QUOTE(Horned Toad @ Jun 5 2010, 05:35 PM) [snapback]569102[/snapback]
I am a life long Fort Worth resident and I love all (or most) Texas cities as they have something special about each of them. Houston and Fort Worth are most like each other in that their populations do love being Texans. Dallas has more of a southern metropolitan ambiance to it (hence the Atlanta comparison by the earlier poster) and I have always had a good time when I go over there. Fort Worth is where I live for a reason though because I am a proud Texan.
If I were a visitor to Fort Worth I would stay in just about any hotel in downtown in Sundance Square as you will be near restaurants and nightclubs that will appeal to everyone in your group. It's about a 20 minute drive to Cowboys Stadium. Some of the best restaurants are just outside of downtown.
Steakhouse - Cattlemen's is in the Stockyards just north of downtown about 2 miles away. Make a night of it and eat there, tour the Stockyards after dinner, and then go over to Billy Bob's. Sure its a tourist trap but it and the rest of the Stockyards are what most tourists expect when they come to Texas as another poster noted. Stop in at the White Elephant Saloon while your there for a cold one.
Mexican - I know you didn't ask about Mexican food but hey, you're in Texas and it sounds like you want to come for the experience as well as the food. About halfway to the Stockyards you'll pass Fort Worth's most famous Mexican food restaurant, Joe T. Garcias. I recommend you eat there. The line sometimes stretches around the block (I have never understood why as it must be the atmosphere) and it may not be the best Mexican food to the locals but it definitely is the most popular and be sure to sit out in the patio area. You have two choices for dinner, the Enchalada plate or fajitas. Get the Enchaladas. You need to eat here even if you skip the steakhouse. Cash only.
BBQ - I hate to have to correct Frogenstein, but BBQ in Texas means beef brisket and pork ribs. Just slightly northwest of downtown about 2 miles away is Angleo's BBQ. Probably the best sliced beef ever made and the pork ribs are excellent (this is old school Texas BBQ). It's nearly as famous for the old Fort Worth crowd as is Joe T's. Just as good BBQ can be found at Railhead about 3 miles west of downtown. It's a lot newer and more popular with a younger crowd and its pork ribs, chicken, and sliced brisket are all excellent. I eat at either one of these about 3 times a month.
The poster who said there is nothing to do in Arlington must have forgot about MLB and the Texas Rangers and just down the street from Cowboys Stadium, Lone Star Park (horse racing next town over in Grand Prarie), Hurricane Harbor water park, and Six Flags amusement park to name just a few of things you could do if you stay in Arlington.
Good luck to you guys for the rest of year after we beat you in Arlington.
Beaverdude, if you're still reading, this sums it all up. Joe T's food isn't great, but it's iconic and fun atmosphere. Count me amongst those that prefer Railhead to Angelo's, but you can't go wrong with either. Sundance Square or The Stockyards will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
I also echo the general sentiment about Dallas. Fort Worth is the place to be.