Where is a good Tex-Mex Restaurant to try in downtown Fort Worth?

Question

I'm visiting my boyfriend in Fort Worth and I would like to try some Tex-Mex while I am here. We are planning on heading to downtown Fort Worth tonight. Do you know any good restaurants near the Sundance Square area? Thanks!

Answer 1

Fort Worth and Tex-Mex = Joe T. Garcia's

Don't go anywhere else..............

Answer 2

Tori,

    Most of the spots so far are only somewhat close to Sundance square.  

    Here's the straight scoop:

1. Mi Cocina is decent but not delicious like it used to be but it's still good enough that I go there fairly often.  The drinks aren't as good as they used to be either, but it's upscale, trendy, and very popular.  It's on the south end of downtown on Main.  It's walking distance from the square, as in a block or so.  It's good if you stick to fajitas and get the Mambo-Taxi drink or beers. Come to think of it, last time I had the grilled tilapia(fish) tacos, and it was very, very good.  They have an outdoor patio that's nice.

http://www.mcrowd.com/micocina.html

There's a bunch of these in Dallas so you may already be familiar with it.

2. Cantina Laredo - West end of downtown near PF Changs.  

http://www.cantinalaredo.com/   I've never been to this yet because they don't have an outdoor seating area.

3. Cabo Grande - Cheaper and more casual than the rest, on the north end of the square area.  Some of their food is ok, but third on the list, no doubt.

Now, for my own personal opinion:  If you are coming from out of town, and want delicious tex-mex,  stay the heII away from Joe T's.  It's a cliche', and an emporor's clothes type deal where everyone has agreed that it's great from a long time ago and now, it's the in thing to go there.  

The absolute best in town, for fajitas, salsa, margaritas, costillas (pork ribs), camerones brochet (sp? bacon wrapped shrimp grilled over mesquite),  the place to go is Uncle Julio's.  It's about 3 miles west of downtown, on camp bowie blvd, underneath/beside I-30.   Exit 30 at camp bowie.  Go to the first light, do a u-turn (it's legal), stay on camp bowie right there by staying to the left after the u-turn (it branches back onto 30 east. Avoid that).  The restaurant will be about a block further down.  Expect a wait.  It blows Joe T's out of the water. Embarrasses them.    Trust me.  If you don't, you will after you've tried both.  

-Kevin

ps.  I noticed all the other answers that included Uncle Julio's and the non-votes for Joe T's after I posted.  I think the locals are on the same page here.   Check  www.yelp.com for a bunch of food reviews.  Yahoo has their share as well.  

Also check www.fwweekly.com for a more commercial run down.

Answer 3

In my opinion, Joe T's is NOT the place to go. At dinner, you only have two choices for food, fajitas or enchiladas. Nothing else. I have never cared for their food.

However, there is a place not to far from there called El Rancho Grande. The have a wide variety of food. I have been going there for over 30 years now. Best thing on the menu is their sampler plate. It has a chalupa, taco and guacamole on the first plate, then rice, beans, enchilada and tamale on the 2nd plate. Plus a glass of tea for 12.99

it is located at 1400 N Main St Fort Worth, TX 76106

Corner of Main and Central Drive. one block north of North Side dr.  

Answer 4

Joe t. Garcia's is the place to go - great salsa, food, and drinks. It has been featured on the Food Network - look them up online:)

Answer 5

I like Tunero's on Main or Esperanza's on 8th Ave, but they are more traditional mexican with a nod to tex/mex.  There is Uncle Julio's on Camp Bowie and I30 which is very popular and I am told has a good bar, as does Joe T.  

Answer 6

In Sundance Square, the BEST restaurant is Reata. It is not a Tex-Mex, but it is Cowboy Cusine.

This is a quote from their website:

"Sophistication without pretension-that's the beauty of Reata. From the moment you pass through our doors, the unmistakable ambience of Reata envelops you. Hosts and servers welcome you as if you were an old friend, inviting you to savor every moment - and every bite - of your meal. And all around you, tempting aromas swirl, while wrought-iron accents, rustic paintings, and cowboy accouterments gently remind you that there's a taste of the West in every gourmet creation we serve"  

Answer 7

for Tex-Mex, i think El Fenix is the best, but it is not in the Square

I don't know a good Tex-Mex in the Square, Joe T's is not in the Square either, and it is ok, but not at all one of my favorites

the places i like best in the Square for food are The Flying Saucer, and the 8.0 Club... but they are not mexican food

Answer 8

dos molinas or la playa maya. dos molinas was voted best salsa by the ft worth weekly for 2007 and la playa maya specializes in mexican seafood. the address for dos molinas is 404 Nw 25th St and la playa maya is on 1540 N Main St. both are very close to the stockyards.

Answer 9

Joe T's is ok, but it does not meet everyone else's expectations. My vote, Uncle Julio's. Best margarita and great food. Only downside... The place is always packed, so get there early.