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We decided to try the original Mexican restaurant in the area, which is Joe T. Garcias. This particular location has been the home of JoeT's since 1935, and it is just as delicious as the last time I tried it.
The line will literally go out the door and around the corner at Joe's, so if you are hosting a big party make sure to get there early! We had a party of 20 or so, so it was a good thing I got there early, like an hour early! At 4:45, there was hardly anyone there, and then by 5:15 the line was out the door, and down the block!
When you get seated, you have the choice of tea, soft drink or margarita, and then the option of enchiladas or fajitas. We went with the fajitas and had a delicious combination of steak, chicken, and bell peppers with onion. It was surprisingly good for how many people they serve in an evening!
One important note, Joe T's only accepts cash, so make sure you get some before you get there, or you will be forced to use the ATM in the lobby which charges $2.25!
Wow, I'm really surprised at all the negative comments about Joe's.
I've lived in North Texas my entire life, so I'm nowhere near a tourist when it comes to the DFW area. But I absolutely love this place. I think the enchiladas are great, the salsa is always amazing, the patio and garden are beautiful, and the atmosphere is great. I would have to say this is honestly my favorite Mexican food restaurant.
BUT there is a downside. You gotta wait. I've never been to Joe's and not had to stand in line. Although once you get in and sat down, your food is out very quickly. My suggestion would be to go early. We got there around 6 the last time we went and only had to wait about half an hour.
And make sure you bring cash. :)
Oh, and sorry I can't comment on the margaritas. I haven't had them, but I hear they're made with Everclear, so they have to be amazing.
While visiting my boyfriend at TCU, he was so stoked to take me here. I'm sorry, I can't lie, it wasn't that great.
They don't have a menu, because apparently there are only 2 things you can order. I got cheese enchiladas, and they came with a whole crapload of other mexicany treats. It was a lot of food, but it wasn't great. I've had a lot better food at gas station taco shops.
Oh yeah, and cash only? Is this a swap meet or something? Not cool.
When I graduated from hair school, I indulged in a few too many helpings of margarita (watch out, they've got some serious punch) and seriously contemplated jumping in the pool out back. Good times. I have lots of memories of my mom and I having dinner out on the patio over the years. It was one of her favorite places.
The food's decent, but as other reviewers have mentioned, Joe T's is more about the atmosphere.
This is the best tex-mex in Fort Worth in my opinion. I live in Austin now and still have yet to find a restaurant as good as Joe T's. This restaurant is a unique experience, and the atmosphere is unforgettable. The margarita's are awesome as well.
Pros: Awesome outdoor area, strong margaritas
Cons: Cash only, the food is only average
Joe T. Garcia's isn't worth the hype. This place is fun to go to with friends on a cool night while outside having margaritas. The food isn't anything to write home about. Fajitas and enchiladas, both of which you can find better of in Fort Worth. However, the environment is awesome with the fountain, garden and sprawling size. This is a fun place with friends, but if you want great Mexican food try one of the many other Mexican restaurants in the area.
The food was pretty good... I really like that they bring out big portions so everyone can share. I also really like the jalopena relish stuff they serve on the cheese covered tortillas.
We ate inside because the wait for the outdoor area was really long, but most of the hype about this place is the outdoor area. I walked through... and it was pretty nice, great atmosphere. But if you just want to enjoy the food, there is never a line to eat inside.
I went there the other night, and the line (as usual) was out the door and down the street. Fortunately, you can get pitchers of margaritas in line.
A few of the other reviews are sharing inaccurate information.
The margarita pitchers are $27. Not $40, not $50. $27 will get you about 5 glasses. I personally found their margaritas to be way too tart, but that's just me.
Also, the food was about $15. The endless chips & salsa are decent. We got the combo chicken/beef fajita platter, and I practically licked the plate. It took about 15 minutes between placing our order and getting our food. (There were 7 of us eating.)
As the others have mentioned, the atmosphere is great. It was absolutely beautiful out the other night, and we greatly enjoyed the whole setting.
The ATM machine only dings you for $2.25, which was less than I expected. Make sure you bring cash - no checks/cards accepted.
The food is acceptable, but this restaurant is really about the environment. There is some indoor seating but the main focal point is the sprawling outdoor patio/garden.
There is no menu and your basic choices are enchiladas or fajitas.
The most popular is the enchiladas. You get a big cheese nacho, two tacos, two enchiladas, rice, beans, and guacamole. Chips and salsa also included.
Long waits are common during peak hours so either be prepared to wait or go early.
I think Joe T.'s is the biggest money sink hole I know of.
Ways Joe T.'s gets your money:
1. Cash only or check or using their ATM
2. No separate checks so in large groups checking out turns into money throwing mayhem where you are likely to get screwed.
3. Over priced food
4. Delicious margaritas that cost somewhere around forty bucks a pitcher.
The food is thoroughly mediocre: average fajitas that could be rivaled by Taco Cabana or greasy flat cheese enchiladas. Yes, you can get all this in more for over 12 bucks!
I think the best things about the dinner are the "nachos" which are toastadas covered in cheese and some salsa verde and I could make that at home!
Margaritas are good but pricey.
Joe T.'s a great way to flush your money away in large groups for the sake of "ambiance".
I was visiting a spice supplier in Addison, Texas and I was up for something of a local landmark for dinner tonight. Joe T. Garcia has a reputation of being one of original Tex-Mex restaurants to hit Texas, one of the forefathers of Tex-Mex if you will. My co-workers and I decided that a 35 mile drive from Addison would be worth it to visit the famous "Joe T's", unfortunately with rush hour traffic and a heavy rain, the drive took about an hour. When we arrived, we were greeted by an old white building with some bright signs out front.
We entered the building about five thirty. There was no line out front, and because we were ignorant of the famous outdoor patio (and because it was raining cats and dogs) we were seated in the dining area. The lighting in the dining area was a bit on the dark side, but done in the classic mexican motif with a lot of yellows, reds and greens. If you go to the washroom, you'll see two interesting things, an ATM machine (probably because they only take cash) and a brick oven. I had never seen a brick oven in a mexican restaurant before so this was a first.
We were prompty greeted by a pleasant waitress and were presented with a basket of nice crisp tortilla chips with fresh salsa. I ordered Tecate while my two co-workers ordered soft drinks. My beer came within 60 seconds and the waitress told us we had two choices, a chicken enchilada or beef fajuitas, both family style. I had t he enchilada's and my two friends had the beef fajuita.
I just started working on my beer when the the meal came. Two tortilla shells with melted cheddar on top and a jalapeno type relish, two tacos, guacamole, some fresh flour and corn tortillas, as well as a hot plate with beans, rice and the entree. First of all the chips and salsa were first rate, the chips were crisp and hot, not oily like some tortilla chips I see, the salsa was a bit watery but tasted fantastic, the flavors of fresh tomato and cilantro really came through. The tortilla's with the cheese and jalapeno relish was a nice touch, they used a yellow cheese which I guessed was medium cheddar, the relish had a little bit of heat but I would not call it hot. They also served two tacos which were standard ground beef tacos with lettuce in a fried corn tortilla shell, excellent eating and just like the ones I had in Mexico. So far as the entree's go the tortilla's were great, soft fresh and home made, I could have eaten them by themselves but they were fantastic with the rice and beans that were served. I thought my enchilada was excellent, made with chicken, cheese, corn tortilla's and a mild enchilada sauce. I admit I wasn't terribly impressed with the beef fajuitas, they were cubes of beef that I thought were over cooked and over spiced. Not bad but not great.
The whole meal set us back about 50 dollars for three people. The only complaint I have was I felt like we were rushed in and out, probably a habit from those times when there are long lines up front. The rush really did water down any sense of enjoyment I may have had from the meal.
If I were to go back, it would be so that I could experience that patio and garden and relax. That is if Joe T Garcia's staff will let me. If they make a habit of rushing their customers, I would save my appetite for a more relaxing Mexican restaurant.
Joe T's is hard to review. The atmosphere is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable in the metroplex; however the food is so bad its comical.
On a mild spring or fall evening the line to get a table outside will reach down the block. Don't be put off. The line moves fast. Go to the head of the line, and buy a pitcher of margarita's this will help pass the time.
Once inside the restaurants you will think that the outside dining area goes on forever. This place is huge, the better part of a city block. (this explains the short wait even given crazy long lines) and they have worked hard to make the outside a real gem. Winding walkways, fountains, pools and tropical plants create a great atmosphere.
Based on first impressions you will think "all of the criticisms about the food must be wrong, how could this place have bad food?" Well get ready for the disappointment.
As far as food, you have two options (1) enchilada's with a taco, nacho, guacamole, beans and rice or (2) fajitas. The enchiladas are comparable to frozen dinner quality. The taco is OK and the beans and Guacamole are pretty good. The fajitas are about as bad as the enchiladas, terrible.
The beans and Guacamole can't save the overall food rating here. the other stuff is just to awful.
As for as an overall rating, atmosphere 5+ and food 2, which averages out to a 2.
4 star atmosphere on the patio, 2 1/2 stars for the food.
I'm always up for the old fashioned style of ordering food by choosing from just a few selections, like at Stagecoach Inn in Salado... but here you don't have a few selections, you have TWO. And they weren't even that good. I got the enchilada plate (1)- count it- (1) enchilada with canned enchilada sauce on top. My fiance ordered the fajitas, and they weren't spectacular either, in fact nothing was just really good. No "mmm"s here. For $12 a plate and paying $1 each for sour cream and cheese for the fajita's, it wasn't worth it.
But, the patio is pretty.
What's all the hype about? They offer only two dishes and they cannot get it right !
The fajitas was so salty I had to drink a gallon of water to dilute the sodium chloride.
Another one of those media hyped places that are waaaay overrated.
The only good thing about this place is its setting but I can think of better things to do with my cash than to fatten FTG's wallet.
Joe T's is my favorite spot for outdoor patio dining! Their patio has several fountains and lots of greenery. I've taken all my out-of-town visitors here and even had my b-day dinner here one year. You *HAVE* to order the family-style dinner which consists of real cheese nachos, cheese enchiladas and beef tacos. It's simple stuff, but good nevertheless. The enchilada sauce is the best I've had. The cheese nachos that come with it are great...I wish I knew exactly what cheese they use on them because they are tasty! Margaritas are good and strong. The chip are freshly made and the salsa is fresh and spicy. The only other item they serve at dinner is chicken or beef fajitas. They are both decent and very filling but only average in my opinion. They don't use skirt steak for the beef fajitas. Get the family style dinner instead.
Cons: Cash only. The queso is below average. The wait can be an hour on the weekends when the weather is nice (but you can drink margaritas while you're waiting). Inside seating is too loud.
5-stars because I love patio dining and always have such a great time here. (4-stars for the family style dinner and margaritas, and 3-stars for the fajitas.)
Does not live up to the experience. There was a wait on a Sunday, which we somewhat expected. We had 1 server get us waters, then nothing......... Finally, a female experienced server apologized, got us chips & salsa, took our orders quickly & promised that she'd make sure we got food by the time her shift was over (the restaurant was flipping servers at that time).
Fajitas were not good! Sorry, but I've had WAY better fajitas in Dallas at Uncle Julio's, La Hacienda & better enchiladas at Mia's & Luna de Noche.
Did not live up to the experience. That sweet waiter was the ONLY saving grace, but unfortunately we won't return as the food wasn't good.
When I first got to this place, I didn't understand why there were 2 queues - one at the front door and the other one near the patio. What sucks was that in order to be seated, everyone has to be present according to the number of people you let the hostess know. Also, I was disappointed that there were not many options to choose from in terms of food, no wonder why the hostess didn't give us the menus. Despite the long lines, we all managed to get our food on time.
The only thing that didn't disappoint me were the drinks, the salsa, and the ambiance . They made their magaritas nice and strong, and the salsa did meet my spicey-ness criteria. The outdoor patio could pass as a nice garden party.
Another thing that surprised me was that they only accept cash because I thought that place was a tad bit upscale for that.
Joe T.'s is the most overrated & over-hyped restaurant I've ever encountered. Speaking to some people you'd think this would be culinary heaven on earth, however my experiences (roughly 20) have proven this to be a seriously mediocre place. Read the reviews for this place and you'll find the following to be a consistent thread of criticisms:
The food is average.
The line is looooooooooong.
Sitting outside (which is often the ONLY choice) is HOT!
There are 2 choices unless you like to eat mid-afternoon.
The margarita's are strong, not properly flavored.
Expensive. Expensive. Expensive.
This is Texas. Find some great Mexican food. Go elsewhere.
A great find in the older part of Fort Worth, just a short ways from the stockyards, it's not a fancy spot by any means, but the simple menu (pick from these three) and quick, professional service means it is definitely somewhere to return to.
That said, if you're looking for somewhere a little elegant and refined, you may want to walk on by. I won't complain, it just means the line will be shorter the next time I'm in town ;)
Call me a tourist. No, really, go ahead. It's ok because I AM a tourist when I come to visit DFW. In any case, I guess you have to live here to hate it or something (which I totally respect, btw, I do live in Chicago) but touristy me had a really nice time here.
I was here visiting friends and there were a couple of vegetarians in the group, so barbecue was out. Instead, they suggested Joe T. Garcia's for lunch as it was cheap and could accommodate everyone's dietary requirements. I didn't see the entire place, but what I did see seemed pretty normal to me. I guess I didn't look at it properly as I was unaware of it's "Tourist Mecca" destination when I dined here. I'll make sure I gawk properly next time.
The restaurant was practically empty and we were seated quickly. Our food (queso for the table, chile rellenos and cheese enchildas for the veggies and flautas for me) didn't take long to arrive. In Chicago, we don't have the Tex-Mex at all, so it's a cheesy, drippy, pleasant change of pace for me when visiting Texas - we do things cilantro y cebolla minimalist style. Everything was pretty good, but I especially enjoyed the chips & salsa and the bite of the rellenos that I snuck off my friends plates. As I was on vacation, I also enjoyed a pretty killer lunch time margarita. Sobriety is highly overrated.
Nothing amazing, but it wasn't terrible either, in fact I was pretty happy with my experience. Joe T.'s just struck me as a nice, old, family owned Tex Mex place with very friendly service and an interesting history. Sure, I'd go again, even if I'm given the dreaded label "tourist." I am, so I can eat here without shame and enjoy it for what it is.
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Resturant
FOOD: Once upon a time, you drove through the stockyards. And then you thought, this looks like a quaint place to eat. WRONG. You have 2 choices to pick from. Enchiladas or Fajitas. Yep, way to step it up. So first you get this giant tostada looking thing, it has cheese melted on it, and ground up jalepenos. It is never warm, it is always cold, and it's a giant nacho. Big deal. Then the massive amount of food comes out. It's a ton, but it's not seasoned well and my mother could make it better, and we are from Michigan. She uses the taco packet and then cuts it half not to burn off our tongues.
SERVICE:
It's not much better. Prepare to die of thirst, and you can forget a nice waiter or waitress, they hate their job, and you are about to eat their food. My suggestion is to hire more people.
DRINKS:
Margartias are good, if you are willing to sell your left arm for them. A pitcher is close to $50.00. Seriously! That is insane. I would rather bring my own blender. Their secret is EVERCLEAR. So prepare to crawl out of there after. But you think 2 pitcher, close to $100.00, come on!
ATMOSPHERE: Texas is hot. Summer is hot. Who the hell wants to sit outside? Not this chick.
PAYMENT: Bring cash, or prepare to get screwed at their ATM. Oh but they take checks. Yea, they did that in the 1970's too. If MacDonalds can take credit, so can they.
Give Joe T a break. We've all been tourists at one point in time. I'm still relatively new to DFW and I have to say Joe T is a great choice to take family or out of town guests.
No doubt the Tex Mex food isn't the main draw here. If you're looking for awesome Tex Mex good, go elsewhere. It's really the ambiance of the outdoor garden space that draws patrons. Joe T reminds me of one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in LA with its outdoor Spanish style gardens and architecture. I've never been to Joe T at night, but I would highly recommend going for a Sunday brunch on a gorgeous spring day. Whether you're sitting by the pool or elsewhere in the garden, you'll get a chance to admire the lush outdoor setting and just enjoy the relaxing experience.
Chances are, you'll wait in line for a table, but with a frozen margarita in hand on a nice day, you won't even realize that you just waited 20 minutes. I've brought out of town friends who are very familiar with good Mexican food to Joe T and they still rave about the experience. They know (and you know) the food is not the main draw, but they love the pleasant outdoor ambiance on a nice day and time spent with good company. While you probably won't come here on a regular basis to cure your Tex Mex fix, feel confident bringing family or out of town friends to Joe T for a pleasant dining experience.
Joe T's is quite possibly the most popular Tex-Mex restaurant in Fort Worth, and with good reason. The portions are large, the food is excellent, and the atmosphere brings you back to the days of Spanish missions and conquistadors.
There are two options at dinner: beef or chicken fajitas, or cheese enchiladas. The fajitas are very tender and come served with rice and beans. The enchiladas are top rate, come with rice, beans, a beef taco and a couple of cheese nachos. When I go with a friend or date, we usually order one entree. Although I am a small eater, I would say there is plenty of food to share most of the time! My 18 year old brother and I managed to share an enchilada platter with leftovers to spare. Now, that's something!
The lunch menu offers a wider variety, with somewhat smaller portions. I like going for lunch as there tends to be a smaller crowd. There are two lines that feed into the restaurant, one for indoor and one for outdoor seating. When the weather is nice, the Joe T's patio is as good as it gets. Beautiful fountains, flowers and strong margaritas and pina coladas!
I will leave you with two warnings though: be prepared to wait in line, and bring cash. They do not accept credit cards.
Was not as impressed this time around. Courtyard setting is very nice to kick back and relax. Still have not had the Margarita's but everyone says, "you only need one". Service was good, not real kid friendly menu or is Joe T's known for an elaborate menu. Food was served quickly as would be expected for Mexican. Food was good buy not Wowing. I am a once a month visitor as the FW AAF holds its luncheon there.
Would visit again so I can try the Margarita's.
Joe T. Garcia's has for several decades had a reputation for being THE place in Fort Worth to see and be seen eating "Tex-Mex." If it were not for tourists from East Podunksville wanting bragging rights to their fellow troglodytes back home, I can't imagine this place staying open another year. Perhaps therein is the problem. After SO many years of the same old enchilada, day after excruciating day, they seem to have lost sight of the one goal all restaurants should continually strive for: outstanding cuisine and service at reasonable prices.
The food is served family style, so all you super-tankers will be pleased at the volume of consumables placed before you on the trough...ugh, I mean table. Sadly, however, the volume of the food does not make up for the fact that it tastes the same as Taco Bell at only 4 times the price.
My disdain for Joe T's does NOT derive from one or two chance encounters with the cook's off days, but two to three times a year over the past 30 years. In the beginning, admittedly, the food was excellent. However, for the last 20 years I would not have darkened their door-step if my visits had not been paid for by company functions or distant relatives wanting to eat at the fabled Joe T's. The ONE saving grace for this restaurant is the bar. The margaritas are more than excellent.
For those of you who really believe Joe T's is GREAT Tex-Mex, you either wouldn't know Tex-Mex from chop suey, or you say you like it because of peer pressure and you want to fit in with the other wanna-be's or you destroyed your taste buds with drugs and napalm.
For those of you who want outstanding Mexican food, you would do much better to try The Blue Mesa Grill on University or Abuelo's in Arlington.
However, if you just have to be able to brag to the goobers back home that you ate at the world famous Joe T. Garcia's, take a cushion to sit on as the iron patio style chairs are uncomfortable at the best. Two or three margaritas before the meal and you won't care about the substandard quality of the food or the surly wait staff.
Joe T's! Not only a historic landmark on Main Street, but also THE legendary restaurant of Ft. Worth.
Do you:
Like having only two menu choices?
Like sub-standard to standard Mexican food?
Like paying an inflated price for said sub-standard to standard Mexican food?
Like sitting in patio furniture?
Then this place is for yoooou!! Psht. Tourist.
"I'm such a tourist."
That's the thought I had when I pulled up to Joe T. Garcia's for the first time. I was almost out of college and had lived in DFW for close to 20 years, but this was my first time going to Joe T's. Sure I had friends at TCU that ranted and raved about margaritas and a fun place to eat food, but THIS?!
I thought, surely there has to be something magical about the food they're serving up. I mean, the waiting area is a roped off line. . .I didn't know if I was getting ready to get a table or a seat on a roller coaster.
I wish it was a roller coaster.
We were taking family from Minnesota here. They loved it. They should have loved it, though, they're from freaking Minnesota. This is Texas, how the hell can we be so misguided about food from a country that sits on our border?
I remember people always talking about their fajitas and some other platter they serve with enchiladas and the like. I figured those must be the staple dishes but there is more. False. This is the Mexican restaurant our grade school cafeterias would be proud of. . .oh, you don't want this? Well, then you get this. You don't want that? You get nothing.
I assumed incorrectly the food would knock my socks off. It did when I saw the check, but I had passed on my meal long before that happened. We made the rookie mistake of not having cash and had to use their ATM for a RIDICULOUS surcharge. Shouldn't I be prepping for a lap dance with fees like that?
We left with the Texans pissed and the Minnesotans content. The margaritas were weak and few and far between so alcohol couldn't even lift our spirits.
History be damned, I'll eat Taco Bell out of a dumpster before I make my way back here.
Joe T's is another one of those places that I just don't understand. Everyone seems to love this place, but it literally doesn't make sense to me. There are certain things I like in a restaurant and I really don't think I'm asking for too much. For example, I would like to have more than 2 options for food, especially when the only two choices are around $20 a piece. I would like to not be forced to sit outside to eat in a city where 9 months out of the year it is above 90 degrees. And, I would also like to not pay $50 for a pitcher of margaritas when the recipe consists of only everclear and lime juice. Is that too much to ask for?
I know this is a tourist trap, I also agree with all the previous posts about mediocre food and bad service, but I just can't help comming back here just for the sake of being nostalgic and that this is a safe place that out of town guests will like, plus its next to the stockyards.
The magaritas are good, tart and tangy, the huge garden still has its charm, but the food....well at least the chips and salsa were decent...
I will be flamed for this and may have to return my FW Native card, but - get ready - Joe T's is The Most Over-Rated Tourist Trap Restaurant in FW. The food is on par with El Patio frozen dinners. If you only offer two dishes, for crying out loud at least include some sabor (flavor).
Other than the fact that "OMG! It has a pool in the courtyard!" there is nothing socially redeeming about it. They know that no matter how marginal the food is, how long they make you wait, or how much they screw you with the "Cash Only! But we conveniently have an ATM on site and we keep the fees!" . . . you will keep coming back. Any taqueria (those taco trucks around FW) on Northside serves better Mexican.
Finally, please stop taking out-of-towners here! They will leave after eating this crap thinking our TexMex is as bad as San Antonio's.
good but not great.
I can see why it's gotten positive reviews...the place has history and some nice architecture. its kinda like one big lawn party!
the food though is mediocore at best. the portions were good, but the nachos were just melted shredded cheese with jalepeno slices. no originality. the fajita platters also were pretty typical, nothing spectacular. the magarita...ok, but not great either.
nice place to see, but i doubt id come back.
I have heard about this place for years. It is legendary, although I can't imagine why. I had lunch there yesterday, and it was completely mediocre. Honestly, I've had better cheese enchiladas at a school cafeteria. Why do people go out of their way to go to this place? You can't even use a credit card!
The outside is pretty and seats over a thousand people. I can't imagine why that many people would want to dine on this slop though. I guess some folks like to be part of a herd.
Majorly unimpressed. This is a tourist trap.
* Average food
* Impersonal service
* Lack of selection
* Cash only
* Herding mentality
I took my family to Joe T.s yesterday on a visit to Fort Worth. I heard they are a Fort Worth institution and a "must visit" restaurant when you're in FW. Next time I'm in FW, I'll eat somewhere else.
When you walk in, you have to wait in line, like a ride at Six Flags or Disneyland. The hostess was nice, and the tiny, arched hallway between the front of the restaurant is fun to walk through unless you're larger than 5'10 or obese.
There's nothing special about the dining room, and as you're sat, you realize they're simply there to herd you in and out like cattle. A young man came by and quickly dropped four water glasses on the table without a word. A couple of minutes later, another silent young man dropped a basket of chips. A minute later, another man dropped two bowls of salsa. After a few more more moments, our waitress stopped at our table. She didn't say, "Hi," or "Welcome to Joe T. Garcias," or even "Howdy." She just said, "What you want to drink?" We ordered our drinks, and a few minutes later, she plopped them on our table with out a word. She didn't ask if we were ready to order, or that she'd be right back or anything. Eventually, she made it back to the table to ask if we were ready to order.
I was surprised to see a menu, because I heard they only offer two things to eat. But I guess they get "fancy" for Sunday brunch. I'm still bewildered at a Mexican food restaurant that will only serve cheese enchiladas. Whatev.
We ordered the Family-Style Dinner for me and my SO, and two of the Huevos a La Mexicana for the kids. We also ordered a bowl of tortilla soup.
After a couple of minutes and without a word or nod or even eye contact, another guy dropped off two tostadas with some cheese sauce and a little salsa on them. These were the "nachos" that come with the Family-Style Dinner. They were better than something from a football game, but weren't amazing.
The tortilla soup was very tasty. Definitely a hit. I couldn't wait for the main course.
The rest of the Family-Style Dinner was just a mess of grease, rice and beans - not much better than a TV dinner. The beans had the texture of Play-Doh, the cheese enchiladas were bland, and the rice was your average rice. The tacos were greasy, and the thin shells promptly broke when I picked them up. The guac was pretty good, though.
The waitress brought refills for my kids when they were only halfway through their cokes. I wish she would have asked. She did like kids though, and happily dropped cherries in my kids' drinks at their request. Kudos.
They don't really bus tables, and it took forever for our waitress to stop talking to the other waitresses and notice our empty plates and napkins on the table. To her credit, she didn't ask if we wanted change, but said she would be right back with our change.
Eight hours later, Joe T's was still sitting in my gut like a stone. I skipped dinner, so maybe there's a bargain there: food that lasts two meals. Eight hours later, the smell of the restaurant was still in my clothes, too. Yum!
We ate inside because of the cold temps outside, and the ambience felt like any generic Mexican restaurant. The tables are terrible because they are fold-out tables and have bars that hit your knees if you sit on two of the four sides - so my son's knee was continually bumping into mine.
The outside was much nicer, and seemed to go on for miles, with pools and landscaping. It might be a great spot for a reception or party, because they herd well at Joe T's.
All in all, I can get better "Mexican" food and atmosphere at the taquerias in my neighborhood - and for a better price.
At least I can say I've been there and done that for one more "big thing."
Some suggestions:
* Make the place feel more like "your" family instead of the family that runs the restaurant
* If you have a small menu, do it well
* Take credit cards, for crying out loud
* Don't herd. Make your guests feel like they're coming for a visit. Chat with them. Make eye contact when you're bringing customers stuff. If you can't drop my drinks and take my order, tell me you'll be right back.
* Ventilate
* Offer a real Kids' menu
The atmosphere is great out in the garden! The drinks are good I always have fun with group outings. The food however, is okay, you can't really get fajitas wrong, but I've had better. The parking is horrible, bring cash, and get ready to wait awhile
Joe T's is the quintessential Fort Worth restaurant. It is in the Stockyards, something like 90 years old, Tex Mex on a patio with a killer margarita and amazing people watching. If you want to show someone what Fort Worth is, take them here.
I love how simple it is, too. Cash, only a few menu options, margaritas and beers, done. But don't expect the food to be gourmet or overly impressive (until you have two or three margaritas in your system then you will swear it is Food Network good).
this restaurant is a total tourist trap really. It's so expensive to be paying for what you are getting: MEXICAN FOOD! Anyone should know Mexican food is the cheapest style of food to cook, so you are obviously paying for your ambiance there. Similar to that Rainforest Cafe place inside Grapevine Mills! The food is subpar to Chili's or Bennigans style food, but there are animatronic gorillas everywhere that you want to pay 20 dollars for a pizza to see.
Joe T's, granted, is a beautifully layed out restaurant, and if you must go there, sit pool-side because its lovely. I've heard their drinks are really great, but, again, the food is a 2 item menu and i've had better fajitas elsewhere. Save your money if you're going to eat, and go to Pappacitos or some place like that, or Uncle Julios.
People seem to be pretty divided about this place. The first time I went there it was hyped up tremendously. We didn't know it was cash only, we waited for about an hour to be seated, and didn't know there were only two items to choose from (the waiter seemed to scoff at our ignorance). We got the fajitas and tried other peoples' dinner plates. We weren't impressed by anything except the nachos, and not because they were anything special, but just because the cheese was gooey and good. The margaritas aren't really that good either
Fast forward a couple years and we go to Ft. Worth for a friend's birthday. Some of our party assured us we had the perfect place to go--I joked about my previous Joe T's experience only to realize that's where we were going again!
The second time around was better because I didn't have unreasonable expectations. The way to enjoy the place is just to relax and have a good time--the place is good for that. I warned everybody about the setup and it just became a joke rather than a disappointment.
People who are familiar with good tex-mex know this place is very mediocre, but as others have said, non-Texans and tourists tend to like it. The company was good so we had a great time and you could tell everyone else was there for the same reason.
I give this place 2.5 stars--I'd never come here of my own volition but I'll tag along for visitors or special occasions, and hopefully will get a table out by the pool next time!
Going to Joe T's is what I consider a treat! I think it's safe to say the food is good. It is debatable whether the food is great or not. I can overlook this anytime for the pure enjoyment I get from sitting on their fabulous patio with a group of my friends. It's not a rowdy party atmosphere but more of chill, classy vibe. The long wait and cash-only policy are off-putting, but I really think it's their way of saying, "We're a Ft. Worth institution; we can do whatever the hell we want to do and you'll still come here!" And, they're right, I will still go there!
Get the cheese enchilada family style dinner; I've tried all three dinner options they offer and this is by far the best!
Joe T. Garcia's is a classic Fort Worth establishment. Go to Joe T's for the atmosphere and margaritas. I think after two of their margaritas, anything would taste good. Their food is very good, but not the best mexican/tex mex in town. This is the place to enjoy a wonderful atmosphere, top notch margaritas, and good food with a group of friends.
Great food, always fresh. The menu is fixed, family style. I would recommend this place for all!
Fort Worth, TX
Category: Mexican
Fort Worth, TX
Category: Mexican
Fort Worth, TX
Category: Restaurants
Fort Worth, TX
Category: Mexican
Fort Worth, TX
Category: Bakeries
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