Joe T. Garcia's
Tex-Mex restaurant · Stockyards
2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Highlights
Iconic Tex-Mex institution with lush patios & strong margaritas
Iconic Tex-Mex institution with lush patios & strong margaritas
"Joe T. Garcia’s is a Fort Worth institution that has been in business since 1935. Joe T’s is known for its expansive outdoor patio, which transports diners right to a Mexican resort, and the beloved margaritas, which are always strong and cold. This restaurant is a gathering place for long-time locals, recent transplants, and tourists alike. Joe T’s has a narrow menu, offering a smaller selection of dishes, such as fajitas and enchiladas, but also includes add-ons like empanadas (pro tip: dip them in the queso), nachos, and tacos. Know before you go: You’re not going to Joe T.’s for the food, which is frankly not that great. It’s all about the courtyard and the margaritas. The wait for a table outside is worth it." - Michael Ellington
"When people think of long-standing institutions in Fort Worth, Joe T. Garcia’s is always at the top of the list. This iconic eatery is renowned for its outdoor patio spaces, overall atmosphere, and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Joe T. Garcia’s has been open for over a century, which means multiple generations of Fort Worth families have gathered together here to share pitchers of margaritas and choose between the family-style enchiladas and fajitas. Pro-tip for any newcomers: While waiting on a table, send someone to grab a pitcher of margaritas." - Michael Ellington
"If you’ve been to Fort Worth and didn’t make it to Joe T’s in the Stockyards…. well, you didn’t really visit Fort Worth at all. It’s a quintessential patio experience, and you’re almost guaranteed to be seated near one of the dozens of fountains and waterfalls scattered throughout the property. A pitcher of Joe T’s nearly-lethal margaritas for the table is a must. Ordering is easy: choose from one of two entrees: fajitas or the cheese enchilada dinner. Both are straightforward Tex-Mex classics, but we recommend the enchiladas since they come with cheese nachos to help soak up those margaritas." - emily smith
"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
"Classic Tex-Mex is what one of Fort Worth’s oldest restaurants built its name on. The limited menu offers chicken and beef fajitas, a family-style enchilada meal, and simple nachos. Scarf them all down in the restaurant’s gorgeous, fountain-filled courtyard and pretend you’re south of the border." - Courtney E. Smith, Amy McCarthy
