Grab your cowboy boots because this is where the West begins.
Fort Worth’s rich history runs deep in cattle and livestock, and the city proudly carries that spirit in a way that few cities can. Its preservation of Western heritage and cowboy culture feels alive through rodeos and honky tonks, saloons and bull-riding. Alongside this rugged authenticity, Fort Worth offers unexpected sophistication through upscale boutique hotels, distinctive restaurants (think: barbecue, Mexican and Tex-Mex) and striking architecture rivaling some of the most contemporary cities.
When exploring Fort Worth, there are plenty of attractions for any kind of traveler. Visitors can stroll through the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, enjoy world-renowned art museums or roam the top-ranked Fort Worth Zoo and picturesque Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Expansive outdoor spaces make the city feel a rare sense of relaxation and openness.
With such a special destination in mind, The MICHELIN Guide has selected the absolute best restaurants and hotels in town. Our list includes one of the most searched restaurants in all of North America, as well as an exceptional hotel designed in a way that can only be found in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth's Best Restaurants
Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez
Cuisine: MexicanNeighborhood: Southeast Fort Worth
At first, it might be surprising to hear that Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez is one of the most searched MICHELIN Guide restaurants in all of North America, surpassing a number of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants. After tasting this very affordable and casual Mexican spot, it’s no surprise.
Inspector notes: “The name says it all, as their specialty lies in their wonderfully tender and flavorful birria. It's served in a number of tempting ways from tacos and flautas to tortas, burritos and quesadillas. Order their corn tortilla tacos, stuffed with a generous amount of birria and accompanied by onion, cilantro and lime, or choose their quesatacos, or two corn tortillas filled with mozzarella cheese and birria meat that is crisped at the edges.”
Panther City BBQ
Cuisine: Barbecue, Tex-MexNeighborhood: Southside
Fort Worth is sometimes referred to as “Panther City,” and this spot feels authentically local. Central Texas barbecue classics are prepared with meat slow-cooked on offset pits, while Tex-Mex offerings like brisket burritos, brisket elote and street tacos also shine.
Inspector notes: Savor the likes of expertly smoked, thickly sliced brisket with a pepper-heavy rub or tender, shredded pulled pork. As with any good barbecue spot, the sides are attention grabbing, and some of their hits include spicy smoked mac and cheese and potato salad with baked, smashed potato and red potatoes mixed with shredded cheese, green onion and mayonnaise.”
Goldee’s Bar-B•Q (Bib Gourmand)
Cuisine: Barbecue, AmericanNeighborhood: Southeast Fort Worth
Goldee’s is a special treat that is worth the effort. Not only is it a bit of a drive down from the center of Fort Worth, it’s also open only a few hours on a few days each week. For delicious brisket, it's absolutely worth the hours-long wait in the Texas sun. Earning a Bib Gourmand award, Goldee’s is a great value as well.
Inspector notes: “The brisket here, premium Black Angus beef, is cooked low and slow using post oak sourced from nearby. The meat is meltingly tender with a rich, clean flavor and needs nothing else; however, stuck between slices of homemade bread with a dab of the sweet/tart mustardy sauce is a delightful way to go. Turkey, ribs (beef and pork), and sausage round out the proteins, which can be sided by potato salad or zesty cabbage and kale slaw.”
Fort Worth's Best Hotels
Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection (Two MICHELIN Keys)
Neighborhood: Cultural DistrictBowie House is one of the best hotels in all of Texas. It’s one of only three hotels in the entire state (and the only one within hundreds of miles) to earn Two MICHELIN Keys, which signifies an “exceptional stay.” Auberge Resorts Collection has extremely high standards for design and comfort, and this location feels effortlessly local, with cowhide armchairs and upscale Texan cuisine. Of course, spectacular guest rooms and an exquisite art collection make Bowie House feel like a perfect getaway.
Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection (One MICHELIN Key)
Neighborhood: StockyardsHotel Drover is located steps away from one of the city’s most iconic attractions: Fort Worth Stockyards. The district pays a thoughtful tribute to the thriving cattle industry of the past. With One MICHELIN Key, Hotel Drover is “a very special stay” that balances the feeling of the Old West with a contemporary boutique hotel. The result is unmistakably Texan and sophisticated. Don’t forget to enjoy the swimming pool, lounge space and outdoor games.
Kimpton Harper Hotel
Neighborhood: DowntownLocated in the heart of the city in Downtown, Kimpton Harper Hotel is a skyscraper built in 1921 that has been fully renovated into a beautifully local boutique hotel. Swanky guest rooms overlook extraordinary views of Downtown, and the hotel is friendly, even with pets. The hotel’s lobby on the 24th floor truly makes guests feel on top of the world, ready to explore everything – both historic and modern – the city has to offer.
Hero image: Ben Garrett / Visit Fort Worth - Fort Worth Stockyards Herd
