As the USTRC’s 34th Cinch National Finals Team Roping rolls into town, take some time to find the next best hangout spot in the diverse city for Fort Worth.
For eight jam-packed days April 23–30, thousands of team ropers will converge on the Will Rogers Memorial Complex to compete for year-end titles, a 3500 RAM truck, saddles and prize money galore.
The usual watering holes such as Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant and H3 Steakhouse will be filled with the clink of spurs and felt cowboy hats once more—but Fort Worth has more to offer than the tried-and-true spots.
The Team Roping Journal team assembled some of the top tasty eats, cold brews, fun family outings and nostalgic corners in storied Fort Worth.
April 23
Red Door Escape Room
Test problem-solving skills with friends or family at the Red Door Escape Room, just 10 minutes from the Will Rogers complex. With six rooms to choose from, any age can enjoy the varying levels of difficulty and teamwork needed to escape.
Akarii Revolving Sushi
The simple-yet-fun concept of nabbing small plates of sushi off a conveyer belt means everyone’s different sushi craving can be satisfied. Akarii Revolving Sushi has everything from traditional sashimi to more ‘American’ rolls like the Crunchy California rolls or Spicy Popcorn Shrimp rolls. Diners can special-order ramen, dumplings or mochi on the touchscreen at the table and see the item come flying down the belt, stopping in front of their booth.
April 24
John Wayne Museum
Mosey on out to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and beat the crowds on a Monday to visit the John Wayne Museum. The exhibit chronicles Wayne’s entire life, and displays everything from his movie costumes, an Oscar award and classic cars to a taxidermized “Trigger.” The 10,000-square foot exhibit takes at least an hour to tour.
Joe T. Garcia’s
Operating since 1935, “Joe T.’s” is in a field of its own and is completely unapologetic about how they run the place. With legendary fajitas and margaritas up for grabs, dining at Joe T.’s often includes a wait, features a limited menu with Tex-Mex favorites and is cash-only.
Despite their unusual practices, Joe T.’s has a cult following in North Texas and any roper could enjoy a fresh drink on their patio.
NRS
Think mecca for anything a roper or rope horse could need. Think 10,000 pairs of boots, aisles of tack and bits to bring home, every rope on the market, a department-store-sized apparel section and an arena with scheduled ropings year-round. Plus, NRS’s feed store makes an excellent excuse to drive out to Decatur and pick up something you forgot at home.
April 25
Highpoint Performance Horses’ Stallion Row
Seeing a stallion in person can make a breeding decision easier. Call Highpoint in Pilot Point, Texas, to see their stallions in the flesh. Famous sires like HP Dash Ta Fiesta, Slick By Design, Winners Version, MP Sugeray and WSR Hesa Dunofalena all stand at Highpoint. To schedule a visit, contact Christi at 903-816-1428.
To schedule a visit, contact Christi at 903-816-1428.
April 26
Top Golf
With open hours spanning most of the day and cold beer on tap, does anyone really need a reason to make a trip to Top Golf? The Fort Worth location features three levels of driving-range bliss and plenty of opportunities to work on the golf game.
Panther City BBQ
Named one of Texas Monthly’s top barbeque restaurants in 2021, Panther CityBBQ prides itself on smoking their meats with post oak wood. Aside from the classic pork, brisket, ribs and sausage, Panther City BBQ gets creative with pork belly jalapeno poppers and brisket elote that is sure to please.
Fun Fact: Why is Fort Worth known as “Panther City?” The tale stems from an 1870s jab a Dallas man made about Fort Worth, saying the streets in Fort Worth were so sleepy and boring a panther could have slept in them. Fort Worth residents picked up the mantle of the panther, making it a symbol of the city that has spanned centuries.
April 27
Cattle Drive in Stockyards
The only twice-daily cattle drive in the world still takes place in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day on Exchange Ave. The thought of a cattle drive may seem underwhelming after watching hundreds of steers lope through the roping pen, but there is something special about seeing a herd of 1,500-pound steers with horns spanning more than 6 feet amble down the brick road with a “Yeah, I’m cool” attitude.
Second Rodeo Brewing Company
With three sets of free live music playing every day and beer brewed right on the premises, Second Rodeo Brewing Company is the place to kick back and relax. They have more than a hundred lawn seats, a dog-friendly patio and a kitchen whipping up bar food such as nachos.
April 28
Montgomery St. Cafe
A Fort Worth institution is located just steps from the Will Rogers: the Montgomery Street Café. The small, retro restaurant gives a homey feel while classic breakfast items such as biscuits and gravy, eggs, hashbrowns and even chicken fried steak are plentiful.
Diners won’t leave hungry, and the reasonable prices make the meal even better.
National Cowgirl Hall of Fame
Recognizing cowgirls of all walks of life is the mission of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. The museum—which is on the Will Rogers grounds—features unique saddles, special boot collections, bespoke bronze sculptures, historical outfits and Western artwork. Lari Dee Guy, a USTRC and WPRA legend, was inducted in 2021.
April 29
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
Located right next to the Will Rogers complex, the Botanic Gardens feature 11 unique gardens among winding trails that transport visitors to a peaceful place. Two gardens of note are the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, which show off meticulous landscaping and koi fishponds.
Ampersand Coffee Shop
Need a caffeine fix? Wrangle a shot of espresso (or two) at the Ampersand Coffee Shop located near the Will Rogers complex. The shop always has seasonal drinks, a shaded, dog-friendly patio and a selection of snacks for purchase.
Fun Fact: Ampersand has an alter ego that comes out at night—a bar. Conveniently located in the West 7th Street bar district of Fort Worth, patrons can kick off their night of USTRC festivities at Ampersand.
April 30
Altitude Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks will have kids and adults alike completely worn out—making for the quietest night’s sleep ever in the living quarters or hotel room. Aside from 30,000 square feet of trampolines, Altitude has a foam pit, obstacles such as a sweeping foam arm and climbing wall.
Kincades Old School Hamburgers
Kincades on Camp Bowie Boulevard will take diners back in time with its 1940’s-themed restaurant complete with a faux general store and classic hamburgers. Hot dogs, pimento cheese sandwiches, crinkle-cut fries and milkshakes round out the menu at this nostalgic establishment. TRJ
