Situated in the middle of three intersecting neighborhoods (Crestwood, Rivercrest, and Monticello), you’ll find a snappy new neighborhood eatery. Co-owners Chris Jordan, Kristin Peaks-Thomas, Jywon Young, and Bailey Batts have spent over a year renovating the former Pearl Snap Kolaches space. Now the comfy digs are home to a new steak and frites concept they call Seared. It’s located at 4006 White Settlement Road.
Much like the stretch of White Settlement that leads to their parking lot, it’s been a long and winding road for the four owners who are finally opening Seared this July. They had just taken over the vacant space when a car lost control, careening through its front façade. But what would opening a new restaurant be without a bit of drama and construction delays?
They also own three casual pubs in the area. The Mad Hatter has two locations, one in Richardson, the other on Carroll Street in Fort Worth, and The Rabbit Hole Pub, which is located just a bit further down White Settlement Road.
But with Seared, they’ve done something entirely different.
Fort Worth is known for its steakhouses. Unlike most other steak restaurants in town, Seared is decidedly casual. The atmosphere is not stuffy either. There’s even a Kids section of the menu, offering two smaller steaks and some chicken nuggets. It’s a neighborhood spot, and on the night we visited just after opening, it was filled with just such a neighborhood crowd.
As you enter, you’re welcomed by the bar with its thick quartzite top and seating for cocktails and casual dining. The main dining room stretches to your right, with scattered wood-topped tables and black ladder-back chairs. The floors are polished concrete. A semi-private dining table is also available for larger groups.
The cocktail menu, as you might expect, is well thought out. I highly suggest the refreshing and well-balanced Midnight Honey made with Silent Pool gin, Chambord, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Or the Old Fashioned, which is perfectly prepared and not too sweet, made with Bulleit Rye Whiskey. For brunch, there is an extravagant King’s Cup Bloody Mary to explore, as well as a full bar.
The limited menu centers around a classic steak and frites concept. The prix fixe dinner begins with a fresh loaf of bolillo bread. If you’d like, you can order the custom butter flight with that. Other appetizer options include the Seared bacon flight, which is an absolute must. Three thick slices of glazed bacon are simply stunning. A thick-cut fried calamari dish is another option. But pace yourself, or you’ll be full before the endless fries arrive. Yes, I said endless fries.
The prix fixe also comes with a Heartland hand-cut 10-ounce New York strip served with a pat of chimichurri butter melting on top. Ours was cooked perfectly, and Heartland beef is prized for both its flavor and tenderness.
You can upgrade your steak to a 6-ounce filet or go for the Akaushi Wagyu tomahawk steak for two if you prefer. Your choice of steak is paired with a grilled romaine salad dressed in Parmesan vinaigrette and endless truffle French fries, which are simply addictive.
There are three options for shareable side dishes as well. Thai chili flash-fried Brussels sprouts, a creamy truffle mac and cheese, or seasonal veggies.
I hope you saved room for dessert because the one we sampled was stellar. Chef Joshua Donovan, who is at the helm, tells Fort Worth Digital Diary that the Midnight Mocha Torte was the creation of Pastry Chef Keena Flie. The layered torte has a mousse-like consistency with a rich ganache coating and white chocolate drizzle. You don’t want to miss this dessert.
Reservations are a must, as Seared has been very busy since opening in early July. You’ll find those on Tock.
What if everyone in your party is not in the mood for a steak? Either find new friends, or simply let Seared know when you make your reservations. Though not listed on the menu, they will always have a fish on hand to accommodate. This week, for instance, Seared has fresh salmon in-house. So, be aware that alternate options are always available.
Though they don’t want to become a seafood restaurant, co-owner Kristin Peaks-Thomas tells us that, “Pretty soon we are going to be adding weekend specials that will include things like sea bass and mahi mahi.”
Plus, Seared has just announced its Akaushi Wagyu burger night every Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm. The same burger will be available Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm at a discounted Happy Hour price, she says. “So think of a top-of-the-line wagyu burger and endless truffle fries for a very affordable price. We will also be introducing half-price wines and sides for happy hour.”
And don’t snooze on weekend brunch at Seared. It includes a classic steak and eggs breakfast, French toast, and a BLT with more of that sweet and spicy glazed thick-cut bacon.
