Romantic Restaurants in Arlington and Ft. Worth, Texas

Today I’m sharing my Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in our area.  If you don’t happen to live in the Arlington/Ft. Worth area check back on February 2 for a list of the Best Romantic Restaurants all over the country. #Dinner4Valentines

As much as I love cooking for my family and others I love eating out as well.  We mostly go out for special occasions and with Valentine’s Day approaching I thought this would be a good opportunity to share with you some of my favorite “special occasion” romantic restaurants in the Arlington/ Ft. Worth area.

We have a TON of wonderful restaurants so it was a little hard to narrow it down to only ten.  If it were up to me all ten would probably be “Mexican” places, but I do realize not everyone loves Mexican as much as I do…so, I tried to include a variety.

Listed in no particular order….

#1 Saltgrass Steak House

It doesn’t get more “Texas” than Saltgrass!  Melt in your mouth steaks, Texas sized loaded baked potatoes, and “bottomless” soups.  The atmosphere is typical for a steak house, which Texans find “romantic”.     

Location: 1051 West Interstate 20 Arlington, TX. 

#2 Abuelo’s

Although I said these were in no particular order, this has to be my absolute favorite place.  Given the chance to choose a special occasion place, I always choose Abuelo’s.  They have something for everyone…steaks, chicken, Tex-Mex, or fajitas.  They have an amazing green salsa!  It’s very mild and slightly sweet.  

The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed…perfect for a date night.

Location: 1041 West I-20 Arlington, TX.

My favorite entrée, the Sonora….a shredded beef burrito, cheese enchilada and tamale

I usually only eat about half (so I have room for dessert) and save the rest for the next day

Tres Leches….the best I’ve had outside of Mexico.

#3 P. F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s is great for a date night or a girl’s night out.  When the weather is nice I love sitting on the patio.  The servers are super nice and helpful.  It’s really fun to get several appetizers or a couple of entrees and share.  They also have a Four-Course Prix-Fixe Menu for Two.  

Location: 215 E I-20 Hwy Arlington, TX.

As long as you’re sharing, you might as well have a couple of desserts as well.

#4 Cheesecake Factory

Our Cheesecake Factory is at The Parks Mall and although the atmosphere and decor are more upscale, you don’t feel out-of-place in nice jeans.  They have a wide variety of food including Mexican, Asian and good ol’ American. We’ve never had anything we didn’t like.  And then there’s the cheesecake!  Save room for the cheesecake!  We usually share one…they’re quite large.

Location: 3811 South Cooper Street Arlington, TX 

#5 Carrabba’s Italian Grill

For delicious Italian food and romantic atmosphere we like Carrabba’s Italian Grill.  Try not to fill up on the hot bread and olive oil before your meal comes.  

Location: 1101 Melbourne Rd Hurst, TX 76053 

#6 Simply Fondue

This is a wonderful place to go for special occasions and a fondue restaurant is something everyone should do at least once.  They have some very private booths, quiet atmosphere… perfect for an intimate, quiet dinner and that isn’t rushed.  They often have a Groupon which we purchase to make it very affordable.  We love the downtown Ft. Worth location, convenient to Bass Hall and Sundance Square.    

Location: 111 West 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX

#7 Texas de Brazil

Also located in beautiful downtown Ft Worth is Texas de Brazil.  While women may enjoy fondue, men will LOVE Texas de Brazil!  All the meat you can eat brought to your table.  

Don’t worry, there’s an incredible salad bar.  It’s amazing!  Their idea of bacon bits are whole huge slices of bacon! You have to be careful not to fill up before the meat starts coming around. 

Location: 101 N. Houston St. Ft. Worth, TX

#8 Pappadeaux

For upscale New Orleans style seafood, Pappadeaux is the best choice!  They also serve salads and steaks.  

Location:  1304 East Copeland Rd Arlington, TX

#9 Pappasito’s Cantina

More great Mexican food!  They have an amazing looking special Valentine’s Dinner for Two including lobster tails, brochette-style shrimp, beef and chicken fajitas!  Fine for Valentine’s Day but if you ever go on your birthday…DON’T let them know. They will make you stand, wear a sombrero and sing to you….just sayin’.   

Location:  321 W. Road to Six Flags Arlington, TX

#10 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Probably the most expensive and upscale of all the places I’ve been in the area.  Ruth’s Chris is known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.  It’s a wonderful experience from the moment you give the valet your car until the moment you leave.  We went with some friends before a symphony last year and it was amazing!  For us, this was probably a one time experience.

Unfortunately, most of the restaurants here don’t take reservations around Valentine’s Day so plan ahead and arrive early but there still may be a wait.  Relax and enjoy the extra time together.  

What’s your favorite romantic Special Occasion place?