then take a stroll down E. Exchange with its historic cobblestone streets… but watch out for the bull$#@% (and that’s no bull$#@%)! Snap a photo with the longhorn outside Cowtown Coliseum and check out the local saloons. Don’t forget to head over to the petting zoo or to throw a leg over a saddle for a horseback ride, too!
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
Stroll on over to Mule Alley for some prime retail therapy and grab yourself a fresh pair of boots at Ariat, because what’s a weekend in Cowtown without some new boot goofin’? Then, swing by Tannahill’s and dive into the ALL IN Experience. Here, you can grab a signature Love Collection bandana to sign and hang in Tannahill’s Tavern, get those fresh boots branded, and take the signature Fort Worth Stockyards shot in a take-home flask to remember the night.
White Elephant Saloon
For pre-dinner drinks with a view, Ático’s rooftop offers the best panorama of bustling downtown and the historic Stockyards. For dinner, you gotta go to Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, my original spot (the OG). We are world-famous for our Western Cuisine, featuring Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, Elk Loin, and Rabbit Ravioli, just to name a few. Bold flavors and wild game make for a dining experience as unforgettable as the day itself. At this point you may need a nap, but if you’re like me you’ll want to keep the party going. So, head back to the White Elephant, or mix it up and hit up the Basement Bar, PR’s, or one of the many other watering holes, honkytonks, and dive bars in our little Shangri-la party paradise.
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
On Sunday, if you’re in need of a little hair of the dog, Paloma Suerte is the place to be for brunch. If you don’t like a platter of migas and a screwdriver, we’re not going to be friends. This brunch will set you right! If you’re feeling really game, turn your Sunday into a full-blown Funday. Hit up Ultimate Bullfighting at Cowtown Coliseum or the John Wayne: An American Experience Museum, and then get ice cream at Melt or a frozen Aperol Spritz at Caterina’s.
ALL IN Experience at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
There it is, my second annual “Chef Tim Love’s Guide to the Fort Worth Stockyards.” So, pack your bag, put on your boots and hat, and get ready for a weekend of fun filled with that unmistakable Western Cowtown charm!
Fall in LOVE with Our Upcoming Events
Oct. 5 Ty Myers: Let ‘Em Talk Tour
Oct. 6 Homixide Gang: 5 ACTIVITY
Oct. 7 MisterWives
Oct. 8 Monthly Wine Dinner (Caterina’s)
Oct. 9 Elderbrook
Oct. 10 Jackopierce
Oct. 11 The Great Western Pre-Party with Lucinda Williams & Her Band and Kelsey Waldon
Oct. 12 The Great Western After-Party with Hayes Carll & Band of Heathens
Oct. 16 Cliburn Sessions: Time for Three
Oct. 18 Dirty Honey: Can’t Find The Brakes Tour 2024
Oct. 19 Badflower: No Place Like Home Tour 2024
Oct. 20 The Crane Wives
Oct. 25 Ghostland Observatory: Cyber Strike Tour
Oct. 27 Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters
Oct. 31 95.9 The Ranch Presents: Pony Bradshaw
