South eateries offer versatile choices, affordable prices
From barbeque to home-style cooking to Swiss pastries ... something for every craving
by Eric Hooker, reporter

    (Part three of a four-part series on independent diners.)

   The south side of Fort Worth offers a variety of restaurants for every dining taste, but hidden amongst them are some treasures that will delight most TCC diners.

   These mom and pop owned and operated eateries are gems for families looking for unusual and good restaurants.

   Julie’s Fresh Kitchen is affordable and located near the South Campus on McCart.

   Students can enjoy fine dining with Texas home-style cooking! ... the best way.

   Diners are greeted immediately.

   The entrees come with a wonderful selection of side vegetables: squash casserole, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, grilled tomatoes, mashed potatoes, broccoli with cheese sauce, fried okra and more.

   One option is a baked potato, sans microwave, with the availability of an order of butter with bacon bits and chives for topping.

   I ordered chicken fried steak with side orders of French fries and corn.

   Just 10 minutes after ordering, the waitress served me.

   Overwhelmed and pleased by the size of the steak, I nearly forgot to bless my food. I was graciously thankful for God’s blessing.

   The freshly battered chicken fried steak, breaded and cooked immediately upon ordering, was smothered in cream gravy. I eagerly took small bites.

   Because the steak was tender and easy to consume, I finished my meal.

   Nourished and thoroughly satisfied, I declined when the waitress asked me if I wanted desert. The steak and fries had left me no room, but I did ask for a menu to take home.

   The restaurant has a family-oriented staff. The owners named the restaurant after their daughter, whom they adopted.

   Along with lunch and dinner, Julie’s offers a fantastic breakfast with a variety of choices.

   Most famous for their homemade biscuits, Julie’s provides a table with desserts to tempt even the dieter.

   Along with chicken-fried steak, the restaurant features meat loaf, chopped steak with gravy and mushrooms, fried and grilled chicken, catfish, pork chops and more.

   The restaurant is busy during rush hours, especially on weekends.

   I gave Julie’s an overall rating of 5 out of 5; it was the best meal I have eaten—sorry, Grandma.

   In addition, I will order chicken and dumplings on my next visit.

   Cousin’s barbeque, just next door to Julie’s Fresh Kitchen, has become famous on the south side of Fort Worth.

   Chad Maddox, the manager, said Cousin’s Pit Barbecue has been in existence for 19 years. It is similar to Colter’s, but better.

   Owned by a Fort Worth family, the restaurant has two locations, one on McCart, next to Julie’s Fresh Kitchen, and a recently opened second restaurant on Bryant Irvin Road.

   Cousin’s is a favorite of Fort Worth diners and rivals other barbecue joints in the area.

   Diners walk through a line to select their meats and then make choices of side dishes: huge baked potatoes, potato salad, beans, barbecue beans, broccoli and rice casserole and slaw.

   Noticing various newspaper articles from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on the wall, I was impressed with the number of celebrities who have dined at Cousin’s Barbeque: former Miss Texas Rhonda Morrison's picture was autographed, as was Leann Rimes’ photograph.

   I ordered a chopped beef sandwich on Texas toast although I had been told the ribs, chicken, sausage and brisket were all wonderful.

   I was served just as I paid the bill at the end of the order line.

   Before sitting to dine, customers may visit a bar area where they can load up on relish, onions, jalapeno peppers and salad peppers. Drink refills are available.

   Desserts include banana pudding, cobblers and cookies.

   I rated Cousin’s Pit Barbeque a 5 for expedient service and good quality food. I had a great experience with the restaurant.

   For my next visit, I may order a large pork rib plate.

   Mary’s Truck Stop on the Mansfield Highway is a hometown diner recognized by south side residents. Like its name, it is the quintessential truck stop.

   Before entering the restaurant, I noticed that my vehicle was the only car in the parking lot, but it was not too intimidated by all the trucks.

   When I walked in, the waitress seemed disinterested, but she gave me a menu and took my order.

   I ordered chicken fried steak with fries. The waitress had disappeared, and the woman who assisted me looked stressed and tired.

   However, the meal was ready in five minutes.

   The steak was bland and not fully cooked; I tasted the fries, which were fine

   After finishing the fries, I tasted the steak again; I still was not pleased, but I finished the steak.

   I give the diner a 2 out of 5.

   Unfortunately, I was looking forward to what was awaiting me at Mary’s, but I was truly disappointed. Perhaps, I will give it another chance.

   Later, I visited Bavarian Bakery and Café across from South Campus on the south access road of I-20.

   The clerk told me Bavarian’s has existed for 20 years.

   All sandwiches are foot-long subs, and I ordered a roast beef and a creamy pastry for dessert.

   The sandwich was filled with lean roast beef. It had American cheese and was loaded with shredded lettuce and dressed with honey mustard.

   I was greatly pleased with the service and the quality of food.

   By far, the prices are affordable for students. I rated Bavarian’s with a 4 for its expedient and friendly service and good quality food.

   The Bavarian is also known for its soups and chili, both of which are favorites with frequent diners.

   As well, the restaurant offers many baked items for guests to take home.