If You Eat Tex-Mex at Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth, Expect a Long Line | Eater Dallas
"A legendary, family-run Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth operating since 1935 and now overseen by the founders’ eldest grandchildren, it’s best known for a massive, resort-like outdoor patio with stonework, fountains, and tropical gardens that draws long lines on nice days. The indoor dining area offers warm wood and amber tile tones, a lively multi-generational atmosphere with a distinct Fort Worth vibe, and walls filled with autographed photos of celebrities and presidents. Food arrives family-style and generously: the classic enchilada plate comes with two cheese enchiladas, fluffy mild tomato-scented white rice, smooth refried beans (no pork or smoky flavor), buttered soft corn tortillas, guacamole, and street-size beef tacos on corn tortillas that are flavorful and slightly greasy in a good way. The beef fajitas are a signature — rich in beef flavor and still enjoyable as leftovers — and the appetizer “nachos” is actually a tostada with melted cheese and a tangy green-chile salsa. Service is energetic and efficient, complimentary warm chips and a tomato-forward, lightly cilantroed salsa appear quickly, and the house margarita on the rocks with salt is recommended for being lightly boozy and refreshing. The patio is the main draw but inside seating is a perfectly fine alternative if you want to avoid the wait, and note that the restaurant accepts cash only (an on-site ATM is available)." - Austin Anderson
