BEST BURGER - READER'S CHOICE & CRITIC'S CHOICE

"No matter how far we roam, we always come home to the chipotle-hot, Swiss cheese-creamy Diablo Burger (at) Fred’s Texas Café."

BEST PATIO - CRITIC'S CHOICE

"Despite the massive gentrification in West 7th, Fred’s Texas Café remains as it was, in all of its iconic, grubby glory. Perhaps in a nod to snooty new neighbors, though, Chef Terry Chandler and staff have enhanced the comfort of the patio. Although the unroofed outside space won’t provide sufficient shelter to keep your dinner dry in a thunderstorm, the upgrades (including a lot of umbrellas and tents for shade and comfort) are an improvement. Plus, it’s always happy hour at Fred’s when it rains. Most evenings, the outdoor stage provides a platform for local guitar heroes, ranging from Kurt South and Devin Leigh to Darrin Kobetich. And although the large painted sign advertising it on the side of the building no longer exists, you can still get a cold-ass beer –– and a diablo burger."

BEST PLACE TO BRING SOMEONE FROM AUSTIN - READER'S CHOICE

BEST PLACE TO DINE AL FRESCO - CRITIC'S CHOICE

"Fred’s keeps getting better and better — especially in the summer. For one thing, it’s the most Fort Worthian spot on the south side of West 7th Street. For another, Fred’s patio is always packed with people having a good time, and now there’s a lot more shade. Add to that a steady roster of countrified live music and outlaw chef Terry Chandler’s famous creations, and Fred’s patio makes for a rockin’ party."