Buttons Restaurant Fort Worth Review: A Soulful Journey of Southern Comfort Food & Live Music

Fort Worth’s vibrant cultural scene offers a delightful array of experiences, and for a recent “Dinner and a Show” column assignment for TheaterJones.com, the task was to find the perfect culinary counterpart to a captivating performance at the renowned Jubilee Theatre. My mind immediately turned to a local institution I hadn’t visited in years: Buttons Restaurant. This return visit proved to be the ideal excuse to reacquaint myself with their legendary Southern comfort food and immerse myself in their unique atmosphere. What I discovered was far more than just a meal; it was a full sensory experience that perfectly complemented a night of live theater. This comprehensive Buttons Restaurant review delves into every aspect of our memorable evening, from inventive cocktails to soulful dishes and lively entertainment, making it clear why Buttons remains a beloved fixture in Fort Worth’s dining landscape.

Crafted Cocktails: A Southern Sip Experience

Stepping into Buttons, the inviting ambiance immediately set the stage for an evening of relaxation and indulgence. The bar area, in particular, exuded a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe, making it the perfect starting point. The Buttons cocktail menu is a testament to Southern creativity, featuring a diverse range of specialty drinks, each playfully named and thoughtfully crafted. These aren’t just ordinary drinks; they’re liquid odes to Southern charm and flavor. Take, for instance, Rosemary’s Cherry, a sophisticated concoction where the crispness of fresh rosemary meets the smooth elegance of Grey Goose Cherry Noir, creating a refreshing and aromatic profile. Then there’s Georgia on My Mind, a true celebration of Southern sweetness, gently infusing TX Whiskey with the warm notes of maple, the nutty richness of pecan, and the succulent sweetness of peaches—a drink that truly sings of the South. And for those who appreciate a tangy kick, the Louisiana Jam perfectly blends the classic Southern Comfort with invigorating mint, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a surprising burst of apricot jam, offering a complex yet utterly delightful taste experience.

The sheer variety ensures that there truly is “something for everyone,” even for a dedicated gin enthusiast like myself. I opted for their Gin & Juiced, a vibrant and zesty drink crafted with premium gin, the bright bitterness of grapefruit, and the delicate floral notes of elderflower liqueur. It was a perfectly balanced choice, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors we anticipated from our meal. For those who prefer classic libations, Buttons also offers a curated selection of wines, available both by the glass and by the bottle, alongside a respectable assortment of draft and bottled beers, ensuring that every diner can find their perfect pairing.

Appetizers and Salads: Setting the Stage for Southern Flavors

Understanding that the main event would be a hearty exploration of Southern comfort cuisine, we strategically opted for a lighter start from the appetizer menu. While not as extensive as the full range sometimes found online, the in-house selection featured a concise yet appealing list of crowd favorites designed to whet the appetite without overwhelming it. Options included classic crispy wings, a savory cup of shrimp creole, perfectly fried shrimp, and, of course, a soul-warming cup of gumbo. A fresh salad, with the option to add grilled chicken or tender shrimp, was also available for those seeking a greener start. Our choice, a shared cup of gumbo, proved to be an exceptionally wise decision, providing the ideal introduction to the rich, nuanced flavors of Buttons.

From the first spoonful, the gumbo hit all the right notes. It delivered a deeply satisfying warmth, a gentle but discernible kick of spice, and a perfectly balanced seasoning that avoided excessive saltiness. This expertly crafted dish instantly earned a spot on our “we’d order it again” list. Its foundation is a rich, dark roux—the hallmark of authentic gumbo—simmered with tender shrimp, succulent chicken, and spicy andouille sausage, all harmoniously blended. It’s traditionally served with a scoop of fluffy white rice on top, which absorbs the savory broth beautifully, and accompanied by a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop. I can already envision a future craving for a whole bowl of Buttons’ gumbo, especially on a crisp winter evening, providing the ultimate comfort and flavor.

Buttons Entrees: A Symphony of Southern Comfort

Our judicious decision to start with a lighter appetizer paid off handsomely, ensuring we had ample room to fully appreciate the generous and incredibly appealing main entrees at Buttons. The entree menu is thoughtfully structured into three distinct sections, catering to a wide array of preferences while firmly rooted in the rich traditions of Southern cooking: “Large Buttons,” “Seafood,” and “Steaks & Chops.” This thoughtful categorization makes navigating the delicious options a pleasure, even when faced with so many enticing choices.

The “Large Buttons” section is where classic Southern comfort food truly shines, featuring beloved staples designed to nourish the soul. Here you’ll find iconic dishes like the hearty chicken and waffles, tender pot roast, crispy chicken fried chicken, fall-off-the-bone oxtails, creamy chicken alfredo, and the playfully named “wings, wangs & thangs.” The “Seafood” menu highlights the bounty of the waters, offering a perfectly grilled salmon option, a classic catfish dinner, a generous bowl of shrimp creole, and a larger portion of their acclaimed gumbo. A unique shrimp, fish, and grits dish also beckons, promising a delightful combination of textures and flavors. For those seeking heartier fare, the “Steaks & Chops” section rounds out the menu with succulent smothered pork chops and a perfectly cooked ribeye, ensuring that every diner finds a dish to satisfy their cravings. With such an appealing and diverse selection, making a final decision was genuinely difficult. After much deliberation, we ultimately opted for the renowned chicken and waffles and the enticing shrimp creole bowl, eager to dive into these Southern masterpieces.

The Exquisite Shrimp Creole

The shrimp creole arrived as a vibrant and aromatic spectacle. This classic dish is meticulously prepared with a robust and spicy Cajun tomato-based sauce, brimming with plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, served alongside a mound of fluffy rice, and accompanied by the indispensable garlic bread. The sauce itself was a symphony of flavors—deeply savory with a delightful spicy kick, showcasing the complexity of traditional Cajun seasonings. While I personally found it to be a tad on the salty side, which might be a matter of individual preference or a reflection of regional culinary styles, it certainly didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. The shrimp were impeccably tender and succulent, and the rich, fragrant tomato sauce was nothing short of divine, compelling me to continue savoring every bite. Despite my minor note on the salt level, this dish delivered such an authentic and satisfying experience that I would undoubtedly order it again without hesitation, a testament to its compelling flavors.

Legendary Chicken and Waffles

Of course, a visit to Buttons without sampling their legendary chicken and waffles would be an oversight! This dish is a cornerstone of Southern comfort, and Buttons elevates it to an art form. Before delving into the star components, I must pause to lavish praise upon the accompanying collard greens. Truly, they were a revelation! These weren’t just any collard greens; they possessed a sublime hint of sweetness that masterfully balanced their inherent savory and slightly salty profile. The texture was perfect—tender yet still holding a pleasant bite—making them an absolute standout side dish. While Buttons offers a tempting array of other sides, including creamy mac-n-cheese, tender braised cabbage, classic rice and grits, comforting smashed potatoes, fresh asparagus, and sweet corn bread, I implore anyone who doesn’t actively dislike greens to try their collard greens. They are a culinary experience in themselves.

Buttons takes a refreshingly unique approach to this beloved classic. Instead of serving boneless chicken pieces atop the waffles, they present three perfectly hand-battered and fried chicken wings. These wings boast an incredibly crispy exterior that yields to juicy, flavorful meat within, showcasing impeccable frying technique. They are paired with homemade Belgian waffles that are exquisitely light and fluffy, creating a delightful contrast in textures. What truly elevates this dish to an unforgettable level is the accompaniment of warm blueberry-infused butter and rich syrup. The blueberry butter is a stroke of genius, melting luxuriously into the warm waffle pockets. Let’s take another moment to appreciate the blueberry-infused butter. Its vibrant color, subtle fruitiness, and creamy texture infuse every bite with an extraordinary depth of flavor, transforming the already delightful waffles into something truly spectacular. It’s this attention to detail and innovative touch that makes Buttons’ chicken and waffles a must-try experience in Fort Worth.

Dessert: A Sweet Southern Conclusion

No Southern meal is truly complete without a delightful dessert, and Buttons offers comforting options that perfectly round out the dining experience. On the evening of our visit, the dessert menu featured two enticing choices: a classic peach cobbler and a decadent raspberry and white chocolate bread pudding. After much consideration, we opted to share the peach cobbler, choosing to have the accompanying ice cream served on the side, a preference for those who enjoy controlling the temperature contrast.

The peaches in the cobbler were undeniably delicious—tender, perfectly sweet, and bursting with fresh, fruity flavor, clearly indicating high-quality fruit. My foodie companion enthusiastically confirmed that the vanilla ice cream was equally superb, providing a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm cobbler. The cobbler’s crust, while tasty and well-integrated with the filling, was a point of minor personal preference; we would have preferred it to be a little crispier, offering a more pronounced textural contrast. However, this minor observation did not deter us in the slightest. The overall warmth, comforting aroma, and delightful taste ensured that we enthusiastically finished every last spoonful of the dish. It was the perfect sweet conclusion to an evening of rich Southern flavors.

Live Music at Buttons: Enhancing the Fort Worth Dining Experience

Beyond its exceptional cuisine, Buttons is renowned for its vibrant live music, which adds an electrifying layer to the dining experience, especially on weekends. Typically, the live performances kick off at 8 PM, transforming the restaurant into a lively entertainment hub. Diners opting for an earlier reservation might find themselves with a two-hour table limit, or an entertainment fee added to their bill if they wish to linger and enjoy the show. We intentionally chose to sit in the more casual bar area, gladly paying the nominal $5 per person entertainment fee to extend our stay beyond two hours and fully immerse ourselves in the evening’s musical offerings. This small charge was a small price for the fantastic atmosphere and top-tier entertainment.

That particular night, the stage was graced by The Front Cover Band, hailing from Shreveport, and they were nothing short of phenomenal. Their talent was undeniable, showcasing exceptional musical prowess and a captivating stage presence. What truly impressed us was their incredibly diverse range of music, effortlessly transitioning between genres and eras, keeping the audience engaged and dancing. From soulful R&B to energetic funk and contemporary hits, their setlist catered to every taste, ensuring a dynamic and unforgettable performance. The energy in the room was palpable, and the band’s ability to connect with the audience was remarkable. By the end of the night, I found myself genuinely considering becoming a “groupie”—a testament to how thoroughly enjoyable and impressive their performance was. The live music at Buttons doesn’t just complement the meal; it elevates the entire evening into a celebratory and memorable night out, solidifying its reputation as a premier “Dinner and a Show” destination in Fort Worth.

Visit Buttons Restaurant Fort Worth

Buttons Restaurant offers a comprehensive and truly soulful experience that perfectly blends exceptional Southern comfort food with vibrant live entertainment. From the creatively crafted cocktails and heartwarming gumbo to the standout chicken and waffles and the sweet peach cobbler, every dish is prepared with care and flavor. Coupled with the engaging live music, it creates an unforgettable Fort Worth dining destination, ideal for a special night out or simply an evening of great food and fantastic tunes. We highly recommend a visit.

Address:

4701 W. Freeway
Fort Worth, TX

Website:

www.buttonsrestaurants.com