The Incredible Revival of Fort Worth, Texas
February 12, 2022
Fort Worth is no stranger to kicking up some dust, but it refuses to fade into it. After decades of watching historic buildings sit empty and in a sad state of disrepair, the city began a long road to restoration (that got a lot smoother recently thanks to extra funding) to help bring new restaurants, shops, and a swanky hotel to a previously neglected area dubbed Mule Alley.
Built into the Stockyards' refurbished horse and mule barns, Mule Alley is now a busy few blocks with lit-up storefronts that don't look nearly their age. You'll find heritage-brand stores like Lucchese Bootmaker and King Ranch Saddle Shop as well as Instagram-friendly food and drink spots where you'll most likely see more than one bachelorette party sporting hot pink, sparkly cowgirl hats. Grab a bottled cocktail in a souvenir flask from newly opened Second Rodeo Brewing, where the indoor-outdoor seating and bar consist of colorful lawn chairs on turf; it seems to make the live music even more enjoyable. (The on-tap grapefruit-infused ranch water is another tempting sipper.) Brunch is best taken at The Biscuit Bar. Have an order of the Hot Honey Biscuit with fried chicken and a cereal-milk cocktail.