Best for Families in Ft. Worth

Decked in bright hues of the sun, Melt Ice Creams is a nice little dessert corner on Rosedale Avenue. Owned and operated by Kari Crowe, the Southside sweet spot serves delicious, homemade ice creams that will have you coming back for more. This is clearly not your run-of-the-mill ice cream franchise, there are less than ten flavors - the focus is more on quality than quantity - and Melt manages that very well indeed. Most popular choices here include Cup of Texas, a coffee flavored one and Sweet Bees, a honey-focused ice cream. Affordable prices, fresh, delightful flavors and the great little shop keeps bringing in the locals by droves at Melt.

Located within the Modern Art Museum, the cuisine at this cafe is about as 'modern' as it comes. Apple wine-braised brisket accompanied by potato pancakes and roasted garlic pudding, or fettucini with roasted shallots and wild mushrooms in a vidalia onion broth are just two of the possible entrees to select. Cafe Modern taps into Asian cuisine too with their tempura Portobello spring rolls, lightly fried and served with a side of soba noodles and vegetables. The jumbo lump crab cake is exquisite and topped with sun-dried tomato. An intriguing dessert is basil-scented crème brûlée served with pomegranate jelly.

A step apart from the usual chain coffeehouse, this traditional establishment is a classic 1950s diner reminiscent of an old soda shop. It features coffee and hearty helpings of food and encourages quiet, casual conversation. Serving breakfast and lunch only, Paris Coffee Shop is known for its desserts and plate lunches. Selections include fried chicken, catfish, and liver and onions. Breakfast selections are just as plentiful and include eggs(any style), bacon and toast.

If seafood is your thing, it doesn't get much better — or much fresher — than Flying Fish. This place offers a variety of fish and seafood in a "fast-casual" format where tipping is absolutely not expected. Bring the whole family and take your pick from a fresh selection of catfish, shrimp, oysters and more. Bring in a photo of your biggest catch and they will even put it on the wall. Great for families, Flying Fish is a can't miss bet for tasty seafood in a casual atmosphere.

A colorful mural on the outside walls of this charming little eatery announces the cuisine to all who pass by: chicken, seafood and beef. Once inside, patrons are greeted by yet another mural, this one commemorating the history of Fort Worth, including the Historic Stockyards. Seasonal specials are listed on a chalkboard; the annual "Lobsterama" in September features delicious whole lobsters at unbelievable prices. The menu at Lucille's Stateside Bistro includes different kinds of grilled fish and chicken as well as a good variety of steaks and hamburgers. Calorie-conscious diners may take note of the starred entries on the menu, which specify low-fat options.

This place began as a pancake house in 1962 and has been a local favorite ever since. The location is convenient to Trinity Park as well as other attractions in the Cultural District. The decor is a little worn, yet also homey and pleasant, with wooden paneling and paintings on the wall. At Ol' South Pancake House and Family Restaurant, the menu focuses primarily on different kinds of breakfast: eggs, waffles, omelets and several types of pancakes. There is a different lunch special every day, while the dinner menu features country standards such as meatloaf and chicken-fried steak.