South Main Street’s Dramatic Comeback Makes it a Fort Worth Must-Visit

South Main Street in Fort Worth may have lost some of its luster over the years. But now, breweries, boutiques and new restaurants have breathed a second life into the once-vacant brick buildings that line the street.

Places to shop, eat and play are settling in, and this now-thriving district is quickly becoming a Fort Worth hotspot.

South Main Restaurants

It’s imperative to get properly caffeinated for the day, so start your day off at CRUDE Craft Coffee Bar. This coffee shop, owned by mother-and-son duo Teresa and Corey Bloodworth, boasts a barista-style craft coffee menu with small batches of homemade desserts made daily.

Be sure to take a look at the signature seasonal menu of specialty drinks. A crowd favorite is the iced Tres Leches.

A must-have lunch is Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe, a brewery and cafe started by friends Samantha Glenn, Collin Zreet, Jenni Henley and John Koch.

Funky Picnic brews a total of six beers in-house, but also offers a few Fort Worth brewery mainstays. The menu of artisanal sandwiches sets this brewpub apart from the rest. Try the “Throw Your Hands in the Heir-loom,” with beer bacon jam, heirloom tomatoes and melted smoky cheddar cheese.

Another equally worthy lunch option is Black Cat Pizza. This gourmet pizzeria is the brainchild of chef and owner Jaime Fernandez. What began as a late night pop-up in 2018 has evolved into a full menu with pizza, sandwiches, salads, craft beer (are you sensing a theme?) and wine.

For some afternoon libations, stop off at Locust Cider and Brewing Co. Located in a colorful corner building, the taproom uses apples sourced from the Pacific Northwest and also boasts locations in Washington and Colorado.

The result is easy-to-drink, light and gluten-free beers in a multitude of flavors. Year-round, you can try the Original Dry or Dark Cherry. However, you also have a bevy of seasonal flavors to choose from.

For dinner, Four Sisters – Taste of Vietnam never disappoints. Founder Tuan Pham conceptualized the Vietnamese restaurant to introduce the people of Fort Worth to the recipes he grew up with.

The menu features recipes handed down from generations past with unique twists. Begin the meal with one of the craft cocktails named after one of the four sisters. Next, treat yourself to the stir-fried lobster. Coming soon — a specialized regional coffee menu.

South Main’s Cool Treats & Late Night Eats

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Gypsy Scoops can cater to all of your ice cream cravings. Gypsy Scoops got its start as a mobile ice cream truck, but has since opened two locations in Fort Worth, the second of which is on South Main Street.

Owner Julie Markley is mixing up the classics, including Dreamsicle and Mexican vanilla. The ice cream parlor also has some old school confection favorites such as Charleston Chews, Pop Rocks and taffy.

Another option is Alchemy Pops, serving up gourmet popsicles made with all-natural and locally sourced ingredients. What started as a side hustle for Carolyn Phillips has grown into a thriving business. Flavors change seasonally, but you can always count on unique pairings.

If you find yourself wanting a craft brew or a midnight snack, run over to The Bearded Lady. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant and bar boasts an extensive beer menu and specialty sandwiches and burgers.

The burger of the week is an always-satisfying late-night option.

South Main Shopping

If impeccable food and drink don’t draw you into the South Main Street area, the shopping will.

Morgan Mercantile is a Fort Worth–centric store owned by Kala and Chance Morgan that sells classic clothing for men, women and babies. Not only can you find the perfectly crafted T-shirt, you can also discover some unique accessories and various home goods.

If you’re in need of some greenery in your home, look no further than The Greenhouse 817. Derek Poyner, green thumb extraordinaire, started selling arrangements out of her backyard greenhouse in 2014.

When she could no longer make room for her creations, she moved to a warehouse and most recently, her brick and mortar joined the 4eleven event venue — and yes, she does weddings too! You can find the plants of your Pinterest dreams along with some great gifts and knick-knacks also shares the 4eleven building.

Also in that building, LTO is a home decor, furniture, clothing, gift and accessory shop. Owner Jana Clark has an extensive background in interior design and offers her expertise in her Fab Lab concept. There, customers can book time with her and discuss their home design ideas and gain her insights.

Lastly, in the 4eleven building, you can find Winton & Waits. On a mission to create a store that spurred positive change in the world, founder Jenna Lee collects items that have a story and created a partnership with nonprofit organizations on a local and global level.

Not only does everything purchased go to a noble cause, but the shop carries clothing, handbags, jewelry, home accessories, bath products, candles and stationery.

Further south down the South Main Street, you can find WED Bridal Boutique. This full-service bridal boutique carries some of the top designers in bridal fashion. Irene DiVincenzo, visionary behind WED, prides herself on helping brides find their dream dress.

Coming Soon to South Main

Tinie’s Mexican Rotisserie will serve family-style upscale Mexican cuisine, brought to you by restauranteur Sarah Castillo. Castillo also owns Taco Heads. Set to open in October, you can expect an intimate and hyper-local environment.

Tarantula Tiki Lounge is also slated to open on South Main Street in October. Boiled Owl co-owners Autumn Brackeen and Jason Alford will bring a little bit of Polynesia to Fort Worth.

Hot Box Biscuit Club on Grand Ave has set Fort Worth’s brunch world ablaze since November 2016. The restaurant operates as a pop-up that, without fail, sells out within minutes of the email being sent to its fans.

Owners Sarah Horton and Matt Mobley focus on quintessentially southern fare and community. The new spot is set to open by late summer.

The Borroughs Kitchen will be a fusion of co-owners Gary Brindle and Clarence “Gauge” Xavier’s upbringings. This new local restaurant promises soul food with an eastern flair and will be open later this year.

Rachael Lindley is a Dallas native, transplanted in Fort Worth. After completing college, Rachael fell in love with how charming the city of Fort Worth is. Rachael enjoys iced quad lattes and walking her dogs on the Trinity Trail and obsessing over decor in her midcentury modern home.