For a state with centuries of Mexican heritage, local cuisine inspired by our southern neighbor often falls into two camps: restaurants serving Tex-Mex comfort food and those devoted to preserving traditional Mexican recipes. When guests enter Beverly’s Downtown, opening in Fort Worth on November 10, they’ll find a playful middle ground that improvises on Mexican cooking traditions while staying true to the flavors that continue to allure Texans.
We were recently invited to tour the underground restaurant at 901 Houston Street for a first look and to speak with Michael Arlt, culinary director of Around the Fire Hospitality, the restaurant group behind The Mont and Beverly’s Downtown, and co-owner Jason Cross. Both Cross and fellow co-owner Jeff Payne partnered with Hogan Building owners Jeff Morgan and Steve Maddux to bring the project to life.
Welcome to Beverly’s Downtown
Descending the stairs into Beverly’s Downtown, guests enter a warmly lit space where earthy terracotta tones, geometric tilework, and textured plaster walls create an inviting atmosphere. Designed by Fort Worth-based Maven, the 7,000-square-foot restaurant offers a dedicated cocktail lounge and adjoining dining room. The large bar, Arlt says, was designed as a destination in its own right, welcoming downtown visitors whether they’re stopping in for drinks or settling in for dinner…