Worth trying: Panther City BBQ
Photo credit: Panther City BBQ (201 E. Hattie Street Open Wednesday through Sunday 11 am - 8 pm)
Have you had elote today?
If you haven’t, this is a sign from the universe. You need it. And you probably need it from Panther City BBQ because elote without brisket is like a cowboy without boots. It can happen, but it’s not the way any of us want it.
The Near Southside’s best bbq
The Near Southside is Fort Worth’s funky and eclectic neighborhood and home to Magnolia Avenue and South Main. These two areas are hosts to a vibrant community as well as festivals and events, live music and locally-owned bars and boutiques. It’s one of the best parts of town, in my humble opinion. And also one of the best places for dining, drinking, or finding something fun to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Panther City BBQ started in 2014 and slowly built a following of devotees before a rapid uptick in popularity in 2021 when Texas Monthly named it one of the Top 10 Best BBQ in all of Texas. And then the floodgates opened.
Suddenly the best-kept-secret of the Near Southside was in the (much deserved) spotlight and the accolades and crowds have followed ever since.
While Texas Monthly’s ranking is a pretty big deal, Panther City has a few other stars in it’s crown. And, yes, one of those is from a little tire brand.
In 2024, in the state’s first Michelin Guide, Panther City BBQ was named as a ‘Recommended’ dining destination. This made Panther City one of the few restaurants in all of Dallas-Fort Worth to receive praise from the guide. (We’re we robbed? Was the guide overly focused on chef’s menus? I think you know where I stand).
Stay local but eat right
One of the hardest things about being a BBQ enthusiast is that you often have to travel far and wide to eat at the best-of-the-best.
Here’s how it usually goes:
You wake up at the crack of dawn. You drive three hours to The Middle of Nowhere, Texas and get out of your car. You wonder if you brought enough water or if there is a bathroom within a 10 mile radius. You wait in line, outside, for two hours. You get to the front of the line and find out that the brisket sold out ten minutes before you arrived.
But Panther City isn’t this.
Located off South Main at Hattie Avenue, Panther City is a 10 minute drive from Downtown Fort Worth and conveniently located right off the Rosedale exit at 35W in the heart of the Near Southside.
Panther City BBQ is local.
For those who know, Fort Worth has this magic bubble that somehow connects everyone and everything within a 15 minute drive. It is convenient. It is courteous. It is the way of the West. (Dallas would never!!)
And this location does make a difference. It means that Panther City can be your local lunch spot if you happen to have an appointment in the Hospital District. Or it can be your after-work beer if you have a meeting downtown. It’s accessible but still exceptional.
In the words of Lizzy McGuire, “This is what dreams are made of.”
Panther City has grown a good bit over the last few years and this has afforded an expanded kitchen, bar and seating areas. While still preserving the rustic charm of it’s early years, the Panther City of today has an air conditioned dining space with full bar. Overflow seating is available outdoors but, graciously, most of your line waiting will be within the comfort of a conditioned building.
My tips to get the most out of your Panther City BBQ visit
Start on the Internet. Unlike other BBQ joints, Panther City has a pretty great website that includes it’s full menu and pricing. Instead of craning your neck to read the chalkboard sign above the register, just grab your phone and pull up the website to figure out what you want.
Try the specials. Yes, the regular offerings are delicious. Who doesn’t love a cheddar jalapeño sausage? Of course the brisket is divine and the pinto beans, too… But what about those flacos tacos? Are they something special?? (yes, fool. yes, they are.) Don’t skip the BBQ Twists! These are some of the best and most flavorful dishes available on the menu.
If you have a group, go for the platters. For those looking to try a little bit of everything, this is the way to go. You really do get the most bang for your buck and one hell of a sampler.
Elote is always the answer. It is a crime to come to here and not get the Brisket Elote. That’s it. That’s all I have to say on the matter.