It’s not hard to believe that a place known as Cowtown might have a barbecue joint or three (OK, maybe more like three dozen), but pigeonhole Fort Worth’s food scene at your peril. There's much more to be eaten than tacos and steaks - although Fort Worth restaurants do have some of the best of those, too.

Beef, Barbecue Are Big Players

True, beef rules the scene here, but it comes in all shapes and sizes. Southwestern, Tex-Mex and Mexican are the largest players as far as types go. Among the best of these is Railhead Smokehouse, where the fork-tender beef brisket is so good they ship it (along with ribs, sausage and their famous sauce) nationwide. There’s also Angelo’s, where three generations of the George family have put out barbecue so good that city officials take them on the road to promote Fort Worth. 

With nine locations in the Metroplex, James Beard Award-winning Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse serves up authentic, legendary BBQ, from brisket and pulled pork to its famous onion rings. Dickey's BBQ opened with one restaurant in 1941, and today is the largest quick-serve BBQ chain in the country. Spring Creek's hickory-smoked BBQ has made it a favorite in Fort Worth for more than 30 years; chargrilled ribs and homemade secret sauce might have something to do with it, too. 

Latino/Tex-Mex

For a little south of the border flair, try local favorite Joe T. Garcia's, known for its legendary margaritas and perfect patio. In the Stockyards district, those in the know swear by Los Vaqueros' Steak Ranchera, an 8-oz. ribeye served with Monterey Jack cheese and ranchera sauce.

Catina Laredo uses only the best ingredients (think Certified Angus Beef) topped with their signature sauces, like chipotle-wine with portabella mushrooms. For the best margarita in town, hit up Gloria's, where you munch on free chips, salsa and black-bean dip before your meal arrives. 

Check out Dos Gringos, home of the original Mexican pizza and a staple in Fort Worth for 36 years and counting. Keep it in the family at La Familia, where owner Al Cavazos greets guests at the door before serving up what is arguably the best fresh, made-daily salsa in town.

For somethine more upscale, try Lanny's Alta Cocina Mexicana, where the celebrity chef combines haute cuisine with Mexican culture to bring diners a truly unique experience.

Steak & More 

Steaks are the order of the day at Saltgrass Steak House, Lonesome Dove, Michael’s, La Hacienda and H3 Ranch, while Reata in downtown's Sundance Square offers the quintessential Fort Worth experience: "cowboy cooking"-inspired cuisine that melds Southwestern, Creole and Southern in a setting that includes a picturesque rooftop bar and dining patio.

In the Stockyards District, Cattlemen's internationally renowned steaks are so juicy and tender that they ship them all over the country. Try the Texas T-Bone, Strip Sirloin, or 24-ounce Cattlemen's Porterhouse. 

For an award-winning wine list and a fine American dining experience, try Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, where the menu is built around USDA Prime Beef. Ruth's Chris, the world's largest fine dining company is the master when it comes to extra-thick-cut steak; Fort Worth has a location downtown. Don't miss the eight potato selections.

For a steak dining experience with an international flair, check out Texas de Brazil, a steakhouse that combines the cuisine of Brazil with the spirit of Texas, complete with seasoned beef, lamb, pork, Brazilian sausage and a 60-item salad bar.

Greek, Lebanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian and French Restaurants

Those looking for more international fare can find Greek and Middle Eastern at Byblos, Hedary’s and Chadra Mezza & Grill, a Lebanese hot spot specializing in wine and mezza, family-style feasts served in the customary Lebanese tradition.

Cacharel and Saint-Emilion offer up French cuisine, while Bella Italia blends Italian favorites with a Southwestern twist.

We've all seen those majestic horses at the entrance to P.F. Chang's China Bistro, but the delicious Chinese Food inside never gets old. Thai aficionados know that Junsuree is a secret gem for lunch, and Thai Tina's is a favorite, too.

Looking for an all-you-can-eat locale with lots of international options? Then check out Zorro's, the largest buffet in Texas featuring  a variety of cuisines, from Tex-Mex and BBQ to Italian and seafood.

Focus on Local and Fresh 

For organic, vegan cuisine, the retro Spiral Diner and Bakery is the go-to, while the cook-your-own crowd fares well at local farmers markets on Saturday mornings at the Cowtown Farmers Market and the New Public Market, where locally grown fruits and vegetables, cut flowers and tamales jostle for shelf space with baked goods, preserves and salsas, coffees and teas, and more - even dog treats.

For a fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients, try  Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, which recently picked up a Zagat award (safe to say that calling ahead for reservations is a good idea).

Ellerbe Fine Foods is a don't miss destination for farm-to-table dining devotees. It includes an upscale restaurant featuring seasonal menus relying on fresh, local ingredients, as well as a market full of wine, gifts and edibles. Ellberbe has gained much attention nationally, including being named one of Bon Appetit's 10 Best New Restaurants in America (2010) and one of the South's Best New Shops by Southern Living (2011).