For this week’s TheaterJones.com “Dinner and a Show” column, I picked an eatery that pairs well with Amphibian Stage Productions’ Babette’s Feast in Fort Worth (running through May 26, 2019). I chose Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge, a short drive from the theater. The menu is inventive and varied, created by owner-chef Ben Merritt. Below is my Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge restaurant review and recommendations.
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge Restaurant Review
Fixture Kitchen and Social Lounge sits in Fort Worth’s Near Southside at 401 W. Magnolia. Owner-chef Ben Merritt was named Fort Worth Texas Magazine’s 2016 Top Chef and the first-ever 2017 Top Chef Master. He’s received multiple awards and opened a second concept in April 2019, Ben’s Triple B: Biscuits, Burgers and Brews, located a few miles east of Fixture and within walking distance of Texas Wesleyan University.
The restaurant offers four seating areas—two dining rooms, the bar and a patio—so it works equally well for date night, groups or solo dining. The interior matches the neighborhood with an industrial-chic aesthetic: exposed brick, a tin ceiling over the bar, visible rafters in the dining rooms, and plentiful wood and metal accents. Even small touches reflect the theme—coffee comes with cream and sugar served in metal electrical boxes, a fun, on-brand detail.
Appetizers
Fixture’s appetizer menu is diverse and creative. Options include brie-and-cranberry nachos (gluten-free), duck wings, truffle mac and cheese, Texas beet fries (gluten-free), fried crawfish balls, smoky bacon dip with tortilla chips, seasonal vegetable dip, fried green tomatoes and steak bruschetta.
The steak bruschetta stood out: toasted French bread topped with shaved ribeye, grilled tomato, wilted greens, manchego and a balsamic reduction. Tender, flavorful and well composed, it makes for a satisfying starter.
Cocktails, Beer and Wine
Fixture focuses on American and local producers, offering boutique American wines, local craft beers and American spirits. The cocktail list is full of tempting, reasonably priced options. Signatures range from the Fort Worthian (Texas whiskey, sweet vermouth, amaretto, bitters) to Fall in the French Quarter (Copper & Kings brandy, rye, fall-spiced syrup, absinthe, 5-spice and Peychaud’s bitters) to The Horned Frog (rum, blueberry, lime, cilantro, jalapeño, ginger beer).
As a gin fan, I tried the Southside ($8): Uncle Val’s botanical gin with mint, lime and sugar, served chilled. It’s like a gin mojito—refreshing, smooth and not overly sweet. The drink arrived perfectly cold without dilution from ice cubes.
Main Courses
The lunch and dinner menus share many items, with additional choices available at dinner. Salads range from kale to southern fried chicken and a steak salad featuring the same tender ribeye used in the bruschetta. Handhelds include a shrimp BLT, a house burger, blackened salmon tacos, a veggie sandwich and a fried bologna club.
The “Fork and Knife” entrees cover classics and regional favorites: chicken and waffles, pan-seared salmon, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, shrimp and grits, blackened redfish, braised wagyu short rib, Santa Maria steak, garden linguini and a hearty fields bowl.
I first visited on a cold, rainy night and chose the blackened redfish for a lighter option. It’s prepared with Texas farmed-raised redfish, jalapeño-corn succotash, Mexican chorizo, purple hull peas and basil. The combination is comforting yet balanced, with well-seasoned fish and a generous portion.
On a subsequent visit I indulged in the chicken and waffles. The dish features rosemary-scented waffles topped with boneless breaded chicken thighs, presented with a large sprig of rosemary and a side of chipotle maple syrup. The waffle was light and crispy, and the chipotle maple syrup—sweet with a smoky kick—was addictive.
They also offer a kids’ menu and a dessert selection, including a bear-claw bread pudding that sounds worth a return visit.
Fixture’s emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients is evident throughout the menu, and the “social lounge” atmosphere makes it a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a meal. If you visit, consider sharing what you ordered and your favorites with others.
Address:
401 W. Magnolia, Fort Worth, Texas
Website:
www.fixturefw.com
Hours:
Monday – Thursday — 11am – 9pm
Friday — 11am – 10pm
Saturday — 10am – 10pm
Sunday — 10am – 2pm
Brunch served Saturday and Sunday 10am–2pm; Monday 11am–3pm
Happy hour Monday–Friday from 4–7pm (bar and patio only), featuring $5 appetizers, cocktails and select wines.