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Recent months have brought new entries to the Fort Worth food scene from coffee shops to barbecue joints, and from Mediterranean to chef-driven. Here’s what you need to know.
La La Land Kind Café
Who knew that a popular coffee shop would literally stop traffic with its arrival in Fort Worth?
You might have noticed the non-stop foot traffic and lines of cars snaking around the new La La Land Kind Café at 5733 Camp Bowie Boulevard. FWPD was called to the scene to help guide traffic during the soft opening, and Camp Bowie District took to social media to guide coffee lovers on where the line forms (hint: not on busy Camp Bowie, but down the side street of Halloran). Its grand opening was held on February 8.
The former Smoothie King is now crisp and sunny with pops of citrus yellow. La La Land Kind Café has 12 locations in Dallas, three in Houston, six in Los Angeles, and another new arrival just added to Plano. The brand is known not only for its signature coffee drinks and lavish avocado toast creations but also for providing a positive atmosphere and a warm embrace of its community and patrons. Who wouldn’t stand in line for that?
Ostara Coffee’s New Southside Digs
The local upstart coffee roaster, Ostara Coffee, has been making a name for itself around town, supplying beans and cold brews to other locations including Roy Pope’s Grocery, and popping up at events and farmer’s markets since 2022. Now they have a home of their own, just off South Main at 208 East Broadway Avenue. Ostara is open every day from 7 am to 3 pm.
Owners Natalie Willard and Valerie Mejia have been steadily growing their coffee empire. They even offer a local delivery service by subscription, or just drop by the new coffee shop to sample the famous cold brew.
Taste Project Opens in Arlington
Fort Worth’s unique and inspiring Taste Project, the pay-what-you-can concept, that invites everyone to the table for chef-driven seasonal cuisine, is opening its newest location in Arlington on March 3. Lunch service will follow the ribbon-cutting that day.
Located at 200 North Cooper St., it is situated just north of UT Arlington’s campus. The Arlington Taste Project is in a 3000-square foot space, including a dining room, a production kitchen, and a culinary training classroom to give folks valuable work experience in the food service industry. Taste project continues the mission to feed bodies and souls in Arlington.
Terry Black’s Barbecue Arrives
The long-awaited arrival of Terry Black’s Barbecue, who built their barbecue palace from the ground up along West Seventh Street, was finally realized when it opened in mid-December. Look for the patio filled with yellow umbrellas topped by a new neon cowgirl, or just roll down your windows and sniff the wind ― those smokers are going around the clock.
This staple of Lockhart, Texas is especially sought after for its moist brisket, and jalapeno cheese sausage. Not be confused with Black’s Barbecue, from the same family, in the same hometown of Lockhart ― Terry Black’s Barbecue struck out on its own, opening locations in Austin, Dallas, and Waco. It now has planted its flag in Fort Worth as well. Welcome to the “unofficial” barbecue capital of Texas.
Terra Mediterranean’ Triumphant Return
One of the best Middle Eastern buffets and restaurants in Fort Worth, exited its long-time location in the district formerly known as Crockett Row, back in 2019 ― long before its rebrand as Artisan Circle, and its current major reboot by the district’s new owners Younger Partners. Now, Terra Mediterranean has returned to 2932 Crockett Street, along with its sister restaurant just across the road, the Tex-Mex-themed La Cabrona.
Terra serves the same menu as Ali Baba in Richardson, and its fabulous lunch buffet is served from 11 am to 3 pm. Welcome back Terra, we’ve missed you.
Cafecito Makes Its Move
Known for its fresh Mexican dishes and beet-tinged, pink tacos, Cafecito has made the move from the Funky Town Food Hall at the corner of Magnolia and Eighth Avenue to take over the former Eazy Monkey spot at 401 West Magnolia.
Serving breakfast and lunch including burritos, nopalitos con huevo, and traditional chilaquiles, the inside now sports pops of pink to carry on the theme. Mexican-style coffee drinks include Abuelita’s Latte and classic Café de Olla.
Beren Mediterranean Now at Funky Town Food Hall
A new Turkish spot filled the space Cafecito vacated inside the Funky Town Food Hall, just below Wabi House. Beren Mediterranean Empire Kitchen is now open ― serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A Turkish breakfast includes a Turkish bagel, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Lunch and dinners include gyros, kebabs, and a full array of traditional appetizers like the super smokey babaganoush eggplant dip. For dessert save room for the crispy baklava.
That should give you something to chew on for a while.
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