The Honky Tonk Gauntlet

The Stockyards can feel like a sanitized Western theme park if the wrong turns are made, but the Honky Tonk Gauntlet reclaims the neighborhood’s grit. This route transitions from the polished curation of Mule Alley to the sweat-slicked floors of Northside’s legitimate dives. The logic is simple: start with a high-proof cocktail to provide a baseline, then drop into the low-ceilinged rooms where the locals actually drink. By the time the route reaches the outskirts for late-night fuel, the tourist veneer has completely dissolved into authentic Cowtown culture. Beginning at Sidesaddle Saloon provides a necessary anchor. While it has recently earned accolades for its tapas Sidesaddle Saloon on Ins…, the play here is a stiff cocktail in a space that honors the frontier’s women rather than its sheriffs Best happy hours in Fort…. Moving from this refined start toward the Stockyard Saloon and Rodeo Exchange represents a descent into the true spirit of the district. These middle stops are where the rhythm of the city is found—not in a staged cattle drive, but in the shuffle of boots on sawdust and the crack of a break on a billiards table. The final leg involves a deliberate trek away from the neon glow of Exchange Avenue. Walking to J.B Junior Taqueria is the crucial palate cleanser before finishing at Billy Bob's. It provides a moment of stillness and salt before entering the world’s largest honky tonk. Ending at Billy Bob’s isn’t about the gift shop; it is about the massive scale of Texas entertainment, where the sheer volume of the crowd and the music creates a rite of passage that defines the Fort Worth experience.

What to Expect

Expect a mix of price points, from $15 craft cocktails at Sidesaddle to $4 domestic longnecks at local dives. The route involves nearly 2.5 miles of walking; while the central Stockyards are cobblestoned and dense, the walk toward the taqueria and back to Billy Bob's involves darker, less-manicured sidewalks. Dress code is 'Stockyards Casual'—denim and boots are the standard, though ‘fancy’ western wear fits in at the start. Billy Bob's requires a cover charge that varies by performer; buying GA tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure entry during major concerts.

The Route

1

Sidesaddle Saloon

60

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity18

Infrastructure78

Terrain100

Safety82

Lighting93

Amenities37

Transit15

"Kick off the gauntlet with a Madame Mustache cocktail, but grab a table early since the service can lag when the pre-rodeo crowd swarms in."

30-45 min3 min

3 min · 264 m60

2

Stockyard Saloon

60

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity18

Infrastructure78

Terrain100

Safety82

Lighting93

Amenities37

Transit15

"Walk through the swinging saloon doors for a cheap, cold beer and a round of pool; it’s a low-key dive that feels miles away from the tourist traps."

30-45 min3 min

3 min · 244 m58

3

Rodeo Exchange

58

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity12

Infrastructure64

Terrain100

Safety80

Lighting93

Amenities30

Transit15

"Skip the sidelines and jump into the mix; this is the best spot for people-watching the local dance styles, especially if you snag a spot near the Springhill Suites side."

30-45 min18 min

18 min · 0.9 mi60

4

J.B Junior Taqueria

60

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity9

Infrastructure64

Terrain100

Safety71

Lighting97

Amenities56

Transit21

"Skip the store-bought flautas and go straight for the tapatios divorciados—drench them in extra red sauce for that authentic Acuña border-town flavor."

30-45 min24 min

24 min · 1.3 mi62

5

Billy Bob's Texas

62

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity67

Infrastructure59

Terrain99

Safety63

Lighting89

Amenities39

Transit16

"Go early for GA tickets or you'll be staring at a wall, and stick to the bars near the entrance if you want a drink that actually has some kick."

30-45 min10 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions