Panther City BBQ
Barbecue restaurant · Hospital District
201 E Hattie St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Highlights
Oak-smoked meats, Southern & Tex-Mex sides, banana pudding
Oak-smoked meats, Southern & Tex-Mex sides, banana pudding
"Panther City began as a food truck and evolved into a popular spot for pork belly poppers, also known as burnt ends, a Fort Worth favorite. These are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, a clever take on shrimp brioche. There are many other Mexican-influenced barbecue plates available here, including the brisket guisada, which is swimming in a rich, meaty sauce, and the brisket elote, layered with creamy corn and cilantro. There’s a nice, large patio outside to enjoy brisket and sausage platters, or stay inside with the family-friendly roadhouse vibe and the AC when it’s hot." - Courtney E. Smith
"Known for its signature Flaca Tacos, Panther City BBQ is a Michelin-recommended barbecue spot participating in the Lone Star Smokeout." - Courtney E. Smith
"Panther City BBQ in Fort Worth earned recommended status in the Michelin Guide, highlighting its significance in the local dining scene." - Courtney E. Smith
"Founded by pitmasters Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales after success on the competition circuit, this popular Fort Worth barbecue spot blends their Mexican heritage with classic Texas barbecue. The pair — who met working at an audiovisual company and began competing around 2014 — emphasize a Tex‑Mex spin across their menu, highlighted by items such as brisket elote cups and jalapeño cheese sausage. Known as a leader in new‑school craft barbecue in the area, they combine traditional smoking techniques with bold, childhood‑inspired flavors." - Annie Harrigan
"Fort Worth is known as “Panther City,” which comes from a strange legend that started in 1875 describing Fort Worth as a sleepy Dallas suburb. So sleepy, in fact, that a panther took a nap downtown and it went practically unnoticed. It’s a weird story and also kind of an insult, but the city took it up and ran with it. These days, Panther City BBQ embraces that weirdness with their creative takes on barbecue. While they are celebrated for their classic staples like brisket, jalapeno sausage, and pork ribs, it’s their more inventive items like pork belly jalapeño poppers that help them stand out as the city’s new favorite barbecue joint. With their new brick-and-mortar location in the Near Southside, it’s the perfect time to try their brisket elote and smoked bologna on their shaded patio full of picnic tables." - emily smith
