One of the iconic eateries in Fort Worth located near the Fort Worth Stockyards is Joe T Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, or as locals call it, Joe T’s. When I moved to Fort Worth a couple of years ago, this was one of the places that everyone said I had to go visit. But I had heard about the wretched long lines and I decided to stay away. On the weekend, it is common knowledge that you will wait in line at least 1-2 hours to get a seat. But when we had some guests in town, they wanted to go…so as good hosts, we went. It was ok. I left a little disappointed thinking, why is this place such an icon?
Meandering Path
We visited again for a rehearsal dinner. We bypassed the line and walked right in. After a server pointed us in the right direction, we walked for a surprisingly long time. We meandered through lush greenery and fountains to the back of the property . As we continued down the path, I started to understand why people love this place. We arrived at the location of the dinner, a gorgeous outdoor patio. It was magical and a bit of an oasis. I felt like I had left Fort Worth, and emerged in a beautiful courtyard in Mexico. Just fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5!! Go to Joe T’s to experience the patio. It is magical and breathtaking. Just build the wait time in your evening plans and have a great time!
Chips and Salsa: 3 People have strong feelings for the salsa; you can even purchase it in jars in local grocery stores. But for me…it is okay. The texture is good and chunky, but just doesn’t have the flavor and umph I need in a salsa. Don’t get me wrong, your table will devour the salsa because you have waited in line so long and are so hungry! Haha
Margarita: 4 Joe T’s is known for their margarita and it is super tasty! Request on the rocks.
Chips, Queso, and Salsa
Queso: 3 I LOVE cheese and so what can be better than cheese that you can transport on a chip? Nothing. I have been known to call up friends when I have a special cheese or queso moment and have been known to sing songs about cheese. So, I have to disappointedly rate this queso as just average. The texture is a little fluffy, which is odd, and lacks flavor.
Tacos: 3 Beef tacos are my favorite item at Tex-Mex restaurants. Tacos are my “control” item. They come as a part of the enchilada platter on the dinner menu. Joe T’s tacos are okay. I could have used a little more flavor in the beef and for the beef to be a little less dry.
Enchiladas: 3 The cheese enchiladas at Joe T’s have a good flavor but are heavy. I think they are average compared to other Tex-Mex eateries.
Service: 5 As soon as you sit down, chips and salsa will be delivered to your table. All of the staff is incredibly kind and personable.
An Outdoor Seating Area
Other Noteworthy Items: You HAVE to ask you waiter to bring you a dessert at the end of your meal called Leche Quemada, or caramelized milk. If you are not familiar, I would say it is a cousin to cajeta and dulce de leche. And if you still do not know what I am talking about, it doesn’t matter. You should get it. It is a 2″x3″ square of heaven! You will never regret spending those 2 dollars. You can also purchase them in the front at a bakery counter.
Some things you need to know before you go. The breakfast and lunch menu have a bit of variety, but if you go in the evening, you have three entree choices, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas or cheese enchiladas. Each of the entrees come with the appropriate sides. They are are a little pricey, but you can easily share because the portions are huge. It is a cash only establishment so plan accordingly, with an ATM located in the main building. Also note there are two lines; a line for the patio and a line to eat indoors.
Despite the average food and the long lines, I have a clear understanding of why it is a Fort Worth legend; the atmosphere. It is a haven and for a moment you think you have escaped to a place far away.
For a complete guide to the Perfect Tex-Mex Food Experience, refer to From Texas to Beyond’s Ideal Tex-Mex Restaurant.
One of the Many Fountains
Can I just say I am happy to see this rating? I’m Fort Worth born and raised and Joe T’s is a staple. You almost have to worship it. I feel like a trader for even saying that I only find it ‘okay’ except for the atmosphere! I am glad to have fellow tex-mex aficionados to back me up on this one!
Keep up the excellent work guys!