It really depends on what you want. I grew up in Fort Worth - I can't stand Mercardo Juarez. I will pass on even darkening their doorstep as I haven't ever had a meal there that didn't make me sick.

I'm not a big fan of Joe T. Garcia's either. Locals either LOVE or HATE the place and there is no inbetween. Many of us ONLY go when we have out of town guests who want to visit the place so that might tell you something. The margaritas are good and its a pretty spot on a clear summer night. But the food itself is mass-produced (no menu at dinner, cash only, served almost "banquet style" brought out on large trays and served to several tables at a time). To me, that is NOT the way to get good Mexican.

If *I* am getting Mexican in the Stockyards, I much prefer the "other" restaurant owned by the Joe T. Garcia's family - its around the corner (Esperanza's) and they serve a FULL menu and the food is amazing (possibly because they have the time to prep because their dining room doesn't seat 1,000 (Joe T's seating capacity).

I would go to Joe T's for the margaritas and to drink with friends in the garden. For good Mexican its either Esperanzas or La Playa Maya down the street (the best Mexican seafood on that side of the Metroplex and also killer margaritas).

As far as the "rest" of the Stockyards, I've always preferred the White Elephant Saloon over Billy Bobs (go *see* Billy Bobs for the sheer size and mass of it all - but unless a good act is on that Friday or Saturday, skip over to the White Elephant for more of a true honky-tonk feel). If you want to pick up a pair of boots or a hat while you are there, go to Luskey's - I've bought almost every pair of cowboy/riding boots there that I've had over the years.

If you are in the mood for some unique "regional" cuisine, have margaritas at Joe T's (to see what the fuss is about) and then head to Tim Love's Lonesome Dove. His original there in Fort Worth is so successful he just opened a second outpost in New York City. Or if you have a car and can venture further afield, hit Lanny's Alta Cocina. Lanny is Joe T's great-grandson and has opened an amazing place focusing on high-end Mexican with supreme ingredients that has been getting rave reviews since the doors opened.