Where To Take Dear Old Mom and Pop for TCU Family Weekend 2022

TCU family Weekend is here, September 30 - October 2! Good luck against the Sooners to all the Frog fans out there. Fort Worth is loaded with fun spots to take mom and dad out (or, have THEM take YOU out) for brunch, dinner, drinks and shopping, so here's a guide to some of the best spots to get in a little quality time for Family Weekend, without having to stray too far from campus.

1. dinner at ellerbe fine foods

Farm-to--table fine dining and a true Fort Worth original awaits in the Near Southside neighborhood. Ellerbe's menu highlights the freshest local and seasonal ingredients in its elegant, innovative cuisine. The relaxed style at Ellerbe provides the perfect location to linger for an evening of food and wine, celebrate a special occasion (like Family Weekend), or share a nightcap of dessert and coffee. We love the Curry-dusted Texas Gulf Shrimp ($17) to start and the Cornmeal-crusted Louisiana Redfish ($35) as a main.

2. stay at kimpton harper

The stay in Fort Worth will feel like vacation when mom and dad check in at the Kimpton Harper downtown. Housed in a Fort Worth landmark that was built in 1921, the Kimpton Harper effortlessly blends the city’s rich history with modern style. On the 24th-floor lobby, views of the Fort Worth and the Texan plains unfold in their beauty, and a lively bar scene beckons with craft cocktails and elevated bites, because mom and dad deserve a little revelry this weekend as well, right?

3. or, stay at the sinclair

Also on Main Street downtown, the Sinclair Hotel is another stupendous option for a great stay for mom and dad while they visit. A historic art deco icon meets cutting-edge luxury at The Sinclair, a landmark building in downtown Fort Worth and an anchor to the Sundance Square area as a preeminent luxury destination. They'll love the rooftop restaurant and bar, The Wicked Butcher and the Wicked Bar, which have a SERIOUSLY awesome view of Fort Worth.

4. brunch at wicked butcher

Speaking of the Wicked Butcher, we think this downtown hotspot is the perfect spot to bring the folks for brunch or lunch while they're in town. It's a modern Fort Worth steakhouse that embraces the swanky, art deco character of The Sinclair Hotel's architecture and the vibrant and cosmopolitan heart of our fair burg. On the breakfast menu, we love the Nutella-stuffed French toast ($17), and for lunch go for the fresh shucked oysters ($22) or fried artichokes ($16) to start and the steak and frites ($32) as a main.

5. the obligatory meal at Joe T. Garcia's

Even if you just stop by for margaritas, if your folks are not from Fort Worth, a visit to Joe T's is about as Fort Worth as it gets. The margaritas pack a serious punch and the patio is gorgeous when the weather is cooperating. It's a must.

6. have a drink in the stockyards at second rodeo

If you're done at Joe T's the Stockyards is just a hop, skip and a jump away and is one of our favorite neighborhoods for eating, drinking and shopping. And Second Rodeo Brewing is one of our favorite Stockyards stops, for sure. They've got live music every day, a humongous dog-friendly patio and really good grub too, should you need a bite after walking around and introducing your folks to the Historic Stockyards.

7. shopping at hale house

Fun moms love Hale House almost as much as TCU students do. So do your mom a favor and introduce her to the cutest boutique shop on Camp Bowie. And grab a bright new gameday fit while you're there!

8. grab a coffee at ampersand

Whether you're visiting the campus location or the one off West 7th, this is the perfect place for your Family Weekend PSL run. Their Maple Peach Shakerato perfectly blends summer with fall flavors, which unfortunately is kind of what the weather is doing to us around here anyway, so it really fits the moment.

9. Mexican food at maria's

If your folks have been there, done that with Joe T's, or more likely, if they just can't get enough Mexican food in their lives, here's another absolutely gorgeous spot to take them: Maria's Mexican Kitchen just north of campus. Maria's combines modern culinary techniques with generations old family recipes to create a unique dining experience featuring delectable Mexican cuisine. There is plenty of seating with two dining rooms and a gorgeous patio, but don't miss the bar if you're a tequila type — they've got a wide selection of tequilas from all over Mexico if that's your thing.

10. happy hour at hg sply Co.

Right on the Trinity Trails, hitting HG SPLY Co. is a must, whether you're just stopping in for a quick refreshing drink or looking for a place to make brunch reservations. It's close enough for pre-gaming and the menu has something for everyone and every taste. We're huge fans of the tuna tostadas ($17) and cochinita nachos ($16) for appetizers, the steak stir fry bowl ($24) for a meal and the bacon breakfast on a bun ($14) in the morning.

11. shopping at clearfork

For the bougiest shopping experience in town, head up to the Shops at Clearfork, where you and the parentals can check out the home essentials at Arhaus, shop for something swanky at Burberry or Gucci, and dad can get a little something nice for mom at Bette's or Evereve. Don't worry, there are plenty of spots in between for a bite or a drink, too.

12. cocktails at Branch & Bird

This place will REALLY impress the fam, but make sure to make reservations, especially if you want to sit out on the patio that has amazing sweeping views of downtown. It's located on the Sky Lobby level of the Frost Tower, and the menu highlights regionally sourced and seasonal ingredients from small artisan farmers and ranchers. We love the Canary ($13), with habanero-infused tequila, pineapple, mint, agave and lime; as well as the Paradise ($10), with rum, elderflower liqueur, peach, basil, honey and lemon.

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