The River District
White Settlement Road is right in my backyard and right along the Trinity River. Located on the West side of Fort Worth, Texas, this area has quickly grown into a community of housing, entertainment, workplace and dining. It’s an area I frequent often for the coffee that starts my day and the lunch that keeps me going throughout the day. This little stretch of Fort Worth has a variety of spots to visit to fulfill every meal of the day, and all for $40!
Desayuno/Breakfast #1
One of my absolute favorites is Pearl Snap Kolache’s. It’s Fort Worth’s very own Luke’s Diner. Gilmore Girls reference? Did y’all catch that one? Ok, it’s a quaint spot that makes Fort Worth’s famous kolache’s and delicious coffee. Oh! They also have a full lunch/dinner menu full of burgers, sandwiches and even some breakfast favorites. My favorite start to the day is a Pearl Snap latte with a little cinnamon and a sweet kolache. Always look out for the Kolache of the month! You can’t go wrong! This simple but delicious start to the day comes with incredibly friendly faces and the best Spotify playlist this side of the Trinity River. My go to is:
-A hot latte topped with cinnamon & a cream cheese kolache - $6.76
Desayuno/Breakfast #2
Yes. Second breakfast. First one is to wake you, the second is to fuel you. This may fuel you through dinner, but don’t worry I’m not going to skimp on lunch. Salsa limon has been one of my favorites since day one. From their taco trucks off Berry Street and University, to their brick and mortar on University and then to relocating the whole building to The River District! The Capitan tacos are definitely the way to go, but my absolute favorite is their Migas! Now, the whole concept of Salsa Limon is that you pick your dish then you customize with your protein. Venture out Fort Worth, order their Migas with Lengua. Lengua is cow tongue. Now, I understand that may make your skin crawl, but Lengua is so tender and delicious. Salsa limon prepares it beautifully to where it just melts…on your tongue. (I know that picture is not migas, I ate them too fast to capture a true photo. So, enjoy a picture of Tripe Capitan Tacos instead)
-Migas con Lengua & a water (to settle the coffee)- $9.74
Almuerzo/Lunch
Lettuce Cook - Filled with punny veggie jokes and a deli case and fridge that will knock your socks off, this TRD staple is eclectic as it is delicious! Todd, Natalie and their staff are constantly in pursuit of creating healthy well rounded versions of your favorite dishes. Aside from an outstanding catering business, Lettuce cook offers an array of sandwiches, salads, smoothies, desserts and grab & go meals. There’s so much to choose from but I constantly recommend The Blue Plate Special. Rule of thumb: If you’re visiting a place for the first time and they offer a blue plate special or daily special, go for that! A blue plate special at Lettuce cook gets you an entree and salad or coleslaw and an ice cold drink for under $15!
-Blue Plate Special & drink (go for the mango iced tea!) - $15
Cena/Dinner
I’m all about a good deal, especially when that deal includes beer! I’m also a sucker for a venue with outdoor seating and music. Heim on the River is just that. If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard of Heim, well, Hello! and Welcome! The suns bright here, but you’ll get use to it! ;) Travis and Emma Heim started their BBQ journey in Fort Worth out of a little trailer with a long ass line. I never had the pleasure of making it to the front of the line during those times, but the moment the Magnolia location opened, we risked it for the brisket! Many years later, and multiple locations, our favorite spot had quickly become their River District location. The amplitude of space alone calls you in. Aside from their award winning barbecue, Heim is also known for a few of their specials including: Corn Dogs & Smoked wings. Two of our faves, but for today I want to feature one in particular. It’s a family favorite in our household and a staple for us on Tuesday nights! Tuesday Night is CORNDOG NIGHT!
-$2 Tuesdays! $2 Corndog & 2-$2 Domestic Bottles- $6.49 (lot’s a 2’s there!)
Are you full just from reading? I’ve built up an appetite just from typing! You can do most of these any day of the week, but the corndog special is only on Tuesdays. What a fun Tuesday though!
There’s so much cuisine to experience in Fort Worth and this is just a taste! My favorite part of what I do is that I’m able to be a tourist in my own city. I get to meet some really remarkable people, hear their stories and get to be a self appointed guinea pig for their latest and greatest dishes. I want everyone to be able to experience that but also in knowing that it doesn’t have to break the bank. You don’t have to settle for big chain fast food to maintain a budget. So many of our local chefs and restauranteurs have developed menu’s that can fit any budget and I’m here to say you can have a whole Fort Worth experience on only $40 a day!
EAT LOCAL. EAT OFTEN. Y BUEN PROVECHO, FORT WORTH!