A local mom’s guide to the best Fort Worth lunch spots when the kids are at school and you need some quality time with your person
Let’s be real for a second—dinner dates are great in theory. But when you’re deep in the thick of parenting young kids, getting out of the house at 7:00 pm just isn’t always happening. By the time bedtime routines are done and the house is quiet, I’m quiet too. As in, probably asleep on the couch.
Enter: the day date. Specifically, the weekday lunch date in Fort Worth.
When our kids were in preschool or Mother’s Day Out a couple mornings a week, I’ve found that a lunch date with my husband is honestly one of the easiest and best ways to reconnect and something we still do today, even though our kids are old enough to fend for themselves. It doesn’t require a babysitter, but if it does, it is much easier to find a sitter earlier in the day. Our oldest daughter is an experienced sitter, she is always busy weekend evenings, but free during the afternoons. It is so much easier to get hsoe busy sitters earlier in the day! It fits into the rhythm of our week. And it turns an ordinary Tuesday into something kind of special.
A quick personal note…
I started doing day dates when my kids were younger, and I’ll be honest—it was hard to give up that time to myself. Those few kid-free hours were precious. I wanted to clean, run errands, take a breath… anything but schedule another commitment.
But when we started doing lunch dates here and there, I realized how much better I felt afterward. I felt connected, lighter, and a little more like a real person again—like I had a foot outside of mom life, even just for an hour. It made a difference for us.
Now that my kids are older, we still sneak away for an afternoon break when we can, and it’s become something we both look forward to.
So if you’re on the fence or thinking, “That sounds great but I don’t have time,” I get it. Just try it once—you might be surprised how much it fills your cup. Of course, I have to share some the best Fort Worth lunch spots I have loved and heard about!
1. Press Café
📍 Trailhead at Clearfork
This is hands down our favorite “let’s pretend we’re on vacation but actually we’re just having lunch” place. It sits right on the Trinity Trails, so there’s usually a breeze, and the patio is so good.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu—I usually go for a salad or their burger, and always order a matcha or iced coffee to sip while we chat. It’s casual, but still feels like a treat. And if you have a little more time, take a walk down the trail after lunch. It’s like a bonus date built right in.
Why I love it: No fuss, great food, and I leave feeling like I got a little fresh air and grown-up conversation.
2. Pacific Table
📍 University Park Village
This one feels a little more elevated, but still not fancy-fancy. The vibe is chill and the food is so good. If your person loves seafood or sushi, this place is a no-brainer. I’ve tried several rolls and their cedar plank salmon, and I honestly haven’t had a bad bite here.
It’s quiet during lunch hours, so you can actually talk without yelling over music or crowds. Bonus: after you eat, you can walk around UPV—pop into Madewell, Lululemon, or Anthropologie and feel like you just got a tiny mom break and a date. Win-win.
Why I love it: It feels a little fancy, but not in a way that makes you feel like you have to dress up.
3. Café Modern
📍 Modern Art Museum
This is one of those hidden gems I don’t hear people talk about enough, but it’s so peaceful and beautiful inside. The whole wall is windows that look out onto water and trees—it’s honestly dreamy.
They do a seasonal menu that’s always thoughtful (and pretty). This is where we go when we want something quieter. It feels like a grown-up lunch in the best way. Plus, walking through the museum after makes me feel like I used a different part of my brain for a second—anyone else relate?
Why I love it: You feel calm the minute you walk in, and it’s never packed at lunch.
4. Righteous Foods
📍 W. 7th
If you’re wanting something healthy-ish but still really delicious, Righteous Foods is such a great spot. Think fresh juices, tacos, salads, amazing coffee—all in a sunny, open space that feels like a little slice of California.
I love this one when we’re trying to keep it light (or let’s be honest, when we know we’re having Chick-fil-A for dinner with the kids). It’s got the best kind of clean, laid-back vibe where you can sit for a while and not feel rushed.
Why I love it: I always leave feeling like I did something good for myself and my marriage.
5. Blue Sushi Sake Grill
📍 West 7th
Okay this one is just fun. The inside is modern and lively, and it always feels like a little treat to go here. We’ll usually split a couple sushi rolls, maybe grab a bento box or their vegan menu (yes, they have one!), and a drink if we have time to linger.
If you need a break from the usual spots and want to feel like you’re somewhere different—even if you’re still 10 minutes from school pickup—Blue Sushi is the move.
Why I love it: It feels different from our usual spots. It’s upbeat without being overwhelming.
6. Winslow’s Wine Café
📍 Camp Bowie Blvd
If you’re looking for a quieter corner of Fort Worth with a neighborhood feel, Winslow’s Wine Café is such a cozy choice. It’s tucked away just enough to feel like a hidden gem, and it’s one of those places where you can share a pizza and a glass of wine in the middle of the day and feel a little indulgent in the best way.
The fireplace in the cooler months makes it feel extra special, and their menu is full of elevated comfort food—think flatbreads, salads, and paninis that are delicious without being too heavy.
Why I love it: It feels warm and inviting, especially if you want a little break from the busy parts of town.
7. The Tavern
📍 S. Hulen St.
This one is such a solid go-to when you want something dependable and stylish. The Tavern is right off Hulen, easy to get to, and has the kind of menu where both of you will find something you love—salads, sandwiches, fish tacos, and more.
It’s perfect for that “we have an hour, let’s make it count” kind of lunch. The service is quick, the vibe is cool but not fussy, and they have great iced tea (which I always appreciate).
Why I love it: It’s consistent, comfortable, and you don’t have to overthink it. Just show up and enjoy.
Why Day Dates Work (and How to Make Them Happen)
In case you need a little push to make your first (or fiftieth!) day date happen, here’s what’s worked for me:
- Put it on the calendar. Treat it like any other appointment.
- Keep it simple. Lunch + a walk = success. No pressure to plan more.
- Don’t overthink your outfit. You’re cute. Just go.
- Make it easy to say yes. Pick a spot that’s close to your usual route.
Even one day date a month makes a difference. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—just intentional.
Want to Add Something Extra?
If you’ve got time before or after lunch, here are a few fun add-ons:
- Walk through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
- Pop into Esther Penn, You Are Here, or Winton and Waits
- Grab coffee from Ascension, M&O Station Market, or Black Coffee
- Window shop at Hale House
- Browse books at Leaves Book & Tea Shop
Final Thought
If you’re like me and always looking for an easy way to sneak in quality time without needing a sitter, give one of these Fort Worth lunch spots a try. Whether you’re catching up over sushi or sipping iced lattes on a breezy patio, these little moments together matter more than we sometimes realize.
Here’s to being present in the middle of the week.
Here’s to mid-day margaritas and eye contact and stories that don’t get interrupted.
Here’s to us, even in the middle of the preschool pickup line.
What are your favorite lunch spots that are a treat to you?
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