Capital Bar

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  Took Mrs. B to Capital for the Wednesday night Ranch Concert Series.  We had a blast.  They have a setup where you can order food from a window to Magnolia Motor Lounge and take it to a table inside the bar.  We enjoyed some good food, cold beverages, and excellent music.  The upstairs patio with downtown to the east and the very aesthetically pleasing modern art museum to the west is a great place to hang out.

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  Posted on 07.19.13 John B.

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  Capital is hit or miss, some nights it is filled with TCU students, other times it is a completely different crowd.  Service is always good.  I only go when there is a band playing that I like.  They do need more parking.  Roof top patio is nice.

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  Posted on 05.07.13 Cari H.

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  Check your bank accounts! On New Year's Eve I only bought two beers and my tab was $3 and I added a tip. They charged me $39! Maybe they thought I was drunk and wouldn't notice, I don't know. But it is stealing! I have called everyday and a manager is never available. I have left messages on the machine, never been called back. I was trying to let them do the right thing before posting a review and now having to get my bank involved. Very disappointed that they think it is okay to do this to their customers!

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  Posted on 01.05.13 Shannon A.

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  If you ever wanna get your dance on this is the place.  They play music that appeals to the 20 and 30 yr old crowd and almost every song has everyone dancing.  Never ever have a bad time when I come here.  I recently took my out of town guests to Capital Bar with the intention of walking around 7th street but were such a good time that didn't leave!  Almost every song they played got everyone dancing.
  
  Always have a great time here!

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  Posted on 12.19.12 Erika C.

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  capitol punch! i love it. lol. gets the job done. and that job is drunk. haha
  
  this is a great place on a few points. the band is great, place is HUGE. indoor and out. ample seating. lots of bars. they do not care what you wear. went with a few friends in sweats and windbreakers.
  
  cons. i dont mind cover charge but it can be a hassle. bathrooms suck here. each bar is either full or oddly stocked lol.

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  Posted on 11.18.12 Somchai I.

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  This is one of the chillest bars off West 7th! The Capital Punishment, a tasty not-too-sweet pink drink, is just what the doctor ordered when you're here with a fun bunch of friends. The patio is where the action is when the weather is nice, but the indoors sections are fun as well - there are darts and pool. There is a food window to the place next door that has great burgers. Drinks are not expensive here and it's very close to the main strip; it's a budget-friendly fun time without the hassle of 7th street parking.

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  Posted on 09.14.12 Stephen R.

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  This place is horrible. Dont go unless you like your 30-40 dolllar tab to become 120 dollar tab because you simply forgot to close it out. I contacted them about this through email because you can never get a manager on the phone there(kinda strange) and have heard nothing. My friend also paid good money to rent the patio for his 30th birthday and was kicked out at 11 30 because they said he looked too drunk. Pretty lame. I think they just wanted to clear us out so the GAY frat boys could come in and take over. All in all don't waste you time or money in this place. LAME.

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  Posted on 12.17.11 Matt p.

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  We loved this place when it opened a couple of years ago.  But now, not so much.  It's been taken over by the TCU Greek crowd as their weekend hangout so its a fantastic place to go if you are either part of that crowd or don't mind hanging around that group knowing you'll be an outsider (or "townie" as they call us).  I know a lot of that gang and they don't see themselves moving out of Capital Bar any time soon (which is probably great for the bar owners!)
  
  Last year, one of my guy friends was actually pressured into leaving by a bouncer one night.  He and another friend were sitting at a table (that apparently a few co-eds wanted) - they didn't want to join our friends so they claimed to the bouncer that the "old guys" were bothering them.  Not cool.
  
  The cougar crowd invaded this last summer while the TCU kids were on hiatus and that was quite entertaining to watch - apparently it even got featured on one of those crazy reality shows spoofing Texas women.  Summer time seems to be friendlier to the older crowd but I prefer drinking in the air conditioning out of real glassware vs. plastic cups.
  
  So for me... no thanks.  There are too many other great bars in the area to have to worry about trying to hang with 21 year olds.  But if I were a 21 year old TCU sorority girl, I'd LOVE this joint.

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  Posted on 11.20.11 Jennifer M.

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  To best describe this place, its an outdoor venue with bar, connected to a full bar, that just so happens to have a rooftop bar.  
  
  The outdoor seating is copious and the sound and stage is quite impressive.  The few tables inside are really tight fitting and the bar area can get incredibly crowded most of the time on busy nights.  The bathroom facilities are, well, for the volume of the place, a bit lacking.
  
  The drinks are a little on the pricey side for what I would expect for a place with this atmosphere, but then again, its helping pay for the venue as well.  The bartenders were okay at best.  I tip well as I am in the industry and appreciate levels or service, but even though I did the first couple times (hoping to catch their attention and dwell up good service), I was lost in the crowd of others.  Didn't fit the cookie cutter look of all the other people there.
  
  I'd go back if there was something exceptional going on or if friends had some sort of plan there, but that wouldn't be all that often....

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  Posted on 07.27.11 Ryan F.

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  I think I like this place. The patio is amazing and the crowd is friendly. The Fort worth Music festival was in full swing and I went here to hang out with a couple of my friends. The Music was so so but i was certainly impressed with the facilities.
  
  Of course during summer being DFW this place is freakin hot. Yes I melt Biatch. and so I couldn't enjoy the patio as much. They did have misters going so that made it bearable.
  
  Ok... I was just going to complain about the fact here was no food when an interesting option showed up. There is a window that opens up to the backyard/patio. And you can order food there from the next restaurant. Like take out. Nice....!
  
  This is definitely a place you go to have a guys night out... chill in the back yard...check out the scene, talk to the chics etc. The patrons are very friendly....For a date night though, I am going to say that you may have better choices. I like to keep my dates on the down low and so this will work if that's what you want to do. If you're looking for something that says chill...then a definite yes...Romantic... hmm... I guess you can work it. I prefer more of a mood setting environment.

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  Posted on 07.13.11 Jay M.

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  Pros:
  Nice outdoor spaces
  Nice view of 7th/Downtown
  
  Cons:
  Drinks are a little pricey
  Very crowded
  1 bathroom with only 2 stalls for the hundreds of women! (Sometimes 15 minute line)
  
  Captial bar is alright. Get in before 8:30 on the weekends to avoid cover. There is always live music, but it can really vary whether it is pop or country music hosted by "The Ranch" *shudder*.
  
  Also, they just swipe your card to open a tab, they don't keep it. Consequently, it's a lot easier to walk out with your tab open!

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  Posted on 06.26.11 Kristina M.

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  Came here to meet up with friends after seeing Four Day Weekend, but didn't stay there for too long. The music was pretty good and it looked like a fairly popular local place.
  
  It's not my crowd, but they have a beautiful rooftop with a great view.
  
  ...I really get a kick out of the light-outlined buildings.

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  Posted on 03.29.11 Alaina W.

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  They have a really nice set-up with the deck and outdoor music stage. We came for a classmate's bday party on a Saturday night and they had an awesome one man band playing all night. We got there early so plenty of parking, but I don't see a problem with parking since there was a garage next door. The drinks were reasonably priced and they carried a good variety of beer. I want to note that they had a full bar staff, maybe 4-5 bartenders, which kept the bar moving and beer flowing. No complaints here. It got a little packed because it was cold outside and not many people were really on the deck/patio, but not too bad. Definitely a cool place to chill and like Kathryne B. said, reminds me very much of a few bars in Austin.

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  Posted on 03.10.11 Andy P.

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  We visited Capital Bar for my birthday, what a change in crowd from the durty crow.  Late twenties early thirties crowd, great venue, and great drink prices.  We returned a day later for additional drinks, the music was not quite as good as the night before and the number of people there showed it.  Only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars.  No problems like others with overbilling

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  Posted on 12.22.10 Luke T.

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  Everyone should sit on the Capital Bar's patio around sunset at least once. Right across the street from The Modern Art Museum and an amazing view of downtown/West 7th. It's gorgeous. I've attempted to go at night but I believe there was a cover and I'm not a fan of big crowds. We usually go in the afternoon/early evening. The bartenders have always been exceptionally nice and helpful. Their drinks were surprisingly cheap considering how upscale-ish the space is. I must have a thing with glassware, but I always mention how much I love their glasses. When the weather is nice, Capital Bar is where it's at.

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  Posted on 10.03.10 Lindsay J.

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  Let me start off by mentioning that my receptionist knows the owner's girlfriend, so I'm kinda like a second cousin once-removed to Capital Bar.  Or something.  I have watched the developments around 7th Street with interest, particularly ones like Capital Bar that are somewhat "inland." It's a stone's throw from Pop's Safari Bar, and just down the street from the corner where Fred's is located.  There is not much parking available, but there is a valet on the weekends.  I would avoid parking at the Mexican restaurant on the corner of University, which is right next door, as I have a feeling they will tow.
  
  The first thing you will notice about this place is the beautiful rooftop patio.  I wish I could have used it, but it was too cold the first time I went, and too hot the next.  Ahhhh....Texas. As you approach the entrance, you might also see the live music stage which is outside somewhat removed from the building.  Bands play there on weekends, and the last time I was there there was an enthusiastic crowd outside watching the show.  It was classic rock...not my thing so I headed in.
  
  The inside is sorta nouveau-industrial, painted concrete floors, exposed ductwork, lot of metal.  The drinks were generally well made.  The prices somewhat above-average.  The staff is nice, but in my experience gets less friendly when they are busy.  The crowd is generally upscale TCU with a few older hipsters thrown in.  The last time was there I felt like I had accidentally wandered into Abercrombie & Fitch.
  
  So.  Why three stars? Last time I was there was as the second stop on a night-long crawl.  We had walked over from Pop's to have a shot before heading to Pour House.  I ordered two shots, gave the bartender my card and asked to just close out .  The bartender served our drinks and brought me the charge receipt.  It was for $154.00 dollars.  When I pointed out the error, I was told she had given me the wrong tab, and she said she would just charge the correct amount.  I told her I still needed a credit.  She reiterated that she had given me the wrong tab.  I pointed out to her that my credit card account number was on the charge receipt showing that she had not only given me the other person's tab, but had charged their tab to my card.  She told me somewhat irritatedly that she would have to ask the manager to issue a credit AT THE END OF THE NIGHT.  She then went on her way.
  
  Most of the negatives I saw could and should be cleared up through better training and/or experience.  It is my hope that this occurs, because the spot is otherwise pretty cool.  
  
  P.S.: they did run the credit at the end of the night.  It still should have been done when the error occurred.

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  Posted on 08.25.10 Dan S.

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  Was invited here by a friend last night because she had some "bartenders she wanted me to meet", haha!  Well I'm glad I went because those bartenders were WAY cool, Matt and Chris, I believe were their names.  They were incredibly friendly and entertaining.  This place is a gem in the West 7th/Cultural District!  
  
  The architecture and layout remind me a lot of Red's Porch in Austin.  The rooftop patio overlooks downtown Fort Worth and would be really great on a cool fall or spring afternoon.  (definitely not too enjoyable when it's still 85 degrees at 10 p.m.!)  The backyard is a great space with a nicely built stage.  When we went last night, they were showing a movie, which they do on Sunday nights.  Pretty cool concept, but there were only 2 people out there watching.  Maybe because it was "Death at a Funeral" or maybe because it was pretty hot out.  
  
  The indoor space has a lot of seating, and even a small indoor stage as well.  It's kind of sterile, and after talking to one of the owners, he explained that they were going to be removing the awkward artwork to attempt to make it a more casual Austin-like bar.  Since it was Sunday night, it was dead, but I still had a lot of fun with an outta-town guest and several new friends.  I bet it could be really awesome on a Friday or Saturday night and I'm going to check it out this Friday.  
  
  One major thing they're lacking is food though.  What I wouldn't give to sit on the rooftop during happy hour drinking a cold beverage and snacking on some chips & queso, fried pickles, or hummus or something.  They told me they're working on it, but you can bring in food (good for movie night) if you want.  I think they're working on a bar next door, so I'd like to see how it turns out!  Oh and I love the tagline on their website... "Fort Worth needed this."

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  Posted on 08.23.10 Kathryne B.

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