THOMAS MCGOVERN
For those familiar with the ride over to Texas Christian University, a trip down University Drive looks a lot different now than it did even three years ago. You’ll still pass the iconic Ol’ South Pancake House and the Fort Worth Zoo off I-30W, but you’ll also drive by the budding WestBend district. This area boasts both shopping and dining opportunities that bring out crowds. There is plenty to see and explore, but we’ve rounded up a few new reasons to make the trip to Fort Worth.
A beloved Oklahoma City bookstore announced earlier this year that it would open a yearlong pop-up store in Fort Worth. Now it’s connecting people looking for unique books and small goods in WestBend. Locals can wander around as they browse the store’s selection. It’s a great way to slow down with your special someone and invest in a new pastime. Whether you window-shop before dinner or find a bestseller the two of you can read together, a date involving an intimate bookstore sounds like a win in our book.
For a coastal dining experience featuring delicious street food, walk over to bartaco. The brightly decorated eatery with whitewashed walls serves up everything from tacos to rice bowls to street corn fritters. On a hot day, their Gazpacho — a chilled tomato-based soup with onions, Poblano peppers, red bell peppers, cucumbers, croutons and olive oil — acts as a nice refresher. While the Roasted Duck Tacos with a tamarind glaze are sure to appease your appetite. Guests can choose to enjoy their Tex-Mex creations on a four-inch corn tortilla or a bibb lettuce shell for a healthier alternative. These creations are best served with a delicious cocktail, like the Paloma Fresca made with libelula joven, grapefruit, lime, Peychaud’s bitters, grapefruit bitters and sparkling water. The combination will leave you more than satisfied.
Round out your night with a sweet from an adorable bakery by walking over to Susie Cakes. The vibrant storefront offers everything from cakes and cookies to puddings and pies. But for a treat that you can take on the go, try the Carrot Cake Cupcake. This moist confectionery is filled and topped with cream cheese frosting. Susie Cakes also offers mini-cupcakes in an assortment of flavors, so you can always order several if you can’t decide which to choose. And because they are smaller, you can feel better about eating two — or three.