West Fort Worth cocktail, wine bar with live music coming from The Local owners
A new bar concept from the owners of The Local is coming to the River District in west Fort Worth, the owners announced in early June.
River’s Cocktail & Wine Bar had its soft opening in May and will hold its grand opening in early July, co-owners Brian Torres and Chandon Sanders said in a news release
Named in honor of Torres’ son, the bar is located at 4850 White Settlement Road and aims to bring in everyone “from cocktail aficionados to beer-in-hand sports fans,” Torres said in the news release.
Torres told the Star-Telegram that the bar is different from all others in town, even The Local. While it still has the same neighborhood feel — with TVs to watch games — it also has upgraded decor, two craft cocktail menus and a different variety of wines.
“We wanted the neighborhood bar with the upscale twist,” Torres said.
The bar has beer on tap, a full spirit back bar, two craft cocktail menus and a wine list that includes half-glass pours.
Some of the cocktails include:
- Midnight in Texas: espresso martini, made with Ampersand cold brew espresso
- Old Fashioned: made with Bulleit Bourbon
- Leaving Austin: Cucumber, mint, Tito’s vodka and lime juice
River’s intends to work with local organizations and people. The bar is partnering with Son of a Baker Pizzeria to operate their kitchen and serve pizza until 2 a.m. The bar also uses Texan spirits and products like Ampersand coffee and partners with Travis Lutje, owner of Nomad Bar Company, to create two cocktail menus. The venue also uses Texas musicians like Joey Green, Robinson Lewis and Blake Burrow.
All of this is in an effort to “raise the River District,” according to the news release. When Torres found the area, he said that it was void of different bars.
“I saw it as an up-and-coming area,” Torres said. He said he and JD Granger, the owner of another bar in the River District called Crystal Springs Hideaway, are working together to grow the district.
“We just feel there’s a lot more growth that can happen in the River District, and we’re excited to be kind of front-runners of it,” Torres said.
River’s Cocktail & Wine Bar is open from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day.
The bar hosts a happy hour from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, which includes $3.50 wells, $3.50 domestics, $4 imports and other deals. There is also a nightly special on different drinks each day.
There will be events and quarterly fundraisers for autism research in honor of Torres’ son. The date of the first fundraiser has not been decided.
The official grand opening of River’s is on Friday, July 11. Joey Green will perform, and cocktail samples will be provided.