97 West Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Fort Worth

After 30 years in customer service, I understand the great impact of reviews and it does take a lot to make me write a negative review. Regretfully, I would say the Valet Parking was truly the highlight of my experience at Drover's 97 West.

We decided to take my wife out for her birthday and enjoy a nice and reasonably pricey dinner at the Beautiful Drover. We arrived early to enjoy a cocktail. The Lobby Bar was small and we were faced with a large traffic flow, or sit outside in the August Texas heat. We accepted the congestion of the lobby and ordered a martini and a 4 Roses Old Fashioned. $65 later (2 drinks and customary tip), we headed to check in on our reservation a couple minutes early. We were told we could wander around or have a seat in the hallway.

After another visit to the Hostess, we were taken to a 4 or 5 person table. Bless my sweet wife who had to climb into the both (we are both able to take SS and retire). We noticed many open tables, but it was Sunday evening and maybe they were understaffed? We are talking about the Famous Fort Worth Stockyards, so I must have missed something.

The waitress came and discussed the menu. This was challenging due to the noise level of the open floorplan and occupancy. We ordered and had a wine and a beer. The salad and beverages arrived about 25 minutes after we first were seated. At that point, they removed the bread plates from our setting (faked me out-I thought we were getting something). I should have seen this 3rd or 4th sign, but even my Draft beer was not cold.

The salad was good, and was removed pretty promptly, with only 1 issue. I ate most of my salad, but wanted not to fill up too soon. My wife ordered Bison and was feeling the NY Strip! I put my fork and the dressing container in the salad bowl. The waitress, as she was removing the salad bowls asked me if I wanted any more of my salad. Warning #5-used dishwasher and containers on the food is definitely done and bordered on a very poor server.

About 10 minutes later (65 minutes after our reservation time), We are brought 2 steak knives. Excited, forgiving, and expecting decent protein for the prices you see in the menu...we wait another 15 minutes (may have been 20), our main courses arrive.

I do not want to be salty, or be sour like vinegar, pepper you with more information, or have you try and digest any of the aforementioned descriptors, but, I do understand how bad reviews can hurt.

The waitress removed my wife's undercooked Bison, overcooked sweet potatoes, and pickled carrots and asked if she could bring something else. She refused and I commented that we could not possibly wait again for some attempt from the kitchen. I tried to eat my NY Strip and cold, mushy vegetable mash. I could not and after my server observed my frustration, the dinner was as done.

The Manager came to discuss our meal. I advised her that it was worst experience and this level and price point that I ever had. I commented to the manager that for the 1st time, my wife wanted to just leave. She then had the gall to ask again if she could get any sauce to make it better. As I stared at her in utter confusion, I laughed.

I responded that I was ready to walk out myself, but as a former restaurant manager, I wanted her to have the chance to coach the needed parties. I covered all items and my lovely wife was kind enough to ask, "Do we have to pay for this or can we leave?" The manager said there is no bill and we left hungry and it was too late to eat elsewhere. The bill would have been another $150 minimum.

The White Settlement Waffle House is how we ended my wife's...

Exemplary Energy and Memorable 21st Birthday Celebration at 97 W Restaurant!

Our recent visit to 97 W Restaurant in Fort Worth for a 21st birthday celebration left us completely astounded and exhilarated. It was an extraordinary experience thanks to the remarkable energy and exceptional service provided by our server, Larry.

From the moment we stepped through the doors, Larry's enthusiasm and genuine warmth set the tone for a truly unforgettable lunchtime celebration. His infectious positive energy radiated throughout the entire restaurant, creating an atmosphere that was buzzing with excitement and joy.

Larry's attentiveness to every detail of our dining experience was nothing short of remarkable. He took the time to explain the menu with great passion, making excellent recommendations that perfectly suited our tastes and preferences. His knowledge of the ingredients and preparation techniques added an extra layer of appreciation to each dish.

Throughout the meal, Larry's impeccable timing ensured that our glasses were never empty, and he effortlessly anticipated our needs, making us feel like VIPs. His ability to balance professionalism and a friendly demeanor made us feel comfortable and cared for, as if we were dining among friends.

Moreover, Larry's unwavering dedication to making the 21st birthday celebration truly special was awe-inspiring. He took the initiative to surprise our guest of honor with a beautifully presented dessert, complete with a sparkler and heartfelt well wishes. The attention to detail and the personalized touch truly made the moment magical.

As for the food, it surpassed all expectations. The dishes were crafted with finesse and bursting with flavors that delighted our taste buds. From the appetizers to the decadent main courses, each bite was a symphony of culinary excellence.

The ambiance of 97 W Restaurant was captivating, combining stylish decor with a lively atmosphere. The trendy yet cozy setting enhanced our overall dining experience and provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration.

In conclusion, 97 W Restaurant deserves nothing short of five stars, and our server Larry deserves special recognition for his exceptional energy and outstanding service. We highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience, whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing. Thank you, Larry, for making our 21st birthday celebration an...

I went to dinner with some coworkers and my new director. None of us are from Ft. Worth some we googled some nice place to eat while working and 97 kitchen and bar won the vote. We arrived and were seated with no problem. Griffin was our waiter. At 1st he was absolutely attentive. Through drink and food orders he was Johnny on the Spot, the service declined after that. We had to ask him to get water refills for us, he got my straw several times, and even forgot to get an additional glass a wine for my coworker. Then there was the food. The appetizers were great. The fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs were great and that is where my store ends. I ordered a 14oz Ribeye cooked medium because Griffin, our waiter, said that the place was known for their steaks. I also ordered the fried brussels sprouts. My coworkers were satisfied with the food. I was not. Remember I said I order a medium steak, well it came to me well done and parts of it were completely charred. So I sent the steak back only to hear the reaper who was just steps away ask what was wrong with it and then look at our table like we were a problem. I will assume that it was a manager that brought over the new steak and she requested that I cut it before she left. I did that and needless to say it was now medium rare. I handed the food back and just requested that it be removed from the bill. Griffin came over and offered his apologies and ask what else he could do and of course my answer was nothing. I think giving someone two times to get your food correct would be enough. The Brussels sprouts were not any better. The are flashed fried but ours were servered burnt with a cream sauce on top. I know this maybe a one off dining experience but this experience was enough for me to never go back. I love trying new establishments but for the price that was paid for my table and no one to leave raving about it, speaks volumes. Please know that even in all the mishaps the staff was very courteous and the place in general...