Chilaquiles traditional at El Tesoro
Lisa Petty for the Dallas Observer
It’s not that we don’t like Fort Worth …we just like Dallas more. Just kidding. Seriously, though, it’s fun to take a little road trip out west for a taste of what the neighbors are cooking. But you shouldn’t just go knocking on any ol’ door – as anyone who has ever gotten indigestion from a tourist trap in the Stockyards can attest.
Today our exploration of hidden gems continues with a focus on Fort Worth. The following list includes longtime classics to visit (or revisit), as well as hidden gems perfect for refueling after a trip to the museum, a concert, or day at the zoo. Heck, they could be worth the drive all on their own.
Margie’s Italian Gardens
9805 Camp Bowie West Blvd.
Founded in 1953 by Margie “Mama Meatball” Walters, this historic spot most recently changed hands in 2023. Not to worry, though, as current owners Gigi Howell and Bourke Harvey of Westland Hospitality are committed to preserving Margie’s traditional feel and flavor. It’s only open for dinner, but that may be a good thing, as a nap is required after a hearty plate of veal osso bucco with parmesan polenta or house-smoked beef tenderloin over linguine.
Thai Zen
4220 W. Vickery Blvd.
Rumor has it, this long-running little cafe used to be a favorite stop for Harrison Ford when he brought his chopper in for maintenance at Bell Helicopter. If we had to take a guess, we could totally see Han Solo savoring red curry chicken, pineapple fried rice, or spicy drunken noodles on the reg. And he’d take two orders of sticky rice with custard and fried bananas to-go. We’re sure of it.
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Tesoro Mexican
2919 Race St.,
This family-owned gem is only a few years old, highlighting all-day breakfast in a super-cute setting. What to get? Well, with a nickname like “La Casa de los Chilaquiles,” you’ve gotta try their take on the morning chips-and-salsa dish. Choose from traditional style, divorciados,(“split” between red and green sauce), or birriaquiles tricolor (loaded with sauce, birria, sour cream and cheese). All come with eggs, your way. Feeling more like lunch? They’ve got that, too. Oh, and don’t sleep on the Café de Olla (not that you possibly could).
Paris Coffee Shop
704 W. Magnolia Ave.
This Near Southside neighborhood spot is a real icon, with 2026 marking its 100th year in business. The wide-ranging menu includes options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with breakfast served all day. Also available daily, the Blue Plate Special is a great choice, whether meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, or another comforting classic. End on a “pie” note with a fresh-baked slice. Finally, a bit of trivia: The cafe’s name comes from its founder, Vic Paris, not the city in France.
The Amber Room
334 Bryan Ave.
This speakeasy-style hang is hidden inside Wishbone & Flynt, accessible through an unmarked door off of Bryan Avenue. Whether or not you partake of the main restaurant’s smoked redfish eggrolls, chicken lasagne, or another dish from the varied menu, it’s worth a trip to the Amber Room to soak up some Prohibition-era vibes. And you could also soak up a couple of whisky-soaked Blackberry Birdies while you’re at it.
Tu Hai
3909 E. Belknap St.
Another family-owned Fort Worth gem, Tu Hai turns 40 this year. With a menu offering almost every favorite Vietnamese dish, you’d be hard-pressed to find a craving here that can’t be satisfied. Fresh spring rolls? Check. Banh mi on chewy baguettes? Check. Maybe save your trip ‘til it’s nice and chilly, though, because the extensive soup section deserves your attention. In addition to many pho variations, slurpable bowls include sup rao cai (vegetable beef), mi sup (pork and seafood with noodles) and more.