Nothing evokes the essence of summer quite like the enthusiastic call of a beer vendor at the ballpark proclaiming, “ICE COLD BEER!” From amusement parks to family-friendly outings, North Texas offers a variety of venues where families can enjoy the warm weather with a refreshing drink in hand. For those looking to bypass the costly admission fees, there are several establishments in the area that promise delightful food, drinks, and entertainment.
In Grapevine, the latest hot spot is Chicken N Pickle, located at 4600 Merlot Avenue. This venue not only serves up delicious chicken tenders and fried pickles but also features a range of made-from-scratch dishes. Guests can partake in pickleball and various yard games while sipping on a refreshing Coop Margarita crafted with Don Julio Blanco, Meletti Limoncello, and fresh lime.
Traders Village in Grand Prairie is a well-known destination for local fun. Situated at 2602 Mayfield Road, this vibrant flea market offers shopping, amusement rides, and indulgent food options, including a massive Machete taco. Patrons can also enjoy a diverse selection of beers and extravagant margaritas, such as the Loaded Micheladas. Mark your calendars for their Memorial Weekend Celebration on May 24 and the World Cup Viewing Party scheduled for weekends from June 11 to 19.
In Fort Worth’s Foundry District, visitors can easily spend a full day enjoying three neighboring businesses. Begin your experience at Perfect Touch at 2525 Weisenberger Street, where you can indulge in spa treatments, possibly accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine. Next, head to Doc’s Records at 2628 Weisenberger Street for an exciting treasure hunt through vintage and thrift finds, along with new and classic music selections. Finally, wind down at Maple Branch Brewing, located at 2628 Whitmore Street, where craft beers, delicious pizzas, and games await.
The patio at Maple Branch is designed for relaxation, featuring ample shade and space for children to play, while the indoor area offers a cool retreat from the heat with “ICE COLD AC!” The brewery boasts a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, along with non-alcoholic options, meads, and wines. Many of the beer selections are perfect for summer sipping, including:
- CASA LIMONADA: Lemon Gose (ABV 5.8%)
- CASITA LIMÓN: Agave Lime Blonde Ale (ABV 5.7%)
- MY MAIN SQUEEZE: Blood Orange Hazy IPA (ABV 6.4%)
- RASPBERRY FIELDS: Raspberry Blonde Ale (ABV 5.3%)
- WATERMELON CIDER: Hard Cider by Trinity Cider (ABV 5%)
Food options are plentiful, featuring shareable plates, handhelds, chicken classics, soups, salads, smash burgers, and desserts. However, the standout offering is undoubtedly the Wood-Fired Pizza. These 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas are crafted with hand-tossed dough, house-made sauce, and top-notch ingredients. Gluten-free crusts are available, and cheese can be made dairy-free for an additional charge.
Having sampled nearly all the pizza options, it’s safe to say that each of the ten varieties is exceptional. For a taste of what’s in store, consider trying THE GODFATHER ($24), a delicious blend of hot Italian sausage, goat cheese, red onion, chili oil, mozzarella, basil-pecan pesto, pecorino, tomato sauce, and a signature hot maple drizzle.
Maple Branch Brewing welcomes guests from Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For details on upcoming specials and events, visit their website or connect on social media.
