The Near Southside Soul Session

To understand Fort Worth, one must look beyond the gleaming spurs of the Stockyards and the travertine stillness of the Kimbell. The Near Southside is the city’s working creative engine, where industrial bones meet a community-first ethos that refuses to be bought out by generic development. This route, a long-form urban trek through the South Main and Magnolia corridors, bypasses the weekend sprawl for something more grounded. It is a circuit designed for those who value craftsmanship over convenience, where the reward for a long walk is a seat at a bar that knows exactly what it’s doing. The journey starts at the epicenter of the neighborhood's caffeine culture, Avoca Coffee Roasters. While it has grown into a local powerhouse, the Magnolia outpost remains the definitive haunt for Fort Worth’s freelancers and artists, known for its eclectic, mismatched decor and high-volume energy AVOCA COFFEE ROASTERS -…TCU students' guide to t…. From here, the route winds through streets where the social fabric is physically woven into the environment—keep an eye out for the community poetry boards and giant murals that define the district’s visual identity Near Southside Fort Wort…. The shift from refined espresso to the artisanal small-batch scoops at La’Creamian underscores the area's dedication to quality over quantity. As the sun sets, the focus shifts to the neighborhood's dual-natured nightlife. Proper offers a necessary dose of restraint—a cocktail bar that values precision and a quiet atmosphere over the Magnolia Avenue bustle. The night culminates in the raw, acoustic energy of The Post, where the local music scene thrives in intimate settings Enjoy FREE LIVE MUSIC AT…. By ending at BREWED, the trip comes full circle, anchoring the experience in the comfort of a legendary Fort Worth biscuit and a vibe that feels like a collective living room. This is a route for the patient, the curious, and those who want to see why Fort Worth is increasingly defined by its soul rather than its historical stereotypes.

What to Expect

Expect a significant amount of walking; this 9-mile circuit is best split into segments or tackled by those who enjoy urban hiking. Costs are moderate, with cocktails and specialty coffee aligning with standard city pricing. Parking is notoriously tight on Magnolia Avenue and South Main, so ridesharing or utilizing the centralized public lots near the hospital district is advised. Most venues are casual, though Proper requires a slightly more polished presence. Reservations are generally unnecessary, but Saturday night sets at The Post can reach capacity quickly.

The Route

1

Avoca Coffee Roasters

64

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity57

Infrastructure69

Terrain97

Safety77

Lighting91

Amenities44

Transit17

"Grab a latte with the Texas Bourbon and butterscotch syrup and find a corner seat; it’s the best spot in the Near Southside to soak up the local art vibe and actually get some work done."

30-45 min37 min

37 min · 2.0 mi64

2

La’Creamian®

64

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity57

Infrastructure69

Terrain97

Safety77

Lighting91

Amenities44

Transit17

"Ask Ms. Lisa for a sample of the vanilla caramel crumble, but don't leave without a scoop of their signature cookies and cream—you can truly taste the love in every bite."

30-45 min30 min

30 min · 1.6 mi62

3

Proper

62

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity34

Infrastructure55

Terrain97

Safety74

Lighting94

Amenities48

Transit23

"A prime spot for a low-key nightcap away from the Magnolia crowds; just stick to the gin cocktails and skip the Old Fashioned."

30-45 min57 min

57 min · 3.0 mi65

4

The Post

65

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity45

Infrastructure57

Terrain98

Safety74

Lighting95

Amenities50

Transit29

"Grab a spot near the indoor stage for an intimate set, but skip the martinis—they often run short on glassware and the vibe is better suited for a cold beer anyway."

30-45 min54 min

54 min · 2.8 mi66

5

BREWED

66

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity48

Infrastructure58

Terrain99

Safety75

Lighting95

Amenities49

Transit30

"Don't leave without ordering the biscuits and jelly for the table, but if you’re coming for weekend brunch, get here early to beat the long wait."

45 min - 1 hr12 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions