Hot spots, hideaways make circle hit list

Sardines Ristorante Italiano
Order: Salmone di Scozia, smoked salmon with onion and capers, $6.95
Known for: Live jazz and close atmosphere complemented by rich food.
Flair: The memorabilia could keep any customer’s eyes busy if the lights aren’t too low and the date isn’t going well. The new location allows for adequate parking. Finally only the people are packed in like Sardines.
TCU discount: None.

J&J’s Oyster Bar
Order: Shrimp kabob with peppers, tomatoes and onions — $8.50
Known for: Oysters on the half shell, of course
Flair: For 27 years it has been considered the “Gulf Coast” of Fort Worth. The waitresses might get around to you if you’re polite and say please — the way it should be.
TCU discount: None.

The Great Outdoors
Order: The Invention, a sandwhich with baked ham, provolone, cream cheese and fresh mushrooms, $4.95
Known for: The Outdoorsman, Turkey pastrami, cappicola, spiced ham, salami, bologna, pepperoni and cheese, $4.95
Flair: It’s one of the closest sandwich shops in the area and your money goes to local business owners rather than Jared’s endorsement salary.
TCU discount: Free drink with chips and a sandwich.

Dos Gringos
Order: Bontanas Platter – everything Mexican on one plate — flautas, poppers, cheese quesadillas and nachos — plus Ranch for dippin’, $8.50
Known for: Frosty Margaritas, $4 and $2.75 Schooners during happy hour.
Flair: The bar dining area is expansive, leaving more than Chili’s eight tables, for quick dining.
TCU discount: Only if you’re having a bid day or graduation reception.

Jerry’s
Order: Ninety-nine cent Chili dog and $1.60 draft beer during all-day Happy Hour on Saturday
Known for: $1.99 Chopped barbecue sandwiches and $2.99 6 oz. hamburger, fresh off the grill.
Flair: Owner Thomas Reed shakes your hand when you walk in the door if he’s not behind the grill. No one’s a stranger in the diner-style joint and Reed could flip a burger onto your plate from behind the counter.
TCU discount: None.

Torch
Order: A good sippin’ beer — from Fat Tire to Lambic Ale’s framboise, a raspberry-flavored beer — on tap. $4.50 for a tall
Known for: Owner Gilbert Vera and the seasoned bartenders
Flair: The one-room establishment keeps its company close and friendly. The drinks are strong and the bamboo plants on the bar give off a connected feel. Also, it’s not overpopulated with copious males or too-close talkers.
TCU discount: None.

Wreck Room
Order: A shot of ICE 101, a $4 schnapps shot that will clear your mind and your sinuses.
Known for: Local music ranging from Pablo and the Hemphill to Baboon and Spoonfed Tribe. The small venue books months in advance.
Flair: A revamped back room is where the stage, a decal-laden juke box and velvet couches support the crowd.
TCU discount: None, cover varies from night to night

J&J’s Hideaway
Order: A Bloody Mary or a still Tom Collins $3.50
Known for: Any drink that comes in a tumbler
Flair: Part of the J&J family, the Hideaway serves some of Fort Worth’s original loungers and card players. Most likely you will walk out a bit wiser and slightly smokier. Random knowledge can be useful and clothes wash eventually.
TCU discount: None.