Standing on a lush green lawn in Fort Worth, it almost — almost — feels like the British countryside. Stewart’s Croquet Club and Cocktails, which opens May 12, 2025, brings a bit of English sport to Texas. The concept of combining a classic game like croquet with a modern cocktail bar is a unique one, and it’s sure to attract a lot of attention from locals and visitors alike.
Inside a small but handsome 1,500 square-foot bar, martinis, fancy BLTs and caviar await. Croquet is out back, and the atmosphere is designed to make you feel like you’re in a luxurious English garden. The sport gained steam in the 1850s among the British upper class, according to the Croquet Federation of America. Then and today, players whack a ball through a series of hoops, sometimes with a drink nearby.
And I know what you’re thinking. Croquet: How do you play that again? Don’t worry, you don’t need to know before you show up at Stewart’s for a snack and a cocktail. The good news is that the staff will be happy to teach you the rules and help you get started. The game is easy to learn, and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying some delicious food and drinks.
The sport of croquet could be the newest “eatertainment” activity in Dallas-Fort Worth, after pickleball and ax-throwing have already made the rounds. Long-time bar games like darts and pool never went out of style, but croquet offers a unique and exciting alternative. Love grew up playing croquet with his dad, Stewart, and he’s excited to share this passion with the community.
Stewart’s is the latest restaurant Love has named after a family member, following Italian restaurant Caterina’s (named for Love’s sister), Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall (named for his son) and patio spot Gemelle (the Italian word for “twins,” picked to honor Love’s daughters). The booths at Stewart’s are covered in a red and green plaid, the tartan for one side of his family. This personal touch adds a warm and cozy feel to the bar, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Just 28 people fit inside Stewart’s, and Love never intended to make it bigger. This small building is the former George’s Cash & Carry, a Greek grocery store that opened in 1951, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. It sold pitas, olives, olive oil, imported cheese and the like. The 1,500 square-foot space needed work, Love said. “It’d have been cheaper to tear down,” he said. And why didn’t he? “I’d rather say I preserved it,” he said. He was once a customer at George’s.
The reinvented croquet bar has a small back room that fits 8 to 10 people, good for a birthday party or a business dinner. Better: Love might turn it into a karaoke room. Stewart’s drink menu includes a vodka-gin-rum mix called London Gift; a Pimm’s Cup inspired “cooler”; and a tequila, lime, Topo Chico and verde sangrita cocktail called the Texas Two Step. The martini cart, boldly marked “famous” on the menu, lets customers pick gin or vodka, then bitters and garnish.
Love expects customers to step into the bar first, since croquet is a drinking sport. “If you play with partners, it can be awhile before you play,” he said. You wouldn’t want to be thirsty. The food menu is playfully posh, with options like a lobster roll, a “fancy” hot dog with black caviar on top, and a Croque Monsieur dripping with gruyere and mournay and studded with shaved parmesan. Those who come hungry can order roast and mash, skirt steak and frites, or a BLT served on cristal bread, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The biggest-ticket item is an order of caviar and six chilled shots of vodka for $125 or $250, depending on the caviar. Fried brie with caviar is a snack at Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails in Fort Worth. Everyone who orders a martini off the cart is given a sample of bitters to smell at Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails in Fort Worth. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to help you choose the perfect drink and food combination to enjoy while you play croquet or simply relax in the bar.
Stewart’s Croquet Club & Cocktails is at 4424 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth. It opens May 12, 2025, and it’s sure to become a popular spot for those looking for a unique and exciting experience. Whether you’re a fan of croquet, cocktails, or just looking for a new place to hang out, Stewart’s is definitely worth checking out.
In conclusion, Stewart’s Croquet Club and Cocktails is a unique and exciting new addition to the Fort Worth scene. With its combination of classic croquet, delicious food and drinks, and luxurious atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind with friends and family. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just looking for a new place to try, Stewart’s is definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is croquet and how do you play it?
A: Croquet is a classic outdoor game where players hit a ball through a series of hoops using a mallet. The game is easy to learn, and the staff at Stewart’s will be happy to teach you the rules and help you get started.
Q: What kind of food and drinks are available at Stewart’s?
A: Stewart’s offers a playfully posh menu with options like lobster rolls, “fancy” hot dogs, and Croque Monsieur, as well as a variety of cocktails and martinis. The menu is designed to be enjoyed while playing croquet or simply relaxing in the bar.
Q: How big is the bar and what is the atmosphere like?
A: The bar is small and intimate, with only 28 seats inside. The atmosphere is luxurious and cozy, with a red and green plaid decor and a small back room that fits 8 to 10 people. The bar is perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion.
Q: Can I book a private event at Stewart’s?
A: Yes, the small back room at Stewart’s can be booked for private events like birthday parties or business dinners. The room can fit 8 to 10 people and can also be used for karaoke parties.
Q: When does Stewart’s open and where is it located?
A: Stewart’s Croquet Club & Cocktails opens on May 12, 2025, and is located at 4424 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth.
