Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge: A Fort Worth Culinary Gem in Near Southside

For those seeking an exceptional dining experience in Fort Worth, especially when pairing a meal with a cultural event, Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge emerges as an undeniable standout. Originally chosen for a “Dinner and a Show” column, complementing the thematic richness of “Babette’s Feast” at Amphibian Stage Productions (which ran through May 26, 2019), Fixture proved to be far more than just a convenient location. A short drive from various entertainment venues, this establishment, under the visionary leadership of owner and chef Ben Merritt, offers an innovative and diverse menu that captivates from the first glance. This comprehensive review delves into what makes Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge a must-visit destination in the vibrant Near Southside district.

Discovering Fixture: Location, Vision, and Culinary Acclaim

Nestled in Fort Worth’s eclectic and rapidly growing Near Southside neighborhood, at 401 W. Magnolia, Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge perfectly embodies the area’s creative and independent spirit. The district itself is known for its unique blend of historic charm and modern revitalization, making it a hub for innovative businesses and dining. At the heart of Fixture’s success is owner and chef Ben Merritt, a name synonymous with culinary excellence in Fort Worth. Merritt’s impressive accolades speak volumes: he was named Fort Worth Texas Magazine’s 2016 Top Chef and subsequently the first-ever 2017 Top Chef Master. These prestigious awards are a testament to his innovative approach and consistent delivery of high-quality, flavorful dishes. Furthermore, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and culinary versatility, Chef Merritt expanded his presence in April 2019 by opening a second concept, Ben’s Triple B: Biscuits, Burgers and Brews. Located just three miles east of Fixture and conveniently within walking distance from Texas Wesleyan University, Ben’s Triple B offers a different, yet equally compelling, culinary experience, showcasing Merritt’s diverse talent.

Ambiance and Thoughtful Design

Fixture’s atmosphere is a masterclass in blending contemporary style with welcoming comfort, perfectly mirroring the hip energy of its Near Southside location. The restaurant boasts four distinct seating areas, ensuring an ideal spot for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a lively gathering with friends or family, or a contemplative solo dining adventure, Fixture offers the perfect backdrop. Guests can choose from two inviting indoor dining spaces, a dynamic bar area, or a charming outdoor patio, each offering a slightly different vibe.

The interior design is a captivating expression of industrial-chic. Exposed brick walls provide a warm, rustic foundation, contrasting beautifully with the sleek tin ceiling in the bar area. Overhead, exposed rafters in the dining rooms add an architectural element, creating a sense of spaciousness and modern appeal. The thoughtful use of wood and metal decor throughout the space reinforces this aesthetic, contributing to an environment that is both sophisticated and unpretentious. The attention to detail is truly impressive; for instance, if you order coffee, your cream and sugar are creatively presented in small metal electrical boxes. This kind of commitment to on-brand details, even in the smallest elements, speaks volumes about Fixture’s dedication to creating a cohesive and memorable guest experience.

A Culinary Journey: Appetizers to Indulge In

Fixture’s commitment to culinary creativity shines brightly in its appetizer selection. The menu offers a wide and intriguing range of unique small plates, designed to tantalize the palate and perfectly set the stage for the meal to come. From inventive combinations like brie and cranberry nachos (thoughtfully crafted to be gluten-free) to more adventurous choices such as succulent duck wings, the selection caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Other tempting options include the decadent truffle mac and cheese, vibrant Texas beet fries (also gluten-free), crispy fried crawfish balls, a rich smoky bacon dip served with tortilla chips, a fresh seasonal vegetable dip, and classic fried green tomatoes.

A particular highlight, and one that consistently impresses, is the steak bruschetta. This divine appetizer features perfectly toasted slices of French bread, generously topped with tender, thinly shaved ribeye steak. Grilled tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity, beautifully complemented by wilted greens. The dish is elevated with authentic Manchego, a rich, nutty hard cheese made from sheep’s milk, lending a delightful depth of flavor and texture. A final flourish of balsamic reduction drizzle brings all the elements together, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious start to your Fixture experience.

Crafted Libations: Cocktails, Local Brews, and Boutique Wines

Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge extends its philosophy of quality and community support to its impressive beverage program. With a strong belief in championing local and American-based businesses, Fixture meticulously curates a drink menu that highlights the best of domestic offerings. This commitment translates into a carefully selected list of American boutique wines, available both by the glass and by the bottle, ensuring patrons can explore unique and high-quality vintages. The beer selection proudly features local craft brews, providing a taste of Texas’s thriving microbrewery scene, alongside a diverse array of American spirits.

The cocktail menu, in particular, is a testament to inventive mixology, brimming with tempting options that are surprisingly reasonably priced for their caliber. Fixture’s craft cocktails offer a journey of flavors, from the robust “Fort Worthian” (a sophisticated blend of Texas whiskey, sweet vermouth, amaretto, and bitters) to the intriguing “Fall in the French Quarter” (featuring Copper and Kings Brandy, Knows Creek Rye Whiskey, fall-spiced syrup, absinthe, 5-spice, Peychaud’s bitters, and lemon oils, evoking a sense of New Orleans charm). For those seeking something with a local twist, “The Horned Frog” provides a lively kick with Bacardi Silver Rum, blueberry, lime, cilantro, jalapeño, and ginger beer.

As a devoted gin enthusiast, the “Southside” cocktail, priced at an appealing $8, immediately caught my attention. Crafted with Uncle Val’s botanical gin, fresh mint, zesty lime, and a touch of sugar, it is served in a perfectly chilled glass, delivering an experience reminiscent of a gin-based mojito. This drink is nothing short of delightful – incredibly smooth, perfectly balanced with sweetness (never cloying), and exceptionally refreshing. Its crisp, cold nature, without the intrusion of ice cubes, further enhances its invigorating quality, making it an ideal choice for a warm evening or a palate cleanser before a rich meal.

Main Courses: A Symphony of Flavors

Fixture’s lunch and dinner menus share a strong foundation, both offering an extensive array of choices designed to satisfy every craving, with a few additional options enhancing the dinner experience. The menu thoughtfully caters to a wide spectrum of tastes, ensuring that every guest finds something to savor.

The salad selection, for instance, ranges from a wholesome kale salad to a hearty southern fried chicken salad, and a robust steak salad featuring the same tender ribeye found in the beloved steak bruschetta. For those who prefer a hand-held meal, the “Handhelds” section presents a creative assortment, from a fresh shrimp BLT sandwich to a classic house burger, flavorful blackened salmon tacos, a wholesome veggie sandwich, and even a unique fried bologna club sandwich, showcasing Fixture’s playful yet refined approach to comfort food.

The main entrees, aptly categorized as “Fork and Knife” on the menu, represent the pinnacle of Fixture’s culinary artistry. This section features iconic dishes such as the much-celebrated chicken and waffles, perfectly pan-seared salmon, a rich shrimp and crawfish étouffée, classic shrimp and grits, flavorful blackened redfish, tender braised Wagyu short rib, a robust Santa Maria steak, a vibrant garden linguini, and a nourishing fields bowl. Each dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a keen eye for flavor balance.

During a previous visit on a particularly cold and rainy night, the allure of the chicken and waffles was strong, but I opted for a healthier, equally satisfying choice: the Blackened Redfish.

This dish is a triumphant combination of Texas farmed-raised redfish, expertly seasoned and blackened to perfection, served alongside a vibrant jalapeño-corn succotash, savory Mexican chorizo, earthy purple hull peas, and fresh basil. It’s a truly winning comfort food combo that remarkably manages to be both “good-for-you” and wonderfully “stick-to-your-ribs” satisfying. The seasoning on the blackened fish was particularly delightful, offering a perfect balance of spice and depth, and the portion was generously sized, making it a truly gratifying meal.

On my most recent visit, however, I succumbed to the irresistible temptation and finally ordered the chicken and waffles. This rendition of a Southern classic is nothing short of extraordinary. It features light and exquisitely crispy waffles, infused with a subtle yet aromatic rosemary scent, providing an unexpected layer of flavor. These perfect waffles are topped with boneless, breaded chicken thighs, cooked to a golden crispness while remaining incredibly juicy and tender. The entire classic southern combo is elegantly presented, often held together by a large sprig of fresh rosemary, and then generously topped and surrounded by a rich, glossy chipotle maple syrup. This syrup, a true star of the dish, offers a remarkable balance of sweet and smoky heat that elevates the entire experience.

The waffle itself was a masterpiece of texture – incredibly light and possessing a delightful crispness that held up perfectly. And that chipotle maple syrup? It deserves a more accurate, albeit informal, name: liquid crack. Seriously. The way it perfectly marries the traditional sweetness of maple with a subtle, warming kick of chipotle is utterly addictive, making every bite a revelation. It transforms a familiar dish into something truly unforgettable, embodying the inventive spirit of Chef Ben Merritt.

Beyond the extensive savory options, Fixture also thoughtfully caters to younger diners with a dedicated kids’ menu and offers a selection of tempting desserts. The dessert menu includes intriguing creations like a “bear claw bread pudding” that sounds like an indulgent delight I absolutely need to try on a future visit!

The Fixture Experience: More Than Just a Meal

In every aspect, Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge lives up to its name and reputation. Chef Ben Merritt’s unwavering commitment to using fresh, high-quality, and real ingredients shines through in every meticulously crafted dish, elevating simple flavors into extraordinary culinary experiences. The “social lounge” aspect is equally evident, providing a comfortable, vibrant, and inviting space where guests can truly relax, connect, and enjoy. From the industrial-chic ambiance and the locally sourced beverage program to the innovative menu that deftly balances classic comfort with modern flair, Fixture offers a complete and deeply satisfying dining experience. It’s a place where exceptional food, thoughtful design, and a welcoming atmosphere converge to create lasting memories. If you find yourself in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, a visit to Fixture is highly recommended to discover your new favorite dish.

If you decide to visit, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share what you ordered and your suggestions in the comments below.

Practical Information for Your Visit

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