How A Texas Soul Food Restaurant In Fort Worth Became A National Landmark

Drew’s Place Restaurant in Fort Worth has just earned national culinary landmark status, making it one of the most important soul food destinations in America.

This family-owned gem has been serving up authentic Southern comfort food for decades, building a reputation that extends far beyond Texas borders.

Food lovers from across the country now make pilgrimages to experience the incredible flavors that put this restaurant on the culinary map.

1. Historic Recognition Makes Drew’s Place Official

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently awarded Drew’s Place the prestigious culinary landmark designation. This honor recognizes restaurants that preserve important food traditions and cultural heritage.

Only a handful of soul food establishments across America receive this distinction each year. The recognition celebrates Drew’s commitment to authentic recipes passed down through generations.

Local officials gathered for a special ceremony announcing the landmark status in downtown Fort Worth.

2. Family Recipes Span Three Generations Strong

Drew’s grandmother started cooking these recipes in her Mississippi kitchen during the 1940s. Each dish carries stories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners that shaped Southern food culture.

The current owner still uses handwritten recipe cards with faded ink and kitchen stains. Secret spice blends remain locked in a family safe, protecting generations of culinary wisdom.

Young family members now learn the same techniques, ensuring these treasured recipes survive for future generations.

3. Signature Fried Chicken Draws National Food Critics

Food Network personalities and James Beard Award winners regularly visit just for the fried chicken. The secret involves a 24-hour buttermilk marinade and a special flour blend containing eleven different spices.

Each piece gets hand-breaded and fried in cast iron skillets that have seasoned for over thirty years. The result creates incredibly juicy meat with a perfectly crispy golden crust.

Many food critics call it the best fried chicken in all of Texas.

4. Award Winning Mac And Cheese Recipe Stays Secret

This creamy masterpiece won the Texas State Fair’s mac and cheese competition three years running. The dish combines five different cheeses with a mystery ingredient that creates an incredibly smooth texture.

Customers often beg for the recipe, but the family guards it more carefully than gold. Even longtime employees only know their specific steps in the cooking process.

Food scientists have tried reverse engineering the dish but never quite capture that distinctive flavor profile.

5. Community Support Keeps Traditions Alive Daily

Local families have been eating here for generations, creating a loyal customer base that feels like extended family. Regular customers often help new visitors navigate the menu and recommend favorite dishes.

The restaurant employs dozens of neighborhood residents, providing stable jobs and supporting the local economy. Many employees have worked here for over twenty years.

Community fundraisers and church events frequently choose Drew’s Place for catering their most important gatherings.