Dinner @ Joe T. Garcia’s
Staycation: \stā-ˈkā-shən\ noun. A respite or time of leisure spent in one’s own city instead of traveling to another, as opposed to a vacation.
Watch the news or read a blog and you’re likely to find the new buzz word, staycation, especially if they’re discussing high gas prices. I really like the idea, even though seeking out great fun things to do in your city is hardly a new concept. There’s lots of times I’ve visited somewhere in Dallas or Ft. Worth—be it a neighborhood (like the Bishop Arts District) or a museum—and felt transported to another city, long before I heard of staycations. I think people should explore their cities and seek out what makes them unique, especially those of us living in the Metroplex that has so many diverse offerings.
So where am I go with all this pro-hometown propaganda? Well, after visiting the Impressionist exhibit at the Kimbell, we ended up (sort of by chance) eating at Joe T. Garcia’s…
I had known about this place in a very vague sort of way. I knew that it’s been in Ft. Worth a long time and that they have “a great patio.” Well, both of these statements are true. The restaurant has been in Ft. Worth since 1935. However, saying that they have a “great patio” is like saying the Dallas City Council has “disagreements.”
On a Friday night, even early, the parking lot was a zoo. We were confused. Is this lot all for the restaurant? Do they share parking with a venue or something? A movie theater? Throngs of people walked towards the restaurant, forming a waiting line that looked (in length) more like one that forms behind a velvet rope than a hostess stand.
Things there move really quickly (more on that in a moment) and we were seated almost immediately. During the long walk towards our table, one thought entered my mind: This is totally a staycation restaurant.
The “fiesta gardens” patio is huge. It can seat over 1,000 people. It’s quite beautiful and has a certain “you might be at an amusement park” feel. Hanging baskets of plants, covered terraces, tiered fountains, and strolling mariachi create such an incredible ambiance. You definitely don’t feel like you’re in DFW anymore.
The fact that the patio is so mammoth makes for an interesting dining experience. The people watching is great, and the service was (surprisingly!) really quick. The only form of tender accepted is (brace yourself) cash. As for the menu? Well, let’s just say that efficiency is definitely at play here. There is no menu. For dinner, there were two choices: fajitas and an enchilada platter with lots of items. For people who hate waiting while their dinner partner agonizes over a six page menu, this is your place. Although we did notice that there can be a little flexibility with this menu, as some nearby tables had nachos, etc.
Food is served family style and didn’t taste at all like it was mass-produced. It was really good, straight-forward Mexican food—nothing fancy or really out of the ordinary. The fajitas were better than the enchilada platter; the meat was tender and well-seasoned. Their margarita pitchers were a good deal ($25) and quite strong. No watered down limeade action here!
No slight on the food, but it’s a great place to go because of the surroundings. It’s fun and would be great for large parties. (Hey, that’s what they do here.) Next time the weather is bearable and you want to spend an evening on a patio with a good margarita, this is the place to go.
Price: $9.25 enchiladas, $10.50 fajitas
2201 N. Commerce St. | Fort Worth, Texas 76164
817.626.4356
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End note: You really should visit the current Kimbell exhibit, The Impressionists: Master Paintings From The Art Institute of Chicago. Some of the true highlights from Chicago’s collection are there, including some of my very faves. Awesome.
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Coincidence! I’m headed over to the Kimbell tonight. Thanks for the report on Joe T’s.
I can’t believe I have never been to Joe T’s. I will say that I have always taken a week of my vacation time to just stay home. I’ve always called it my “pretend I don’t work” week, as opposed to staycation. But, it’s the same thing. I really love it.
Joe T’s is excellent, but a tad overrated. When my wife and I went, we found they did the little things well, like tortillas, guacamole, and of course salsa. My wife didn’t like the fact that the fajitas had a BBQ flavor; she’s more of a traditionalist. I thought it was excellent food; still, El Rancho Grande just down the street is better. Also a North Side Ft Worth institution, but not as well known.
food czar, I’m with you on the food. thank you for the info about El Rancho Grande… have you ever tried Dos Gringos across from the Modern? I’ve been tempted a couple times after leaving the museum but have never been.