Gloria's

Gloria’s

Architects and designers took a novel approach in redesigning Montgomery Plaza in the downtown cultural district of Fort Worth. Cut a walkway right smack down the middle, string some festive lights across, and strategically open restaurants on either side. Viola, instant urban appeal. With café tables, brick and stone patterned walkways, and twinkling lights this hot spot has a reminiscent European flair.


Gloria’s is nestled on a corner of this plaza, with their own wicker chairs and intimate patio seating. The décor is rich with dark colors and a modern look, fueled by a curvaceous wrap around bar, verdant green glass tiles, and dark mahogany woodwork, all in all, extremely nice ambiance. The food is a delicious blend of Mexican and Salvadorian.


On Saturday nights the restaurant offers beautiful salsa dancing and live music. A $10 cover charge is in affect on Saturday’s after 10 pm. There is a specific dress code for the live performances with a stress on dressy chic. (Shoes in particular must be dressy, with no athletic shoes permitted)


I visited Gloria’s with a friend during a weekday lunch hour. The restaurant was bustling and it took a few minutes before we were seated. The hostess offered us a spot at the bar or a comfortable chair by the entrance for our short 5-10 minute wait. We opted to sit on a comfortable bar stool placed strategically facing the bustling plaza and visit for a bit while waiting for our table to open up. After seating us at a cozy white tablecloth covered table we were greeted promptly by our server who took our drink orders and handed us the lunch menu to peruse. We also received a basket of crisp tortilla chips, spicy salsa, and a bowl of warm bean dip. I ordered a soft drink and began the difficult task of deciding what to order for my entrée. So many choices and everything looked delicious.


I decided on “Glenda’s Favorite: A Salvadoran Sampler. The entrée proved delicious and something out of the ordinary, very unique and appealing. Small round “papusas”, a cross between a traditional tortilla and a thicker and more bread-like pastry, were filled with a choice of cheese, chicken, and/or pork. I opted for a combination. Rice and beans mixed with small slivers of vegetables made up the side dish and were served on the same platter. I enjoyed dipping the “papusas” into the warm bean sauce. Yummy!


The restaurant was clean and organized, something you would expect from the urban, chic Montgomery Plaza. Service was prompt and although I was surprised to find a wait on a mid-week lunch, the delay was minimal. During the week the dress code is casual dress. Some parking is available in the front of the restaurant but it might be easier to park behind the plaza and walk on through the middle entrance. Cocktails and mixed drinks are served at the bar and of course soft drinks and ice tea are available.


Photos courtesy of: http://www.gloriasrestaurants.com/index.php

Cocktails and Jazz

Step back in time, to the 1920’s Jazz era. With servers dressed in black and flowers nestled behind ladies’ ears the atmosphere yields a rich, opulent flair. Decorated with dark mahogany wood, dim lighting, and candle-lit tables complete with velvet tablecloths; the atmosphere of this club magically whisks you back in time. A band plays live music in the center of the stage and couples grace the dance floor whirling and twirling to the sound of a saxophone, bass guitar, piano, drum, and the deep throaty voice of the local talent commanding the stage.

This niche in the wall lounge is hidden down an alley, with an obscure entrance by slow moving elevator, pulling you into one of the best local Jazz hot spots in Fort Worth. Scat Jazz Lounge is located in the basement of the old Woolworth building, right off of Sundance Square. An attendant dressed in black collects a cover fee and table reservations are taken at the door. Seating is limited in this small club so most enjoy a cocktail at the bar while waiting for a candle-lit table to open up. The décor is art deco with a touch of 20’s flair. The bartenders are personable and there are many choices on the cocktail menu. One drawback is the absence of food with the lounge focusing strictly on its drink menu. However, appetizers are not really missed because cocktails, music, and dancing prove to be the main attraction. I would recommend tasting the chocolate martini, a delightful cocktail that is both sweet and satisfying. The drink menu includes everything from martinis to a glass of wine, however choices are not limited to the menu. The capable bartender’s are happy and willing to create any drink you request.

Many patrons were dressed formally with cocktail attire and a few bow ties here and there, while a few were dressed more casually. Everyone however, seemed to be enjoying the music belted out by a wonderful singer dressed in typical 20’s fashion. At times the dance floor was full and during other songs just a few couples graced the stage. Sometimes patrons seemed to enjoy the technical difficulty of a few talented couples lost in the music swirling and executing complicated dance steps. Other times the floor was packed with couples slow dancing to the beautiful Jazz music that filled the club.

Scat Jazz Lounge is open Tuesday thru Sunday evenings and a different Jazz band plays each evening. While most of the music has a definite jazz influence a few bands such as Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son bring a Cuban, salsa dancing style. The complete list of shows can be see on their website as well as information regarding dress code and cover fees. Happy Hour is from 5-7 on weekdays. The cover fee varies depending on the live act. The evening I went the cover fee was $10 per person. However, there are many occasions where there is no cover fee charged. Check the website calendar to see the list of shows and cover fee amounts.

All in all, this Jazz lounge exceeded my expectations as a unique, one of a kind place to spend an evening unwinding and dancing to incredible live music. Scat provides a step back in time to the roaring twenties. With its opulent, dark, swanky interior and sophisticated drink menu, Scat provides an exciting escape to an era long ago. The obscure entrance adds to the magical flair, also candle-lit tables add a touch of elegance to this little hot spot. Put on your cocktail dress or tux, slick your hair back 20’s style, or place a flower behind your ear and venture into an era from long ago that still beckons us to relish.