The Bearded Lady, a Fort Worth Craft Beer Bar Where the Food Steals the Show

When Shannon Osbakken flipped a century-old home into the Bearded Lady in 2013, it created one of the most celebrated craft beer bars in Fort Worth. The cozy spot is on Magnolia Street, which has a similar feel to Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts, and it added something outside of the typical bars and restaurants on the street. It's proven popular enough that soon Osbakken will open another bar in the historical home next door. 

The porch is cozy enough to kick back with one of their 30 craft beers on tap, and the bar regularly hosts beer release events. Inside the quaint bungalow are four rooms with a mix of low and high seating and a bar where you'll find taps and a voluminous selection of bottled and canned craft beer. The walls are filled with an eclectic mix of paintings, vinyl and beer signs. It’s easy to feel like you’re in a craft beer wonderland, but don’t get lost in the beer menu — come hungry, because the food deserves attention, too.
Continuing the trend of deep-fried everything, the Bearded Lady's leek rings come battered, fried and served with Sriracha ranch. The golden batter is sprinkled with powdery Parmesan that makes this take on the onion ring just cheesy enough to be addictive. Take it up a notch with bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños filled with pulled pork and covered with a pineapple chutney that ties the salty and spicy flavors with a fruity sweetness. 

Go into attack mode with their massive sandwiches and burgers. The pulled pork sandwich has a sautéed trio of jalapeños, tomatoes and onions and a guacamole spread with feta chunks, all lovingly shoved between a squishy brioche roll. In keeping with another trend, there's an artisanal grilled cheese with melted cheddar, Gouda and goat cheese artfully oozing from thick, buttery toasted sourdough slices. There's a different burger or grilled cheese special every week. 

There are no clowns, elephants or sword-swallowing muscle men at The Bearded Lady, but between the food and the beer, there's plenty to keep you entertained.

The Bearded Lady, 1229 7th Ave., Fort Worth