Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge: A Culinary Gem in Fort Worth’s Vibrant Near Southside
In the spirit of a true culinary adventure, our latest “Dinner and a Show” column for TheaterJones.com called for a dining destination that could beautifully complement the rich, sensory experience of “Babette’s Feast,” then running at Amphibian Stage Productions in Fort Worth. This celebrated play, known for its opulent portrayal of food and fellowship, demanded an eatery of comparable caliber – one that offered not just a meal, but a memorable experience. My choice, without hesitation, was Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge. Located just a short, convenient drive from the theatrical venue, Fixture stands out as a beacon of innovative American cuisine, expertly crafted by owner and celebrated chef Ben Merritt. This review delves into why Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge is the perfect pairing for a night out in Fort Worth, offering an intriguing and diverse menu that truly elevates the local dining scene.
Discovering Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge in Fort Worth
Nestled in the heart of Fort Worth’s dynamic Near Southside district at 401 W. Magnolia, Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution helmed by one of the city’s most lauded chefs. Owner and visionary Chef Ben Merritt has garnered significant recognition for his exceptional talent and innovative approach to food. He was rightfully crowned Fort Worth Texas Magazine’s 2016 Top Chef, a title he emphatically reinforced by becoming the first-ever 2017 Top Chef Master. These accolades are a testament to his consistent dedication to culinary excellence and his profound impact on the Fort Worth dining landscape.
Chef Merritt’s ambition doesn’t stop there. In April 2019, he further expanded his culinary footprint by opening a second concept, Ben’s Triple B: Biscuits, Burgers and Brews. This new venture, located just three miles east of Fixture and conveniently within walking distance from Texas Wesleyan University, showcases another facet of his diverse culinary interests. It speaks volumes about his continuous drive to innovate and provide unique dining experiences across Fort Worth, cementing his status as a leading figure in the region’s gastronomic community.
Ambiance and Atmosphere: Your Perfect Fort Worth Dining Setting
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge immediately impresses with its inviting and versatile ambiance, perfectly capturing the hip and comfortable vibe of its Near Southside neighborhood. The restaurant offers a choice of four distinct seating areas, ensuring that whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a lively gathering with friends or family, or a peaceful solo dining adventure, you’ll find just the right spot.
The interior design masterfully blends industrial-chic aesthetics with warm, welcoming elements. Guests are greeted by striking exposed brick walls that tell stories of the building’s history, while a gleaming tin ceiling in the bar area adds a touch of vintage charm. In the two main dining spaces, exposed rafters create an open, airy feel, complemented by an abundance of natural wood and thoughtfully placed metal decor. Every detail contributes to a cohesive and stylish environment. For instance, even something as simple as coffee service becomes an experience, with cream and sugar charmingly delivered in small metal electrical boxes – a testament to the restaurant’s impeccable commitment to its industrial-inspired brand and attention to detail. This harmonious blend of rugged and refined elements makes Fixture an exceptionally comfortable and visually appealing place to unwind and savor a meal.
The choice of seating extends to a delightful patio, offering a refreshing al fresco option for those who prefer dining under the Texas sky. Inside, the main dining rooms provide a more intimate setting, while the bar area buzzes with a social energy, ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a casual meal. Each space at Fixture is thoughtfully designed to enhance your dining experience, making it a standout among Fort Worth restaurants.
A Journey Through Fixture Appetizers
The culinary journey at Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge begins with an impressive array of unique and tantalizing appetizers, each crafted to spark conversation and delight the palate. Chef Merritt’s creativity shines through in these opening acts, offering something for every taste preference and dietary need. For instance, the **Brie and Cranberry Nachos** are a surprisingly delicious gluten-free option, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food. Adventurous diners might gravitate towards the **Duck Wings**, a savory and tender choice, while those seeking indulgence will find pure satisfaction in the rich, creamy **Truffle Mac and Cheese**.
The menu also features locally inspired delights such as **Texas Beet Fries** (also gluten-free), a vibrant and earthy alternative to traditional potato fries. Seafood lovers can savor the crispy **Fried Crawfish Balls**, a nod to Southern flavors. For sharing, the **Smoky Bacon Dip with Tortilla Chips** offers a robust, addictive flavor, while the **Seasonal Vegetable Dip** provides a lighter, fresh option. The **Fried Green Tomatoes** are a classic Southern staple, perfected at Fixture. My personal favorite, and a true standout, was the **Steak Bruschetta**, pictured below.
The **Steak Bruschetta** was nothing short of divine – an exquisitely balanced symphony of textures and flavors. It featured perfectly toasted slices of crisp French bread, generously topped with remarkably tender, thinly shaved ribeye steak. Grilled tomatoes added a burst of acidity, beautifully complementing the rich meat, while wilted greens introduced a subtle earthy note. The star of the show was undoubtedly the Manchego, a delicious hard cheese crafted from sheep’s milk, which imparted a nutty, slightly tangy depth. A delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction brought all these elements together, creating an appetizer that was both elegant and incredibly satisfying. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone exploring the menu at this exceptional Fort Worth restaurant.
Fixture Cocktails, Craft Beer, and Boutique Wines
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge extends its commitment to quality and community support to its beverage program. Emphasizing a strong belief in bolstering local and American-based businesses, Fixture proudly curates a selection that truly reflects this philosophy. Their wine list exclusively features American boutique wines, available by both the glass and the bottle, offering patrons a chance to discover exceptional vintages from across the nation. Craft beer enthusiasts will rejoice in the rotating selection of local brews, showcasing the vibrant and innovative craft beer scene of Texas and beyond. Furthermore, the bar is stocked with a diverse array of American spirits, ensuring that every cocktail is crafted with high-quality, domestically sourced ingredients.
The cocktail menu itself is a work of art, teeming with tempting options that are surprisingly reasonable in price, especially for the caliber of mixology on offer. Fixture’s craft cocktails are creative and well-balanced, ranging from the robust and comforting “Fort Worthian” (a masterful blend of Texas whiskey, sweet vermouth, amaretto, and bitters) to the intricate and aromatic “Fall in the French Quarter” (featuring Copper and Kings Brandy, Knows Creek Rye Whiskey, fall-spiced syrup, a whisper of absinthe, 5-spice, Peychaud’s bitters, and invigorating lemon oils). For those seeking something with a bit of a kick and a refreshing twist, “The Horned Frog” combines Bacardi Silver Rum with blueberry, lime, cilantro, jalapeño, and ginger beer, creating a uniquely vibrant flavor profile.
As a devoted gin fan, the **Southside** cocktail, priced at a modest $8, immediately caught my attention. Crafted with Uncle Val’s botanical gin, fresh mint, tart lime, and a touch of sugar, it’s a delightful concoction. Served in a perfectly chilled glass without any ice cubes to dilute its crispness, it delivered a flavor profile reminiscent of a gin-based mojito – but even better. It was exquisitely smooth, delicately sweet without being cloying, and incredibly refreshing. The absence of ice ensured that every sip remained perfectly crisp and cold, making it an utterly delightful and highly recommended choice for a sophisticated and invigorating beverage in Fort Worth.
Fixture Main Courses: A Diverse Culinary Landscape
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge proudly presents lunch and dinner menus that, while sharing a common thread of quality and innovation, offer a broad and exciting array of choices, with dinner providing a few additional options for a more expansive culinary exploration. The “Fork and Knife” section, in particular, showcases the kitchen’s mastery of diverse American cuisine.
Fresh Salads and Satisfying “Handhelds”
The salad selection at Fixture is far from ordinary, ranging from a vibrant kale salad brimming with fresh ingredients to a hearty southern fried chicken salad, offering a comforting yet elevated option. For steak lovers, the steak salad features the same tender ribeye found in the beloved steak bruschetta, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal. The “Handhelds” section provides equally compelling choices, from a classic shrimp BLT sandwich, reinvented with fresh, high-quality ingredients, to their signature house burger, a perennial favorite. For those seeking unique flavors, the blackened salmon tacos offer a delicious blend of spice and freshness, while the veggie sandwich provides a robust, plant-based option. And for a nostalgic, elevated twist, the fried bologna club sandwich is a surprising and delightful offering.
Signature “Fork and Knife” Entrees
The core of Fixture’s culinary prowess is truly highlighted in its “Fork and Knife” entrees. This section features comforting classics and innovative creations alike, including the highly popular **Chicken and Waffles**, perfectly pan-seared salmon, and the rich, flavorful shrimp and crawfish étouffée. Other Southern-inspired favorites include succulent shrimp and grits and the perfectly seasoned blackened redfish. For a luxurious experience, the menu offers a tender braised wagyu short rib and the robust Santa Maria steak. Lighter, yet equally satisfying, options include the garden linguini and a hearty fields bowl, packed with wholesome ingredients. Each dish is a testament to Chef Merritt’s ability to blend comforting flavors with refined techniques.
My first visit to Fixture was on a particularly cold and rainy evening, an atmosphere that practically begged for comfort food. While I was initially drawn to the allure of the chicken and waffles, I opted for a healthier, yet equally satisfying, choice: the **Blackened Redfish**.
This dish was an absolute triumph. Prepared with Texas farm-raised redfish, known for its delicate flavor and firm texture, it was seasoned and cooked to perfection, achieving a beautiful, flavorful crust. It was accompanied by a vibrant jalapeño-corn succotash, which added a delightful sweetness and a gentle kick, alongside savory Mexican chorizo and comforting purple hull peas, all finished with fresh basil. This combination wasn’t just good; it was a winning, quintessential comfort food that managed to be both incredibly satisfying and deceptively wholesome. The seasoning on the blackened fish was particularly delightful, robust yet balanced, allowing the natural flavors of the redfish to shine through. And the portion? Generous enough to leave you thoroughly satisfied without feeling overwhelmed.
During my more recent visit, I finally succumbed to the temptation and ordered the **Chicken and Waffles**. This iconic Southern combination at Fixture is a true culinary masterpiece. It features light and crispy rosemary-scented waffles, providing a fragrant and subtly herbaceous base, generously topped with boneless, perfectly breaded chicken thighs that are tender on the inside and deliciously crunchy on the outside. The entire classic Southern combo is elegantly held together by a large sprig of fresh rosemary, not just for garnish but adding to the aromatic experience. The dish is then generously drizzled and surrounded by a rich, smoky chipotle maple syrup, which is the undeniable star.
The waffle itself was a marvel – airy and remarkably crispy, a perfect canvas for the savory chicken. But it was the chipotle maple syrup that truly stole the show. While officially named “chipotle maple syrup,” it deserves a far more accurate, albeit informal, moniker: liquid crack. Seriously. It’s an unbelievably addictive blend of sweet maple with a subtle, smoky heat from the chipotle, creating an unparalleled flavor that elevates the entire dish to a level of pure indulgence. Every bite, a perfect symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy, left me craving more. This dish alone makes a visit to Fixture an absolute must for anyone seeking exceptional Southern-inspired cuisine in Fort Worth.
Kids’ Menu and Decadent Desserts
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge thoughtfully caters to all guests, offering a dedicated kids’ menu with selections sure to please younger diners. And for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu promises a delightful conclusion to any meal. Among the tempting offerings is a **Bear Claw Bread Pudding** that sounds utterly irresistible and has certainly made its way onto my list of future must-try items! This attention to detail, ensuring that every guest, regardless of age, has a satisfying experience, further solidifies Fixture’s reputation as a top-tier dining establishment in Fort Worth.
Final Thoughts on Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge truly embodies its name, offering a comfortable and welcoming “social lounge” atmosphere where fresh, real ingredients shine through in every dish. Chef Ben Merritt’s unwavering commitment to quality and his innovative culinary vision are evident from the moment you step through the door until the last bite. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated appetizer, a perfectly crafted cocktail, or a hearty main course, Fixture delivers an exceptional Fort Worth dining experience. It’s a place where every detail, from the industrial-chic decor to the expertly prepared meals, contributes to a memorable occasion.
If you have the pleasure of visiting this Fort Worth gem, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share what you order and your suggestions in the comments below. Your insights help fellow food enthusiasts discover the best that Fort Worth has to offer.
Address:
401 W. Magnolia in Fort Worth, Texas
Website:
www.fixturefw.com
Hours:
Monday – Thursday — 11am – 9pm
Friday – 11am – 10pm
Saturday — 10am – 10pm
Sunday — 10am – 2pm
Brunch served Saturday 10-2, Sunday 10-2 and Monday 11-3
Happy hour M-F from 4-7 pm (bar and patio only), with $5 appetizers and $5 cocktails and wines
