The energy changes once you pull into Near Southside. The Fort Worth district embraces original concepts and independent businesses, showcasing dynamic offerings that make each visit worthwhile. After parking, walking past the community’s mural installations and wandering through a few shops, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Thankfully, there are a variety of restaurants just waiting to provide eclectic eats.
Lili’s Bistro
Ease into your night out on Lili’s Bistro’s stunning enclosed patio, known as The Lilypad. This comfortable yet romantic eatery is known for its elevated, approachable food and drink menus. Its four featured wines, sourced from Sanglier Cellars in Sonoma County, take all the work out of ordering for the table. Whether you are drawn to oaky Chardonnays or fruity red blends, there’s a bottle just waiting to be popped open. Those interested in trying new flavors can also indulge in Lili’s wine flights, three 3-ounce pours. Pair your drinks with its gorgonzola fries, seasoned waffle fries topped with cheese crumbles, green onions and cracked black pepper, to get the full experience. Lili’s is now open for dinner service from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to plan accordingly if you want to try it out. LilisBistro.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Hop from one Fort Worth go-to to another, and head to Ellerbe Fine Foods for dinner. Located less than one minute from Lili’s Bistro, Ellerbe embraces seasonal ingredients to provide customers with a genuine farm-to-table experience. Start out with a fresh favorite, like its Grilled Shines Farm Pear Salad — arugula topped with puffed barley, crumbled gorgonzola, honey and red wine reduction — or test out one of its bright starters, like the Louisiana-Style P.E.I. Mussels, accompanied by Andouille sausage, green onion hushpuppies and blackened aioli. But leave room for their elegant entrees: the Grilled Columbia River Salmon and Grilled Texas Antelope Noisettes are two of the delights that await. With a soothing yet sophisticated ambiance and plenty of great vino, you won’t be quick to leave after settling into your seat. EllerbeFineFoods.com
Stir Crazy Baked Goods
Before making your way back to the car, pop into Stir Crazy Baked Goods for anything from classic cakes and fresh cookies to sweet rolls and seasonal scones. Throughout December, Stir Crazy Baked Goods creates picturesque pies in flavors ranging from apple cranberry to eggnog. But for something easier to enjoy on the go, try one of their bars; the peppermint chocolate brownie screams holiday baking. If you want to grab sweets you can share with the kids when you get home, opt for an order of mini cupcakes. The caramel apple provides those sweet and salty flavors expected of the treat while the fresh ginger pear showcases lighter ingredients. Due to COVID-19, Stir Crazy Baked Goods is only available for togo orders and closes daily at 6 p.m., so plan accordingly if you want to stop in before heading back to Southlake. StirCrazyBakedGoods.com