| Dallas Restaurant Reviews |
| Joe T. Garcia's Classic Tex Mex 2201 N. Commerce Street, Ft. Worth, TX. (22nd Street at N. Commerce, just off of North Main) 817-626-4356 |
Dallas Restaurant Review:
Joe T. Garcia's (or "Joe T's", as the locals call it) is a Fort Worth institution dating back to
the 1930's. It has hosted the rich and famous, from Texas and far beyond. Even if you're in
Dallas, it's worth the 45 minute drive.
SETTING - Located on Fort Worth's old North Side, Joe T.'s board-sided building looks like
it's about to fall over any day now. What started as a one-room restaurant now rambles over
most of a city block, room after room, plus a lush garden-patio that must cover half an acre
(see photos below). Three blocks north is the historic and atmospheric Ft. Worth Stockyards
district with its board sidewalks and honky-tonks, right out of a Western movie.
FOOD - There is essentially no menu at Joe T. Garcia's. You simply tell the waiter, "bring
us some dinners", and they will. Joe T. has a standard Mexican dinner, and it's served family
style – one large serving plate of each item and everybody "helps their self". You each get two
huge, 6" diameter cheese nachos (possibly the world's best), followed by two enchiladas, rice,
thick black refried beans, two tacos in freshly deep-fried shells, and a big platter of
guacamole. Dinner is a feast. In recent years they finally added a brief menu for the
uninitiated tourists – although they often don't mention it – and also gave in to popular demand
and they now serve fajitas for Gringos who insist.
BEVERAGES - Texas Monthly called Joe T's margaritas "Industrial Strength". They
weren't kidding. The last time I was there, I'm not sure how many I had, but I don't
remember leaving. They're not too sweet, and they do have an appealing but slightly sinister
edge to them. For the record, the restaurant says that the rumors that they're spiked with
190 proof Everclear are untrue. I suggest ordering them by the pitcher only if you have a
party of 4 or more.
AMBIANCE - Joe T. Garcia's is the quintessential Texas experience. The line still wanders
out the door most nights, starting as early as 6 p.m. on weekends. In shirt-sleeve weather,
their extensive garden patios are the place to be. In cool weather, the many interior rooms
fill up. There's usually a mariachi band, and you'll see a lot of large tables with families and
friends, "boots & suits". It's festive. Their web site has the history of the restaurant and
some excellent photos in the "gallery".
Downside? - Some things never change, because Joe T.'s does NOT accept credit cards. So
take cash – or you will be washing dishes, Amigo.
BOTTOM LINE - A nationally-known, one-of-a-kind Mexican food establishment that is worth
a trip. Great food, great margaritas, great ambiance, and a memorable time.
Joe T. Garcia's (or "Joe T's", as the locals call it) is a Fort Worth institution dating back to
the 1930's. It has hosted the rich and famous, from Texas and far beyond. Even if you're in
Dallas, it's worth the 45 minute drive.
SETTING - Located on Fort Worth's old North Side, Joe T.'s board-sided building looks like
it's about to fall over any day now. What started as a one-room restaurant now rambles over
most of a city block, room after room, plus a lush garden-patio that must cover half an acre
(see photos below). Three blocks north is the historic and atmospheric Ft. Worth Stockyards
district with its board sidewalks and honky-tonks, right out of a Western movie.
FOOD - There is essentially no menu at Joe T. Garcia's. You simply tell the waiter, "bring
us some dinners", and they will. Joe T. has a standard Mexican dinner, and it's served family
style – one large serving plate of each item and everybody "helps their self". You each get two
huge, 6" diameter cheese nachos (possibly the world's best), followed by two enchiladas, rice,
thick black refried beans, two tacos in freshly deep-fried shells, and a big platter of
guacamole. Dinner is a feast. In recent years they finally added a brief menu for the
uninitiated tourists – although they often don't mention it – and also gave in to popular demand
and they now serve fajitas for Gringos who insist.
BEVERAGES - Texas Monthly called Joe T's margaritas "Industrial Strength". They
weren't kidding. The last time I was there, I'm not sure how many I had, but I don't
remember leaving. They're not too sweet, and they do have an appealing but slightly sinister
edge to them. For the record, the restaurant says that the rumors that they're spiked with
190 proof Everclear are untrue. I suggest ordering them by the pitcher only if you have a
party of 4 or more.
AMBIANCE - Joe T. Garcia's is the quintessential Texas experience. The line still wanders
out the door most nights, starting as early as 6 p.m. on weekends. In shirt-sleeve weather,
their extensive garden patios are the place to be. In cool weather, the many interior rooms
fill up. There's usually a mariachi band, and you'll see a lot of large tables with families and
friends, "boots & suits". It's festive. Their web site has the history of the restaurant and
some excellent photos in the "gallery".
Downside? - Some things never change, because Joe T.'s does NOT accept credit cards. So
take cash – or you will be washing dishes, Amigo.
BOTTOM LINE - A nationally-known, one-of-a-kind Mexican food establishment that is worth
a trip. Great food, great margaritas, great ambiance, and a memorable time.
