Saddle up, y'all...
It's time to learn to Rodeo Like a Pro. We'll tell you right now, that entails a whole lot more than simply going to a rodeo. There are other considerations at hand here, and they're all important pieces of the pie.
To Rodeo Like a Pro, you need the whole kit and caboodle. That means knowing where to grab a drink, eat, which rodeo-related events are happening, and everything in between. PSA: reading this guide will NOT improve your chances if you ever get on a bull.
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WHERE TO DRINK NEAR THE RODEO
Source: Second Rodeo Brewing
You'll find no better place for a cold, pre-rodeo Lone Star than Second Rodeo Brewing. Not only is their beautiful beer-garden dog-friendly, you can rest assured that your time will be soundtracked by the glorious sounds of Western Swing, Texas Blues, and Outlaw Country staples. As Second Rodeo Brewing themselves say, "We ain’t got none of that Nashville pop here."
Source: amusements-parks.com
On the other end of the spectrum, there's Electric Cowboy. We'd probably recommend this one for after the rodeo is through, because unless you're possessed of an inordinate amount of energy, you're gonna be tired when you leave here. Much like a bull whipping around at full speed, Electric Cowboy is high-octane to the maximum.
Source: USA Today
Though the space itself has been around since the early 80s, Rodeo Bar underwent some big changes in 2021. Luckily, none of those changes involved losing the heart and soul of their past. Located in downtown Dallas at the Adolphus Hotel, Rodeo Bar might be your best option to split the difference between going to the actual rodeo and going to a bar that resembles one.
Source: white elephant saloon facebook
It doesn't get a whole lot more rodeo-adjacent than White Elephant Saloon. Located in the Stockyards, you'll find cowboy hats stuck to the ceiling, bulls mounted on the walls, and plenty of ice-cold Lone Star to tie it all together. Make sure to be there from 7:00pm to close for $25 buckets of Lone Star and Lone Star Light 12 oz bottles.
Source: Paper City Mag
As Willie Nelson once sang, "Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other." As DFW's premiere country-western gay bar & dance hall, Round-Up Saloon offers line-dance lessons, tequila, and good times galore.
Source: JohnnyJet.com
What can you say about Billy Bob's that hasn't already been said or sung by a country music legend? Okay, we'll just pretend you moved here from Pittsburgh yesterday and don't know anything. It's got a massive dance floor, more bars than a prison cell, and has played host to some of the best country artists of all time. It's fun, it's rowdy, and it's genuinely important to the fabric of Fort Worth. Billy Bob's isn't like a rodeo - it is a rodeo.
Source: fortworth-stockyards.com
There are people who would be turned off by a name like Filthy McNasty's, and there are Texans. We'll put it this way: if you judge a book (bar) by its cover (name), you'll never get to experience ordering a $4.75 Lone Star or Lone Star Light at it. That would be a crying shame, because Filthy McNasty's Saloon is an awfully sweet place to spend an evening.
Source: Mama Tried Honky Tonk
Part honky-tonk part sports tavern, Mama Tried saw the best of both worlds and said, "Yep, we'll do that." Opening its doors in 2019, they've done a superb job of being both. Mama Tried is a great place to catch the game, watch live music, or, when in Rome: do both.
Source: fortworth.com
What if there was a place you could not only grab a drink near the rodeo, but sing some karaoke beforehand as well? There is, and it's Reservoir. That's not all you can do there, though. Reservoir offers killer food, party reservations, and a whole lot more.
Source: dallasnews.com
Opened by the Outlaw Country musician of the same name, the Riot Room boasts the great deal of $20 buckets of Lone Star and Lone Star Light 12 oz bottles, live music on stage, and beer cans in chickens. If that ain't the perfect locale to grab a drink near the rodeo, then we don't know of one... We do, by the way - we just told you.
WHERE TO EAT NEAR THE RODEO
Source: fortworth-stockyards.com
In addition to having hometown charm and Texas pride, The Star Cafe has unbelievable chili cheeseburgers. That's not to say the rest of their menu is wanting - quite the opposite. Order a chicken fried steak sandwich if that's more your speed. Just do yourself a favor and eat here.
Source: ‘Ol South Pancake House
Whatever time of day you mosey into 'Ol South Pancake House, you're guaranteed truly excellent southern cooking. Again - we'll pretend you just moved here from Pittsburgh. This place is historic, delicious, and as part of the local landscape as the skyline.
P.S. Get the meatloaf.
Source: Riscky’s
Riscky's BBQ has been doing their thing for a loooong time. Just how long, exactly? Three years short of a century - which means they're doing everything right. What do we all want out of a BBQ experience? Tender, smoky, mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone deliciousness. You'll get that in spades at Riscky's.
Source: Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
We already mentioned Billy Bob's once, but hey, it's Billy Bob's. Food is a component worth mentioning separately, and they're nothing if not versatile in their offerings. From ribeyes to BBQ and burgers, cowboy cuisine is on the menu at Billy Bob's Honky Tonk Kitchen.
Source: dallasnews.com
Because we're only human, we love rodeos and tacos in equal measure. Taco Heads has a charming atmosphere, GREAT tacos (surprise!), and a spicy jalapeno margarita that could wake a bear up from hibernation. In short, perfect pre-rodeo fuel.
RODEO EVENTS
Source: fortworthstockyards.com
Join us for the world's only year-round rodeo held in the historic Cowtown Coliseum every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30! Built in 1908 the Cowtown Coliseum is the home of the world’s first indoor rodeo. The Stockyards Championship rodeo features timed events such as tie-down roping, breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing. Plus, exciting rough stock events including bull riding, bronc riding, bareback and ranch saddle bronc riding.
Source: fwssr.com
It does not get more real than this. Working cowboys from some of the Southwests most iconic ranches compete not just to be named champion ranch team, but for the titles of Top Hand and Top Horse, as well. Ranch cowboys are the real deal and spectators connect with the FWSSRs authenticity. The Best of the West Ranch Rodeo is among the most authentic of them all.
Source: dallasnews.com
The Stock Show salutes the freedoms and rights granted to all citizens of the United States. Thus, the FWSSR is proud to host, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Cowboys of Color Rodeo. Bringing African American, Hispanic, Native American and Anglo rodeo athletes together to compete in traditional rodeo events and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the western way of life is a strong source of pride for the Stock Show.
Source: cartermuseum.org
Dust off your boots for a good time at the Carter. Join Carter Society members for an artful pre-party for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Bulls’ Night Out. Enjoy live music while sipping on craft cocktails by Pop Up Bar and dining on food from Joe T. Garcia’s.
Source: ticketmaster
The man himself, Trace Adkins, is making a stop on his tour at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on 1/19. We'd suggest you Enter to Win tickets soon, or You're Gonna Miss This.
Whoo-ee! That's a lot of Rodeo talk.
Now grab the bull by the horns (metaphorically)...
And Rodeo Like a Pro!
