Howdy, y’all!
It’s rodeo time in Cowtown! As a Fort Worth native, a rodeo enthusiast, and a food lover, I wanted to share my favorite places to enjoy a pre-rodeo meal. Each of these spots has been carefully selected for their delicious chef-driven dishes, succulent steaks, and golden-brown, mouthwatering chicken-fried options. I’ve considered both the culinary offerings and the convenience of parking, so you can easily get in and out before the rodeo starts.
Some of these locations offer valet parking, while others have great parking lots for a hassle-free experience, allowing you to giddy up and grab a bite before the event.
I also have a couple of options that are open late, including one that operates 24 hours, so you have choices for after the rodeo too.
It’s rodeo season in Cowtown, and I want you to enjoy some delicious grub before you go and have fun with family and friends at this year’s 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo!
PLEASE REMEMBER to SUPPORT the FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW SYNDICATE to help our TEXAS JUNIOR LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS, 4-H and FFA MEMBERS. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to promote our future YOUTH of tomorrow which HELPS FUND the future of TEXAS AGRICULTURE and live stock promotions.
Let’s Giddy Up and GRUB! Please CLICK on the NAMES to visit their WEBSITES for INFORMATION:
Michael’s Cuisine – Upper West 7th Fort Worth
The closet location to the rodeo venue. Offering a full pre-rodeo menu filled with delicious options, this establishment has long been a pre-rodeo staple in Fort Worth. It features “Contemporary Ranch Cuisine,” a refined take on American classics with a Texas flair. Guests can enjoy bold flavors and fresh ingredients, such as ranch-roasted prime rib, FWSSR ribeye, pecan-crusted signature beef tenderloin, goat cheese, and ancho chili-infused dishes. The setting is casual yet elegant, adorned with extensive contemporary art, and is known for its impeccable service. Don’t miss out on delectable FWSSR desserts like chocolate mousse and hand-crafted cocktails.
Rex’s Bar and Grill – University Dr. Fort Worth – ( Ribeye Cover Photo )
Rex’s Bar & Grill in Fort Worth is very close venue to the rodeo, boasting the largest parking lot for easy access. It provides a fantastic family atmosphere and offers unforgettable, fresh, chef-driven dishes made from scratch. Their rodeo menu features the succulent “Best of Show” ribeye, craft cocktails, and delicious desserts.
Owned by the Benson family, who also operate Ol’ South Pancake Houses, Rex’s blends a lively rodeo and game-day atmosphere with chef-inspired comfort food and late-night options. Known for its friendly service, extensive number of TVs, and unique dishes, Rex’s Bar & Grill is a must-visit before the rodeo.
Located at 1501 S. University Drive near TCU, the restaurant offers indoor and patio dining, happy hour specials, and a family-friendly yet upscale vibe, fusing traditional flavors with modern twists that are flavorful and delicious.
Close to the rodeo, Clay Pigeon offers valet parking and serves some of the most delicious Texas cuisine you will ever enjoy. It is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Texas. The menu features dishes like grilled bone marrow, Niman Ranch pork shank, wood-grilled duck breast, and many more, so you can’t go wrong.
Inspired by the changing seasons, their menu showcases from-scratch dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. With a deep appreciation and passion for food, the custom cuisine and attentive service make Clay Pigeon a dining experience to remember. Be sure to visit before the rodeo and enjoy a hearty meal—you’re going to love it! I would recommend making a reservation.
NEW Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Fort Worth Stock Yards
Located on Main Street and offering valet parking right at the front door, Cattlemen’s Steak House makes it easy to jump out and enjoy delicious, chef-driven meals before the rodeo. A staple of the Fort Worth Stockyards since 1947, it retains its Western roots with murals and cowboy history. The restaurant features USDA Prime steaks, including the Heart o’ Texas Rib-Eye, cooked over an open flame in the main dining area using quality beef cuts from ranches like the Four Sixes 6666.
Recently renovated, under the ownership of Taylor Sheridan, the restaurant offers a “Luxe Western” vibe with classic steaks, a popular salad bar, live music on the new unforgettable patio, and private dining in an 1883 wagon, making it a bustling, iconic spot to enjoy some delicious juicy steaks and cocktails. A Fort Worth legend!
Bonnell’s Texas Cuisine – Fort Worth
Chef Jon Bonnell is a legendary figure in Texas cuisine. Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, located in Fort Worth, is an acclaimed destination for upscale dining. The restaurant is known for its “farm-to-table” approach, blending Southwestern, Creole, and Mexican flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include exotic game such as elk and wild boar, Texas beef, and Gulf seafood, creating a rustic-elegant experience ideal for special occasions. Signature dishes include Oysters “Texafella” and peppered buffalo tenderloin. With convenient parking and easy access, Bonnell’s is a fantastic choice if you’re coming from the south before the rodeo. I would recommend making reservations too.
Since its public debut in 2001, Bonnell’s has been recognized as a significant milestone in the realm of fine Texas cuisine and is celebrated as the premier restaurant in Fort Worth and across Texas. Chef Bonnell has worked diligently to create a unique and memorable dining experience for his customers by offering certified Texas organic beef, wild game specialties, and fresh Gulf seafood. His award-winning dishes reflect a farm-to-table philosophy, showcasing a regional style that incorporates spices influenced by Southwestern, Creole, and Mexican cuisine.
Reata Restaurant – Downtown Fort Worth
I’ve been a fan for decades, and it all started with their fantastic, golden-brown Chicken Fried Steak, cooked to perfection. They offer plenty of chef-driven delights, so don’t forget to try the tamales or enchallidas.
Experience legendary Texas cuisine right in Downtown Fort Worth before the rodeo. Reata is a Fort Worth tradition where you can enjoy great food. Reata is famous for its sophisticated take on Southwestern and Texan favorites. The menu features many iconic dishes, like their famously tender Pan-Seared Pepper-Crusted Tenderloin and the hearty Blackened Buffalo Ribeye. And, as I mentioned, don’t forget to try the Chicken Fried Steak.
Located in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth, close to Sundance Square, I would suggest reserving your table before you head over to enjoy the meal.
Grace Restaurnant – Downtown Fort Worth
They offer valet parking, but there is no parking available for trailers or large trucks; vehicles must fit in the garage. To make your experience quicker, you can always use Uber.
I have been a fan of GRACE and Chef Blaine’s culinary creations since they opened their doors. Every single bite of whatever you order is so delicious that it should be illegal in all fifty states. Yes, it’s that delectable and memorable! GRACE delivers a dining experience like no other in Fort Worth. (The steaks and beef dishes are unforgettable!)
Adam Jones is known as the city’s host for his unparalleled level of hospitality and service in his restaurants. You can enjoy Modern American Classic fare created by the talented and award-winning Chef Blaine Staniford. (The man, the myth, the legend!) As soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll find yourself in a comfortable, modern setting that embodies the city’s energy. You can enjoy the outdoor terrace on Main Street, as well as a spectacular bar featuring house-made seasonal cocktails and a separate menu for bar snacks. Glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled wine cellars house a selection of Old and New World wines.
If you’re looking for an experience like no other, make a reservation and dine at GRACE!
Valet parking is available, but please note that big trucks and trailers will not fit—feel free to use Uber.
Welcome to Duchess! New to my list this year, Duchess is igniting a new era of flavor in Fort Worth, and this food and experience need to be enjoyed by more Fort Worthian’s. I fell in love with it after my first visit, and when I took my first bite, my head snapped back. When your head snaps back, that’s what we call “snap-back deliciousness.”
Their menu is where legacy meets reinvention, located inside the historic firehouse reborn as The Nobleman Fort Worth. The kitchen is fueled by open flames, guided by Fort Worth’s rich roots, and charged with fearless creativity. Each dish is infused with the spirit of Texas, offering a bold twist on tradition.
Expect vibrant flavors and local roots—a story told in every dish. Each menu celebrates the soul of Fort Worth, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and ranches, and reimagining timeless Texas flavors with modern artistry. Every bite honors the land, the legacy, and the people behind it. Bold, seasonal, and unmistakably Fort Worth.
It’s rodeo time, so why not try something new to kick off your rodeo tradition? Enjoy a meal at Duchess and chow down Trey style. Watch out for the “snap-back deliciousness.”
Dove – Fort WorthValet parking or park and walk! Hello, Lonesome Dove fans! They say the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) is legendary, but have you tried the legendary Lonesome Dove by Chef Tim Love? I absolutely love that place!
The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, located in Fort Worth’s Historic Stockyards, is Chef Tim Love’s acclaimed flagship restaurant. It is known for its upscale, inventive American West cuisine featuring wild game like kangaroo and elk, as well as steaks and seafood, all bursting with bold flavors. The restaurant beautifully blends rustic charm with modern sophistication, offering a unique fine dining experience that has become a culinary landmark in Fort Worth.
It’s rodeo time in Cow Town. Get western and tuned up before you go at the legendary Lonesome Dove and chow down like Trey. Giddy up to deliciousness!
It’s rodeo time in Cowtown! Please enjoy my picks and share them with your friends. Don’t forget to support junior livestock and the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate.
