Restaurant review: The Live Oak Music Hall and Lounge in Fort Worth

by Josie Singleton of Eat This Fort Worth

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At Live Oak, you'll have to choose between music, a great meal, or a cocktail on the rooftop.

Last week, a group of food-loving friends and I checked out The Live Oak Music Hall and Lounge in Fort Worth. I knew that The Live Oak had recently opened as a music venue, but fellow food blogger Kari of Fork Meat Spoon informed us that they also serve food. Tip o’ the hat to Kari for such a great recommendation.

Generally, I like to go to a place a few times before I write about it, but I just couldn’t wait to share my experience. Consider this a mini review or a “first bite,” so to speak, especially since all we ordered were appetizers.

I found the restaurant space at The Live Oak to be polished without pretension. Gorgeous pieces of glass art from nearby Sinaca Studio line the windows that filter the sunlight beautifully. In fact, you can find Sinaca glass art throughout the venue -- just check out the beer tap handles and light fixtures.

We ordered up several rounds of appetizers. The Mid-East Trio seemed like a good place to start. The appetizer arrived with portions of Muhammara, tabouli, hummus, and pita bread. The Muhammara was my favorite of the trio with a great texture from the ground walnuts, and I just don’t see it often on menus. We all agreed the tabouli had a great balance and didn’t go overboard on the parsley. The hummus was nicely seasoned for dipping into the addictive fried pita triangles.

The Poké Hawaiian ceviché with ahi tuna, onions, avocado, cucumber, oko, and soy sesame was a favorite of the table. I’m not at all familiar with Poké, but the dish tasted incredibly fresh and I loved the combination of flavors. A refreshing dish to order on a hot summer day.

The calamari appetizer I thought was generously portioned for the price ($10). The addition of thinly sliced fresh jalapenos fried with the calamari gave a nice twist to the dish.

The grilled lamb pops were a more substantial appetizer. They had a nice slightly crunchy sear on them and they mingled nicely with the spiced berry compote.

The fish cakes seemed a little heavy on the potato filling but were still tasty. The spicy remoulade provided a nice extra touch of flavor that they needed.

On my next visit, I’ll be sure and get to trying some entrees. The beef entrees seem intriguing because they are using grass-fed beef. I also think I would have a hard time deciding between the pork chili verde and walleye fish and chips. I’d love to see a vegetarian entree option on the menu; otherwise vegetarians are stuck ordering a bunch of veggie side dishes.

As if all the great food wasn’t enough, they have an amazing rooftop patio bar. In the evening there’s a great breeze, and part of the rooftop has a precious commodity in Texas: shade. Live oaks surround a corner of the rooftop providing a nice natural canopy. You get a great view of the city, and on the night we visited, we saw a summer storm roll in. You’ll find the bar staff congenial and friendly. Oh yes, the living is quite easy up there!

I can’t wait until my next visit to The Live Oak. I just have to decide if I’m going for the music, a great meal, or a cocktail on the rooftop. Decisions, decisions …

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