VIBE: White tablecloths and candles, well dressed and well versed servers and a decent wine list set a gracious pace at Cafe Aspen. You'll appreciate touches such as the art hanging the walls, which is changed out regularly, frequent live music acts and a dark, neon-lit bar in back, separate from the dining room.
WHY IT’S TOT-FRIENDLY: Many appetizers qualify as a kid’s entrée in my mind — and as the menu says, if they have the ingredients, they will do their best to make whatever you may request. Owner David Rotman has always welcomed diners and their families and is consistently gracious in his accommodation of younger diners and their palates. It reminds me of what made the Swiss House great — a fine dining restaurant where many a kid had his first lobster …
BE SURE TO TRY: Dessert! Cafe Aspen's Lemon Cake is a Fort Worth staple, but the Almost Vegetarian sandwich is simply incredible (although it's served only during lunch). For dinner, the Chicken Fried Lobster will leave you wondering why you hadn’t thought of that sooner.
GOOD TO KNOW: Reservations are encouraged on the usual Thursday through Saturday nights, but you can generally be accommodated as a walk-in during the week. Check Cafe Aspen for live music schedules, something any kid enjoys.
BEST TIMES TO GO WITH KIDS: Cafe Aspen is for those times you need a nice restaurant and need to bring the kids. If your kids can stay seated and keep from launching the sugar packets across the room, then Café Aspen makes a enjoyable stop for a quiet meal.
