If it’s your first time in Fort Worth, there are a few things every visitor should definitely do. A visit to the Fort Worth Zoo, considered one of the best zoos in the US, is a must. Also, don’t forget to visit the Stockyards and see one of the cattle pastures that run twice a day. Also, don’t forget to catch a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum, which is a big part of the city’s treasure trove of old cowboys and cowgirls, which you can learn more about at the nearby National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and John Wayne: An American Experience.
But to see a different side of the city, check out Jonathan Morris at Boutique Hotel Drais. As a Fort Worth native, entrepreneur (he also runs the undeniably hip Fort Worth Barber Shop) and TV show host on the side, Morris knows his way around the best local offerings. “I like to have things that insiders know about, but that not everyone knows about,” he says. Here are some of his current favorites:
Food & Drink
You don’t have to go five minutes further than Hotel Dorais to sample “probably some of the best Mexican food in the country,” according to Morris: Don Artemio is a James Beard Award nominee for its Northeast Mexican cuisine, from nopalitos Fritos (cactus tacos) to filet de les asado (filet mignon with chipotle sauce).
For sushi, head to Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar. “I think it’s one of the best sushi places in Fort Worth,” says Morris. “You don’t need a reservation, you just show up. The sushi chefs will be right there making a variety of nigiri sushi for you, and they’re especially good at temaki sushi. I don’t think people who come to Fort Worth are expecting the best Japanese food they’ve ever had.”
Finally, head to Holly, Morris’ “home bar,” to enjoy a selection of natural wines in a bright, modern space.
Nightlife
There’s nothing more soothing than settling into the velvet sofas in Hotel Drais’ lobby, sipping a craft cocktail and listening to the sounds of cracking records on Morris’ specially curated playlist. Throughout the weekdays, Hotel Drais will have fun with evening events, including record nights, silent book clubs and live DJ sets on the weekends. Morris has worked hard to create a vibrant lobby experience where locals can meet new people, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in town.
Then, head to Bar Bagazo, a tiny mezcaleria tucked away in the back of another Fort Worth bar, Nickel City. “It’s a bar within a bar. It’s not necessarily a speakeasy, but it’s like, ‘Those who know, they know.’ It’s my favorite,” Morris says.
Another local favorite bar with live music is LowDoubt Bar on Fort Worth’s south side. The name is a play on the term “load out,” which refers to the place where bands load their equipment. The bar is located next to Tulips, another live music venue.
Outdoors, sports and adventure
Fort Worth is part of one of the largest metroplexes in the country, but there are plenty of tranquil outdoor spaces where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The Trinity Trail, 100 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave through the city, is a great way to stay active while sightseeing. “I love walking the trails, especially around Trinity Park,” says Morris.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Japanese Garden is another great place to relax and enjoy the scenery, with a pretty pond, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and maples bursting with vibrant colors in the fall.
Morris also recommended the Fort Worth Water Gardens, designed by architect Philip Johnson and described as an “otherworldly” example of modernist landscape architecture in the heart of the city.
History and Tradition
Fort Worth’s history as a major tourist destination along the historic Chisholm Trail cattle drive continues in the historic Stockyards, a growing area of the city that’s adding new restaurants and attractions, as well as twice-daily cattle drives where cowboys and longhorn cattle leisurely stroll down red-brick roads.
“If you come to Fort Worth, I recommend you visit the Stockyards. I think it’s a great collection of development history, but also has a lot of new things to add to the modern West,” Morris says.
In particular, check out Sidesaddle Saloon, a swanky bar with a modern cowgirl theme that pays homage to the rich tradition of female barrel racers in Texas rodeo culture.
Music, art and culture
Fort Worth might surprise you with the number of fantastic museums located in the city’s Cultural District: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum are all within the same block and feature world-renowned artworks.
“The Modern is my favorite haunt and my favorite of the larger establishments,” says Morris, who also loves the attached Café Modern, which serves inventive food.
Just steps from Hotel Drais is Dickies Arena, which opened in late 2019 and has recently hosted concerts by big-name artists such as Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson.
There’s also a vibrant local gallery scene showcasing home-grown artistic talent. “One group I think is doing interesting things right now is Kinfolk House, led by artists Cedric and Letitia Huckaby. Cedric is the one who taught George W. Bush how to paint, and is a fantastic artist himself.”
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