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After traveling to Costa Rica, I was exhausted, but I still had the weekend to do something. Naturally, I went to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. I stayed at The Worthington Hotel, which I wrote about two days ago. I decided to stay close to the hotel so that I could check out the food and entertainment options. Here is my list of 8 Things To Do and Not To Do in Fort Worth:
To Do
1. Sundance Square Fountains
The fountains are located a few minutes from The Worthington. We had no idea that people could play in them until we showed up. I was not prepared to run through water, but my son was. Oh my goodness, this had to be my greatest experience in a long time. Without regard for cellphones, wallets, or anything else we ran through the fountains for the longest time. Big thanks to my son for always keeping me on my toes.
2. Paciugo
As I have said before, I do not particularly care to write about chains unless something stands out to me. Paciugo, a gelato shop, on Houston Street did that. The staff was patient with us as we tried various flavors. I tried the medium cookies and cream, which was too much for me. With the heat in Texas, Paciugo is a nice refuge.
3. Houston Street Toy Company
Before we could even get inside Paciugo, my son spotted the Houston Street Toy Company across the street so I knew that we were going (adults do not make rules). The toy shop had as many toys as anyone (children and adults) would like. My son thoroughly enjoyed himself.
4. Scat Jazz Lounge
This is the most talked about speakeasy near Sundance Square. I arrived after taking and elevator down to the lower level. The music was ending but the fun was just beginning. As the place cleared out, the staff became more engaged. They were real cool people.
5. Fort Worth (Tarrant County) Courthouse
We decided to walk towards the building at the end of the street, without having a clue what it was, because it looked cool. I would suggest visiting the courthouse during normal hours (without being on trial) to look around or just stayed outside, like we did.
6. Taverna
Taverna almost made the not to do list, so I will make them a maybe. We made a reservation on Open Table so that we could be seated quickly, which was not an issue. The issue came when, after 15 minutes, no one had come over to take our order. I decided that it was time to leave. As we walked out of the door, the manager and general manager offered their apologies and invited us back in. We went back in and enjoyed ourselves. Well done to management for taking care of us…and the food was not half bad either.
Not To Do
7. Bird Café
This was a back up option after our plans at Yolk fell through due to a 45 minute wait. We walked down the street to Bird Café, which was set to open within minutes. I used the Open Table application to ensure that we would be seated. We were seated quickly, but only after we stood in for 20 minutes behind a long line of customers. Why make reservations if you have to stand in line anyway??? I ordered the steak and eggs and chicken with waffles, they were both ok. The eggs and steak were both cold (I rarely send food back). The experience at Bird Café was not great.
8. Riscky’s Barbeque
I walked into this place after playing in the Sundance Square fountains. I hoped that the barbeque would be on par with the local joints, but it was not. After looking over the extensive menu, we ordered a three meat sampler and a chicken salad with fries (because my son LOVES fries and ketchup). The food was out in less than five minutes (HOW???). All of it was bland and slightly overcooked. I wanted to like Riscky’s, but it is a no go for me.
Final Word
I had a good time in Fort Worth. Sundance Square is a must visit if you are in the area. Running through the fountains and eating gelato from Paciugo cooled us off on that hot day. I would give the Bird Cage another try, but not Riscky’s. I do not know if they can improve that bland barbecue.
